Whidbey Crosswind
Calling from MARS
The Puget Sound Veterans’ Monthly | April 2017
Radio operators play key role z pg. 2
A supplement to the Whidbey News-Times
SERVING WHIDBEY ISLAND’S VETERANS, RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL AND FAMILIES
Communicating
MARS
from
Volunteer radio operators play key emergency backup role at NAS Whidbey By RON NEWBERRY
rnewberry@whidbeynewsgroup.com
On a recent Wednesday morning when many people in Oak Harbor are still rubbing the sleep out their eyes, Rob Sweeton is wide awake, waiting patiently to make contact with the outside world. Sitting at a station outfit-
ted with radios, amplifiers, antenna tuners and other electronic gadgets, Sweeton is in his comfort zone, occupying what he considers to be a privileged seat. He scoots up in his chair and clicks on the microphone to talk. “NCS-312. This is Alfa
Alfa Mike Zero Four Six NAS Whidbey Island. Over.” Sweeton listens. He hears voices from radio operators in Georgia and Alabama talking to each other. But they can’t hear him. It could be solar storms — the usual culprit interfering with the high-frequency radio
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waves that bounce off the ionosphere. He tries again. “NCS-312. This is Alfa Alfa Mike Zero Four Six MARS Station NAS Whidbey. Over.” Every Wednesday, Rob Sweeton rises early to experience life at MARS Station AAM-046 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Long retired as a hospital corpsman in the Navy, he began learning how to speak this language four years ago when he started getting serious with amateur radio. Now, he and others, most of them retired, volunteer to run
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As licensed amateur radio operators and certified MARS members, they are key players in Department of Defense and emergency communication systems that benefit both the military and civilian world. “From my perspective, it’s a wonderful way to give back to the community,” Sweeton said. “And it’s a little specialized so not everybody can do it, so that’s what I like about it. I consider it a privilege to be able to work here.” The primary role of the civilian-run MARS stations such as the one in Oak
Harbor is to serve as a backup communications system in the event of federal, regional or local emergencies. It employs the use of highfrequency radio, a triedand-true method that’s been around for a century but now takes a back seat to faster, modern technology such as satellite and internet-based communication systems. A handful of volunteers take turns arriving at the MARS station at NAS Whidbey each morning, six days a week, to perform training exercises and check-ins with other stations, agencies and groups on different local, regional and federal networks
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Oak Harbor’s Rob Sweeton volunteers at the MARS Station during a SHARES net at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. “I consider it a privilege to be able to work here,” he said.
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to perfect their skills and determine their reach.
by crude antennas of various heights, ages and functionality.
They send and receive voice and digital transmissions, adhering to specific procedures mandated by the Department of Defense and other agencies and employ the international phonetic alphabet when referring to a station’s call sign.
To get to MARS, you scale a flight of steel-grated steps and enter a doorway. Station headquarters is behind a blue door on the left accessed by a code on a keypad. The door is affixed with a circular “MARS” emblem. “It’s like something interstellar,” Sweeton joked.
It’s practice, practice and more practice. “The time to learn how to speak on radio is clearly not in the middle of an emergency,” said Terry Sparks, a MARS member at NAS Whidbey. Although the top priority for MARS Station AAM-046 is to provide backup communications for NAS Whidbey, the group trains regularly to provide similar support for other city, state and federal groups during emergencies. That includes Homeland Security through Shared Resources High Frequency Radio program, also known as SHARES. Sweeton checks into that network each Wednesday morning, followed by the Alaska Emergency Net. It was the one giving him trouble recently when he tried to reach Net Control Station-312 in Georgia. Another operator received his message and relayed it to Georgia to complete the check-in. “The fact is you just never really know when you’re going to be called upon to assist in a disaster,” Sweeton said. “It can come in the form of a hostile action by a foreign power, or a major regional earthquake that may temporarily knock out communications.” The NAS Whidbey MARS
Photo by Ron Newberry
Willie Oliver is the chief operator at the MARS Station at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. He is retired from the Navy. Station also is a member of ARES/RACES, an emergency services network that is designed to serve as backup communications in the region, including events that could impact Whidbey Island.
cell phone companies, internet providers and such.”
The group participated in a four-day Cascadia Rising exercise last June, which measured the response to a catastrophic earthquake that some scientists figure is overdue in the region.
The SHARES program officially started in 1963, prompted by the Cuban Missile Crisis and President John F. Kennedy’s concern about the United States’ extended communications capabilities.
The event demonstrated the importance of the a regional backup communication system using high-frequency radio. “For me it’s another tool in the tool box because with cell phone communications you’re dependent on other entities to provide you a service,” Sweeton said. “It’s kind of cool just having your own capability to communicate at will any time regardless of what may be happening externally with
The NAS Whidbey MARS Station also was activated during a 24-hour SHARES exercise during the presidential inauguration in January.
MARS stations function in part to have open channels in the event of communications overloads.
ed,” Sweeton said. “We’ve seen recently where there’s an ability for foreign governments to infiltrate our internet structure, some would say actually even throwing an election. That’s not my opinion. It does demonstrate vulnerabilities. There are active counter measures that may be employed by foreign governments to disrupt our form of communications.” Everything about MARS at NAS Whidbey is a bit mysterious. The station is tucked away in Building 13, surrounded
The Navy accommodates the MARS Station at NAS Whidbey but stopped managing it in 2015, handing those responsibilities over to the Air Force. The Army then took over that role from the Air Force this winter. The station in Oak Harbor had been affiliated with the Navy for more than 50 years before funding stopped. A plaque honoring Ralph “Digger” O’Dell, the station’s chief operator from 19852015, hangs on a wall outside the station. Willie Oliver, who’s retired from the Navy, handles that role now. He’s been involved with the NAS Whidbey station since the 1970s but has only been a MARS member for just over 10 years. He shared stories about the days when the Navy was actively involved with MARS and the group’s orange mobile
communications trailer was taken all over the Pacific Northwest, serving as a temporary incident command center during emergencies. The trailer, nicknamed “the pumpkin,” is still parked next to Building 13 and is getting refurbished. “It hasn’t been used officially in forever,” Oliver said. Funding is scarce and MARS membership is down to just four operators, including one active duty sailor, so Oliver is always on the lookout for donations and new members. One antenna on a nearby hill can’t rotate because of a broken rotar, which costs at least $700 to replace. A steel tower was donated to the group but it needs a base, which costs about $1,200. Much of the time, Sparks and Oliver dig into their own pockets to buy equipment. “I think a lot of people in the community don’t realize that we have their backs,” Sparks said. “If nothing else, we have their backs.” Interested in joining the MARS team at NAS Whidbey? Inquire by calling 360-544-2817 or 360-2578038 or send an email to wimars@galaxynet.com.
“Worst case scenario, if you had a disaster right in the middle of the inauguration, you could be totally overwhelmed with communications,” Sparks said. “It provides a real service in the event that traditional communications are disrupt-
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Sailors, civilian personnel and family members gathered for a change of command ceremony March 10 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Capt. Tabb B. Stringer assumed command of Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, from Capt. Scott T. Farr, who took command in September 2015. Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, Naval Air Forces, was the guest speaker and overseeing officer. “The change of command is one of the Navy’s oldest standing traditions,” said Shoemaker. “This has been done countless times throughout Navy history. It goes without saying that privilege of command is an awesome responsibility.” COMVAQWINGPAC is responsible for training, manning, equipping and supporting electronic attack warfare missions around the world. “The strategic value of this base is immeasurable. We couldn’t afford to replicate Ault field, with its robust and growing infrastructure, as a home to all of our growler squadrons, in the west coast maritime patrol and reconnaissance fleet, anywhere else in the continental United States,” said Shoemaker. “This is why we are forever grateful to have the support of our elected officials, local community, and organizations such as the Whidbey Island Living and serving Navy league.” locally for 30 years GENERAL CONTRACTOR
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sionalism of the attack wing. “You guys being here today is the best part of this tour,” said Farr. “It was made possible by the professionalism, heroics and courage of the men and women who serve the electronic attack wing and team Whidbey.” After the reading of official orders, Stringer addressed the crew and the future of the air wing. Two guiding command principles were the foundation of his speech. “Number one, set the conditions for success. Number two, leave it better than you found it. When your faced with challenges, and you ask yourself, does it set us up for success both today and tomorrow, and does it make it better for those that come after me, those that succeed us. “If the answer is yes to both of those questions, then you are aligned with what I want you to do, and what I’m asking you to do,” Stringer said.
Golden Swordsmen return home from 6-month deployment The “Golden Swordsmen” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 returned to their new home at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island on March 9 after a successful dual-site deployment. VP-47 was deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, and to the U.S. 4th Fleet AOR at Comalapa, El Salvador since September 2016. The squadron sent detachments to the Republic of Korea,
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The Golden Swordsmen flew 503 sorties, accumulating 2,822 flight hours with a 94 percent mission completion rate over the 6-month deployment, and were key participants in several multilateral exercises, including Invincible Spirit 2016, Sea Survex 2017-1, and Keen Sword 2017. They also provided critical humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support in New Zealand following a 7.8-magnitude earthquake Nov. 14. “I couldn’t be more proud of the Golden Swordsmen team this deployment,” said Cmdr. James Imlah, VP-47’s executive officer. “They rose to the challenge and executed the mission flawlessly.” For the first time in more than 52 years, VP-47 returned to NAS Whidbey Island after the deployment. The squadron was previously home-ported at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, in Kaneohe Bay, and conducted a permanent duty station change with the deployment. VP-47 is the second of three Hawaiibased squadrons to make the move to Whidbey Island. “It is a bittersweet feeling leaving our home in Hawaii, but we are extremely excited to be coming to Washington,” said Imlah. “The people of Whidbey Island have done an exceptional job of making us feel welcome and making our transition as seamless as possible.” This was the Golden Swordsmen’s final deployment with the P-3C Orion aircraft. VP-47 flew the Orion for over 50 years. They will be transitioning to the Boeing P-8A Poseidon over the course of 2017.
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499 NE Midway Blvd, Ste 2, Oak Harbor 5589 S. Harbor Ave, Ste C , Freeland (360)331-3353 (360)240-9610 • (888)240-9610 Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
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Call for prices: 360.331.1727 • 9-5 • Closed Monday
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144 Harbor, N E Ernst Suite C Oak WASt98277 144 N E Ernst Suite C Oak Harbor, WASt98277 360-675-8239 Oak Harbor, WA 98277 360-675-8239 www.edwardjones.com 360-675-8239 Gene Kelly Barner www.edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com .
For some of us, the closest we get to law enforcement officers is watching them on TV or in the movies. Things look so simple. Within the span of an hour or two, a crime is committed, clues are gathered, a suspect is caught and a confession is received. Of course, real-life law enforcement is nothing like that. In truth, law enforcement can be both stressful and dangerous.
Qualifications for these law enforcement jobs may vary. All, however, require a special breed of individuals who want to help those in need. And for that, we thank the officers in our community for their service.
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Bless you for keeping us safe!
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Although the duties of a law enforcement officer vary according to the level they work at, their main job is the same: to protect the people and property within their jurisdiction. They are expected to carry out this duty at all times, even when they are off duty.
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We Honor and Appreciate Our Law Enforcement!
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To our Men and Women in Uniform... Past present and future, for serving and protecting, bless you and thank you.
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Lyn Lyn isexperience. a iscertified mortgage specialist withrates, over20 years She takes prideplanning in offering competitive a 20 variety home a certified mortgage planning specialist with over years ofof of experience. She takes pride in offering competitive rates, a variety of home loan products, low fees, and a friendly common sense approach to experience. She takes pride in offering competitive rates, a variety lending. of home The best partlow oflow her joband isand the opportunity to consult with borrowers find loanloan products, fees, aafriendly sense approach totolending. products, fees, friendly common common sense approach to lending. justbest the home loan product for their needs and desires. The The best partright of her isisthe toconsult consult withborrowers borrowers to find part of herjobjob theopportunity opportunity to with to find right home loanproduct productfor for and just just thethe right home loan their needs needsOak anddesires. desires. 880 S.E Pioneer Way, Harbor, WA
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We Appreciate Our Local Police and Sheriffs!
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499 NE Midway Blvd, Ste 2, Oak Harbor 5589 S. Harbor Ave, Ste C , Freeland (360)331-3353 (360)240-9610 • (888)240-9610 Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
BEST OF
WHIDBEY
We have 5 office locations to serve your needs
READERS CHOICE AWARDS
FREELAND OAK HARBOR ESCROW DEPT. 360-679-5055 ESCROW DEPT. 360-331-4838
Keeping Whidbey Beautiful Full Service Recycling We buy junk cars and trucks!
aluminum cardboard newspapers magazines second hand junk car removal bottles & cans all scrap metal Come check out our Old Fashioned Junk Yard!
Call for prices: 360.331.1727 • 9-5 • Closed Monday
ISLAND RECYCLING 20014 SR525, Freeland
601 NE Midway Blvd • 360-679-3500 www.thebbqjoint.com
Secret to a 70-year marriage? Forgiveness, love, compassion By CAITLIN TOMPKINS
patience.
Herald Writer
It was 1946. Eldon Piercy, now 90, had been home for almost a year after World War II. He was bringing ships ashore on Okinawa when he heard about the victory.
When Eldon Piercy talks about how they met, he weaves in yarns from his Navy days. He talks crisply about the four battles he fought during World War II. He recalls Gen. Douglas MacArthur speaking in the Philippines before the Battle of Leyte.
He went to a dance at a ballroom in Seattle where he spotted Doris Piercy, now 88.
“Eldon, this is supposed to be about our wedding,” Doris Piercy said.
EDMONDS — Their life together began 71 years ago.
“She was a cute kid, and she still is,” he said. Though he couldn’t dance, he asked her anyway. The Snohomish County couple is celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in March. They have traveled the world and cared for each other after surgeries. Doris Piercy said her husband has always been reliable. It’s his best quality, she said. What has made their marriage lasting, they said, is forgiveness, love and compassion. And perhaps a little bit of
“I’m getting to the beginning of it,” he replied. Doris peered up to the ceiling. “We’ll be here until midnight,” she said. After the dance in 1946, Eldon Piercy took her out for dinner. They ordered chow mein. At the time, Doris worked at a telephone company in Bothell. Eldon would call and ask for Operator No. 5. The couple would chat and make plans for their next date. They would go dancing. Other times, they’d go to the movies. Westerns were Eldon’s
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favorite. He grew up riding an Appaloosa to school in Idaho. Within the year, the couple was engaged. Eldon had pawned his violin to pay for the ring. Not long after their engagement, he was stationed on Terminal Island between Long Beach and San Pedro, California. Doris stayed in Bothell. The best part of the story came next, he said. He called Doris asking if she would come down to California and apply for their marriage license. “Lo and behold, she took me up on it,” he said. They got married on St. Patrick’s Day in a small chapel in Whittier, just outside of Los Angeles. Eldon’s best man was a friend from the Navy and his wife was the maid of honor. The rest of the guests included the minister and the pianist. They started their life together in Long Beach, even-
Photo by Ian Terry/The Herald
Eldon and Doris Piercy, of Edmonds, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in March. tually returning in 1952 to Washington where they had three kids. The family of five would go hiking in the Central Cascades and backpacking on the San Juan islands. Doris is a great pie baker. She worked for Seafirst, which is now
10 Important Facts about your VA Burial Benefits: 1. US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits do not cover all the funeral or cremation arrangements of honorably discharged veterans. 2. You will need documentation to verify military service. 3. A veteran’s family must request a United States flag. 4. Military Funeral Honors ceremonies must be scheduled in advance. 5. Veterans caskets are not free. 6. A“Presidential Memorial Certificate” must be requested. 7. If you choose not to be buried in the Arlington National Cemetery, burial money benefits are limited. 8. There are eligibility requirements for burial in the Arlington National Cemetery. 9. Headstones, markers or medallions for a burial space in a private cemetery must be requested. 10. The issuance of replacement of military service medals, awards and decorations must be requested in writing.
known as Bank of America, for 31 years. Eldon worked as a milkman, carpenter and truck driver before a 30-year stint with Canteen Vending. He was in charge of cigarettes, games and music.
ments. Eldon had a quadruple bypass in 1990. Doctors also have placed seven stents in his heart, replaced two knees and an aortic valve.
When their kids grew up and left home, they, too, left the nest. They have traveled to more than 40 countries. Eldon used to keep a map and checked off the places they visited. White pins marked where he traveled in the Navy. Colored pins indicated the places he went with his bride. Portugal, Greece and Norway are their favorites.
He has nicknamed Doris “Dr. Piercy” because she makes sure he is taking his medication and gets the care he needs.
Health challenges now make traveling difficult. Doris has had two hip replace-
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Doris Piercy has one piece of advice for couples. It’s simple. If you’re in love, get married.
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They had planned to celebrate their anniversary with friends and family with dinner at Arnies Restaurant in Edmonds.
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Veterans receive quilts in honor of service ethompson@whidbeynewsgroup.com
While “The Greatest Generation” continues to fade away with time, a community effort to recognize those still on South Whidbey occurred recently in Freeland. Around two dozen World War II veterans were honored with quilts at Maple Ridge Retirement and Assisted Living Community. A few others from later wars were also recognized. The quilts were constructed by Quilts for Veterans, a Whidbey Island community group numbering in the dozens and dedicated to honoring veterans in the community. Twelve vets attended the presentation held in the activity room, while eight more quilts were personally delivered to others unable to make it by members of Quilts for Veterans. Coordinator Anita Smith said the quilts were specifically made for individual veterans over the past year and crafted by eight to 14 people. Embroidered on each of them were the date the quilt was made and a message that read, “This quilt was made by many quilters who gave fabric, time and love in gratitude for your service.” Next to each quilt were framed pictures of individual veterans and a short description of their service.
Wadsworth was stationed on Okinawa during his three years of service in the Marines. He was honored to have been recognized. “It means a lot, a great deal,” Wadsworth said after the presentation. “We fought a good battle and we’re enjoying a good life.” Smith said Wadsworth’s youthful spirit showed through during the presentation. “That was really neat,” Smith said. “You get to see the young man kind of coming out of it. Even though they’re in an older body, the young man is standing or sitting there and you touch their memories in the past.” Thursday’s presentation was the continuation of a tradition that first began in the Civil War when women made quilts for soldiers, Smith said. “We’re doing this out of love and appreciation for these people who have served this country,” Smith said. “We don’t want them to be forgotten.” Another veteran honored was Web Halvorsen, a halftrack commander with the 6th Armored Division who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Halvorsen said it was the first time he’d been honored in such a way. “Real, real privileged,” said Halvorsen, 98, when asked
Evan Thompson / The Record
Former Marine Dan Babbitt, 83, was among those who received quilts from community organization Quilts for Veterans at Maple Ridge Retirement and Assisted Living Community in Freeland. Inset: Around two dozen World War II veterans and veterans of other wars were honored with quilts. Shown in this picture is Roland “Rollie” Capes’s quilt. what he thought of being recognized. Halvorsen didn’t make it through the war unscathed. He was shot in the chest by a sniper on Jan. 13, 1945 in Bastogne while trying to clear his jammed M1 Garand; his rifle malfunctioned due to below-freezing temperatures after firing a few shots that were intended to hit the sniper. “It felt like being hit with a baseball bat,” said Halvorsen, who spent the next six months recovering in a series of hospitals and eventually lost part of his right lung. Halvorsen left the European
Theater with a Purple Heart, a French Medal of Honor, four Bronze Stars and an Infantry Combat Badge. “I think the greatest day of my life was when I was able to put on an American uniform,” Halvorsen said. “I didn’t want to be left out. I wanted to do what I had to do for this great country.” Former Marine Dan Babbitt, 83, was also honored. Babbit served five years in the Corps in charge of 4.2-inch mortars and maintaining .50 caliber machine guns. After receiving his quilt, Babbitt told the crowd that the Marines
helped pay for his education at the University of Illinois. He then thanked everyone in attendance and those who made the quilts.
regularly the first Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Deer Lagoon Grange in Langley. For those interested in contributing, contact Smith at margins@whidbey.com
Quilts for Veterans meets
“Service you deserve with people you trust”
Military Family: Courage, Strength, Sacrifice CATHY WEST LPO
OAK HARBOR
www.LTCO.com Celebrating 77 years of serving Skagit and Island Counties
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Men and women from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, National Guard and the British Army’s Auxiliary Territorial Service received quilts, which were ceremoniously draped around their shoulders to the applause of those in attendance. Many of the veterans’ faces, such as
93-year-old Marine Corps veteran Ron Wadsworth, lit up upon receiving the quilts. While some of the veterans remained seated during the presentation due to their age, Wadsworth excitedly stood up and let Smith drape the quilt over his shoulders.
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By EVAN THOMPSON
BEST OF
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OAK HARBOR OFFICE ESCROW DEPT. 360-679-5055 TITLE DEPT. 360-675-2246 • Toll Free 800-829-5263 1080 NE 7TH AVE./PO BOX 1138, OAK HARBOR
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880 S.E Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor, WA Phone: (360) 679-5100 www.off-the-hook.biz
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Are you ready for an exciting career with a leader in multi-media advertising? Sound Publishing is looking for an Inside Sales/Telemar keter in our Coupeville, WA office, to generate advertising sales on new and existing business in any combination for all our Whidbey Island family of media products We’re l o o k i n g fo r s o m e o n e with: Strong sales, customer service, and phone solicitation skills; Computer-proficient in database and spreadsheet software programs.; Excellent phone communication skills ( w r i t t e n a n d ve r b a l ) ; Ability to multi-task and work well under pressure and deadlines in a fast-paced environment; and self-motivated, proactive, and possess good problem-solving skills. We offer competitive pay with commissions, and a benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, a 401K retirement plan with company match, paid vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays. Email your resume today to careers@ soundpublishing.com for immediate consideration. EOE Visit our website www.soundpublishing.com to find out more about us!
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homecall tollwork for you! realwww.nw-ads.com estate click! free! 1.888.399.3999 or 1.800.388.2527 jobs email! classified@soundpublishing.com services for sale Real Estate for Sale Office/Commercial OAK HARBOR.
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES FOR LEASE / SALE Building A and C; 1751 NE Goldie St Call Tyler Fitzgerald Coldwell Banker Koetje Real Estate
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1 , 1 0 0 S F DAY L I G H T Studio is just 13 minutes from ferr y! Propane heat. Front load washer/ dryer Water & lawn care included. No smoking/ pets. $850 month. First, last, $800 damage deposit. 360-579-1371. www.SoundClassifieds.com find what you need 24 hours a day
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CIRCULATION ASSISTANT For 24 hours per week at the Whidbey NewsTimes. We are seeking a t e a m p l aye r w h o c a n work independently in the office and in the field. Hours are flexible and may vary. Computer and basic office skills required. Duties include occasional paper deliver y and small maintenance projects. Must be able to read and follow maps for route deliveries and lift up to 40 lbs. Current drivers license and reliable, insured vehicle are required. Position includes paid holidays, vac a t i o n a n d s i ck , a n d 401k. Email or mail resume with cover letter to careers@sound publishing.com or mail to WNTCA/HR., Sound Publishing, Inc., 11323 Commando Rd. W, Unit Main, Everett, WA 98204 GET THE NEWS OUT! C a r r i e r ro u t e s a r e now available for delive r y o f t h e W h i d b ey News-Times and South Whidbey Record on Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. Must have reliable transpor tation. Give Diane a call at 3 6 0 - 6 7 5 - 6 6 1 1 , ex t . 65004 or email to dsmothers@
MULTIMEDIA ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT The Whidbey News G r o u p, o n b e a u t i f u l Whidbey Island, WA, is interviewing for a posiwhidbeynewsgroup.com tion in the adver tising Include your name and department sharing the contact number if leav- many benefits of newsing a message. paper, online and niche product advertising with new accounts and curHAIR STYLIST/ rent clients. This is a BARBER Needed to run Coupe- fast-paced, challenging ville shop while owner position that requires a on Medical Leave. 360- self-star ter, someone ready to hit the ground 929-2536 running, with no limits on success. Our sales staff Northwest Workforce is equipped with the latCouncil est, most up-to-date reSeeks energetic indi- search and is fortunate v i d u a l s t o j o i n o u r to sell the leading media team in Oak Harbor. o n W h i d b e y I s l a n d , The current oppor tu- whether that be print or nities for Center Coor- online. Applicants must dinator and Coordina- be forward thinking and tor are listed in detail able to apply the many at: www.nwboard.org benefits of the Whidbey Please follow the ap- News Group advertising plication procedure for to a variety of businessapplication submission es. WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? Count on us to get In addition to working the word out with a great group of people, we offer a base Reach thousands of salary plus commission, readers when you excellent medical, dental advertise in your and vision benefits, paid local community holidays, vacation, sick and personal days, and newspaper and online! a 401(k) retirement plan Call: 800-388-2527 with a company match. Fax: 360-598-6800 SUBMIT YOUR E-mail: APPLICATION TO careers@sound classified@ publishing.com soundpublishing.com for immediate Go online: consideration. www.SoundClassifieds.com EOE
(JAIL TRANSITIONS) – 93020 Compass Health is hiring a PT Clinician I to assist the provision of behavioral health services to people with complex needs in Island County. BA/BS/ BSW Degree required. Visit our website at: http://www.compass health.org to learn more about our open positions. Send cover letter and resume to: resume@ compassh.org. EOE
Home Services Handyperson
The Handyman Shoppe Serving SouthWhidbey Plumbing, Small Engine Repair, Pressure Wa s h i n g , G r o u n d s keeping, Painting, and More! 360-632-4577
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People Get Nice Surprises at the Frontier Ford “EV� Superstore!
Serving and Supporting our
Active Duty and Retired Military Members and their Families.
Service is what we do for ALL of our customers
Sales Department open 7 days a week!
Service/Parts Department hours:
Monday - Friday - 7am to 6pm Fast Lube Department - 9am to 5pm ALL Ford Certified and Trained for Assured VALUE!
1776840
Rene Burillo
Service Manager reneb@frontierfordusa.com
Alan Benfield
Service Advisor alanb@frontierfordusa.com
(360) 293-3105
Ted Lutz
Service Advisor tedl@frontierfordusa.com
www.frontierfordusa.com in Beautiful Anacortes
Josh Rapan
Fast Lube Advisor fastlube@frontierfordsua.com
(800) 896-5267
JERRY SMITH CHEVROLET
293-5166
2017 SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB
FOR QUALIFIED BUYERS
0% 60 APR FOR
MONTHS1
PLUS
FIND YOUR TAG, GET
5,500
$
TOTAL CASH ALLOWANCE
ON SELECT 2017 SILVERADO 1500 PICKUPS WHEN YOU FINANCE WITH GM FINANCIAL2
COUPEVILLE PROUDLY SUPPORTS
Naval Air Station Whidbey
1) MONTHLY PAYMENT IS $16.67 FOR EVERY $1,000 YOU FINANCE. 2017 SILVERADO 1500 EXAMPLE DOWN PAYMENT: 11.8%. MUST FINANCE WITH GM FINANCIAL. SOME CUSTOMERS MAY NOT QUALIFY. NOT AVAILABLE WITH LEASE AND SOME OTHER OFFERS. TAKE DELIVERY BY 3/31/17. 2) CASH ALLOWANCE AVAILABLE ON SELECT TAGGED VEHICLES IN STOCK. MUST FINANCE WITH GM FINANCIAL. NOT AVAILABLE WITH LEASE AND SOME OTHER OFFERS. TAKE DELIVERY BY 3/31/17. SEE PARTICIPATING DEALER FOR DETAILS.
Mad About
March Savings on New and Used
NEW 2016
USED 2008
2DR CONVERTIBLE 2LT
SL
CHEVROLET CAMARO
SALE PRICE
36,125
$
AFTER REBATE
NISSAN ROGUE
Call for Details!
STK#C6061 VIN#1G1FD3DS0G0181311
SALE PRICE
11,987
$
USED 2008
CHEVROLET SONIC
SUPER
New Subscribers Special!
LT
SALE PRICE
11,995
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
USED 2015
BUICK LACROSSE
Sign up for a new subscription and get a FREE* Hot and Ready Pizza from Little Caesars!
SALE PRICE STK#T7085A VIN# 2G4WN58C481180361
11,969
$
STK#P4184 VIN#1G1JC5SG4F4189569
Come Discover the Jerry Smith Difference!
Pick up your Free* Pizza at the Oak Harbor Little Caesars Location, Island Plaza Shopping Center, 31595 WA-20 #2, Oak Harbor
12-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION TO WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES or SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD
OIL CHANGES for LIFE • At Factory Recommended Intervals • By our Certified Technicians • For As long as You Own Your Vehicle • At NO additional Charge
ONLY $45 per year
News-Times
RecoRd
WHIDBEY
SOUTH WHIDBEY
SUBSCRIPTION INCLUDES FULL ACCESS TO ONLINE CONTENT AT
WWW.WHIDBEYNEWSTIMES.COM or WWW.SOUTHWHIDBEYRECORD.COM
Jerry Smith Chevrolet Supports our Troops!
NAME: CITY:
PEACE of MIND Warranty
STATE:
ZIP:
CREDIT CARD Credit Card Number
90 Day Headlight to Taillight Coverage on Your Pre-Owned Purchase At NO additional Charge
Expiration Date
CHECK / MONEY ORDER CVC Number
Signature:
PO Box 1200 • Coupeville, WA 98239 • 360-675-6611 • 360-221-5300 whidbeynewstimes.com • southwhidbeyrecord.com
VISIT US AT HIGHWAY 20 & RESERVATION RD, ANACORTES
AND ONLINE 24/7 AT JERRYSMITHCHEVROLET.COM
PHONE:
ADDRESS:
1832616
$
Thank you for your dedication!
STK#K6568B VIN#JN8AS58V78W402414
Please fill out and send to Circulation Division address shown or bring to our business offices in Oak Harbor, Coupeville or Freeland. On island non-mailed delivery only, within specific north/south delivery routes. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer good through 4-30-17. No Cash Value *$5 Gift Certificate with purchase of 1 year subscription to Whidbey News-Times or South Whidbey Record, for new subscribers only.