Truman qualifies 45 aviators,strengthens partnerships in UNITAS ’25
CourtesyStory
USSHarry STruman
NORFOLK,Va. —USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) completed aten-day underway Sept. 26,qualifying 45 aviatorsand leading alliedandpartnershipsinagroupsailduring UNITAS2025,theworld’slongest-running annualmultinationalmaritimeexercise
Over the course of 144sorties, aviators executed 506 arrested landings—456 in daylight and 50 at night—and152 touchand-goes.Studentaviators earned their firstcarrier qualifications,ensuring Naval AviationremainsreadytodefendAmerican interestsatsea.
Carrier qualifications includedtraining squadrons from Training Air Wings 1and 2flying the T-45C Goshawk, along with Airborne Command &ControlSquadron
120 (VAW-120) and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron40(VRC-40)operatingtheE-2D Hawkeyeand C-2A Greyhound. Together, thesesquadrons ensuredstudent aviators met the standards required for safecarrier operations.
“Every arrestedlanding andevery qualification is more than amilestone—it’sthe result of hundreds of quiet,expert actions,” said Capt.Daniel “Prozac”Prochazka, Truman’s commanding officer. “Watching our Sailors run thedeck, youcan’t help but feelthankfultoservewiththem.Theymade this happen.Inthis underway,wequalified aviators; during UNITAS,weled our allies in agroup sail. Both efforts showedexactly whotheyare:skilled,disciplined,andall-in forthemission.”
qualifications;forothers,itwasthefinalstep beforejoiningoperationalfleetsquadrons Lt.j.g.EllenBanker,ofWilmington,Delaware—who beganflight training in Corpus Christi in theT-6BTexan II andisnow assigned to Training Squadron (VT) 21 at NavalAirStationKingsville—completedher carrierqualificationsaboardTruman.
“Oncetheyclearustocometheship,we’re ledoutherebyourinstructors,”saidBanker “Theydropusoffoverheadtheshipandthen we enter the landing pattern. We have to get ten arrested landingsaboardthe ship in ordertopassourcarrierqualificationstage.” Inaseparateevent,Trumanoperatedwith partnernaviesforUNITAS2025,wherethe group sail emphasized navigation, communications,and marshalling proceduresthat underpin combined maritime operations. Founded in 1960,UNITAShas growninto
a25-nationexercise,making it theworld’s longest-runningannualmultinationalmaritimeexercise By combining carrier qualifications with participation in UNITAS 2025,Truman sustained readiness,built interoperability with partnersacross 25 nations, and prepared thenextgeneration of navalaviators USSHarry S. Truman, theflagship of the Harry S. Truman StrikeGroup,isa Nimitzclassaircraft carrierhomeportedatNaval Station Norfolk, Virginia. CarrierStrike GroupsremainthecornerstoneoftheNavy’s forwardpresence throughsea controland powerprojection. Formoreinformation,visit DVIDSat https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN75.
(VIRGINIABEACH,Va.) SecretaryofWarPete Hegsethposesforaphotowith sailorsassignedtoNavalAirStation Oceana following an enlistment ceremonyaboardNAS Oceana,Oct.7,2025. The event recognized the nextgeneration ofmilitarypersonnel entering serviceand underscored the DepartmentofDefense’scommitment to improving qualityoflifeand readiness acrossthe force.(USNAVYPHOTOBYMASSCOMMUNICATIONSPECIALISTSEAMANAPPRENTICEOLIVERMCCAINVIEIRA)
“Incrucialways,bigandsmall,theDepartment of Warisgoing to have your back like neverbefore.Notjustinthefight,butalongsideyourfamily,alongsideyourwelfare.The basics,likebarracks.You deservethe best, Hegsethsaid. Following the enlistmentceremony,
Hegseth presented challenge coins to four NASOceana Sailors in recognition for their exceptionalperformanceandcontributions totheinstallation’smission: AirTrafficController 1stClass Timothy Cornell—Recognizedforexceptionalleadershipanddedicationtotraining.Cornellled 21fellowairtrafficcontrollersthroughmore than2,000hoursofinstruction.Asanassistant command fitness leader,hemotivates sailors in theprioritization of theirfitness andhealth.
Culinary Specialist2nd Class Kobe
(VIRGINIABEACH,Va.) SecretaryofWarPete Hegsethpresentschallenge coins to sailors assignedtoNavalAirStation Oceana following aceremonyaboardNAS Oceana,Oct.7,2025. Hegseth’svisit includedanenlistment ceremonyand recognition ofsailorswhowent above and beyond in supportofthe Navy’s mission.(USNAVYPHOTOBYMASSCOMMUNICATION
Norfleet —Commendedfor hisdedication to improving quality of lifefor warfighters -proactively resolving challenges that impacted morethan 300 Marines and securingcriticalresourcestoenhanceliving conditionsacrosstheinstallation. Master-at-ArmsSeamanSamanthaCoakley—HonoredasNASOceana’sBlueJacket of the Quarter forher quickthinking and courage,during multiple emergency situations Boatswain’sMate 2nd Class Giovanni Botarri —Recognized for his vital role in
thecompletion of keybase-improvement projects,andhiscommitmenttoenhancing the qualityoflifefor allwho live and work aboardtheinstallation.
NASOceana,theNavy’sEastCoastMaster JetBase,continues to set thestandardfor excellence in navalaviation andcommunity partnership,showcasing the people and programs that keep theNavy’sfoundationstrong
(VIRGINIABEACH,Va.) SecretaryofWarPeteHegseth,right,speakstoCapt.JoshApppezzato, left,commanding officerofNavalAirStation (NAS)Oceana,and Capt.RobLittman,executive officerofNAS Oceana,following an event at the installation,Oct.7,2025.Hegseth’svisit includedanenlistment ceremonyand recognitionofsailorswhowent above and beyond in supportofthe Navy’s mission.(USNAVYPHOTOBYMASSCOMMUNICATIONSPECIALIST SEAMANAPPRENTICEOLIVERMCCAINVIEIRA)
ByDarrylOrrell Center For Security Forces
The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, overshadowed the dawn of a new century It was a day that changed how Americans viewed security at the national, state, and local levels, significantly shifting thedirectionandstanceoftheUnitedStates as a global power and military force to be reckonedwith.
Today, U.S. Navy security forces are trained and ready to defend against level one(terrorist)threats whichincludeforeign intelligenceagenciesandterroristsinvolved in espionage, subversion, sabotage, assassinations, and bombing attacks on American assetsoritscitizens
Navy leadership has acknowledged that the evolving global threats and the emergenceofnear-peercompetitorshaveheightened the risk of level two type threats,” said Robert Essmann, force protection program managerattheCenterforSecurityForces
Level two threats involve small-scale forces that can pose a significant risk to U.S. Navy personnel, assets, and operations Navalinstallationsareresponsiblefor protecting critical assets and naval forces, evenduringaleveltwoattack.
“In the event of a level two attack, the Navy’s security force will align with the joint security organization, which follows the operational plans of the combatant commander,”saidEssmann.
Recognizing the increasing risks and the importanceofincludingjointsecurityoperationsfamiliarizationinsecurityforcestraining,CENSECFORwastaskedwithanalyzing thepotentialdevelopmentofaformal“Base Defense”course Essmannfurtherclarifiedthatgeographicalcombatantcommandersdevelopoperationalplanstoaddresspotentialthreatsand preparecontingencies,suchassafeguarding militaryinstallations,assets,andpersonnel. Asaresult,basedefenseplanningisalready standardizedandintegratedintotheiroperationalplans TheNavy’seffortstoimprove education for its security forces leadership aboutthejointforcestructureandthecapabilities of the joint operating environment willfurtherenhanceitsreadiness
CENSECFOR offers an ad hoc version of base defense training that can be customizedtospecificsecurityconcernsinadesignated area of operation. Through a mobile training team that conducts on-site visits, tailored exercises, and strategic planning sessions, practical solutions are developed to address real-world security challenges
As Essmann emphasizes this innovative approachleverageslocalleadershipexperienceandexpertisetocreatehighlyeffective basedefensestrategiesforactualoperational environments
“Navy Security Forces need to be trained to operate in the joint environment. The BaseDefenseCourseprovidesbasicknowledgeandskillstounderstandthatmulti-service organization,” said Essmann. It should benotedthatcareerofficersarerequiredto complete joint professional military education, and senior enlisted members should take Enlisted JPME especially if assigned to a joint command JPME Phase I can be completed either through an ‘in residence course or through distance learning All intermediateservicecollegesofferdistance learning.” The Center for Security Forces trains morethan20,000studentsannuallyinForce Protection,ExpeditionaryWarfare,Codeof Conduct,LawEnforcement,andSmallCraft Operations Itstraininglocations,whichare locatedacrosstheUnitedStatesandworldwide embody the motto: “Where Training BreedsConfidence.”
University colloquium addresses evolving threats in irregular warfare
ByPedroRodriguez
Irregular Warfare Center
ARLINGTON, Va The Irregular Warfare Center (IWC) hosted a two-day colloquium on September 24-25, 2025, in CrystalCity,VA Theselectiveeventbrought together junior and senior scholars as well as practitioners to discuss a range of topics related to modern irregular warfare. The colloquium’s purpose was to continue to build a new cohort of experts in the field andconnectthemwithestablishedleaders.
The IWC’s mission is to transform the global, strategic mindset by coupling conventional combat power with robust IW methodologies to provide options in supportofthenation’swarfighters protectingthehomeland,anddeterringChina.The colloquium agenda emphasized this focus by dedicating a full day to presentations on topics such as maritime irregular warfare anddefenseofthehomeland.
“Events such as this are a cornerstone of the IWC’s mission, uniquely balancing education with practical operations,” said
Nathalie Lorentzen, Irregular Warfare Functional Area Network (FAN) Program Manager “Studentsdepartedwithvaluable insightsfrompractitionersdeeplyimmersed intheIWfield,acriticalelementinshaping not only their research but also their future contributions.”
At the colloquium, a diverse group of academic and industry professionals presented their work. Speakers included Luke Mannion from Liberty University, who discussed deterring Chinese maritime aggression;JuliaMaranhao-Wongfromthe UniversityofOxford,presentedthetopicof information operations in the South China Sea and Ian Murphy from Old Dominion University whospokeonChina’s“grayzone strategy.”
Additionally JocelynGarciafromArizona State University presented the topic of “Trust Under Pressure.” Industry professionalsDr JoshuaBrowndiscussedtherisk of Chinese-made drones and Adam Reilly presented low-signature logistics Finally, Joshua Lane from Cranfield University & Defence Academy of the United Kingdom
covered counterterrorism medicine and medicalsupporttoirregularwarfare.
“Irregular warfare is not going away It’s been with humanity since the beginning of time. And we need a whole-of-society and a whole-of-government approach to tackle this Andthiseventisaperfectmanifestation ofthoseefforts,”saidGarcia.“
The colloquium also included contributions from IWC leadership, the IWC FAN Team, Dr Joshua Hastey (contractor), and Dr Sandor Fabian (contractor). Attendees engaged in a feedback-oriented environment, with presenters participating in in-depth discussions after their 10-minute presentations
“TheseeventsaresoimportantfortheIW communitybecausetheycreateavitalspace forsharingknowledgeandbuildingconnections Seeing professionals collaborate and discussthesecriticalissuesfirsthandunderscoredtheimpactwecanmakeinthisfield,” saidLorentzen. Inthefinaldayofthecolloquium,participants further discussed their topics with SeniorScholarsandGovernmentandIndus-
try Representatives as part of working groupssessionstoprovidefeedbackontheir research and recommendations to further enhancetheirresearch.
Garciaalsoappreciatedtheinputprovided by the senior scholars and industry leaders, “The feedback we receive from scholars within the irregular warfare community is invaluable All of us are at various stages of our research, and so to be able to implement the feedback that we’re getting, positivecritiquesandconstructivecritiquesinto our research is so valuable You don’t really gettohavethoseopportunities;tobehereis trulyawonderfulopportunity.”
ARLINGTON, Va The Department of War Irregular Warfare Center (IWC) announced the launch of its newest online course, Irregular Warfare (IW) 110: IW Approaches for Homeland Security and Defense,availablenowtohomelanddefense and homeland security professionals as of September22,2025
Accordingtonationalsecurityexperts,the U.S.homelandisunderpersistentunconventional attack in the ‘gray zone’ short of war fromboththreatnationslikeChinaaswellas non-stateactorssuchastransnationalcriminalorganizations(TCO)andforeignterroristorganizations(FTO)
IW110 is a four-hour long self-paced virtualcourseabouthowthehomelandcan be better secured and how to defend the U.S. homeland using approaches such as countering threat networks, counter threat
finance, and military counterterrorism techniques Additionally, IW-110 explains how IW concepts like total /comprehensive defense, and countering hybrid threats can offer effective practices to establish a whole-of-societydefenseposturetoincrease resiliencyagainstU.S.adversaryactivitiesin thisgrayzone
Thecourseisbuiltwithinteractivecourseware that integrates text, graphics, video and other media to enhance learning and encourage participants engagement. The course focuses on three objectives includingDescribethecurrentHomelandSecurity andHomelandDefenseenvironment,identify irregular threats to the U.S. homeland fromstateandnon-stateactors andexamine theapplicationofIWapproaches/activities domestically to counter diverse threats to thehomeland.Thecourseincludesfivecore sections and concludes with a final exam thatmustbepassedtoreceiveacompletion certificate
IW110capitalizesontheIWCeducational successes with the introductory IW101 course and advanced IW201 course, which have gained over 2,600 enrollments This latestIWCcourseisspecificallydesignedfor HomelandDefenseandHomelandSecurity professionalsintheDepartmentofWarand interagency partners at the Federal, State and local levels However, as an unclassified resource, it is also open to anyone interested in understanding how irregular warfare approaches can be employed to betterprotectourcitizensandcriticalinfrastructure.
Thiscoursehelpsrealizetheintentofthe 2020 National Defense Strategy IW Annex toinstitutionalizeandoperationalizeIWas a core competency for the U.S. military as wellasfulfilltheIrregularWarfareCenter’s (IWC) Congressionally mandated mission inTitle10§345“toserveasacentralmechanism for developing the irregular warfare knowledge of the Department of War and
advancing the understanding of irregular warfare concepts and doctrine” and “coordinatingandaligningDepartmenteducation curricula, standards, and objectives related toirregularwarfare.”
Irregular Warfare 110 is hosted in two virtual offerings including the Center for Homeland Defense and Security self-study courses website Registration and access information are available on our website https://irregularwarfarecenter.org/education/irregular-warfare-110/ Formorenewsandinformationaboutthe IWCfollowusonsocialmediaandsubscribe toourDVIDSfeedat: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/ company/irregularwarfarecenter/?viewAsMember=true X (former Twitter) https://x.com/ IrregularWarCtr
VFA-103 holds change of command
CourtesyStory Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va The “Jolly Rogers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 stationed aboard Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia, held a change of command ceremony to mark a transitionofcommandleadership,Sept.12
During the change of command event, Cmdr WilliamE.Dann,ofLookoutMountain, Georgia, assumed all duties and responsibilitiesastheVFA-103Commanding Officer from Jonathan M. Gilliom, of Charlottesville Virginia.
During Gilliom’s time at VFA-103, the “Jolly Rogers” supported the first successful operational deployment of USS George Washington(CVN73)insixyears,deliveringtheaircraftcarriertoSanDiego,California,forafollow-onredeployment TheJolly Rogers achieved above-average performanceinallmaintenanceinspections,notably attaining a perfect score of 500 out of 500 on the Conventional Weapons TechnicalProficiencyInspection(CWTPI) The unit received recognition as Best in Class fortheRetentionExcellenceAwardfortwo consecutiveyears.Furthermore,thesquadron’sdesignservedastheinspirationforthe 2024-2025Armyvs Navy“FeartheBones” uniform,whichwassubsequentlyadopted formultipleNavysportsprograms,includingbasketball,track,lacrosse andbaseball
“This tour has been the most rewarding two and a half years of my career While we as a Navy preach taking care of our peoplestartingearlyinourcareer,itisdifficult to truly prepare for situations where the service members’ and the command’s interests are at odds; where taking care of the Sailor and executing the mission don’t exactly go hand in hand.” Gilliom said. “Personally I have found that investing in our Sailors even at the expense of the
missionwhenitispossible,hasalwayspaid offinthelongrun.WhenweshowourSailorshowmuchwevaluethem,theynotonly begin to value themselves more, but they also work to continue earning that trust.”
Gilliom added, “Magic Legs [Dann] is prepared to assume command He has the right demeanor, courage, and patience needed to lead. The Jolly Rogers are ready for the change of leadership and stand prepared to carry out orders in defense of the nation.”
After Dann assumed command, he laid out his goals for his Sailors
“I want every Sailor to understand the importance of our mission, the critical role they have in achieving that mission and their own personal ‘why’ that drives their passion to improve themselves and each other,” Dann said. “When it is time to deploy, we need a united team that is manned and ready for sustained combat operations. That preparation requires us to lean forward, embrace failures and continue learning on a daily basis.”
Dann went on to say although the command is in a period of transition with many new faces, the core mission of the squadron remains the same.
“I’velostcountofhowmanySailorsleaving this command have voiced their desire to stay a true testament to Commander Gilliom’s leadership and the culture of excellence he enabled,” Dann said. “I am humbledtohavesuchauniqueopportunity to lead Team Victory, and excited to build on our accomplishments as we finish our workup cycle and head into deployment!”
VFA-103’s Mission is to provide combat readyaircraftandcombatreadyaircrewto obtain “Victory in Combat.”
Marines bid farewell to the Assault Amphibious Vehicle
ByStaffSgt.ClaudiaNix
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va The Assault Amphibious Vehicle was officially decommissioned during an AAV SundownCeremonyattheAssaultAmphibian School at Camp Pendelton, California, Sept.26
Theceremonyhonoredboththevehicle’s 53 years of service to the Marine Corps and theMarinesandSailorswhoservedwithit, while marking the transition to the Corps’ nextamphibiousplatform,theAmphibious Combat Vehicle Col. Lynn W. Berendsen, commandingofficeroftheAssaultAmphibianSchool,deliveredremarkspayingtribute to those who operated and maintained the AAVthroughoutitsservice
The AAV replaced the Landing Vehicle, Tracked, which entered combat in August
1942duringtheSolomonIslandsCampaign.
The LVT was the first vehicle capable of moving Marines from ship to shore and continue inland under fire. It proved decisive in battles like Tarawa, Inchon and later in during the Vietnam War where the following generations of amphibious vehicles carried Marines across beaches, rivers andfloodedterrain.
The AAV was introduced in 1972, originally designated as the Landing Vehicle Tracked, Personnel-7, featuring a water-jet propulsion system and a stern ramp that sped up ship-to-shore movement. Service life extension programs during the 1980s upgraded the vehicles with new engines, transmissions and weapon stations, after which it was redesignated the AAV-7A1 Overthedecades,AAVsreceivedadditional upgradestomeetoperationaldemands.
“The AAV-P7 has been many things a ship to shore connector, an armored fight-
ing vehicle, a troop carrier a logistics platform and even sometimes a live boat,” said Berendsen. “Most importantly it was in a place where Marines made their mark in combatinserviceandinsacrifice.”
FromGrenadaandSomaliatothePersian Gulf and Iraq, the AAV carried Marines throughout combat, supported humanitarian missions, and amphibious landings Duringitsservice,ittransportedpersonnel, delivered supplies and provided protected mobilityinbothlittoralandinlandenvironments Its legacy is not only in its capabilities but also in the countless Marines who operated it and relied on it to accomplish theirmissions
“The AAV gave Marines both mobility and armored protection allowing them to closewiththeenemyandseizeobjectivesat speed,” said Berendsen “In the desert, just as in the Pacific beaches decades earlier showeditwasmorethanaconnector itwas
a fighting vehicle at the heart of the Marine AirGroundTaskForce.”
TheACV,successortotheAAV,isaneightwheeledarmoredpersonnelcarrierbuiltfor expeditionary operations With multiple variants for personnel transport, command and control, recovery, and fire support, the ACV integrates seamlessly with naval shippingandamphibiousconnectors Theintroduction of the ACV supports the Marine Corps’ modernization efforts aligning with ForceDesign advancingalighter faster and more resilient force capable of operating in contestedenvironmentsandcontributingto jointandnavaloperations
ThefinalpassofthreeAAVsdroveacross the parade deck marked the close of a historic chapter and the Marine Corps’ continued evolution toward modern, expeditionaryamphibiousoperations
DLA Aviation joins new DLA Weapons Support command, strengthening warfighter support
ByAmyPerry
RICHMOND, Va The Defense Logistics Agency announced today the stand-up ofanewmajorsubordinatecommand,DLA Weapons Support, dedicated to supplying spare and repair parts to the military services This unified command integrates the missions of DLA Aviation on Defense SupplyCenterRichmond,Virginia,amajor
economic engine for the greater Richmond area, and DLA Land and Maritime onDefenseSupplyCenterColumbus,Ohio, into a single entity responsible for comprehensiveweaponsystemssupporttothejoint force
DLAWeaponsSupportwilloperateacross the existing locations at DSCC and DSCR, with no facility closures planned. Some changesinsignagemaybevisiblereflecting theneworganizationalstructure.
The commanders of the former MSCs
NavyRearAdm.JulieTreanorinColumbus and Air Force Brig Gen. Patrick Launey in Richmond will share command responsibilities during the one-year transition period.
“Thistransformationallowsustore-evaluatehowwe’restructured,howweoperate andhowwecommunicate alwayskeeping thewarfighter,oursuppliers,ourworkforce and the Agency’s overall mission in mind, Launey said. “We have amazing teams of logistics professionals who are committed
The establishment of DLA Weapons Support is a long-term investment in the future of DLA The new MSC is designed tobeamoreefficient,effectiveandresilient organization capable of meeting the challengesofthefuture Regular updates will be announced as decisionsarefinalizedandimplementation progresses
Cmdr William E.DannTakes Command ofVFA-103.
uarterdeck
MARINES give students glimpse of enlistment during Future Marines Bootcamp Over100 children,ages sixto 14 enlisted in Marine Corps CommunityService’s Future Marine Bootcamp,Sept 23. PageB2
Volunteers gathered at the strip of land between Biddle Avenue and Nicholas Road nearthemainsiderecreationcentertowork on maintaining and expanding a pollinator gardenforMonarchbutterfliestocelebrate NationalPublicLandsDayonSept 23
TheeventwasorganizedbyAlexAntram, the manager of the Conservation Volunteer Program, and Dawn Reynolds Olson, president of the Quantico Spouses’ Garden Club Together theyworkedtocombinethe volunteer-based effort of the CVP with the gardening know-how of the QSGC This event coincided with the National Public Lands Day, one of the largest single-day volunteer events in the country, which is dedicatedtopreservingandrestoringpublic lands “The fourth Saturday of the month is usuallythegardenworkday,fromthespring throughfall,”saidAntram.“NationalPublic LandsDayissomethingthedirectorofNaturalResources,WalterChristianson,wanted ustodo.”
Thepollinatorgardenwasmadepossible through funding from Quantico’s Qualified Recycling Program in the summer of 2023 It has since blossomed and now includes herbgardensandapumpkinpatch.Withthe consistent efforts of the QSCG and volunteers the garden has continued to expand andwithstandinvasivewildlifewhichwould havecreptinwithouttheireffort.
“Initially they wanted this area to naturalize,” said Olson, sporting her new QSCG President gardening apron. “It won’t naturalizebacktowhatitwasifyoudon’thelpit. If you’re trying to put natives back and get theinvasiveout,youhavetohelpitalong.”
Invasivespeciesarespeciesnotoriginally fromthegeographicalareatheyinhabitand spreadinanon-nativeenvironmentbecause theynolongerhavetheirusualecosystemto keep them in check. Species outside of the invasive species’ normal environment are not adapted to compete with them, so they areeasilyovertaken.
Volunteers worked throughout the day on upkeep such as weed pulling, trimming and mowing To effectively and naturally
U.S.NavyPettyOfficer1st Class ChristianJames Bergamo a hospital corpsmanwith the Naval Health Clinic Quantico,spreads mulch overthe pollinatorgarden on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia,Sept 27 2025.(U.S.MARINECORPSPHOTOBYLANCECPL.LYNSEEAVILA-RAMIREZ)
kill off areas overtaken by invasive species, theylayeredcardboardwithmulchanddirt ontoptoblockoutthesunlightandoxygen. Once the old plants die off, the land can be usedtoplantnativespecies “Ilikebeingoutside,”saidDianeHuxtable, a volunteer who’s new to Quantico “I like seeing native plants and seeing the woods andthegroundsaroundherecaredfor,especially to balance out some of the buildings on base where there’s a little less flora and fauna.”
“Any excuse to come outdoors is always good,” said Marine Corps Lt Col. Hans Carnice, father of two Scouts “To get to work with your hands in the community there’s a lot of goodness to that. And to be abletodoitalongsideourkidsandalongside thetroop,Ithinkisreallyspecial.
Despite a cloudy day and some light rain, Diane and the others working were upbeat andhappytodotheirpartfortheircommunity Quantico’sScoutTroop0176cameout, giving the young Scouts the opportunity to experience the fulfillment of volunteering It was also an educational opportunity as
they learned that planting milkweed seed helps migrating Monarch butterflies lay their eggs and is a sole food source for their larvae MonarchButterfliesareabletosense where there is milkweed and return when theymigrate.
“The Monarch, in its DNA, has a built in GPStofindtheseplacesthatit’sbeento and it passes it down to their offspring,” Olson said,inaweofthecreature’snaturalability MonarchButterflypopulationshavebeen in significant decline since the 1990’s due to the use of herbicides, pesticides, climate change, and other causes In particular, herbicides have reduced their milkweed habitat. Pollinator gardens like the one Antramhascreatedarepartofabroadeffort toreversethesetrends
“Research has shown that even restoring little areas and creating these micro-habitats for Monarchs and other pollinators are really helpful for ecosystem health and stability,whichhelpstomitigate,ultimately, climatechange.”
The garden includes annual plants from eachseasonsopollinatorshaveaconsistent
sourcetocomebacktothroughouttheyear
This benefits another important pollinator whosenumbershavebeenindecline:honeybees
Olson is not only the president of the QSGC but also a master gardener and has played a pivotal role in insuring the pollinatorgardenismaintainedandexpanded.
“I had a theory, I’d been taught, but then whenyou’reoutinthewild,you’retestingall oftheseskillsthatyouhave Andthenwhen theywork,you’relike‘Oh,itworked!’.”
The Gardening Club, which recently celebratedits75thanniversary,providesan outlet for gardeners whose green thumbs would otherwise be kept at bay due to restrictionstoonbasehousing
“Something really cool about the pollinator garden is that Dawn and the Garden Club, and the CVP wants it to be a teaching sourceandamodelsotheQuanticocommunity can say ‘Oh, I can do this in the small spacethatIhave!’”,saidAntram,grinningat theprospect.“Adreameventuallyistohave interpretivesignstoexplaintopeoplewhat thegardenisandwhyit’simportant.
Thepollinatorgardenwasatruecommunity project. The Facility Maintenance section and Forestry Section of Natural Recourses and Environmental Affairs contributed mulch deliveries, the Quantico Fire Department helped watering new plants, and interns with the Fish and Wildlifesectionstartedtakingpollinatorsurveys andhelpedinthegarden.
Antram and Olson say that they will continue with their mission of collecting nativemilkweedtoplantaroundbaseinthe future,and,asalways,upkeepofthepollinator garden. Their partnership has brought the garden a long way and after spending a long time figuring out how to do it, they say itistimetobringinmorehands
“Remember Field of Dreams the movie, when he says ‘If you build it, they will come’?” said Olson. “If you grow the pollinatorgardentheywillcome Notjustpeople, butpollinators!”
ThreemembersoftheDistrictofColumbia National Guard came to the aid of an injured motorcyclist on I-395, September 25, 2025
Brig Gen. Leland Blanchard, Sgt. 1st Class Jurgen Soekhoe and Maj. Collin
Welch encountered a man who had been injured in a motorcycle incident and was stranded on the highway. Without hesitation, the Guardsmen stopped to render assistance
“Once again, our Soldiers demonstrated that they represent the best of our nation and our community Always ready to step up regardless of the situation, they were therewhenneeded.Iamproudoftheteam andhappytohaveplayedasmallpart,”said Brig Gen.LelandBlanchard,commanding general of the D.C. National Guard.
They quickly assessed the situation, asking if the rider needed help, before moving his motorcycle out of traffic to
prevent further danger Together they directed vehicles safely aroundthesceneandtreatedthemotorcyclist’sinjuriesuntilemergencyresponders arrived.
TheGuardsmenremainedwiththecivilian, ensuring his safety and providing critical first aid. Arlington Police Department officersarrivedonsceneandtookovercare
TheswiftactionsofBlanchard,Soekhoe and Welch prevented additional hazards on a busy interstate and provided muchneeded support in a moment of crisis
“Seeing a fellow citizen in need excites the natural instinct to protect and serve those in our community...part of being a service member means we use our training to better serve our citizens,” said Sgt 1st Class Jurgen Soekhue, D.C. National GuardLiaisonOfficer(LNO) Wearegrateful for the opportunity to do a bit of good and ensure that man didn’t
MARINES give students glimpse of enlistment during Future Marines Bootcamp
ByLanceCpl.HannahKear
Marine Corps Base Quantico
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va
Over 100 children, ages six to 14, enlisted inMarineCorpsCommunityService’sFuture MarineBootcamp,Sept.23
This “boot camp” is designed to give school-aged children a glimpse of life as an enlisted Marine while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of community In another sense the event also helped the kids to better understand their parents, family,orfriendsthatserve.
“I think that it is important for kids to spendanafternoonwithactive-dutyMarines andlearnabouttheMarineCorpssothatthey canexperiencealittlebitofthebrotherhood behindit,”saidCpl.KayliMerritt,anaircraft rescuefirefightingMarinewithMarineCorps Air Facility “Events like this show the kids both the physical demands of the Marine Corps, but also the camaraderie and competition.”
The future Marines were processed at Barnett Field on MCB Quantico, where they received some gear and were then assigned to their units and active-duty Marine unit leaders Following their processing the future Marines were briefed by the commanding
officer of MCB Quantico Col. Jenny Colegate and staff members For the next two hours they rotated between five zones that included physical exercises, Marine Corps historylessons,leadershipevaluations,team exercises,andasimulatedshootingrange
“IlearnedhowtobeaMarine,”saidparticipant Jacoby Getty II, son of a U.S. Marine major “Iplayedtugo’warandlearnedabout theMarineCorpsHymn.”
He claimed that it is important to learn abouttheMarineCorps,“becausemydadisa Marine MygrandparentswerebothMarines too IwanttobeonewhenIgrowup.”
GettyIIsaidthattherewasaconditionfor him to join the Corps, though. He said he’d become a Marine “if baseball doesn’t work out.”
These activities, centered around the Corps’ LINKS program, encouraged physical,socialandmentalwell-being andoffered abalanceoflearning,competitionandteamwork. The attendees also learned aspects of Marine Corps traditions and its 250-year history
“Ourhopeasmuseumeducatorsisthatthe exhibitsondisplay,aswellasthestoriesthat accompanythem,inspirethenextgeneration ofleadersinallwalksoflife,”saidWesBarta, educationspecialistattheNationalMuseum of the Marine Corps “While we hope that
the stories of the selfless sacrifices made by Marinesaroundtheglobeinspirekidstojoin, wealsohopethatthelessonsthattheyimpart can positively influence children regardless ofcareerpath.”
The event highlighted the importance of mutual support and taking care of one another, reflecting the values Marines hold close Meanwhile,otherMCCSprogramsand sponsors such as the USO, First Command, and USAA added to the excitement by hosting games and challenges that blended fun with discipline, giving everyone a wellrounded taste of Marine Corps life and the teamworkittakestosucceed.
After the activities ended, all of the volunteers,representatives,andparticipantsgathered for the closing ceremony, the singing of the Marine Hymn, and the graduation of FutureMarineBootcamp
“I think that inspiring the future generations of Marines is super important, said Merritt. “Events like this could be the first time kids experience Marines and servicemembers and it could make a lasting impact on their lives, whether they decide to serve downthelineornot.”
For information on next year’s Future Marine Bootcamp, or other MCCS events, pleasevisithttps://quantico.usmc-mccs.org
Security officer displays heroism at Radford Army Ammunition Plant
ByMatthewWheaton
Joint Munitions Command
RADFORD,Va OnthemorningofJuly 9, Latrell Keys, a contracted security officer, was just getting ready to transition to his typical post on day shift after working a voluntary night shift at the Radford Army AmmunitionPlant.
Keys who works the main gate on a permanent basis saw something he hadn’t witnessed in his eight years of employment atRFAAP
“I was getting my stuff together, and I noticedacarcomingupthehill,butIdidn’t seetheothercarthatwasparked,”Keyssaid. “WhenIopenedtheshackdoor,therewasa malecrawlingatmyfeetaskingmeforhelp. Ittookmeoffguard.
“Iwasaskinghimwhat’sgoingon?What’s wrong?, Keys added. “He said, ‘I think I’m having a reaction to my medication, and I saw that he was on speaker phone with his wife, so I started talking to her to get some information on him, and at the same time, I wasradioingourdispatchlettingthemknow what we had going on and to send EMS OnceIgotdonedoingthat,Igavethephone back to him and that’s when he started throwing up a lot. I radioed dispatch again and let them know he was throwing upsowhentheygotthere,theywouldn’tbe surprisedbythat.
Keys noted emergency medical service personnelarrivedonscenequickly,andthey went to work swiftly to aid the man. While theydid,Keysturnedintoatrafficdirector
“This all happened at our inbound lane for tractor trailers and employees,” said the 36-year-old. “I had to get them around the areaandtotheirjobs.”
“Laterthatday,hiswifecamebacktoour post to get his car and told the guards that wereuptherethathispotassiumlevelswere critically low and apparently you can die from that, which I had no idea,” Keys said. “She told the guards I potentially saved his
life andIfeelgreataboutthat Hehasn’tmet me officially but I saw him recently when I wasdrivinginapatrolcar,andIwasgladto seehewasbackatwork.
“I definitely feel really good I was able to helphim,”Keysadded.“Youcangetkindof complacentonthejobandatanytimesomething crazy like that can happen. I am just gladIwasabletodoeverythingtherightway andbeabletohelphimout.”
Keys a Blacksburg, Virginia native, has trained for emergencies such as what he experienced. However, he counted on his instinctsmorethananything.
“At first, I thought maybe he was a bad actorandtryingtodosomething,”Keyssaid. “Honestly,thingsjustkickedin,andIdidn’t hesitate on anything I also had a new hire withme andhehadnocluewhatwasgoing on,buthewasverycalmandrelaxed,too.”
While a few months have passed since Keys’ heroic effort, he still receives kudos forajobwelldone
“There are people who are in the administrative building, and they tell me all the time congratulations,” Keys said. “All the staffhavebeenreallysupportive.
“I have a job to do and I’m just glad I was able to do it the right way,” he added. “I’m justhonestlygladIwasabletohelphimout.”
Christopher Bays Keys program manager, emphasized that Keys embodies thehigheststandardsofprofessionalismand compassionineveryaspect.
“Officer Keys and I worked together when I was just an officer, and I have a deep respect for Mr Keys He’s one of my outstandingguys Hedoeshisjobverywell He takes his job seriously He’s a goodheartedperson.He’salwayslookingoutfor everybody, Bayssaid “Hetreatseverybody with respect. I get compliments about him all the time I get good feedback about him and his partner
“Keys is a very outstanding person. He’s got character He cares about his job He cares about his team He cares about the people he’s at the plant to protect,” Bays added.
Transformation is top topic at town hall
ByNancyBenecki
Agency senior leaders addressed the current state of the Defense Logistics AgencyanditswayaheadthroughtransformationataglobaltownhallOct 1
DLA Director Army Lt Gen. Mark Simerly, DLA Vice Director Brad Bunn and SeniorEnlistedLeaderArmyCommandSgt.
Maj. Petra Casarez took to the stage at the McNamara Headquarters Complex auditorium to kick off the new fiscal year and discusschangestheagencyisexperiencing OnesuchchangeistheintegrationofDLA Land and Maritime and DLA Aviation into one major subordinate command called DLA Weapons Support with workforces maintainedinbothRichmond,Virginia,and Columbus Ohio
During the town hall’s question-and-answer portion, an employee asked when the workforcecanexpecttoseechangesrelated tothenewMSC,suchduty,supervisoryand officelocationchanges
Many elements of the new MSC are still beingdeterminedbeforetheneworganization is set to be fully integrated in October 2026 Simerlysaid.
“It’s important as we prepare to make thosedecisionsthatwecreatetheopportunityforyoutocommentandtogiveusfeedbackasweshapetheorganization, hesaid. “There’snodoubtthattheexpertiseonhow we should be shaped and how we should be operating in the future resides in those twopocketsofexcellenceinRichmondand Columbus.”
“Thisisnotanefforttopickonecommand or one location, he said. “We’re going to need both workforces committed in the way that they are committed to excellence today in the delivery of spare parts to the jointforce.”
DLA Land and Maritime and DLA Aviation were partnering for years in their common mission of providing material support to over 2,000 weapons systems acrossalltheservices,Bunnsaid.
“This is about formalizing that partnership that’s been happening informally for manyyearsandturningthatintosomething that is part of the organizational structure itself,”Bunnsaid.
While common functions are already starting to come together under the new MSC Bunn said there is still work to be donewhenitcomestonewworkstructures where employees will be based, and other decisions He added that those decisions may start as early as the second quarter of fiscal2026
Simerly noted other areas of the agency maybechangingaswell.
“We’re looking at functions that we performacrosstheagencythatmayneedto be performed differently or may need to be performed by others, he said, adding that DLA’s Document Services is one service underreview
The agency is also examining infrastructure such as distribution centers and bulk fuelstoragesites,makingsurelocationsand services will be useful in the future rather thanaslegacyrequirements hesaid
Many of these changes are a result of proposals the agency provided as part of the Department of War’s Comprehensive Review, Bunn said, which made the agency considerwaystobecomemoreefficient
“We took a very carefully thought-out,
deliberate process under Lt Gen. Simerly’s leadership to look at those things that we had thought about for many years and determined that this was an opportunity to marry-up the idea of more efficiency and more importantly better support that we provide to our warfighting partners,” Bunn
said
DLA accumulated many of these functionsandmissionsasaresultofbaserealignments and closures, or other agreements withtheservicesandwhole-of-government partners,Bunnsaid.
“While we can’t just divest those things unilaterally,wearebeginningconversations with the Office of the Secretary, as well as with those services or other customers and partners to see whether there’s a different waywecandothat, Bunnsaid.
The agency is also looking at ways it can provide more services to the War Department that would be more efficient and cost effective. Leadership is working with the agency’s human resources and finances teams to minimize adverse impacts on the workforce
Quantico meeting
Simerly and Casarez attended Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump’s meeting with military’s generals and flag officers at a Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia, Sept. 30 Simerly said Hegseth’smessagetoensurethefocusison wartimerequirementsandthewarriorethos isalreadyembeddedinwhatDLAdoes
“Wehavetobefocusedonsupportingthe warfighter,” Simerly said. “Everything that wedohastobeaboutsupportingvictory.”
In addition to other guidance issued for military personnel, Simerly said there are two areas he wants the DLA workforce to
focuson.
“The first one is the importance of our mission,” he said. “That’s not changing It’s enduring, and in my view, it’s sacred, this missionthatwehavetosustainourwarfighters The second part is our responsibility to take care of each other, to always treat each otherwithdignityandrespect.”
Hetiedthistotheexpectationshehasfor the DLA workforce which are trust, disciplineandcommitment.
“Weallhavearesponsibilitytoinspire,to buildandsustaintrustinourorganizations,” hesaid.“Itisthelifebloodofthisagency It’s the lifeblood of the military profession as well.”
Government shutdown
Leaders received a question about how long the agency could continue to operate during the federal government shutdown that started Oct. 1. Outside of around 200 employeeswhohavebeenfurloughed,DLA is a working capital fund entity that can continue to operate independently from appropriated funds for a period of time
Simerly said. The estimate is that current operationscancontinueforabout20days
Simerly began and concluded the town hall by thanking the DLA workforce and wishedtheagencyahappy64thbirthday.
“You all serve a tremendous role for our nation and our national security rely upon you because you sustain the force,” Simerly said. “You sustain those warfighters who are prepared to put their lives on the line to defend our nation, and they simply can’t do itwithoutyou.
Employee recognition
Several individuals and teams were
acknowledged for their recent achievements
IndividualAwards:
Justin Wingo, DLA Energy, Contracting award for the Installation’s Emergency Response Substation Generation Plan and Testing U.S. Department of Energy and the Federal Interagency Energy Policy Committee.
Andrea Houck, DLA Installation Management, 2025 Domestic Abuse and Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Recognition Award from the OSW Family AdvocacyProgram.
Ian Antal, DLA Legislative Affairs, ASW(S)coinrecipient
On the morning ofJuly9,Latrell Keys,a contracted securityofficer,sawsomething he hadn’t witnessed in his eightyears ofemployment at the RadfordArmyAmmunition Plant inVirginia. (PHOTOBYMATTHEWWHEATON)
CourtesyStory Defense Commissary Agency
FORTLEE,Va WhenServicemembers andtheirfamiliesthinkofwheretheycango fortheirgroceryneeds,theirlocalcommissary should immediately come to mind: That’s the message Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) Director and CEO John Halldelivers
“Our vision for DeCA continues to involveworkingtowardbeingTHEgrocery providerofchoiceforoureligiblepatrons delivering a vital benefit exclusively for our militarycommunityandtheirfamilies,”Hall said. “This is the cornerstone for our existence It was true in 1991 when the agency started,andit’struetoday.
As DeCA observes its 34th anniversary on Oct. 1, Hall said the agency continues to improveitsdeliveryofthecommissarybenefit to millions of eligible patrons Commissaryshopperscannothelpbutnoticerecent
innovationstoDeCA’se-commerceplatform reflecting improvements patrons expect in today’sretailenvironment.
“We’ve enhanced our online ordering functions through our Commissary CLICK2GO® (CC2G) service by improving website navigation and search functions,” Hall said. “We also improved CC2G’s product information, added robust recipe ideas, featured sales and promotions, upgraded ourcustomers’mobile-friendlyexperience, and last but definitely not least, we added online payment, perhaps our most significantenhancement.”
“These and many other shopping improvements make shopping at the commissarythefirstandbestoptionforour patrons’groceryneeds.
Improving the commissary benefit has been the mission since DeCA first picked up the mantle to be the military’s grocer provider After a 1989 Congressionally-mandated
study of the separate military commissary systems, the Defense Commissary Agency wasestablishedonMay15,1990,byamemorandum from the Deputy Secretary of Defense ArmyMaj.Gen.JohnP.Dreskawas namedDeCA’sfirstdirectorinJune1990
DeCA’s creation was a significant step in modernizing the military commissary system, which has continued to evolve to offer more modern shopping experiences andservices
The agency’s primary goal continues to provide a more efficient and cost-effective way to deliver the commissary benefit, which helps improve the quality of life for military personnel and their families something DeCA employees take personally Hallsaid.
“Our employees have a sense of military community with over 63 percent of our workforcehavingaconnectiontothearmed forces.”
About DeCA: The Defense Commis-
sary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees, disabled veterans and other authorized patrons and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit, saving authorized patrons thousandsofdollarsannuallyontheirpurchases compared to similar products at commercialretailers Thediscountedpricesinclude a 5-percent surcharge, which supports the costs of building, modernizing and sustaining commissary facilities A core military family support element and valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness enhance the quality of life for America’s military services and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and womentoservetheircountry
Women urged to get preventive health screenings
CourtesyStory
Kenner Army Health Clinic
Breast Cancer Awareness month, recognized in October and is a perfect time for womentomakehealthaprioritybyschedulingroutinemedicalexamsandpreventive screenings at Kenner Army Health Clinic (KAHC).Inaddition,toempoweroneselfin being active, be aware of emotional health needs, and avoid unhealthy practices.
The Office on Women’s Health states thatthestepstobuildafoundationofgood healtharethesameforeveryone Theseare to visit a health care provider for a wellwomanvisit(checkup),preventivescreenings, and vaccines Get active and try to eat healthy.Payattentiontomentalhealth,and this includes managing stress and getting more sleep Lastly, practice safe behaviors, such as quit smoking and protect yourself from Sexual Transmitted Infections.
The provider care teams can answer specific questions about your health concerns There are several websites that haveexcellentinformationsuchas,https:// www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/screening/ index.html and https://www.cdc.gov/ womens-health/features/index.html Consider the month of October as an opportunity to review your health needs specific to your age and family history An annualwell-womancheckupcoversmany preventive screenings to promote overall health.Thisalsocanprovideachancetoset health goals and speak to a provider about any concerns you may be having Breast Cancer Awareness also promotes annual preventive health screenings, including the Pap test, which can find changesinawoman’scervixbeforecancer develops According to the American Cancer Society the greatest risk factor for cervical cancer is infection from the human papilloma virus, a sexually transmitted disease that can cause changes in the cervix over time Colorectal cancer screeningfocusisprevention.TheCenters for Disease Control (CDC) have changed the recommendations for testing starting at age 45 Not counting some kinds of skin cancer colorectalcanceristhefourthmost common cancer in men and women. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States
The CDC is tracking the rapid rise of Diabetes especially among young people andchildren.IntheUS,29.7millionpeople
ofallages—or8.9%oftheU.S.population— had diagnosed diabetes Make the time to get your A1C tested, improve your lifestyle habits,andaskyourproviderteamtoplace a referral to our Dietician. Each month, KAHC reviews the needed preventivehealthscreeningsofitspatients A staff member may talk or call with patients about the importance of regular medical screenings We now have a new Virtual Education Center which allows your provider team to educate our beneficiaries on the merits of health prevention
strategies that work best for you. specific to your needs Women serve as caregivers for their families,puttingtheneedsoftheirspouses, partners,childrenandparentsbeforetheir own. As a result, women’s health and well-being becomes secondary As health care professionals we have a responsibil-
NAVFAC MIDLANT awards $495M multi-
construction contract to boost Marine Corps infrastructure in North Carolina
CourtesyStory
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic
NORFOLK, Va Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic (NAVFAC MIDLANT) awarded a $495 million firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract to seven firms for a broadrangeofinfrastructureimprovements supportingtheU.S.MarineCorps
Blue Rock Structures, Pollocksville, NC (N40085-25-D-2992)
Bristol General Contractors Anchorage
AK(N40085-25-D-2993)
Joyce and Associates Construction, Newport,NC(N40085-25-D-2994)
Military and Federal Construction, Jacksonville,NC(N40085-25-D-2995)
P&S Construction, Tampa, FL
(N40085-25-D-2996)
Syncon LLC Chesapeake, VA
(N40085-25-D-2997)
Under the terms of the contract, these firms will perform new construction, demolition, repair, alteration, and renovation of buildings, systems, and infrastructure.PrimaryworklocationsincludeMarine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, both in North Carolina The contract performance period extends through September 2030
To initiate the contract, Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Operations and Maintenance, Navy (OM,N) funds totaling $5,000 will be obligated to satisfy minimum guarantees An additional $35,000 in OM,N funds will expire at the end of the current FY Future task orders will be funded primarily through OM,N and Military Construction(MILCON)appropriations Allawarded contractors will be eligible to compete for taskordersunderthecontract’sterms Thecontractwascompetitivelyprocured via SAM.gov, with 29 proposals received. NAVFACMIDLANTservesasthecontractingactivity NAVFAC MIDLANT delivers compre-
hensivefacilitiesengineering,publicworks, and environmental services across a broad area of responsibility from South CarolinatoMaine,extendingwesttoIllinoisand southtoIndiana.Asakeycomponentofthe Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic team, NAVFAC MIDLANT provides strategicleadershipthroughtheRegionalEngineer ensuring the region’s infrastructure and facilities are managed with efficiency effectiveness,andlong-termsustainability For additional information about NAVFACMIDLANTonsocialmedia,follow ouractivitiesonFacebookatwww.facebook. com/navfacmidatlanticandonInstagram@ navfacmidatlantic.
neer ensuring the region’s infrastructure and facilities are managed with efficiency, effectiveness,andlong-termsustainability For additional information about NAVFACMIDLANTonsocialmedia,follow ouractivitiesonFacebookatwww.facebook. com/navfacmidatlanticandonInstagram@ navfacmidatlantic. NAVFAC MIDLANT awards $248M regional utilities maintenance contract for Hampton Roads installations
Work will be performed in Hampton Roads and is expected to be completed by September2030
Aninitialtaskorderof$5,000infiscalyear (FY)2025Navyoperationsandmaintenance fundshasbeenobligatedtosatisfytheminimum guarantee These funds will expire at theendofthecurrentFY Thecontractwascompetitivelyprocured viaSAM.gov,withtwooffersreceived
NAVFAC MIDLANT is the contracting activity(N40085-25-D-0040).
NAVFAC MIDLANT delivers comprehensivefacilitiesengineering,publicworks, and environmental services across a broad area of responsibility from South CarolinatoMaine,extendingwesttoIllinoisand southtoIndiana.Asakeycomponentofthe Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic team, NAVFAC MIDLANT provides strategicleadershipthroughtheRegionalEngi-
On iberty
Norfolk Botanical Garden Dominion Energy Garden of Lights tickets are on sale now
PressRelease
NORFOLK, Va Step into the magic of the season with the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights an award-winning, immersive holiday light experience that has become a cherished tradition in Coastal Virginia This year’s event isbrighterthanever,withexcitingnewsurprisesalongside classicfavorites Lookforyourtraditionalholidayfavoritesalongwiththe debutofthenewNeonFusionofLights,newDancingPixel Forest laserlightsandmore!Don’tmissthesparklingConifer Garden, the historic NATO Tower drenched in lights andthewalk-throughMegaTree theperfectspottotake aholidayselfie!#nbglights.
With more than 100,000 guests attending in 2024 and many nights completely sold out this year is expected to beevenbigger Besuretograbyourticketsearly! Warmupwithacupofhotcocoaoraholidaytreat,availableforpurchasethroughouttheevent.Allticketproceeds support the Garden’s mission as a nonprofit organization. Mobility shuttles are available every evening; registration isrequired About Norfolk Botanical Garden: Norfolk Botanical Garden(voted#3BestBotanicalGardenintheU.S.through Newsweek) represents an oasis of more than 65 themed gardens encompassing 175 beautiful acres From stunning plant collections to WOW - World of Wonders: A Children’s Adventure Garden, this diverse natural beauty can
be explored by tram boat or walking tours. The Garden is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, recognizedasaVirginiaHistoricLandmark,listedontheNational RegisterofHistoricPlacesand designated a Virginia Green attraction It is managed by Norfolk Botanical Garden, Inc. and supported by the City of Norfolk. The mission of Norfolk Botanical Garden is to Immersevisitorsinaworldofbeauty,leadthroughenvironmentalactionandinspirethrougheducationandconnection to nature For more information, visit www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org. The Dominion Energy Garden of Lights is created with energy-saving LED bulbs and is powered by 100% renewableenergy!
Foodbank announces Shutdown Relief
NORFOLK, Va When the federal government shuts down, families don’t stop needing to eat. Each missed paycheck meansanotherhouseholdatriskofhunger, andinHamptonRoads thatrealityisalready setting in. For many federal employees and contractors, this week could mark the first missed biweekly paycheck, while others have already gone without pay since the shutdownbegan.
ing the fastest,” Tan continued. “We’ll continue to adjust our operations and bring food whereverit’sneededmost.No matter what happens in Washington, we’ll behereforourcommunity.”
Tohelpthosedirectlyaffected,theFoodbankofSoutheasternVirginiaandtheEastern Shore will host a Shutdown Relief Mobile Distribution on Friday, October 17 The event is made possible through supportfromtheCityofNorfolkDepartmentofEconomicDevelopment,Perdue, and Food Lion, and will take place from 11 am to 2 pm, or while supplies last, at Military Circle Mall (880 N. Military Hwy., Norfolk).Thesitewaschosenforitscentral and accessible location between military bases and federal offices. The distribution willprovidefreshproduce leanprotein,and pantrystaplesfor500households Tohelpensureasafeandequitabledistribution,guestsareaskedtoarrivewithtrunks empty and ready to receive food, remain in theirvehiclesduringloading andwaitfora signal before pulling forward. All vehicles shouldenterthesiteviaPoplarHallDrive.
Check out
“Shutdowns create instability in people’s lives each day they continue,” said Christopher Tan, President and CEO of the Foodbank “We’ve been here before, and we know what it takes to respond. The men and women who serve our country and those who serve alongside them as civilian orcontractemployees deservetoknowthat theircommunityishereforthem.
The Foodbank organized this pop-up distribution not only to reach those newly affectedbutalsotoeasetheburdenonpartner pantries already reporting longer lines and increased demand. Staff from every department have stepped away from their usualdutiestomakethisdistributionpossible, demonstrating what it means to stand withourcommunityinamomentofneed Astheshutdowncontinues,theFoodbank islookingbeyondthisweek’seventtoensure supportremainssteadyacrosstheregion. “We’remonitoringdataacrossourservice areatoidentifywherethoselinesaregrow-
About the Foodbank: Since 1981, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore has provided more than 420millionmealstoneighborsinneed We serve 11 cities and counties, where one in eight residents experience food insecurity Inthesecommunities weplayavitalrolein the fight against hunger by collecting storing,anddistributingnutritiousfood.Beyond foodaccess,wefocusonlong-termsolutions byaddressingtherootcausesofhungerand promoting self-sufficiency Our mission is made possible by a dedicated network of volunteers, generous donors, and compassionate community partners Together, we’re working to ensure that no one in our communitygoestobedhungry Learnmore atfoodbankonline.orgorfollowusonFacebook,Instagram,LinkedIn,X,andTikTok.
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/
PressRelease
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va DreamWorks Animation,UniversalDestinations&Experiences, TEG Life Like Touring, and Terrapin Station Entertainment are delighted to announce a second leg of the North American tour of GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE LIVE! PRESENTEDBYWALMARTduetopopular demand, launching in Macon, GA on January14,2026 Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! will be at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 6 PM. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by visiting the Sandler Center box office located at 201MarketStreet,VirginiaBeach,VA23462
The second leg of the live production of DreamWorks Animation’s Gabby’s Dollhouse will visit more than 40 additional cities including performances at major venues such as National Theatre in WashingtonD.C.,KingsTheatreinBrooklyn,NY, Théâtre St-Denis in Montreal, and Peacock TheaterinLosAngeles
This follows the smashing North AmericandebutofGabby’sDollhouseLive!earlier thisfall,basedontheglobalpreschoolsensation from DreamWorks Animation, which
opened with sold-out shows in Thousand Oaks,LongBeach,andSanFrancisco.Additional performances were added at The GroveinAnaheim,CA,tocloseoutthefirst legofthetourthiswinter Nowwithmorethan150+showsinNorth America this a-MEOW-zing new musical follows Gabby as she uncovers a special acornthatneedsthemagicaltouchofarainbowtogrow ButwhenCatRatcausesacolor cat-astropheandbreakstherainbow,Gabby and the Gabby Cats must find the colors againtosetthingsright.
“We’re thrilled to partner with TEG Life Like Touring and DreamWorks Animation to bring Gabby’s Dollhouse to the stage for theveryfirsttimeinNorthAmerica,including so many iconic venues” said Jonathan Shank, CEO, Terrapin Station Entertainment. “The show is completely interactive, thesongsareinfectious,andtheproduction brings you right into the center of Gabby’s cat-tastic universe full of rainbows and sprinkleparties!”
“DreamWorks is so excited to see this tour expanding across North America, said Michael Vollman, EVP, Marketing for DreamWorks Animation. “Gabby’s Dollhouse is beloved around the world and we couldn’tbehappiertoseefansenjoyingthis
showallacrossthecountry.”
Gabby’s Dollhouse is the most-watched kids series on Netflix and follows the fun adventuresofGabby,whounboxesabrandnewsurpriseineveryepisodebeforejumping into a fantastical animated world full of adorable cat characters that live inside her magical dollhouse This fall, Gabby sets off on her biggest adventure yet in Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie, heading to theaters September 26, directed by Ryan Crego and starringLailaLockhartKraner,GloriaEstefan,andKristenWiig
This new stage production of GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE LIVE! PRESENTED BY WALMART brings to life an exciting originalstoryfeaturinguniquepuppets dynamic staging, and songs including “Hey Gabby”, “You Can’t Spell Meow Without Me”, “Sprinkle Party”, and others that will have audiences singing and dancing along, from beginningtoend.
Since the debut of DreamWorks Animation’s hit series Gabby’s Dollhouse, kids around the world have been having one big sprinkle party with Gabby and her friends Created by celebrated storytellers Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey and now streaming on Netflix, Gabby’s Dollhouse is a mixed-media preschool series
thatunboxesasurprisebeforejumpinginto a fantastical animated world full of adorable cat characters that live inside Gabby’s dollhouse Rooted in growth mindset, Gabby’s activity-based episodes encourage flexible thinking and learning from your mistakes As the most-watched kids series onNetflix,Gabby’sDollhousehasbecomea toppreschoolbrandacrosstheglobe,inspiring an award-winning toy line, publishing, home, apparel, and more, as well as original music, a top-rated app and a growing YouTubechannelvisitedbymillionsoffans weekly Gabby’s Dollhouse continues to expand through Universal Destinations & Experiences theme parks global fan experiences liveeventsandmuchmore,including Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie heading totheatersSeptember26,2025 Anyadventure can unfold when we play in Gabby’s Dollhouse!Learnmoreatwww.gabbysdollhouse.com.
Twirl through time at the Colonial Tea Ball, Nov. 8 at the American Revolution Museum at
WILLIAMSBURG,Va Inpartnership with the Yorktown Tea Festival, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is proud to present the Colonial Tea Ball on November 8 as attendees don their finest attireandrevolutionaryspiritforanelegant evening affair centuries in the making
From 7 to 10 p.m., fans of Bridgerton or the 1800s social scene can live their dream astheywaltzintoamodern-daysoiréeand twirlthroughtimewith18th-centurydance formssetinthemuseum’sgrandballroom
Modern-daymovesaretransformedinto Revolution-era elegance as dance master, author and historian John Millar leads more than a dozen dances. From “Jefferson’sWhim”to“TheQueen’sJig,”dancers followstep-by-stepchoreographyinstructions in souvenir booklets
Guests can dance the night away to live music performed on traditional colonial instruments by the Itinerant Band and catch their breath with a stroll through museum exhibits, including tea-inspired artifacts on display. Attendees are encouragedtodresstoimpressin18th-centuryor present-day party attire. Colonial Tea Ball Tickets
Admissionis$25perpersonanddesigned for ages 13+. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with
dancing beginning at 7 p.m. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided, and a cash bar andsnackswillbeavailable
Colonial Tea Ball, held in partnership with the Yorktown Tea Festival, is made possible by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Inc. Annual Fund. In partnership with the VirginiaAmericanRevolution250Commission and the Yorktown Commemoration Committee the Yorktown Tea Festival aims to instill a sense of admiration for the historyandtraditionsofteaandteadrinking inVirginia
About American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is administered by the Jamestown-YorktownFoundation,aneducational agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and a commemorative partner of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days),theAmericanRevolutionMuseumat YorktownislocatedonRoute1020nearthe Colonial Parkway in Yorktown. Parking is free Follow our museums on social media @jyfmuseums For more information, call (757) 253-4838 or visit jyfmuseums.org/ colonial-tea-ball.
Part I interview with acclaimed local author
Father John Manuel on his new book ‘One Bag at a Time: My Battle to Healing.’
InterviewByYiorgo
Yiorgo: With us today is Father John Manuel from Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia
In April of this year I interviewed Father John who at that time was the author of three incredible books “The Fablehood Trilogy: Embracing Life’s Lessons Through Stories.” You can read that amazing interview at this link. https://www militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-flagship/ community/the-fablehood-trilogy-embracing-life-s-lessons-through-storiesfather-john-manuel-tells-us-about/ article_faa11e70-d475-4388-91c5-411b06c1c303
html This time Father John will talk about his fascinatingnewestbook,“OneBagataTime: My Battle to Healing.” It can be purchased whereverbooksaresoldandonAmazon. SotellusFatherJohn,whatmotivatedyou towriteyournewestbook?Isthisacontinuationofyourtrilogyseriesoristhisastandalonebook?
FatherJohnManuel:Firstofall,George, thankyoufortheinterviewprocessandthe blessingtobetogetherandtalk.It’salwaysa pleasure to talk to you. “One Bag at a Time is a standalone book. The trilogy was about howIwasraisedandtoreflectonthestories of my youth and lessons learned. This has to do with the fact that in one year I’ve had a diagnosis of bypass surgery, and then a few months later, a diagnosis of lymphoma cancer in my body that then spread to my brain. And it occurred to me that this is a unique experience to have both of these diagnoses happen in one year What would it feel like? What would somebody think about,iftheyweregoingtogothroughwith that? I think that everybody’s compassionate They’re, “Oh my gosh, oh my.” but I wanted to give the reader an opportunity, thisisthemotivation,tounderstandwhatit feelsliketogothroughthiskindofatrauma, if you will or this kind of shock to your system. What was it like? What were your concerns? What were your fears? How did youcopewiththespecterofdeath?Howdid itaffectyourperson,yourfaith,yourfamily?
SoIwrotethebooktohelpinformpeople about the experience so that they can see it in a kind of empathetic way. If they were to havesomethinghappentothemselves,they might be equipped a little bit better on how tohandleit.Alittleroad,roadmap ifyouwill. The other reason I wrote it was I needed to get things out of my heart. I needed somethingtovent.Anditgavemeareasontolive andtofeelvaluedasahumanbeing Y: What was the process for writing this book?
FJM: Everybody’s process is different Forme IhavetofeelthatI’mputtingwords on paper in this case words on the laptop every day at some point. During the day whenthere’salull,I’llpulloutmylaptop,I’ll settleintomyselfandthink,“WhatissignificantaboutthisdayandwhatamIexperiencing?”AndI’lljustletitcomeout.Itcouldbea paragraphoritcouldbefourorfivepages It dependsonwheretheflowisgoing.ButIdo thatonaneverydaybasis.Istilldoitbecause it makes me feel like I’m alive. It’s almost as ifyou’renotaliveuntilyou’vewrittensomething down And I know that that’s kind of crazy,butit’spartofthepsychologyofit I’ve neverbeenapersonwhowritesataparticulartimeandforaparticularhourorso Forthisbook,itwasmostlywritteninthe hospital. I had nine chemos so far, and four havebeenweek-longhospitalstays.Sointhe lulls at the hospital ‘cause it’s long and it’s boring at the hospital I pull out the laptop and I do a little writing And that was good because otherwise I would have forgotten everything that happened. It was a record of my daily life, but also what I was feeling, thinking, and all the concerns that went aroundthat.
Y: I love your title, “One Bag at a Time.” Whydidyouchoosethistitle,andwhatdoes thephrasemeantoyou?
FJM: When I was first diagnosed with the cancer that had gone into my brain, my oncologist, who is a terrific doctor: very assertive,verystrong,verychampioningthe patient,heputmeinthehospitalrightaway, becausewhenthecancerwenttothebrain, it affected my mobility, my reasoning, my speech,Iwasfallingdown,Iwasamess So whileIwasinthehospitalthatfirstweek,my niece’s husband, a wonderful, good young man,RobBruno acancerresearchscientist professoratODU,cametovisitme Rob is sitting at my bedside He looks up at the IV pole, he looks at the bag on top of it, and he remarks, “It’s one bag at a time.” When I heard that, it was as if it rocketed through me and I said, “That’s how I’m gonna get through this, and that’s gonna be thetitleofthebookthatcomesfromthis.”As a matter of fact when we were putting the book together I initially thought, “Oh, One Bag. I’llputapictureofanIVpolewiththe bags on it. And then I thought, “Ugh.” They lookhorrible.
Y:Sowhatdidyouputonthecoverofyour book?
FJM:IhaveapictureofthefamousGreek hero from our heritage from the story of the 300 Spartans Leonidas the Spartan,
because from the beginning I was thinking that in my heart is a soldier-like figure of somebody battling against this cancer Leonidas represents my soul, my fighting spirit. For anyone who’s fighting against anything,youneedtohavethewarriorspirit inside of you. That’s how I’ve been getting throughit,notbyanger notbyhostility not even because I have faith I mean, I do the best I can, but because I’m fighting like a soldierinmyheart
Y: What do you want the reader to gain fromreadingyourbook?
FJM: I want the reader to, first of all, empathize, to understand that we’re all human beings, and we’re all gonna go through these same thoughts about our mortality and about the fears we all have aboutlettinggo We’realljoinedtogetherby thiscommonfearofthelossofthecontrolof ourlife,whatourfinaldestinationis Iwant them to be comforted in having a sense of faithinGodandtrustinGod.Iwantthemto feel that they’re part of my experience and myfamily,thatwe’renotalone Iwantthem to feel hope in the circumstances that they have becausewhileI’vebeengoingthrough physical cancer there’s cancers of all kinds Peoplehavecancerintheirrelationships or theyhavecancerintheirfamily Imeanthis in the figurative sense They need to have hopethattheycangetthroughit.Andthen, ofcourse,thereisthephysicalpartofcancer, because as soon as you say the word cancer inrelationtothebrain,peoplethinkterminal cancer “OhmyGod.It’stheend.”
All of that process is something that I wanted to share with the reader so that theycouldsaythatiftheygothroughsomething like this, they’re not alone Because the biggest fear, I think, is the one of being alone It’s this sense of being abandoned or forgotten. I’ve been extraordinarily blessed thateverybodyhasbeenverysupportive.But still, in the end, when you’re in the hospital or you’re facing that specter you’re saying “Oh,what’sgoingtohappen?”So Iwantthe reader to get a sense of peace comfort and assurancethattheyaregoingtobeok.
Y: What did you find most challenging about writing this book? What did you find mostgratifying?
FJM: The hard part about writing it was coming to terms with what I really was thinking and being honest I was having severe doubts about my ability to be faithful to every step along the way. Would I be able to follow the directions of the doctor? Would my reliance on my faith be true or false? Was I a real believer or was I just somebodywhoputonacloakofbelief?Am I a Christian? Do I believe in God? Is there a God? If He’s there, what does it all mean? So,thatwasverychallengingbecauseIwas asking those questions in an honest unfiltered way. Those same questions honesty also led to being gratified because when I started to think about what I believe and whoIam,IfoundpeacebecausethisexperiencehasconfirmedwhatI’vebelievedfrom my beginning. And it’s brought me back to whoIamfundamentallyasaperson,whois a believer. Not just a priest or a husband or a father, but just a person who believes and trusts in a loving Father and a loving God. And it’s been both a challenge and something that’s given me peace. I even had a very specific moment when that epiphany occurred to me about the presence of God, that’s in the book as well. So, that challenge mostly is about being honest with myself, andyouknow,that’snoteasybecauseit’snot easytosay,“Ihaveveryweakfaith.”Ortosay, “Youknowwhat?Ireallyamafraid,”or“I’m sovain I’mlosingmyhair I’mnotincontrol of my body There’s others that are taking careofme I’mdependentonthesepeople.” Thoseareallhardthingstofeelandtosay. Writingthebookexposedmyinsecurities, but also provided the platform from which I could say, “But despite those insecurities, IreallyamcaredforbythepresenceofGod and by the people who have been praying forme.”
Y: What advice would you offer someone who will need bypass surgery or who has received a stage four cancer diagnosis? And what kind of questions should they be asking?
FJM: When you receive a diagnosis that stops you in your tracks such as, you have threearteriesthatareall90%closed,oryou havea4%chanceofsurvivalfromthisStage 4 cancer diagnosis I would say when you hear that, don’t assume the worst. Don’t let the words color what the conclusion will be Feeltheemotionofit,shareitwithother people, cry if you need to cry, rant if you need to rant But then put your Leonidas, theSpartanwarriorhelmetonandsay,“I’m fightingback I’mnotgoingtoletthisdefeat me.” Don’t let the diagnosis define you. You can’tfunctioninanegativeworldview You havetospinitforyourselfsothatyouhavea groundtostandon.There’sablockagethere? It’llbeokay Letitgo It’llbeinGod’shands God has employed the hands of the doctors and the nurses, the surgeons, et cetera. It’s in his hands It’s in his will. And just like withcancer,Imean,ifGodwantsmetolive, thenthat’llbehiswill.Ifhewantsmetopass away that’sokay too,becausehe’sprepared aplaceforme
The questions that the patient could ask: “WhatdoIhavetodotoprepareforthenext step?” You have to get your head about you because your emotions are tugging at you, andyou’refeelinglike,“Oh,myGod.Thisis horrible, and the world is caving in.” But if youcanplanthenextsteponyourcalendar, look at it and ask, “What’s the next thing in mylifethatdoesn’thavetodowithcanceror heartdiseaseorwhateveritis?”Sothatyou can plan and keep planning your life Don’t forget that your life continues. At the same time, plan for your recovery from whatever the thing is Doing those both at the same time will give you a reason to live. I would alsosay,havefaithinyourdoctorandinthe medicalsystem Don’tbecowedbyconspiratorial people who look at all these sorts of
weirdremediesandalternatemedications There’s research and science behind what’s going on in hospitals and what doctors are taught. They dedicated their livestohelpingpeoplebewell.Sobealiving patient and if the doctor said, “We need to sendyou,takeyoutothehospital.”...willlead to healing My doctor gave me hope And withthathope Iwasabletokeeponfighting Next week Part II of my interview with FatherJohn.
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.
FatherJohn Manuel (above) and his latest book“One Bag at aTime: MyBattle to Healing” (COURTESYPHOTOS)
Think inside the bowl quick ideas for busy
season meals
ByFamilyFeatures
Source: Minute Rice
Whenlifegetshectic,eatingwellcangetpushedtothe bottomofyourto-dolist.Ago-tomealoptionduetotheir simplicity, versatility and nutritional benefits, rice bowls provide a convenient and satisfying solution for parents, studentsandbusyprofessionalsjugglingmultipleresponsibilities During busy season, they can be prepared quickly and areeasytocustomizetosuitdifferenttastepreferencesand dietaryneeds Typicallyofferingabalancedmixofcarbohydrates proteinandvegetables theyensureyouandyour lovedonesgetawholesomemealwithoutspendinghours inthekitchen.
Forexample,thisRiceandBeansBurritoBowloffersa burstofSouthwesternflavorinjust10minutes Featuring thezestyandnaturalflavorsofMinute’sCilantro&Lime Jasmine Rice Cups, it’s a canvas for creativity complete with juicy pinto beans, crisp corn and a vibrant mix of salsa.Readyin1minute,theBPA-freemicrowaveablecups areperfectlyportionedandcanbeenjoyedasamealright outofthecontainerwhencrunchedfortime Tocustomizeyourculinarycreation,simplyadjustthe heat to your liking with a sprinkle of ancho chili powder or add a touch of creaminess with a generous helping of guacamole, dollop of sour cream or sprinkle of shredded cheese Tofurthertransformyourmealintoafestivefeast, pair your bowl with grilled chicken, tofu or a fresh green salad. Or for a Korean twist, consider this Quick Bibimbap Derived from the Korean terms “bibim,” which refers to mixing multiple ingredients and “bap,” meaning rice it startswithjasminericeandistoppedwithkimchi carrots sauteedspinach,beansproutsandafriedegg.
The dish, which is prepped and ready in 20 minutes, can be further customized with sauteed mushrooms, tofu,searedbeef,pickledcucumbersandmore,butsweet, butteryMinuteInstantJasmineRiceprovidesthefragrant, fluffy base Ready in 5 minutes and known for its distinctivearomaticscent,it’sprecookedthendriedwithnothing added but convenience so you can get a tasty meal made quickly Visit MinuteRice.com to find more meal ideas to conquerbusyseason.
RiceandBeansBurritoBowl
Prep time: 8 minutes | Cook time: 2 minutes
Servings: 1
1MinuteCilantro&LimeJasmineRiceCup
¼cupcannedpintobeans drainedandrinsed
¼cupfreshorcannedcorn
¼cuppreparedsalsa
½teaspoonanchochilipowder(optional)
1cupshreddedlettuce
1tablespoonsourcream
½avocado,sliced(optional)
½tablespooncilantro,chopped(optional)
tortillachips
Heatriceaccordingtopackagedirections Inmedium,microwave-safebowl,combinebeans corn, salsaandchilipowder,ifdesired. Microwaveonhigh1minute. Mixinrice Placelettuceinbowlandtopwithriceand beans mixture. Garnish with sour cream, avocado and choppedcilantro,ifdesired. Servewithtortillachips
QuickBibimbap
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
2cupsMinuteInstantJasmineRice
¼cupcanolaoil,divided
8cupsbabyspinach
2clovesgarlic,minced
1tablespoongratedfreshginger
¼teaspoonsalt
¼teaspoonblackpepper
4teaspoonssoysauce
4teaspoonsricewinevinegar
1cupbeansprouts
1cupmatchstickcarrots
1cuppreparedkimchi,chopped
4eggs,fried
4teaspoonsSriracha
4teaspoonssesameseeds,toasted
Preparericeaccordingtopackagedirections
Inlargeskilletovermediumheat,heat2tablespoonsoil. Sautespinach,garlic ginger saltandpepper3-5minutes, oruntilspinachiswilted Transfertobowlandkeepwarm Wipeoutskillet.Heatremainingoilovermedium-high heat Stir-fry rice 3-5 minutes, or until slightly crisp Stir insoysauceandvinegar
Divide rice among four bowls Top each serving with bean sprouts, carrots, kimchi and one fried egg. Drizzle withSrirachaandsprinklewithsesameseeds.
Easy and delicious sides to spruce up holiday weeknights
ByFamilyFeatures
Source: The Little Potato Company
Holiday feasts may get a lot of attention, but there’s no reasontooverlookregularweeknightmeals-orsaveyour favoritesidesforthemainevent-duringthebusyholiday season Theseeasy,go-tosidescanspruceupyourdinner routine,evenonhecticweeknights.
TrytheseCheesyBakedLittlePotatoesforaneasy,delicioussidethatbringsalittleholidayhappinesstoregular familymealtimes HalvedLittlePotatoesareseasonedand roasted to perfection, creating a crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-insidedish Perfectforaweeknightdinner during this busy season it’s a versatile easy-to-prepare complementtoanarrayofmaincourses Mashed potatoes are a familiar sight at the table this timeofyear,butyoucansprucethemupwiththeseGoat CheeseandThymeMashedPotatoes Aclassicdishthat’s quickandeasytoprepare,theymakegettingdinneronthe tableabreezeandbringalittlecalmduringanotherwise busyseason.
Sustainably grown on family farms, Little Potatoes fromTheLittlePotatoCompanysimplifyweekdaymealtimes during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Theycomepre-washed,requirenopeelingandaresmall enoughtheydon’tneedtobecut,allowingforlesstimein thekitchenandmoretimeatthetableenjoyingmoments withfamilyandfriends
Plus, they’re a fresh whole food packed with nutrients youcanfeelgoodaboutserving-balancingtherich,decadentindulgencesoftheholidays Theycookinaslittleas5 minutesasaweeknightgo-tosolutiontomakethewhole familyhappy Availableintheproducesection theirconvenience adds a bit of peace to the kitchen and brings little momentsofhappinessduringtheholidayseason.
Add potatoes to a large pot and cover with water Add 1 teaspoon salt and boil for 15 minutes, or until potatoes aretender
Inasmallsaucepotoverlowheat,heatmilkandbutter untilbutterismeltedandmilkissteaming Once potatoes are cooked, strain and transfer to a mediummixingbowl.
Using potato masher, smash potatoes with milk and buttermixtureandseasonwithsaltandpepper,totaste Removethymefromstemsandlightlychop
Preheatovento400F. Piercepotatoeswithforkandmicrowavefor7minutes Cut in half and place cut side up in parchment-lined 9-by-13-inchbakingdish. Inabowl,mixcheese,cream,garlicpowder,thyme,salt andpepper Pouroverpotatoes,spreadingcheeseevenly Bakefor10minutesthenbroil3-5minutesuntilgolden brown.
Smart swaps and budget-friendly ingredients for heart-healthy meals
ByFamilyFeatures
Source: American Heart Association
Risingfoodcostscanmakehealthyeating a challenge for many families In fact, a poll conducted by Research!America found about 60% of Americans cite the cost of healthy food as their single biggest barrier toachievingbetternutrition.
“Food is deeply rooted to family and community,” said Arlen Vanessa Marin, M.S.,R.D.,anationalvolunteerfortheAmericanHeartAssociation.“Recipesarepassed down through generations, but as grocery prices rise finding creative ways to stretch your budget while maintaining a nutritious diet is key. Simple swaps - like homemade vinaigrettesinsteadofsugarybottleddressings,frozenveggiesinsteadoffreshorlentils instead of processed meat - can make a big differencewithoutsacrificingflavor.”
Consider these simple tips from the experts at the American Heart Association, devotedtochangingthefuturetoaworldof healthierlivesforall,tohelpyouenjoyyour favoritemealswhilekeepingbothyourheart andwallethappy.
Protein without the price tag
If you’re looking to add more protein without overspending try these affordable nutrient-packedoptions:
Beans and other legumes are proteinpacked,high-fiberchoicesforheart-healthy meals Addthemtosoups,stewsorsalads,or enjoythemasdipswithwhole-graincrackers or tortillas Choose canned, no-saltadded varieties for a quick and healthy option.
Tofu and tempeh are versatile, plantbased staples that are rich in protein. Add silken tofu to miso soup stir-fry firm tofu with garlic for a heart-smart meal or add tempeh to noodle dishes and curries
Ground turkey or chicken are leaner, often more affordable alternatives to ground beef For a budget-friendly twist, try them in dishes like turkey picadillo or homemade tacos
Better grains for your heart
White rice is a staple in many diets, but it can spike blood sugar When refrigerated andreheated,itcanincreaseresistantstarch whilealsoraisingtheriskofharmfulbacteria. Consider these ways to keep it heartsmart:
Brown rice is a fiber-rich alternative to white rice that pairs well with almost any dish.
Quinoaisanotherprotein-richgrainthat
ByFamilyFeatures
Source: American Kidney Fund
Your kidneys - the bean-shaped organs located near the middle of your back on either side of your spine - play a vital role in your overall health. While many people don’t think about them unless there’s an issue, they filter waste from your blood, which is released as urine, and do other jobs,suchashelpingcontrolbloodpressure, keepingboneshealthy,managingvitaminD levels, regulating electrolytes and making redbloodcells However, 1 in 7 Americans is living with kidney disease which occurs when the kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood aswellastheyshould.Additionally,9outof 10 people with kidney disease are unaware they have it because symptoms often don’t appearuntilthekidneysarebadlydamaged. Asurveyofthepublicawarenessofkidney disease conducted by YouGov on behalf of theAmericanKidneyFundshowscommon misconceptions related to kidney disease. Consider these facts from “Know Your Kidneys” as a roadmap toward a better understanding of kidney disease and steps toimprovehealth.
1. Kidney disease impacts all communities
Kidney disease does not discriminate; it can affect individuals from all walks of life, regardless of age, race or socioeconomic status Among those with some form of kidney disease, 6% are 18-29 years old, 19% are 30-44, 34% are 45-64 and 41% are 65 or older. While certain demographics may havehigherprevalenceratesduetogenetic or environmental factors no community is immune
2. Dialysis can be done at home.
Many people are unaware that dialysis, a life-saving treatment for those suffering from kidney failure, can be performed at home In fact, less than half (45%) who are aware of dialysis believe it can be done at home accordingtothesurvey.Homedialysisoffersgreaterflexibilityandcanimprove quality of life, allowing patients to maintain a more regular lifestyle by reducing required clinic visits
There are two main types of home dialysis:peritonealdialysisandhomehemodialysis. Both methods require training, but homedialysiscanempowerpatientstotake
worksinsoups,saladsandsidedishes.
Barley is used in many Asian soups as a whole-grainswap
Canned, dried and frozen alternatives
Healthy eating doesn’t mean you have to buyeverythingfresh,especiallywhenfresh food isn’t readily available Canned, dried andfrozenfoodscanbejustasnutritiousand helpeliminatecostlyfoodwastefromspoilage as they stay edible longer Check nutri-
tion labels for low-sodium, no-salt-added andno-sugar-addedoptions
Canned tuna is packed with omega-3s, wallet-friendlyandeasytomixwithsalads sandwichesorinbrownricebowls To find more tips and budget-friendly recipes,visitrecipes.heart.org.
controloftheirtreatmentandmanagetheir condition more effectively
3. Diabetes is the most common cause
Though only 33% of people surveyed identified the most common cause of kidneydisease,diabetesaccountsfornearly half of all cases of kidney failure (47%), according to the American Kidney Fund. High blood sugar levels can damage the bloodvesselsinthekidneysovertime,leading to a gradual decline in kidney function. Managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise and medication may help prevent kidney damage Additionally, undergoing regular check-ups with a health care providercanbeusefulinmonitoringkidney functionandcatchingearlysignsofkidney disease
4. Medications can help manage kidney disease
While 19% of people surveyed believe diet and exercise are the only ways to manage kidney disease various medications can, in fact, help manage the condition, stop or slow its progression and help prevent complications. These include medications to lower blood pressure, controlbloodsugarlevelsandtreatanemia and bone disease associated with kidney disease
Patients should work closely with their health care providers to develop a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs Takingmedicinesasprescribedandmaking lifestylechanges,suchasmanagingweight, maintaining a balanced diet, staying active and avoiding smoking can improve outcomes and enhance quality of life
5. Specific tests can assess kidney function.
There are several tests available to assess kidney function and detect abnormalities earlyon.However,onlyaminorityofsurvey respondentsrecognizedallthetestsrecommendedtoassesskidneyfunctionandknew whether they’d taken the tests. The most commontestsincludebloodteststomeasure creatininelevelsandurineteststocheckfor proteinorblood,whichcanbeindicatorsof kidney problems Talk to your doctor about thesetestsandwhetherthey’rerightforyou. Regular screening especially for those at higherriskofkidneydisease includingindividualswithdiabetesorhighbloodpressure, can lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention.
Learn how to take care of your kidney health,includingtakingkidneyhealthquizzes to assess your risk, at KnowYourKidneys.org
