Gosport - November 20, 2015

Front gate street light repairs at NAS Pensacola ... NavFac SE

is making repairs to the street lighting on Sam Lovelace Bridge’s outbound overpass in the vicinity of the NASP front gate. The project work will result in temporary lane shifts and outboard lane closures on Sam Lovelace Bridge. Motorists are urged to use extra caution when passing through work areas. Work is under way and will continue through late December. For questions or more information, contact the PWD production officer at 452-3131, ext. 3005.

Vol. 79, No. 46

VISIT GOSPORT ONLINE: www.gosportpensacola.com

November 20, 2015

CID recognized for 40 years of accreditation

By Carla M. McCarthy CID Public Affairs

The Council on Occupational Education (CoE) acknowledged NAS Pensacola Corry Station’s Center for Information Dominance (CID) for completing 40 years of accredited institution status at the council’s annual meeting in Atlanta, Ga., Nov. 4.

The council is a nonprofit, voluntary membership organization serving post-secondary education and training institutions to provide quality assurance reviews of their career and technical workforce training programs.

“This accreditation continues to be a very important part of who we are, and it symbolizes the quality of training that we are able to provide to our students throughout the CID

domain,” said Capt. Maureen Fox, CID commanding officer.

“It helps validate that we are doing it right, and that our courses are delivering welltrained Sailors to the fleet.”

Instructional Systems Specialist Denise Myers, liaison between CID and CoE, accepted the recognition on behalf of the nearly 1,300 military, civilian and contracted employees who train the Information Dominance Corps.

“Maintaining our CoE accreditation affords those we train with the ability to attain college credits for the training we offer,” said Myers. “By having the approved CoE seal on our graduation certificates, our trainees can take their graduation certificates to their college or university of choice and have

See CID@40 on page 2

Naval Hospital Pensacola’s (NHP) MA1 Dennis Holloway hands NHP stickers to two girls during the Veterans Day Parade Nov. 11 in Pensacola. Participating in the parade was an opportunity for NHP to not only honor the veterans of Pensacola, but to thank the local community for the support it gives to veterans.

NHP honors vets at parade Story, photo

by Jason Bortz Naval Hospital Pensacola PAO

Naval Hospital Pensacola (NHP) participated in the Pensacola Veterans Day Parade to honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces or are currently serving.

Members of the hospital staff were invited to walk in the parade by the Marine Corps League in Pensacola.

“Veterans Day is a day to honor not only those veterans that made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country, but to also honor the veterans of today,” said Capt. Sarah

See Parade on page 2

72 new Americans sworn in as U.S. citizens

By Ens. Anthony Junco CTW-6 Public Affairs

The National Naval Aviation Museum auditorium was filled with excitement as friends and family members gathered to welcome 72 new Americans, including five U.S. Navy Sailors, during a Nov. 13 naturalization ceremony.

The Honorable M. Casey Rodgers, Chief United States District Judge for the Northern District of Florida, presided over the special session of the court held inside the museum aboard

Naval Air Station Pensacola (NASP). NASP Commanding Officer, Capt. Keith Hoskins, was the guest speaker at the event.

A notable difference from many citizenship ceremonies that take place throughout the United States, was that five of these new citizens had already sworn allegiance to the United States and to protect its freedom when they joined the Navy.

Becoming an American citizen has been a longterm goal for PRAN Jansenn De La Cruz, originally from the Philip-

Al Roker meets the Blue Angels, breaks record ... NBC “Today Show” weatherman Al Roker shakes hands with Cmdr. Ryan Bernacchi, the commanding officer and flight leader of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, Nov. 11 at the National Naval Aviation Museum aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola.

Roker stopped in Pensacola as part of “Rokerthon 2,” an attempt to set the Guinness Book of World Records for the fastest time to report a weather forecast from all 50 U.S. states. He completed the journey Nov. 13 in seven days and 18 minutes, well under the minimum of 50 days to achieve the record. Photo by Janet Thomas

PRAN Jansenn De La Cruz, left, SA Morgan Collins, center, and PRAN Chiderah Akobundu take the naturalization oath with other new American citizens during a ceremony Nov. 13 at the National Naval Aviation Museum. Photo by Janet Thomas

pines.

“I have already been living in the United States for six years and decided it was time to become a citizen. To me its pretty special to see everyone here,

especially the judges and Capt. Hoskins,” said De La Cruz. “I’m proud to serve my country.”

During the moving ceremony, each citizen stood, introduced themselves and

stated their country of origin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Eggers then made the motion for admission to the court that the candidates be sworn in as American citizens.

Rodgers administered the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the candidates. The candidates swore the citizenship oath, similar to the oath of enlistment, where they renounced allegiance and ties to previous states and powers, swore to support and defend the Constitution, to bear arms when required, and that affirmed that they were doing this “freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.”

Rodgers called SA Morgan Collins, originally from South Africa, to the podium, where he spoke about his journey to citizenship, of his American wife and his dedication to serving the United States.

“After marrying my wife, I began to look to pursue another dream of mine; the dream to serve the military in some capacity and give back to the United States what it already has given me,” he said.

Collins closed his

See Citizens 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.

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November 20, 2015

GOSPORT

NASP’s Col. Eric F. Buer awards Traditional Freedom Trophy to Talladega Superspeedway’s CampingWorld.com 500 Winner From Talladega Superspeedway

TALLADEGA, Ala. – Joey Logano lowered the broom on Talladega Superspeedway Oct. 25, winning the CampingWorld.com 500 for a sweep of the three races in the Contender Round of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Logano took the lead when Greg Biffle had to pit for fuel eight laps from the end, then held on through two restarts to win for the sixth time this year and the 11th time in the past 61 races.

While winning three consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races is not that unusual – Kyle Busch did it earlier this season – this is the first time a driver has swept all three races in a Chase round. In addition, Logano is the first Ford driver to win three straight since Rusty Wallace in 1994.

“I am so proud of this team.

Three in a row is unbelievable,” Logano said. “It’s amazing. I guess dreams come true. We just have to keep this dream rolling.

MATSG-21 Commanding Officer Marine Col. Eric F. Buer presents the Traditional Freedom Trophy to winner Joey Logano. Photo courtesy Talladega Superspeedway

We have momentum, that’s for sure.”

The Traditional Freedom Trophy, Talladega Superspeedway’s newest tradition to honor the country’s military, was presented to Logano by NAS Pensacola’s Marine Col. Eric F. Buer, commanding officer, Marine Aviation Training Support Group-21 (MATSG-21) “We are extremely proud to

continue the prestigious Freedom Trophy ritual here at Talladega Superspeedway,” said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch.

“There’s nothing we like more than showing support for our country’s troops who fight each and every day for our freedom so that we can put on NASCAR events here. They deserve all the recognition in the world.”

Logano will be joined in the next round of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup by Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Kurt Busch, Brad Keselowski, Martin Truex Jr., Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch, who grabbed the final spot over Ryan Newman by only three points.

In addition to Newman, Denny Hamlin, Matt Kenseth and Dale Earnhardt Jr. were also eliminated from championship contention. One of the 11 desperate drivers vying for a victory in order to advance, Earnhardt Jr. finished second, only a few inches behind Logano.

“Just fell about the width of the splitter short,” said Dale Jr,

CID@40 from page 1

proof that the level of training they received from CID is equal to what is offered at colleges and universities across the world.”

The award of accreditation is based on an evaluation that demonstrates that an institution meets the standards of quality of the council and the needs of students, the community and employers. The process includes an extensive self-study by the institution and an intensive review by a visiting team of professional educators representing member institutions from other states.

“The CID self-study, which is updated yearly and submitted to CoE at a minimum of every six years, addresses 10 standards needed for reaffirmation of accreditation,” said Myers. “It covers our institutional mission; educational programs; program and institutional outcomes; strategic planning, learning, physical, financial and human resources; organizational structure; and student services and activities.”

CID was last reaffirmed in 2013 and expects the Parade from page 1

Martin, commanding officer, NHP. “It’s important we stop and honor all veterans.”

Representing NHP at the parade were Martin, NHP CMDCM Mike Hinkle, a dozen corpsmen and NHP’s three Sailors of the Year: HM1 George Morrison, Senior Sailor of the Year; HM3 Kaleesha Ramos, Junior Sailor of the Year; and HN Branden Beasley, Bluejacket of the Year. Participating in the parade was not only an opportunity to highlight the Sailors at NHP, but it also allowed the Sailors of NHP to thank the veterans in attendance and the local community that supports the thousands of veterans that call Pensacola home.

“It is an honor to be a veteran and to be in the parade,” said Morrison, who is the leading petty officer for the NHP Directorate of Medical Services. “It’s a time for fellow veterans and the community to show their appreciation for our service members of today and the past.”

Walking in the parade with the Marines of the Marine Corps League demonstrated the special relationship that exists between Marines and corpsmen, a relationship that extends across generations. Corpsmen are assigned to Marine units to provide medical care to Marines, often in the worst of conditions.

Vol. 79, No. 46

Capt. Maureen Fox, Center for Information Dominance (CID) commanding officer, receives a plaque commemorating 40 years of accreditation with the Council on Occupational Education (CoE) from Instructional Systems Specialist Denise Myers, liaison between CID and CoE. Photo by Carla M. McCarthy

next CoE team visit to take place in 2019. CID has undergone self-studies and subsequent site visits by CoE about every six years in order to maintain this “Marines know that (they) don’t survive without their corpsmen,” said George “Doc” Dodge, who served as a corpsman from 1963-1967 and is now a member of the Marine Corps League. “Corpsmen support the Marines and Marines support corpsmen. We are like brothers.”

Dodge led the initiative to invite NHP to this year’s parade and was a principal part of growing the Pensacola Veterans Day Parade to the size it is today. In 2010, Dodge attended the parade while his son was serving in the Marine Corps overseas. That year, only 128 participants walked in the parade. The parade now has more than 2,000 participants.

Pensacola is a community rich in military history and has always supported veterans, whether they are here for a few years on orders or call Pensacola home. Participating in the parade was an opportunity for NHP to not only honor the veterans of Pensacola, but to thank the local community for the support it gives to veterans.

“Veterans Day is a celebration of the sacrifices made by so many of our Americans over generations of the history of our great country,” said retired Marine Corps Col. Chris Holzworth, commandant of the Marine Corps League in Pensacola. “It’s an opportunity to show veterans that we will never forget them and their sacrifices.”

November 20, 2015

Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla.: A Bicentennial Defense Community Commanding Officer — Capt. Keith Hoskins Public Affairs Officer — Patrick J. Nichols The Gosport nameplate pays homage to the 100th anniversary of naval aviation in 2011: the Centennial of Naval Aviation, or CONA. The image on the left side of the nameplate depicts Eugene Ely taking off in a Curtiss pusher bi-plane from the USS Pennsylvania Jan. 18, 1911.

While Ely had taken off from the USS Birmingham two months earlier after his plane had been loaded on the ship, the USS Pennsylvania event was the first time a plane landed on and then took off from a U.S. warship.

The image on the right side is the Navy’s most modern fighter aircraft, the F-18 Super Hornet.

Established in 1921 as the Air Station News, the name Gosport was adopted in 1936. A gosport was a voice tube used by flight instructors in the early days of naval aviation to give instructions and directions to their students. The name “Gosport” was derived from Gosport, England (originally God’s Port), where the voice tube was invented.

Gosport is an authorized newspaper published every Friday by Ballinger Publishing,

who posted his 12th top-five finish and 16th top-10 in 32 starts at Talladega Superspeedway.

“I’m not going to be too upset about it. I did everything I could.

I’m proud of myself and proud of my team.”

Earnhardt Jr. was running outside the top 25 with less than 60 laps remaining following a pit-stop penalty. But he worked his way back into the lead barely 20 laps later and ended the day having led a race-best 61 laps.

Keselowski finished fourth, followed by Edwards in fifth, Paul Menard sixth, Truex seventh, Clint Bowyer eighth, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. ninth and Kurt Busch 10th.

recognition.

Initially accredited with CoE in 1975, CID started out as Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC), Corry Station. Having evolved as a learning center for the Naval Education and Training Command over the years, CID leads, manages and delivers Navy and joint forces training in information operations, information warfare, information technology, cryptology and intelligence.

CID provides training for approximately 22,000 members of the U.S. armed services and allied forces each year and oversees the development and administration of more than 200 courses at four commands, two detachments and 12 learning sites throughout the United States and Japan.

For more information on the Center for Information Dominance, visit http://www.netc.navy.mil/ centers/ ceninfo dom/; http://www.face book.com/ CenterForInformationDominance/ and http://twitter. com/CenterInfoDom. For more news from Center for Information Dominance, visit www.navy.mil/local/cid.

Citizens from page 1

speech with a challenge not only to the new citizens, but to everyone in attendance.

“If were going to be citizens of the greatest country in the world, we should take it upon ourselves to pursue greatness,” he said.

The new citizens were joined by fifth-grade students from the Liza Jackson Preparatory School in Fort Walton Beach as they recited the “Pledge of Allegiance.”

And Hoskins reminded each new citizen of the importance of their citizenship, as well as what the “Pledge of Allegiance” now means to each of them.

“As new citizens, choose to not be sidelined but be involved and vote; be informed of the issues that affect your way of life; seek out opportunities to get involved and choose to tell your story,” he said.

The ceremony closed with a unique and impressive rendition of “America the Beautiful” sung not only in English, but also in German, Russian and Spanish, by the Rev. Leo Day, dean of the school of music at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Rhodes Building, 41 North Jefferson Street, Suite 402, Pensacola, FL 32504, in the interest of military and civilian personnel and their families aboard the Naval Air Station Pensacola, Saufley Field and Corry Station.

Editorial and news material is compiled by the Public Affairs Office, 150 Hase Road, Ste.-A, NAS Pensacola, FL 32508-1051.

All news releases and related materials should be mailed to that address, e-mailed to scott.hallford@navy.mil.

National news sources are American Forces Press Service (AFPS), Navy News Service (NNS), Air Force News Service (AFNS), News USA and North American Precis Syndicate (NAPS).

Opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Department of Defense, United States Navy, officials of the Naval Air Station Pensacola, or Ballinger Publishing.

All advertising, including classified ads, is arranged through Ballinger Publishing. Minimum weekly circulation is 25,000. Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to rank, rate, race, creed, color, national origin or sex of the purchaser, user or patron.

A confirmed rejection of this policy of equal opportunities by an advertiser will result in the refusal of future advertising from that source.

For classified ads, call: (850) 433-1166, ext. 24 For commercial advertising: Becky Hildebrand (850) 433-1166, ext. 31 Becky@ballingerpublishing.Com Visit Us On The Web At: Ballinger Publishing.Com Mail To: Gosport, NAS Pensacola, 150 Hase Road, Ste.-A, Pensacola, FL 32508-1051

Gosport Editor

Scott Hallford 452-4466 scott.hallford@navy.mil Gosport Associate Editor

Mike O’Connor 452-2165 michael.f.oʼconnor.ctr@navy.mil Gosport Staff Writer

Janet Thomas 452-4419 janet.thomas.ctr@navy.mil

November 20, 2015

GOSPORT

COMMENTARY

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Last of litter serves as role model for military life

By Lisa Smith Molinari Military Spouse Columnist

The cranberry farmer reached a calloused hand into the crate and grabbed the loose scruff of one pup’s neck. Holding the limp sixweek-old yellow Labrador retriever at eye level, the farmer grumbled, “You can take this one if you want.

The rest are spoken for.”

We cradled the squishy bundle of softness and puppy breath, pretending to decide if he was the one. He might be hyperactive. He might chew my leather boots. His tail might clear coffee tables.

He might scoot his rear end across the carpet in front of company.

But there was no going back. He was already ours.

The farmer put our deposit check into the pocket of his dingy jeans, then took out a knife. Quite matter-of-factly, he carved a swath of fur from the back of our pup’s neck so we could identify him at pick up time. As we drove back down the long country road, we could not help feeling like we were meant to rescue our puppy from the harsh realities of farm life.

How to submit a commentary

About the columnist Lisa Smith Molinari, mother of three, has been a military spouse for 20 years (and running). She also writes columns for Military Spouse magazine and a blog at www.themeat andpotatoesoflife.com.

She and her family are stationed at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island.

As you would expect when an impossibly adorable yellow Lab puppy moves into the neighborhood, our base neighbors fell in love with the dog we named

Moby. The two-year old golden retriever next door named Charlie tolerated Moby’s boundless energy with the compassion of a saint, playing until they were both damp with slobber.

Summer came, and sixmonth old Moby burst out the door of our military quarters in search of Charlie every day. Sometimes we would find Charlie waiting for Moby on our front porch, and other times Moby would find the door of Charlie’s house wedged open, and race inside to wreak havoc.

But then one day in July, Charlie’s house was empty.

Like several other military families in our neighborhood, our neighbors had packed up and moved away.

We realized that Moby is not a regular family pet. He is the pet of a military family, and just like military children and military spouses, military pets must handle the challenges of a mobile lifestyle.

Our first pet was a cat.

Zuzu was small, fat and afraid of her own shadow, but she moved with us four times, including three long airplane flights and one sixmonth quarantine while we

Moby is a nine-month-old yellow Labrador retriever.

were stationed in England.

She gave up the ghost at the ripe old age of 15, and we laid her to rest in a shady spot behind our house in Virginia Beach.

Our first dog, Dinghy, wasn’t easy to transport, seeing as he was 110 pounds and about three feet tall. We nearly defaulted on our mortgage to pay for the “giant breed” crate required for flying him overseas.

Dinghy also moved with us in the back seat of our minivan, fogging up the windows and depositing hairballs on the seats. But just like the rest of our family, Dinghy adapted to each new environment, chasing moles in Virginia, hares in Germany, crabs in Florida and rabbits in Rhode Island. After four

moves, Dinghy went to the great dog park in the sky last Thanksgiving, and there is a grave marker bearing his name in the Maine woods near the cabin we were renting.

Moby is nine months old now. He still sniffs the empty porch next door for Charlie, eventually distracting himself with sticks, rotten apples and ratty old tennis balls.

One day, the movers will come to our house again.

Moby will think they came just to play with him, and will bring them socks and squeaky toys. Then, after a scary plane ride or a long car ride, he will wonder why his bowls and bed are in a strange new kitchen.

Sometimes, I feel sorry for Moby and wonder if he would have been better off on the cranberry farm in Massachusetts.

But then, I see that Moby is serving as our family’s role model. Every morning, he steps out into the world to sniff the ever-changing breeze, blissfully ignorant but eternally hopeful that with each rising sun comes the opportunity for new friends, new experiences and new adventure.

Commentaries are the opinion of the writer and should not be interpreted as official government, Navy or command policy statements. Reader submissions are welcome but should not exceed 800 words.

Submissions must be bylined and include a daytime phone number or e-mail contact for the writer. All submissions are subject to editing to comply with policy and standards. Send commentary submissions to Janet.Thomas.ctr@navy.mil.

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November 20, 2015

GOSPORT

Capturing the action on the ground

T

he annual show at Naval Air Station Pensacola also marks a changing of the guard for the Blue Angels team. It is time to say farewell to departing members and welcome new members for training.

Departing members include Blue Angel No. 5 (lead solo) Lt. Cmdr. Mark Tedrow. Tedrow, who joined the Blue Angels in 2011, summed up his feelings about his Blue Angel experience.

“There are so many different things about this team that are great, and I have seen pretty much everything since I have been here,” he said.

He had high praise for the team’s fans in Pensacola.

“This is our backyard – our home turf – so the fan base here is probably the best that we’ve seen in the country. Everybody loves the Blues here. They take a lot of pride in being the home town of the Blue Angels, and it shows,” he said.

Tedrow is looking forward to rejoining the fleet as a member of Strike Fighter Squadron 22 (VFA-22), which is based at NAS Lemore in California. He is also looking forward to coming back to visit Pensacola as a former Blue Angel.

“I can come back and enjoy the show and be a spectator now,” he said.

••• Before being called away for a family emergency, Fat Albert pilot Marine Maj. Dusty Cook said he was looking forward to the show, even though it was going to be his last flight with the team. He said he was going to miss Pensacola and the Blue Angels.

“This was a rewarding experience and a great part of it was having the ability to connect with people,” he said.

Cook also talked about growing up in a small town – East Bernard, Texas – where there were fewer than 60 students in his graduating class. He had some ad-

2015 Marine Maj. Dusty Cook is interviewed by radio personality Jim Sanborn from WCOA-AM 1370 Nov. 5 in preparation for the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show. Photo by Jamie Link

AE2(AW) Anthony Moreno waves an American flag as a truck filled with members of the Blue Angels maintenance team passes in front of cheering spectators at the conclusion of the Nov. 7 show at NASP. Photo by Janet Thomas

vice for children who dream of doing something like flying “Fat Albert” one day.

“Invest in yourself early. Its like compound interest – build on yourself through education, knowledge and experiences,” he said. “Anybody can do this. If I can do it, you can too.”

••• PFC Krystle Hall was honored to be one of the special guests who got to take a demonstration ride on Fat Albert Nov. 6. Hall, who is from Fort Worth, Texas, graduated from boot camp in August and is a student with Aviation Maintenance Squadron One (AMS-1), a unit of Marine Aviation Training Support Group

MC1 Terrance Siren, who is usually at the other end of the camera, is the center of attention Nov. 6 as he takes the oath of reenlistment aboard Fat Albert as the C-130 Hercules taxies for takeoff. Photo by Laura Bogan

(MATSG).

The demonstration ride was not Hall’s first contact with the Fat Albert team. She said she met some of the crewmembers during a stopover for repairs in Texas.

“They heard that I was going to boot camp and they were really excited for me,” she said. “So they said we have to keep in touch and they knew what I was going in for, so they knew I was going to be down here.”

She said meeting Capt. Katie Higgins was an inspiration.

“I had read an article about her being the first female pilot for the Blue Angels for the C-130, and I just thought it was absolutely incredible and she was really mo-

tivating,” said Hall.

Hall said Higgins gave her advice on how to get through boot camp and how to be successful in general as a Marine.

••• The 2015 air show debuted on Instagram with a unique hashtag (#welcomehomeblues) that was created for the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show. More than 200 photos were shared from the weekend with more photos being added every day. However, an Instameet event scheduled for Nov. 7 had to be canceled due to weather. It will be on the schedule again for next year.

••• Now that the 2015 show season has ended, the Blue Angels will soon be leaving Pensacola for their winter training locations. The team will return in the spring to get ready for the 70th anniversary season. The team is scheduled to fly in 69 demonstrations at 36 locations in 2016.

The Pensacola Beach show is scheduled for July 16 and the Naval Air Station Pensacola air show is scheduled for Nov. 11 and Nov. 12. For more information about the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, go to www.blueangels.navy.mil.

Contributors include Janet Thomas, Gosport Staff Writer, and Jamie Link, NASP PAO Intern.

Gunnery Sgt. Christian Villalobos, right, talks to PFC Krystle Hall, center, and a group of other Marines before they boarded Fat Albert for a demonstration ride Nov. 6. Photo by Janet Thomas

GOSPORT

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November 20, 2015

5

Covenant Care grants final wish for Navy veteran From Jenni Perkins Covenant Care director of marketing and communications

Upon admission, Covenant Care asks each hospice patient a number of questions. As you can imagine, many of them have to do with their diagnosis, symptoms, pain level and final arrangements. But what you might not expect is that the nurse will also ask the patient for their top three wishes; the goal is for the individual to identify three experiences, needs or desires that would give them better quality of life in their final chapter of living.

The answers can vary greatly.

Some patients want nothing more than to be comfortable and to remain at home, while others would like to reach out to an estranged family member to make peace after years of disconnection, and yet others wish for specific experiences such as zip lining, making pottery or deep sea fishing. This was the wish that Donald Vaughan, a Navy veteran, recently expressed to his team of Covenant caregivers. Just one last time, Vaughan wanted – needed – to experience the salty wind and waves on which he spent so much time serving in the armed forces.

Vaughan was a high school aged boy when he made the decision to join the Navy. The Vietnam War had just started and the United States needed men to serve. He approached his parents and shared with them his desire to go fight for our country, and although the thought of their son going off to war terrified them, they gave him their blessing.

At just 17 years old, Vaughan joined the United States Navy

shipmates. One of those Sailors was young Donald Vaughan.

With severe burns covering parts of his body, Vaughan continued running back into the fire to rescue his comrades.

“I didn’t even pay attention to my own burns,” said Vaughan. “I don’t know how many times I went back and forth to pull other men out of the wreckage. I just knew I had to help them.”

When called a hero, Vaughan humbly responded, “I don’t see myself as a hero. That day I was just a person helping my crew members.”

In total, 28 Sailors were killed and 314 injured that day aboard the USS Enterprise. Many more would have died had it not been for honorable men like Vaughan.

More than 46 years later, he has traded his uniform for a comfortable gray T-shirt, but Vaughn still proudly wears his nation’s broad stripes and bright stars, Covenant Hospice caregivers, including social worker Tamara Hud- which are screen printed across son (left), coordinated a fishing trip for patient Donald Vaughan (cen- the chest of the shirt he wears. In ter) and his family with funds from the organization’s “A Hero’s Wish” his bed at home, breathing with the help of oxygen, Vaughan Veterans Support Fund. talks about his memories of the age before high speed internet battle drill and operational readi- Navy and shows his family and the Covenant Hospice team and the ability to scan documents, ness inspection.

The morning of Jan. 14, 1969, members who are caring for him the best they could do was use the ship-to-shore radio to try to con- as the ship’s crew was preparing a book written about the incident tact his parents. Upon finally for the drills to take place later in aboard the ship. He points out a reaching Vaughan’s father, the the day, the ship was suddenly small figure in a grainy black and skipper explained that Vaughan rocked by a huge explosion as a white photo – it is him, coming needed a verbal OK to remain on warhead attached to one of the out of the blazing fire, clouds of the ship and in the war. Vaughan aircrafts detonated. The massive smoke billowing far overhead.

Vaughan is now spending his spoke to his father for several explosion caused a fire, which minutes, reassuring his dad that then rapidly spread and set off last months with his family under being in the Navy was what he more bombs. Fifteen planes were the care of Covenant’s hospice wanted to do and that he did in destroyed, and as shrapnel vio- program. More than just the trafact sincerely want to stay. After a lently flew about, jet fuel spilled ditional medical services most meaningful dialogue between fa- over the deck and caused the fire people think of when hospice is ther and son, Vaughan’s father to grow. Injured Sailors crawled mentioned, the philosophy of addressed the skipper and gave out of the flames, many of them care treats the patient and family his permission for his son to re- helping to carry their wounded as a unit, and seeks to holistically and was soon deployed to the Gulf of Tonkin, the waters off the coast of northern Vietnam. He was in combat there for a few months when one day, his skipper approached him to inform him of a significant problem. Because of his age, Vaughan’s parents had to officially give permission for him to be there fighting in the war. In the day and

main on the ship.

Fast forward to January, 1969.

Vaughan once again found himself out on the sea on another mission. This time, he was on the aircraft carrier the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), which was heading back to Vietnam on its fourth deployment to the region.

On the way, the ship stopped in Pearl Harbor to conduct a final

address all of their needs – mind, body and spirit – as they face a terminal diagnosis.

When asked about his final wishes, as all of Covenant’s patients are, Vaughan told his Covenant team of his love of fishing and of the ocean, a place that for many veterans like Vaughan, has been filled with both terror and triumph. But it was a place he wanted to see one last time.

Covenant made that dream come true for Vaughan and recently took him out on a deep sea fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico. Accompanied by his grandsons, as well as a nurse and social worker from his hospice team, Vaughan felt at peace.

“To smell the fresh air and feel the salt water on my face and see the ocean all around me for as far as I could see reminded me of my time in the Navy,” he said, reflecting on his recent adventure.

“To be able to get back out on the ocean and to be able to share that with my grandsons was priceless to me.”

The fishing trip was funded through one of Covenant’s special programs: “A Hero’s Wish,” The Dale O. Knee Veterans Support Fund. Named after and established in honor of Covenant’s former president and CEO, who also is a Navy veteran, the fund allows Covenant to fulfill dreams and last wishes of patients who valiantly served in our armed forces.

For more information on Covenant Hospice, a member of the Covenant Care family of services, or to make a donation to the Dale O. Knee Veterans Support Fund, visit www.choose covenant.org or call 438-9714.

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November 20, 2015

GOSPORT

Moving day: Gopher tortoises are relocated before construction Story, photo

by Ens. Jeremy Griffin NAS Whiting Field Public Affairs

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aval Air Station Whiting Field (NASWF) began relocating gopher tortoises at Naval Outlying Field (NOLF) Holley recently to ensure the safety of the animals while preparing for a major construction project at the site.

Contractors temporarily moved all the tortoises from the affected area before October to a fenced area with pre-established burrows. The gopher tortoise is a protected species in Florida and all efforts are being made to ensure that the tortoises are healthy and that they were relocated safely. After the last burrow was dug up and gopher tortoise moved, then work on a new solar array for the area began.

There were ecological preparations that had to be made first, though. Ron Cherry, natural resource manager at NAS Whiting Field, was in charge of the relocation efforts.

“NAS Whiting Field has previously done controlled burning in the area where the gopher tortoises were moved to and ensured that the best grasses and vegetation have grown into those areas,” Cherry said.

The solar array at NOLF Holley will add ground-mounted photovoltaic panels over roughly 300 acres in the runways and surrounding clear zones. The arrays will produce an estimated 50 megawatts of electricity generated for consumption by the local community.

“The gopher tortoises were living in the area set aside for the construction of the solar array.

We relocated all of these gopher tortoises to an area outside of the construction area,” Cherry said.

“The gopher tortoises were relocated to one of four areas that have been penned off on site at NOLF Holley.”

The pens themselves are large sets of land that have been mesh fenced off, with approximately six-to-eight inches of the mesh

going underground. The pens are spacious enough to accommodate both the tortoises that already live in the area and the relocated ones, while still maintaining the maximum of only two tortoises per acre recommended by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The process of capturing the tortoises is done by using bucket traps and excavation of the burrows. Even if the bucket traps don’t catch anything, each burrow still had to be dug out. This ensures that each burrow was empty of gopher tortoises and other cohabitating animals such

Gopher tortoises are photographed and their data collected before their relocation.

as gopher frogs, several species of snake, small invertebrates, and burrowing owls. The empty burrow was then collapsed.

Once a gopher tortoise was found, a brief health assessment was conducted and unique identification number assigned. The animals were handled as little as possible to minimize stress.

Elva Peppers, a contractor from Florida Environmental and Land Services Inc. helped to dig out the tortoises and conducted the evaluations.

“We inspected their eyes for drainage or discharge, weighed and measured them, and then we tagged them with microchips and paint marked them,” Pep-

pers said. “The chips let us keep track of them on the property and give us an idea on how big their burrows might be, while the paint helps with visual identification.”

The final step of the relocation was to move the newly marked tortoises into the pen areas.

The gopher tortoises will remain in the temporary relocation areas until construction of the solar array is complete, after which they will be released.

They will be monitored during their time in the pens and after their release to ensure they are in good health.

Florida Environmental and Land Services Inc. also will conduct monthly monitoring of the relocation sites for any new hazards, unusual behavior or signs of illness, and any damage to fencing. Anything out of the ordinary will be documented and remediated while minimizing disturbance to the animals.

Overall the monitoring is to ensure the good health of the temporarily relocated population, and alleviate the potential for injury or illness.

Giving thanks ... for energy conservation

By Ens. Jeremy Griffin NAS Whiting Field Public Affairs

Even though Navy Energy Awareness month ended Oct. 31, Naval Air Station Whiting Field (NASWF) is committed to continue conserving energy throughout the year. Establishing a culture of energy conservation is a goal shared by everyone who works on the base; from the newest check-in all the way to the commanding officer.

“Energy conservation will always be a priority at NAS Whiting Field. We have to be very cognizant of what we’re using and we need to always improve as time goes on,” Capt. Todd Bahlau, commanding officer of NASWF, said.

NASWF was recently recognized as a gold level of achievement for the fiscal year 2015 Secretary of the Navy Energy and Water Management Award. The award recognizes the efforts of leadership and personnel to develop energy awareness campaigns, deploy energy efficiency technologies, and adopt new operational procedures that result in a consistent reduction in energy or water consumption. The gold level of achievement

indicates a very good to outstanding energy or water program for an installation.

“I’d like to improve even more, and see our efforts exceed the top expectations of the SecNav’s criteria,” Bahlau said.

One of the most significant improvements involves the NASWF partnership with Gulf Power. The installation and Gulf Power are developing a project called the Utilities Energy Services Contract (UESC).

A UESC is a limited-source contract between a federal agency and its serving utility for energy- and water-efficiency improvements and demand-reduction services.

At NASWF, the UESC encompasses 55 buildings, which covers about 60 percent of NAS Whiting Field’s footprint. Within these buildings, the project will look to upgrade interior and exterior lighting, HVAC systems, HVAC controls, building envelope, plumbing fixtures and renewable technologies. The project is expected to save approximately $315,000 annually and reduce NAS Whiting Field’s overall energy consumption by 68 percent.

“We have two UESC projects running and we need to keep looking at the USEC to con-

tinue to save more and improve our conservation,” Bahlau said.

Other specific Energy Conservation Measures (ECM) within the UESC is the replacement of interior fluorescent lighting systems with tubular LEDs (TLEDs), which were approved for usage by Navy Facilities Command Atlantic in July of this year.

“NAS Whiting Field will be one of the first naval installations to implement this technology,” Jason Poe, installation energy manager for NAS Whiting Field, said. “Our ultimate goal is to upgrade 100 percent of our interior and exterior lighting systems to LED.” In addition to the UESC, NAS Whiting Field will also perform energy audits on 216,000 square feet of facilities in January of fiscal year 2016, and look to develop and submit projects on the facilities that are not included as part of the UESC. “Ultimately, conservation is about saving money and our environment,” Bahlau said.

“Doing small things like turning off lights may not seem like much, but it adds up on a base like NAS Whiting Field, which helps the environment and the Navy overall.”

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS. Thank them every chance you get.

November 20, 2015

PARTYLINE

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GOSPORT

Marine to tell story of surviving fall Cliff Judkins, a retired U.S. Marine and Delta Airlines captain, will tell his story of surviving a threemile fall during the next Discovery Saturday event at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Nov. 21, at the National Naval Aviation Museum.

On June 21, 1963, Judkins’ F-8 Crusader jet fighter caught fire over the Pacific Ocean during refueling.

The ejection seat failed and Judkins was forced to bail out manually (something that no one had ever done successfully from an F-8). His parachute did not open, and he hit the water and was pulled out alive about 2 1/2 hours later. He suffered two severely broken ankles, a fractured pelvis and vertebra, a partially collapsed lung and various lesser injuries, but returned to flying after a six-month hospital stay.

Admission is free and the event is open to the public. For more information, go to www.navalaviation museum.org or call 452-3604.

Test marathon taking place at NASP The National Test Center located onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola (NASP) in the Navy College Building has scheduled a CLEP and DSST Test Marathon from Dec. 2-11. Testers may arrive at any time between 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and test without a reservation.

Testers must have two forms of identification and the registration ticket for CLEP exams. For more information or instructions on how to order a CLEP exam, contact Wendy Spradlin by phone at 455-9577 or by email at wspradlin@coastline.edu.

Online orders available for wreaths

The Kiwanis Club of Big Lagoon is partnering with other charity organizations in an effort to “Blanket Barrancas” with wreaths for the annual Wreaths Across America (WAA).

The club is offering a way for sponsors to order and pay online for wreaths specifically for Barrancas. A donor may specify a grave site where a wreath will be placed. The sponsor can also pick up the wreath on the day of the ceremony.

To order a wreath, go to http://barrancas wreaths.com/order-wreaths.html. Deadline for ordering is Nov 30. The wreath laying ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Dec. 12.

For more information, call 207-1217 or e-mail barrancaswreaths@gmail.com.

School working with wreath group

St. John Catholic School is a collection point to submit a sponsorship with Wreaths Across America.

A sponsorship through St. John School (No. FL0242P) will provide a wreath to be placed on the

Partyline submissions You can submit information for possible publication in Partyline by sending an e-mail to Janet.Thomas.ctr@navy.mil. Submissions must include the organization’s name and details about events including times, dates, locations and any costs involved.

Contact information also is required. All submissions are subject to editing to comply with established standards. Items should be submitted at least one week in advance. The deadline is noon Friday for the next week’s publication. grave of a veteran at Barrancas National Cemetery (ID: FLBNCP). Individual wreaths may be sponsored or larger packages are provided for a family, organization or business contribution. Sponsorships must be received by Nov. 24 at the school (325 South Navy Blvd.). Wreaths will be placed on graves Dec. 12. For more information, call the school at 456-5218 or go to www.Wreaths AcrossAmerica.org.

Pearl Harbor event announced The National Naval Aviation Museum will honor World War II generation on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor at 10 a.m. Dec. 7 in the Blue Angels Atrium.

The guest speaker for the event will be retired Navy Rear Adm. Samuel Cox, the director of the Naval History and Heritage Command. Tate High School Band and Ensemble will perform patriotic music and popular songs from the World War II era.

All World War II veterans and their families are invited to attend and be recognized for their service. The event is open to the public and admission is free.

For more information, go to www.navalaviationmuseum.org or call 452-3604.

Lecture to focus on high-altitude flight Jay B. Dean is scheduled to present a lecture, “Your Body in Flight During World War II: How American Physiologists Learned to Protect the Health of Airman in the World’s First High-Altitude, High-Speed Air War,” Dec. 3 at the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC), 40 South Alcaniz St. The event will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m. and the lecture will start at 6 p.m.

Dean serves as director of the Hyperbaric Biomedical Research Laboratory and is a professor in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology

at Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida. Dean has pioneered methods for studying the effects of hyperbaric gases on the nervous system, addressing important medical problems in diving and submarine medicine.

Seating is limited. For more information or to register, go to www.ihmc.us or call 202-4462.

Christmas performance announced The Pensacola Children’s Chorus, under the direction of Susan and Allen Pote, will present its annual production of “Christmas on the Coast” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and Dec. 12 and at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre.

A tradition for 25 years, “Christmas on the Coast” presents local performers ages 9-18 in a holiday extravaganza featuring seasonal music, choreography, costumes and imaginative staging. A special appearance by Dr. Fred Mixon is also scheduled.

Tickets are $26, $36 and $42, and they can be purchased at the Saenger Theatre Box Office, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Time for School Choice applications

The School Choice for Escambia County schools online application window for all students for the 2016-17 school year will be open through Dec. 18.

The online application applies to incoming middle and high school students (Brown Barge Middle and Workman IB Program, West Florida High School and middle/high schools career academies).

The application window for incoming elementary school students (NB Cook and Brentwood Elementary schools) will be open from Feb. 1 through March 11.

Transitioning military parents can use the military preference option and must supply a copy of orders when applying. Deadlines are waived for those families that are moving to Pensacola.

If you have any questions, contact Carissa Bergosh, school liaison officer at 712-4105 or by e-mail at Carissa.bergosh@navy.mil.

Group welcomes all soccer players Area soccer players can join Allied Forces Soccer for training, pick-up or league play. Whether you are interested in playing soccer recreationally, competitively or even co-ed, there is room for you. There will be 11-a-side and 7-a-side teams that play in the local adult leagues. Area pick-up soccer at various locations as well as friendly matches are open to all. For more information, go to the Allied Forces Soccer Facebook site or contact Lt. Cmdr. David Toellner by phone at 382-5494 or by e-mail at kiwi_soccer@yahoo.com.

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November 20, 2015

GOSPORT

SECTION

LIFE

B

November 20, 2015

CTW-6 graduates newest NFOs See page B2 Spotlight

GOSPORT

Navy Installations Command hosts Warrior Care Month event

By Ed Wright Navy Installations Command Public Affairs

ASHINGTON (NNS) – Every day, wounded warriors demonstrate strength in their daily activities, from pushing themselves during grueling physical therapy, to asking for help when they need emotional support.

W

To kick-off Wounded Warrior Care Month in November Navy Installations Command, located at the Washington Navy Yard, hosted a ceremony to recognize the importance of the program and to honor several wounded warriors. Each warrior has made significant progress over the years in their recovery as a result of the Wounded Warrior Program, from finding employment, to participating in art therapy, to competing in elite adaptive sports events.

This year’s Warrior Care Month theme, “A Show of Strength,” recognizes the fortitude that seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailors and Marines, and their families, exhibit during their journey toward recovery.

“Families and caregivers also show incredible

strength each and every day, at all hours of the day and night,” said Capt.

Brent Breining, director of the Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) and Safe Harbor Programs. “They provide attentive and loving support to wounded warriors, often at great personal expense. I can think of no one who deserves our support more than our wounded warriors and their families. Our commitment to them must never waver.”

The Navy Wounded Warrior program is a department within the Fleet and Family Readiness department under Commander, Navy Installations Command, and has assisted nearly 3,800 service members and their families since its inception in 2008, when, then-Secretary of Defense Robert Gates designated November as War-

Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) Adm. Michelle Howard speaks to a service member during the 2014 Warrior Games. More than 200 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Special Operations competed during the event. Photo by MC2 Martin L. Carey

rior Care Month. The goal was to inform military members and their families, and communities across the country, about the programs and initiatives provided through the Warrior Care system.

Retired Navy Lt. Chet Frith, one of the guest speakers at the event, said he has benefited from NWW, both as a wounded warrior and as an employee.

“Realizing I could still be a productive member of society gave me a sense of purpose again,” he said.

“It’s what I needed.”

Support is not limited to combat injuries. The program also assists those battling serious illnesses or injured in accidents. The Navy defines a “wounded warrior” as a Sailor or Coast Guardsman who has a serious illness or injury requiring long-term care,

that may result in a medical evaluation board/ physical evaluation board to determine fitness for duty.

Throughout the month of November in Washington, D.C., and throughout the Department of Defense, the Office of Warrior Care and all services’ wounded warrior programs will highlight a variety of wounded warrior programs and activities, including stories of recovery,

and personal triumphs.

For more information about Warrior Care Month activities or wounded warrior resources visit http://safeharbor.navylive. dodlive.mil.

For more information about Navy shore installations visit http://www. cnic.navy.mil.

For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/cni.

Warrior Care Month – A show of strength

From http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil

Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) – Safe Harbor is the Navy’s sole organization for coordinating the nonmedical care of seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen, and providing resources and support to their families and caregivers.

Through proactive leadership, the program provides individually tailored assistance designed to optimize the success of the wounded warriors’ recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration activities.

NWW helps Sailors and Coast Guardsmen return to duty, and, when that’s not possible, the program works collaboratively with federal agencies, and state and local organizations to ease wounded warriors back into their communities.

How does NWW operate? Regional NWW nonmedical care management teams work with wounded warriors and their families to identify their goals and develop plans to achieve them. The teams are led by a regional director, and recovery care coordinators oversee the development and execution of wounded warriors’ Comprehensive Recovery Plans (CRPs).

Non-medical care managers anticipate enrollees’ daily non-medical needs and resolve any issues that surface during the recovery process.

What is a CRP? A CRP is an individualized plan developed by the non-medical care management team, the service member and his or her family or caregiver, which identifies and prioritizes their goals.

The CRP is a tool that helps service members remain on course throughout recovery, rehabilitation and

Word Search ‘All American barbecue’ H F M L W A R M X E A W A A L D B A U M V E N A K R W H K Y

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W R E B R S E Q X E N P A R J

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K G C K U W J Y R P Z L A H Z

Y J O W R V C L M F H V W R C

Z P W I U H D K G N H N E J G

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M Z Y C T K V D V Y S B I R I

H R K V S O I I U O Z U S G L

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GRILL RIBS SMOKE STEAK TONGS

N L H T T S T G L N M I K L Y

Z H N B R M I E S J M D M U K

Gosling Games Color Me ‘Sea power’

reintegration.

How do Sailors and Coast Guardsmen enroll in NWW? Sailors and Coast Guardsmen may self-refer to the program or be referred by family, command leadership or medical providers.

Who’s eligible for enrollment? NWW enrollment is available to seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen, including: • OIF/OEF/OND casualties.

• Shipboard and training accidents.

• Liberty accidents.

• Serious medical and psychological conditions (e.g., cancer, severe PTSD).

For more, call 1-855-NAVY WWP/ 1 (855) 6289997, e-mail navywoundedwarrrior@ navy.mil or visit http://safe harbor. navylive. dodlive. mil.

Jokes & Groaners Rural recruit’s letter home from boot camp Dear Ma and Pa: I am well. Hope you are too. Tell brother Walt and brother Elmer that the military beats working by a mile. Tell them to join up quick before all of the places are filled.

I was restless at first because you got to stay in bed till nearly 5 a.m., but I am getting so I like to sleep late. Tell Walt and Elmer all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot and shine some things. No hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay ... practically nothing. Men got to shave but it’s not so bad because there’s warm water.

We go on “route marches,” which the platoon sergeant says are long walks to harden us. A route march is about as far as to our mailbox at home. Then the city guys get sore feet and we all ride back in trucks.

This next part will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing. I keep getting medals for shooting. I don’t know why. The bulls-eye is near as big as a chipmunk head and don’t move, and it ain’t shooting back at you like the Higgett boys at home.

Then we have what they call hand-to-hand combat training.

You get to wrestle with them city boys. I have to be real careful though, they break real easy.

Signed, your loving daughter,

Alice

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SPOTLIGHT

November 20, 2015

CTW-6 graduates newest NFOs Story, photo

by Ens.Anthony Junco Commander, Training Air Wing Six Public Affairs

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early 40 Naval Flight Officers (NFO) assigned to Commander, Training Air Wing Six (CTW-6) received their wings during a recent ceremony at the National Naval Aviation Museum aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola (NASP).

The NFOs from CTW-6 represented the largest graduating class in ten years which included the first international students to graduate through the new training program at Training Squadron Four (VT-4).

Commencing the ceremony, CTW-6 Commanding Officer, Capt.

Edward Heflin, congratulated the NFOs on their accomplishment and he acknowledged the members of the audience who had shown their support over nearly two years of training.

“The support of the family and friends was overwhelming and it was great to see senior officers from the Norwegian

Royal Air Force there to congratulate their graduates,” said Heflin.

After successfully completing introductory aviation courses, students enter Training Squadron Ten (VT-10), where they gain valuable experience in their primary training syllabus flying the T-6 Texan II training aircraft prior to entering Advanced Training Squadron Eighty-Six (VT-86) or Training Squadron Four (VT-4).

Students selected to VT-86 focus on strike fighter training in the T45C Goshawk training aircraft. Training received at VT-86 prepares student NFOs for missions in the F/A-18 Hor-

2nd Lt. Tine Tronsgaard (left) and 1st Lt. Thomas Olsen (right) of the Norwegian Royal Air Force are winged at a recent ceremony held at the National Naval Aviation Museum onboard NAS Pensacola.

net and the EA-18G Growler. Nearly 20 NFOs completed strike fighter training and will advance to the Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS), where they will learn to fly their respective fleet aircraft.

Eighteen graduates of VT-4, including members of the Norwegian Royal Air Force (NRoAF) also received their wings. Students at VT-4 train using Multi-Crew Simulators (MCS), which provide critical training in maritime patrol, airborne early warning and electronic warfare missions.

Utilizing the MCS, the

new training program allows students to gain familiarity with systems and mission planning prior to arriving at their FRS. 1st Lt. Thomas Olsen and 2nd Lt. Tine Tronsgaard of the NRoAF are the first international students to receive their wings at VT-4. Additionally, they are the first Norwegian students to arrive as a pair. Both students arrived in America in August 2014 and completed Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API) and primary training at VT-10 before advancing to VT-4.

“It’s been like climbing a ladder,” said Tronsgaard. “Each phase becomes more challenging but also more fun.”

All Norwegian NFO students are selected to advance to a P-3C Orion fleet replacement squadron after graduating.

“Here the focus has been on learning the profession and I’ve enjoyed that a lot,” said Olsen.

“My goal is to get selected for rescue helicopters when I return to Norway.”

In a few weeks, the 35 flight officers will ad-

vance to their Fleet Replacement Squadrons where they will train to support the mission of the United States Navy around the world.

Commander, Training Air Wing Six is headquartered in the “Cradle of Naval Aviation” aboard NAS Pensacola and is responsible for a Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) Naval Flight Officer (NFO) training and production.

CTW-6 graduates approximately 300 United States Navy, Marine Corps, and international students annually.

GOSPORT

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November 20, 2015

B3

Commissaries supporting Military Family Month

By Rick Brink DeCA public affairs specialist

FORT LEE, Va. – National Military Family Month coincides with Thanksgiving, an ideal time when commissary patrons draw on their benefit to show their appreciation and concern for those in the “military family.”

“More than 60 percent of the Defense Commissary Agency’s workforce have a connection to the military either by serving themselves or through a family member, so we’re uniquely attuned to appreciate the stresses military families endure, and we’re proud to be able to provide the commissary benefit,” said Tracie Russ, director of sales for the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCa).

Russ noted some key promotions

and services that highlight the commissary’s support for military families: • Commissary gift cards are especially popular this time of year as individuals and organizations buy them to give as gifts to help military service members and their families. They can be easily purchased in denominations of $25 or $50 at www.commissaries.com/giftcard/ index.cfm.

• DeCA supports healthy families through its Healthy Living Section at www.commissaries.com/healthy-living/index.cfm, which features timely information and news on family health, nutrition and wellness • Thanks to DeCA’s industry part-

ners, commissaries worldwide feature in-store promotions throughout the month including shopping-spree giveaways, product giveaways and high-value coupons among other things. The Sales & Events section of www.commissaries. com/shopping/sales-events.cfm is a handy resource for customers planning their shopping trips.

“There’s a lot more we could list, but what’s more important is why we do it,” Russ said. “Commissaries exist to enhance the quality of life for our military service members and their families and we do that every month of the year.

Having a National Military Family Month is a great way we all can pause to

take time to recognize the selfless dedication of military families worldwide.”

DeCa operates a worldwide chain of commissaries, including the NAS Pensacola Commissary at 5800 West Highway 98, to provide groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment.

Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones.

A core family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families.

PA G E

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B4

GOSPORT

November 20, 2015

Morale, Welfare and Recreation

The Thanksgiving Pow Wow at the Poarch Creek Reservation features displays of authentic Native American dress and exhibition dancing. Photo from www.poarchcreekindians-nsn.gov

By Janet Thomas Gosport Staff Writer

You can join the celebrations planned by members of local Indian tribes.

The Santa Rosa County Creek Indian Tribe’s 25th annual pow wow celebration is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nov. 21 and Nov. 22 at Floridatown Park in Pace. Entertainment will include the Drums of the Descendants, Bobby and Sandy DuBose and the Muscogee Creek-Cherokee Dancers.

The celebration also will feature Native American storytelling and heritage displays along with arts, crafts and food including Indian corn and fry bread.

Admission is free. For more information, call 994-4882.

Everyone is invited to celebrate Thanksgiving with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

Tribal members have scheduled the 45th annual pow wow for Nov. 26 and Nov. 27 at the Poarch Creek Reservation in Atmore, Ala. The pow wow, which began in 1971 as a tribal “homecoming,” has become a two-day cultural event that draws more than 10,000 people each year.

The tribe hosts dancers and drum groups, and the event also includes a display of authentic dress and exhibition dancing.

You can shop at more than 100 hand-made Native American craft booths and find a selec-

tion of music, books and contemporary jewelry and artwork.

The Poarch Creek Indians are descendents of a segment of the original Creek Nation. Unlike many eastern Indian tribes, the Poarch Creeks were not removed from tribal lands and members of the tribe have resided in and around the Atmore area for almost 200 years.

Gates opens at 10 a.m. each day; dancing starts at 1 p.m.

Nov. 26 and 11 a.m. Nov. 27.

The reservation is eight miles northwest of Atmore. Admission is $5 for ages 11 and older; children 10 and younger get in free.

For more information, go to www.poarchcreekindians-nsn. gov.

At the movies FRIDAY

“Goosebumps” (2D), PG, 5 p.m.; “Bridge of Spies,” PG-13, 7:30 p.m.; “The Last Witch Hunter,” PG-13, 5:30 p.m.; “The Ghost Dimension,” R, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY

“Goosebumps” (3D), PG, noon; “Pan” (3D), PG, 2:30 p.m.; “Creed,” PG-13, 5 p.m. (free admission); “Love the Coopers,” PG-13, 12:30 p.m.; “The Martian,” PG-13, 3 p.m.; “The Last Witch Hunter,” PG-13, 6 p.m.; “The Ghost Dimension,” R, 8:30 p.m.

SUNDAY

“Goosebumps” (2D), PG, noon; “The Last Witch Hunter,” PG-13, 5 p.m.; “Love the Coopers,” PG-13, 7:30 p.m.; “The Martian,” PG-13, 12:30 p.m.; “Bridge of Spies,” PG-13, 3:30 p.m.; “Crimson Peak,” R, 6:30 p.m.

MONDAY

“Goosebumps” (2D), PG, 5 p.m.; “The Martian,” PG-13, 7:10 p.m.; “Love the Coopers,” PG-13, 5:10 p.m.; “The Ghost Dimension,” R, 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY

“Goosebumps” (3D), PG, 5 p.m.; “Bridge of Spies,” PG-13, 7:10 p.m.; “The Last Witch Hunter,” PG-13, 5:10 p.m.; “Crimson Peak,” R, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

“Goosebumps” (2D), PG, 5 p.m.; “The Martian,” PG-13, 7:10 p.m.; “Love the Coopers,” PG-13, 5:10 p.m.; “Sicario,” R, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY Thanksgiving

“Goosebumps” (3D), PG, noon; “Bridge of Spies,” PG-13, 2:30 p.m.; “The Last Witch Hunter,” PG-13, 12:30 p.m.; “The Martian,” PG-13, 3 p.m.

COST Regular: $3 adults, $1.50 children ages 6-11, free for 5 and younger 3D shows: $5 adults, $3 children ages 6-11, free for 5 and younger

Details: 452-3522 or www.naspensacola-mwr.com

The NASP Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department has a number of upcoming events and activities. For more information, call 452-3806, ext. 3100, or go to the MWR website at www.navymwrpensacola.com.

• Saints tickets: Tickets are on sale for upcoming Saints games in New Orleans at the Information, Tickets and Travel (ITT) office at the NEX Mall on Highway 98. Tickets are $55 each and the games are scheduled for Dec. 21 (Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints) and Dec. 27 (Jacksonville Jaguars at New Orleans Saints).

Also check out the ITT discounts available on vacations and attractions. For more information, call 452-6354.

• Turkey Day Pre-Burn: 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Nov. 23, Corry Wellness Center. Door prizes include a turkey breast, ham and pie. Space is limited. Reserve your seat today. For more information, call 4526802.

• Limited time • The Great Christoffer: A&W All mas Golf Classic: American Food at Dec. 5, A.C. Read Golf the Portside Entertainment Center is Course. The $75 offering a new charge per player Bacon Coney (two-man teams) inCheese Dog. Cost is cludes everything from $2.75 for sandwich your cart, green fees, only and $5.50 for to a Christmas feast combo. You can also after play. Tee times try a peppermint or range from 7 a.m. to 9 peppermint Oreo a.m. Space is limited shake. Cost is $3. to the first 90 paid For more informa- teams. For more information, 452-2454. tion, call 453-8196.

• Aqua Zumba classes: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday at indoor pool, Bldg. 3828. Music and exercise classes are free. Other classes will be added at the outdoor pools. For more information, call 452-4392.

• Danger Zone Paintball: Sign up for the Paintball Challenge at Blue Angel Naval Recreation Area. Open until 5 p.m. Monday and Friday for challenge events. $20 for activeduty and $30 for civilians. Includes full equipment rental, 500 rounds of paint and free air refills. Reservations required two weeks in advance. For details, call 281-5489.

• Youth Sports: Sports include soccer, flag football, baseball, T-ball, cheerleading, track, basketball and tennis. Open to all dependents of active-duty, retired military, DoD employees, contractors and reservists ages 4-14. Dates and fees vary. For more information, call 4523810 or 452-2417.

• Bushido Sports Judo Club: 6 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, NASP Youth Center, Bldg. 3690 (4522417). For ages 5 to 17. Cost is $20 per month for adults and $15 per month for children. For more information, call 324-3146 or 457-1421 or e-mail baldg6@att.net.

• Rent a bike: Rental bikes are available at Blue Angel Naval Recreation Area Outpost Marina. Half day (four hours), $10; full day (eight hours), $15. Deposit and military ID required. For more information, call 453-4530.

Liberty activities Liberty program events target young, unaccompanied active-duty military. New hours are 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Monday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Sunday. Regular events are scheduled at the main Liberty Center in the Portside Entertainment Complex. You must sign up in advance for off-base trips. For more information, call 452-2372 or go to http://naspensacolamwr.com/singsail/liberty.htm.

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS. FROM THE STAFF AT BALLINGER PUBLISHING

November 20, 2015

GOSPORT

COMMAND LINES

SAPR

Worship schedule

If you are a victim of sexual assault, it is not your fault. Help for victims of sexual assault in the DoD community is a call, click or text away: The SafeHelpline provides live, one-on-one crisis support and information by trained staff. Call: (877) 995-5247; click: www.SafeHelpline.org; or text: 55-247, CONUS; (202) 470-5546, OCONUS (may be extra charges for OCONUS).

The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program provides prevention, intervention and a 24/7/365 response to non-intimate partner adult victims of sexual assault. Active-duty and adult family member sexual assault victims have a choice of reporting options, unrestricted and restricted. Unrestricted reporting allows victim to have an advocate, seek medical care, counseling, legal services, safety interventions and/or transfer, etc. To access an unrestricted report, the victim may report to his/her chain-ofcommand, security/law enforcement, NCIS, SAPR VA, SARC, or others. NCIS shall be notified by the CO and/or the VA/SARC in unrestricted cases to begin investigation. Investigation results are provided to the offender’s CO for appropriate action/disposition. Restricted reporting allows a victim to have a confidential report, which does not trigger command or law enforcement notification and the victim may have a SAPR VA and seek medical care and/or counseling. To access restricted reporting, the victim may disclose his/her sexual assault only to the SARC, a current SAPR VA, a health care professional and/or a chaplain.

To contact the NASP 24/7 Victim Advocate, call 449-9231/2. For the Civilian Victim Advocate, call 293-4561. To contact the duty SARC, call the SARC cell at 554-5606.

NAS Pensacola Protestant • Worship service, 10:15 a.m.

Sunday, Naval Aviation Memorial Chapel, Bldg. 1982.

• Chapel choir, 12:30 p.m. Sunday, All Faiths Chapel.

• Contemporary service, 6 p.m.

Sunday, All Faiths Chapel.

• Training Air Wing Six Bible Study, 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, Griffith Hall student lounge.

• Bible study, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, J.B. McKamey Center.

Roman Catholic • Sunday Mass, 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Naval Aviation Memorial Chapel, Bldg. 1982.

• Daily Mass, 11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the Our Lady of Loreto Chapel.

• Confessions: 30 minutes before services.

Latter Day Saints • Service, 10:30 a.m. Sunday, All Faiths Chapel.

• Meeting: 6 p.m. Monday and 6 p.m. Thursday, J.B. McKamey Center.

For information, call 452-2341.

NASP Corry Station Protestant • Adult Bible study, 9 a.m. Sunday, fellowship hall vice conference room.

• Chapel choir, 9 a.m. Sunday, choir room vice sanctuary.

• Worship service, 10 a.m. Sunday.

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Fleet and Family Support Center • Fellowship, 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

• Contemporary worship, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, followed by fellowship at 7:30 p.m.

• Bible study and dinner, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, fellowship hall.

Latter Day Saints • Service, 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Roman Catholic • Mass, noon Sunday and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

For information, call 452-6376.

NAS Whiting Field Chapel Roman Catholic • Mass, 11 a.m. Friday.

Protestant • Bible study, 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.

• Weekly chapel service, 11:30 a.m. Thursday.

For information, call 623-7212.

More services Jewish • Bʼnai Israel Synagogue, 1829 North Ninth Ave., services 7 p.m.

Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday. For information, call 433-7311.

• Temple Beth El, 800 North Palafox St., services 7 p.m. Friday (6 p.m. first Friday of each month).

For information, call 438-3321 or go to http://templebethelof pensacola.org.

Seventh-day Adventist • Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1080 North Blue Angel Parkway, Bible studies at 9:30 a.m. and services at 11 a.m. Saturday. For information, call 4533442.

The NASP Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), 151 Ellyson Ave., Bldg. 625, is offering the following: • Emergency Preparedness: 10 a.m. Nov. 27 and Dec. 18. Emergencies come in many forms. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep you, your family and your pets safe. The best thing you can do is to be prepared. For information or to register for the workshop, call 452-5609.

• Survive the Holidays With Money in Your Pocket: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Dec. 2. For more information or to register,

Community Outreach NASP Community Outreach volunteer opportunities: • Mentoring: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Child Development Center at NASP Corry Station. Volunteers needed to mentor children after school. Volunteers/mentors assist with homework and study strategies, as well as being a good role model to the children.

• Meals on Wheels: Council on Aging of West Florida needs volunteers to deliver meals to homebound elderly throughout Escambia

DAVE RAMSEY 1 pm - 4 pm Monday - Sunday

BRIAN KILMEADE 11 am - 1 pm Weekdays

call 452-5609.

• Transition Goals, Plans, Success – or Transition GPS: Counseling and guidance for active and Reserve Sailors separating from the Navy. Entrepreneurship Track optional class is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3-4, Bldg.

741, NAS Pensacola. For more information or to register, call 452-5609.

• Stress management: 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 3 and 17 (every first and third Thursday).

Learn how to recognize stress and become more productive, happier and healthier. For details, call 452-5609.

County. Flexible schedules.

For more information, go to www.coawfla.org.

• Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum: Numerous opportunities such as hosting tours or ghost hunts, helping with special events and maintenance and grounds upkeep.

The NASP Community Outreach office tracks volunteer hours. Report any hours you work to receive due recognition. For information on volunteer activities, call 4522532 or e-mail nasp_comm_ outreach@Navy.mil.

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Ads placed by the Military are FREE

To place an ad go online at www.gosportpensacola.com or call 433-1166 ext.29.

Marketplace

★ Motor ★ Merchandise ★ Employment ★ Real Estate ★ and more

★ Publication date every Friday except Christmas and New Years.

★ Deadline to place an ad is 4:00 pm Friday, one week prior to publication date.

★ Place your ad online at www.gosportpensacola.com

★ Place your ad by phone at 850-433-1166 Ext. 29 Monday-Friday 8:30 am5:00 pm

Motor Bulletin Board Announcements Want to buy: Good used truck for grandson. Will pay up to $2,250.

Call 251-375-1584 ask for Mark.

Employment Looking for retired or active duty Special Operators Forces.

Health Coach part-time/fulltime positions available. Email i n q u i r e s to info@getfitemeraldcoast.com On/Off site parttime property manager. Salary negotiable. Ferry Pass area. Apply: PO Box 15014 Pensacola, FL 32514. 850-7167739.

Merchandise

Articles for sale GE Chest freezer.

20” deep and 29” wide. 3 months old. $250. Call 850-293-9445 Sony Surround sound unit with DVD player and 5 speakers. $100.

Call 850-2939445.

31” Sceptre TV. Brand new. $150.

Call 850-2939445.

WWII foot locker for sale. Good condition.

Has shelf inside. $120 firm. Call 850293-9445.

Leather flight jacket. Vietnam era. Excellent condition.

Size Medium. $140.

Firm. Call 850293-9445.

Rifle black powder. 50-caliber. Inline ignition.

Stainless steel.

Bergara barrel.

New in box, never fired. Retail $400, sell $175. 850454-9486 Bridge fishing for family. Tin working rods w/reels.

All ready to fish. $50 for all. 850497-1167.

Merchandise Employment Merchandise

Merchandise

Motors

Real Estate

Compound hunting bow. 65-80lb. pull.

Excellent condition. Solo cam design. Hard case, whisker biscuit, fiber-optic sights, and others.

Plus youth bow. $75 for all. 850417-1694.

Consew Model 18 upholstering machine w/arm for hanging material.

For furniture, car seats, boat covers, etc. $800. At Allison’s Antique on Navy Blvd. 850453-5001, 850453-0438.

2008 BMW 750Li with 104K miles.

Immaculate inside and out. Has all the amenities.

White with black interior. $17,750, Call 850-3936084.

Room on the bay.

Private bath. Access to laundry.

Limited kitchen use. Perfect for short term military. $600/mo inc l u s i v e .

850-455-7990.

275-60-20 truck tires. 2 tires. $150 for the pair. 850665-4543.

Rossi Rio Grande 410 Lever Action Shotgun. Comes with extras. Like new. $300. 850Sterling silver 439-5269. jewelry. Rings, necklaces. $5 Free sofa-bed, each. Email for beige pattern. pictures at Must be able to gofiger@att.net. move down a 850-665-4543. flight of stairs.

C o n t a c t Pecans: large twinkly2@cox.net Stewart nuts in for photo. shell. $2 per pound. 850-476- Digiland 7” quad 3592. core tablet new never used $50.

Solid oak table 850-455-7990. and curio for sale.

Falcon Asking $300 for Udir/c both. Will con- HD upgrade sider selling sepa- drone. New never r a t e l y . used. $100. Per850-221-4146. fect for Christmas gift.

850-455Krups mini- 7990. espresso/cappucMotors cino 4 cup with frother.

Black. Autos for sale $30.

850-4532011 Coachman 9341.

Prism diesel.

Vintage blue corn 15000 mi. 25ft. flower. Corning- Sleeps 6. $68,000. ware coffee pot 9 850-529-1970. cups. $15. 850453-9341.

1987 Chevy Montecarlo SS ExcelUK 220 trans- lent condition. formers, plugs, New carb and cords, adapters, valve covers. extension cords, Maintenance, oil and icemaker. changes kept up.

850-512-3003.

156,000 miles. $5500.

Email: Boys reversible ray.rebel@yahoo. winter coat size com. Call 85010-12, size 14-16. 525-3462, 850Very nice, brand 529-8266. new. $30 each.

2010 maroon 850-418-4614.

SLT GMC TerLadies sweater rain. 2.4 fourcoat w/pockets. cylinder engine 22 Size large, mauve, city/32 hwy mpg. new condition. Backup camera. 4 $18.

850-418- new tires. Clean 4614. title history.

96,000 miles.

Ladies trench $10,500.

Text coat. Misty Har- 850-255-0144. bor. Size 12 regular, mauve. 2002 Toyota Extremely nice. Tacoma short bed $25.

850-418- truck, 102,000 4614. miles new tires, great condition. $5,000. 850-2211830

2008 Hyundai Azera Limited 92K mi. White, excellent condition. Loaded. 3.8 V6, 22/27 mi/gal. $8,250. 850-4564335 lv msg.

Trucks/Vans &SUVs

2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8, a great SUV that’s ready to drive home. $2,750 (850)266-3143 or 850-525-2526.

Motorcycles 1986 Honda motorcycle in good condition.

Call 850-324-9360 for more info. $700 or obo.

1999 Honda Shadow Ace 750, 18k miles. Beautiful bike. $2,600.

Call 850-5722832.

Misc. Motors 1991 Avion 35’ fifth wheel. Good condition, includes blue boy and extra spare tire. $7500 or obo.

Call 850-3249360.

1996 Bayliner Ceira Sunbridge (SJ).

Rebuilt motor 350ci 5.7L Thunderbolt Mercruiser Engine.

2008 tandem 30’ trailer. VHF, GPS, Sonar, kitchen, bathroom, 2 berths. $12,900.

850-637-0042.

Real Estate Homes for rent Nice 2/2 home central heat and air, new appliances, lots of storage space.

Blocks from N A S P . $800/month $500/deposit.

850-281-8850.

Real Estate

Real Estate

Real Estate

Homes for sale Bargain-priced

3/2 pool home, 1 1/3 acre, privacy, house on back of property, 2,000 sqft. Tile floors, carpet, maintenance free pool, copper/titanium For rent: 3/2 system screened.

1300 SQ Ft, NE 850-665-4543.

P’Cola.

Pet friendly. Deck, fence, garage. $1100/month. Call or txt 850-5257478.

condo on Pensacola Bay. 2br/2ba, many amenities. Great location for NASP, Corry, hospital.

Only $98,600. Will consider lease at $1250/month.

817-919-5174.

★ Ads placed by the Military are FREE

Misc.

Misc.

Call 433-1166 ext. 29 and this spot could be yours.

To advertise in the Gosport, call Becky Hildebrand at 433-1166 ext. 31

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