March 2012 Road Runner by NRD Phoenix

Inside This Issue Page4 Rugby

COMMAND CORNER

Brand Matters

Cmdr. Derek Wessman NRD Phoenix, Commanding Officer

Phoenix’ reputation among the other NRDs, etc… all the way to our reputations as individuals. Are we Page 7 United Food Bank reliable? Do our actions demonstrate our core values of Honor, Courage Page 8 Mega DEP & Commitment? To those who know us well, the answer comes Page 10 Around the Fleet easily, but unfamiliarity often raises skepticism, until proven otherwise. That’s where our actions come in. Events like the three MEGA-DEP Road Runner Staff meetings we had this past month, go a long way in breaking down Cmdr. Derek Wessman that skepticism because the Future Commanding Officer Sailors saw leadership in action from their mentors/recruiters and Cmdr. Alex Ortiz demonstrated their own leadership Executive Officer skills, while the families were What’s your brand? able to observe the sincerity in our CMDCM(SCW/SW) Eric Cole … No, not the brand of car you commitment to their son/daughter/ Command Master Chief drive, clothes you wear or other sister/brother/etc. product you use, but what makes So why does brand matter? MC1(AW) Adrian Melendez you, YOU and how do others First, we all make decisions every Public Affairs Officer perceive you? In other words, day based on reputation – the Editor/Layout and Design what’s your reputation? The more reputation of a company, school, appropriate question may be “What product or an individual. Think do you want it to be and do your about the last time you did a The Road Runner is a monthlynewsletactions support it? As the saying ter produced by the U.S. Navy RecruitPCS move. If you have school ing District Phoenix Public Affairs. It is goes “Actions speak louder than age kids, you probably consulted words,” accordingly as the “Face of intended primarily, but not exclusivly, Greatschools.com or similar for the use, information and entertainthe Navy to our Nation,” our actions website to find the school with the ment of it’s active duty and reserve must support the Navy’s brand as best reputation. Also, companies members, civilian employees and their a Global Force For Good, but it families. Any views exspressed herin are like Angieslist.com built its entire doesn’t stop there. “Brand matters not necessarily the official postions of business model around developing at every level,” says Stephen M.R. the U.S. Navy. The Road Runner staff business reputations through encourages feedbacl from it’s readers. Covey. consumer comments. What would Please submit all articles, suggestions, This statement begs two our customers’ comments be about ideas, comments, photos, compliments questions: What is meant by “every or complaints to MC1(AW) Adrian our station, district and our Navy? level” and why does it matter? Melendez at adrian.b. melendez@ Second, reputation breeds success Every level refers all the navy.mil. by attracting customers and building way to the individual. In our case, a referral network that grows and it starts with America’s global enriches our market, becoming reputation, the Armed Forces in general, the Navy’s reputation in Brand Continued om Page 3 comparison to other services, NRD Page 5 RDAC

Brand Continued from Page 2

the proverbial “self-licking ice cream cone.” Third, reputation doesn’t just attract customers; it attracts talent, which is crucial in this FIT recruiting environment. Finally, it attracts and motivates internal talent as well. Everyone wants to join a winning team, but what makes it a winning team is the ownership that each member has in its shared vision and is demonstrated through the daily actions of its members aimed at bringing their vision to life and

solidifying their brand. As we go forward and face the challenges of our mission, remember our vision… NRD Phoenix Vision A Pro-Active, ResultsOriented TEAM that inspires TRUST & CONFIDENCE in one another, in our applicants, in our Navy customers and in our leaders through daily actions based on CHARACTER, COMPETENCE & LEADERSHIP… making NRD Phoenix the “go-to” District for duty assignment, answers and

RESULTS. I am continually impressed with your professionalism and drive to make our Navy even stronger. Your daily actions demonstrate that we are a local force for good as well. Navy Week Phoenix presents a unique opportunity to strengthen our brand even more at the local level. Let’s seize this opportunity to bring our brand to life. Thanks for your continued Honor, Courage & Commitment to our mission. Stay Hungry! Skipper

Know Where to Get Help

CMDCM(SCW/SW) Eric Cole NRD Phoenix Command Master Chief posters and pamphlets to heighten Shipmates and Families awareness of how poor decision This month I want to share an armaking by Sailors in abusing drugs ticle about substance abuse. or alcohol diminishes command readiness. MC1(AW) LaTunya Howard, “A Sailor’s decision to Navy Personnel Command Pubuse drugs has a bad impact on the lic Affairs workforce,” said Yeoman 1st Class (SW/AW) Latashia Graham, Navy MILLINGTON, Tenn. - ‘Who Will Personnel Command (NPC) secreStand Your Watch’ is a new subtariat office. “Now you put Sailors stance abuse prevention campaign that work for you or work with you recently launched by the Navy in the position of having to do your Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevenjob and theirs which makes it more tion (NADAP) office officials said stressful for everyone.” Feb 28. According to Favorite, the The focus of the campaign number of alcohol incidents and is to educate Sailors on the negaSailors testing positive for illicit tive impact substance abuse can drugs has decreased over the years, have on their careers, family and but substance abuse continues to shipmates. put lives and missions at risk. For “Sailors have a personal that reason, it benefits everyone to responsibility to consider the effect prevent substance abuse from octheir absence will have on their unit curring rather than dealing with its and their shipmates if he or she is consequences. Prevention requires removed from duty as a result of responsibility and accountability at a substance abuse incident,” said all levels. Dorice Favorite, NADAP director. “The campaign is a pro-ac NADAP is using television tive approach to substance abuse,” public service announcements, said Favorite. “It forces Sailors to

ask themselves who will stand my watch when I lose my career or even my life due to drug or alcohol abuse.” Even with the emergence of new designer drugs the Navy maintains a zero tolerance policy for illegal drug use, reinforced by the separation of 1,515 Sailors in fiscal year 2011. The Armed Forces Medical Examiner Services currently tests for designer drug compounds for Navy Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS) cases. Help Continued on Page 6

Not Your Everyday Football By MC1 Adrian Melendez

It’s no surprise or secret that many Sailors in the Navy take part in organized sports. Whether in be a command basketball team, softball league, or the Navy wrestling team, Sailors use these organized teams to stay fit as well as to continue on the competitive spirit many have shown while playing intramural and high school sports prior to their service. One Navy Recruiting District Phoenix Sailor has found a love and passion for a not too common sport for Americans, but for our brothers in England and Australia. A native of Bronx N.Y., Cryptology Technician Collection 1st Class Robert Fletcher, grew up playing football, baseball and wrestling, but stumbled upon the game of Rugby while stationed in Virginia in 2001, and currently plays for the Tempe Rugby Club in Tempe, Ariz. “I had a Senior Chief who

played ask me if I wanted to try it out and I have loved playing ever since,” Fletcher said. Often compared to American football, the differences between game play, language and the ball itself are very apparent at first glance. “The similarities between rugby and football are running, tackling and kicking. And that’s it,” said Fletcher, a former high school football running back and current rugby hook and prop . “The point system is generally similar, only in rugby you get five points for a try (touchdown) and two points on the conversion.” One of the biggest differences is the lack of pads in a sport that is almost as full contact as it’s American counterpart. Fletcher said that even though they don’t wear pads he hasn’t ever suffered any major injuries, and attributes the lack of

CTR1 Robert Fletcher (center right) from NRDPhoenix Headquarters takes part in a Scrum during a rugby match. Fletcher currently plays for the Tempe Rugby Club in Tempe, Ariz.

pads in the game to why there are not as many injuries as he has seen in football. “Both are very tough sports. The reason I think there are more injuries in football is because of the padding. Players are less fearful of injury,” said Fletcher. “In rugby it’s more skill than brute force. In rugby you have to wrap your arms around the opposing player and take them to the ground rather than just being able to blind side them or hit them to get them to the ground.” During Fletcher’s time being stationed in Phoenix he has played for two different rugby clubs and has competed in the rugby regional’s in Southern California last year after winning the Arizona state Championship. “It’s an ever changing game. I’m still learning it,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun and really suits my needs to play a physical sport and keep being competitive.” If you know of an NRD Phoenix Sailor, or Future Sailor, that has an interesting hobby or story to spotlight in the Road Runner please contact the Public Affairs Officer.

Put RDAC to Work on Your Side By Daymond Howell

February has been a busy time of year around the District with numerous career fairs, “MegaDEP” events, and of course…Navy Week Preparations. As we continue to focus on upcoming mission milestones, student graduations and the upcoming NROTC “season” -RDAC is on your side! It is a common misconception that there is only one “right” way to design and facilitate your community events, Future Sailor mentoring and daily recruiting objectives. Following tradition (as in “we do it this way because this is the way we have always done it”) stifles creativity and most often yields mediocre results at best. The most important skill that most successful recruiters recognize is the ability to present the “Navy Story” in such a way as to broaden and stir interest within his or her targeted audience. Fortunately, TEAM PHOENIX

RDAC Member Spotlight Mr. Manrico Lollie

Francis Ruiz, Tammy Anger, Tonie Anies from Navy Federal Credit Union in Glendale, Ariz., passed out information and training to Sailors and Future Sailors at Division Six’s Mega DEP meeting Feb. 11. The three represenatives assisted in educating those in attendance on finacial prepardness and predetory lending.

has recently enjoyed several opportunities to partner with our RDAC TEAM members to inform and support our Future Sailors,

prospects, educators and centers of influence to our nation’s maritime

Rico Lollie, a recent Navy Human Resources Officer select, is the Assistant Director of Student Services with the Maricopa Skill Center which is a broader part of the Maricopa Community College System. Prior to his recent promotion, Rico served as the Coordinator of Veteran Services at the East Valley Veteran Education Center. Under his leadership, Rico created the Future Warrior program that enabled NRD Phoenix personnel to utilize the 5,500 square foot state of the art facility for Division Training, Future Sailor meetings and Command Focus Groups. As Assistant Director of Student Services, Rico is responsible for Veteran

and Student Initiatives and activity facilitation throughout the center. Rico earned his B.S. from Louisiana State University and his M.B.A. from American University. He has been a staunch advocate and mentor in all aspects of Student Services and Veteran affairs over the past 12 years. Prior to joining the Maricopa Community College District, Rico held Education Administration positions with Corinthian Colleges Inc., Southwest Tennessee Community College and the Baton Rouge Community College System. Rico’s guiding vision is to establish the Maricopa Skill Center as a National Model for Veteran and Student Service.

RDAC Continued on Page 6

Help Continued from Page 3

If a Sailor needs help with substance abuse, they can contact the command drug and alcohol program advisor (DAPA), contact Military-One Source for a confiRDAC Continued from Page 5

mission and opportunities for naval service. On February 11, Division Six held its “Mega-DEP” meeting at Paradise Valley Park. Chief Jerrime Gardner, Division Leading Chief Petty Officer for Division Six, recognized the importance of financial responsibility and the prevention of predatory lending practices for both his current and Future Sailors and reached-out to our NFCU RDAC team for support. According to Chief Gardner, “This training gave our Future Sailors the advantage of financial preparedness and its relevance to mission readiness. Also, it added awareness to the many pitfalls involved with predatory lending and its adverse

dential assessment and counseling at no cost to the Sailor, speak with their chain-of-command or their medical care provider. For more information on the ‘Who Will Stand Your Watch’ campaign, visit the NPC Webpage at www.npc.navy.mil, www.face-

book.com/usnavy, www.twitter. com/usnavy, If you, a family member, or a shipmate need help resources are available and ready to assist! Our Command DAPA is MAC(SW) Lau.

effect on the Navy family”. Curran McGuckin and Mike Menendez, NFCU- Luke and Mesa Branch Managers look forward to supporting your upcoming Future Sailor and Division training events. The NFCU RDAC Team can also provide first-hand training with topics such as: Budgeting, Understanding your Credit Score, Debt and many other important financial awareness presentations. Innovative ideas that include integrating your RDAC Team into planned recruiting evolutions have shown tremendous potential and results in the Community College market. As a recent example, Manrico “Rico” Lollie, the Assistant Director of Student Services at Maricopa Skill Center and TEAM PHOENIX’s RDAC Diversity Outreach

Committee recently invited NCC Jorell ReichBrooks-NRD Phoenix’s Nuclear Programs Coordinator and ABF2 Pete Williams from NRS Chandler to participate in the 3rd Annual Minority Male Student Conference at Phoenix College. Chief ReichBrooks described the event as a tremendous opportunity to network throughout the entire Maricopa Community College system. More importantly, she had the opportunity to be introduced to campus diversity groups and the Women’s leadership Group that hold promise for future partnerships. As the RDAC Team continues to grow, please do not hesitate to contact LT. Erin Ocker or Daymond Howell to include their many talents into your next event.

Sailors from the Navy Recruiting Processing Station (NRPS) in El Paso Texas took part in the clean up of The Joe Battle, Loop 375, March 3, in El Paso, Texas. The two mile stretch of highway was adopted by the NRPS and took them approximately three hours to clean up. The quarterly clean up is part of the Texas Department of Transportation’s Adopt a Highway program. Texas started the program in 1985 and was the first program of its kind in the world. The program is aimed to save taxpayers money while keeping the highways clean and beautiful through community volunteers.

MEGA DEP

Phoenix Recruiters Setting Up Future Sailors for Recruit Training Success MC1 Adrian Melendez

Over the past month, three divisions held “Mega DEP” (Delayed Entry Program) meetings throughout Phoenix. The meetings are a way for recruiters, Future Sailors and their family members from around the individual divisions to get together for training and some friendly competition between recruiting stations. The first Phoenix division to hold their meeting was Division 6 at Paradise Valley Park, in Paradise Valley, Ariz., Feb. 11, Followed by Division 3 at Red Mountain Park in Mesa, March 3, and Division 4 and Friendship Park in Avondale, March 10. Some of the training that was held at all three events was first aid, proper uniform care and general Navy knowledge. Along with the training, Future Sailors from stations within the division competed in physical events like a

Photo Courtesy of Amanda Ball

pull up competition or tug-of-war. “It (the event)went very well,” said Future Sailor Jacob Sylvester from Navy Recruiting Station Tempe in Division 3 “I feel even more Jazzed about shipping DEP Continued on Page 9

Navy Recruiting District Phoenix Command Master Chief, Eric Cole, instructs Future Sailors from Division 3 on general first aid procedures at their Mega DEP meeting at Mountain Park in Mesa, Ariz., March 3. Photo Courtesy of Amanda Ball

Future Sailors from Division 6 participate in a sit-up competition at Paradise Valley Park, Feb. 11. Each recruiting station in the division competed against each other in events ranging from physical to general Navy knowledge in order to take back their division’s trophy back to their station. All three divisions in the Phoenix held similar competitions during the months of February and March. U.S. Navy Photo by MC1 Adrian Melendez

DEP Continued from Page 8

out to RTC (Recruit Training Command).” “My favorite event was the tug-of-war event,“ added Sylvester. “I learned a lot from the first aid training given by Master Chief Cole. It was great to learn how the simplest things can make the biggest difference when administering first aid.” Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class David Mendez from NRS Desert Sky in Division 4 said that these events are very

beneficial for their Future Sailors because it gives them a head start on the type of training they will receive when they report to training in Great Lakes, Ill. “We want to give them a leg up as they transition through recruit training,” said Mendez, who organized the Division 4 Mega DEP. Mendez also said recruiters in today’s Navy play a bigger role in the transition from Future Sailor to Recruit than recruiters of the past, and the extra effort, training and attention overall builds better

U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Adrian Melendez

Sailors for America’s Navy. “When I joined it was pretty much I saw my recruiter when I signed up and then when it was time for me to go to boot camp he picked me up and sent me on my way,” said Mendez. “These type of events gives them a sense of being part of a team, build camaraderie and also shows them that recruiters aren’t just about getting them in the Navy. We care about their careers and their lives.” MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 13

Photo Courtesy of Amanda Ball

U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Adrian Melendez

Enterprise Departs on Final Deployment From Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea - The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) departed Norfolk Naval Station March 11 on the ship’s 22nd and final deployment. Enterprise is slated to deploy to the U.S. Navy’s 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation as part of an ongoing rotation of U.S. forces supporting maritime security operations in international waters around the globe. Working with allied and partner maritime forces, the Enterprise and her accompanying strike group will focus heavily on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts designed to maintain regional stability. The Enterprise Carrier Strike Group consists of approximately 5,500 Sailors and Marines who, during the last few months, successfully completed a series of complex training events and certifications to ensure they were capable of operating effectively and safely together. “This Strike Group is trained and ready for the full spectrum of operations,” said Rear Adm. Ted Carter, commander, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group.

Sailors man the rails as the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) departs Naval Station Norfolk for its final deployment. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Matthew Perreault

“We’re ready to maintain freedom of the sea lanes, project power if directed to do so, and certainly perform a presence mission.” These skills, which will be vital as the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group travels to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), were recently tested during the carrier’s Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). “During my time as Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Com-

mand, I haven’t sent a strike group underway that is as ready as you are,” said Adm. John C. Harvey, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, while addressing the crew of Enterprise prior to the ship getting underway. “No one has done as much to get ready, worked as hard, and accomplished as much in every warfare area. You should be very proud of what you’re going to be doing once you get to where you’re going...where the business Enterprise Continued on Page 11

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of the nation needs you.” For Enterprise, the Navy’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the deployment represents the culmination of more than 50 years of distinguished service. Commissioned in 1961, the Enterprise is both the largest and oldest active combat vessel in the Navy. Enterprise’s age, however, does not impact its effectiveness. “Enterprise is as ready and capable as she has ever been throughout her 50 years,” said Capt. William C. Hamilton, Commanding Officer of Enterprise. “The ship and crew’s performance during work-ups demonstrates that the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier has never been more relevant.” Throughout its storied history, Enterprise has played a role in the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam, Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, and was one of the first

Navy assets deployed following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The importance of the role Enterprise has played in both national and naval history is a fact not lost on the Sailors and Marines currently aboard the ship. “The crew is very mindful that we are following the legacy of the more than 200,000 Sailors who have come before us during the last 50 years,” said Hamilton. “It’s the Sailors of this great warship, and the Sailors that have served aboard Big E over the past half-century that have established the legacy she enjoys.”

half-century to keep her going strong,” said Hamilton. Enterprise is scheduled for deactivation and eventual decommissioning following its anticipated return later this year, marking the end of the carrier’s legendary 50-plus years of service.

The Enterprise Carrier Strike Group is comprised of Enterprise, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), and guided-missile destroyers USS Porter (DDG 78), USS Nitze (DDG 94), and USS Enterprise was designed in the late James E. Williams (DDG 95). 50’s for a 25-year lifespan, and the CVW-1 is comprised of Nimitz-class carriers were designed Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, for 50 years. “To effectively double Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) the service life of a ship as complex 211, Strike Fighter Squadron as Enterprise speaks volumes about (VFA) 136, Marine Fighter Attack the design strengths of the world’s Squadron (VMFA) 251, Electronic first nuclear-powered carrier, the Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, CarNavy’s commitment to cost effecrier Airborne Early Warning Squadtiveness, and our Sailors hard work ron (VAW) 123 and Helicopter and innovation throughout the last Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 11.

Up-to Date Emergency Data Vital for Family Readiness By MC1 LaTunya Howard Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs get in the practice of verifying our MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Off-duty records at a minimum of twice a accidents and illnesses were among year.” the leading causes of death for Sailors must keep their Sailors in calendar year 2011, said Record of Emergency Data (DD a Navy official March 9. form 93) and Dependency Appli “As service members, we cation Record of Emergency Data usually remember to update our (NAVPERS 1070/602 also known emergency data prior to a deployas your Page 2) updated with their ment or individual augmentee primary and secondary next-of-kin assignment,” said Hospital Corpsupon marriage, divorce, the birth of man 1st Class Dana Swope, leada child or any other significant life ing petty officer and licensed changing event. mortician, Navy and Marine Corps During a Page 2 update, Mortuary Affairs. “Non-combat Sailors should identify a person related incidents such as car acauthorized to direct disposition cidents, happen daily so we should (PADD) of the deceased.

“The PADD is the individual the Sailor appoints to oversee arrangements after their death and whom we will take our direction from in fulfilling the Sailor’s final wishes,” said Swope. According to Swope, the Page 2 and Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) forms are among the first documents the Navy will turn to in the event a Sailor is very seriously injured or dies. “Unfortunately, we sometimes find out when we need to Readiness Continued on Page 12

Readiness Continued from Page 11

notify family members of injury or the death of a service member, that the information [in the Page 2 and SGLI] is outdated or incomplete which hampers the notification process,” said Swope. “Not maintaining up-to-date Page 2 information could delay notification to next-ofkin and the distribution of death benefits.” Also, during a Page 2 update, Sailors should identify three people that they would desire to be bedside should they be injured and incapacitated. The Navy has a Bedside program that allows up to three family members to be present at an injured service member’s bedside should the injury be sufficient enough to warrant it. While illness and death are not the most popular topics to discuss, Swope suggests Sailors address the subject with their loved ones. “Sailors can take a great deal of stress off their family by making sure someone knows their final wishes,” said Swope. “When a Sailor or Marine dies, a uniformed casualty assistance calls officer (CACO) is assigned to contact

their family. CACO notifies the family of the death of their service member and they assist the family through the entire process.” The CACO is assigned by a regional office under Commander, Naval Installations Command. A Sailor’s designated beneficiary may receive multiple death benefits, i.e. death gratuity, SGLI, unpaid pay and allowances and possible survivor benefit entitlements of the service member. Death gratuity is a benefit paid to beneficiary/s designated by the Sailor at no cost to the Sailor. The total amount payable is $100,000, and Sailors may designate up to 10 people to receive it. The amount paid to a beneficiary is specified on the Sailor’s Page 2. SGLI is a life insurance benefit that Sailors elect to purchase through payroll deduction. The coverage is available in $50,000 increments up to $400, 000. The designated beneficiary/s are identified on the Sailor’s SGLV 8286, SGLI Election and Certificate. Sailors should access their electronic service record in Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System and their Official Military Personnel Files to verify Page 2

data information regularly. “We have seen firsthand how out dated emergency data can delay notification of next-of-kin and even result in benefits being distributed to former spouses,” said Swope. “I encourage Sailors to review their records and keep them up-to-date.” Contact the Personnel Support Detachment or personnel office if changes to beneficiary data are needed. Maintaining personnel and service records is a key element of readiness, one of the five areas of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Department of the Navy. For more information on death benefits, Sailors should contact the Navy Casualty Assistance office at 1-800-368-3202/901-8742501/DSN 882-2501 orcall the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) customer service center (CSC) at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC, email CSCMailbox@navy.mil or visit NPC’s website at www.npc.navy.mil.

Damage Controlman 1st Class Christopher Kight, from Phoenix, proposes to his girlfriend after disembarking from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is returning from a seven-month deployment. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kenneth Abbate