Volume 13, Issue 8
NRD Phoenix Shows Support for Fallen Sailor, Family
30 August 2010
Story and photos by MC1(AW) Adrian Melendez
KINGMAN, Ariz - Five Sailors from NRD Phoenix attended a memorial ceremony for Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Justin McNeley in Kingman, Ariz., Aug. 28. Navy Counselor 1st Class Steven Powell, MEPS Phoenix, Operations Specialist 1st Class Gerald Jones, NRRS Phoenix, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Aaron Spaulding , NOSC Phoenix, Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Douglas Boykin, NRS Desert Sky, and Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Stephen Jones, NRS Lake Havasu all made the trip to Kingman to participate in the ceremony and to give their respects to the family of McNeley. “It’s important to remember our fallen service members,” said Boykin. “It’s especially important to show support and respect when the fallen is one of our own, a Sailor.” “He gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country and this was a way for me to honor some who deserves to be honored,” said Stephan Jones. Surrounded by hundreds of American flags of all sizes the NRD Sailors escorted McNeley’s Mother, Sharon Wood, and Step Father, Glenn Wood, to their seats and then presented the colors during the National Anthem. Although there were many guest speakers at the ceremony
Sailors from the Navy Recruiting District Phoenix color guard bow their heads in prayer during a memorial ceremony for Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Justin McNeley in Kingman Ariz., Aug. 28. McNeley was killed in Logar Province, Afghanistan July 23, 2010. gave his life in service for this who praised McNeley for his great country,” said Arizona state service an gave memorable accounts of the proud Sailor, friend Representative Doris Goodale. “Let and son, one of the most emotional us never doubt the sacrifice that each and every day our men and was when three mothers of other women in the military, and those fallen service members let Sharon who have been in the military, know that she wasn’t alone. “I thought that was the most provide to us so that we can gather as we are doing today so we can touching, that they were giving walk in the joy of freedom.” their condolences and support to McNeley was killed July Justin’s mom while remembering 23, 2010 along with Culinary the own sons who were killed in Specialist 3rd Class Jarod Newlove action,” said Boykin. in Logar Province, Afghanistan, The ceremony concluded after they were attacked by with the laying of a brick with Justin’s name engraved on it along insurgent forces. side others with names of local heroes who proudly served. Additional Photos on Page 3 “Petty Officer McNeley
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Inside This Issue
COMMAND CORNER
Fitness and Appearence…. It Reflects Who You Are
Page 5 Zone 6 Captain’s Cup Page 6 Zone 8 DC Olympics Page 8 Hike of the Month Page 8 Becoming an NC Page 9 Walking on Air Page 10 Around the Fleet
By CMDCM(SS) Jerry Pittman
Road Runner Staff Cmdr. Darryl Toppin Commanding Officer Cmdr. Derek Wessman Executive Officer CMDCM(SS) Jerry Pittman Command Master Chief MC1(AW) Adrian Melendez Public Affairs Officer Editor/Layout and Design NC1 Steven Powell Assistant Public Affairs Officer John Bering Assistant Editor The Road Runner is a monthly newsletter produced by the U.S. Navy Recruiting District Phoenix Public Affairs. It is intended primarily, but not exclusivly, for the use, information and entertainment of it’s active duty and reserve members, civilian employees and their families. Any views exspressed herin are not necessarily the official postions of the U.S. Navy. The Road Runner staff encourages feedback from it’s readers. Please submit all articles, suggestions, ideas, comments, photos, compliments or complaints to MC1(AW) Adrian Melendez at adrian.b. melendez@ navy.mil, NC1 Steven Powell at steven. powell1@navy.mil, or John Bering at john.bering@navy.mil
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It’s that time again. We just got the PRT warning for October. Some of you may ask why the Navy needs to put so much emphasis on physical fitness. The answer is simple. Each of us needs to be ready, at a moment’s notice to step up and do what’s necessary. For some in our ranks, that means deploying to combat zones or working long hours in intense heat. For others, it means deploying on ships and submarines where maintaining your physical fitness is a challenge. My guess is that if you were not in shape when you reported to NRD Phoenix, you will have an uphill battle in trying to improve during your tour. Wouldn’t it be great if we didn’t have to prepare, we just were always ready. Getting in shape and staying in shape is not only a Navy leadership issue, it’s a personal responsibility. If you are overweight, the person most accountable for your situation is you. The Navy is going to continue to offer opportunities and equipment to help you lose weight and get in shape, but ultimately it’s
you who needs to commit to the program. If you haven’t figured it out yet, the Navy takes your health seriously, and so should you. As each of us aspires to leadership, I challenge each of you to help your shipmates around you who may need some motivational help. If you are going to the gym – take someone with you! Working hard days and weeks on end will wear you down both physically and mentally. If you are not in good physical shape you won’t be able to keep your body and mind sharp. The same can be said of uniform appearance – your appearance is a direct reflection of your attention to detail and discipline. If you don’t take the time to do the small things right (uniforms), you may not give the same level of attention to your work. Additionally, others may not give you the chance to get involved in important projects that could positively affect your career if they feel you don’t present an acceptable appearance. If you cut corners in your job and don’t think appearance matters, you lower your operational readiness. Whether or not the Navy truly becomes a more fit service depends on each of us to realize our role, both personally and as leaders. Command support is paramount and you have it here. We need to promote physical fitness and healthy lifestyles. We need to ensure each Sailor has the opportunity to participate in Fitness Continued On Page 4
Kingman, Ariz., Mayor, John Salem, gives condolences to Sharon and Glenn Wood, Mother and Step Father of Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Justin McNeley, during a memorial ceremony for McNeley in Kingman, Aug. 28. McNeley was killed in Logar Province, Afghanistan July 23, 2010.
Navy Counselor 1st Class Steven Powell escorts McNeley’s Mother, Sharon Wood, to the ceremony while surrounded by color guard.
Sharon Wood adds a brick with her sons name to the Veteran’s Memorial in Kingman.
Sailors from the Navy Recruiting District Phoenix color guard bow their heads in prayer during the memorial ceremony. Operations Specialist 1st Class Gerald Jones, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Aaron Spaulding , Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Douglas Boykin, and Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Stephen Jones, took part in the ceremony to honor McNeley.
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NRD Phoenix Ombudsman
(nrdphxombuds1@gmail.com) Sandra Roberts (Phoenix Lead Ombudsman) (602)621-1922 Sandra.roberts@q.com Lety Spaulding (Phoenix) (602)432-6692 ladybug85021@yahoo.com Sharla Boykin (Phoenix) (623)792-0770 Elizabeth Garciasalas (El Paso) (505)554-8685 ekg05@yahoo.com Aimee White (Tucson) (520)461-9201 navy-wife@hotmail.com
FRG President
Megan Kenney (Phoenix) (760)505-5479 nvychk@aol.com
Dial-a-Chaplin
Phoenix Area Chaplin Terry Pletkovich (480)586-8728 Chaplin Dean Johansen (602)828-7773 Davis-Monthan AFB (520)228-4511 Fort Bliss (915)568-8728 Kirtland AFB (505)846-5691
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Fitness Continued From Page 2
physical fitness activities. We need to ensure those Sailors who are outside our standard are provided motivation and assistance to bring them back into standards. And that means you! The Navy is counting on each and every one of us to do your best to get it shape, stay in shape, and help your shipmates around you
to improve their health as well. You are all doing some great things in our Navy, everyday I am amazed at the talent and work ethic that keeps our Navy the force that it is. Stay safe and look out for your shipmates. HOOYAH. CMC TIP: Did you know that Navy MWR has trained professionals that will assist you with a fitness regiment‌.all you have to do is ask! Machinists’ Mate 1st Class Douglas Boykin, from NRS Desert Sky, assist with moving desk into Arlington Elementary school on their first day of school. Members from all branches of the military, past and present, presented desk to the students and spoke on their military experience. Photo Courtesy of Shirley Caudillo
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Zone 8 Focuses on Damage Control By NC1 Belinda Daniel NMCRC El Paso
EL PASO, Texas- NOSC El Paso became a damage control training ground, Aug. 21, to prepare El Paso Future Sailors on the arduous tasks of pipe patching and hose handling. The El Paso Fire Department was instrumental in the training, as they provided the fire truck and hoses to facilitate the training. Boatswain’s Mate (BM)2nd Class Edgar Escobar and BM2 Veronica Archuleta demonstrated proper pipe patching techniques to the Future Sailors and upon their understanding, the water came on and it was time to let our Future Sailors have a try. As the water poured out of the cracked pipe, teams comprised of Future Sailors from each individual
NRS worked together to properly secure the patches in order to minimize the streams of water that were constantly beating them back. Some teams were successful, others were too distracted by the water to accomplish the mission, but good training and fun were had by all. After completion of the pipe patching exercise, the teams moved on to the next phase of training which was on the proper handling of a fire hose. Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Adrian Tellez and
Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Jaime Ferando demonstrated proper firefighting techniques to include the proper relief of the nozzleman. The Future Sailors were given the opportunity to handle the firehose and fight a simulated fire. The day concluded with all Future Sailors in the zone completing an obstacle course created by Zone 8. Teamwork and Navy Core values were on full display throughout the Future Sailor event.
Hike the Waterfall Trail By John Bering
When it’s just another hot day in the desert is the perfect time for a hike without too many people crowding the trail. The Waterfall Trail, located in the White Tank Mountains which border the western edge of The Valley of the Sun, is a two mile out and back hike with the first and last half mile being very smooth and wheelchair accessible. Where the barrier free section comes to an end is an area heavily populated with ancient graffiti, otherwise known as petroglyphs. After viewing the rock etchings continue on up the trail and make your way to the waterfall. Even though it is often just a trickle you can imagine what it is like during a rainstorm. With boulders the size of cars laying in the dry wash it is apparent the monsoons have wrecked havoc for countless centuries. There
is a small pool at the base of the waterfall that always contains water even in the driest months. One can only assume that every animal within miles knows of this watering hole. Just up and to the right of the pool are the waterfall and a second pool. These “white tanks” etched out of the rock by water
is the reason for the name of this mountain range. There is some give and take with hiking in the Southwest during the summer months. It is, obviously, very hot but the heat keeps most people indoors and those that can stand the heat enjoy a little more freedom on the trail.
Support Center in Albuquerque. “I work hard and I’m good at what I do. Of course, my chain of command had a lot to do with it also. Their support was awesome!” One of the factors for Armijo to want to make the jump to the NC community was her drive to positively change someone’s life by giving them the opportunity to serve in the Navy. “I love the feeling of being able to change someone’s life for the good, and directly contributing to the Navy’s success as a whole,” she said. “I think being able to give someone the opportunity to serve their country and better themselves in the Navy is a great job.” Armijo said that the process
of putting in a package for NC isn’t that difficult, but waiting for the results can cause some anxiety. “The process wasn’t too bad. It is the waiting to see if your name is on the selection board results that drives you nuts. Even if it was just one day!” To be a successful NC Armijo believes that honesty and sincerity are key factors a Sailors needs in her new community to best serve potential Future Sailors. “Our applicants are depending on us to tell them the truth and be sincere about wanting to give them the very best service we can at all times.”
Armijo Achieves Goal of Becoming Navy Counselor By MC1(AW) Adrian Melendez
We all set goals in life. Whether it be personal or professional, we all strive to achieve our goals and take great pride in the feeling when we reach the bar we have put in place for ourselves. Navy Counselor 1st Class Marlene Armijo is one such Sailor who is feeling the pride and relief of achieving one of her goals. Armijo was a Logistics Specialist until Aug. 6, when she found out she had been selected for conversion to Navy Counselor (NC). “It felt very rewarding to know that I have completed just one more of the many goals I have in the Navy,” said Armijo, who is stationed at the Navy Operational
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Get Out and Skywalk By John Bering On a recent trip to Las Vegas I decided to finally check out the Skywalk at Grand Canyon West. Unlike the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon West is not part of the National Park Service but is on tribal land and privately operated by the Hualapai Nation. The sign on the side of the highway between the Hoover Dam and Kingman, Arizona simply points east and
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states that the Skywalk is 49 miles away. After driving 32 miles we found out that’s where the asphalt ends and the dirt begins. After another 17 miles of dirt road we arrived at the Hualapi Reservation and staging area for the Skywalk. There is a very large tent structure that serves as the gift shop and tour sales office. We already knew that the Skywalk fee was around $30 per person but we were not aware that there is also a mandatory $40 shuttle bus fee as private vehicles are not allowed. So buyer beware; if you want to go to the Skywalk you will be driving 34 miles (out and back) on a dirt road and the Skywalk fee is $75 per person. That being said, had we known that going in it would have softened the blow. Once we boarded the bus it was a mere five minute ride to Eagle Point where the Skywalk is located. The view from the rim is as stunning as it is from everywhere along the Grand Canyon. The location gets its name, Eagle Point, from a rock formation that looks like an eagle
with its wings spread and head down. We looked over the edge for a while then got in line to do the walk. After our turn on the Skywalk we boarded the bus and headed to the second stop for a few more photos then back to the truck and down the dirt road again. By this time we had worked up an appetite and were not about to give the Hualapi any more of our money (they also wanted $30 per picture on the Skywalk and prohibit taking your own camera out there). We have driven past Eat AT Joe’s dozens of times while driving back and forth between Phoenix and Las Vegas and between Phoenix and Laughlin. Every time I passed through the tiny village of Wikieup I noticed the BBQ sign but never stopped. This time I’m glad I finally did. We had the Boudin sausage (sausage made with pork, rice and spicy herbs then grilled) and their Heaven on a Bun. The sandwich was a combination of brisket and pulled pork with bacon mashed potatoes and coleslaw on the side. Yes, it was deserving of its name. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and the fantastic service. In the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger “I’ll be back”.
Navy, Marine Corps Team Moves to Southern Pakistan By MC1 (SW/AW) R. David Valdez Commander, Amphibious Squadron 3 Public Affairs
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (NNS) -The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps team, partnering with the Pakistani government, is moving from Ghazi to a southern location at Pano Aqil Air Base, near Sukkur, Pakistan, to support relief operations as flood waters move south. Four CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 (Reinforced) (HMM-165 (REIN)) are the initial heavy-lift capable aircraft moving to Pano Aqil. Two of the helicopters arrived from Ghazi, and two more helicopters are flying in from amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5). The transition will be complete when the CH-46E and CH-53E “Sea Stallion” helicopters from HMM-165 and the MH-53E helicopters from Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15 (HM-15) also move from Ghazi to Pano Aqil. “The contribution of the Navy and Marine Corps helicopters in northern Pakistan has been tremendous,” said Rear Adm. Sinclair Harris, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group Five and the officer in charge of Task
Members of a U.S. Navy air crew assigned to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15, Detachment 2, help Pakistani soldiers unload relief supplies from a U.S. Navy MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter during humanitarian relief efforts. HM-15 is embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) supporting the Pakistan government and military with heavy lift capabilities in flooded regions of Pakistan. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Paul Duncan Force 59, the Navy’s task force to backfill the Navy and Marine for humanitarian assistance and Corps helicopters in the Swat disaster relief operations. “But the Valley in the coming days ensuring flood damage throughout Pakistan there will be a continued effort is extensive, and there is still a long between the U.S. military and the way to go. We’re working with the Pakistani government to assist government of Pakistan to make an people affected by the floods in impact in other areas, as well.” Flood Continued On U.S. Army helicopters are due Page 11
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Flood Continued From Page 10
the northern regions. he Army’s Chinooks and UH-60 Blackhawks are well suited for the mountainous regions in the north, and their arrival allows the Navy and Marine helicopters to operate in the flatter terrain of the southern areas and provide more rapid support missions with Peleliu. “USS Peleliu has supported the operations ashore throughout the relief efforts, and will continue to do so,” said Harris. “Pano Aqil
Air Base is closer to the ocean, therefore the ship’s crew will be able to provide logistical support to the helicopters more quickly and more often.” San Diego-based amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu with the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) was the first Navy asset to arrive off the coast of Pakistan. While the Peleliu/15th MEU team will remain in place as long as it’s needed, the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group is on its
way from Norfolk, Va. to relieve Peleliu and carry on the mission at hand. To date, U.S. military aircraft supporting flood-relief efforts in Pakistan have transported more than 3 million pounds of humanitarian assistance supplies and rescued more than 11,000 people within Pakistan, delivering aid and providing transport to people who urgently need emergency assistance.
Safest Summer On Record Concludes for Sailors, Marines By April Phillips, Naval Safety Center Public Affairs
NORFOLK - Labor Day marked the traditional end of summer for Sailors and Marines and also the end of the Naval Safety Center’s (NSC) annual summer safety campaign, “Live to Play, Play to Live.” Although mishap reports for the long weekend are not complete, it appears that both the Navy and Marine Corps enjoyed the safest summer since NSC started keeping these statistics. However, that still means that 14 Sailors and 14 Marines lost their lives between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Nonetheless, this is a considerable improvement from 2009, when 39 Sailors and Marines lost their lives during the same period. While that is an achievement to be proud of, NSC is not declaring victory, especially in light of the fact that one Sailor and one Marine died during Labor Day weekend. Mishap reports indicate that both deaths may be related to alcohol. “There have been a lot fewer cases of DUI (drinking under the influence),” said NSC
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Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Dominick Torchia. “However, there may be some complacency about the dangers of over-consumption in general. We’re seeing cases of Sailors and Marines basically drinking themselves to death.” While most people seem to be getting the message about designated drivers and safe ride programs, leaders need to continue educating their Sailors and Marines about the health risks of alcohol, including alcohol poisoning and reduced inhibitions that may lead to risky behavior, said Torchia. Although the summer 2010 has ended, Torchia urged renewed focus on risk management, so the positive mishap trends of the summer will continue into the cooler seasons. “Many of the risks are actually the same,” said Torchia. “There are just different conditions. We think of people traveling for their summer vacations, but they are also on the road for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The folks who are out there participating in summer sports will probably also take part in winter
sports. We ask them to take the same risk management mentality and adapt it to the new conditions.” To that end, Torchia recommends “winterizing” homes and vehicles now, rather than waiting until weather conditions deteriorate. He also encourages everyone to get in shape now for winter sporting activities such as skiing, snowboarding or even football. “Prepare and train before you go out and try something like that. If you haven’t skied before, take a course before you hit the slopes,” said Torchia. While many risks remain consistent through all four seasons, fire dangers do escalate in fall and winter, due to faulty heating systems, unsupervised fireplaces and dangerous space heaters. “Now is the time to prepare your home. Weatherproof your house and have annual maintenance performed on your fireplaces and heating systems,” Torchia said. “Doing this now will keep you ahead of the game.”