March 27, 2014 - Skywriter

What’s Inside...

Public Affairs Officer

Greg Kuntz Assistant Public Affairs Officer

Sailors Knock Out Stress See Page 5

Thompson Square Rocks the House See Page 8

Liberty Center Deals See Page 9

Let's Learn

Courtney Pollock Editor -in-Chief MC1(SW/AW) Barry Riley

Skywriter Staff MC2 Kegan Kay MC3 Ryan G. Greene Host Nation Relations Masako Takakura Sumie Maruyama Ikumi Tanaka Webmaster Noriko Yamazaki Contributors

MWR Marketing Fleet and Family Support Center Commissary Public Affairs Navy Exchange Public Affairs NAF Atsugi Tenant Commands

We want to spotlight people who are doing good things for NAF Atsugi, if you have someone you’d like to recommend or to submit a photo, please e-mail: at-pao@fe.navy.mil

Sentences to know for Spring: The weather is nice today.

Kyo wa tenki ga ii desu ne.

The cherry blossoms are blooming already!

Mo sakura ga saite imasu!

Let’s go to the park.

Koen ni ikimashi.

Click the link to watch a documentary that follows two NAF Atsugi Intercultural Relations Course instructors, and their week-long journey to help more than 30 students (each new to the area) get acquainted with Japan in the course of a week.

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ON THE COVER: Lt. Jesse Schmitt, of Branch Health Clinc (BHC) Atsugi Flatliners, bowls during a team practice in the Atsugi Lanes Bowling Alley. The Flatliners, comprised of senior personnel within the clinc practice for Captain’s Cup bowling twice weekly. Photo by MC3 Ryan G. Greene.

Navy Announces SAAM 2014 Theme

Photo by MC2 Mark Logico

Story by Chief of Naval Personnel Pentagon

The Navy announced the 2014 Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) theme of “Live Our Values: Step Up to Stop Sexual Assault” and issued guidance to focus efforts on awareness and prevention of sexual violence in NAVADMIN 066/14 released March 20.

The goal of the month is for individual commands to pause and reflect on what the Navy has accomplished over the past year with regard to sexual assault prevention and response and to look into the future as to how we can continue to eradicate this crime from our ranks.

Commands are empowered to take ownership of this problem.

“Navy’s recognition of SAAM 2014 is a component of our efforts in the 21st Century Sailor Office to build a resilient Navy community and will use the theme “Live Our Values: Step Up to Stop Sexual Assault” to highlight bystander

intervention and accountability,” said Rear Adm. Sean Buck, director, 21st Century Sailor Office. “We’d like Sailors to take the first half of the month to reflect on the efforts we’ve put in place this past year and how we’ve tackled sexual assault.

The second half of April will focus on Sailors dedicating themselves to be active bystanders - to step up and intervene in potentially destructive situations.”

In addition to asking Sailors to sit down and talk about sexual assault prevention, commands are encouraged to organize any number of events to highlight the awareness and prevention of sexual assaults.

Some of the suggested events include hanging ribbons on trees around base, hosting “Meet your SARC and victim advocate” events, organizing skits at the local base theater and other such activities to raise awareness during the month of April.

“In the past few months of traveling to meet the fleet, I’ve noticed that 3

Sailors themselves are stepping up and taking charge,” said Buck. “I encourage you to continue to look out for your shipmates and step up to stop sexual assault.”

Sailors can also find information, references and resources at www.sapr.navy.mil to help them determine how they would like their individual command to observe this month. The website also includes resources for victims of sexual assault to reach out and get help.

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response is an important element of the readiness area of the 21st Century Sailor Office which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Navy. The Department of the Navy is working aggressively to prevent sexual assaults, to support sexual assault victims and to hold offenders accountable.

For more information, read here.

NAF Atsugi Rolls Out 21st Century Sailor initiative

21ST CENTURY SAILOR REPRESENTATIVE CHIEF MASTER-AT-ARMS JEFFERY HILARSKI. Photo by MC1 Barry A. Riley

21st Century Sailor representatives will be appointed at each command and will be provided a schedule of monthly training events to complete with their sailors including focus groups, training seminars and group discussions about the five focus areas.

“We’re going to try to hit on areas that are not as highlighted as others,” said Hilarski. “I think that this helps a Sailor develop quicker as far as making rank.

The way the program is structured, it helps Sailors mature and gives training on how to act when put in situations that they may not be comfortable in.”

Though the program is a fleet-wide initiative, Hilarski feels it’s especially important to get this program integrated into the Sailors’ every day routine due to the nature of being forward deployed.

“We are in a foreign country and we are ambassadors, so everyone is always looking at you and watching your moves,” said Hilarski. “It’s when you mess up that all eyes are pointed at you, so especially overseas you have to be a top notch sailor.”

For more information about the 21st Century Sailor initiative, visit here.

Story by MC1 (SW/AW) Barry A. Riley NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office

“Back in when I joined the Navy 20 years ago, all we knew was work. If you were a junior Sailor, you didn’t necessarily know the resources and programs available to you, so that’s what we’re trying to fix here,” said Naval Air Facility Atsugi 21st Century Sailor Representative Chief Master-at-Arms Jeffrey Hilarski.

21st Century Sailor is a Navy-Wide initiative that focuses on all aspects of Sailors’ well-being and mission readiness with programs that include sexual assault prevention and response (SAPR), suicide prevention and alcohol and substance abuse prevention.

Hilarski, who is heading up NAF Atsugi’s program, said the jest of the initiative is to give Sailors the tools for success by highlighting specific five specific focus areas including readiness, safety, physical fitness, inclusion and continuum of service.

“This opens up an opportunity for sailors to have information available to them on basically everything they need, back then there was nothing like that,” said Hilarski.

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Story and Photos by MC3 Ryan G. Greene

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Bowling is one of ten different sports played throughout the year in the Captain’s Cup tournament.

Whichever team holds the highest number of wins in all sports at the end of the calendar year is awarded the Captain’s Cup. “Captain’s Cup has been a tradition for Sailors aboard NAF Atsugi since the early 1960’s,” said NAF Atsugi Lanes Manager Joseph Joly. “Bowling is not often thought of as an event on par with softball, track and field and other events, but it draws larger crowds, and greater participation than most events throughout the year.”

Bowling was added to the list of events during the 1963 Captain’s Cup tournament when Sailors felt that an indoor event needed to be added during the colder, snowy times of the year.

“Bowling used to be during more of the traditional winter months, but with the addition of sports like basketball, flag football, and softball, it has been moved to the spring time,” said Joly.

“Really any time of year is the best time to come out and play, it really doesn’t matter if you’ve bowled once

or a thousand times, just coming out to play and have fun is the goal for us.”

It’s not just Joly that feels this way, according to the National Institutes of Health, junior enlisted military personnel have the highest stress with the lowest physical rewards.

“I tell all my people whether it’s bowling, basketball, softball, just get out and do it,” said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Sherry Barfield, a Branch Health Clinic Atsugi Captain’s Cup bowling team member. “Work is always going to be there, it will be difficult and stressful, but it’s so important to find some way to de-stress.”

According to Navy Fitness, the U.S. Navy’s source for all things health related, just thirty minutes a day can help to not only reduce stress levels but also improve a person’s immune system and help boost endorphin levels within the brain to help a person feel better for longer.

“For many Sailors aboard NAF Atsugi physical activity is an absolute must,” said Barfield. “Whether it starts with command physical fitness or with a weekly bowling session, getting out

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there and just doing it is the best thing you can do for yourself.”

As stated on the Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) website, the Navy has allotted several million dollars for an increase in events like Captain’s Cup for its junior, single and geobachelor Sailors.

“We’ve seen a huge influx of money from both Commander, Naval Forces Japan and from CNIC,” said Joly.

“All this money is helping us to not only put on events like Captain’s Cup, but to increase the number of events we’re able to host here on the base.”

The Atsugi bowling alley has taken its share of the money for junior Sailors to get free services and products, games, shoes, soda and food on designated nights.

“It was in the spirit of togetherness and friendly competition that Captain’s Cup was founded,” said Joly. “In that same spirit we’re here trying to help give back to the community that gave me just as much when I was wearing the uniform.”

At the end of the day, the true prize is not the gleam of the trophy. It is the physical and mental fitness of our Sailors.

Country band Thompson Square recently came to NAF Atsugi and our own MC2 Kay was able to sit down and talk with Thompson Square lead singer Keifer Thompson; Question: Why did you want to come and perform for the military?

Answer: It’s rooted in our families, both of our fathers were in the Army, serving in Vietnam.

I even tried to join the Marines after high school, but it didn’t work out. Many of our

close friends joined, and never came home, so it was really important for us to come out and let people know that we’re here to support our troops.

Q: What’s been your favorite part of your time here at NAF Atsugi?

A: Just the time that we were able to sit and just talk with these guys and gals.

Hearing their stories, of all the things they’ve gotten to do in service to our

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country has been a huge blessing for us.

Q: Anything you’d like to tell those service men and women who live and work here in Japan?

A: For as corny as it may sound, thank you.

We really appreciate everything you guys do and are so greatful for the people who were able to come out and join in our concert, we really had a blast and hope that anyone who came did too.

Tues., April 1:

ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) NPS Stroller Walk: 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. (Reid Field) NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220) Photo by MC2 Kegan E. Kay

Wed., April 2: ICR:

Fleet and Family Support Center’s Malinda Hughey speaks during the annual 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) Women’s History Month celebration. After the celebration the Far East Cafe’ NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220) held a special luncheon in honor of Women’s History Month.

Thurs., April 3:

ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) Washi Craft: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (129) Anger Management: 1:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (Conf. Room)

Fri., April 4:

ICR: 8 a.m. - noon (129) NPS Stroller Walk: 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. (Reid Field)

Mon., April 7:

Photo by MC3 Ryan G. Greene

AOB: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (129) TAP/GPS Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216)

Hospitalman Brian Moore and Hospitalman Tae Park, both of Branch Health Tues., April 8: Clinic Atsugi, take the E-4 advancemnt exam at the base’s Far East Cafe’.

ICR:

8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) NPS Stroller Walk: 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. (Reid Field) NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220) TAP/GPS Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216)

Wed., April 9:

ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220) TAP/GPS Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216)

Thurs., April 10: Photo by MC3 Ryan G. Greene

Yeoman Seaman Jackie Lewis of Naval Air Facility Atsugi Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training and Petty Officer 2nd Class Shoji Hitomi of JMSDF Flight Squadron 61 shake hands before the annual Atsugi Ekiden relay race.

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ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) Washi Craft: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (129) TAP/GPS Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216)

NAF Atsugi

Morale, Welfare, & Recreation

Ranger & Halsey Hours: Sunday & Saturday: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Monday - Friday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Athletics E4 & Below MWR Flea Market Community Event

Liberty Center Hours: Sunday & Thursday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - Midnight

MWR Recreation Division is starting the Captain’s Cup Softball Games Tues., April 15.

Rosters are due Fri., April 4 with a coachs meeting on Tues., the 8th. For more information stop by the gyms or call 264 - 3619.

Be on the lookout for the new “E4 & below Blue Jacket Liberty Seal”. Special Discounts at various MWR facilities, free trips and much more! Be sure to “like” NAF Atsugi Liberty here!

to participate in the event.

Be sure to check out the MWR Flea Market Sat., April 12 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Ranger Park. Sign up at the Corner Pocket for tables and chairs!

No School Block Party! Come out April 4 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. to join in the fun!

Tickets can be bought from the Corner Pocket for $7.00. One ticket is good for bowling, pizza and a movie. Concession items sold separate. Parents are not required

All Hands SAPR Run Volunteer Opportunities

Come and participate in the Sexual Assault Awareness Month’s 5K Run Sat., April 12 at Ranger Park. Registration begins at 11 a.m. with the run starting at noon.

MWR Recreation Division is looking for motivated and outgoing individuals to volunteer in upcoming community events. Open to SOFA sponsored and active duty personnel.

Must be 18 years old or older. If you, or someone you know is interested, please email kris.atsuginaf@gmail.com for more information!

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NAF Atsugi Commmissary Store Hours: Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Store Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Closed Mondays

Commissaries highlight Month of Military Child with savings Story by Sallie Cauthers

DeCA Public Affairs Specialist

April is the Month of the Military Child, and commissaries are celebrating with giveaways and savings for the entire family.

“Children in military households face unique challenges because of the demands of military life,” said Randy Chandler, DeCA’s sales director. “So, at the Defense Commissary Agency, we want to acknowledge them and do all we can to provide their families with great values on quality products they can depend on.”

DeCA’s industry partners – vendors, suppliers and brokers – are collaborating with commissaries in April to offer discounts beyond everyday savings. Overseas stores may have substitute events for certain promotional programs.

Customers are asked to check their local commissary for details on dates and times for the following promotions; Proctor & Gamble is giving stateside commissary patrons a chance to have a Pro Camp Football event at their military installation. Nine camps will be hosted by an NFL athlete – Andre Roberts, Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Smith or Arian Foster – as

part of P&G’s “Family Unit”/USO cause program that reflects the spirit of the Defense Department’s Healthy Base Initiative. To help determine winning locations, Proctor & Gamble is hosting an instore sales contest from April 3 to May 7. Shoppers will also have the opportunity to vote for their military installation to win a football camp.

Store displays will offer more than $99 in BrandSaver coupons and $64 in E-saver coupons. For more contest information, visit P&G’s Family Unit here.

Overseas Service Corporation is sponsoring the “Snowball Express” event stateside from April 3 to May 7. This sales event is focused on bringing awareness and raising money for the children of fallen military heroes who have died on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001.

Store displays will feature special discounted products and coupons.

S & K Sales Company is sponsoring the “Salute to Military Families” promotion April 3 to May 7. More than 650,000 promotional flyers will be distributed in stores worldwide. A portion of each name brand’s sales will be donated to the National Military Family Association. Last year the 11

promotion resulted in a $220,000 donation to the NMFA. “Child Hunger Ends Here” is ConAgra Food’s initiative supporting “Feeding America.”

The “Feeding America” network features more than 200 food banks across the country and supplies food to more than 37 million Americans each year — some 14 million children and 3 million seniors, including military families.

Here’s how it works: Shoppers who buy specially marked ConAgra Food products can enter their product codes here to activate meal donations. Shoppers can also donate meals by redeeming ConAgra Foods commissary coupons available in stores.

Keebler’s 15th Annual Hollow Tree promotion features savings on discounted Keebler products April 3 - May 7 at all stateside stores.

Look for Ernie and the Keebler Elves on Keebler snacks displays.

The Kellogg’s Company will be sponsoring a worldwide “Free Milk” promotion from April 24 to May 7. Patrons will receive a free gallon of milk with the purchase of any four Kellogg’s cereals or any four Keebler packages of cookies.

Look for “Free Milk” coupons!