At Ease
MID-ATLANTIC MILITARY LIFE
Riley Tejcek and the fight to be present
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Holiday spirit
What a fun cover. It perfectly encapsulates what this edition is meant to be. I personally celebrate Christmas, and although it is just before Thanksgiving as I am writing this, I have already tuned into some music and movies for the festive season.
What is it that makes this time of year so magical and f lled with hope? If you are a sports fan, depending on who you root for, this could be an especially exciting time if you’re a football fan and your team is headed to the playoffs. Speaking of, and I don’t want to jinx anything that will be forever preserved in print, but if you are a college football fan excited for the 12-team playoff, there is one team in particular that is relevant to our readers who have a really good chance of making it in. OK, I will leave it at that.
No matter what you celebrate, how you celebrate, or who you celebrate it with, we wish you a very happy holidays and look forward to an exciting 2025 with you.
Who’s behind the mic at Wreaths Across America Radio
This WAA Radio founder dedicates her weekly program to the people who make each Wreath Day possible
Susan Patten interviews Lama Buckwalter, owner of Buckwalter Trucking for a Trucking Tributes episode
One of the most unique features of Wreaths Across America Radio is its special Tuesday programming – called Trucking Tuesday. Each show during the day is dedicated to the nation’s truck drivers and trucking companies who fll an important role for the WAA organization.
“WAA is blessed to report growth each year across the nation and if it were not for the trucking industry partnering with us and giving
us the donations of transport, we would not be able to do what we do,” Susan Patten, one of the founders of WAA’s venture into broadcast media, said. “That’s why it was important to WAA Radio to develop the Trucking Tuesday programming.”
Patten joined WAA in 2015 as a freelance content provider to cover the Escort to Arlington, embedded in the convoy. The award-winning broadcast journalist said she gleefully left her long commercial broadcasting career when given the chance to join WAA as a full-time team member in 2016, taking on a number of diferent roles.
“I’m not unlike almost everyone at WAA, in that we all wear many hats, and that is just the
Story and photos by Alice Swan
Photos provided by Susan Patten
nature of a small non-proft organization, and when I say small I mean in terms of employee size, but not in reputation and reach,” she shared. “I was doing photography, writing blogs and doing short videos for the organization as a storyteller, and the pieces started coming together for streaming sites.”
That work evolved into Wreaths Across America Radio, and the need for programming to draw in listeners. She developed the idea of Trucking Tuesday and took on the job of providing one of the weekly shows in the lineup – Trucking Tributes.
Trucking Tributes was her attempt to develop a program that would be a thank you to the drivers and companies that support WAA, Patten said.
“Trucking Tributes was something that I was able to devise to do that – speak with drivers throughout the country who are members of our Honor Fleet, thank them by doing a personal profle on their involvement and their company’s involvement with WAA and our mission to remember, honor and teach.”
Patton explained that her Tribute episodes focus on the drivers – many of whom are veterans –whether they are with a company or an owner-
operator. She fnds drivers to interview through her contacts with the trucking companies or through WAA’s director of transportation. The interviews are pretaped, to meet the drivers’ schedules.
She has found that all of the Honor Fleet drivers have a story to tell, and each of their stories is unique depending on where they are taking their load of remembrance wreaths, who they meet on the ground and the stops they make.
“I have found that the drivers genuinely love WAA and many companies make it a point to allow veteran drivers make the WAA haul,” Patten said.
When asked what driver stories impacted her, she mentioned her interview with J.D. Walker, a driver for Gulley Transport.
“J.D. is a military veteran, a Gold Star dad and he has represented us so many times as a professional driver and member of the Honor Fleet,” said Patten. “During the COVID period, we could only have one truck that year for wreaths to Arlington and J.D. was the driver. He has often been asked to be the lead truck by the other drivers because he is a Gold Star dad. His story is remarkable because he talks about how his
Susan Patten performing with the Twisted Swing Big Band
involvement with WAA helped him to heal and come out of his grief to become a productive dad and driver again.”
Another memorable interview was with 72-yr-old driver Patrick Norrod, with JR Kays Trucking, who was a frst-time driver with the Honor Fleet last year.
“The driver who had been scheduled fell ill and Patrick flled in,” Patten explained. “He is also an Air Force veteran. He shared that it was an absolute honor and said he took the wreath that is attached to each truck’s front grill and put it on his Army veteran father’s grave. ‘It was a little beat up because of a snowstorm I had to drive through, but it still did well,’” Patten said Norrod told her.
When not interviewing drivers and trucking company owners, Patten steps into her role as coordinator for WAA’s Youth Correspondents program.
“I have always enjoyed teaching and spent several years teaching broadcasting at the university level,” she said. “We started with a kids’ feature on WAA Radio called Kids Corner. We thought about adding kid correspondents and found youth who wanted to work with WAA as junior reporters.”
When Patten fnally gets to take of all of her many WAA ‘hats,’ she said she loves spending time with her husband and their two Labrador Retrievers. But her favorite free time activity may come as a surprise.
Many of the teens who signed on for the correspondent training had already been volunteering for Wreath Day across the country, Patten said. The program ofers mentoring and shows the teens how the broadcast industry works. They are given the opportunity to do stories on veterans and service organizations in their communities. The students are also invited to join the press corps on Wreaths Across America Day at Arlington National Cemetery. Any young person who is interested in learning and working with WAA Radio can contact Patten at spatten@wreathsacrossamerica.org. WAA Radio is looking for youth 12 years and older who have already volunteered for WAA in their community.
“I am a big band jazz singer, and I love it,” Patten said. “Years ago, I started a small nonproft called Gifts of Music here in Maine and I ran that for eight years. It provided musical instruments and scholarships to underserved students. Music has always been my passion and I am tickled to be the vocalist with an 18-piece swing band, Twisted Swing Big Band of Bangor, Maine.”
You can fnd performances of Patten with Twisted Swing Big Band on YouTube and other streaming sites. And you can listen to Patten’s Trucking Tributes broadcasts every Tuesday at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Wreaths Across America Radio, https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadio.
Susan Patten with Youth Correspondent participant Leslie Farrant at Arlington National Cemetery in 2023
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA RADIO A Voice for America’s Veterans
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Paying it forward
Brandon Revels and Theta Nu Psi Fraternity inspire the next generation with JROTC drill competition
It was last January when retired Air Force Reserve senior master sergeant Brandon Revels saw his idea of hosting a drill competition become a reality. With the help of his fraternity brothers from Theta Nu Psi Military Fraternity, Inc., they hosted the inaugural Best of the P.A.C.K. JROTC Drill Competition at Henry E. Lackey High School in Indian Head, Maryland. The event returned on Oct. 19, 2024, showcasing the best of JROTC talent. For Revels, the competition combines two things he holds dear: service and mentorship.
“I love the concept of giving young men and women the opportunity to apply what they learn in their JROTC classes and present it to the public,” Revels shared. “There’s a lot of talent among young men and women who dedicate their time perfecting their craft. I’m just happy that Lackey High School and my national leadership within Theta Nu Psi provided the support to make this vision a reality.”
Revels, who served 17 years in the Air Force
Reserve in various roles, including medical administration and as a frst sergeant for several units, has always felt called to serve. After being deployed to Turkey in 2011 and Afghanistan in 2015, he transitioned into civilian life as a unit program manager at the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, while continuing his commitment to mentorship through the fraternity.
The competition also provides mentorship opportunities that extend beyond the event. Revels recounted a memorable moment from last year’s competition: “One of the teams was very new and didn’t meet the minimum requirements to compete ofcially, but they asked if they could still be judged. I allowed it because it was a great learning experience for the cadets. The feedback they received from the judges was invaluable and something they will carry with them.”
Robert Castellano, a retired chief master sergeant and Aerospace Science instructor at Oakland Mills High School, praised Revels’ leadership and involvement.
“I met Mr. Revels six years ago [...] as a volunteer with our Air Force JROTC drill team. He provided his expertise on military drill. He
Story and photos by Maria D. James
Photos provided by Isaac Funkin from DSCI
also recruited members of Theta Nu Psi to assist with coaching and supporting our drill team at drill competitions,” said Castellano, who has seen Revels take the idea of hosting the drill competition come to fruition.
“What stands out to me is Brandon’s leadership within the fraternity and with our cadets,” Castellano continued. “He rallied fraternity members to donate time to our cadets, and his ability to motivate and encourage is amazing.”
A brotherhood rooted in service
Theta Nu Psi Military Fraternity, founded in 2016, serves past and present servicemen across the country. With over 150 members nationwide and internationally, the fraternity focuses on creating a brotherhood of like-minded individuals who share their military experiences while contributing to their communities. For Revels, joining the fraternity in 2018 was a natural extension of his desire to give back.
“I’ve always wanted to be part of a fraternity, and Theta Nu Psi stood out because of its mission and programs, which align with my values,” Revels said. One of the core missions of the fraternity is the THETA 20/20 Program, which provides mentorship and fnancial assistance to JROTC cadets and students pursuing military careers.
Ryan Moore, CEO and founder of Theta Nu Psi, explained the importance of the fraternity’s
role in molding future servicemembers: “With the THETA 20/20 Program, we help JROTC cadets with their dress and appearance standards, drill exercises and discipline. It prepares them for basic training if they choose to enter the armed forces after high school.”
Giving back through competition and recognition
The Best of the P.A.C.K. JROTC Drill
Competition, founded by Revels, is a showcase for young cadets to demonstrate their precision and discipline.
“The competition is open to all JROTC units, and I’m responsible for marketing, coordinating with schools, and organizing the awards,” Revels said. The event is now an annual tradition at Lackey High School.
Beyond the drill competition Revels’ work in the community continues to receive recognition.
On March 13, 2024, Revels was honored with the Volunteer Service Award by Maryland Governor Wes Moore. The governor greeted him during a ceremony at the U.S. Naval Academy, where Revels’ contributions to mentoring and service were formally acknowledged.
The fraternity’s commitment to service was also highlighted when they marched in the Veterans Day Parade in November 2024, further showcasing their dedication to honoring veterans and contributing to their communities.
Building resilience through brotherhood
For Revels, the fraternity is more than just an organization — it’s a support system for veterans like him who have experienced the challenges of military life, including PTSD and depression.
Jerry Smith, a fraternity brother, emphasized this support.
“Unfortunately, Brandon’s story of dealing with depression and PTSD is not unique,” Smith said. “Many of us in the fraternity face similar challenges. But in Theta Nu Psi, we create a space where we can support each other and seek help when needed.”
Smith also shared a deeply personal story of Revels’ compassion and dedication.
“Back in March, my mother passed away from cancer,” he said. “Without asking or even knowing, Brandon drove more than four hours to pay his respects and help lay my mother to rest. My birthday was in June, and I was still down. My wife and I drove down to Waldorf, and between the two of them, they made sure my birthday was as good as it could be.”
Smith, like many others in the fraternity, is not surprised by Revels’ leadership and generosity.
“Brandon has an amazing ability to relate to diferent people and lead them to a common purpose,” Smith said. “He’s a good man, a great fraternity brother, and an even better friend.”
A legacy of leadership and service
Revels’ leadership and commitment to service are not surprising to those who know him best. Dr.
Robin Revels-Fitzhugh, his mother, credits his leadership skills to his upbringing.
“Brandon grew up in a single-parent household that believed in paying it forward,” RevelsFitzhugh said. “He’s always had a kind heart and a desire to help others. As a single parent, I taught him to be self-reliant and to face life’s challenges head-on.”
Refecting on her son’s journey, she added she “admires the man Brandon has become.” She said he is dedicated to helping young men and women achieve the best version of themselves, and “his work in the military and the fraternity has sharpened his leadership skills even more.”
As the next Best of the P.A.C.K. JROTC Drill Competition approaches, Revels remains focused on his mission: to inspire, mentor, and give back to the next generation of leaders. Through his work with Theta Nu Psi Military Fraternity and his dedication to JROTC cadets, Revels continues to make a lasting impact in his community.
The unprecedented fight to be present Marine, Olympic hopeful Riley Tejcek shares her story
in the relationship with her father, a former minor league baseball player, as she grew up in suburban Indianapolis.
“Where my feet are.”
It’s a mantra about being present. It’s about putting forth your best efort no matter what role you’re asked to play. It’s about being fully committed to the moment and those that are reliant upon you in that given time rather than looking forward or looking back. It’s a state of mind where you’re mentally and emotionally dedicated to the task at hand in the midst of any other responsibilities that may be looming.
Being present and being where your feet are is a tall task for many. For Riley Tejcek, on a mission to make history as the frst female Marine in the Winter Olympics, she lives by that and her faith through the adversity of trying to fnd balance while using her platform to be a beacon of inspiration.
While her path to achieve greatness is unprecedented, the correlation of athletics and the Marines in the selfdiscipline, the sacrifce and commitment, and the mental and physical toughness to achieve success with others go hand-in-hand, and Tejcek saw that from the beginning
“Overall this is the path God called me to do,” Tejcek said. “They’re both not really done together. The mindset of my father set me up for success without ever knowing. He was a professional baseball player and I was raised playing softball. We’d watch games together and related softball to baseball and he would have lessons that compared the team-mindset to a battle and the parallels of the military were there. My dad would initiate that pain is temporary, that some give in to the pain and others push on, and both athletics and the Marines have that same battle.”
Tejcek then went on to George Washington University, where she helped the team win an Atlantic 10 Conference title in 2019 as a freshman with that militaristic heart of a champion. As great of a feat as that was, a more monumental event that took place that freshman year was when she encountered a Marine recruiter. The rest is history, carved by the path of her faith.
“I met a recruiter on campus who instilled in me that there was servitude in it and a comparison in being an athlete,” Tejcek said. “I was also sold on the idea that there are women leaders that you could inspire and have the
Story by Jake Russell
Photos by Christian Lilakos
ability to travel and lead and have a platform to lead all kinds of people from all kinds of life.”
Tejcek kept that competitive spirit alive all throughout college, and in 2019 was commissioned and assigned to Camp Pendleton as a logistics ofcer. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was something missing — the fre that she had to exert herself as a leader and a battler was taken away. Just as encountering the recruiter on her campus was a testament of her faith having a way, the urgency to push herself would soon be appeased when she met Elana Meyers Taylor, Olympic bobsledding medalist who also played softball at her alma mater of George Washington University.
“Elana was getting her jersey retired and I got elected to give her an award after she won the silver medal in 2018 and I got to have some one-on-one time with her,” Tejcek said. “She was really supportive, and a teammate told me that in another life I’d be an Olympic bobsledder after we hit it of. When COVID-19 hit, instead of making excuses, there was an online tryout and wanted to give it a shot.”
She now has the rigorous task of balancing being stationed in Quantico while also pushing herself on the highest levels of athleticism with Olympic bobsledding.
The roller coaster that she has to endure on a daily basis, no matter where she is physically or mentally, requires an immense amount of self-discipline, time management and prioritization, but her sense of servitude to her country and her Marines will always take the forefront.
“My No. 1 goal is always the Marines,” she said. “I know the oath I made to my Marines and my country, however, pursuing the Olympics and the level of training and commitment is a job. Time management and properly serving my country and preserving that selfdiscipline has made me have to make sacrifces in both.”
Tejcek trains six days a week and pushes herself to receive seven to eight hours of sleep with recovery and a proper diet to prepare for the Winter Olympics. While that is a full-time job as it is, she’s not making any excuses. Even missing six months of necessary training for the event because of her commitment to the Marines being in Iraq, she gives her undivided attention and respect wherever her feet are planted.
Tejcek hopes to be one of the three members for the team that the United States will send to France in 2026, pushing herself against the best of the best in the country with two out of the fve eligible already having silver medals. While she’s pushing herself on a path that’s
never been done before, what she also is doing that can’t be understated is that she is a light and an inspiration to both young females all across the world and those that want to achieve the impossible.
“The Marine Corps and professional sports is maledominated, but I’ve faced doubts and some saw the Marine Corps as that way with ‘are you going to be taken seriously because you’re a woman?’ and I don’t think it’s fair to put people in a box,” Tejcek said. “There are women leaders that paved the way for people like me to make an impact. Being a woman brings something diferent to the table. What you can’t teach is people’s characters or where they’re from. Being a female is one of my superpowers because I’m secure in who I am and how I choose to lead.”
Tejcek chose to be herself in her pursuit of this athletic feat by being strong in her convictions. She’s a Marine, not a male Marine or a female Marine, as she said, and is the embodiment of silencing the naysayers as she looks to reach the greatness she believes her faith holds for her. However, what she doesn’t want is that there be a misconception that she achieved all of this all on her own.
“There are so many people that have supported me and invested in me and I’m so grateful that they believed in me and I want to show my gratitude,” she said. “If you have someone you believe in, tell them. That’s an invaluable gift.”
Tejcek, whether in Quantico or Iraq, or training to reach a top speed of nearly 100 mph as an Olympic bobsledding captain in pursuit of representing her country, stays where her feet are, present and committed to her support systems and this beautiful world. She’s an inspiration accomplishing a lifetime of work at once, and while we may never reach those heights, she has a mantra that is something anyone can decide to do, no matter what they’re trying to achieve.
Breakaway with Brie
Starting 2025 right with a Caribbean escape
USMCR Maj. Brie Burgett
As winter days turn gray and monotonous, there’s no better time to escape three hours south to the sun-soaked Caribbean. A trip to Trinidad and Tobago is the perfect way to start the New Year, trading icy roads packed with trafc on Interstate 95 for turquoise waters and sandy beaches. This twin-island nation ofers a blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an intrepid yet rejuvenating destination. While Trinidad brings vibrant energy and a variety of waterfalls and adventures, Tobago’s tranquil charm makes it a beautiful retreat to start the year.
The heartbeat of Trinidad and Tobago is its rich culture shaped by a blend of infuences from Africa, India, Europe and the Americas. January ofers a sneak peek into the carnival season — an explosion of color, music and life that will run March 3-4, 2025. In Trinidad, check out the pre-Carnival fêtes and steelpan performances or visit Tobago’s cultural scene, which ofers a quieter yet equally engaging vibe including folk dances, drumming and storytelling.
Unlike the bustling pace of Trinidad, Tobago is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush rainforests. Blue Waters Inn, nestled in the quaint Speyside area, provides the perfect base for exploring Tobago’s untouched natural beauty. Whether snorkeling or diving in the warm shallow waters around “Ian Fleming” Goat Island or hiking through the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, the world’s oldest protected rainforest, Tobago is an unspoiled paradise. Its safety, cleanliness and friendly locals create an inviting atmosphere for all visitors.
A trip to Trinidad and Tobago is incomplete without indulging in its popular local cuisine. Start your day with choka, a smoky, roasted vegetable dish served with sada roti or swordfsh. Freshly caught seafood is a staple, with dishes like grilled snapper, curried crab and lobster.
Don’t miss bake and shark, a crispy fried shark sandwich served with an array of toppings and sauces, and don’t be afraid to sample some of the spicier sauces ofered. Many hotels and restaurants also sell their own bottled sauces, which make for an excellent souvenir or gift.
If you’re looking for a destination that combines adventure with tranquility, Trinidad and Tobago is the answer. Its raw beauty, welcoming culture and fresh cuisine ofer an unforgettable way to begin the year. From sipping a rum punch on the shores of Blue Waters Inn to diving into the vibrant culture and cuisine, Tobago will leave you inspired, refreshed and ready for the year ahead.
Coconut Curry Shrimp
Snorkeling around Goat Island
Marcas Bay
Batteaux Bay Beach
World War II veteran looks back on his life
Ninety-nine-year-old World War II veteran Reese Hurley doesn’t remember a whole lot from his days in the war.
“It’s been too long,” he said on a Tuesday afternoon last month.
The Cambridge native remembers having to eat spam — of which he is not fond. “Spam, oh God!” he said, remembering his distaste for it. “Don’t want to see it.”
He remembers that he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 and served as an aviation electrician. In that role, Hurley was a crew member on “PBM planes,” or Martin PBM Mariner planes.
The aircraft, designed in 1937, was created by the Martin Company, according to the National Museum of the U.S. Navy. It’s initials stand for Patrol Bomber, Martin. According to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the Martin PBM Mariner is one of the least known patrol aircrafts of World War II, but is considered “one of the most successful.”
The war is where Hurley learned the trade that would become his career.
“That’s where I learned,” he said about becoming an electrician.
In his career, Hurley became a chief electrician. He owned a small business in Cambridge at one time.
“I was trained in electronics and circuitry,” he said. Sometimes, Hurley would get called to factories to help fx machines.
Hurley and his wife, Agnes, had one son, Luther. Agnes has since passed, and Luther lives in North Carolina.
For Hurley, the war stories have faded over the years, becoming more distant in his memory. The stories he remembers most are those of his days as a missionary and
minister. He said he is most proud of his ministry work.
“I was more active probably as a missionary than I was in the Navy,” Hurley said.
Although Hurley didn’t have a close relationship with God when he was in the war, he did later on in life. As a missionary, he traveled more than 33,000 miles, he said. He’s been all over the world, including Central America, South America and Asia.
Hurley said he’s seen a lot of hunger and sufering.
“I’ve been in three war zones,” he said. “They were fghting when I went there, fghting when I left.”
Hurley said one mission trip he especially enjoyed going on was to India. He recalled a mother coming to him and handing him her unresponsive baby, asking him for help.
Hurley said he took the child, held him up, spoke to God and, lo and behold, the baby started to cry.
Story and photo by Maggie Trovato
VOLUNTEERS& Drivers Needed!
OurmissionatCookForVets istoprovidefoodsecurityfor Veteransandtheirhouseholds throughthedistributionof healthymealsandgroceriesfor balanced,sustainednutrition.
Think about your future
Story by Lt. Col. Paul McCullough III
Anew year is once again upon us, and with it comes the promise of hope, change and a brighter future.
Millions of people make new year’s resolutions every December, most often around the topics of losing weight and getting out of debt. As Americans, we love to live above our means, to overindulge in delicious foods and experience immediate gratifcation. What we don’t like are the consequences associated with these behaviors, which often come in the form of a range of health issues, overdrawn bank accounts, maxed out credit cards, and poor credit scores.
So, why should this year be any diferent? How can we make 2025 the year that we fnally accomplish our goals of losing weight and getting our fnances under control? I believe the answer lies in a change of mindset and asking for help.
Let’s frst think about the change of mindset. What do we normally tell ourselves when we’re overeating or overspending? If you’re anything like me, you probably tell yourself something like “It’s fne, I’ll get back on track after the holidays.” Another favorite is “Why shouldn’t I enjoy myself? Life’s too short!”
My personal default excuse is often, “You can’t take money with you and nobody lives forever. Let’s live it up!” Unfortunately, these phrases are nothing more than warped rationalizations, highly focused on nobody but ourselves. The change of mindset I’m suggesting is to shift our focus from self to our families.
As you celebrated the holidays the last couple of months, you were likely surrounded by family members. Some may not have been your favorite, but there are certainly people in our family that we care deeply about, and we want to be able to spend many more years together with them. The sad truth, though, is that if we don’t do a good job managing our health and our fnances, we are consciously choosing to have less time on this Earth with those we love the most.
The consequences of health choices are obvious, but I suggest that how we spend our money also has a direct impact on our longevity. If we save and invest well, while we still have the means to work and earn money, we are
Lt. Col. (Rev.) Paul McCullough, U.S. Army retred, is president of the Associaton of the U.S. Army’s Penn & Franklin-Greater Philadelphia Chapter and an Army Reserve Ambassador from Pennsylvania. He served 20 years in the Army, retring in 2018 as deputy director for supplier operatons, Defense Logistcs Agency. He deployed to Operaton Iraqi Freedom in 2005, and in 2017 as commander of the DLA Support Team-Kuwait. He holds a doctorate in business administraton from Walden University.
setting ourselves up to have a prosperous and enjoyable time with our loved ones during our golden years. Conversely, when fnances are tight as people age, they often become depressed and lose the will to live.
Proverbs 14:23 states, “All hard work brings a proft, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Similarly, Proverbs 21:5 reads, “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.”
While we are in the military, it’s a little bit easier to exercise, stay ft and make good health choices because our careers depend on it. However, numerous studies have shown that once people retire, discipline quickly gets tossed aside for a more relaxed lifestyle.
Likewise, while we’re serving in the military, we receive extra money for food and housing and we’re working towards a pension from the frst day of our service, but fnances become more difcult to manage when we don’t have the military to coach us on how to utilize our money.
I believe the key to success is remembering that part of why we joined the military is to defend our family. Believe it or not, when we make good choices with our health and fnances, we’re still fghting for our family. We’re fghting for the chance to be with them, to lead them, and to love them.
Admittedly, having self-discipline through a focus on family will not always be easy. Life throws us curveballs, and sometimes we lose sight of what is truly important in life. This is why we need to ask for help, from the giver of all good things. Jesus called the Holy Spirit our Helper, His presence living inside of us.
Romans 8:26-27 tells us, “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses… Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”
Our military training has taught us the importance of a battle buddy. This year, ask the Holy Spirit to be your battle buddy for the rest of your life. You’ll be able to focus on your family, live longer and love God.
NAS PAX RIVER & SOLOMONS
Basketball Night League
27 Jan / Drill Hall
Gray Beard Basketball League
27 Jan / Drill Hall
Points 2 Fitness
NSA BETHESDA
Kayak Polo Tournament
1 Jan / 9 am / Fitness Center Pool
NSF DAHLGREN
Winter Intramural Basketball
13 Jan / 5 pm (M) / Gym
Winter Intramural Futsal
13 Jan / 4:30 pm (T/Th) / Gym
Winter Intramural Volleyball
13 Jan / 4:30 pm (T) / Gym
Winter Intramural Racquetball
13 Jan / 4:30 pm (Weekly Matches) / Gym
NSF INDIAN HEAD
10 LB Challenge
2 Jan-13 March / WHFC
New Year’s 5K Fun Run
9 Jan / 11 am / WHFC NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
28 Jan / Drill Hall
NOFFS Aquatics
Jan / 8 am (M) / Drill Hall Pool
Yoga Fusion
Jan / 11:30 am (M), 4:30 pm (W)
Energy Zone
Mission FIT
Jan / 3 pm (M-Th) / Drill Hall
HIIT the Erg
Jan / 4:30 pm (M), 11:30 am (T/Th)
Drill Hall
Mom & Dads on the Move
Jan / 9:30 am (T/Th) / Drill Hall
NSA WASHINGTON
10 LB Challenge
8 Jan / WNY Fitness Center
FITNESS & SPORTS
See website for event-specific details. Base-eligible patrons unless otherwise indicated.
Scan the QR Code for more
After U.S. Army veteran Jake Norotsky’s deployment to Iraq, his post-traumatic stress (PTSD) was so severe he considered suicide. After he registered for Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), he realized that other veterans shared similar experiences and that he was not alone. Today, Jake has a new mission: to connect with audiences around the nation by sharing his story.
When you pledge your Combined Federal Campaign donation to WWP, you will help provide injured veterans and their families access to life-changing programs and services to help them reach their highest ambition. Visit GiveCFC.org or scan the QR code to make your pledge today.
