At Ease September 2024

At Ease ISSUE 68 • SEPTEMBER 2024

M I D - AT L A N T I C

M I L I T A R Y

L I F E

Ready to Own, Ready to Live at National Harbor!

VA loans with $0 down and all closing costs paid*

Tom Gaffney | Senior Loan Officer NMLS ID #182206

703.307.5877 tgaffney@fhmtg.com www.GaffneyLoans.com

Current Incentives** 2024 Savings!

Save up to $40,000 Please see Sales Manager for Details

First Heritage Mortgage, LLC 3201 Jermantown Road, Suite 800 Fairfax, VA 22030

** not valid on previous contracts and must settle on or before 9/30/24.

First Heritage Mortgage, LLC | Company NMLS ID #86548 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) This is an advertisement and not a guarantee of lending. Terms and conditions apply. All approvals subject to underwriting guidelines. Prepared: 9/30/24

*Closing costs paid when using First Heritage Mortgage and does not include pre-paids. Pricing and terms may change, please speak with Loan Officer.

MHBR #6755

Potomac Overlook Monument Series from the Mid $700's 500 Triggerfish Dr, National Harbor, MD 20745 sales@integrityhmw.com | (703) 223-6286

Apartments that feel like home (base).

Ten apartment communities all five minutes from The Pentagon and Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall with 5% Military rent discounts.

www.DweckProperties.com Pictured Apartments: Crystal City Lofts

CONTENTS 06 10 14 18 24 28 29 32 Sit, stay, lift: raising money for working dogs

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Eli Wohlenhaus ewohlenhaus@dcmilitary.com

Who’s behind the mic at Wreaths Across America Radio?

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGERS Chad Campbell ccampbell@chespub.com Betsy Griffin bgriffin@chespub.com

Easterseals provides resources

SALES SUPERVISOR Ryan Ebaugh rebaugh@dcmilitary.com

The Military Youth of the Year Awards

Rocky Versace is remembered

Investing in our future

Global gifts from the few and the new

Military Service Directory

4

PRESIDENT Jim Normandin jim.normandin@adamspg.com

AT E A S E | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Steve Baird CONTENT CREATORS Jeff Heeney, Alice Swan, Katie Melynn, Jake Russell, Cecelia Shilling, Lt. Col. Paul McCullough, Charles S. Masarsky EDITORIAL CONTACT 240-801-2258 ADVERTISING CONTACT 443-963-6013 29088 Airpark Drive Easton, MD 21601 www.dcmilitary.com At Ease is published by APG Media of Chesapeake. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without written permission from the executive editor. Copyright 2024.

STAF F

A special thanks

Executive Editor of At Ease Eli Wohlenhaus Interact with At Ease on our social media platforms: Facebook @ At Ease Monthly Facebook @ DC Military Instagram @ ateasemonthly

Today, as I am writing this, I am grateful. At Ease recently announced a new partnership with Wreaths Across America Radio, which you will notice in this edition. What you may not realize is in August I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Michael Hale on his morning radio show.

We discussed At Ease and what our mission is — to inform and entertain with stories that are relevant to military members, veterans and their families. I am thankful to have had the opportunity and look forward to further opportunities each month to discuss the incredible stories we get to share in our pages with the Wreaths Across America Radio audience.

This is what it is all about, though, isn’t it? We work together as a community to support those who have made sacrifices to keep us safe.

So stay tuned to At Ease and Wreaths Across America Radio as we continue to uplift one another and the stories we share and mission we support, Thank you for reading.

Serving the needs of military families

Residential Treatment for Children and Adolescents We provide structured and nurturing treatment for youth ages 9 – 17 who struggle with emotional, behavioral and psychiatric disorders.

Our programs are TRICARE®-certified.

We are here for you when you need help for your child. Find out more today by calling 703-777-0800 or visit northspringleesburg.com.

Children and families are the center of everything we do.

42009 Victory Lane Leesburg, VA 20176

TRICARE® is a registered trademark of the Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency. All rights reserved. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. Physicians are on the medical staff of NorthSpring Behavioral Healthcare, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of NorthSpring Behavioral Healthcare. The facility shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. Model representations of real patients are shown. Actual patients cannot be divulged due to HIPAA regulations. 210269-8516 1/21

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4 | AT E A S E

5

Sit, stay, lift: CrossFit athletes work out to raise money for working dogs Story and photos by Katie Melynn

I

t’s not everyday that you get to see a dog sink his teeth into the arm of a fully grown man and both get praised for doing their jobs. But that’s exactly what the crowd gathered for the K9 demonstration at Old Line Crossfit in Millersville, Md., got to enjoy as they watched Rebel work with his handler, Jeff Jackson to take down a trained decoy.

The demonstration kicked off a day of fitness and fundraising for Spike’s K9 Fund, a nonprofit working with K9 dogs in the military, law enforcement and other organizations.

A day at the gym

The WODs for Working Dogs event at Old Line CrossFit brought out families and fitness enthusiasts to see K9 demonstrations, enjoy local food trucks, and participate in a workout competition. WOD stands for Workout of the Day, a term used to describe the high-intensity style workout popular in this functional fitness community. CrossFit is known for its grueling workouts and tight-knit communities, both of which make it popular among military and law enforcement groups that thrive on physical challenges.

So when Jackson, a K9 handler with the Anne Arundel County Police Department, wanted to further support 6

T E E AA SS E E || SS ee pp tt ee m m bb ee rr 22 00 22 44 AA T

Spike’s K9 Fund, the gym was the perfect venue.

“I went as an auditor at a school for K9s hosted by Spike’s K9 Fund,” Jackson said. “We were talking about vests and I had received the same ballistic vest for my own dog. Each one costs about $3,000, which comes from donations. I’m also one of the coaches at the gym and decided to put on a charity event.”

Jason Galindo, the owner of the gym, welcomed all of the participants. Some were ready to go in workout gear while others took photos and clapped for the Rebel and the other dogs at the event. Kids mingled in an open play area or eyed the numerous raffle prizes lined up. There were even representatives, human and canine, from the local SPCA and a static display of a police SWAT vehicle.

Crossfitters from gyms across the county showed up to take on the challenging workout and raise money for Spike’s K9 Fund. The event raised $12,130, which went directly to supporting working dogs by providing ballistic vests, training and critical medical care.

Spike’s K9 Fund

Currently in its 10th year, Spike’s K9 Fund began after founder James Hatch, a retired Special Warfare Operator, was saved by K9 Remco, who sacrificed his own life to save the lives of his teammates. After that, Hatch wanted to highlight the heroism of these dogs and support them

and their teams to make sure that each dog gets the care and training they need to maintain such high levels of athleticism.

The nonprofit organization’s work focuses on the wellbeing and training of K9 working dogs, especially when it comes to fitting them for the right gear.

“We ask these dogs to go in first, to take on that danger, “ said Chloë Vrooman, Spike’s K9 Fund Marketing Director. “They deserve protection. We wouldn’t ask our officers to go in without a vest. So we make sure that every dog has what they need.”

Today, Spike’s has sponsored more than 1,300 ballistic vests for working dogs and over 280 heat alarms for vehicles that transport these canine heroes. Each vest weighs around 1.5 pounds, is custom fitted to the dog, and can be worn for the duration of an entire shift. At the Old Line CrossFit event, Jackson’s dog Pozzo was fitted for a vest, which he proudly donned with his own Special Operations patch.

But fitting gear isn’t the only thing that the team at Spike’s does to support K9s. Spike’s also hosts Spike’s School, a training program for working dogs and their handlers ready to learn new skills and techniques.

Medical care funded by Spike’s provides care necessary for safe work for these elite dogs but even to save their lives. The cost of surgery can be prohibitive to departments and organizations that have to make the difficult decision to put their funds toward the most mission-critical areas. Spike’s is there to cover the difference to make sure that working dogs are outfitted, trained and healthy not only when they are on the job but as they near retirement as well.

But Spike’s doesn’t do it alone.

“As a nonprofit, we rely on generous donors,” Vrooman said. “It’s the generosity of our donor base that makes it possible for us to do what we do.”

This is exactly where Jackson and the team at Old Line CrossFit stepped in, one of many organizations supporting the important mission at Spike’s K9 Fund.

From the Crossfitters working up a sweat to the dogs showing off their skills, the entire crowd left with a new appreciation for the challenges and dangers that these canine heroes take on every day they’re on the job. They were lucky enough to get a good workout in at the same time.

You can learn more about Spike’s K9 Fund, including how to support their mission, at www.spikesk9fund.org.

Above is Pozzo; to the right is Rebel.

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4 | AT E A S E

7

8

AT E A S E | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4

Help Propel PTSD Research Volunteers Sought for Study Samples

What is the study for? Why should I participate?

Polaris Genomics is launching its largest trial with Stella to support further development of PTS-ID™, the first test of its kind to use genomics to unveil the physical changes underlying PTSD. Help us deepen our understanding, reduce stigma, & develop more effective therapies for PTSD. How long does it take to participate?

Participation is quick & easy — simply provide a blood sample during your scheduled visit & complete a clinical interview with a provider at home or on site (less than 2 hours).

Is it all in-person or can I do it online?

Everything can be done from home, except the blood draw.

Is it confidential?

Your participation is completely confidential. No personally identifying information will be shared with researchers.

Do I have to have PTSD? We are interested in volunteers who are living with PTSD, as well as those who are not.

Do I have to live in a certain area?

We are already enrolling in DC, & will start enrollment in Chicago soon!

Do I get anything for participating?

Receive a $50 gift card as a thank you!

Who should I contact to sign up or learn more?

Contact zach.powers@stellacenter.com.

SC AN T O L E A R N M OR E !

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4 | AT E A S E

9

Who’s behind the mic at Wreaths Across America Radio?

This veteran podcaster has a unique approach to help others overcome PTS, depression Story by Alice Swan Photos provided by 1 Mile 1 Veteran

W

elcome to the first profile in our special series introducing At Ease readers to the veteran podcasters and broadcast talent appearing on Wreaths Across America Radio. Each offers messages of encouragement, useful life advice and exciting conversations, guided by their own military experiences, with the mission to help veterans across America thrive and know they are not alone.

Talking with podcaster and founder of 1 Mile 1 Veteran, Danny Mayberry, I learned that his self-help mental health podcast program began as a homework assignment. And that this course project, inspired by one of the lowest points in his life, ended up sending Mayberry on a new life mission.

10

AT E A S E | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4

The former Navy Corpsmen, with three combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, openly shared that he has been diagnosed with PTSD and has struggled with his mental health for a long time. And while he seemed to have the perfect life with a loving spouse, successful job, pursuing an advanced degree and enjoying life in Hawaii, he still experienced depressive episodes.

“Back in 2020, I was finishing up my master’s degree and it was Super Bowl weekend. My wife Leigh Anne and I were super busy growing our own media company while working full-time jobs, and I had my third near suicide attempt,” Mayberry explained. “Obsessive thoughts came over me; I put every tool I had learned to care for my mental health into effect — I got some food, I did some light exercising, I tried to change the focus of my mind to things I enjoy. I went to sleep, and the next morning went to church and the thoughts persisted. So,

I went home and the last thing I had to try was tell my wife what was going on. And as soon as I told her the thoughts that were running through my head, they were just gone. The simple act of being able to tell someone was enough to relieve the pain and suffering I was going through.”

Not long after, Mayberry said he got the class assignment to create a community support program in the digital realm. With the help of Leigh Anne, an experienced television producer, Mayberry designed a platform to help other veterans suffering from PTSD, incorporating the tools he had learned through the years that were freely available for everyone to use.

“We knew we had to start with people,” he said.

“Knowing there are others out there like you struggling with these thoughts is foremost because a lot of people think they are alone with dark thoughts. The next part was building a community that is loving and supportive, and then including some type of exercise. We all need some form of light physical activity. It boosts our mood, gets us outside and exposes us to Vitamin D. Most physically able people can walk or at least move for 20 minutes. And that’s what we wanted this program to do – let people know they are not alone, connect them with a caring and uplifting community and have them participate in at least 20 minutes of a physical activity.

And we thought we could do it through a podcast structured on those three things.”

The class project became 1 Mile 1 Veteran. In 2022, Mayberry said the couple sold their condo in Hawaii so they would have the funds to get 1 Mile 1 Veteran up and running. Mayberry records the podcasts around his full-time job schedule while Leigh Anne works as the podcast producer, lining up guests, maintaining their

studio equipment and finding broadcast outlets, like Wreaths Across America. Having served for 7 years as a training Petty Officer and instructor in the Navy, and now working in the Public Affairs arena, sitting behind the podcast mic and camera came naturally to Mayberry.

He explained that 1 Mile 1 Veteran uses the Strava cell phone app to help its members connect virtually with others. The app is free to download. Just search for 1 Mile 1 Veteran on the app to connect with the walking group.

“You step out the door and start your walk in Strava while listening to the podcast. You post, encourage one another, and once a quarter we also run challenges for our members. The walking groups are important to help members get outdoors and connect with others,” noted Mayberry. “When it comes to those with PTS and depression, isolation is what we are driven to, but that only leads to deeper depression and anxiety.”

He said that podcast episodes are released every Wednesday, in two parts, each 18 to 24 minutes long, the average time it takes to walk a mile.

There are already more than 100 podcasts saved on the 1 Mile 1 Veteran site, https://1mile1veteran.com/, covering a wide variety of topics including mental health, wellness, spirituality, relationship issues, and tips on transitioning out of military service.

Guests include military spouse and comedian Ashley Gutermuth, talking about Laughter as Therapy; Former Blue Angel lead solo pilot John Gucci discussing his book Glad to Be Here; USAF Vietnam Veteran Ralph Gallati sharing his experiences as a POW and Navy veteran and reservist Jesse Iwuji, a NASCAR Xfinity driver and team co-owner.

You can visit the 1 Mile 1 Veteran website to find the podcast episodes or tune in to Wreaths Across America Radio to hear the episodes each Thursday. 1 Mile 1 Veteran can also be found on YouTube, Instagram and other social media sites. It is free to subscribe to the 1 Mile website, so you can get notifications when new episodes drop.

Mayberry is excited to be partnered with WAA Radio, saying, “We just want to make sure our podcasts can be of service to another person, and we always get delighted when new people find our shows. We want to freely share the tools we use with others and will come speak to your veterans group. We can solve the suicide crisis and mental health problem by building strong communities, not just stronger individuals.”

And in case you are wondering, Mayberry shared that he got an excellent grade on the ‘homework’ assignment and graduated Magnum Cum Laude for his Master’s.

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4 | AT E A S E

11

OSS AMERICA RA R C A S H T D IO WREA r e i c m a ’ A s r V et fo A Voice

erans

In partnership with At Ease Magazine, tune in on the first Friday of each month at 9:15 a.m. ET as we feature stories from their team doing great work to benefit veterans and military families.

Where can you listen to Wreaths Across America Radio?

It’s everywhere you are.

wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio

12

AT E A S E | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4

WAA_AtEaseAd_FullPgText_2024_v1.indd 1

8/13/24 4:27 PM

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4 | AT E A S E

13

Easterseals DC MD VA provides family care, mental health support and career resources for veterans and military families Story by Cecelia Shilling Courtesy photos

“

It’s about seeing the whole person,” said Lauren Poon, communications manager at Easterseals Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. “I’ve always appreciated that about Easterseals. We’re really thinking about you overall and how we can help you now, but also how we can give you the support to keep going and keep running it on your own.”

Since 1945, Easterseals has been dedicated to providing support for veterans and disabled children in the community through a number of programs meant to address every need. From childcare and adult day services to career assistance, the staff at Easterseals is prepared to support military families in any way they can.

14

AT E A S E | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4

“It’s unlike any other nonprofit that I’ve worked with in the area in terms of our holistic approach,” said Paula Moore, vice president of communications and marketing. “[We’re] really seeing the multidimensional needs of our veterans and military families.”

Tricia Tyler Among some of the organization’s major programs are the veterans staffing network and homeless reintegration program, which assists veterans with all aspects of the job search and career stability. Through online resources, veterans can access resume services, can be connected with career coaches and can search job boards. Resources are also accessible through Easterseals’ “My Career Toolkit” app.

“We don’t want folks to be jumping from job to job,” said Tricia Tyler, vice president of veteran employment.

“We want them to have something that’s going to last and going to help stabilize the family.”

The organization also helps fund certification courses and can assist applicants with transportation, uniforms, tools or other additional expenses associated with starting a new role, Tyler continued.

Easterseals’ website details its commitment to helping not only veterans, but their spouses and families through programs like family respite days and adult day services, which aim to prevent caregiver burnout.

“A military family can drop their child at our center one Saturday a month, and the child receives direct care and support from a vetted volunteer,” Moore said. “It’s always the same volunteer with the same child every month. We generally have anywhere from 30 to 50 kids in the center. They’re meeting other kids who are in the same situation and they’re having fun.”

Adult day services are offered as a cost-effective and home-like alternative to nursing homes. This program provides members with clinical care, supervision, transportation and activities in a safe and happy environment.

Behavioral health and therapy resources can also be found through the organization’s Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic. Services can be accessed quickly in-person or online, said Tyler, and are available to all post-9/11 veterans and active duty service members, including national guard or reserves.

“We have great response rates,” she said. “When people reach out for support, they’re able to get an appointment through our Cohen clinic really quickly. It’s impressive.”

Fundraisers and community events like the annual Advocacy Awards help recognize the important Easterseals supporters while also raising money for their cause, Poon said.

On May 1, Easterseals DC MD VA celebrated 20 years of the Advocacy Awards, a gala and fundraiser that awarded Admiral Christopher Grady, 12th Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and his wife Christine, with the Military Family Advocate Award for championing military family resilience, according to a press release.

“It’s a chance to celebrate exemplary advocates for those we serve,” Poon said. “This was our 20th anniversary of the Advocacy Awards and this year we raised $950,000. All that goes to Easterseals’ education, healthcare and employment programs.”

Other awards such as the Legislative Advocate Award were given out to Maine Senator Susan Collins and Virginia Senator Mark Warner for their support of people with disabilities, caregivers and military families.

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4 | AT E A S E

15

Another annual event, “Walk with Me” will be held on Sept. 21 where families can choose to walk together or enjoy activities like arts and crafts and listen to a DJ at the National Harbor Waterfront Plaza. The event aims to bring together military families and raise a goal amount of $75,000 for Easterseals’ services.

“We’re highlighting our veterans and military families at the walk,” Moore said. “We have arts and crafts and healthy snacks that have been donated. We even have a vaccine clinic and health screenings. For example, I’ve done the eye screening, and it looks like I need reading glasses.”

Easterseals is special, Tyler said, because the organization considers not only veterans and families, but people who might not be eligible for similar services elsewhere.

“There’s a lot of programs where you have to meet the government definition of a veteran,” she said.

“So somebody who is in the National Guard and was never activated might not qualify, or somebody who hasn’t gotten out of the service yet might not qualify- a spouse wouldn’t qualify for those types of things. When Easterseals designs its programs, as we improve them and adjust them over time, we’re always looking at ‘how can we innovate to help the community?’”

16

AT E A S E | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4

2024 Military Family Advocate Award recipients Admiral Christopher Grady, 12th Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Mrs. Christine Grady. (Pictured with Paul Harris, HII Executive Vice President, Chief Sustainability and Compliance Officer)

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4 | AT E A S E

17

The Military Youth of the Year Award:

A beacon of hope is crowned Story by Jake Russell Photos by Jeff Heeney

E

ach day, whether we’re aware of it or not, the United States Military is doing whatever it takes to protect our present and create a bright future.

However, there are many young people that are using that blank canvas of a future to already be a part of what that responsibility entails.

Since 1947, Military Connected Youth has acknowledged the Military Youth of the Year program with the Boys & Girls Club of America as a celebration of young leaders from ages 14 to 18 that have embody the admirable values of the program: community service, academics, astute character, and establishing long-term goals to fortify a better future for themselves and for others. They serve as a beacon of hope.

18

AT E A S E | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4

“The National Military Youth of the Year program and gala are deeply rooted in military traditions and community engagement,” Dianely Heredia, VP of Military & Outreach Services with the BGCA, said. “We honor military customs and integrate them into all aspects of the celebration, ensuring that participants feel connected to both their military family and the Boys & Girls Clubs movement.”

Each year, five finalists that have emerged from competitions taking place in the Northeast, Southeast, Pacific, Midwest and Southwest United States are supported by national partners and the Boys and Girls Club-affiliated Youth Centers on military installations across the world. The National Award recipient receives a $20,000 scholarship and the illustrious title of “Military Youth of the Year,” and the opportunity to compete for “National Youth of the Year.”

At the prestigious celebration this year at the Grand Hyatt Washington, Taylor R. from Naval Support Activity Bahrain was the 2024 winner as the 2024 National Military Youth of the Year. Taylor has immense pride in turning who he is — a third culture, militaryconnected youth into a platform to inspire as he uses it as an opportunity to see and grow the world from a variety of angles through his experiences.

“Taylor’s accomplishments are a powerful example

of why Boys & Girls Clubs of America is so committed to enhancing the community and igniting opportunities for military-connected young people,” Lorraine Orr, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations officer, said the night of the event.

From a youth center in Rota, Spain, Taylor established himself as a leader in Bahrain from the very beginning with a servant’s heart to create a positive change in the community. He revived the Youth Center’s teen leadership and service program in his time there and was one of the primary support systems in revitalizing the summer teen hire program. His commitment to getting everyone involved with a contagious sense of selflessness is what the military is all about, and his hard work epitomizes the idea of global unity. By working to better others, it’s clear that he felt better himself with a growth mindset and conviction in being a light. ““From my start as a youth center member, to being a leader and staff member, I’ve seen it from every angle and my opinion remains the same,” Taylor R. said. “Having my Youth Center makes a positive difference for any and everyone involved. It’s a place to discover similarities in a foreign environment that promotes the growth of an open mindset and personal confidence.”

The night was uplifting as Taylor and the four nominees

were celebrated for their contributions and desires at such a young age.

“This title gives me a platform to share my voice and experiences, and to get others thinking about why the world is the way it is,” he said. “I want to show that the unique perspectives of military-connected youth, who have traveled and lived in so many places, can bring people together and spark real change. Being National Military Youth of the Year is my chance to push for that unity, and to inspire others to see the world through a new lens — one that highlights our shared humanity.”

After receiving the honor and the scholarship to further his dreams as he continues to live out the values of the U.S. Military and make a difference going forward, Taylor will go on to Atlanta with the other Youth of the Year finalists to compete for the title of National Youth of the Year and represent over 3 million Club kids and Teens as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America spokesperson.

While the partnership of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the U.S. Military have gone together hand-inhand to support over 25,000 military-connected youth, the difference that youths like Taylor are the testament of what the programs should be all about: inspiring those that are so full of life as a blank canvas to help better the future for others in our present.

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4 | AT E A S E

19

20

AT E A S E | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4 | AT E A S E

21

22

AT E A S E | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4

VISIT US Clear water gives us

HOPE.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation works with community partners, governments, and people like you to create a healthy environment for our nearly 19 million neighbors living in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

We’re making progress toward that goal, but there’s a lot of work left to do.

CFC #11325 KENNY FLETCHER/

CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM

CBFSTAFF

You can help us get there. You can help Save the Bay.

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4 | AT E A S E

23

Alexandria’s Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial pays honor to a Medal of Honor recipient and his fellow Alexandrians who lost their lives in that war

By Alice Swan Photos by Jeff Heeney

T

his past April, members of the United States Military Academy’s Class of 1959 made a stop in Alexandria, Va., to pay respects to one of their fallen classmates. As part of their 65th reunion activities, the group of veterans and their family members visited the Captain Rocky Versace Plaza and Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the Del Ray community of the city.

For some, it was their first time seeing the memorial.

Others had attended the Plaza dedication on July 6, 2002, along with Rocky Versace’s Medal of Honor

24

AT E A S E | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4

ceremony, a posthumous presentation to the members of the Versace family on July 8.

While honoring their classmate, who died in a Viet Cong prison camp, they were also able to thank members of the Friends of Rocky Versace organization who helped create this unique memorial for the Alexandria community.

As explained by Kevin Rue, a senior member of the Friends group, the memorial grew out of an effort to recognize and preserve Rocky’s story and legacy within the Alexandria community he always called home.

“Rocky grew up in a military family,” Rue shared.

“His father, Colonel Humbert Joseph Versace was a West Point graduate and a World War II and Korean War veteran. While Colonel Versace was assigned to the

Pentagon, they lived on Forest Street in Del Ray, just a few blocks from our Memorial Plaza. The family lived there from 1948-1953, longer than anywhere else in Rocky’s childhood. He always thought of Alexandria as home.”

While Humbert Rocque ‘Rocky’ Versace may have only spent five years in the city, he left a lasting impression on those who met him in school or were neighbors on Forest Street. When the City of Alexandria announced in late 1998 that a naming committee for a new school in the city was being formed, those friends got an idea.

“Some of the men who knew Rocky were part of a military history book club, including Joe Flynn, whose family were neighbors of the Versace’s on Forest Street,” Rue said. “The book club members had heard about the naming competition and decided to work to have the school named after Cpt. Rocky Versace.”

According to Rue, the group decided they would inform the Alexandria community about Rocky’s heroism and devotion to duty and submit his name to the naming committee. They formed the Friends of Rocky Versace group in 1999 to support their efforts.

One of those early members was Tony Heisley, whose older brother, Mike, was a boyhood friend of Rocky’s.

A successful businessman, Mike Heisley became a dedicated financial supporter for the group.

The story the Friends shared about Rocky’s life and military service compelled many community members to sign their naming petition and inspired dignitaries such as Virginia Sen. John Warner, Gen. (ret.) William Westmoreland, Gen. (ret) Colin Powell and others to write letters in support of the Friends’ naming request.

And what a story it is…

Rocky’s first assignments following his West Point graduation were in South Korea and with the 3rd Infantry Division, the ‘Old Guard’ at Fort Myer. In December 1961 he volunteered to serve in Vietnam, and in May 1962 he was on assignment as a Special Operations advisor in South Vietnam.

Rue shared that Rocky became known for his offduty humanitarian work with the civilian population, especially with children in villages and Catholic orphanages. He had done the same type of volunteering while in Korea. Always a man of faith, this helped foster Rocky’s desire to enter the priesthood and go back to Vietnam to help the children affected by the war. He planned to go to a seminary after he had fulfilled his service obligation.

But on Oct. 29, 1963, just 2 weeks before he was due to leave Vietnam, Rocky and two other American soldiers were caught in an ambush and were captured by the Viet Cong. Rocky spent 23 months in a POW camp, confined in a bamboo cage the size of a coffin. Despite infections in his untreated wounds and frequent torture sessions, Rocky refused to cooperate with his captors and even made three escape attempts. For his refusal to collaborate with the enemy and the efforts he made to strengthen the resolve of his fellow prisoners, the Viet Cong executed Rocky by firing squad on Sept. 26, 1965, at 28 years of age.* The full accounting of Rocky’s experience in the prisoner camp was made public by James ‘Nick’ Rowe, one of the men on that fateful and final mission, in his POW memoir, Five Years to Freedom. Rowe escaped from the Viet Cong on Dec. 31, 1968, a little over five years after his capture with Rocky. Rowe shared Rocky’s story wherever he had the opportunity and pushed to have Rocky awarded a Medal of Honor. Sadly, then Colonel Rowe was assassinated while serving in the Philippines in 1989.

“The Friends of Rocky Versace is the continuation of James Rowe’s mission to tell Rocky’s story, and it was ten years after his death that the Friends picked up the guidon to continue (that) mission,” Rue noted.

Despite the Friends of Rocky Versace’s efforts, another name was chosen for the school. But in the process, the S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4 | AT E A S E

25

group made a big impression on then City Councilman David Speck, who told them something even better would come from their work.

“And for the next year and a half, Speck worked behind the scenes to ensure there was a memorial for Rocky and the others from Alexandria who died in Vietnam – and that’s the memorial we have today, the Captain Rocky Versace Plaza and Vietnam Veterans Memorial,” Rue said.

He explained that through the generous donation by the Heisley Family Foundation, the Friends provided the statue depicting Rocky with two Vietnamese children and helped with the construction of the Plaza wall featuring the names of the 68 Alexandrians who perished in the Vietnam War. The 68 names on the circular wall are listed in the order of their death or date they entered POW/MIA status. Seven of the fallen are still listed as missing in action, while the remains of three have been recovered, the most recent being U.S. Army 1Lt Lawrence Lilly in 2018. 17 of the men featured on the wall were sons of career military members and seven were service academy graduates.

The Friends of Rocky Versace conduct annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies for the Alexandria community at the plaza, located at the Mount Vernon Community Center, 2701 Commonwealth Avenue, which often include family members of those honored in the memorial.

In the community center, the Friends created a display case filled with items and photos from Rocky’s life – a copy of his USMA diploma, a duplicate of his Medal of Honor, photos from his high school and West Point days – and a Gold Star flag with the number 68, honoring the 68 service members recognized in the memorial.

One of the family members who attends every ceremony is Alexandria resident Earl Valentine,

26

AT E A S E | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4

whose brother U.S. Army Pvt. Jeron F. Valentine is memorialized on the plaza. Jeron was killed in Vietnam on May 7, 1968, five months shy of his 20th birthday.

“It means a lot to me and my family that even though he is not with us, having died fighting for our country, (Jeron) is remembered this way,” Valentine said. “It is so nice that the city and the Friends of Rocky Versace created this memorial. Jeron is buried at Arlington National Cemetery and he is on The Wall [The Vietnam Veterans Memorial]. Every Memorial Day I bring my grandchildren and nieces and nephews here so they can say his name during the ceremony and so they can learn about and remember Jeron’s story.”

Helping to keep those kinds of memories alive for young people is why Chris Lowe joined the Friends of Rocky Versace. The retired Army officer said he became involved with their mission two years ago.

“I got involved because I think this memorial is important to the City of Alexandria and to me personally, and particularly for our youth,” Lowe said.

“We need to have heroes in our lives, and we have them in our midst. And when we find those heroes we should celebrate them and emulate their example.

Lowe continued by saying he walked in Rocky’s shadow for much of his life.

“I grew up and went to school at St. Rita’s Catholic Church where Rocky’s family were members of the parish and he was an altar boy,” Lowe said. “Later, in my Army career I was assigned to the U.S. Special Operations Command and Rocky’s image was right

outside my office door. As I was moving around and carrying out my Army jobs I was cognizant of Rocky always. About two years ago when I was retiring, I recognized that I had an opportunity to give more of my time and what better way to do that than in support of this organization who have been instrumental in promoting Rocky’s legacy.”

Rue shared that the Friends of Rocky Versace group is dedicated to the upkeep of the Plaza and fundraise for the refurbishment of the memorial. You can learn more about the memorial on the Alexandria city web link https://visitalexandria.com/listings/captain-rockyversace-plaza-and-vietnam-veterans-memorial/. For information on the Friends group and to see how you can assist their efforts, email FoRV59@gmail.com.

The group also encourages family members of the 68 Alexandrians honored at the memorial to reach out via email with stories and photos of their loved one to add to the group’s records and also to send information to other Vietnam War remembrance sites: www.vvmf.org/Wall-ofFaces, www.virtualwall.org. *For a more detailed description of Cpt. Rocky Versace’s military story, go to https://homeofheroes.com/ heroes-stories/vietnam-war/humbert-rocky-versace/.

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4 | AT E A S E

27

Investing in our future Story by Lt. Col. Paul McCullough

T

wo of our most important and limited resources are time and money. All of us only have 24 hours in a day and only 0.1% of the world’s population earns more than one million dollars a year, arguably a sum that should remove any financial concerns a person might have. How we live our lives, and what we do with these limited resources, will greatly affect not only our lives, but also the lives of our children.

As we wrap up this summer, especially if we are parents, we often are confronted with difficult choices. We often think about ideas such as romantic vacations, replacing appliances and doing home improvement projects. All of these ideas have merit, but we likely can’t afford to do all of them, at least not all at once. The reality is that the more we choose to spend on ourselves, in terms of both time and money, we are choosing to not invest into our children.

Back to school time can often be very expensive. Aside from the mandated list of school supplies, kids often want to have new clothes to start the school year off. If possible, it’s great to buy our kids a few new outfits, since they have likely outgrown some of their clothes within the last year. Alternatively, maybe we can get them at least one new outfit, so they can start their first day of school feeling confident.

But, if we think about it, these expenses are just the tip of the iceberg. Our kids often come to us, usually with very little notice, for upcoming expenses in the school year such as a new computer, a scientific calculator, a yearbook, a class ring and maybe even a school trip or two. This can become overwhelming unless you’ve planned for these expenses well in advance.

Even if you have the financial resources to provide for all these needs and the vacation and the home improvement projects, what you do with your time is even more important. Rather than watching our favorite television show or sports competition, perhaps we should consider spending time with each of our kids individually, doing something they like and asking them about their hopes, their dreams, their concerns and their challenges.

There may be something we know or have experienced that can help them and quite honestly, sometimes kids just need a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. For some

28

AT E A S E | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4

Lt. Col. (Rev.) Paul McCullough, U.S. Army re�red, is president of the Associa�on 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, re�ring in 2018 as deputy director for supplier opera�ons, Defense Logis�cs Agency. He deployed to Opera�on Iraqi Freedom in 2005, and in 2017 as commander of the DLA Support Team-Kuwait. He holds a doctorate in business administra�on from Walden University.

families, an even more fundamental question is whether or not we are taking our kids to church each week and training them in our faith. Rather than sleeping in on Sunday, be a family that prays together to stays together.

Whether we like it or not, whether we want to accept it or not, as parents we are directly responsible for the success of our children’s lives. This is not an easy task and often requires some tough choices. Are we going to spend our time and money on the activities that are most edifying to us as adults, or are we going to invest our lives into our children? Many of us long for the time when we will become grandparents, looking on our grown children with pride and spoiling our grandchildren. The sad truth though is that life doesn’t always work out this way. Parents sometimes become estranged from their children, families become bankrupt, marriages break up and kids lose their way.

However, I deeply believe it doesn’t need to be this way.

Proverbs 22:6 reads, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

The example that we set for our children, especially in how we spend our time and money, will greatly impact what they do in their own lives as they become older.

As we prepare to send our kids back to school, let’s be intentional about investing in our children, the next generation of our family and our country. Do your best to give them not only all the physical items they need to be successful, but also your time. Learn what’s important to them and spend time with them developing the necessary skills for them to achieve their dreams.

In my humble opinion, our children are our legacy, and there is no greater joy than seeing them accomplish their goals and become the people that God created them to be.

Although this will almost certainly require some measure of sacrifice, the long-term rewards will be well worth it. When our children grow up to have successful careers, we will know we’ve done our job.

Global gifts from the few and the new Story By Charles S. Masarsky, D.C.

M

y typical article describes a health problem and outlines some things you can do about it. This article is very different. I want to discuss a unique form of American influence in the world.

As you read this, people beyond our shores are putting on their jeans to attend a baseball or basketball game, to take in a bluegrass or jazz performance, to watch a Hollywood blockbuster, or to grab a bite at McDonald’s or Kentucky Fried Chicken. These forms of American influence are very obviously visible.

The influence of American healthcare innovation, on the other hand, is not as obvious to most people, and usually goes unremarked.

Yet, this innovation has the same global reach as the above examples, with life-enhancing and sometimes life-saving benefits. As an American healthcare provider, this is a source of pride for me. After considering a small number of illustrative examples, I hope it becomes a source of pride for you as well.

A free gift of vision In 1785, our young country’s ambassador to France was Benjamin Franklin. When looking across a table in a diplomatic meeting, he needed glasses to help his distance vision. When referring to documents at such meetings, he needed a second set of glasses for near vision. Constantly switching glasses during these important meetings disturbed the flow of Franklin’s diplomatic work. To improve matters, Franklin invented the bifocal lens.

Franklin never patented his invention. He intended his idea to be available for the benefit of the world’s people, as it has been for generations.

Life blood Somewhere in the world today, people who would otherwise perish from serious injury or illness are being saved thanks to a transfusion of blood or plasma.

In 1940, Dr. Charles Drew of Howard University organized the first military blood bank. Prior to this, he was responsible for the first bloodmobile as well as innovative techniques for the preservation of blood and plasma.

Dr. Drew’s work was made possible by the discovery of the ABO blood groups in 1900. Credit for this discovery goes to Dr. Karl Landsteiner, born in Austria. As an adult, Dr. Landsteiner emigrated to the United States, becoming an American citizen in 1929.

It’s not always technology Not all healthcare innovations involve the development of a new drug or the invention of a new device. They are often the result of new awareness of how to use the natural gifts of human senses, hands and minds. Many of America’s health care innovations are in this lowtech or non-tech arena. Consider a few examples.

Rapid diagnosis of abdominal pain can be crucial in deciding how to deal with the patient. American surgeon Dr. Charles McBurney found a point in the right lower abdomen that quickly identifies acute appendicitis. He described the method of finding and using this point in an 1889 publication. Today, McBurney’s point is still used by the world’s doctors.

New York anesthesiologist Dr. Virginia Apgar became concerned with the mortality rate of newborns during the first 24 hours of life.

She developed a quick way of assessing the newborn’s health status.

What we now know as the Apgar score was described in a 1952 presentation, published in 1953.

When a Commander in Chief suffers from severe chronic pain, reducing this pain without mind-dulling drugs is a matter of national security. American physician Dr. Janet Travell developed innovative methods to relieve pain by treating active nodules of painful tissue known as myofascial trigger points. She began this work in the 1940s and continued until her death in 1997. In 1961, Dr. Travell became the personal physician to President John F. Kennedy. His successor Lyndon B. Johnson retained Travell in that position. Today, the treatment of myofascial trigger points is common in many countries.

Travell’s work was paralleled by the career of American chiropractor Dr. Raymond Nimmo, who developed the handson method he named Receptor Tonus technique. This technique addresses the same myofascial trigger points investigated by Travell.

Nimmo probably began developing his technique in the 1940s and began actively teaching by the 1950s. Today, this and similar techniques are often used along with vertebral adjustments and other chiropractic techniques.

The chiropractic profession was founded in Davenport, Iowa, in 1895. It was a controversial profession then and in Dr. Nimmo’s time.

Today, however, chiropractic practitioners and colleges can be found on all six inhabited continents.

The few and the new That the United States has always been a powerhouse of innovation in all areas including healthcare is – and should be – a source of pride.

Considering how few Americans there are in the world, and how little time we have been a presence in that world, our contributions seem all the more impressive.

Consider this: In Benjamin Franklin’s time, fewer than 1% of the people in the world were American. Today, it is still only some 5%. The fact that we have been a nation since 1776 – 248 years – is also worthy of comment. Some European countries such as Britain, Spain, and France were already centuries old at our founding. Ancient civilizations such as those in India, China and Egypt were already millennia old in 1776.

As few and as new as we Americans are, our numerous healthcare innovations help millions every day in every corner of the world.

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4 | AT E A S E

29

2

VEHICLE DONATIONS HELP FUEL OUR MISSION When you donate a vehicle to benefit Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), the money from its sale helps injured veterans and their families access free life-changing programs and services, and you receive a tax deduction.

To schedule a fast and easy pickup or to learn more, call 866.488.3244 or visit woundedwarriorproject.org/Fuel4WWP today.

4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300 | Jacksonville, FL 32256 © 2024 Wounded Warrior Project is a tax-exempt 501(C)(3) organization.

30

AT E A S E | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4

WOUNDED WARRIOR ERIC SCHEI AND HIS FAMILY RECEIVE SUPPORT THROUGH THE WWP INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM

ISSUE 55 • AUGUST 2023

At Ease M I D - AT L A N T I C

M I L I T A R Y

L I F E

JAY BRYANT

62-year-old Air Force veteran competing at a high level

CURATION

Program helps veterans find their future by preserving the past

FIELDS FOR VALOR Vets growing food for other vets through clean farming

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Base Guide 2024

Fort Myer Henderson Hall Fort McNair 2024 BASE GUIDE AND PHONE BOOK

1

RYAN EBAUGH

443-963-6013 rebaugh@chespub.com

NAVAL AIR STATION

ELI WOHLENHAUS

240-801-2258 ewohlenhaus@dcmilitary.com

PATUXENT RIVER

2023-2024 Newcomer Guide with Installation Map Center of Excellence for Naval Aviation • www.cnic.navy.mil/patuxent

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4 | AT E A S E

31

32

AT E A S E | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4 | AT E A S E

33

10% Military Discount

Collision Repair • Refinish Repair Aluminum Repair • Frame Repair Mechanical Repair • Glass Replacement Airbag/ADAS Calibration

FREE ESTIMATES

8180 Newington Rd, Lorton, VA 22079 571-290-7888

kolex-collision.com

What’s your impact?

GIVE HAPPY today at GiveCFC.org.

34

AT E A S E | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4

COMING UP Tyrenna Tolbert, pictured below, is an Army veteran and Charles County, Md., native, who recently competed on USA Network’s “Anonymous.” Read more about her experience on the show, as well as her time in the United States military.

Photo by Rico Torres/USA Network

Transplant care for veterans battling liver and kidney conditions.

MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute in Washington, D.C., is now partnering with the DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center to bring you top-rated transplant care.

• Covered by your VA benefits, including travel and lodging • Performed by a national leader in transplant surgery with dedicated VA Medical Center and transplant staff • Living donor options • Easy access to the DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center • Minutes away from Washington, D.C., sightseeing

To learn more, scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit MedStarHealth.org/Vet

Preventive Care for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

I N N O V A T I V E

&

C A R I N G

Falls Church, Woodbridge, Manassas, Arlington, and Franconia.