Michigan
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Schulz
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Impacted By Veterans Valor
January/February 2022
Justin Rohrback
Army National Guard to Michigan State Police
Commander
Christopher Wright Doing Small Things In A Great Way
Jake Della Pia
From Killing and Destroying to Healing and Protecting
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Gather Veterans Team “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” - Helen Keller
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10 18 26 32
TABLE OF CONTENTS January/February 2022
08
Publisher’s Note
10
Jake Della Pia
14
Justin Rohrback
18
Christopher Wright
22
Schulz Orthodontics
24
Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve
26
Team Elmer’s
28
Veterans Add Value to the Workplace
30
Bravery Unspoken
32
AMONG GIANTS
34
Becoming Human
36
Veterans Day 2021
38
Sweet Heat Burgers
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Publisher’s Note “Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”~ Carl Bard
J
anuary is usually the month we hear all kinds of announcements about new beginnings and starting fresh. People are choosing a word of intent to live by with great hope of having a ‘year like no other.’ Resolutions are made and declarations ring out across the nation, this year will be different. As I sit and ponder that (it’s still December right now) I realize that the best way to create effective new beginnings is to finish well. So often our determination to begin fresh starts out tainted because we gave up or did not finish well our previous endeavors. So that is my challenge to you today. As you sit and read this Publisher’s Note, I encourage you to take some time to think about how you finished in 2021. If you cannot say you finished well, determine in your mind that you will make some distinct shifts to the way you respond to obstacles or difficulties. Envision yourself finishing those things you gave up on. Decide rather than a new beginning, you will create new endings in 2022. Maybe by this time next year, your story will be FULL of great endings. Then, going into 2023, you can really
start to plan for new beginnings because you know that this time you WILL FINISH WELL. That is our goal every year for GATHER Veterans-WarriorsHeroes. We want to end each year strong and finish well. I believe we have done that in 2021. We have added distribution numbers, we have added advertisers, we have added the GATHER VeteransWarriors-Heroes Foundation to allow those who want to support us but have no need for advertising to give toward giving more magazines to Veterans and community heroes for free. Our plan, Lord willing, is to have many strong finishes over the years to come. Carpe diem. Let’s not only seize the day but let’s also finish each day strong. It will have a much greater impact on our lives than any new ideas we can conceive this new year. Show up a new you and change your life for real. I am determined to finished strong on behalf of all those we serve. In the Trenches, Publisher
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Featured Firefighter
Jake Della Pia
From Killing and Destroying to Healing and Protecting By Amanda Renkiewicz Featured Photo by Scarlett Piedmonte
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Fellow Officers of Battalion Fort Bl the 507th Engineer is they got on the s, Texas right before plane to Afghan ista June 2012 just in time for the fig n htin season. “I remem ber the feeling th g wasn’t going to at I be made my peace coming home. I had and was ready. W where we were heading and the e knew m Route Clearanc e is a tough job. ission. You either find the explosive buddies are goin device or you or your g There’s no seco to have a bad day. nd chances over there. We were going agai ns seasoned, cunn t an enemy that was ing and ruthless . These guys weren’t fa rmers with AKs. We had no idea how long of a us,” Jake shared deployment awaited .
Graduation fr om Western M ichigan 06/28/08. Co Lieutenant th mmissioned as a 2nd e sa m e day. right: Jake, D rew Russell, an From left to d CS Gilmer. Drew was killed 3 ye M Mike 10/08/11 in A ars later, fghanistan.
Tradition is strong with Army Veteran Jake Della Pia, who followed in the footsteps of a myriad of family members in the armed forces. His Great Great Grandfather fought in the Civil War, and more presently many uncles, aunts, and grandparents have served their country. Jake felt compelled to join the service after watching the horrors of 9/11 during school. “After the towers fell, I went right to the principal and told him I would be joining the Military,” he remembers. With a path to becoming an officer, Jake began attending college and the military simultaneously. He graduated from Western University in 2008 with a BA in Business Administration and Military Science and achieved officer status in the Army. In the summer of 2008, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. During his role of service, Jake was a Combat Engineer. He was a platoon leader and did route clearance in Iraq and Afghanistan. After being promoted, Jake became the Company Commander of 162 service men and women. “Being entrusted with the lives of those soldiers was such an honor,” Jake says. It shaped his own life by teaching him discipline, time
management, commitment, and selfless service. “The best time of my service was as a Company Commander. Walking in front of them was incredible, knowing that you had the responsibility of all those men and women. To give someone a task and see them take that task, make it their own, and succeed was the highlight. The breakdown of background, socio-economic, anything that divides in civilian life is destroyed, and it’s all about the common goal. Sometimes I wish I had never left!” he admits. “Our mission over in Afghanistan was very unique,” Jake continues. “Not many people go out on patrol knowing that you either find an explosive device or someone dies. My battalion removed over 700+ IEDs in Helmand Province, which was the epicenter of the Taliban. We used a bunch of different tools to find these explosive devices, like ISR/UAVS and drones. They would clear a path and then throw this UAV up. The Taliban would back-lay devices behind them so they could go back and clear or engage.”
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Major General Canon promoting Jake to First Lieutenant, 02/2021 in Iraq.
Horrifying events were part of Jake’s daily life in the Middle East. “Once I was watching a live feed and saw this gentleman walking. He stopped and started doing something on the ground. 30 seconds goes by. Suddenly I see an explosion and he’s obliterated. Within another 30 seconds, the Taliban had stripped him and all his possessions and left his body there. Then the dogs came and took the pieces. The environment was so foreign. There was such gruesomeness watching a dog run off with the pieces of his body.” Imagine being only 22 years old, and responsible for the lives and safety of so many fellow officers. “Ordering my soldiers to perform a task or execute a mission knowing they could get hurt or killed was intense,” he remembers. “I went from a Kalamazoo college to downtown Baghdad and had to grow up overnight. I couldn’t bring all the men in the unit home. The guilt is still there.”
One year later, nephew Lucas Violante welcomes his Uncle Jake home from Afghanistan.
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When Jake returned from his last deployment, he struggled with substance abuse and PTSD. He had gone to work for his dad in their family insurance agency and couldn’t handle the extreme change. His days went from the constant adrenaline high of being in a combat zone trying to stay alive, to the quiet loneliness of insurance sales,
In memory of Drew R ussell, be brother an loved d friend.
and it proved to be more than Jake could endure. The silence, lack of purpose, and absence of community pushed Jake to a very dark place. “One day I had a pistol and was ready to commit suicide. But for whatever reason I couldn’t do it. I thought of my nephews, and I didn’t want to leave that legacy. They looked at me as their hero.” He reached out to his parents, who immediately came to help. He went to see a therapist at the Veteran’s Center, and she saved his life. By having her as a liaison back into the civilian world, he overcame what seemed like insurmountable challenges. God also answered the anguish in Jake’s heart. A friend who was serving in the Manistee Volunteer Fire Department reached out and asked Jake to join him, and from the first moment he was hooked. “It felt like a calling,” he says. “I lived at the station every moment I could. I fell in love with the structure, the camaraderie, the adrenaline rush, and the service to others.” What fuels him is the desire to make a difference in each call they answer, whether it’s holding someone’s hand or getting someone out of a burning
building. Now Jake works as a firefighter/EMT in Blair township after completing six years at GT Metro before that. As a firefighter, he provides advanced life support for Blair Township and its outlying communities. “I want to retire from the Fire Department,” Jake adds. “I feel that God placed me in this role and wired me for the job. I didn’t choose firefighting; it chose me.” Handling the memories of his time in the Army and even as a Firefighter is only possible through faith. “I don’t allow a lot of idle time,” Jake explains. “I put my effort into serving others. Giving back for a purpose is my coping mechanism. The difference now is that I’m here to heal and protect, not destroy and kill.” When people he has helped save reach out to thank him, it means the world and solidifies his decision to devote himself to his community. Three key pieces helped Jake find purpose and peace when returning from military life. The first was having time with a person who truly cared about him through the Vet Center’s therapy. The second was
Jake’s nephew, Lucas Violante. Taken as Jake was leaving for Afghanistan, 2012. becoming involved with the Fire Service and finding a sense of community again. The third came in the smallest package, with his daughter Everly Olivia arriving in the summer of 2017. “She was the best thing to ever happen to me!” he says. Throughout the challenges and difficulties of his military career, Jake has never swayed from his belief that he did the right thing enlisting. “There is no greater honor than to put on our country’s uniforms,” Jake says solemnly. “It changed my life. I don’t regret my service. I think that every young person can benefit from serving their country. One of the hardest things coming back is to continue on with your life, but you don’t ever forget those anniversaries of loved ones lost. I NEVER forget.” Jake would like to dedicate this story to his college best friend, Drew Russell, who died in an ambush attack in Afghanistan on Oct 8th, 2011. “Drew was meant for the Army. That was what God destined him to be, an Army officer, and he died doing what he loved surrounded by his brothers,” Jake says.
Featured Firefighter: Do you know a Firefighter who you would like to nominate to be featured in an upcoming issue? Or would you be willing to share your story? Email pam@gatherveterans.com
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Featured Law Enforcement Officer
Justin Rohrback
Army National Guard To Michigan State Police By Amanda Renkiewicz & Hannah Bouwmeester
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I believe military service is an exceptional way to solidify the fundamental values of becoming a productive member of society
Many of our featured Veterans never stop giving back to their communities when they return to civilian life, and Veteran Justin Rohrback exemplifies that commitment to service. He served in the Army National Guard from December 2012 until the present and joined for the opportunity to gain specialized skills and fulfill his sense of duty to serve state and country as well as expand his educational opportunities as his future unfolded. During his time of service, Justin worked as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician. Initially, Justin began his enlistment with a civilian career in Mechanical Engineering in mind. When he learned EOD shared concepts that were similar with opportunities for growth in the same field, he took the leap. “EOD requires a highly specialized skill set with complex problem-solving capabilities,” he explains. “Learning the full spectrum of skills to graduate the initial entry course was a challenge.” One thing Trooper Rohrback embraces is the challenge. He accredits
significant growth to the foundation of his character through the influence of working for a Suttons Bay business owner, Garrick Opie. Justin shared that Garrick had a “huge outlook on life” and inspired Justin to always look towards what was next or where the next growth opportunity would lie. Justin recalls a collection of events and opportunities together that made his time in service memorable because of the network of friends and lessons learned along the way. “As an EOD tech, I was able to work with research and development companies creating state of the art solutions to protect service members in combat. I was able to work with the ATF, FBI, TSA, along with state and local agencies across the county; I was able to meet people from around the world in all four branches of the US military along with numerous allies outside the US who all had different expertise and experiences but shared a common goal and badge. I also had countless opportunities to pull resources from a variety of groups while deployed to accomplish the missions at hand.”
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Justin remembers and honors three EOD techs that lost their lives during his service: SGT James Johnston lost his life in a firefight during combat, SGT Joseph Collette also lost his life in combat to enemy fire and SGT James Slape who lost his life to an Improvised explosive device (IED). While attempting to clear an area around a vehicle that had already blown up; a secondary device detonated and took SGT Slape’s life. “They are a few of many that have been lost within the EOD community, but their memory lives on, and their sacrifice will always be remembered for the lives their actions saved along the way,” he says. Returning to civilian life presented a change in lifestyle that took him time to adjust. “After my initial entry training, civilian life WAS my daily life as a member of the National Guard. Following my deployment, though, the transition was difficult in that I regained responsibility for everything in life outside of my job; such as family challenges with children, conflicting schedules, and housework. When Justin was deployed in Kuwait last summer, coming back was a bit of a jolt. Regaining responsibility for a young family with children was overwhelming, but Justin realized that he needed to alter his expectations and realign his priorities. Paid leave made
the transition much easier because it provided me with time to focus on my home and family before worrying about returning to work to provide financial support,” he explains. Justin married his wife Clarissa on January 6th, 2017. “I met her during dinner while on a weekend trip to her hometown in Florida where she was working. We were instantly attracted to one another, exchanged phone numbers, talked for a few months, then grew apart. A year later, we reconnected and began dating. She moved from Florida to Michigan, where our relationship and family continued to grow,” Justin says. Clarissa has aspirations of pursuing a nursing career but has dedicated the last few years of her time and energy to raising their three beautiful children; Levi, 5, Noah, 4, and little Ariel, 2. Justin’s career also evolved as he became a Law Enforcement Officer/Trooper with The Michigan State Police in June of 2017. He feels that he still utilizes parts of his military training / experience since both jobs require on-the-spot problem solving and evidence collection to illustrate an event or incident that occurred. While the details are much different, the principles and overarching concepts are similar. “I learned that I wanted to interact with people more than I wanted to work in a shop or office while I was interning at an aerospace machine shop. Law enforcement has always been an interest, but after conversations with more people in the career field, I decided to make the switch and never looked back. I am able to help people every day, but no two days are ever alike,” he shared, “I like the unpredictability and the need to be on alert every moment. While I see some of the
best people on their worst days and likewise some of the worst people on their worst days, I find that I am helping people more often than not and that is what I love,” he concludes. When asked what was different about being a Michigan State Police Trooper than what he expected, Justin answered, “I found the career field to be more diverse than I anticipated. The role demands a social worker approach in some cases when dealing with the situation at hand. I didn’t realize this would play as much of a role as it does in my day-to-day life, but I like it. I feel the military training I received has prepared me in many ways for this. I learned diversity of all types and this has helped immensely. Also, the skill to adapt quickly to the situation in front of you and handle on-thespot situations with a cool head and balanced approach. I process information quickly, form a plan, then execute it.” Justin said. The transition from active-duty military to MSP trooper makes sense as he still lives with a foot in both worlds. Justin continues to serve actively in the Army National Guard. Justin’s experience in the military has shaped his life into one of leadership and community involvement. “I believe military service is an exceptional way to solidify the fundamental values of becoming a productive member of society,” he says. “There are a wide variety of jobs to meet the needs or interests of anyone eager to learn, but the root of learning is the importance of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage is of the utmost importance. Beyond that, the brotherhood and bonds created during the time of service are unmatched in any other area in life.”
Featured Law Enforcement Officer: Do you know a Law Enforcement Officer who you would like to nominate to be featured in an upcoming issue? Or would you be willing to share your story? Email pam@gatherveterans.com
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Coast Guard Station
Air Station Traverse City’s New Commander Christopher Wright By Amanda Renkiewicz
Feature photo by John Russell
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“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Commander Christopher Wright’s favorite quote from the iconic MLK Jr. sets the stage for his background: a life of service, helping others, and family. He has been happily married to his beautiful wife, Jamie, for 15 years, and they have an energetic 5-yearold girl and an 8-week-old baby boy. They keep busy by going biking, hiking, and exploring new areas. “Having just moved from San Diego, we look forward to experiencing our first northern Michigan winter. We thoroughly enjoyed the summer, and the fall season has been amazing thus far. My daughter is especially
looking forward to playing in the snow and skiing on the many slopes near Traverse City,” he says.
urged me to join the Coast Guard Academy to earn a degree and enter the Service as an officer.
As the newly appointed Commander of our local Coast Guard Station, Commander Wright offers a look back at his career and his most memorable experiences on the waters.
What is your military background? I transferred to Air Station Traverse City from Sector San Diego, CA, where I served as the Response Chief and Air Operations Officer. In this capacity, I oversaw all Coast Guard aviation and surface assets involved in search and rescue, law enforcement, and environmental protection operations for the greater San Diego area as well as the inland navigable waters of Arizona, Utah, and Nevada.
When did you first become interested in the Coast Guard? While I was in High School, I had a science teacher who had been in the Coast Guard. He told me all the amazing things he was able to do while on Active Duty and
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Prior to this tour in San Diego, I was an Aviation Safety Program Manager within the Safety Program Management Division at Coast Guard Headquarters (CG1131), where I provided safety oversight and advocacy for all aviation assets, systems, and missions while also serving as the aviation-specific service center manager for fleet commands and flight safety officers. During my last year in this assignment, I served as the Safety Program Management Division Chief. I managed the post mishap analysis process for all major Coast Guard accidents and oversaw Coast Guard-wide safety policy, risk management, assurance, and promotional activities. As a Coast Guard Helicopter Flight Examiner, Instructor Pilot, and Aircraft Commander, I have accumulated over 3,200 flight hours in the MH-60 flying homeland security, law enforcement, fisheries, and search and rescue operations on both the East and West coasts. Operational assignments include Air Station Cape Cod, MA, where I served as the senior Flight Safety Officer, and Air Station Clearwater, FL, where I supported migrant interdiction and counter drug operations throughout the Caribbean. My initial assignment was as a Deck Watch Officer aboard the USCGC KUKUI, homeported in Honolulu, HI. I am a 2001 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where I earned a Bachelors in Marine and Environmental Science, and am a graduate of the U.S. Naval Flight Training School in Pensacola, Florida, where I earned my naval aviator “wings of gold” in 2005. I hold a Master in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Science in Quality Systems Management from the National Graduate
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School. I also hold Federal Aviation Administration Airline Transport Pilot and Commercial Pilot licenses and have obtained qualifications in Advanced Search and Rescue, Airborne Use of Force, Basic Fast Rope, and Shipboard Deck Landing operations. How far is the reach of your Coast Guard team? The air station services all the areas surrounding Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and the northwestern portions of Lake Huron. We support agency assistance requests that may require us to conduct inland Search and Rescue cases within Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. If needed, we will also support Air Station Detroit in the prosecution of cases within eastern Lake Huron as well as Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. How many Coast Guard members are active on any given day? At any time, we can have up to 120 members on base each day and will have 13 members stay on base for a 24-hour duty cycle. This team includes a 4-person aircrew, and the support staff needed to service the standby Search and Rescue aircraft and ensure essential base support functions are completed throughout the duty period. Tell us about some of the vehicles used by the Coast Guard. Air Station Traverse City is home to three MH-60T helicopters. The MH-
60T is an all-weather aircraft that has both anti-icing and deicing capability. For Search and Rescue cases, we carry a pilot, co-pilot, flight mechanic/hoist operator, and a rescue swimmer/EMT, and our typical airspeed range during a case is between 120-140 knots. With perfect weather conditions, no wind, and a maximum fuel load, we can fly up to 300 nautical miles, remain on scene for approximately 30 minutes, and then travel another 300 nautical miles back to the point of departure. What is the wildest rescue you’ve been part of? One of my most difficult rescues occurred while I was stationed at Air Station Cape Cod, MA. During a severe winter storm, we were tasked with conducting a medical evacuation of a fisherman who had been severely injured while working aboard a trawler. Despite the high sea state and near hurricane-force winds, we were able to deliver a Rescue Swimmer to the bow of the vessel and subsequently executed a rescue litter recovery of the fisherman. The winds were so intense that we ended up putting our EMT kit
enjoying the beaches along the San Diego coastline.
and other items into the litter to keep the device from sailing toward the tail end of our aircraft. Ultimately, the fisherman was safely delivered to a local trauma hospital and survived his injuries. What is the strangest situation you’ve experienced as a Coast Guard pilot? One of my most interesting Search and Rescue cases involved a search for a missing NASA scientist. The individual had gone hiking in a National Wildlife Refuge located next to the Kennedy Space Station Shuttle Landing Facility, and since we were flying near the area, we were asked to search the entire forest looking for the missing scientist. The member apparently had left work and never returned home from his hike. Although we did not find the member, getting to execute a low altitude search
adjacent to a NASA facility and getting to land on the same runway used by space shuttles made for a unique experience.
What advice do you have for those who enjoy our waters? Ensure you have an operable VHF radio and flares onboard as well as enough Coast Guardapproved life jackets for all your occupants. Also take advantage of the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s free vessel safety inspection program. Finally, ensure you let a loved one, friend, or other reliable person know your float plan and update them if your plans or timelines change.
Are you glad we don’t have sharks? Yes, it is nice to not deal with sharks in the Great Lakes! It is also nice not to be concerned about stepping on stingrays, as I have unfortunately encountered these fish several times while
“The Traverse City community really loves and supports the Coast Guard,” Commander Wright concludes. “It is this support that ensures our Service’s members are mission ready and well cared for throughout their tour!”
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Behind the Brand
By Amanda Renkiewicz There’s so much to smile about at Schulz Orthodontics! Dr. Scott Schulz has been transforming smiles for his patients for years and giving back to the community at the same time. As a Veteran and active advocate for local charities, he and his business have supported many worthy causes through donations of time and sponsorship, including: • • • • • • • • •
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Local high school sports and music programs Big Brothers, Big Sisters Habitat for Humanity Father Fred Veterans of Foreign Wars Disabled American Veterans Mt. Holiday Hickory Hills, Grand Traverse Ski Club Youth softball, baseball, football, soccer, hockey, golf, dance, biking
Dr. Schulz became interested in the field of orthodontia when he saw the significant changes it can make in a person’s life. “Seeing their confidence improve and their personality shine—that’s what it is all about!” he says. “I believe that we’re all connected, and in some way, each patient’s experience with us helps them on their journey to success.” The team’s relaxed and friendly approach to orthodontics helps their patients feel comfortable in their offices. From initial appointments to final smiles, the steps every patient takes are done in a holistic and healthy way, knowing that oral health is a vital part of overall health. The Schulz Orthodontics team cares about everyone as family. Continuous evolvement is a theme in Dr. Schulz’s personal and professional life. “I’m passionate about getting better, every day. I try to grow a little daily, to do things differently. Through continuing education, I get to grow professionally as well,” he explains. Staying ahead of the curve in their medical field allows the team to reach their goal of getting everything right—the first time! “I am always looking for ways to make our treatment results better in less time, for the maximum patient comfort and benefit. That includes making our orthodontic team the best they can be through education and using the latest clinically-proven techniques for success.”
Schulz Orthodontics works to make bright smiles for their patients and others in more ways than one, through the best care and community giving back. “Orthodontics allows me to develop meaningful relationships while creating smiles, and that’s awesome,” Dr. Schulz adds. “We pour our heart into our patients! We believe that choosing orthodontic care is choosing to make a positive, lasting difference in your life, and we also believe you should enjoy the treatment experience. We’ve created a warm and welcoming office, where you’ll be surrounded by smiles and laughter.” Find your best smile by contacting Dr. Schulz and his team at schulzortho.com
Community and family are essential to Dr. Schulz. “Being in small communities like Traverse City and Charlevoix means that our getting to know our patients and families is really getting to know our town itself,” he explains. “I love feeling connected to them and their journey.” He’s kept busy with his wife Kara and their two daughters and son, along with a cat and a few fish. “Spending time with my family is my number-one priority!” he says.
Dr. Schulz served in the U.S. Navy from 1994-2002 as Lieutenant Commander and Dental Officer. (Two years on USS CLEVELAND LPD-7).
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Featured Service Provider
Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve Volunteering for Veterans By Amanda Renkiewicz and Christine Keenan · Photos from ESGR With a mind on service and a heart for Veterans, Christine Keenan exemplifies voluntarism through a program called ESGR, standing for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The organization is a DoD chartered program with four primary functions: Educating Service members and their civilian employers, about the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act or USERRA. Mediation as trained volunteer ombudsmen concerning the USERRA law, when needed. Advocating on behalf of employers, Service members, and their families, as a
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communication link between them and the Department of Defense. Recognizing employers that support employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve, by presenting Department of Defense awards, to those employers nominated by their Guard or Reserve employees. “ESGR is the only DoD activity that performs these vital functions,” Christine explains. ESGR seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment, and military service, of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. “We, as volunteers, do this by advocating mutually beneficial
initiatives; recognizing outstanding employer support; increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies; resolving potential conflicts between employers and their Service members; and acting as the employers’ principal advocate within the Department of Defense,” Christine adds. ESGR was founded in 1972 and continues to be a vital asset for the Veteran community. As a resource in the employment process, ESGR is available for Veterans and their careers. “We are here to guide and support the Veteran community,” Christine says. “Why do we use our time to attract, hire, and retain Veterans? I can give you ten reasons!”
Top Ten Reasons to Hire a Veteran 10. Global Perspective – Experience related to world events. 9. On Time, All The Time – Military employees know every second counts. 8. First Class Image – Military employees have a professional image. 7. Calm Under Pressure – Know how to handle stress. 6. “Can Do Attitude” – Know how to get the job done, on time, to standard. 5. Physical Conditioning – In shape and drug free. 4. Understand Diversity – Succeed in a very diverse workplace. 3. Responsibility – Can make decisions and take responsibility.
2. Professionalism – High degree of integrity, self-respect, and honor 1. Leadership – Military employees are excellent leaders and outstanding followers. “Contact me as your local volunteer or reach out to the National or State Committee for ESGR to learn more,” Christine encourages. “We look forward to serving you!”
Points of Contact National Committee for ESGR: 1-800-336-4590 Michigan Committee for ESGR: 517-885-2251 Your local volunteer: Christine Keenan, Elk Rapids MI Cell: 231-631-0488
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Advertorial
Team Elmer’s: Hiring Heroes
Teamwork. Service. Consistency. Attitude. These are values Team Elmer’s holds dear. They are also values that have a lot in common with the values of the United States armed forces. So it’s no wonder 10% of Team Elmer’s employees are Veterans. “What we do is hard work, and it requires dedication and a great work ethic. This is something that we can rely on time and time again with our workforce and especially our employed veteran population,” said Nicole Lesperance, Team Elmer’s Human Resources Specialist. The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency agrees with Lesperance that Team Elmer’s is a good fit for Veterans. The MVAA recently honored Team Elmer’s as a bronze-level Veteran Friendly Employer for their commitment to veteran recruitment, training, and retention practices.
“What we do is hard, and it requires dedication and a great work ethic.”
“This designation is truly our honor. It offers Team Elmer’s recognition for supporting those who have served in our armed forces, it reinforces to our currently employed veterans how much we appreciate them, and it promotes Team Elmer’s to other veterans as an excellent place of employment for our men and women who have shown dedication and sacrifice for our country,” explained Lesperance.
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Teamwork and Planning One example of that kind of dedication comes from Doug Boerma. Doug retired as a Sergeant First Class in the United States Army on February 1, 2001, after 21 years of service. He spent 14 years overseas, a majority of that time in Germany. He was also in the first Gulf War, and was sent to Bosnia and Macedonia four times. He is currently the Lubrication Service Manager at Team Elmer’s, and says one similarity he sees between his time in the Army and with Team Elmer’s is the emphasis on teamwork. “Everyone helps one another, and everyone looks out for one another,” said Doug. Doug attended military schools for maintenance, and was taught in-depth about electrical and hydraulic troubleshooting. It’s a skill that’s readily transferrable to his career at Team Elmer’s. Beyond the hands-on component of his jobs, one thing that Doug learned during his time in the Army that has been especially useful at Team Elmer’s is how to make a useful plan. “(In the Army) when you make a plan you don’t just make one – you also need a backup plan. You learn to cover all avenues, all logistics,” said Doug. “In maintenance you need to plan for things like call-ins and travel time– you really need a plan for everything.” Work Ethic and Drive Former United States Marine Corps Sergeant (E-5)
Christian Fitzsimons echoes Doug’s sentiments about teamwork. Fitzsimons is currently employed at Team Elmer’s as an IT Security Specialist. “In our department we all have our own specialties similar to the Marine Corps. In the infantry you have rifleman 0311, mortarman 0341, anti-tank missile gunner 0352, and machine gunners 0331. Everyone has their own responsibility but they all work as a team. Similar to our department, we each have an individual skill within the department, but we all work together as a team,” explained Christian Perhaps that’s because so many of the IT staff are veterans themselves –75% in fact. “I think getting out of the military is an awkward transition for many service members because most civilians cannot relate to them and their experiences, whether combat or not,” said Christian. “Connecting with fellow employees who have served makes the transition easier as you have something to bond over and someone to relate to.” That shared understanding has helped Christian as he learns the world of cyber security. As a machine gunner in the Marines, his job outlook was pointing him to either a police officer or contractor overseas. Aware that he needed to learn a new skill, Christian took advantage of the transitional programs offered by the Military for service members who want to learn a new skill prior to joining the civilian workforce. He signed up for the Microsoft CyberSecutiry course, and attended college while in the Military for 3 months. Then, he was hired by Team Elmer’s. “If you have the drive to learn a new skill, a work ethic, and can show up on time ready to learn and contribute, Team Elmer’s is willing to train you and help you succeed in the civilian world,” said Christian. “For veterans like myself that are just looking for an opportunity, it is truly a blessing.” Great People, Great Culture For retired US Coast Guard Commander Rob Donnell, it
Join The Team Team Elmer’s is currently hiring! For Veterans interested in a career at Team Elmer’s, please submit an application online at TeamElmers.com/ careers or contact the Human Resources Department at 231-943-3077.
was that exact culture that drew him to Team Elmer’s. “Being a part of an organization with a positive culture, and having an opportunity to work with really talented people was very appealing to me,” said Rob. “There’s an excellent team here with a broad range of skills, and everyone has been very willing to help me learn. If you have a positive attitude, are willing to learn, and enjoy solving problems, this is a great place to be.” With a 20-year career under his belt in the US Coast Guard, Rob has certainly been a lot of places. His duty stations include Pensacola, FL; Falmouth, MA; Clearwater, FL; Mobile, AL; Washington DC; and Traverse City. Operational missions took him all over the Caribbean –many of the Bahamian Islands, Turks and Caicos, the Dominican Republic, Martinique, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and to Nova Scotia. He’s also had opportunities to conduct training and disaster response operations in Oregon, North Carolina, New Orleans, Houston, Florida, and Colorado. And he received the Coast Guard’s Meritorious Service, Commendation, and Achievement medals, as well as the Humanitarian Service and National Defense Service medals. Rob, who now serves as Team Elmer’s Health and Safety Director, sees several similarities between his time in the Coast Guard and Team Elmer’s. “Each unit is made up of different departments, all working together to support one another and achieve the same goals. I see a lot of that here. Completing a major project requires extensive planning, excellent communications, and the combined efforts of multiple divisions. Knowing what it took to launch a helicopter in the middle of a dark and stormy night–operational training, safety training, a team of mechanics maintaining the aircraft, support staff, and a dispatch center–all help me to better understand how each division here plays a role in successfully completing a project, and how each needs to be supported to make that happen,” he said.
About Team Elmer’s Team Elmer’s, a family-owned business since 1956, is comprised of four divisions – asphalt, excavation, concrete, and crane and rigging. Our Traverse City, Michigan-based company proudly employs more than 500 skilled professionals and operates out of 15 Northern Michigan locations. Satisfied heavy highway clients include the U.S. Government, the State of Michigan, and virtually every County Road Commission in the area. Team Elmer’s serves Michigan’s top construction companies, and tens of thousands of private companies and individuals for site development needs.
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Reynolds Jonkhoff
Veterans Add Value to the Workplace By Brandon Lohr, Veteran Benefits Specialist The Serviceman’s Readjustment Act of 1944, more well-known as the G.I. Bill, was signed into law on June 22, 1944, by Franklin D. Roosevelt and a bipartisan effort to assist and reintegrate veterans returning home from World War II. The first truly concerted governmental effort to assist veterans after their service had ended, the bill provided virtually all veterans with financial, educational, and employment benefits. It proved to be a major economic success. By 1956, approximately 8 million veterans had used the bill to secure education benefits, over 2 million to attend colleges and
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universities, and approximately 6 million for other various training programs. The G.I. Bill has since been expanded and improved upon in subsequent years. It has directly benefitted the lives of millions of veterans, their families, and their communities. However, the current economy is a far different landscape for veterans today than veterans returning home in the late 1940s and other previous generations. The readjustment to civilian life on a personal level on top of frequently needing to completely retool their professional skills to coincide
with the demands of the civilian economy is undoubtedly a struggle that cannot be understated. While many veterans held jobs in the military which closely resembled civilian jobs, the skills may not always immediately translate. These new jobs in the civilian sector often require lengthy certification and training programs that find veterans rehashing skills they may have already mastered. For example, a fully trained medic in the Army is responsible for virtually the exact same duties as a civilian paramedic. However, the veteran medic returning home from a tour of duty trying to re-enter the workforce must complete months or even yearslong coursework and certifications. They spend thousands of dollars in the process, before even being eligible to work in their community in a position they are eminently qualified for already. Fortunately, there are many resources in Grand Traverse County and the surrounding area that assist veterans with translating and applying the invaluable skills learned during their time in the service. The Grand Traverse County Veterans Affairs Office is one such resource; their office assists approximately 6,300 veterans and their families in the county and outlying areas with a wide array of
services, including employment assistance. VA Director Michael Roof from The Grand Traverse County VA Office is even working on establishing a mobile VA Office to bring help directly to veterans throughout the community. If you are a veteran looking for employment assistance or know a veteran looking for a career, the skills veterans bring to the table are often highly valued among local employers. Peg Jonkhoff, co-owner of Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, says, “We are proud to have five veterans as members of our work family, which includes Dave Maxson (Navy), Tim Sinclair (Army), David Sherman (Marines), John Block (Air Force, Coast Guard), and George Prewitt (Army). Ron Howard (Coast Guard) is also associated with our funeral home through Creekside Crematory. These veterans are always dependable, respectful, and trustworthy as they carry out their assigned duties and help families. They are key members of our caring work family and stand ready to serve when needed, just as they did in the military. We thank our veterans and active-duty personnel for their service to our county every day.”
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History
Bravery Unspoken
The Story of Percy McDonald Scarbrough Researched and Written by Karen Rieser Author’s note: As I come to know the veteran’s world, I have begun to notice patterns through my writings and family ties. One of these patterns is the desire to keep military experiences private. I have been through this with my family and have noted it in discussions with friends concerning their family histories. This practice leaves family members in the dark when it comes to their veteran’s heroic deeds. I respect this need for privacy; however, at the same time, I am a bit disappointed not to be able to award these extraordinary acts of bravery and allegiance with words of praise or other honors. I recently sat down with a friend, John Scarbrough, an artist and professor of sociology and psychology. John made a discovery of heroism in his late father’s military career while researching his family line.
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Photo from Naval History and Heritage Command
Percy McDonald Scarbrough, born in Nevada, Missouri, in 1916, spent his early childhood living above the photography studio his mother owned and ran after his father’s passing. As with many, the Great Depression had left his family penniless, and at the tender age of fourteen, Percy drove his family to Los Angeles, California, to search for a new beginning. Graduating from San Diego high school in 1934, Percy, still penniless, returned to Nevada. Determined to survive this miserable situation, he made a monthly trip to Springfield, Missouri, to enlist in the military.
Enlisting was not a simple process at this time, as many young men were looking for a guaranteed three meals a day and a paycheck to share with their families. After several attempts, Percy was accepted and began his sixyear career with the Navy. Upon completing his enlistment, Percy decided not to ‘re-up’ and spent several years working odd jobs. Not satisfied with a job here and there, Percy decided to join the Merchant Marines, a group of civilian mariners working on cargo ships.
(During times of peace, the Merchant Marines and their vessels move cargo and people within the U.S and between nations. In times of war, they may become an auxiliary of the U.S. Navy and move military cargo and personnel to war-torn areas.) In February of 1945, Percy found himself headed into war. As a Junior Engineer, Percy McDonald Scarbrough was assigned to the SS Logan Victory ship built as part of the government’s Merchant Marine Act of 1936. There were 534 Victory ships built during WWII to replace ships lost in German submarine attacks. On February 18th, 1945, the SS Logan Victory left the San Francisco Harbor in California, carrying tons of explosives, to join the war effort in the Pacific. The SS Logan traveled to Okinawa with orders to deliver ammunition to vessels participating in the Battle of Okinawa or Operation Iceberg, the last major battle of the war in the Pacific. Their ship anchored off Kuba Island, one of many islands in the Sea of Japan. There she joined 13,000 other U.S. ships headed into the 80 plus day Battle of Okinawa. This vast number of vessels prepared to enter this conflict earned it the nickname ‘typhoon of steel’ or, in Japanese, ‘Tetsu no bofu’, meaning violent wind of steel. Because this last push towards Japan was a significant event, it drew the attention of a great many Japanese pilots from the Divine Wind Special Attack Unit composed of suicide pilots known as Kamikazes. On April 6th, 1945, the SS Logan Victory became a casualty of the war. On this battle-ridden afternoon, a kamikaze attack plane headed for the fleet. Spotted by the USS Strategy, it was fired upon and hit, banked, ignited into flames, and hit the superstructure of the SS Logan, ultimately breaking it in two. The ammunition and other explosives on board ignited spontaneously and with robust energy. Within ten minutes of the hit, the order to abandon ship was made, and lifeboats lowered—Percy Scarbrough, along with another engineer, headed for the lifeboats. Upon arrival, the men realized the boats had been damaged in the explosion. The only way off the ship was to leap overboard. As they were preparing to jump, Percy heard groans that seemed to come from nearby. Realizing there was an injured crew member close by, they began to search. The men found him quickly and discovered that the explosion had nearly severed their shipmate’s foot off just above the ankle. Without thinking, the men found a partially disabled rescue boat and carefully placed their mate into it. They joined their shipmate in the boat and lowered it down the ship’s side and into the water. Engineer Scarbrough held the rescue boat alongside the ship, which enabled ten additional men to board. It was now time to move the lifeboat away from the burning ship. The men created distance between them and the sinking vessel and picked up more mates stranded in the water. In time a patrol vessel spotted their craft and transferred all the men to a place of safety.
It did not take long for the SS Logan to sink. Twelve civilian crew members and six armed guards, including Captain Edson Baxter Cates, went down with the ship. Percy Scarbrough played a large part in keeping the number of casualties to a minimum. His unselfish quest for the lives of others allowed more than ten men to continue on their life’s path, create families, and define the future. Bravo Percy Scarbrough, your son, John Scarbrough, is proud of your brave actions.
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Inspiration
“AMONG GIANTS” Impacted By Veterans Valor By Pete Lathrop
When I was in grade school, I remember asking my uncle to roll up his sleeve so I could see his tattoo. It was a faded, barely recognizable skull with a Scottish cap on it. Uncle Win was a Baptist preacher, and I remember him preaching on hot, summer days when he would take his suit coat off, roll up his sleeves while speaking. There would be the skull on his arm for the world to see, even as he preached about Golgotha, “the place of the skull”, where Jesus died on the cross. The tattoo on Uncle Win’s arm certainly didn’t epitomize his mission in life, but it told of another chapter of his younger days in the military. He didn’t talk about it much but knowing that Uncle Win was a veteran sparked an interest in me to discover what made men like him risk their lives serving our country. Fast forward several decades, and a literal library of books about war and military personnel, I am now very passionate about advocating for their sacrifice and love of country. I have parenthetically become a child again as I look up to those with awe and wonder who’ve sacrificed so much for freedom—those giants of valor.
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As a radio broadcaster on WLJN 89.9/107.9 FM in Traverse City, Michigan, I’ve had the freedom to publicly express my appreciation to veterans on special occasions like Memorial Day and Veterans Day. During these special occasions, I dedicate the whole three hours of my morning show to play special songs and conduct interviews of those who’ve served and those on active duty. I’ve interviewed veterans of every war since WW2. And each time, I’m left with a heart full of gratitude. A few years ago, I met two men at an event sponsored by the radio station. I got to know Ray Porsch, a Korean War vet, and Larry Lampton, a WW2 vet. I immediately engaged with them about their experiences. While speaking with them, I sensed the expanse of time since their wartime service lessened their harrowing experiences as their spoke with me nonchalantly about ducking bullets and bombs bursting close by. Their casual chuckles and smiling faces
seemed so out of place as they told of their death-defying situations. I found myself gazing at them in disbelief, imagining the horror they must have gone through. Larry, who passed away about a year ago, was just an 18-yearold among about 70 other soldiers in a landing craft during the D-Day invasion. When a German shell hit the craft, he and six other soldiers were the only survivors. Larry was rescued and was quickly ferried to the closest hospital ship. When I talked to him, his stature was feeble. But Larry was a giant of a man. When I asked him why he chose to serve in a war where he could easily be killed, Larry said he served out of love for his country. He considered it his duty. I thank God for the giants among us today. Giants who do more than lip service regarding freedom and its cost. May we continue to look up to them and learn what it truly means to fight for freedom and America.
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Health & Wellness
Becoming Human
Part 3
By Gordon Briley
Welcome back to part 3 of “Becoming Human”. We’ve learned a lot about how our health outcomes can be so heavily influenced by our experiences, exposures, and so on. Now let’s talk about how we move our mental health goal post once and for all. In the last decade, we’ve made incredible advances in our understanding of how epigenetics works. With this knowledge, amazing new technologies have been created to help us break down our personal epigenetic information. We now have the ability to assess our biological age (DnAge) instead of our chronological age. This info uses the power of epigenetics and helps us understand how habits and behaviors have aged our inner tissues, but even better allows us to make changes to our health and measure the effectiveness of those changes—pretty powerful stuff. Here’s the cool part, you may already have some of the tools
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to help you improve your health at your disposal. Have you taken any genetic tests like Ancestry, 23 & Me, or other tests? Most people don’t know this, but you have had your personal human genome sequenced when you take this test. If you look in the right places on these DNA testing sites, then you can find your downloadable genome. That’s right; your genetic code is right there at your fingertips. Ok, so you download your genome, then what? This is where it gets really interesting. Some tech companies and researchers have combined powers to create diagnostic tools to help decipher this information. Dumb it down if you will. Before we share some of these awesome companies, let’s talk about what you’ll use your genomic information to discover. We all have unique DNA, and in this genetic code, there are mutations that can affect your gene expression. These mutations are called SNP’s (single nucleotide
polymorphism.) If a SNP occurs within a gene, then the gene is described as having more than one allele. ... In these cases, SNPs may lead to variations in the amino acid sequence. The majority of SNPs have no effect on health or development. However, some of these genetic differences have proven to be very important in the study of human health and very relevant in understanding our mental health. Researchers have found SNPs that may help predict an individual’s response to certain drugs, susceptibility to environmental factors such as toxins, and risk of developing particular diseases. Understanding your SNP’s can help you to understand why you may be experiencing certain issues. If I would have had this information, I may have avoided my poor interaction with prescription antidepressants. For the sake of brevity, I don’t want this to become an in-depth science lesson but instead give you some direction
This article was a very brief overview of the process I went through to take back my health. I wish I could be much more detailed; however, I must keep it short. I’m hoping you may feel empowered to start your journey in researching the power of epigenetics with my story being shared. Here are a few resources to get you started (where I started.): • The books “Nutrient Power” by William J. Walsh, PhD and “Dirty Genes” by Dr. Ben Lynch. • If videos are more of your thing, then search either of them on YouTube, and you’ll have a ton of great information to get you started.
to continue your epigenetic educational journey. I’ll continue to use myself as an example. Here is one of my gene SNP’s that, in my opinion, helped me to understand my mental health struggles. One of the most well-known gene SNP’s is the MTHFR gene. If your MTHFR has a gene mutation, it can affect your ability to use dietary folate to repair your DNA and RNA. DNA methylation and folate are important in mental health. Reduction of MTHFR activity or folate deficiency has been associated with the onset of several psychiatric diseases, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, autism, and ADHD. I personally have several gene mutations within this gene family, which causes my ability to assimilate and utilize folate to be reduced by over 40%. With several genes having mutations within this family, it’s probably much higher since most genes have a relationship to each other. Since I have a reduction of 40%, at a minimum, I need to eat more than double someone who does not have this mutation. This was where I started, and within a few months, I had a massive reduction in my depressive symptoms. I continued to delve into the gene analysis reports and discovered many genes that could possibly be causing health and wellness issues. I took note of many of them and found out their relationship to mental health. Having this information, I was able to research (as should you) and discover whether I should supplement or dramatically increase my diet with foods highest in folate. Slowly I kept adding new habits to my daily routine, and soon my depression was gone.
Thank you so much for allowing me to share my mental health journey. Remember that I am not a doctor, so my advice should only be used as a reference point to start seeking your own information. If you are thinking of taking anti-depressant medications, then I highly suggest having your genome checked. Here are a few companies to handle your downloaded genomic information: Foundmyfitness.com/genetics, strategene. me, xcode.life. I can also be found by searching PhenoX Fitness on Instagram or Facebook.
Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home is honored to help care for fallen veterans and their families. We are proud to be the only funeral home in northern Michigan with a dedicated Veteran’s Benefits Specialist. Do you have Questions? Call Brandon at (231) 947 - 6347
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Military Kids
Veterans Day 2021
Thank you to all who have served.
Several northern Michigan schools and kids celebrated Veterans Day by collecting donations for active military families and by creating thank you cards to send to Veterans in the area. Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11 to honor men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces, on the anniversary of the end of World War I.
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My Office Today is a nostalgic look-back of northern Michigan, with photojournalist John Russell’s love for his hometown shining through each photo. Books are available on Amazon and JohnRussellPhoto.net.
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In the Kitchen
Sweet Heat Burgers By Kirsten Kubert (comfortablydomestic.com Mother of an Active-Duty Military Son) Sweet Heat Burgers are a perfectly seasoned blend of beef and pork, layered with sweet and spicy elements that are so good, it’s destined to become your new signature burger.
YIELDS 8 TASTY BURGERS 15 min Prep Time
10 min Cook Time
Instructions Ingredients For the Burger Patties: • 1 lb. lean ground beef chuck • 1 lb. ground pork • 2 tsp. McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning blend • 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce For the Burgers: • 8 Jalapeno Cheddar Burger Buns, halved horizontally and toasted • 8 slices of Romaine lettuce • 8 slices of thick cut, candied maple bacon, cooked crisp • 1 (small) ripe tomato, thinly sliced • 1 slice sweet onion, separated into rings ( ¼-inch thick) • ½ C. sweet and spicy pickle chips, to taste • 1/3 C. favorite hot pepper jelly of choice
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1. Place the ground beef and ground pork into a large bowl. Sprinkle with Montreal Steak seasoning blend and Worcestershire sauce. Using clean hands, knead the meats with seasonings until well blended. Divide the mixture into eight equal (4 oz.) pieces. Pack each piece into a ball and then pat into patties. Grill the burgers over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side (for medium) or cook to preference. Transfer the burgers to a clean plate. 2. While the burgers are cooking, arrange the buns and toppings. Once the burgers are done, build each burger as follows: bottom bun, lettuce, hamburger, tomato, onion, candied maple bacon, sweet & spicy pickle chips. Smear the underside of the top bun with a teaspoon or two of pepper jelly and place on top of the rest of the toppings. 3. Serve immediately.
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