COVERING WHIDBEY ISLAND’S NAVAL AIR STATION COMMUNITY
Whidbey
VOLUME 1, NO. 46 | 10 FEBRUARY 2012
www.whidbeycrosswind.com
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Anacortes ship builder sees double
Whidbey Crosswind
D
evon Burgess moves quickly, almost dancing around the boxing ring, ducking and swaying, dodging back and plunging forward. He talks almost constantly, coaching his sparring partners — motivating them, telling them how they can use his moves to their advantage, cheering them on when they land a good punch. At 23, Burgess is the number oneranked heavyweight division fighter in USA Boxing’s Pacific Northwest Region. The Naval Aircrewman Operator 3rd Class with Maritime Patrol Squadron (VP) 40 on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island is headed to Colorado Springs, Colo., later this month to fight for the national title. If successful there, he has a chance at his dream – the Olympic Trials. “I have two dreams,” Burgess said last week during practice with the Whidbey Island Boxing Club. “To fly for my country and to fight for my country. I get to fly for my country through my job. But I also hope to fight for my country at the Olympics.”
Early start Born and raised in Detroit, Mich., Burgess started boxing at the age of 15. He said he first got into it to try to become closer to his father. He also wanted to set an example for his younger brothers and sisters.
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To say Dakota Creek Industries’ ship has come in could be inaccurate, seeing as the Anacortes shipbuilder is building not one, but two research vessels for the U.S. Navy. The Department of Defense announced Feb. 3 that Dakota Creek Industries had been awarded a contract modification of more than $70 million to build a second Auxiliary
SEE 4)*14 | PAGE 2 AWO3 Devon Burgess practices punches during training last week at the Whidbey Island Boxing Club just outside Oak Harbor. KATHY REED/WHIDBEY CROSSWIND “Coming from Detroit, it’s easy to be distracted growing up,” Burgess said. “I had to set that example for them. I wanted them to know that no matter what, you can still accomplish your dreams.” Burgess enlisted in the Navy two years ago. He was assigned to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island last November and said the first thing he did was look for the nearest gym. He settled on the Whidbey Island Boxing Club and coach Rob Sturdevant. According to Sturdevant, Burgess has a lot of good experience and
training, and possesses a key element necessary to succeed. “Besides learning good boxing skills, he is also a very dedicated, hard worker,” Sturdevant said. “The best boxers are the ones who have natural talent and are hard-working.” There are currently about 15 to 20 boxers who are part of the Whidbey Island Boxing Club. There are approximately 20 clubs in the Pacific Northwest
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Shifty Sailors share passion for music, nautical heritage #Z .&-"/*& )"..0/4 Whidbey Crosswind
The Shifty Sailors sing from the deck of the Cutty Sark. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SHIFTY SAILORS
Although January’s snowy weather postponed the Whidbey Island Shanty Fest 2012, it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the Shifty Sailors singing group, said director Vern Olsen. “I’m sort of thinking that perhaps February may not be a bad time of year to plan an event like this after all,” said Olsen, who has been with the group since its founding in 1993.
The third annual Shanty Fest, rescheduled for Feb. 18 at Greenbank Farm, features the Shifty Sailors as well as other musical acts in a fundraiser concert benefitting three medical support funds: Friends of Friends, Small Miracles and Medical Safety Net of North Whidbey. “This event not only aims to celebrate our maritime heritage here on the island we call home, it also reinforces
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THIS EDITION New leader at helm of Navy League ...................pg. 2 Disabled Vets soldier on with local mission..........pg. 2 What’s playing at the Skywarrior? ............pg. 3 Frugal valentines and dinner with the Smileys .....pg. 4
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