6 JET OBSERVER • September 26, 2013
MCAST Sailor recognized for Some Non-Resident Training outstanding volunteer service Course user accounts locked BY MC1(EXW) MATT DANIELS Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training Public Affairs Chief Navy Career Counselor (EXW/SCW/SW) Arusha “Cally” Johnson, assigned to Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training (MCAST) Command headquartered at Dam Neck Annex,was awarded the 2013 Cheryl Foster Award,during a ceremony Sept.18 in Norfolk. Johnson earned the award for her outstanding volunteer service to the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of South Hampton Roads’ women in crisis domestic violence emergency shelter and hotline program. Since May 2012,Johnson has served South Hampton Roads by providing immediate safe haven,emotional support and referrals to survivors of domestic violence as a crisis hotline operator. “During my tenure, I have been blessed to witness firsthand the results of a community coming together to increase self-sufficiency and empower survivors of domestic violence,” said Johnson. The YWCA of South Hampton Roads is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.Their programs are designed to provide quality services in response to survivors of sexual and domestic violence, young women seeking direction, the need for quality and affordable Photo provided childcare, and opportunities to work collaboratively to elimi- NCC(EXW/SCW/SW) Arusha “Cally” Johnson was presented the 2013 Cheryl Foster Award from the YWCA South nate racism in the community. Johnson, a firsthand witness Hampton Roads, during a ceremony Sept. 18 in Norfolk. and victim of domestic violence, Johnson, from MCAST at Dam Neck, earned the award for has been inspired to dedicate so outstanding volunteer service with the YWCA’s domestic violence emergency shelter and crisis line. much of her life helping people through the YWCA, the Navy’s Family Advocacy program, and her career in the U.S. Navy. “Being able to provide such a high level of support to those in imminent danger has been so rejuvenating and inspiring for me,” she said. As the command career counselor of MCAST, the Navy’s only civil affairs component, Johnson is responsible for aiding in the professional development of more than 250 active duty and Navy Reserve Sailors and ensuring they are provided with quality career information to allow them to make sound career decisions and remain eligible for retainment. “Through my service and sacrifice to others, I share my strength, hope and wisdom,” said Johnson.“I consider every survivor I have ever encountered a success story because I know the courage, persistence and strength it requires to break free, physically and emotionally, of a domestically volatile situation, especially when you have nothing,” Johnson completes her Master’s degree in Human Services with a specialization in marriage and family from Liberty University this December. With 16 years of proud U.S.Navy service,Johnson plans to continue helping others after retirement. “It is my goal to continue my service and commitment to others by providing crisis intervention and advocacy support to surviving families of domestic violence as a family service advocate,” concluded Johnson.
BY SUSAN D. HENSON Center for Personal and Professional Development Public Affairs Sailors trying to access their NonResident Training Course (NRTC) online account may not be able to access them without assistance, said Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) officials Sept. 16. NRTC accounts not used in the last 30 days have been disabled, according to Tom Phillips, CPPD’s NRTC program manager. Accounts were locked as a result of computer security measures ordered by the Defense Department and U.S. Navy’s cyber commands. Since the order took effect Aug. 21, more than 187,500 accounts have been locked. Users who have a locked account should contact the CPPD Voluntary Education (VOLED) Support Site in Pen-
sacola, Fla., for assistance in regaining access. The VOLED team in Pensacola can be reached anytime via email at NRTC@ navy.mil and Monday through Friday by commercial phone at 1-877-264-8583, or DSN at 753-6070. “NRTC help desk staff members are unlocking accounts upon user request,” said Phillips. “As of Sept. 13, we’ve unlocked 2,865 accounts and are working to meet user requests as quickly as possible.” Capt. John Newcomer, CPPD’s commanding officer, said security risks are part of our daily lives, and managing that risk is necessary.“While this can be seen as an inconvenience, security and risk management are important to keeping our Navy team as safe as possible.We are working hard to ensure Sailors regain timely access to courses that will help them improve professionally and personally.”
Continuing to serve GM3 (SW) Jessica Ruelas (r) commits to another two years in the Navy with her reenlistment by NAS Oceana Administrative Officer Lt. j.g. Shakilah Verner Sept. 10. Ruelas reported to NAS Oceana from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) and works at the quarterdeck. Photo by MC2 Alysia Hernandez
Volunteers needed Landstown Middle School in Virginia Beach has a new resource room for students that are interested in or need help with, math and science. Students can access math and science games, puzzles, robots, origami, string figures, Legos, K’Nex roller coasters and other experiments designed to increase knowledge and awareness of Science,Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers and academic options. Landstown is seeking volunteers from the community to assist students with this opportunity.
Working with those resources prepares students to confidently engage in robotics, 3D printing, computer programming, physics, animation, music production, video production, 3D mathematical modeling and other critical thinking activities. The cost of the room is supported through funds from a grant awarded by the DoDEA K-12 Partnership Military Connected Academic Support Program (MCASP). Students will be able to visit this room during and after school on selected days. Contact Todd Fritz, the school’s guidance director, at 648-4750 for further information.