NAS Pensacola to conduct water tests ... Following new Navy guidance and procedures, Commander, Navy Region Southeast (CNRSE) ordered testing for lead in water outlets located in priority areas at 15 of its installations in the Southeast region, including Naval Air Station Pensacola (NASP), beginning this month. This additional testing is above and beyond EPA regulatory requirements. NASP, the Navy and EPA promote healthy (school/child day care center/youth center) environments and water quality is one component of a healthy environment. To ensure that children using these base facilities have access to the safest possible drinking water, a number of steps are being taken. These include testing drinking water for lead, sharing results with parents, students and staff and other interested stakeholders; and, if problems are identified, taking appropriate and necessary action to correct any problems. NASP facilities are scheduled to be tested in mid-October. Before these tests begin, MWR and NASP public affairs will provide an informational letter, fact sheet and contact information for questions and test results. For additional information on lead in water testing, access the CNRSE webpage at: http://cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrse/om/lead-in-priority-area-sampling-program.html.
Vol. 78, No. 38
National Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day Sept. 28 From staff reports
National Gold Star (NGS) Mother’s and Family Day, recognized as the last Sunday in September, is being observed onboard NAS Pensacola and regionally with proclamations signed by NASP CO Capt. Keith Hoskins and scheduled to be signed by Rear Adm. Mary M. Jackson, Commander, Navy Region Southeast. Gold Star families are families of those who died serving in the United States armed forces and are identified by a gold star lapel button. A presidential proclamation of Sept. 13, 1993, directs all government officials to display the flag of the United States over government buildings on this day. Additionally, POTUS encourages the American people to display the flag and hold appropriate ceremonies as a public expression of the nation’s sympathy and respect for American Gold Star mothers and families. In 2013, Gold Star Family (GSF)-designated parking signs were placed outside high-traffic facilities aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola (NASP). Parking spot location include the Pensacola Navy Exchange (NEX) Mall, Pensacola Commissary, Fleet and Family Support Center and Naval Hospital Pensacola (NHP). The term Gold Star family is a modern reference that comes from the Service Flag. These flags/banners were first flown by families during World War I. The flag included a blue star for every immediate family
VISIT GOSPORT ONLINE: www.gosportpensacola.com
September 26, 2014
NHP: Respiratory illness outbreak; precautions From Naval Hospital Pensacola
There have been recent outbreaks of respiratory illnesses involving enterovirus D-68 (EV-D68) that have been reported in multiple states including Florida and Alabama. The illness primarily affects children, and the most common symptoms are a mild cold or respiratory illness. For some individuals, the illness may progress to wheezing and difficulty breathing. On rare occasions, hospitalization may be required. There is no specific treatment for people with a respiratory illness caused by EV-D68, but for mild respiratory illnesses, over-the-counter medications for pain and fever can be taken (aspirin should not be given to children). To help prevent being infected by this or similar respiratory illnesses, follow these steps: • Wash hands often with soap and warm water for 20
See D-68 on page 2
Coral Rae Bennett, 7, from Myrtle Grove Elementary School helps Mark Gibson pick up trash at Mustin Beach, one of five beach cleanup locations at NAS Pensacola.
Coastal cleanup nets ton of trash Story, photo From PWD Navy Natural Resources
More than a ton of trash and washed up debris has disappeared from the beaches aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola (NASP) thanks to 45 volunteers who participated in the 2014 Interna-
tional Coastal Cleanup, held Sept. 20. Nine different teams recently collected a total of 2,150 pounds of debris, according to NASP Public Works Department Navy Natural Resources Manager Mark Gibson. The teams
See Cleanup on page 2
NASP ombudsmen recognized with proclamation Story, photo by Kristy M. Malone FFSC SAPR Civilian Victim Advocate
On Sept. 18, the NAS Pensacola Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) held an ombudsman appreciation reception to recognize the spouses who volunteer their time in support of military families. Every command has an ombudsman who is a spouse of a service member at the command. The ombudsman serves as the liaison between the command and the families, and assists
a variety of problems to successfully meet the challenges they face before, during, and after deployments. FFSC Director Kathleen Doherty opened the event by speaking about the critical role of ombudsman. “We know they’re there 24/7. They are our triage in NASP CO Capt. Keith Hoskins, center, signs a procla- the field and they will often mation during an ombudsman appreciation reception be a first point of contact Sept. 18. Hoskins also signed the National Gold Star for families who have Mother’s and Family Day proclamation Sept. 22. needs. We certainly apprefamilies with navigating the cially critical during de- ciate them 365 days out of unique challenges of Navy ployments, the services the year, but we have set life by providing resources provided are the same dur- aside today to specifically and information. While the ing shore tour assignments honor them,” Doherty said. ombudsman role is espe- as they help families solve Command leadership
See NGS on page 2
Aviation legacy ... Julie Vollmer, left, and Dick Price, the children of Lt. Cmdr. Robert H. Price, look at an exhibit about their father with Hill Goodspeed, historian at the National Naval Air Museum. Several relatives of the World War II aviator gathered in Pensacola recently to share their memories of the Grumman F6F Hellcat pilot, who was rescued in July 1944 after spending 11 days adrift in a raft. Later that year, he was lost at sea from the USS Cowpens (CVL 25) during a typhoon. Family members donated documents and other memorabilia to the museum for the exhibit, which fills a large display case in the museum’s library. Photo by Janet Thomas
showed their support for their individual ombudsmen by attending and presenting them with certificates of appreciation. Tamikia Hollowell, president of the area chapter Navy Wives Club, Angels of Blue Angels, also presented each honoree with a rose and thanked them for their service. Honorees who received certificates ranged in experience from one ombudsman who was serving her first day in the role to others who had served for several years and at multiple duty stations. Commanding Officer of NAS Pensacola, Capt. Keith Hoskins, expressed his gratitude for the role of the ombudsmen. “On every deployment and pre-deployment, and coming home we see the magnitude of the efforts of our ombudsman,” Hoskins said. “These individuals volunteer their time selflessly in the service of military families. That’s what allows us to do our jobs,
See Omb. on page 2
NHP prescription drug take-back day ...
Naval Hospital Pensacola (NHP) will be hosting a prescription drug takeback day tomorrow, Sept. 27, at the satellite pharmacy (next to the commissary) from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Drop off any unused medications to be disposed of properly. Medications that accumulate in the home can be dangerous to children, pets and others. The event is completely anonymous and is free. All prescription and over-the-counter medications will be accepted, but intravenous solutions, injectables and needles will not. For more information, contact the NHP Pharmacy at 505-6640.
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