Memorial Day ceremony at NASP ... A Memorial Day ceremony is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. May 29 at Barrancas National Cemetery. Speakers will include NASP Commanding Officer Christopher Martin and retired Army Maj. Gen. Al Gilley. The ceremony is open to anyone who wishes to remember those who have given their lives in service to their country. Event sponsors include the Gulf Coast Veterans Advocacy Council and Barrancas National Cemetery. For more information, call Robert Hall at 712-3319 or go to www.gcvacflalms.org.
Vol. 81, No. 20
VISIT GOSPORT ONLINE: www.gosportpensacola.com
May 19, 2017
Symposium offers powerful panels Story, photo by Janet Thomas Gosport Staff Writer
Retired Marine Lt. Gen. Duane Theissen, president and CEO of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, set the stage for two days of discussions as he welcomed guests to the annual Naval Aviation Symposium May 11. Theissen pointed out a group of ensigns and first lieutenants sitting in the audience. “They are the future of where we are going,” he said. Then he asked retired Navy Cmdr. Charles Luczak to stand up. Luczak, a veteran naval aviator, received his wings in 1944 and flew TBM Avengers. He went on to make the Navy a career flying patrol and support aircraft. “He flew through the Cold War. He flew in Vietnam. He is part of the legacy we inherited as naval aviators and that we are
trying to carry forward,” Theissen said. “That’s what it is all about. Who are we? What is our commitment? How are we going to do it?” Museum Director Sterling Gilliam, a retired Navy captain, said it was an honor for him to kick off the first panel discussion with past, present and future naval aviators in the audience. “So many of my mentors are in the room today,” he said. Gilliam recounted some of the recent naval aviation missions in critical areas around the world as he introduced the theme for this year: “Power Projection in the 21st Century.” “We are going to give you a peek under the hood of how the Navy projects that power around the world,” he said. Beginning in 1987, the symposium aims to preserve the See Symposium on page 2
Navy Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, Naval Air Forces, takes a question from a member of the audience May 12 during the Naval Aviation Symposium at the National Naval Aviation Museum.
NETPDC program analyst recognized as CFC Hero Story, photo by Ed Barker NETPDC Public Affairs
Laticia Jackson, health educator, Naval Hospital Pensacola, talks to a patient May 4 about participating in the Medical Home Port Population Health Program.
New team at NHP focuses on healthy lifestyle changes Story, photo by Jason Bortz Naval Hospital Pensacola Public Affairs
Naval Hospital Pensacola is currently implementing a wellness and lifestyle program designed to help promote healthy lifestyle changes and improve the physical wellbeing of patients. The Medical Home Port Population Health program was created to provide patients with a health care support team focused on a patient’s individual wellness, fitness and weight loss needs. The program was started last year and was specifically created to assist patients who frequent the hospital with health conditions that could be better managed with lifestyle changes. Many of these patients have condi-
tions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or use tobacco products. By changing unhealthy habits, patients can improve their overall health and reduce the number of health care visits. “Many illnesses are lifestyle related,” said Laticia Jackson, health educator, Naval Hospital Pensacola. “Change does not happen overnight, but we are here to support our patients through making lifestyle changes and we work with them as a team.” Patients who are good candidates for the program are identified by their primary care manager (PCM) at NHP and are referred to the Health Promotion and Wellness Department.
A program analyst at the Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC) was honored as a National Combined Federal Campaign (CDC) Hero at an awards ceremony at Saufley Field May 11. Bill Marvel, acting chairperson for the Southeast Tri-State Region Combined Federal Cam-
See CFC on page 2
Fill out your survey The 2017 Command Climate Survey (DEOCS) will be available from May 22 to June 9. The survey is open to all military and civilian personnel (with the exception of contractors). Everyone will have the opportunity take the survey one of two ways. You can fill out a paper survey that Command Assessment team members will have available for you or, you can take the online survey. Everyone will receive an email with the pass codes to access the online survey. No matter your rank, your opinions matter. Your chain of command is listening. The goal is to have everyone complete a survey. Here are some points to remember: • The DEOCS is an anonymously-administered instrument that can be completed from any computer with Internet access. • You don’t need to use your Common Access Card (CAC). • You don’t need to use a government computer. • You can access the survey from your home computer. • You can access the survey from your smartphone. •You can go to the library or Internet café. – From Command Managed Equal Opportunity Manager
See Wellness on page 2
paign, presented the award to Chrissy Wagner, program analyst for the Navy Advancement Center Strategic Analysis and Metrics Branch. “Every year, the Office of Personnel Management recognizes campaigns and volunteers who have made extraordinary contributions to the CFC through their dedication and creativity,” Marvel said. “The CFC Heroes Awards are given
Capt. Kertreck Brooks, NETPDC commanding officer (left) congratulates Chrissy Wagner, NETPDC program manager and CFC Hero. With them are CFC representatives Ron Denson and Bill Marvel.
Changes will help Sailors with credentialing process By MC 2 Taylor L. Jackson CIWT Public Affairs
Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) announced two program changes and an added feature on its website May 1. A new policy update, to be eligible for Navy COOL credential funding support, reduces the minimum 12 or more months’ time remaining-inservice requirement down to six or more months. Sailors who have at least six months remaining on their current contracts are now authorized to pursue civilian licensing opportunities through Navy COOL. Waivers for those with less than six months remaining on their
current contract may be available; waiverable conditions are outlined on the Navy COOL website. “The time-in-service change allows Sailors to pursue credentials throughout their military life cycle, from completion of technical training until they become eligible for transition opportunities,” said Jim Johnson, the Navy’s voluntary education service chief. Navy COOL also announced a pilot program to fund credentials aligned with academic degrees or academic certificates. Until now, COOL services have assisted with providing credentialing See COOL on page 2
Published by Ballinger Publishing, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Navy. Opinions contained herein are not official expressions of the Department of the Navy nor do the advertisements constitute Department of the Navy, NAS Pensacola or Ballinger Publishing’s endorsement of products or services advertised.