Whidbey Crosswind, January 31, 2014

Whidbey Crosswind The Puget Sound Veterans’ Monthly | FEBRUARY 2014

Eying expansion PBY Memorial looking for new space z pg. 2

SERVING WHIDBEY ISLAND’S VETERANS, RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL AND FAMILIES

PBY MEMORIAL CIRCLES new home on Highway 20

A-3 Skywarrior could also find temporary home at proposed museum located north of Oak Harbor

By JANIS REID

Leadership of the PBY Memorial on base is gearing up to relocate its museum and PBY Catalina aircraft to Highway 20.

Photos by Janis Reid

Above: PBY Memorial Foundation Director William Stein points out a rare enlisted pilot from a World War II era photo. Right: Stein shows a new addition to the foundation’s museum - a 1960s era pilot helmut.

“This is a big step for us,” said PBY Memorial Foundation President Wil Shellenberger, who took office in 2013.

The PBY Memorial Foundation was established in 1998 and is dedicated to the preservation the PBY Catalina and Seaplane Base artifacts, as well as items from throughout American military history.

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As part of its four-phase program, it has long been the foundation’s goal to acquire its own property and build a hangar-style structure to house aircraft and other artifacts.

The memorial is currently housed in the Naval Heritage Center on the Seaplane Base.

“ We ’re pretty confident we’ll work something out to lease at first and then buy,” Shellenberger said.

11/8/13 10:26 AM

purchase. However, Flowers said, discussions are preliminary and hinging on the foundation’s ability to sell the idea to the residents of Oak Harbor.

a temporary location after the lease with the Navy has expired, so they can raise funds for the new memorial building at the Highway 20 location.

“They’ve got a big job ahead of them,” Flowers said.

“They want to community to buy them a museum. Is that going to happen? I don’t know.

Their job now is to sell the vision to the community.”

Phase three in the foundation’s mission was acquiring the PBY Catalina, said William Stein, memorial director. Once that was accomplished in 2010, “the clock started ticking,” Stein said.

The foundation is in negotiations now with Flowers Marine, which sits adjacent to the new property and have the same owners.

Shellenberger “They’ve got a big said they hope to have job ahead of them. s o m e t h i n g They want the worked out community to buy within the c o m i n g them a museum. Is weeks. The that going to happen? foundation is facing an I don’t know. Their i m m i n e n t job now is to sell deadline; the vision to the their fiveyear lease community.” with the base Jimmy Flowers, owner ends in April. Flowers Marine

Jimmy Flowers, owner of Flowers Marine, said that the property was indeed available to the foundation to lease or 13-11066_WGU-WA_Wanted1113_Crosswind_4.83x6.5_.indd 1

The PBY Memorial is home to items from all conflicts and branches of military, including this Vietnam-era parachute.

If located off-base, Shellenberger said, the foundation would have more public visibility and it will be easier to start a “fullthrottle” fundraising effort.

Shellenberger said he expects the memorial to move into

The PBY Catalina currently rests next to the Naval Heritage building and has been treated with a protective coating and the body of the aircraft covered in tarps for protection during winter.

“That plane needs to be hangared,” he said. “Whidbey Island weather will have it for lunch.”

But they would also like to acquire additional aircraft for the museum, and the building would be designed to allow them to expand.

CONTINUED PAGE 8

Veterans Resource Center celebrates expansion Feb. 15

InsIde

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PBY MEMORIAL EYES EXPANSION Leadership of the PBY Memorial on base is gearing up to relocate its museum and PBY Catalina aircraft off base.

COMMISSARY CUTS The Department of Defense is discussing a $1 billion cut over the next three years to the commissary’s budget, which could lead to a widespread closure of stores, Pentagon and industry officials said.

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STATE OF THE STATION Capt. Mike Nortier, commanding officer of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, praised the community’s support of “Team Whidbey” at Thursday’s annual State of the Station address to the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

NAVY LEAGUE Butch Bailey will take over as president of Oak Harbor Navy League this month, replacing current president Jim Slowik.

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Collaborating with other service providers WVRC will have on site ways to connect with local, regional and national programs to assist with benefits and medical assistance, peer support groups and other ways to be involved with the community.

A special grand opening will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at 14096 Hwy. 525, South Whidbey.

Veterans from all military engagements who live on Whidbey Island are invited to attend.

Many veterans and their families do not know about or how to receive the benefits to which they are entitled and need. Veterans from all service, including those that have

returned from service in Iraq and Afghanistan, have filed for disability only to wait up to 24 months for any benefits.

At least 22 veterans commit suicide every day and young male veterans under the age of 30 are more likely than others.

Whidbey Veterans Resource Center is a welcoming place for all connecting in various ways with the community and other resources.

We hope you will be able to join with us as we continue our support to men, women, and families having served in all areas of the military. All are invited.

Contact, Information, and RSVP: Patty Houts-Hussey, WVRC, 360-331-8081, whid beyvrc@gmail.com, PO Box 85, Freeland, WA 98249. www.whidbeyvrc.org

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VITAL SERVICE Whidbey Island Naval Air Station ombudsmen assist with informing and reassuring Navy spouses and their sailors through direct communication and social media.

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DISPLAYING HISTORY A glimpse into the PBY Memorial museum.

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Whidbey Veterans Resource Center is expanding its services and programs to meet the needs of men, women and their families having served in the military.

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Department of Defense considers cutting commissaries The Department of Defense is discussing a $1 billion cut over the next three years to the commissary’s budget, which could lead to a widespread closure of stores, Pentagon and industry officials said.

Word of the pending cut comes two months after news that the Pentagon’s top financial advisor ordered the Defense Commissary Agency, or DeCA, to produce a plan to close most stateside commissaries should the need arise.

The commissary agency currently operates 247 stores worldwide, including the one on Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. Under the requested closure plan, all but 24 rural stores stateside and stores located outside the continental U.S. would close.

DeCA currently receives $1.4 billion annually in tax payer funding. The potential Defense Department cut would reduce the agency’s budget over three years until it stood at $400 million fiscal 2017, sources confirmed to www.military.com Starting with the 2015 budget, Congress would be forced to either find funding elsewhere and give the Defense

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Department more than its requested commissary budget, or allow officials to make sweeping changes to the commissary system, including potential closures.

“If DeCA’s budget is cut to such a magnitude, it would ultimately require DeCA to close stores or change the way it delivers the commissary benefit,” a source with knowledge of the proposed cuts said. “But those options would mean military families would have to pay more for their groceries, significantly reducing the non-pay compensation benefit provided through the commissaries.

Once again, military families are being forced to sacrifice their hard-earned money to achieve deficit reductions by having their benefits reduced or eliminated.”

Pentagon leaders are under pressure to find savings throughout military spending following the passage of sequestration and the association $500 billion cut to the defense budget over the next decade. Military officials have said all DOD agencies will be reviewed in order to cut costs to include family programs.

DeCA’s $1.4 billion annual budget funds employee salaries, keeps the lights on in stores and pays for food to be shipped to overseas locations. A congressionally mandated five percent surcharge on all commissary sales pays for other operation costs such as construction and building maintenance.

A recent grocery store study

by DeCA found that using the commissary saves shoppers an average of 30.5 percent annually when compared to other stores off base.

The cuts will be incremental and will appear first in the department’s 2015 bud-

get request, expected to be released next month. The full $1 billion cut would not be included in the request until 2017, sources said.

Implementing the cuts incrementally may be a way for DOD officials to test Congress’ acceptance of the cuts, sources said. Reducing the commissary’s budget could be a strategy to force Congress to fund other Defense Department priorities, sources said.

“The strategy may be to cut DeCA’s budget and basically force Congress’ hand to offset the cuts. However, if Congress doesn’t fill the hole in the first year it basically gives DOD permission to continue to cut DeCA’s budget going forward,” an industry source said.

It’s unclear how the Obama administration will react to the proposed cuts as the White House must approve the defense budget before sending it to the Hill for approval. Last year, President Obama told Marines at Camp Pendleton, Calif. that closing commissaries is “not how a great nation should be treating its military and military families.”

DOD personnel and readiness officials declined to confirm the cuts on the record — but did not deny that major commissary cuts may be on the table.

“We are in the process of finalizing our budget submission for Fiscal Year 2015, and we cannot provide any specifics at this time. I can tell you that no commissaries have closed, and no commissaries are about to close,” said Joy Clabaugh, a spokesman for the personnel and readiness office of the assistant secretary of defense. “As the Department of Defense faces

File photo

Department of Defense is considering cuts to commissaries, which could impact NAS Whidbey’s active duty families and local veterans. an increasingly constrained budget environment, we are reviewing all programs to identify cost-cutting and money-saving opportunities.

We have a process in place to finalize and announce budget decisions, and right now, we are assessing all options.

By law, DOD cannot close or consolidate any commissary stores without giving Congress written, 90 day notice and justification.

If DoD’s reduced commissary budget request is authorized, the department will need to find significant cost savings within the commissary system, which could include closing some stateside stores or changing the way food is shipped to commissaries overseas, sources said.

DeCA last year weighed several cost saving or revenue increasing options, including adding beer and wine to their inventory or requesting that Congress double the commissary product surcharge

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from 5 to 10 percent, said Tom Gordy, president of the Armed Forces Marketing Council, which lobbies for brokers doing business with military stores, at a November hearing of the House Armed Services Committee.

However, some within the DOD and commissary system do not look on either of those options favorably. Critics say adding alcohol to commissary shelves would cause competition with the Exchange systems, which operates for profit. And increasing either prices or the surcharge would lower patron savings.

The pending cut will be the most drastic way the commissary system has been impacted

by DOD budget woes thus far. Commissaries were closed six extra days due to sequestration in 2013 when weekly furloughs were ordered for all DOD employees, including commissary workers. They were closed an additional five days over the government shutdown in October.

News of the pending government shutdown and corresponding commissary closures in October resulted in one of the largest sales days ever for the agency at $30.6

million, more than double their normal daily sales volume. Shoppers flocked to the stores filling their carts with meat. Military family members nationwide reported verbal fights and bickering in stores as shoppers vied for items.

Candace Wheeler, a vice president for American Logistics Association & The Coalition to Save Our Military Shopping Benefits, said she expects servicemembers and their families to reach out to multiple lawmakers to ensure such a cut to the commissary does not pass.

“The military community will fight this devastating cut to their earned commissary benefit,” said Candace Wheeler, spokesperson for The Coalition to Save Our Military Shopping Benefits.

“Commissaries are vital to helping military families make ends meet and provide much needed employment for veterans and family members, cutting them would be another broken promise,” added Wheeler.

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NAS Whidbey gears up for base expansion Skipper praises ‘Team Whidbey’ support at State of the Station

By JANIS REID

Capt. Mike Nortier, commanding officer of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, praised the community’s support of “Team Whidbey” during the annual State of the Station address to the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

“For the leadership on base, those community partners and service providers are what make Team Whidbey successful,” Nortier said. “Those relationships we have, both on a personal and professional level are both very important.”

More than one hundred people attended the luncheon at the Elks Club to hear about future growth in base population, aircraft transitions and the economic impacts NAS Whidbey Island has on the local community.

Nortier, who said he has never been stationed at the same base twice, said he’s never seen community support like he has here in Oak Harbor.

Photo by Janis Reid

“The military appreciation picnic is a highlight,” Nortier said.

“As I said, out of all the bases I’ve been I don’t recall a community holding a military appreciation picnic.”

Capt. Mike Nortier, commanding officer of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, praised the community for its outpouring of support during the annual State of the Station address, given to members of the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce at the Elks Lodge in January.

Nortier said the community support has been appreciated as the base has faced budget cuts and sequestration.

NAS Whidbey personnel completed 17 search and rescue operations in 2013, providing the Navy with a way to give back to the community and also keep their skills sharp, Nortier said.

Moving forward the base anticipates continued reductions to base operations and maintenance funding. However, the military population is projected to increase by 25 percent 20152018.

“We are working with key players, county, cities, schools to ensure this projected growth is understood,” Nortier said.

With the arrival of several P-8A squadrons starting in 2016, the base’s current population of 6,900 active duty residents is expected to climb to roughly 9,000.

While the Environmental Impact Statement process for the P-8As is still in progress, the Navy expects to hear by May whether or not they will have six or seven total squadrons assigned to the base.

He added that on-base housing and barracks will not be expanded so the additional personnel and their families will be renting or owning in the community.

As a result of the additional aircraft and personnel expected in the coming years, the base has plans for facility additions and upgrades starting as soon as this year in anticipation of the growth, Nortier said.

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NAS Whidbey’s current economic impact on the community is estimated at more than $1 billion, comprising $833 million in total payroll, $108 million in contracted facilities and projects, $120 million for capital projects, $18 million in medical payments and $6 million in education.

The base also expects to receive two additional EA-18G Growler expeditionary squadrons in 2016, but that EIS process will ultimately determine the basing for that aircraft. NAS Whidbey currently has three Growler squadrons.

Nortier said the addition of two squadrons is a result of a “demand” for additional electronic attack capabilities when working with the other branches of the military.

Nortier said the Navy will continue to gather public input about the Growlers through Jan. 31, as the deadline was recently extended.

He said while he’s “not going to be able to make everyone happy,” it is his hope that the community and the Navy can come up with a livable compromise.

The number of annual complaints made to the Navy about

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jet noise has climbed up to 676 in 2013, Nortier said, but the number of callers has stayed relatively static, showing that the same number of people are making more complaints.

In the Defense Spending bill passed this month, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island is slotted to receive more than $117 million for the Posiedon and Growler squadron programs The funding is part of the National Defense Authorization Act, which was passed by Congress last year and signed by the president over Christmas. The act sets the policies and priorities for the Department of Defense.

NAS Whidbey is expected to receive funding for three construction projects at the base, comprising $32 million for EA-18G facility improvements, $85 million for P8-A facilities and $10 million to replace the fuel pier breakwater.

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New president steps up for Navy League

By Janis Reid

W

hen asked about the new Navy League president, more than one local veteran said it was going to be “Barb Bailey’s husband, Butch.”

And while Bailey’s wife, Barb, has a relatively high-profile job in public service, it’s his turn to step into a leadership position.

Bailey will begin serving at the Oak Harbor Area Council of the Navy League this month, replacing long-time president Jim Slowik.

Barb Bailey served as state representative 2004-2012, and started a four-year term in the Washington State Senate in 2013.

Butch Bailey, a retired Navy captain, said that while the first 20 years of their marriage was dictated by his military schedule, the last 10 have been dictated by his wife’s public service.

Janis Reid photo

Butch Baily will take over as Oak Harbor Navy League president this month.

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When asked what it’s been like to be married to a public servant, Bailey said, “it’s been wonderful.”

Before his Navy career Bailey attended Harding College University in Arkansas and graduate school at the University of Arkansas.

He was drafted in 1969, “got in on the tail end of Vietnam” and has been “in every other skirmish since.”

Bailey retired from the Navy after 27 years in 1996, a change he prefers to refer to as a “transition.”

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He then “transitioned” into a career as a school teacher, teaching the ROTC programs at Burlington schools for 17 years.

Once he retired in 1996, he’s been active in the organization both as a member and board member.

“For the most part the Navy League is a citizen’s group of support services,” Bailey said.

“It brings together a lot of expertise from the community.”

As one of the largest organizations in the region with more than 400 members, the group comprises leaders and laymen from the military, business community and civilian population.

“Not only are you working to make the civilian community aware of what the Navy does for that community, but we support the active duty population in ways that other agencies can’t,” Bailey said.

Bailey said that he believes the Oak Harbor’s Navy League focuses more on local participation than the national league does, making the organization a powerful marketing tool as well.

Bailey said he’s been approached before about serving as president but until he retired from teaching, he didn’t feel he had the appropriate time to devote that the position required.

Now with a freer schedule, Bailey is looking forward to this third phase in his life. He said he plans to focus on outreach and getting the Navy League’s message out to the public.

“We need to make sure we’re constantly trying to reach out to folks about who we are and what we do,” Bailey said.

Bailey said he hopes to reach out to people with talents of all ages and backgrounds to become part of the organization.

“We don’t want to become stagnant, we don’t want to be an old retired club,” Bailey said. “We need the seniors and the young people — a good balance.”

In doing that, Bailey said, it helps keep the organization attuned to the needs of the sea services community it aims to serve.

The Navy League of the United States was founded in 1902 with the encouragement of President Theodore Roosevelt.

“Now I’m trying to figure out how to make fishing a career,” Bailey said. “Or golf.”

The Navy League is unique among militaryoriented associations in that it is a civilian organization dedicated to the education of our citizens, including our elected officials, and the support of the men and women of the sea services and their families.

Bailey has always had a great respect for the Navy League.

Members do need not have served in the military to be a member of the Navy League.

His wife joined the Navy League long before he did because he was still active duty.

For more information, visit www.oakharbor navyleague.org

He retired from teaching last year.

SEND US YOUR STORIES! Help us share Whidbey Island veterans’ community involvement, stories of duty days and memorable events. Email editor@whidbeynewsgroup.com P.O. Box 1200 • 107 S. Main St, Ste E101 • Coupeville, WA 98239 360-675-6611 • www.whidbeycrosswind.com

On Base

Volunteer ombudsman provides vital link for families

W

hidbey Island Naval Air Station ombudsmen assist with informing and reassuring Navy spouses and their sailors through direct communication and social media.

The ombudsman is a volunteer, appointed by the commanding officer, to serve as an information link between command leadership and families, according to the Navy Pacific Northwest website.

“Sometimes it’s easier for spouses to relate to other spouses,” said Kathy Clark, NASWI’s Ombudsmen Program coordinator, and Fleet and Family Support Center work and family life consultant. “It is very helpful for new spouses to know that there is someone to answer their questions because they may be intimidated about calling the command.”

Capt. Darryl Walker, deputy commodore of Commander Electronic Attack Wing, Pacific, said the Ombudsman program is an important and valuable program to the squadrons and the Navy.

“The Ombudsman is the expert that assists our spouses and families in directing them where they need assistance,” Walker said. “They expertly guide our spouses and families on car, home, medical, finance, and personal issues.”

Attack Wing U.S. Pacific Fleet and the “Patriots” of Electronic Attack Squadron 140’s ombudsman, said Navy Ombudsmen assist with a variety of situations including potential suicide calls, finding daycare and providing important phone numbers to the command’s families. Ledford has been an Ombudsman for 15 years and an ombudsman trainer for 13 years.

“In my opinion an Ombudsman’s main job is to communicate with the families to make their lives easier when a Sailor is deployed,” Ledford said. “We receive communication from all kinds of sources such as the command, MWR, local papers and etc., to keep the families as informed as possible.”

Ledford said that for every ombudsman communication with the command is vital, and people expect immediate answers to everything.

“Dana Ledford, our Patriot Ombudsman, has been nothing short of amazing,” said Cmdr. Joe Martinez, VAQ-140 commanding officer. “She is my direct link to our Patriot families and she keeps them informed of important events and monthly ‘good to know’ information.”

Martinez added that Ledford has worked hard to earn the trust of the Patriot families.

“They trust that she will point them in the right direction for helpful resources,” Martinez said. “Our success as a squadron is largely attributed to her positive and extremely helpful advice and service.”

Clark said that with social media information is shared quickly, but it can be both a great and a major issue with operational security (OPSEC).

“Social media has made communication more readily available,” Ledford said. “It helps when everyone is tuned in to when the messages go out.”

“It’s hard to explain to families to be conscious of what they post on their private Facebook pages about their deployed spouse,” Clark said. “It could be a violation of OPSEC.”

Ledford added that she also notices a lot of the younger generation ombudsmen rely and limit themselves on social media for communication.

Social media can be a great tool for the ombudsmen and the command, allowing the command to post pictures and information about the Sailors on deployment.

“It is awesome for a family member to see their sailor in photos especially if they have not have had a chance to Skype or email,” Clark said.

Clark added that past events are acceptable to post on Facebook, and the ombudsman is allowed to post information on the page with commanding officer’s approval.

“We also try to get family members to think about the personal safety of their sailors when it comes to posting on social media,” Clark said. “We are a society that posts anything and everything on the internet, which can be dangerous.”

Dana Ledford, Commander Electronic

“Ombudsman is a ‘people’ job and social media can take that aspect out of the equation,” Ledford said. “Knowing and being able to communicate empathy and understanding to a person is key to an ombudsman.”

The Ombudsman Program is the commanding officer’s program, and any information that posts on Facebook has his approval and OPSEC is the priority, said Ledford.

“I love this program, and I have been fortunate to have worked alongside some amazing commanding officers over the past 15 years,” Ledford said. “When the program is working well within a command you have a command that runs well.”

— By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joan E. Jennings

Provided photo

Kathy Clark serves as ombudsmen for Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, offering a vital link to between base officials and families.

COVER STORY PBY FROM PAGE 2 Stein said there has been informal discussions about temporarily providing space for the A-3 Skywarrior at the new location. After many years working to acquire and then find a location for the “Whale” at Ault Field Road and Langley Avenue in Oak Harbor, the project came to an abrupt halt in 2012.

Construction workers hit an underground fuel tank on the parcel just days after a groundbreaking, stalling the A-3 Skywarrior project indefinitely.

Stein said that serious discussions about including the A-3 Skywarrior would happen down the road, but that the solution would be “great for both sides.”

Representatives for the A-3 Skywarrior Foundation could not be reached for comment.

Stein said it is the hope of the foundation that the move and expansion off base would allow the memorial to become an easily accessed destination for history and military buffs, the education community, as well as residents and tourists.

Photos by Janis Reid

On display is a POW/MIA table that is used in VFW’s around the country to remember those who haven’t returned from service.

The PBY Memorial Foundation houses uniforms and flight gear used by service men and women throughout the U.S. military’s long history.

A couple of the more recent donations to the museum include a 1918 Red Cross nurse’s uniform, and a Navy pilot’s helmet and mask from 1957.

“We have a wide variety of things here, not just Navy,” Stein said.

The museum features local history artifacts and photos from NAS Whidbey and Ault Field.

The Buzz NAVY TRAINING AND TESTING EIS RELEASED FOR REVIEW

Command Northwest, Attention Kimberly Kler, NWTT EIS/OEIS Project Manager, 1101 Tautog Circle, Suite 203, Silverdale, WA 98315.

The Navy released an environmental impact statement, or EIS, looking at Navy training and testing that occurs throughout the Northwest.

Comments must be postmarked, received online or in person

by March 25 for consideration in the final EIS.

This EIS is not related to the ongoing studies for the P-8A Poseidons, which will be completed in May, or the EA-18G Growlers which just started in July.

A public meeting will be held 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 26, at Oak Harbor High School during which residents can review documents and displays. There will also be also be a presentation by the Navy at 6:30 p.m.

The EIS document will be available online as well as in printed form at the Oak Harbor Library.

To be eligible, an applicant must be a dependent son or daughter - natural born, legally adopted or step child - of an active duty, retired with pay or deceased enlisted member of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard.

The applicant must have a valid dependent ID card and show basis of need for financial assistance, have a scholastic standing of at least 2.5 grade point average and be a graduate of an accredited high school or its equivalent or qualify for graduation prior to beginning eligibility for assistance.

The document, videos and additional information about the project can be found at www.nwtteis.com

SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE THROUGH NAVY WIVES CLUBS OF AMERICA

Upperclassmen are welcomed to apply. The applicant should be physically capable of completing the course undertaken and be of good character. The grants are for tuition, room and board, feeds and books. The deadline for scholarship applications to be to be postmarked is May 31. Applications may be downloaded from the NWCA website, www.navywivesclubsofamerica.org

The Scholarship Foundation of the NWCA annually gives 30 scholarships in the amount of $1,000 to $1,500. The grants are presented with the knowledge that no repayment is expected.

The purpose of the EIS is to determine the environmental impact of the Navy’s mission “to maintain, train and equip combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas,” according to a Friday press release.

JOIN

That mission is achieved in part by training and testing within the Northwest Training and Testing study area, which also supports the renewal of federal regulatory permits and authorizations.

The public is invited to comment in person at the public meeting, online or by mail at: Naval Facilities Engineering

490 NW Crosby Ave., Oak Harbor 675-5008 Sunday Services 9:00, 10:30 & 11:45 am Living Word Kids: 3 mos–5th grade all services Middle School Youth: Sundays 4:00 PM High School Youth: Sundays 6:00 PM Weekly Adult Groups Russ Schlecht ~ Senior Pastor

www.elivingword.org

CALVARY APOSTOLIC TABERNACLE (The Pentecostals of Island County)

3143 Goldie Rd Unit B • Oak Harbor (behind Precision Tire)

SOULS HARBOR

A SAFE PLACE TO CALL HOME Sunday Morning...............10am Sunday Evening............ 6:30pm Wednesday..........................7pm

632-7243

GRACE BY THE SEA • AN ANGLICAN EXPRESSION OF FAITH

Grace By The Sea An Anglican Expression of Faith The Rev. Paul Orritt

SUNDAY SERVICE

8:00 AM TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICE 9:15 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:30 AM FAMILY WORSHIP SERVICE www.gracebythesea.org

•

Island Vineyard Community Church Pastor James Gallagher

9:15 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:30 AM WORSHIP SERVICE www.islandvineyard.org

•

2 CHURCHES - 1 BUILDING

555 SE Regatta Dr. Oak Harbor 679-3431

ISLAND VINEYARD COMMUNITY CHURCH

A Spiritual Home

Concordia Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

Worship Service .........................Sunday 9:00am Adult Bible Study & Sunday School...10:15am

250 SW 3rd Avenue • Oak Harbor (Behind K-Mart)

Preschool 360-679-1697

Sunday Morning Services • 9:00am Traditional Worship • 10:00am Sunday School (All Ages) • 10:30am Contemporary Worship Children and Worship

www.concordialutheranwhidbey.org

www.frcoh.org office@frcoh.org

Pastor Mark T. Hanson 360-675-2548 590 N. Oak Harbor St • Oak Harbor

675-4837

Whidbey Presbyterian Church 1148 SE 8th Ave Oak Harbor

Worship Service 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

• Small Groups • Community Outreach • Youth and Family Ministries • Childcare All Services • Much More! www.whidbeypres.org

679-3579

Pastor Greg Adkins

A Church, A Family

US IN

First United Methodist Church Worship Hours: Adult Sunday School: 9:00 am Worship Service: 10:00 am Children’s Sunday School: 10:30 am

Everyone is welcome to join us!

Youth Ministries-Choirs-Bible Studies

Dave Johnson .........................................Pastor Jake Howell Director of Children & Youth Ministries Chet Hansen ............................Music Minister

675-2441 • oakharborfumc.org 1050 SE Ireland St • Oak Harbor

Oak Harbor Lutheran Church

NW 2nd Avenue & Heller Road Across the street from OHHS Stadium

Sunday Worship ......8:00 & 10:30 am Sunday School......................... 9:15 am Nursery Available

Sunday Evening Prayer 6:30 PM at St. Mary Catholic Church in Coupeville Jeffrey Spencer, Lead Pastor Pastor Marc Stroud, Associate Pastor

679-1561

oakharborlutheran.org

Word Of Everlasting Life & Faith Church

Best Western Hotel Conference Room 33175 State Route 20 Oak Harbor, WA. 98277-8713 360-682-2323

SUNDAY Bible Study 9:00am Worship Service 10:00am Come Worship With Us! Thursday Bible Study 7:00pm

40 NE Midway Blvd, #103 • Oak Harbor Pastor Dr. Thomas Stoneham Sr., Minister Donald Cole

The City Of Refuge Christian Church “You Have The Right To Be Free”

Tuesday Bible Study 7:00pm Sun Service 11am • Sun Children’s Church 11am We Welcome All Pastor Yvonne Howard & the C.O.R.C.C. Family

656 SE Bayshore Dr, Suite #2 • 675-0935

Get your religion updates noted in the Whidbey Crosswind.

Vacation Bible School, Seasonal Hours Changes, Daycare Updates, Special Holiday Presentations, and more.

Only $10.00/month For A Single Size Ad. Please call 360-675-6611

PNW MarketPlace!

Real Estate for Rent Island County

Apartments for Rent Island County

Oak Harbor

GREENBANK

real estate for rent - WA

COZY 1 BR HOME IN the woods. Beautiful acreage with playground Real Estate for Rent and gardens. On bus Island County line. Available now. One pet allowed. $700 / CLINTON C U T E 9 0 0 S Q . F T. month, $500 / deposit house off Humphrey Rd. ($300 refundable). 2061 BR, 1 BA, carport, & 696-9935. parking. Laundry room OAK HARBOR with washer and dryer. 2 B E D RO O M , 1 b a t h Nice kitchen and family with baseboard heat and room. Close to Clinton g a ra g e. O n 1 / 2 a c r e.

Ferry. Ask for pictures & Newly remodeled! $800 address. No pets and no per month plus security s m o k i n g . $ 7 5 0 p e r deposit. Pets negotiable. m o n t h . 3 6 0 - 6 5 4 - 8 1 7 2 360-675-5199 melt911@frontier.com OAK HARBOR

Upstairs 1 BR , mondern apar tment in historical building downtown. $ 5 6 0 / M O. C a l l K r i s t i 360.929.0707

print & online 24/7 Office Hours: 8-5pm Monday to Friday

OAK HARBOR

RO O M Y 2 + B e d r o o m house with 2 living rooms. In town. Fenced yard, wood and gas NEWER 2 Bedroom, 3 heat. $975 per month B a t h H o m e o n Pe n n plus deposit. Call 360C o ve . M u l t i P u r p o s e 929-7226 Room and Office. Caretakers Quarters. South- Apartments for Rent ern Exposure, PanoramIsland County i c V i ew. H a r d wo o d & T i l e F l o o r s , C u s t o m Oak Harbor Woodwork. Wheelchair LEXY MANOR. Move-in Friendly. $1,400 month. Special. 1, 2 & 3 bedCall Dave at 509-996- rooms available. Close 2 0 8 2 ( h o m e ) o r 5 0 9 - to shopping. Families and special needs wel341-4371 (cell) come. Section 8 ok.

FREELAND Rent starts at $553. Call: 2 BR, 1 BA Waterfront 360-279-2155 house with a beautiful H o l m e s H a r b o r v i ew !

Wood stove and carport. Oak Harbor Situated on one lovely Madrona Manor acre. $800 plus deposit.

CALL FOR No smoking. Year lease.

MOVE-IN SPECIALS 206-409-6818.

Families and special OAK HARBOR needs welcome.

GENERAL CONTRACTOR 1 BR, 1 FULL BA HOME 1, Living 2 and 3 bedrooms and serving Fireplace, spacious closstarting atyears $615/mo. locally for 30 et & living room. Open Walking distance to t /FX $POTUSVDUJPO kitchen with refrigerator t 3FNPEFMJOH beach, park, shopping t "EEJUJPOT & stove / oven. Separate and bus route.

360-678-6040 Entrance features covCall: 360-240-1606 -JD $$ 4P"5;8- 13 ered patio. 10 Minutes to ** Section 8 ok b a s e . Ava i l a bl e n o w. $585 per month. 360- Get the ball rolling...

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New Construction - Remodeling - Additions

Employment General

OAK HARBOR

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231 SE Barrington Starting @ $425/mo 840 SF to 2140 SF $13 SF to $14 SF +nnn

206-715-9000

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Find your perfect pet dern apartment in his- in the ClassiďŹ eds. tor ical building downt o w n . $ 4 8 5 / M O. C a l l www.nw-ads.com Kristi 360.929.0707 WA Misc. Rentals Parking/RV Spaces

M U K I LT E O F E R R Y Parking Space For Rent. $90 A Month. Safe and Secure. Security Cameras Onsite. Call 425512-5566

announcements

WA Misc. Rentals General Rentals

Announcements H O M E S AVA I L A B L E .

Ve t e r a n ? H o m e l e s s ?

Unstable housing? income? Dependents? To apply: http://www.the m a d f. o r g / H o m e s - Fo r - ADOPTION: H Adoring V e t e r a n s . h t m l C a l l Financially Secure Athletic Couple, Stay 206 262-7770 home Mom, year n for 1st baby. Expenses paid WA Misc. Rentals 1-800-816-8424 Rooms for Rent HHH Debbie & BillHHH OAK HARBOR ROOM FOR Rent in 3 bedroom home. Close to ClassiďŹ eds. We’ve got you NAS. Full use of com- covered. 800-388-2527 mon areas. $400 month includes Wi-Fi and Dish G&O Network. Call 360-929MINI STORAGE 8702

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WA Misc. Rentals Want to Rent

Nonprofit seeks furnished summer housing for professors and their families from July 13-August 16, 2014 in Central Whidbey. Contact Pacific Rim Institute at 360678-5586 or holly@pacificrim institute.org.

Rent It Fax 360-598-6800

email: classified@soundpublishing.com

web: www.nw-ads.com

AD SALES CONSULTANT Whidbey Island’s community newspapers seek an enthusiastic, creative individual to work with local businesses. Successful candidate must be dependable, detailoriented, possess exceptional customer serv i c e s k i l l s a n d e n j oy working in a team environment. Previous sales experience a plus; reliable insured transportation and good dr iving record required. We offer a solid base plus commission, work expense reimbursement, excellent health benefits, paid vacation, sick and holidays, 401K and a great work environment with opportunity to advance. EOE. Send resume with cover letter in PDF or Text format to kgraves@whidbeynewsgroup.com

Hwy 20 & Banta Rd

360-675-6533 Lost

REWARD: LOST CAT! Large 15 lbs gray cat.

Nuetered male with white muzzle, chin and belly plus 4 white paws.

Answers to the name “Fred�. Last seen at our barn on 10/30, on Moran Road, just outside NAS Whidbey, Northgate. He has ID microchip under s k i n o n s h o u l d e r. I f found, call Bill Simon 360-679-4837. Will gladly pick up, if you have any knowledge of him, good or bad, please call.

Find what you need 24 hours a day.

Employment General

REPORTER T h e C ov i n g t o n / M a p l e Valley Reporter, a division of Sound Publishing Inc. is seeking a seasoned general assignment reporter with writing exper ience and photography skills. This is a senior position and is based out of the Covington office. The primary coverage will be city government, business, sports, general assignment stor ies; and may include arts coverage. Schedule includes evening and/or weekend work. As a Reporter for Sound Publishing, you will be expected to: generate 8-10 by-line stories per week; use a digital camera to take photographs of the stories you cover ; post on the publication’s web site; blog and use Twitter on the web; layout pages, using InDesign; shoot and edit videos for the web. The most highly valued traits are: commitment to community jour nalism and ever ything from short, brieftype stories about people and events to examining issues facing the community; to be inquisitive and resourceful in the coverage of assigned beats; to be comfor table producing five bylined stories a week; the ability to write stories that are tight and to the point; to be a motivated self-starter; to be able to establish a rapport with the community. Candidates must have excellent communication and organizational skills, and be able to work effectively in a deadline-driven environment. Minimu m o f t wo ye a r s o f previous newspaper experience is required.

Position also requires use of personal vehicle, possession of valid WA State Driver’s License and proof of active vehicle insurance. We offer a competitive hourly wage and benefits package including health insurance, paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays), and 401K (currently with an employer match.) Email us your cover letter, resume, and include five examples of your best work showcasing your reporting skills and writing chops to:

CIRCULATION ASSISTANT

kgraves@whidbey newsgroup.com or by mail to: PUBLISHER Whidbey News Group P.O. Box 1200, Coupeville, WA 98239 No calls, please.

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE T h e Pe n i n s u l a D a i l y News is expanding it’s sales force. Opening for a well organized, creative professional with the ability to develop strong customer relationships.

Manage an existing account base as well as developing new clients to meet ever changing marketing needs. Solid presentation skills and the ability to work in a team environment a must. Competitive compensation package including full benefits and 401K plan. Submit cover letter and resume to sperry@peninsula dailynews.com or by mail to Steve Perry hreast@soundpublishing.com Advertising Director Peninsula Daily News or mail to: Sound Publishing, Inc. PO Box 1330 19426 68th Avenue S. Port Angeles, WA Kent, WA 98032, 98362 ATTN: HR/COV Assistant Sound Publishing is an Harbormaster Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and Port of South Whidbey strongly supports diverF u l l - t i m e p o s i t i o n a t sity in the wor kplace.

South Whidbey Harbor, Check out our website to Langley. Obtain detailed find out more about us! job description & appli- www.soundpublishing.com cation at Port Office NEED EXTRA 1804 Scott Rd #101, Freeland MONEY? or call 360.331.5494 or at CARRIER NEEDED www.portofsouthwhidbey.com For the Whidbey News Times. Downtown Oak Applications must be Harbor area. Delivering received at office by Wednesday and Satur4 pm on February 10th, d a y. N o c o l l e c t i n g .

2014. Starts ASAP. Great second job!

Get the ball rolling...

Call Circulation, Call 800-388-2527 today.

360-675-6611 sperry@peninsuladailynews.com

&INDĂĽIT ĂĽ"UYĂĽIT ĂĽ3ELLĂĽIT NW ADS COM

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Commercial Rentals Office/Commercial

holly@pacificriminstitute.org

360-678-6040

homes apartments houseboats vacation homes

jobs

Oak Harbor Upstairs Studio , mon-

COUPEVILLE

2 BR, 1 BA HOME with garage and fenced back yard. Community beach.

Nice neighborhood! Pets negotiable. $875 / month Beautiful/spacious master BD for rent, in town 425-501-4760. & nice location near COUPEVILLE base. Includes all utilities, $550 plus $200 deposit. Please call 360-675-3812.

real estate rentals

Employment General

www.portofsouthwhidbey.com

is being sought by the Whidbey News-Times for 32 hours per week.

Must be a team player and work independently in the office and in the field. Hours vary and inc l u d e s o m e S a t u r d ay h o u r s. C o m p u t e r a n d basic office skills required. Duties also include occasional delivery of papers and small maintenance projects.

Must be able to read and follow maps for route deliveries and lift up to 40 lbs. Current WSDL and reliable, insured vehicle are required. This position includes benefits; health insurance, paid holidays, vacation and sick, and 401k. Email or mail resume with cover letter to hr@soundpublishing.com or mail to Human Resources Dept., Sound PublishingJ Inc., 11323 Commando Rd. W, Suite 1, Everett, WA 98204

&INDĂĽIT ĂĽ"UYĂĽIT ĂĽ3ELLĂĽIT NW ADS COM &INDĂĽ)T ĂĽ"UYĂĽ)T ĂĽ3ELLĂĽ)T ,OOKINGĂĽFORĂĽTHEĂĽRIDE OFĂĽYOURĂĽLIFE WWW NW ADS COM ĂĽHOURSĂĽAĂĽDAY 2EACHĂĽTHOUSANDSĂĽOFĂĽ READERSĂĽWITHĂĽONEĂĽCALLĂĽ ĂĽ

Join our team at Freeland Ace Hardware Professional, experienced person wanted for a full time

Garden Center Team Leader.

Must have plant identification and problem diagnostic skills, design & display talent, proven leadership skills, willing to work outside and get your hands dirty, and be able to lift 40lbs.

We offer a competitive wage and benefits package, 401K and employee discounts.

Please apply on line at

www.acehardware jobs.com www.acehardwarejobs.com

Legal Secretary/ Assistant Secretarial position in law firm on South Whidbey. Prior legal experience with family law preferred, but not required.

Strong computer skills, English grammar and spelling ability required.

Bookkeeping and billing skills desirable. Send resume and references to P.O. Box 290, Clinton, WA 98236.

Resumes must be received no later than February 12, 2014

4REASUREĂĽ(UNTING #HECKĂĽOUTĂĽOURĂĽ2ECYCLERĂĽ ADSĂĽBEFOREĂĽSOMEONEĂĽ ELSEĂĽlNDSĂĽYOURĂĽRICHES SOLD IT? FOUND IT? Let us know by calling 1-800-388-2527 so we can cancel your ad.

Find your perfect pet in the ClassiďŹ eds. www.nw-ads.com

Designated Drivers Save Lives This ad is placed in this newspaper as a courtesy for M.A.D.D. 10

| WHIDBEY CROSSWIND

| FEBRUARY 2014

Employment General

POLICE OFFICER ENTRY-LEVEL $5064/month $5545 Second year & $6636 Third year The City of Everett seeks a diverse group of qualified individuals who are interested in a police career that provides professional and personal challenges and rewards.

To apply go to: HR Dept., 2930 Wetmore Ave., Suite 5A, Everett, WA 98201, (425) 257-8768 or www.ci.everett.wa.us .

Applications must be received by Friday, 2/14/14.

EOE.

Employment General

Employment General

REPORTER

REPORTER The North Kitsap Herald, a Friday newspaper and daily online site located i n b e a u t i f u l Po u l s b o, Washington, is accepting applications for a fulltime sports and education reporter. The ideal candidate will have solid repor ting and writing skills, have up-to-date k n ow l e d g e o f t h e A P Stylebook, be able to shoot photos, be able to use InDesign and contribute to Web updates.

This position includes health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave and holidays, and a 401k (with company match).

The Herald, founded in 1901, was a 2012 Newspaper of the Year (Local Media Association) and a 2013 General Excellence winner (Washington Newspaper Publishers Association). If you want to work in an ambitious, dynamic newsroom, we want to hear from you. E.O.E. Email your resume, cover letter and up to 5 non-returnable writing and photo samples to hr@soundpublishing.com Or mail to EPNKH/HR Dept., Sound Publishing, 11323 Commando Rd W., Main Unit, Everett, WA 98204 www.soundpublishing.com

The award-winning newspaper Whidbey News-Times is seeking an energetic, detailedoriented reporter to write articles and features. Experience in photography and Adobe InDesign p r e fe r r e d . A p p l i c a n t s must be able to work in a team-oriented, deadline-driven environment, possess excellent writing skills, have a knowledge of community news and be able to write about multiple topics. Must relocate to Whidbey Island, WA. This is a fulltime position that includes excellent benefits: medical, dental, life insurance, 401k, paid vacation, sick and holidays. EOE . No calls please. Send resume with cover letter, three or more non-retur nable clips in PDF or Text format and references to kgraves@whidbey newsgroup.com or mail to: HR/GARWNT Sound Publishing, Inc. 11323 Commando Rd W, Main Unit, Everett, WA 98204 kgraves@whidbeynewsgroup.com

Count on us to get the word out Reach thousands of readers when you advertise in your local community newspaper and online!

List in the Flea Call: 800-388-2527 for free!

Items selling for Fax: 360-598-6800 $150 or less are E-mail: always listed for classified@ FREE in The Flea.

SOLD IT? FOUND IT? soundpublishing.com theflea@ Let us know by calling Go online: soundpublishing.com 1-800-388-2527 so we nw-ads.com can cancel your ad. or 866-825-9001

Classifieds online 24-hours a day

professional services Professional Services Attorney, Legal Services

Notice to Contractors Washington State Law (RCW 18.27.100) requires that all advertisements for construction related services include the contractor’s current depar tment of Labor and Industries registration number in the advertisement.

Failure to obtain a certificate of registration from L&I or show the registration number in all advertising will result in a fine up to $5000 against the unregistered contractor.

For more infor mation, call Labor and Industries Specialty Compliance Services Division at 1-800-647-0982 or check L&Is internet site at www.lni.wa.gov

1.25 million readers make us a member of the largest suburban newspapers in Western Washington. Call us today to advertise.

800-388-2527

Find what you need 24 hours a day.

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pets/animals

wheels

Flea Market

Tack, Feed & Supplies

Automobiles Volkswagen

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Miscellaneous

CUSTOM MADE Wood Products For Sale.

Cutting Boards, Adirondack, Benches and More. Check us out on Facebook “DNT Creations” or call 509-5539482. Oak Harbor Resident.

Advertise in the Service Directory in The Classifieds.

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** Pictures for illustration purposes only. Subaru, Forester, Outback, Tribeca, Legacy, Impreza, BRX, WRX, STI and SUBARU BOXER are suggested trademarks. * A documentary service fee of up to $150 may be added to the sale price of the capitalized cost. VIN numbers posted at dealership. One only at this price. Expires February 15, 2014.

360-734-8700 • 1800 IOWA STREET • BELLINGHAM, WA

Find what you’re looking for in the Classifieds online.

FEBRUARY 2014

| WHIDBEY CROSSWIND |

11

Congress may lift 1 percent cap for retirees

By JANIS REID

Working age military retirees are facing an annual cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, 1 percent below annual inflation until they reach the age of 62.

The provision, part of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, means that while the

full cost of living increase would be restored at age 62, impacted retirees will never get back the money lost before the age of 62 under the new rules.

However, this measure may be reversed as Congress outlines individual appropriation bills, including the one for Veterans Services, in

the coming year, according to Congressman Rick Larsen.

“I think at first I do understand folks concerns they have about it, but this is not stand alone vote,” Larsen said.

“This is a vote on the larger budget packet. Negotiators decided to utilize this as one of the paid-fors changed with the retiree benefit.”

The military retiree COLA cap is expected to be effective Dec. 15, 2015.

Estimated savings to the Department of Defense is approximately $6.3 billion over the first decade the COLA cap is in effect.

“The truth is we’re probably going to have to go back and fix that holding by look-

he loves you.

ing at all benefits,” Larsen said.

A larger task force will be assigned to the issue and public hearings will be held, he said.

Even though Congress might be able to fix this “short term problem,” Larsen said, those with concerns should continue to voice them to the Department of Veterans Affairs and through elected leaders.

Joseph Violante, legislative director of Disabled American Veterans, said lack of any major veterans’ legislation in 2013 should be blamed on a dysfunctional Congress, which passed “very little legislation” at all.

You love that

Now love what he gives you.

Currently the bill does include a COLA “catch-up” phase where at age 62 there is a one-time adjustment to the retiree’s annual pay base.

This will reset the COLA compensation to what it should have been at age 62 without the COLA caps in place. Unfortunately the lost pay prior to age 62 will not be recouped.

There are currently no exemptions for this provision. This includes and is not limited to all of the follow-

ing groups: existing retirees who will not be age 62 by Dec. 15; currently serving members who plan to serve 20 plus years; approximately 100,000 disabled military retirees; Chapter 61 retired pay or for certain survivors’ benefits; survivors of retirees under age 62.

If the COLA cap for military retirees was in effect now, retirees under the age of 62 would have received a COLA increase of .05 percent instead of the 1.5 percent increase that took effect for 2014.

The COLA caps to military retirees came up quickly during budget negotiations and there was little time for congressional education on the impact or for military associations to form opposition against these cuts.

These conversations are happening now and with the implementation date in 2015 there is time to amend the act prior to implementation. Both Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Rep. Paul Ryan, chairman of the House Budget Committee, have acknowledged service members retired on medical disability should have been exempt.

VA earmarks $600 for homeless vets The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced the availability of up to $600 million in grants for nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives that serve very low-income veteran families occupying permanent housing through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program.

The program is designed to assist very low-income veteran families who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. The program employs a housing first model, an approach which centers on providing homeless veterans with permanent housing quickly and then providing VA health care, benefits and services as needed.

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Required services include outreach, case management, assistance in obtaining VA benefits, and providing or coordinating efforts to obtain needed entitlements and other community services. Grantees secure a broad range of other services for participants, including legal assistance; credit counseling; housing counseling; assisting participants in understanding leases, securing utilities, and coordinating moving arrangements; providing representative payee services concerning rent and utilities when needed; and serving as an advocate for the veteran when mediating with property owners on issues related to locating or retaining housing. Grantees also offer temporary financial assistance that provides short-term assistance with rent, moving expenses, security and utility deposits, child care, transportation, utility costs and emergency expenses.

1609 E. Main Street • Freeland 360.221.6111

More information about the program can be found at www. va.gov/homeless MKTG88805_LINDSJ_N.indd 1

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