MARK YOUR CALENDAR and join usforthreefulldays ofinformative andengaging keynote sessions,breakoutdiscussions,and techtalks at AOC’sAnnualInternational Symposium& Convention. Thisleading event forelectronic warfare, electromagnetic spectrumoperations, cyber-electromagnetic activities,andinformationoperations professionals worldwide istaking placethisDecember
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MEETTHEKEYNOTES
MajorGeneral AnnMarie K. Anthony JECDirector, USSTRATCOM
General Thomas A. Bussiere Commander, AirForce GlobalStrikeCommand and Commander,Air Forces Strategic -Air,U.S. Strategic Command
Vice Admiral Craig A. “Clap” Clapperton Commander,U.S.Fleet Cyber Command/U S TENTHFleet /JointForce Headquarters-Cyber (Navy)
Major General Elisabeth G.Michelsen DeputyChiefof Staf Operations,Joint Force CommandNorfolk
Executive
Editor of At Ease
Eli Wohlenhaus
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Listen and engage
The frst issue of At Ease was published in early October 2018. I was hired shortly after. On my frst and second day with the company, I was tasked with editing and clearing the November edition. There were no training wheels, but then again why would there be? This is the real world!
Because of that, although we always want to celebrate our October anniversary, for me the completion of the November edition carries a special place in my heart since we put it together in mid-October.
I joined the team at a fantastic time, as the Combined Federal Campaign was in full swing with the Marine Corps birthday and Veterans Day right around the corner. It was a blessing to join At Ease and DC Military publications and it is an honor to be here all these years later still delivering on our mission of providing information, resources and entertainment to veterans, military members and their families.
Thank you for letting us serve you in this way.
HonoringNative Veterans
Monday,Nov.11 | 10AM–5PM | Free | National Mall
JointheNational MuseumoftheAmericanIndian inhonoringtheenduringanddistinguished service ofNative Americansinevery branchofthe USmilitary.
Eventsinclude alectureandbookreading by Air Force veteranand children’sauthor Teresa Lynch-Chrapkiewicz (Navajo)and aconversationonhealingourveterans with Marine Corpsveteranandmemorialdesigner HarveyPratt (CheyenneandArapaho Tribes),Air Forceveteranand mentalhealth counselor ShannonE. Ayres,and Diné historianand traditionalpractitioner ShawnPrice
The day concludeswiththePresentationofthe Colors by theNational CapitalRegionNative American ColorGuard and awreath-laying ceremonyattheNationalNative American VeteransMemorial
MajorfundingprovidedbyTheBoeing Company AmericanIndian.si.edu | @SmithsonianNMAI
Recovery, rest and response for the military community
A world-class facility with soul
IStory
and
photos by Katie Melynn
t’s no secret that the military is a demanding occupation and that the military community is at higher risk than most to turn to unhealthy habits to cope with the stress of the job. The same is true of frst responders, who also put their lives on the line to protect others. Fortunately, organizations are taking steps not only to recognize this alarming trend but to respond to it by providing customized programs tailored to the unique needs of these brave men and women.
According to the National Institutes of Health, 10% of veterans who seek care from the veterans Administration meet the criteria for a substance abuse disorder. When you consider those who go undiagnosed or do not reach out for care, the need for programs that work with those impacted as they begin recovery becomes even more important.
Recovery Centers of America’s program at Bracebridge Hall in Earleville, Maryland, provides exactly what veterans, active duty military members, frst responders and their families need to face substance use disorders head on.
Situated on the banks of the Sassafras River, the stately hall lets light into the rooms and illuminates light in the patients’ lives as they begin their journey. Bracebridge Hall is equipped to handle everything from in-patient treatment and extended stays to out-patient care. Everything from the groundskeeping to meal prep is done by a dedicated team.
Blythe Maynard, CEO of RCA at Bracebridge Hall, said it is important they admit 24/7.
“Someone can call anytime and there will be another person to answer the phone,” Maynard said. “When someone is ready, we need to be ready to get them safe.”
But it can be difcult for those who have dedicated their professional lives to serving others to reach out for help.
Brian Gillespie, a staf member at RCA Raritan Bay and Marine combat Veteran, sees that everyday in his work.
“We’re the helpers,” he said. “For us to ask for help and let that guard down is difcult.”
Part of the focus at Bracebridge Hall is on bringing programming geared veterans and frst responders, with therapists trained to work with these communities. Dr. Pete Vernig, vice president of mental health service for RCA, works across multiple sites to support the work of each team as they meet the needs of patients.
With 123 beds, including an entire wing dedicated to military-connected patients, Bracebridge Hall is uniquely situated to provide resources and treatment. Close in proximity to the National Capital Regions, as well as military bases and installations in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania, patients come from all over the United States to spend time recharting their course on the serene campus.
“Those struggling with substance use don’t always know what’s available,” Maynard said. “At RCA, we tailor treatment to meet patients’ needs.”
A peaceful respite for recovery
While Bracebridge Hall doesn’t exclusively serve members of the military community, there was a clear need for specialized programming. The Resilience, Empowerment, Safety, and Care for our Uniformed Heroes initiative, RESCU, began in RCA’s Raritan Bay location and expanded to Bracebridge Hall.
“This is a group of individuals in high stress jobs,” Vernig said. “Associated with that is unfortunately high rates of substance use disorders.”
RESCU is also meant to make the logistical concerns with fnding treatment and care easier on servicemembers and veterans. A care coordinator works with the military command and other required parties to keep information fowing, make sure requirements are met. When working with the military community, RCA realized that recovery becomes much more difcult if the patient is worried about their job, especially if that job is as demanding as the military. Bracebridge Hall also accepts TRICARE, the military insurance provider, to ensure that fnancial burdens do not come with the work of getting the care that people need.
Care coordinators are trained to respond to these needs so that patients can focus on the most important work of all, recovery.
“They’ve been amazing members of the community,” Maynard said of the military members and veterans who come to Bracebridge Hall. “They lead by example, speak the same language and have the same background.”
The recent addition of the Serenity Trail guides participants through twelve steps and virtues as points of discussion on their walk. When the weather allows, many groups meet at the beginning of the trail and walk together along its path. Other outdoor amenities include a tranquil dock, a tree for messages and spaces for groups.
Vernig advocates for groups, especially for members of the military.
“There is that sense of camaraderie,” he said. “I’ve found that it is even more pronounced in frst responder and military groups. That existing ethos is able to be tapped into in group therapy. These individuals are also living together with their day-to-day activities and their therapy groups, everything that they’re doing as a unit of folks is something that our military population adapts to more easily.”
While the road to recovery can be lengthy, the Serenity Trail at Bracebridge Hall highlights what it takes to walk it in a place that speaks to the soul.
“Recovery is within you if you want it,” Gillespie said, speaking to fellow veterans and service members battling substance use disorders. “There are people who will help you and want to help you, every day of the week.”
You can learn more about the RESCU initiative and other programs at the Recovery Centers of America through their website, recoverycentersofamerica.com. RCA is also available 24/7 at the toll-free number, 1-844-5-RCANOW (844-572-2669).
VFW Post 3150 celebrates 90 years of service to local veterans
Story By Alice Swan
Photos by Jef Heeney
On Nov. 20, VFW John Lyon Post 3150 located in Arlington, Virginia, will welcome current members and the public to its 90th anniversary celebration, said Post Commander Sam Wong.
“We will have an all-day open house at our Post home, a complimentary birthday cookout, and special remarks commemorating Lt. John Lyon, the World War l veteran the post is named after,” Wong said.
At a time when many Veterans of Foreign Wars posts have seen membership dropping, this small building in the heart of Arlington has remained a beacon of support for area veterans and currently boasts a roster of more than 800 members. And to think it all started with a conversation between friends while they drove home from a VFW meeting in Washington, D.C, 90 years ago.
According to Post 3150 history, the John Lyon Post was frst imagined when friends W.W. Burnett and Charles A.
Musselman, and their wives, Loretta Burnett and Hattie Musselman, were returning to Arlington from that meeting and while talking, decided to try and organize a VFW post in their hometown. Their eforts resulted in the chartering of Post 3150 in November 1934, with Burnett elected the frst post commander. Including Burnett and Musselman, the post opened with 48 veteran members. Today, with its 800-plus members, Post 3150 is one of the largest VFWs in Northern Virginia, noted Wong.
With permission from the Lyon’s, a prominent Arlington family at the time, the original members named the new Post after 1st Lt. John Lyon, who fought and died heroically in World War l (see sidebar). In 1945, the post members purchased the old Park Lane Nazarene Church at what is now 2116 North 19th Street to create a permanent post home.
While much has changed inside and around the small white frame building since 1945, the post’s mission has remained the same – to empower members to continue their service through volunteering in the community, building strong bonds among members and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifce for the nation.
“The VFW organization is now 125 years old and its mission is still to support veterans,” Wong, a retired U.S. Army veteran, said. “We need to continue to support the veteran community, because with every generation, including our current veteran population, once they leave the military, they want to seek some form of comradeship, and beyond just joining a club, we all still want to serve our communities and the country. And since we are in Arlington and close to Arlington National Cemetery, we can also honor the 210 members of Post 3150 who are interred at Arlington by placing fowers on Memorial Day, fags on Veterans Day and wreaths on Wreaths Across America Day.”
While Wong acknowledged that many still view VFWs as a place where older veterans sit around a bar, Post 3150 is taking steps to move away from that stereotype.
“With this new generation of veterans, we need to adapt and modernize, to meet member needs,” Wong explained. “We want to (partner with) other organizations that ofer mental and physical health programs. We have formed a health and wellness committee to help with members’ mental health and happiness and wellness, because we still
have many veterans sufering from trauma, with some 22 a day dying from suicide.”
He noted that the post is still grieving the loss of one of its own members to suicide this past February, which inspired the formation of the committee.
The post hosts several activities that are focused on wellness. Guitars for Vets* [a nonproft veteran music therapy program featured in the June 2021 edition of At Ease] instructor Robert Grealy meets with G4V students every Saturday for guitar lessons. Wong said that some of the program graduates have formed their own bands and often perform at the post.
Post member Chris Gafney leads yoga classes on Sundays and as a moral injury counselor, assists fellow members in need of therapy. Wong shared that the post has also teamed up with counselor Yael ‘Izzy’ Israel and therapists from the Steven A. Cohen Military Clinic at Easter Seals, as another resource for members’ mental health.
“We are making a more open environment, taking away stigmas, by having the people ofering the services as members, creating a safe space,” Wong explained. “When I meet service members or veterans, they always ask what the VFW can do for them. Their expectations are high, so our post is taking the initiative by ofering these programs.”
But the post also recognizes the importance of its mission to build camaraderie among its members, so the monthly calendar is flled with trivia nights, comedy shows, cookouts, special dinners, wine tastings and watch parties for major sporting events. The Post Canteen
is open Fridays and Saturdays from 6-10 p.m. During football season, the canteen is open on Thursday nights, Sundays and Monday nights. Live music programs are held twice a month.
Who was John Lyon?
John Lyon was born April 2, 1893, in the Ballston community of Arlington, Virginia, the son of Frank Lyon, a successful lawyer and real estate kingpin whose name is still prominent in the county today. He attended high school in Washington, D.C., at Western High School, which is now the Duke Ellington School for the Arts. He later made his way to the University of Virginia and then to Georgetown Law School.
According to local historian Ann Benbow, young John “was like many idealistic young men of the era” who were looking to help when World War I broke out in Europe in 1914. He dropped out of Georgetown, applied for a passport, and served as a volunteer ambulance driver on the battlefields in Belgium and France in 1915.
After six months, Lyon returned home and joined the U.S. Army and served on the Mexican border. When the U.S. officially entered WWl in 1917, his unit was part of the American Expeditionary Force under General John Pershing. Lt. Lyon was a machine gunner in the 29th Infantry Division, one of the units that took part in the bloody MeuseArgonne Offensive that began in September 1918.
Lyon was killed in action on October 15, 1918. Lyon’s family could take some solace in the fact that John’s final act was a selfless one. As Major H.L. Opie wrote to them later, John lost his life when he rushed from the relative safety of his machine gun to tend to Opie, who had been wounded on the battlefield. For his actions, Lyon was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in 1919. This information is based on a 2015 presentation by historian Ann Benbow for an Arlington Historical Society program on the Arlington, VA Soldiers who fought in WWl. (https://boundarystones.weta.org/2015/11/11/ remembering-arlingtons-john-lyon)
Post 3150 supports local military families at Thanksgiving and Christmas with food baskets and hosts holiday dinners and parties, along with regular picnics for service members and families within the National Capital Region.
“VFW Post 3150’s outreach eforts improve the quality of life for so many through acts of kindness like this,” noted Carla Moss, an Army veteran and volunteer
event coordinator. “Military and veteran families really appreciate the food baskets which allow them to enjoy the holidays without any worry or stress.”
Wong said the post also participates in the VFW’s Patriots Pen scholarship program, assists scouts with their Eagle and Gold Award projects and presents a Scout of the Year award.
All these activities are what sets Post 3150 apart, Wong said. The post is dedicated to developing the next generation of veteran leadership, and boasts one of the youngest posts in Virginia, with an ofcer corps of primarily Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, he noted.
“They are bringing in fresh ideas to modernize the VFW and meet the needs of the nation’s newest veterans,” Wong said. “In collaborating with other veteran service organizations, the post is meeting the needs of veterans and the community through partnership, not competition.”
To learn more about VFW John Lyon Post 3150, visit the post website at https://vfw3150.org/. You can also fnd Post 3150 on all the major social media sites. The post home is located at 2116 19th Street North in Arlington, VA.
Our favorite world-traveler, Marine Corps Major Brie Burgett, will be taking At Ease on the road on her many travels. Be on the lookout for where in the world she is each monthand follow along with her on Instagram at @thebrieadventure.
Scottsdale, Arizona, is a fun and vibrant destination known for its mix of desert beauty, luxury and outdoor adventures. Located in the Sonoran Desert, it is one of the greenest and most biologically diverse deserts in the world, known for its unique fora like the iconic saguaro cactus. Here are some highlights and top things to do in the area:
• World-class spas and resorts: Known for its luxurious resorts and wellness spas, Scottsdale provides the ultimate in relaxation alongside adventurous activities.
• Arts and culture: The city boasts an impressive art scene with galleries, museums and events like the Scottsdale ArtWalk and the Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin West for architecture enthusiasts.
• Golf capital: Scottsdale has over 200 golf courses, making it a major destination for golf enthusiasts.
• Hiking — there are numerous hikes in the area for all ftness levels including Camelback Mountain: One of the most popular hikes in Arizona, this challenging trek rewards hikers with incredible views of Scottsdale and Phoenix. Choose between the Echo Canyon Trail (steeper) or Cholla Trail (longer but slightly less strenuous); Pinnacle Peak Park: A moderate hike that is 3.5 miles round trip, ofering scenic views of the surrounding desert and a chance to spot wildlife; and McDowell Sonoran Preserve: The preserve ofers over 225 miles of trails, with options for all levels. Try the Gateway Loop Trail or Tom’s Thumb Trail for fantastic desert landscapes.
•Of-Road desert tours: Experience the rugged beauty of the desert with of-road Jeep or ATV tours. These guided adventures ofer a thrilling way to explore the landscape and learn about the area’s history and wildlife.
• Vibrant nightlife: Scottsdale is home to a lively nightlife scene, especially in Old Town Scottsdale, where bars, clubs and restaurants ofer entertainment for all types of travelers.
Scottsdale is a great mix of outdoor adventure, scenic beauty and upscale leisure, making it a fun and diverse destination for visitors.
Photo taken while hiking up Tom’s Thumb.
A night of hope, healing and laughter Bob Woodruff Foundation set to host annual comedy event
Story by Jake Russell Photos courtesy Stand Up for Heroes
No matter how grand or miniscule, there always appears to be some sort of division or heated opinionated argument regarding an event or news story. The cycle of banter to pit one side versus the other feels inescapable and exhausting, as if we may never agree on anything ever again.
However, if you dig a little deeper, you can fnd the stories that can be universally agreed upon as something we can all get behind. Those are the ones involving uplifting others. Those are the ones involving kindness, hope and sincerity. Those are the ones in most circumstances involving laughter and smiles all around.
“It’s a night for the New York Metro area to say thank you for all you do in-person,”
Dougherty said. “It’s an amazing tribute to those who served and a reminder to all of us of the debt we owe them and their families for their service and sacrifces.”
For the 18th consecutive year, the Bob Woodruf Foundation and the New York Comedy Festival have partnered to put on an event that embodies those inherently good traits with the Stand Up for Heroes event. In a night of hope, healing, and laughter, the two host one of the most highly-anticipated gatherings of the year at David Gefen Hall at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts to honor our nation’s veterans and their families with a star-studded lineup.
Anne Marie Dougherty, the CEO of the Bob Woodruf Foundation, said it is her favorite day of the year.
The origin of the event is truly authentic and from the heart. In 2007, New York Comedy Festival founders Caroline Hirsch and Andrew Fox partnered with Bob and Lee Woodruf to create this special event as a tribute to impacted veterans and their loved ones. After having his life saved by veterans due to a roadside bomb accident, Bob’s miraculous recovery after a 36-day medically-induced coma inspired him to create the foundation as a dedication to raise awareness about the tough challenges veterans and military families are facing, and invest in solutions to help support them in the next chapter of their lives.
“Our mission is to ensure veterans and service members have extra support,” Dougherty said. “We want to be there for them and understand that military life impacts their loved ones as well. We’ve invested over 160 million over 600 grants to address issues that are the most pressing from
Anne Marie Dougherty
This year will be extraordinarily special with it taking place on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at 8 p.m. This year’s lineup will feature performances by comedians and musicians including Jim Gafgan, Norah Jones, Mark Normand, DJ Questlove, Patti Scialfa, Jerry Seinfeld, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Stewart and more to bring laughter and smiles. Don’t let the star-studded lineup fool you, though — the big names are there on their own accord because they realize the magnitude of being there for the veterans. They see it as a humbling experience as if they’re the ones that should be awestruck to be in their presence on a night of such joy.
“All of these names are volunteering on their own time,” Dougherty said. “Caroline Hirsch and Andrew Fox have over the years reached out to their connections with the New York Comedy Festival, and ever since, it’s been something that is truly an honor for them to be a part of out of the goodness of their heart. These talented lineups have raised over $80 million throughout the history of the event. It’s amazing to see big names gratifed and humbled by wanting to be there and entertain.”
There are more than just entertaining performances,
though. The event will also highlight inspiring moments and the remarkable stories of resilience and service of the men and women who have served in our nation’s military. It’s a lovely night that raises awareness and funds for the foundation in order to accomplish what Bob and his family ultimately set out to do — ensure that veterans, service members and their families have stable and successful futures on all accounts. It shines a light on the grandest stage for all to see.
“There’s so much going on in the world with deployment and conficts and veterans are not always front page news,” Dougherty explained. “It’s an amazing opportunity to shine a light on the sacrifces that the whole family serves. We use the event to talk about the lifestyle as a spouse, as a child, and how it’s a family culture. It’s a small American population.”
The news cycle has a sense of competing for everyone’s attention through division, but Stand Up for Heroes is a night that bridges the divide.
For more information on the event or the Bob Woodruf Foundation, the event and more, visit bobwoodruffoundation.org/.
Bob Woodruf, middle, poses with his wife, Lee, left, and Caroline Hirsch.
National Museum of the Marine Corps showcases the last 50 years
the Marine Corps in 2025, Keil Gentry, Museum Director, noted.
In today’s uncertain world, the enemy may be unpredictable and unconventional, compared to past military conficts. Instead of battling clearly established nation states, United States armed forces may face challenges that seem to suddenly erupt with ill-defned enemies.
These modern times become very real in two new exhibits which opened on Oct. 6 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia, exhibits that tell the Marine Corps’ story from 1976 to the present: Forward Deployed, covering 1976 to 2001; and Iraq and Afghanistan, covering 2001 to the present.
One telling quotation in the exhibit by General Michael W. Hagee, 2005, jumps out: “We believe that our future will be characterized by irregular wars.”
The culmination of a 13-year efort, the 20,000-squarefoot expansion is timely, honoring the 250th anniversary of
“We want to inspire the next generation. It is really important to tell the story of the last half century of Marine Corps history and to honor those who served selfessly and the sacrifce of the 1,514 Marines killed in action,” he said. “Every artifact has a story,” he added during a Sept. 18 media preview.
Interactive exhibits, hand-sculpted life-size models cast from real Marines, panels, almost 600 objects and 60 oral histories cover the well-known and the little-known deployments of the Marine Corps in the last 50 years and their three-pronged mission: humanitarian, peacekeeping, and combat.
Revisiting 9/11
A concrete chunk centers the 9/11 exhibit, a battered piece blown of the Pentagon when on Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists associated with al Qaeda hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 and crashed it into the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m., killing all 59 on board and 125 on the ground.
Story and photos by Glenda C. Booth
An 8-and-1-half-foot tall I-beam from New York City’s World Trade Center also represents that fateful day when some Marine veterans were part of the city’s teams of police, fre and Port Authority frst responders to the terrorists’ attack there.
Uniforms spotlight Sergeant Michael Curtin, a Desert Storm veteran and member of a New York Police Department reaction team, who was killed when the towers fell. Another collection displays personal items of victims of this attack collected by retired Marine William Dunleavy, also a New York Fire Department member who helped in the recovery eforts.
The Mideast
A blurry orange screen introduces visitors to Iraq, where sand and dust storms made visibility and functioning difcult. In Iraq, U.S. Marines fought Saddam Hussein’s army, the Republican Guard, the Fedayeen militia and insurgents.
The Marine Corps went to Iraq in what the museum calls “two very diferent wars”: the frst deployment, including the 2003 March to Baghdad, a conventional war, defeating Saddam’s army, the Republican Guard and Fedayeen militia; and the second which includes two battles for Fallujah in 2004 and the long river campaign, 2005-10, to fght various insurgent groups.
The March to Baghdad exhibit recalls the 23 days in 2003 when coalition military forces marched 400 miles, defeated nine Iraqi Army divisions, helped capture Baghdad, and removed Saddam Hussein from power. This was the “longest, largest and fastest overland attack in Marine Corps history,” the exhibit states. Displayed is
an actual Huey helicopter.
An exhibit depicting two battles of Fallujah with Marines trying to clear a building of insurgents in 2004 puts the museum-goer right “on the street” within arms’ reach of live-action urban combat, it seems. Amplifying the realism, the exhibit includes the battle’s soundtrack and scents of cordite, burning plastic and feces. Here, as written on a panel: “Marines entered the dense urban area supported by air, artillery, and snipers . . .” and “Marines successfully fought their largest and bloodiest battle since Vietnam.”
“Ironically, I didn’t give much thought as to whether I fought in Afghanistan or Iraq [after 9/11]. I just wanted to fight.”
A quotation in the exhibit by Captain Bingham C. Jamison, USMCR, Commander of a Marine tactical intelligence exploitation team in Fallujah, March 19, 2013.
The Gulf War exhibit covers Iraq’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait, “part of Saddam’s expansionist foreign policy and an expression of anger over Kuwait’s refusal to cancel Iraqi debt.” The United States feared that Saddam Hussein would next invade Saudi Arabia and assembled a coalition to defend the king in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
“Every aspect of the Corps’ warfghting capabilities – ground, air, and logistics – would be called into play,” another panel reads.
An M60A1 battle tank on display breached berms and negotiated minefelds in Desert Storm battles.
Cast fgures in the Iraq tableau represent female engagement teams who collected intelligence from local women, information like the presence of suspicious people or the number of people in a house or village.
“We built relationships and did tactical questioning,” explained Saje Mrowinksi, a lance corporal when deployed who fulflled that role in Afghanistan.
An Iraqi surrender fag, made from what they had.
A M198 Howitzer, used Desert Storm and Keil Gentry, National Museum of the Marine Corp Director
Living “quarters,” life in a forward base that Marines might have had in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Afghanistan
U.S.-Afghanistan engagements are represented by an actual all-terrain vehicle hit by an improvised explosive device (IED) during a 2010 counterinsurgency mission in Helmand Province. The IED created a crater in the ground and tore out the vehicle’s underbody.
“We have seen the future of warfare and it’s the IED,” Master Gunnery Sergeant Steven Williams said in 2014. A corpsman tends to a gunner who had been thrown from his hatch.
Another display depicts U.S. Marines and Afghan tribal leaders seated on foor mats in a shura or meeting where three of the four Marines are unarmed trying to build trust. Another exhibit takes visitors to the cramped and gritty “housing” outpost of Marines serving in Afghanistan. It is strewn with supplies like body and baby powder, band aids, energy drinks, sunfower seeds, empty cans and dirty clothes. A holographic camel spider crawls down the wall below a dart board.
Haiti
In Operation Uphold Democracy in 1991, the Marines of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task ForceCaribbean were deployed to Haiti on a multi-nation humanitarian relief mission responding to turmoil there following the overthrow of Haitian President JeanBertrand Aristide. Among other tasks, they rebuilt the infrastructure, restored power, and restocked a hospital. A tableau with a Humvee and Marine helping a young girl with her injured hand relates that often unrecognized Marine mission to help others.
Grenada
Another exhibit takes visitors to Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada in 1983, when the Reagan administration ordered U.S. armed forces to invade that country to free U.S. medical students. The troops secured the island in three days, a panel notes. Displayed is a tail boom from the Cobra Attack Helicopter shot down during the invasion, recovered by Marine veterans, and donated to the museum. A second helicopter crashed into the sea during that operation.
Details of service
Visitors can absorb other sobering realities of Marine life, like mortuary afairs, Marines who process human remains. A frst aid kit, surgical instrument set, and QuikClot combat gauze and powder ofer a peek into battlefeld medicine.
On a typical amphibious assault ship, a Marine’s personal space was 31-and-a-half cubic feet, visitors can learn and observe. There’s a Marine’s sniper rife retrieved after it was stolen by Iraqis and other weapons used by America’s enemies. There are helmets, uniforms, weapons, patches, glow sticks and meals ready to eat. There’s the baton of a Marine band conductor who after Desert Storm led welcome parades in New York City and Washington, D. C.
The exhibit is the culmination of 13 years of work, $20 million, input from Marines and others, and donations from Marine Corps members and their families. It is a ftting, enduring tribute to those who selfessly served our country. It’s a story of bravery, guts, glory and heroism.
“The Marines are a family you never let go of,” Mronwinski said.
Information
https://www.usmcmuseum.com/. Admission and parking are free.
A Marine helps a young Haitian girl who has an injured hand.
Oscar Mike Radio podcaster Travis Partington helps listeners move their lives in a positive direction
By Alice Swan
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Travis Partington’s frst job as a teenager was with 98-Rocks, a radio station in Shreveport, Louisiana.
“I just made phone calls to people asking why they listened or didn’t listen to 98-Rocks,” he laughingly recalled. “But I loved being at the station and around the broadcasters from day one.”
So it was only natural that he turned to broadcasting when he was looking for a way to give back to other veterans in his Massachusetts community. And it was easy for him to pick the Marine call sign ‘Oscar Mike’ when naming his show, which is part of the Wreaths Across America Radio lineup.
“Oscar Mike is military speak for ‘On the Move,’” Partington explained. “We’re on the move radio – to give hope and action for veterans who have been impacted by their challenges or have overcome amazing things to do even better things in their lives whether starting a business, writing a book or playing an instrument. I am able to profle these people and give them a space to express themselves and tell their story.”
Partington shared that he served in the US Marine Corps from 1995 to 1999 as a radar operator for the surface to air Hawk missile system, stationed in Yuma, Arizona.
“It was an interesting time in my life and I enjoyed being in the Marine Corps,” he added. “After I left the Corps, I rode my motorcycle from Yuma to Boston, Massachusetts to meet my then wife and started looking for work. I used that time to understand the Massachusetts’ Veterans Service Ofcer resources, got a job and have been with my current fnancial services frm for almost 24 years now.”
He didn’t cut ties completely with his Marine Corps family, becoming a volunteer with the local Marine Corps League. Through that work, Partington saw frst-hand the needs of veterans and their families in his community and wanted to do more to help. Being asked to guest host a local radio show featuring military veterans and nonproft veteran support organizations during this time combined his desire to help fellow veterans with his love of radio. Those broadcasts led to appearances on community access television with the area’s Veterans Service Ofcer and more recently, the creation of his very own program, Abbington Muster.
“Every community in Massachusetts has a Veterans Service Ofcer and I was asked by the Abbington VSO
Photos provided by Oscar Mike Radio
to do a show on veterans and services,” Partington said. “I have done eight shows profling veterans and people who support veterans. For example, one show featured Marine Corps veteran Gladys Diaz, a police ofcer, who settled in Abbington and with her service dog works protecting students at the local high school. Being able to tell these stories is a bonus.”
If all this wasn’t enough, in April 2016 Partington said he went to a Dale Dorman Media Day at Massasoit Community College. One of the breakout sessions covered podcasting. He got to speak with Keith Hayes of Sinista 1 Productions and pitch his idea for a podcast.
“He told me everything I needed to do to get started,” said Partington. “I did my frst show in July 2016 and over the last 8 years I’ve recorded more than 400 shows. The more I did it, the more I liked it. The more I was able to connect with people and (share) their story, the better I felt. The better I felt, the more hope I had. The more hope I had, the more I could do. It’s created this whole new lease on life and way of looking at things that has truly benefted me.”
Partington shared that of his 400+ shows, the one that touched him the most was a recent episode featuring Susan Cleland, founder of Mission Vigilant (www. missionvigilant.org).
“Susan talked about her son Michael, who lost his battle with PTSD,” Partington explained. “She wrote a book about it called ‘Mission Vigilant.’ It’s a mother’s perspective of seeing her son grow up, join the U.S. Air Force, get out and the helplessness she felt not being able to help him deal with his [PTSD] and the sense of loss she felt. She took all this pain and turmoil and turned it into something positive with the work she does for Mission Vigilant. It’s those kinds of stories that make doing Oscar Mike Radio worth it every time.”
Outside of his fulltime job and creating new podcasts, Partington shared that his greatest joy comes from being a father.
“I have three sons and being a dad is one of the most rewarding things that’s happened to me. We have great times together. I also serve as a volunteer board president
for a nonproft called I’ve Got Your Six – Two Lives At Once (twolivesatonce.com/) which supplies service dogs to veterans and First Responders.”
When he fnally has time to himself, Partington said that he can be found riding his motorcycle or improving his bow skills at a local archery range.
Partington is excited to have Oscar Mike Radio and Abbington Muster featured on Wreaths Across America Radio at wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/ WreathsAcrossAmericaRadio.
Oscar Mike can be heard on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, 1-2 a.m. and Sundays from 8-9 p.m. eastern. Abbington Veterans Muster plays on Mondays at 9 p.m.
“This is a station that supports the mission to teach people, especially our younger generation, what it means to be an American, why these gravesites are important and why we should honor those who serve,” Partington said. “All those things made it easy to say, ‘I want to be a part of this group,’ and I feel grateful and honored to be a part of their mission.”
He is hopeful the WAA Radio exposure will help more veterans fnd his shows and be inspired to ‘Oscar Mike’ or move forward in their lives.
“But really, for my show I call it ‘the concept of one’,” Partington added. “I want to know that my show made a diference in one person’s life. If one person doesn’t commit suicide, or one person says, ‘I’m going to go for that college degree or I’m going to start a business or support a business because of something they heard on Oscar Mike Radio,’ it was all worth it.”
Giving thanks for cleanliness
Story by Lt. Col. Paul McCullough III
Recently, the hot water heater in my home stopped working. As a result, my family and I were unable to take showers until the appliance was replaced. During this experience, what I found to be ironic is that the hot water heater resided in my basement, going largely unnoticed for the last nine years we’ve lived in our home. I never gave it a second thought until it directly afected my life and the lives of my family, specifcally, our ability to start of each day with a cleansing shower.
As we struggled to fnd other ways and places to get clean each day, I quickly realized that there are millions of people around the world who go day after day without the basic comfort of being able to take a shower. Issues like lack of clean water and lack of civil infrastructure result in situations where this is simply not possible for them. Bearing this in mind, I became incredibly grateful for every time I had an opportunity to take a hot shower, not just for the opportunity to cleanse myself but also for the privilege of living in the United States where the lack of hot water is usually not a problem.
As I worked to get the hot water heater replaced, the plumber indicated that there was lots of junk in the way in the basement, preventing him from getting the old one out and the new one in. My family and I would need to clear this space out before he could replace the appliance and enable us to once again have hot water in our home. When I worked on doing this, I realized this situation presented an important corollary to our spiritual lives.
Picture for a moment that the hot water heater represents the presence of God in our lives. The “hot water” it produces provides daily spiritual cleansing for us. Ephesians 5:26-27 reads, “that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.”
Unfortunately, all too often, we get so wrapped up in our daily tasks that we leave God in the basement of our
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.
spiritual lives, not giving Him the attention He deserves and ignoring the cleansing water that He ofers.
Although a physical hot water heater often deteriorates over time and doesn’t usually last more than 15 years, our spiritual hot water heater occasionally stops working because of the infuence of sin in our lives. God continually ofers His healing grace and His mercies are new every day, but we need to do our part and eliminate the sin in our lives.
Isaiah 1:16 states, “Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong.”
Similarly, Ezekiel 36:25 reads, “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.”
This cleansing, or elimination of sin in our lives, closely resembles the process of replacing a physical hot water heater. Just as there was a bunch of clutter in my basement, we often have clutter in our spiritual lives. Particularly as members of the military community, we can get caught up in physical addictions such as drinking, drugs, gambling and pornography. God wants nothing more than the healing waters of the Holy Spirit to fow in our lives, but just as the plumber needed me to clear a path in the basement, we need to pray and ask God to help us eliminate the sin in our lives.
Just as I now have incredible gratitude for every hot shower I take, I believe we should also have incredible gratitude for the cleansing spiritual water that God ofers. Living a life that is free from sin and spiritual junk will lead to blessings we cannot possibly imagine. The next time you take a shower in the morning, I encourage you to also think about taking steps to cleanse your soul. The power of the Holy Spirit will bring you far greater joy than hot water.
NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON
NSA ANNAPOLIS
Tree Lighting
6 December / 5 pm
NSAA, Outside Bldg. 89 Info: (410) 293-9200
NSA BETHESDA
11th Annual Army vs. Navy
Flag Football Game
4 December / 11:30 am
MWR Sports Complex, Perimeter Road
NSF DAHLGREN
Winter Festival
5 December / 4:30 pm
NSF Dahlgren’s Parade Field
Ugly Sweater 5K
12 December / 11:00 am
NSF Dahlgren’s Fitness Center
NSF INDIAN HEAD
Winterfest
6 December / 5 pm
Community Recreation Parking Lot
NAS PAX RIVER & SOLOMONS
Tree Lighting
6 December / 4:30-8 pm
Community Recreation Office Info: (301) 342-3648
46th Annual Arts & Crafts Fair
7 December / 10 am-3 pm Drill Hall
FREE to attend, $70 per space for vendors (12’ x 7’)
Community Recreation Office Info: (301) 342-3648
Cookies with the Clauses 13-15 Dec.
NRC Solomons Club 9 $10 per person (adults & children ages 2+)
Registration: 4 Nov.-6 Dec. (410) 326-6747
Winter Wonderland Brunch with Santa & Friends
7 December / 10 am-12:30 pm
Warrior Food Court, Bldg. 62
NSA WASHINGTON
Winter Wonderland Storytime with Special Guest 14 December / 11 am–1 pm
NSAW Town Center, Bldg. 22
Events are free for base-eligible patrons unless otherwise indicated. Scan for more details.
COMING UP
As afellowveteran, Iunderstandf uniquechallengesand sacrifices t with servingour countr y, especial it comestorelocating.Theexcitem newchapter oftencomeswiththe uprootingyourlife andyour family beenthrough it myself, I’mhereno as yourguide,but as someone wh deeplyunderstandsyourjourney. Youcan trustthat Iwill work tirelessly to ease theburdenand ensure thistransition is assmooth and stress-freeaspossible foryou andyourloved ones.
In her Navy career, as a comptroller, Lorrie Lincoln tallied numbers. Today she tallies ribbons, tree ornaments, and thousands of strands of holiday lights. Her husband Bob, also a Navy veteran, has transferred his warship engineering skills to making chicken wire light forms.
Tis Richmond-area couple spends much of their time volunteering at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, along with 436 others who in 2023 contributed 39,199 hours. Te Lincolns are behind-the-scenes stalwarts for the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights, an annual winter holiday display of over one million lights.
Story and photo by Glenda C. Booth
Walter Reed Society
Assisting theWounded, Ill, or Injured ServiceMembersand theirFamilies
TheWalterReed Societ yisanall-volunteertax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitableorganization. Its Mission is to providefinancial ordirect assistancetoservice membersand theirfamiliesbeing treatedatWalter Reed National Militar yMedicalCenterand at othermilitar yhealthcare facilities intheDefenseHealth AgencyNational Capital RegionMilitary Health System. TheSociet yrespondstounmetneeds during their careandalso providesassistance with treatment , education, research activities, travel andlodging, andhospital staf support.
Membership is accessibleandencouragedforall whodesire to contribute to themission of theSociet ytosuppor tactive duty military, veterans, Wounded, Ill and Injured (WII)and theirfamilies, as well as thestaf members of the Militar yHealth System whocarefor themin theirtime of need.
Formembershipapplicationordonation information, please contact Hermalene Taylor at support@walterreedsociety.orgorcall (301) 57 1-1580.
