8 JET OBSERVER • May 30, 2013
Six VFA-11 ‘Red Rippers’ reenlist at NASCAR race BY LT. J.G. ADAM FISEL VFA-11 Public Affairs Officer
ATCS(AW/SW) Eric Bleadingheiser from FRCMA Oceana (l) and NAS Oceana Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Eric Clark hold up signs May 24 at the Oceana front gate to remind Sailors to “Keep What You’ve Earned,” or KWYE. KWYE is a Navywide campaign, launched April 1 to remind Sailors of how important it is to drink responsibly and how much they could lose if they make poor decisions about alcohol. Photo by Harry Gerwien
KWYE: Encourages Sailors to think about financial, career consequences of bad decisions — Continued from page 1 learned about KWYE and the event at Oceana during their morning chiefs’ meetings at FRC. He and three first class petty officers from FRCMA Oceana were at the front gate, while other FRC Sailors were at the back gate. With many commands letting their Sailors kick off the long weekend by leaving early, there was a steady stream of vehicles exiting the base by noon. “When they see their senior leadership out here, holding up the signs, seeing that we care,will make them think about it and hopefully, they will see that we want them to come back safely,” said Bleadingheiser, as outgoing drivers honked and waived at the group. With the direct participation and involvement of master chiefs, senior chiefs, first class petty officers and even several junior officers from commands across Oceana and Dam Neck,Clark said it shows “how important it is to us that we’re doing this when they’re on their way out during a long weekend.” Because an arrest for driving under the influence/driving while intoxicated can cost thousands of dollars in attorneys’ fees and court costs, as well as possibly being asked to leave the Navy, Clark noted how KWYE is different than previous safety
campaigns because it is“really trying to tie into not only the decisions, but the money in their pocket and their careers.” AT1(AW/SW) Jose Lizarrago was joined by fellow first class petty officers from FRCMA Oceana,Aviation Support Equipment Technician 1st Class June Estacio and Aviation Machinist’s Mate 1st Class (AW) Rolando Guzman, in holding up the oversized signs at the front gate. “One of the things I’ve noticed that Sailors, particularly the junior Sailors, don’t understand how bad things can get. If I can warn one Sailor, if I can get one Sailor off the road and keep them from drinking and driving, it will improve their life,” said Lizarrago, who works in 600 Division. Even before KWYE was put into place, Lizarrago was active in“Safe Ride,”and other programs to prevent drinking and driving. “I’ve offered to come and pick them up [after drinking] and take them by to their cars the next day,” said Lizarrago. “I make sure they don’t make destructive decisions. You know in today’s Navy, you can no longer recover from a DUI. If I can help keep a talented Sailor in, that’s what I need to do,” he added. While Clark said the primary purpose of Friday’s event was to prevent drinking and driving, KWYE “really goes to a myriad of decisions they could make, in regards to lots of choices they have in their lives.”
Six Sailors from the“Red Rippers”of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 celebrated an important milestone in their naval careers April 27. Avionics Electronics Technician (AT) 1st Class Justin Moll,Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st ClassThomas Noetzel,AT2 Austin Cutchins,Aviation Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Jason Hinton,AT2 Brandon Justice and Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class John Shalla elected to reenlist in the U.S.Navy. The memorable event took center stage in front of race-day fans, including 50 other Rippers,at the Richmond International Raceway (RIR) prior to the running of the NASCAR Toyota Owners 400. The enlistment occurred during the pre-race ceremonies at the start/finish line. Administering the oath of enlistment was Cmdr. Marcus Lopez, commanding officer of VFA-11, assisted by VFA-11 Command Master
Chief Lee Barbrey. Together with RIR officials, Moll was responsible for organizing the ceremony. “I originally just made plans to go the race, but then I realized I was up for my reenlistment,” said Moll. With the help of the command career counselor, Moll contacted other Sailors who were due for reenlistment to see if they were interested in participating in a joint reenlistment ceremony. After confirming five more Sailors wished to join him, he contacted RIR officials to see if they could provide a venue for the event. Raceway officials quickly responded, saying they were very interested in hosting the Red Rippers. As part of the pre-race coverage, the Speed Channel broadcast the ceremony and conducted individual interviews with Red Ripper Sailors. “We are very appreciative of Richmond and NASCAR Racing Fans for hosting us for this memorable occasion,” said Moll. Prior to the start of the NASCAR Toyota Owners 400, April 27 in Richmond, Va., (l-r) AT1 Justin Moll, AM1 Thomas Noetzel, AT2 Austin Cutchins, AE2 Jason Hinton, AT2 Brandon Justice and AO2 John Shalla from the “Red Rippers” were reenlisted by VFA-11 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Marcus Lopez. Photo provided
Off limits: List includes nine establishments — Continued from page 1 to all members of the armed forces is: • Coast 2 Coast Auto Sales, 1305 Oceana Blvd.,Virginia Beach • Hampton Pipe and Tobacco, 86 W. Mercury Blvd., Hampton • Hampton Pipe and Tobacco, 15435-B Warwick Blvd., Newport News • Hampton Pipe and Tobacco, 4796 George Washington Memorial Highway, Hayes • Lazy Days, 731 J Clyde Morris Blvd., Ste B, Newport News • Lazy Days, 839 W. 21st Street, Norfolk • Mellow Smoke Tobacco Shop, 1948 Diamond Springs Road,Virginia Beach
• Outer Edge Gifts, 760-B J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News • Blazin Herbs, 85 W Mercury Blvd., Hampton The safety and security of all service members is a priority for the Department of Defense.The JAFDCB is an investigative committee composed of members from each military service and civilian advisers, who work with local law enforcement agencies and local businesses to identify conditions which may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare, and discipline of the armed forces. For more information go to http:// www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrma.html.