ROUGH RIDER USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71)
SIXTH EDITION
IN THIS EDITION
TR Celebrates Black History In the Life of a Corpsman TR Sailors Selected to Lead
February 19, 2017
Rough Riders
Saving Lives
PHOTOS BY THEODORE ROOSEVELT MEDIA
USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT
CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Victoria Foley
PACIFIC OCEAN- The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) celebrated Black History Month in the hangar bay, Feb. 17. The event was led by the Theodore Roosevelt Multicultural Committee and hosted by Senior Chief Electrician’s Mate Levonso Hemingway. The celebration included speeches about historical figures in Black history throughout the decades, inspirational poems and songs performed by the gospel choir. One of the poems was written by Culinary Specialist Seaman Leanna Matlock. Hemingway attributed a large part of African American awareness in the United States to Carter G. Woodson. Woodson established the Association of the Study of African American Life and History in 1915. “We want everyone to understand that a lot of unheard of African Americans have done so much for this country and the world,” said Hemingway. “There are many little-known figures that have paved the way for others. Diversity allows greater opportunity for improvement and creation.” In 1948, President Harry S. Truman issued an executive order abolishing racial discrimination in the military and allowed people of all races to serve together in the Armed Forces.
“People should appreciate Black History Month because we can all learn from each other. You never know what someone else’s culture or ethnicity may offer,” said Yeoman 2nd Class Arijah Rashid. “Diversity is important. It’s important to emphasize it as frequently as possible until the day special observances are no longer required.” Since President Truman’s order, the military has evolved to allow equal treatment and opportunity for all. “It’s not just a single race in the military, but all of us together,” said Logistics Specialist Seaman Sean Stewart. “It’s not ‘one race, one fight,’ it’s ‘one team, one fight.’ The only way to ensure history won’t repeat itself is to learn from the past and improve ourselves.” In 1926, Black history was celebrated as Black History Week, but in the late 1960s it expanded, with February officially declared as Black History Month. “I think it was a success,” said Hemingway. “I think a lot of folks understood what we were trying to convey. This isn’t just for African Americans, but for every ethnicity.”
OWNER Ship
Chillin’ with A . Corona: HM3 Sarah Branaum
Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Alex Corona
dedication and selfless attitude she witnessed from her grandmother inspired her to earn the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM), which requires 500 hours of volunteer service. “Earning the [MOVSM] medal was a great accomplishment, and when I was pinned as a 3rd class petty officer, it all came together for me,” said Branaum. “That time up, only 11 percent advanced, and it felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.” Branaum strives to excel both in and out [This is a continuous series by Mass Communication of her rating. She is also continuing her education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Specialist Seaman Alex Corona in which Sailors aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) provide a elementary education. “I would like to tell all the newer Sailors to glimpse into their personal lives and aspirations.] continue to branch out and get any extra training you “When I joined, I honestly didn’t know what I can, even if it’s not within your rate,” said Branaum. wanted to do,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class “Get the most of this experience because the Navy Sarah Branaum, a self-proclaimed “military brat” will get the most out of you.” aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). “The Navy has given me direction.” Branaum said having a parent in the Navy had no influence on her choice to enlist. In fact, she didn’t tell her father about her decision until she started going to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). “Growing up with a father in the military, we moved all over the place,” said Branaum. “Mom was always there, and when dad was home he made the time count.” Branaum’s father, a retired Senior Chief Utilitiesman, served in the Navy for 22 years. Her family settled near relatives in Idaho after his retirement. “Finally settling down and being close to family was a blessing,” said Branaum. “I spent a lot more time with my grandparents. They were the type of people that were constantly doing anything they could to help.” Branaum said her grandmother volunteered at a local hospital until she was 83 years old. The
Theodore Roosevelt Sailors Selected for Command Leadership Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Rachael Treon
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wo senior enlisted Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) were announced as selectees for the command master chief and command senior chief programs, Feb. 14. Master Chief Master-at-Arms Arcolia Rains and Senior Chief Quartermaster James Kuroski were recognized as Sailors who exemplify quality leadership and are prepared to serve on a command level. Command Master Chief (CMDCM) Rains knew when she joined the Navy 23 years ago she wanted to become a master chief after observing the characteristics of one at boot camp. After achieving the rank in 2012, her goals evolved toward achieving selection as a command master chief. “My motivation comes from the Sailors that work for me,” said Rains. “I look at my Sailors like the roses in my garden. Sometimes you have to trim them down, but once you watch them grow and bloom, it is absolutely beautiful. You know the time you invested in them was all worthwhile.” Selection as a command master chief or command senior chief requires dedication and merit. Applicants must submit a package that includes letters of recommendation to a board of potential peers who evaluate their leadership skills. The command senior chief rating was established in 2015 with the purpose of strengthening the leadership triad by offering the opportunity for senior enlisted Sailors to gain additional experience operating at the command level. Command Senior Chief (CMDSC) Kuroski is grateful for the opportunity to hold the title.
“I’m very excited, but I’m more humbled than anything,” said Kuroski. “I can’t believe I’ve been chosen to take on the responsibility of a command senior chief, and I promise I’m going to do my very best at it.” Both Rains and Kuroski recognized Command Master Chief (CMC) Spike Call as a key factor in their successful journey through the selection process. Call provided Rains the opportunity to stand in as CMC on multiple occasions and introduced Kuroski to the CMDCS program. “I have a responsibility to go and find leaders that I know will be able to stand this watch,” said Call. “When I see people who don’t recognize their true potential, I make sure to say something, because it’s my way of passing along what someone did for me. Both Rains and Kuroski are great folks, great leaders, and they’re going to be great wherever they go.” Rains stresses the importance of staying true to yourself while serving others. “Follow your dreams, stay humble, give back and don’t forget where you came from,” said Rains. “Walk the walk. Don’t just talk the talk. Set the example, because people are watching.” Kuroski encourages Sailors to find their own path to success and never lose sight of their missions. “Once you achieve a goal you’ve set for yourself, it will always push you to reach another one,” said Kuroski. “Start setting goals and your life will change for the better.” Rains will take the next step of her Navy journey in December by becoming CMC of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 and Kuroski has pending Senior Chief Quartermaster orders to Mayport, Fla., which he received prior to selection.
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Created by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jimmi Lee Bruner
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STAFF COMMANDING OFFICER Capt. Craig Clapperton EXECUTIVE OFFICER Capt. Fred Goldhammer PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Lt. Cmdr. Beth Teach MEDIA OFFICER Lt. Michael Hathaway SENIOR EDITOR MCC Jennifer Roy EDITORS MC2 Paul Archer MC2 Chad Trudeau MC3 Alex Perlman ROUGH RIDER CONTRIBUTERS MC3 Spencer Roberts MC3 Victoria Foley MC3 Jimmi Lee Bruner MCSN Alex Corona MCSN Rachael Treon MCSN Bill Sanders COMMAND OMBUDSMAN
cvn71ombudsman@gmail.com
NAME: SN Nicole Swick HOMETOWN: Jonesboro, AR Favorite Thing About the Navy: Being on the water. I find peace there.
Message to the crew: “Being a leader isn’t about what you wear on your collar, it’s knowing when to take it off.” - Col. Dean Swick
Favorite Food: My Mama’s Pancakes Favorite Movie: Gladiator
The Rough Rider is an authorized publication for the crew of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Contents herein are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of Defense, Department of the Navy or the Commanding Officer of TR. All items for publication in The Rough Rider must be submitted to the editor no later than three days prior to publication. Do you have a story you’d like to see in the Rough Rider? Contact the Media Department at J-Dial 5940 or stop by 3-180-0-Q. CHECK US OUT ONLINE about.me/ussTheodoreRoosevelt @TheRealCVN71 TR