GalaxyConRichmond returns to the Greater Richmond Convention Center this weekend, severalwrestlerssharewrestling memories
InterviewByYiorgo
It’s that timeofthe year again, thereturn ofGalaxyconinRichmond,Virginiaandit’s happening thisweekend March27th-30th. Everythingyou can imagine: fromcomic bookstopop culture,fromsci-fi to fantasy, from prowrestling to gaming,fromanime to cosplay, GalaxyConRichmondhas it all foryou. This amazing four dayfandom festivalis filledwithcelebrities,artists,prowrestlers writers,voiceactors,cosplayers,entertainers,creators,fangroups,panelists,andespeciallyallofyou,thefans It will all be taking place at theGreater Richmond Convention Center.Someofthe manycelebrities scheduled to appear are: WilliamShatner,“WeirdAl”Yankovic,John Carpenter,Cary Elwes,Jonathan Frakes, Jason Isaacs,Martin Sheen, Dule Hill, Joey Fatoneandsomanymore.
Some of the prowrestlers scheduledto appearare:RicFlair,KurtAngle,MickFoley, Kane,Jake“The Snake” Roberts,Swerve Strickland,BookerT,JerryLawler,JimRoss andmanymore. Foralltheinfo,guests,times,dates,prices, questions and so muchmore, go to https:// galaxycon.com/pages/galaxycon-richmond orcall(954)231-0574
OneofthewrestlersthatwillbeatGalaxyConRichmondisAllEliteWrestling(AEW) starandoneofourown,SwerveStrickland whoactually learned to wrestleinRichmond,Virginia. Here arehighlights from my interview withSwervefromafewmonthsago
Yiorgo: Howdid the opportunitycome uptojoinAEW?
SwerveStrickland: AfterIwas let go from another place,Iwas afreeagentand Tony Khan reached out through athird party.Tonyhad an interestinmeand Iwas
always intrigued by AEWsoonce Ibecame available, it wassomething that Ihad to makehappen
Y: Whathavebeen some of your favorite momentsworkingforAEW?
SS: Definitelywinning thetag titles in Georgia twoand ahalf years ago.Also at Full GearagainstHangmanPage and AllIn at Wembley stadium in London, England wasahistoric moment. Thatexperience, talkingaboutbeingafan,creatingmoments andbeingapartofhistorymakeseverything sospecial.
Y: Tell us about Wembley stadium. How did it feel workinginfront of over 81,000 fans?
SS: It felt likea city,not astadium. It was anincredible,onceinalifetimemomentbut wearegoingbackthisyearandwearegoing biggeranddoingitagain.
Y: What and who made youfallinlove withprowrestling?
Theawardeesare:
PressRelease
SANANTONIO,TX- Operation Homefront has announcedthe seven extraordinary recipientsof its 2025 MilitaryChild of the Year® Award, recognizing those whoexcel in academics, community service, and leadership among their peers.This year’s honorees were selected from arecord-breaking pool of morethan 900 nominees,reflectingthe remarkable qualitiesofmilitary children nationwide andabroad.
Nowinits 17th year,the Military ChildoftheYear®Awardshinesalight on the profound impactthese young peoplehaveontheirfamilies,schools and communities.Asthe nation’s premier honor for military children, the Awardunderscores Operation Homefront’smission to build strong, stable,andsecuremilitaryfamiliesby celebrating the service and fortitude of the youngest members
The sevenrecipients represent the armed forces branchinwhicha parenteitherserves or hasserved Army, Marine Corps,Navy, Air Force, CoastGuard, National Guard, and Space Force—and each has their
ownuniquestoryofperseveranceand achievementinthe face of the challengesofmilitary life.Winners were selectedbya distinguished panel of volunteer judges who support the militarycommunity.
The recipientswillbehonored at agalainArlington,VAonApril 10 Eachwillalsoreceivea$10,000grant, alaptopcomputer,andotherdonated gifts
“Our sevenawardees areincredible young leaders with uniquely compelling stories thathighlight the resiliency,strengthandservicerepresentativeofthe millions of military kids globally that serveevery Americanalongsidetheirparents,”saidRear Admiral (ret) Alan Reyes, CEOofOperation Homefront. “Weare tremendously proudtohonor theimpacttheyhave had,andwillcontinuetohave,ontheir families, respective communitiesand our nation.”
This year’s Military Child of the Year®Award recipientshavemoved a combined 34 times and lived through 283 months of deployments.They have logged3,488 volunteer hoursin the 12 months beforenominations
AIRFORCE: SophiaPinero,17 RamsteinAirBase,Germany
ARMY: MaribelSikes,16 FortKnox,KY COASTGUARD: IanLindo,17 Chesapeake,VA
MARINECORPS: IsabellaSmith,17 Hubert,NC NATIONALGUARD: EmilyBaldeosingh,18 Havelock,NC
NAVY: MasonMosher,19 Marysville,WA SPACEFORCE: NataliaSerna,17 Lompoc,CA
In addition, 28 finalists,representingthesevenindividualbranches,were awardedaspecialone-time$1,000cash award. RTXisthe program’spresenting
SS:Itwasafriendofmineatschoolandwe wereplayingvideogamestogether.Meeting withabunchofmyfriendsatthelunchtable andtalkingaboutwrestling,mademereally go outand watch it. We would playvideo gamestogetherandthengotothebackyard andtryitandthenacoupleofyearslater,me pursuingit.
Y: Who were your favorites growing up? Howwasitmeetingthem?
SS:ReyMysterioforsurewasmyfavorite ofalltimeandoneofmybiggestinspirations Iwound up wrestling Reyonthe Independentsinatagmatchanditwasincredible.
Y: Youlearned to wrestle in Richmond, Virginia at Ground Zero.How did youfind outaboutthem?
SS: Iwas living in Pennsylvaniaand I movedtoVirginia.Imovedintomymother’s living room at thetime.Ilooked up awres-
SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS, NEWS AND PHOTOS
The Flagship welcomes submissions from ourreaders online. Pleasesubmiteventshere: www.militarynews.com/users/admin/calendar/event/ Pleasesubmitnewsandphotoshere: www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-flagship/submit_news/
2025
Norfolk Harborfest to be headlined by Lettuce, Chase Rice, and The Big Payback: A James Brown Tribute
PressRelease
NORFOLK Va NorfolkFestevents Ltd.
hasannouncedthemusiclineupforthe49th
Annual Norfolk Harborfest: Music, Food & Maritime Festival on Friday-Sunday, June 6-8, 2025, at Town Point Park along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront Headlining performancesforthisyear’seventincludethe Lettuce Chase Rice and The Big Payback: A JamesBrownTribute
The 49th Annual Norfolk Harborfest® brings a symphony of maritime wonder to the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront from June 6-8, 2025 Adventure, entertainment, andmaritimemagicuniteforaonce-ina-lifetime experience during America’s largest, longest-running,freemaritimefestival Take intheannualParadeofSail,watchoneofthe biggestfireworksdisplaysontheEastCoast, and experience a captivating drone show lightupthenightskywhileimmersingyourselfinnavalhistorywithinteractiveexhibits andthrillingdemonstrations Incrediblelive performances from both national headliners and local talents take center stage, while an array of culinary delights keep you fueled throughoutthisiconicthree-dayfestival.
Visitbit.ly/Harborfest2025formoredetails onthe2025NorfolkHarborfest:Music,Food & Maritime Festival including a complete listing of maritime events, family-friendly entertainment,andmore.
The 2025 Norfolk Harborfest is sponsored by the City of Norfolk, Virginia Is For Lovers, Southern Auto Group, Wolcott, Rivers,Gates,WatersideDistrict,Pepsi,CFE Equipment, Sentara Health Plans, Dick’s House of Sports LIDL Customer Magnetism, TFC Recycling Old Dominion University MillerLite Modelo HornblowerCruises &Events,WVEC13NewsNow,WAVYTV10, 96X, 92.9 The Wave, 106.9 The Fox, 97.3 The Eagle US106.1, Metronet, Latitude Climbing Gym, Smithfield Foods, ZYN, U.S. Air Force PerformanceLab,W.F.MagannCorporation, CroftonIndustries,Russell’sHeatingCooling Plumbing&Electric,andRoverCruises
For more information on Norfolk Festevents and the 2025 Season of Events visit Festevents.org
Live music lineup for the 2025 Norfolk Harborfest:
FRIDAY,JUNE6th
Main Stage
3:15pm FuzzBand(Jazz)
6:00pm KarinaRykman(Jam/Indie/ PsychedelicRock)
8:00pm Lettuce(Funk/Jam)
Boathouse Stage
2:45pm Tobeannounced
4:45pm RobertaLea(Country)
7:00pm CommunityWitch(Indie/ Shoegaze/Rock/Punk)
9:45pm KillDevilDisco(Disco/ House)
SATURDAY,JUNE7th
Main Stage
3:15pm BJGriffin(R&B/Soul/Funk/ Classical)
6:00pm ThreeSheetstotheWind (YachtRock)
8:15pm TheBigPayback:AJames BrownTribute(Soul/Funk/R&B/Gospel)
Boathouse Stage
12:30pm JuJuDrum(Caribbean/Steel Drum)
2:45pm Tobeannounced
4:45pm GratefulJed(GratefulDead CoverBand)
7:00pm AllenHudson&the Halfmoons(AlternativeRock)
10:00pm KillDevilDisco(Disco/ House)
SUNDAY,JUNE8th
Main Stage
2:00pm CodyChristian(Country)
4:30pm ChaseRice(Country)
Boathouse Stage
12:45pm FoxandtheBear(Indie/ Alternative)
3:15pm Tobeannounced
Artist Bios
Lettuce Performing Friday at 8:00pm LETTUCE is (a) the prime ingredient in a salad,(b)aslangforcash,(c)agreenherbthat canbesmoked,(d)agenrebustingsix-membermusicalcollectiveformedin1992byfour alumni of the prestigious Berklee College Of Music,or(e)alloftheabove.Ifyouanswered “e,”thenyou’reinonthesheermagicofaband thatbothfeedstherichhistoryoffunkmusic andcombinesitwithstrainsofhip-hop,rock, psychedelia, jazz, soul, jam, go-go, and the avant-garde The GRAMMY® Award-nominatedsix-pieceiscomprisedofAdamDeitch [drums, percussion], Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff [guitar], Erick “Jesus” Coomes [bass], Ryan Zoidis [alto baritone, tenor sax, Korg X-911], Eric “Benny” Bloom [trumpet horns],andNigelHall[vocals HammondB-3, Rhodes,clavinet,keyboards].
TheBigPayback:ATributeto
JamesBrown
Performing Saturday at 8:15pm TheBigPaybackisamusicalpowerhouse, dedicated to recreating the music of James Brown as accurately and as passionately as possible No stone is left unturned! Their repertoireisfilledwithalltheclassichitsyou know and love, as well as tons of rarities and B sides. Splits, hits, turns, and segues, it’s all here!Withsomuchemphasisonauthenticity, eventheGodfatherwouldhavetojumpback and kiss himself The most cynical of cynics willhavetheirmindsblownandtheirhearts warmedfromthesecondthebeatdropsuntil they’re left exhausted, sweaty and smiling hourslater.Thisistrulysomethingtobehold, people! It’s exactly what you would and shouldexpectfromatop-notchtributeband.
The Big Payback ain’t messing around Mother Popcorn, Super Bad, Soul Power, I Feel Good, Pass the Peas, Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag!!!! You name it, you got it!! All of them live and in your face, with as much energy as you can possibly stand. Some of the most talented musicians from the Mid Atlanticregion,bringingyoutheclosestthing to the real thing, The Big Payback. No wigs, no gimmicks, no cliches An honest, painstakingly researched, representation of the GodfatherofSoul,JamesBrownandhisband, attheirmusicalpeak.Canyoustandit?
ChaseRice Performing Sunday at 4:30pm Withmorethan2.6millionalbumssoldand
Editorial Staff
ManagingEditor | MCC Amanda Kitchner
757-262-2852 | amanda.s.kitchner.mil@us.navy.mil
MilitaryEditor | MC1 Maddelin Hamm
757-322-2853 | maddelin.v.hamm.mil@us.navy.mil
over 2.8 billion total streams plus a legion of passionate fans at his high energy concerts across the globe, Chase Rice has established himself as a powerful force in Nashville and beyond With independent album Go Down Singin’ available everywhere now as the follow-up to the critically acclaimed I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell, and both brought together on brand new offering Fireside Sessions Rice’s sound continues to evolve to reflect the realities of his life; from emotional reckoning to an admirationoftheAmericanWest Thenewmusic serves as a follow up to his three-part project, The Album, which featured his latest Platinum-certified No 1 hit, “Drinkin’ Beer Talkin’God.Amen.”andthePlatinum-certifiedTop10hit“LonelyIfYouAre.”
This is the same gravelly-voiced Chase Rice fans first fell in love with years ago but better freer; unbeholden and uninhibited.Thenewmusicbuildsuponthesuccess of his sophomore album, Lambs & Lions, which featured the 3x Platinum, two-week charttopper“EyesOnYou” Rice’sfirstNo 1 as an artist and the most-streamed song of hiscareer Lambs&LionsfollowedPlatinum certified Ignite the Night, which debuted at No 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums and No 3 on the all-genre chart, producing a pair of Top 5 hits; Platinum-certified “Gonna Wanna Tonight and Double Platinum “Ready Set Roll.” In addition to guesting on sold-out stadium shows with Kenny Chesney and Garth Brooks, Rice served as direct support on Dierks Bentley’s 2024 Gravel&GoldTourandconsistentlysellsout venuesonhisownheadliningtoursacrossthe U.S.andbeyond.
KarinaRykman
Performing Friday at 6:00pm Karina Rykman plays bass, sings, jumps around, and laughs a lot. Straddling the worlds of jam rock and indie pop drenched in psychedelia, Karina’s effervescent presence comes to life in musical form. Born & raised in NYC, Rykman began in her early teens and quickly earned a reputation as an unmissable live act. Tearing up sold-out headline performances to ravenous fans, playingshow-stealingfestival/supportslots, plus recent appearances in the house band on NBC’s Late Night with Seth MeyersKarinastaysbusy Rykmanreleasedherdebut album, JOYRIDE via AWAL in August 2023 and features Trey Anastasio as co-producer & featured musician, contributing guitar on fiveofthealbum’sninetracks
(PHOTOCOURTESYFESTEVENTS)
April is National Autism Acceptance Month
InterviewByYiorgo
April is National Autism Acceptance Month.Autism,orAutismSpectrumDisorder (ASD), is associated with a variety of challengesbyyoungpeopleandadultswhen itcomestosocialskills speechandnonverbal communication. Local author Barbara Murphy’s books ‘The Adventures of Little Buddy and‘TheFirstDayoftheFirstGrade are two great books that can help young people understand the world of autism. HereismyinterviewwithMs Murphyfrom ayearandahalfagoabouthertwobooks
Yiorgo: Welcome Barbara, I am very excited to be talking to a local children’s book author such as yourself Thank you so muchforwritingthesetwogreatchildren’s books,‘TheAdventuresofLittleBuddy and ‘The First Day of the First Grade’ that deal with autism. I would like to talk about each oneofthebooksindividually.Let’sstartwith yourfirstbook.Whyshouldpeoplebuyand read‘TheAdventuresofLittleBuddy’?What willtheylearnfromit?
Barbara Murphy: People should read it because today there are more and more casesofchildrenbeingbornwithAsperger’s or Autism or a trait of one or both I wrote this book to help parents and grandparents understand some of the characteristics of someonewhohasautismbecausetheyhave socialissuestodealwith Theydon’talways havephysicalsignsbuttheydohaveaspecial need and social signs are everywhere. My wish,mydesireistohelpparentsandgrandparentsrecognisethosesignsbecausethen, they can help that child have a normal life And to also get them the help they need to learntosocializeandmingleintosocietyso theycancarryonwithanormallifestyleand notstandoutinthecrowd
Y:WhoisLittleBuddyinthestory?Isthat the character’s name or nickname? Who doesLittleBuddyrepresent?
BM: It doesn’t say it in the first book becauseIleftitoutonpurpose LittleBuddy getshisnamebecausehebecomesthat“little buddy”totheautisticpuppy Somostpeople who buy the book ask, well which puppy is theautisticpuppy?Idon’ttellthembecause it is revealed in the second book, ‘The First DayoftheFirstGrade’.
Y:Withoutgivingtoomuchaway whatis the story in the first book, ‘The Adventures ofLittleBuddy about?
Y:Canyoutellusaboutthesecondbook?
BM:Thesecondbookiscalled,‘TheFirst DayoftheFirstGrade’andLittleBuddygets achancetogotohisrealclassroomandreal grade In this book, he meets the autistic puppyandbecomeshis“LittleBuddy”.
Y: What prompted you to write these books?
BM:Whatpromptedmetowritethemis that I have one grandchild at the moment, his name is Jaiden Reynolds and at the age oftwoIstartedtonoticethathewasalways clingingtomeandnottootherpeople Ihave adegreeinearlychildhoodandIwasableto notice some things that were just not right. Bythetimehewasfouryearsold,hewasstill nottalking.Wetestedhimandweweretold that he had autism. We got him the help he neededandIkeptthinkingthatIneedtodo somethingtohelpparentsandgrandparents recognize early that something is not right. As a matter of fact, some of the drawings in the book are by Jaiden and some by my son Roy,Jaiden’sdad.Wesatatthetableandthe threeofusdrewbyhandallthepicturesthat areinbothbooks Also, one of my brothers, Reginald Reynolds is mentally challenged and I watched mymomgothroughyearsandyearsoftrying to help him mingle into society She made sure he stayed in school. He went all the way through 12th grade He was not able to talk, but he went through every grade and she made sure that he could take care of himself He is now in his 50’s and he does everything for himself except for cooking MyotherbrotherTonyReynoldsishismain caretakernow.
Y: You have an interesting story as to how you were able to get your first book published Canyoutellusaboutit?
BM: You know when I wrote the first book, I wrote it just for fun to give it to Jaiden. There was a puppy that I bought himwhenJaidenwasnottalking,andLittle Buddy had a microphone in him so every-
BM: The story is about a puppy that is going to school for his first day, and he spends that whole day in the wrong class but he makes friends along the way who helphimcarryouthisday.Attheendofthe day,heisnotupsetthathewasinthewrong class all day because he felt like he learned somuch Hegotnewfriendsandhelearned howtoshare,andtheteachermadesurehe got on the right bus and got home and set him up to go to the real class and that is in thesecondbook.
thing you say, Little Buddy would say. As I waswriting,Jaidenwouldcomeoverwantingtoreadit,soIjustkeptwritingandwriting WhenIfinishedit,mysisterencouraged me to get it published I called Barnes and Nobles and they were impressed because thiswasthefirstbookwithapuppythathas autism. We sat down like I said earlier and wedrewthepicturesandsentthemin.The processtookaboutthreemonthsandtheend resultwasthatwegotitpublished.
Y: Can you tell us a little more about Jaidentoday?
BM: Yes, Jaiden is 24 now and is in the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services program called DARS It is set up to help children who are autistic and have Aspergers to get a job He is going oninterviews,writingresumesandtheygive himajobcoach.
Y:Whatagerangearetheygearedfor?
BM:IwouldsayK-5thgrade
Y:Let’slearnaboutyou.Wherewereyou born and what or who made you fall in love withwriting?
BM: I was born in Norfolk, VA but I was raised in Chesapeake, Virginia and we movedbacktoNorfolkwhenIwas13 What inspired me to write is that I worked in just abouteverylibraryinNorfolk.Ilovebooks I wouldsay,onedayI’mgoingtowriteabook and my grandson Jaiden and my desire to help others, motivated me to become an author
Y: What advice would you give aspiring authors?
BM: Write about what you know and not what you just love You need to do the research on your topic so you not only have the storyline but also important, accurate information to include Let that story tell a story
Y:Howaboutapinchmemomentortwo?
BM: One is definitely that I can’t believe that I actually wrote a book and is in stores for sale Another one would be that I can’t believe I had twins That was a challenge AlsoIstillcan’tbelievethatIambeinginterviewed by you for writing my book. God is goodeverydayandIcountmyblessings
Yiorgo is an arts, entertainment and sports writer A stage TV and movie actor he is also a sports entertainer educator motivational speaker writer storyteller and columnist.
“Norfolk Recycles Day” Special Waste Collection Event
Norfolk residents can drive-up and drop-off household hazardous waste, e-waste and more!
PressRelease
NORFOLK, Va Spring is here and it’s the season for cleaning and decluttering!
Residents can freshen up closets garages sheds and shelves and clear out all the householdhazardouswaste,dustyelectronics,plasticsandmoreatKeepNorfolkBeautiful’s“NorfolkRecyclesDay”SpecialWaste CollectionEventonSaturday,April5,9a.m. to noon, at Azalea Baptist Church (3314 E. LittleCreekRd.)
This drive-through and drop-off event offers Norfolk residents the opportunity to properlydisposeofitemsthatincludepaint, batteries pesticides cooking and automotive oils propane tanks and more, free of charge Proofofresidencymayberequired
Residents can also bring personal documentsforsecure,on-siteshredding
Special thanks to Azalea Baptist Church for hosting this event. Partners from SPSA Norfolk,GoodwillHamptonRoads,Shred-It and City of Norfolk Waste Management
tling school that was nearby, Ground Zero came up, I moved there Sunday and I was trainingbyTuesdayandtherestishistory
Y:Whatisafavoritememoryofyouworkingthere?
SS: Definitely teaming with and winning the tag titles with my friend Rev J Boogie afteroneoftheTLCmatchesinthecompany wasoneofmyfavoritememories
Y: Speaking of memories, how about a favoritememoryworkinginWWE?
SS: Doing tape studies with Shawn Michaelswerehistorylessonsthatyoucould not get anywhere else Also having in ring training with Terry Taylor really changed my mind about psychology in the ring. He is a tough cookie to crack. He does not give hisaffirmationtooeasily Whenyouearnit, it’swarranted.
Y: Can you share a wow pinch me moment?
SS: Definitely me facing off Darby Allen and Sting at Wembley Stadium and being abletohitthedoublespearswithmyselfand Christianasatag-team.
Another wrestler scheduled to be at GalaxyCon Richmond is the legendary WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley Here are excerptsfromoneofourolderinterviews
Yiorgo:TellusMick,howdidyougetinto wrestling?
MickFoley:ItallstartedwhenIwasakid For one thing I liked to get reactions from people and to entertain them. Honestly, I had no idea how physical it was until I got in there and I saw how much everything hurt. Second, I had the courage to join the wrestling team at my school, the same one that Kevin James, the actor from TV show King of Queens was on. He wrestled as a heavyweight. He was great to work with. We would practice everyday for an hour in ourbasement Y:OK,Mr Foley,it’searly90sandyouare inWorldChampionshipWrestling(WCW), can you share an Abdullah the Butcher story?
M F: On my wall at home growing up, I had a picture of Abdullah and when people asked me who is that guy, I said he was my
Additional sponsors include Black Rifle Coffee Company, BODYARMOR SportsDrink,CaesarsEntertainment CarnivalCruiseLine DollarTree GEICO ImpossibleFoods,LaQuintabyWyndham Procter & Gamble, Sunbelt Rentals, Town House® Crackers,andtheUniversityofCincinnati
About the Military Child of the Year® Award: The annual awards recognize outstanding young people ages 13 to 18 Recipients will represent a branch of the armed forces the Army, Marine Corps Navy Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard,andSpaceForce fortheirscholarship,volunteerism,leadership,extracurricular involvement, and other criteria while facingthechallengesofmilitaryfamilylife
are providing services Volunteers from KeepNorfolkBeautiful,NorfolkCERTand Camellia Shores Civic League will be helpingonsite
Norfolk Recycles Day Special Waste Collection Event: Saturday,April5
9a.m.tonoon AzaleaBaptistChurch 3314E.LittleCreekRd FREEforNorfolkResidents (Proof of Residency Required)
Be sure to visit www.norfolk.gov/knb for moreinformationonaccepteditems Follow Keep Norfolk Beautiful on Facebook and Instagram (@keepnorfolkbeautiful) to stay up-to-date on cleanups, recycling events and resources to support clean, litter-free communities
dad. I told it for so long that the people believedit.ItwasironicthatheandIbecame quite a formidable team in 1991. He was veryflatteredwhenItoldhimthatstory.He actually has narcolepsy and he can’t drive long distances so I would drive him everywhere. Because I had Abdullah with me no one asked questions about receipts and we drove in the big Cadillac of the day. When I gottoWWEin’96itwastheFordFiesta.Lol!
Y: You had a reputation of being frugal withyourmoney,isthattrueeventoday?
MF:Insomeways,yes.TothisdayItreat myselftoaChevyImpala.Iamnotasfrugal as legend has it, but if I can drive the worst possible car I would. It helps to keep me grounded.
Y: Why do you think you and Terry Funk bondedaswellasyoudid?
MF: Oh man, I don’t know. Terry was a great teacher I mentioned this at the Cauliflower Club a few years ago but there were some people who were diametrically opposedtomywrestlingstylebuthesensed that I really wanted to learn, and had great respect for the traditions before me Terry saw in me a kindred spirit, almost like his son. He liked the way I wrestled, of being aggressive. That by the way was really hard for me to do, to turn on that wild man, that type of a wrestler, because I was not an aggressive person by nature Terry worked with me on that and now that I look back, especially on the WWE Network, I think I hadthatentirepackagetomakemycharactersprettybelievableandIowethattoTerry Funk.
Y: I would love to hear about getting the actualcalltogotoWWE
MF: When I got the call from WWE, it came as a complete surprise because I did nothavethelookofaWWE-guy Whenever mycontractwasupwithWCWIwouldcall them and there was NEVER any interest. WhatIdidnotknowatthetimewasthatJim Ross (JR) was waging a battle on my behalf and get Mr McMahon to take a chance on me As a matter of fact, the Mankind mask came about because Mr McMahon did not want to show my face on TV he did not think I looked like a star That drawing for themaskwasactuallyfortheUndertakerso Mr McMahonwaslikealrightletsgivehim atrybutwewillcoveruphisface Iwasvery
All Operation Homefront
Military Child of the Year Award recipients will be flown with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C., and recognized at the April 2025 gala, during which senior leadersofeachbranchofservicewillpresentthe awards Theyalsowillreceive$10,000each, a laptop computer and other donated gifts
The gala is usually held in April, the month of the military child, as a way to recognize thesupportandappreciationweprovideto militaryfamilies
Whataretheeligibilityrequirements?
Childmustbealegalmilitarydependent. Status confirmed by DEERS enrollment form.
Military children must be between the agesof13and18,atthetimeofnomination.
Child and one adult guardian must be available to travel to the Washington, DC area April 8-11, during the month of the
opposed to the idea but it was my wife who tried to help me see the bright side, that the potentialwastheretotrysomethingentirely newandputmyownstamponit.
Y:Andtherest,astheysay,ishistory Andfinallyhereareacoupleofwrestling memories from Jake “The Snake” Roberts another wrestler that will be at the GalaxyConRichmond.
Yiorgo: Jake can you share a memory about the legendary Crockett family of Jim Crockett Promotions and Ole Anderson as thebooker?
JakeRoberts:OhmyGod.BecauseofOle, Iquitthreetimes.EachtimeIwaspromised somethingandeachtimetheyfailedtocome through. I liked the Crocketts very much. I have a lot of respect for all of them, David, Jackie and Jimmy. God bless Jimmy and Jackie,theyaregonenow.Youknow,sometimesyouletpeoplegetcontrolofyourship whentheyhavenoideawhatbeingacaptain is all about. I’m talking about Ole He was a bully,loud,obnoxious,andmean.Hehadthe Crockettsinterestatheartandhewantedto succeed Ole was a great wrestler and not a great booker I wound up going to Georgia Championship Wrestling and I became the booker I used to drive Ole nuts He would askwhatwewoulddoontelevisiontheday before and I would write something crazy OfcourseIwasnotgoingtodoanyofthat,I just wanted to drive Ole nuts and I did, but Iwasalsoverysuccessfulinthatposition.It wasgreattobeaskedbytheCrocketts They actually flew me in to sit in a book meeting andletmeseewhatIthought.Nowthat’sthe greatestcomplimentIevergot.Ithinkitwas 1985-86rightbeforeIleft.
When Vince McMahon bought Georgia Championship Wrestling, it crushed my dreams I went to Texas and worked for the Von Erichs where I starved to death, then went to Bill Watts where I made some money,andafterthatIwenttoWWF There are a lot of stories that I continue to talk about on my The Snake Pit Podcast. A lot of them will be in my book that I am about ¾doneandIhave600pages.Iamgoingto putitoutonmyownbecauseIdon’twantit cut up in any way. They are my words and I standbythem.
Y:HowdidyougetinvolvedwithAEW?
JR: Cody Rhodes reached out to me and
militarychild,fortheOperationHomefront Military Child of the Year Awards Gala awardpresentation.
Officers,directors,employees,andagents of Operation Homefront and its subsidiaries or affiliated organizations, and their immediate family members (parent, child, sibling andspouseofeach)andthoseliving inthesamehouseholdsofeacharenoteligible to receive programs, services, grants, or donatedgoodsintendedforusebyOperation Homefront’sclients
Previous Operation Homefront Military ChildoftheYearAwardRecipients,including Innovation Award recipients, are no longereligible Inadditiontotheaboveeligibilityrequirements ifselectedasaSemifinalist,must:
Provide2lettersofrecommendation
ProvideformtoDD1172
Be willing to participate in media and donoropportunities
DiamondDallasPage(DDP).Firsthetalked to DDP about it, to make sure I was in good faculties and that I had not fallen out of my programwithDallas Iamproudtosaythat I celebrated my 12 year anniversary and I couldnotbehappierandIwillnevergoback to that life again. I know what it took away fromme Inowknowwhathappened.
I’ve learned that if you don’t open up to your children about what’s going on in real life or open up about yourself to them and then you put them out there and the real world is unleashed on them, no wonder people pick up pills and drugs to mask things Theydon’tknowwhattodowithlife Peopleneedtobehonestwiththeirchildren. Tellthemthatit’stoughoutthereanddaddy messed up too Most parents don’t want to say that to their kids but I’ve learned if you dotellthem,yousaveyourchildfromgoing throughwithwhatyoudidbecausetheywill knowtorunfromit.
I’ve got eight kids man and you know what? None of them are alcoholics or drug addicts and you know why, they saw what it did to me They run, they don’t get near thatstuff
Y:Ihadnoideayouhaveeightkids
JR: I didn’t either I thought I had seven but there was a surprise along the way. She turned out to be a beautiful woman and I hadnothingtodowithit.Hermotherraised herandnowsheispartofourfamilyaswell. She’s a beautiful young person and she and her husband gave me three grandchildren andIamveryproudtosaysheismydaughter
Y:Jake,howaboutaTonyKhanstory?
JR: Probably the only person I ever met as a promoter or owner other than Paul BaushfromHustonmanyyearsago Tonyis asweet,sweetpersonthathasthebestinterestofnotonlythewrestlersbutthefanstoo. Tony loves wrestling, like no other owner I ever met. Vince loves it too but not for the beauty of it like Tony Khan loves it. And I thinkthat’sreallythekeytosuccess
Yiorgo is an arts, entertainment and sports writer A stage, TV and movie actor, he is also a sports entertainer, educator, motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist.
About Operation Homefront: Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so that they can thrive not simply struggle to get by in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity oversight groups, 83 percent of Operation Homefront expenditures go directly to programs that support tens of thousands of military families each year Operation Homefrontprovidescriticalfinancialassistance, transitional and permanent housing, andfamilysupportservicestopreventshorttermneedsfromturningintochronic,longterm struggles Thanks to the generosity of ourdonorsandthesupportfromthousands ofvolunteers,OperationHomefrontproudly servesAmerica’smilitaryfamilies Formore information,visitOperationHomefront.org.
Turn to a cheesy snack hack
ByFamilyFeatures
Source: Culinary.net
Bring some fun (and simplicity) back to snacking with these three-ingredient Cheesy Meatball Bombs Baked to goldenbrowninjust10-15minutes they’reperfectforenjoying at home or sharing with a crowd. Discover more snack hacksatCulinary.net.
CheesyMeatballBombs
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4
1puffpastrysheet
12thawedmeatballs
1package(8ounces)shreddedmozzarellacheese
marinarasauce forserving
Buffalosauce forserving barbecuesauce,forserving
Heatovento425F.
Use rolling pin to thin out puff pastry then cut into 12
squares Place one meatball in each square with cheese Close pastries around cheese and meatballs For visible meatballs leave hole on top of pastries Place each ball in hole ofmuffintin.
Bake 10-15 minutes Pastry should be golden brown. Remove from pan and serve with marinara, Buffalo and barbecuedippingsauces.
Tip: Recipecanbedoubledortripled,asneeded.
A simple, savory taco solution
ByFamilyFeatures
Source: Culinary.net
Skip the hot skillet and let your slow cooker do the work foryournexttaconight.TheseSavoryStreetTacosprovide allthedeliciousflavoryoucravewithoutthehassle Discover morewaystosimplifyfamilydinnersatCulinary.net.
SavoryStreetTacos
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin Savvy” Servings: 4-6
1chuckroast(2-3pounds)
1packagetacoseasoning
1can(10ounces)beefconsomme
16-20streettacotortillas
1package(8ounces)shreddedcheese
¼cupavocadooil
salsa,forserving
guacamole forserving
queso forserving
Coverchuckroastwithtacoseasoningthenplaceinslow cooker Pour beef consommé over roast and cook on low 6 hourstobraise Heatovento425F. Useforktoshredroast.
Brush outside of tortillas with avocado oil and fill with meatandshreddedcheese Placeincasseroledishandbake 10-15minutesuntiltacosreachdesiredcrispiness. Placeontrayandservewithsalsa,guacamoleandqueso Tip:Recipecanbedoubledforlargecrowds
Celebrate spring’s arrival with a skillet fish fry
ByFamilyFeatures
Source: Culinary.net
Nothingsaysspringlikeafishfrywiththecatchoftheday. This Pan-Fried Catfish recipe is perfect for enjoying flaky fillets without the mess Find more springtime favorites by visitingCulinary.net.
Pan-FriedCatfish
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin Savvy” Servings: 4-6
⅓cupflour
2tablespoonsmesquiteseasoning(orseasoningof choice,suchaslemonpepper)
1stickbutter
¼cupavocadooil(oroilofchoice)
1-2poundsthawedcatfishfillets(½poundeach)
cookedrice forserving
Inpiedish,mixflourandseasoning
Inskilletovermediumheat,meltbutterandaddoil.Coat fishfilletsinflourmixtureonbothsides Placefishinskillet andfry5minutesthenflipandfry5minutes.
Place fish on paper towel to drain excess oil then serve withrice
Tip: If skillet is large enough, fry two fillets at once If fryingmorethanfourfillets,discardbutterandavocadooil thenstartfreshbeforefryingmore.
Bring the family together with baked breakfast pizzas
ByFamilyFeatures
Source: North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission
If you feel like it’s a struggle to get the entire family together for a meal, it might be time to put fun back on the menu. A little creativity and a few favorite ingredients are all it takes to bring back family mealtime and spend precious moments at the table.
These Individual Sweetpotato Breakfast Pizzas are a perfect way to start a weekend morning, offering a delicious invitation to loved ones to join you in the kitchen Equal parts sweet, savory and nutritious you can enjoy seeingsmilesontheirfaceswhilefeelinggoodaboutwhat you’re serving them. Providing just the right touch of sweetness are North Carolina Sweetpotatoes, one of the most versatile vegetables in the produce department. They’re easy to add to a varietyofrecipes-evenbreakfastpizza-toenhanceflavor and nutrition. Try them on the stove, baked, microwaved, grilled,slow-cookedorair-friedforquickandeasyoptions that are a breeze in the kitchen.
Spelled as one word to avoid confusion with the white potato (a distinctly different species), sweetpotatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, all of which are good for overall health and may help prevent disease Infact,they’reevenconsidereda“diabetessuperfood” by the American Diabetes Association. As a natural sweetener, they give recipes that sweet flavor you crave without the added sugar
Whethertheybecomeyourfavoriteoft-usedingredient oryoustockupontheabundantveggie sweetpotatoesalso boast a long shelf-life - up to 4 weeks if stored properly in a cool, dry well-ventilated area away from heat sources - meaning you can buy in bulk without worrying about waste. Find more ways to cook with sweetpotatoes by visiting ncsweetpotatoes.com.
IndividualSweetpotatoBreakfastPizzas
Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission
Servings: 4 4mediumNorthCarolinasweetpotatoes(about2 pounds),divided
1tablespoon,plus1teaspoon,oliveoil,divided
¼teaspoongarlicpowder
¼teaspoononionpowder
¼teaspoonpaprika ⅛teaspooncayennepepper koshersalt,totaste
freshlygroundblackpepper,totaste
all-purposeflour,forrollingoutdough
1poundwhole-wheatpizzadoughatroomtemperature, dividedintofourequalportions(4ounceseach)
1cupfreshlyshreddedGoudacheese
4largeeggs ¼cupdicedchives
untilsmooth;reserve1cup. Increaseovenheatto450F.Peelremainingsweetpotatoes and dice into ½-inch pieces Toss 2 cups diced sweetpotatoeswith1tablespoonoliveoil,garlicpowder,onionpowder, paprika,cayenneandsaltandpepper,totaste;placeineven layer on baking sheet. Roast until softened but not crisp 15-20minutes stirringhalfway Removefromoven. Lightly flour clean flat work surface Roll each ball of doughouttoabout¼-inchthickness(about7inchesdiameter). With remaining oil, lightly coat rimless baking sheet. Transferrolledoutdoughtobakingsheet. Spread pureed sweetpotato over surface of each dough round,about¼cupeach,leavingabout½-inchborder Top eachwith¼cupshreddedGouda.Add½cuproastedsweetpotatocubes leavingopenspaceincenterofpizzas Carefullycrackoneeggintocenterofeachpizza;bake15 minutesuntilcrustsaregoldenbrownonbottom,cheeseis meltedandeggwhitesarefullyset.Carefullyremovepizzas fromoven. Seasonwithsaltandpepper,totaste Topeachpizzawith 1tablespoondicedchives
Unlock your health: Here’s how TRICARE and other health insurance work together
ByTRICARECommunications
FALLS CHURCH, Va Do you or your spouse have health coverage through an employer? Or maybe you’ve been shopping for additional coverage due to a change in yourhealthneeds
TRICARE may not be the only health coverageyouhave Ifyouhavehealthinsurancethroughanemployer aspouse’splan or aprivateinsurer,it’sconsideredotherhealth insurance
OHI can affect how TRICARE processes your claim. TRICARE and OHI work together to help cover your health care and services, as described in Chapter 4, Section 1oftheTRICAREReimbursementManual. Understanding how TRICARE coordinateswithOHIcanhelpensureyourclaims are processed correctly, helping to avoid unexpectedcosts
Which insurance pays first?
In most cases, TRICARE pays after your OHI has processed your claim. Here’s how itworks:
Employer-sponsored and private insurance: OHI pays first. After your OHI processes the claim, TRICARE may cover some—orall—ofthebalance
Medicare,OHI,andTRICAREForLife:
•WhetherMedicareoryourOHIpaysfirst depends on several factors: whether your OHI is based on current or former employment(andthenumberofemployees),andif you have end-stage renal disease Medicare onlycoordinateswithoneotherhealthplan. If OHI pays after Medicare, and there is a remaining balance, you’re responsible for filingaclaimwithTRICARE.
• TRICARE pays last, after Medicare and OHI,asdescribedintheTRICAREForLife Handbook (online at tricare.mil/Publications/Handbooks/tricare_for_life).
• If you have Medicare and have questions about who pays first, or if your coverage changes call Medicare’s Benefits CoordinationandRecoveryCenterat855-798-2627 (TTY:855-797-2627).
Travelinsurance:Ifyoubuyatemporary plan for travel, TRICARE will process your claimsonlyafteryourtravelinsurance There are a few times when TRICARE paysfirst.Thisincludeswhenyouhave:
Medicaid
TRICAREsupplementalplans
Eligibility for state victims of crime compensationprograms
OtherfederalgovernmentprogramsidentifiedbytheDefenseHealthAgency
If TRICARE mistakenly pays first when it shouldn’t, it may take back the payment andreprocessyourclaimafteryourOHIhas processedit.
OHI for active duty service members
ActivedutyservicememberscanuseOHI undercertaincircumstances IfyouuseOHI, keepthefollowinginmind:
You’reresponsibleforallcosts
TRICAREwon’tbesecondpayer.There’s no coordination of benefits with your OHI andTRICARE.
You must disclose your military status to yourOHItoavoiddenialsorrecoupments
Ifyougetcarefromacivilianprovider,you mustcomplywithserviceregulations
Unauthorizedcaremayaffectyourfitness fordutystatus
What you need to do
Toavoidclaimsprocessingdelays,letyour TRICARE contractor and care providers know you have OHI. You can report your
OHIby:
Phone: Call your regional TRICARE contractor
Online:Filloutandsubmityourcontractor’sOHIquestionnaire(availableattricare. mil/PatientResources/Forms/OHI).
Mail or fax: Complete and send your TRICAREcontractorOHIquestionnaire. IfyourOHIcoveragechanges,notifyyour TRICARE contractor right away Losing OHIisaQualifyingLifeEvent,soyou’llhave 90daystomakechangestoyourplan.
Using OHI with TRICARE pharmacy and dental coverage
Pharmacybenefits:IfyourOHIincludes pharmacycoverage,yourOHIwillpayfirst YoumustsubmitaTRICAREOtherHealth Insurance Form (available online at militaryrx.express-scripts.com/beneficiary/ ohi)toExpressScripts Forlowercosts usea pharmacythat’sinbothyourOHI’snetwork andtheTRICAREnetwork.
Dental plans: If you’re enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Program or the Federal
will determine the order of payment based onyourplan. Stay informed and notify TRICARE
Properly coordinating your OHI with TRICAREensuresyoumaximizeyourbenefitsandavoiddelaysinclaimsprocessing If youhaveOHI:
Tell your TRICARE contractor and healthcareprovidersaboutyourOHI.
Make sure your claims are submitted in thecorrectorder
Notify TRICARE if your OHI coverage changes
Unlockyourhealthbytakingthesesimple stepstoday.Wheneveryoneisinformedand working together, you’ll ensure that your health coverage is maximized For more details, visit Using Other Health Insurance (onlineattricare.mil/OHI).
Take charge of your oral health
ByTRICAREDentalProgram
FALLS CHURCH, Va Have you ever felt intimidated by the dentist? Dental related stress is common. The stress of going to the dentist often leads people to feelhesitant.Ifyou’refeelingunsureatthe dentist,thenyoumaynotaskanyquestions or express your discomfort with a procedure. However, taking charge of your oral health isn’t just about brushing and flossingdaily;it’saboutactivelyparticipatingin your dental care journey.
Asking questions and getting information from your dentist allows you to make decisionsonyourdentalcaretogetherwith your provider, as a team.
“Being proactive about one’s oral health is right in line with the well-known medical saying ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ ” said Douglas Elsesser, a program analyst with the Dental Program Branch of the TRICARE Health Plan at the Defense Health Agency “Understanding the link between proactive dental care and preventing future health problems is crucial.
Confidence is good for your health!
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention there’s growing evidence that when patients have something called “higher activation, or the confidence to become actively engaged in their own healthcare, they have far better health outcomes than those patients who aren’t feeling empowered to take control of their health.
Ultimately, by taking charge, you’re not just ensuring better care—you’re actively participatinginyouroralhealthandunderstanding your benefits.
StilllookingforagreatTRICAREDental Program network dentist? Use our Find a Dentist tool to find a TDP network dentist near you!
How to prepare for going to the dentist
Prepare a list of questions Before your appointment, prepare a list of questions. Ask about preventive measures specific to your needs, like the best flossing technique for your teeth or the ideal frequency of cleanings based on your risk factors
Don’t hesitate to ask questions During yourappointment,askclarifyingquestions about procedures if you’re feeling unsure
discusstheprosandconsofdifferenttreatment options, and inquire about potential risks and side effects If a procedure is suggested, ask about alternative methods thecostassociatedwitheach,andwhether your insurance covers the procedure.
Be clear and direct. At any time during the appointment, be clear and direct in expressing any discomfort or concerns Don’t suffer in silence If a procedure is painful or uncomfortable, inform your dentist immediately They can adjust their technique or provide pain relief
Use active listening Make sure you understand what your dentist is saying about your diagnosis, treatment plan, and aftercare instructions You can repeat the information back to your dentist to ensure you’ve understood correctly
Remember, your dentist is there to help you. After all, engaging in your dental care will only help you in the long run, so make sure you understand and receive the care you need.
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