Whidbey Crosswind February 17, 2012

Covering Whidbey Island’s NAVAL AIR STATION Community

Whidbey

Volume 1, No. 47 | 17 February 2012

www.whidbeycrosswind.com

Women get closer to the front line

By KATHY REED

Whidbey Crosswind

The doors of opportunity for women in the military have opened wider, following a Department of Defense report submitted to Congress last week.

According to a DOD release, the department notified Congress Feb. 9 it intends to make changes to rules that have been in place since 1994 that govern the service of female members of the armed forces. Relaxing rules that allow women to perform jobs that are

SEE Women | PAGE 6

this Edition Headlines share some of the story of what happened in 1991 when NAS Whidbey Island was on the government’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) list. Above, the Save NAS Whidbey Island Task Force formed when NASWI was threatened in 1991; today members still meet to discuss strategies to keep NASWI off any future BRAC lists. Kathy Reed/Whidbey Crosswind

Will NASWI be spared once again?

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen says future is secure

By KATHY REED

T

Whidbey Crosswind

he Department of Defense’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2013 calls for two new rounds of base closures — one in 2013 and another in 2015. In a Navy-centric community like Oak Harbor, that has people on Whidbey Island paying close attention.

Ever since Naval Air Station Whidbey Island was on the list of base closures in 1991, the Save NAS Whidbey Island Task Force has worked to make sure the base

is never again on such a list. Members of the task force gathered at the Best Western in Oak Harbor Wednesday afternoon for an orientation meeting designed for elected officials and a little background on the group.

“The task force was formed by a group of interested individuals after the base closure list of 1991 was released,” said former Oak Harbor Mayor Jim Slowik, who headed up the meetRep. Rick Larsen ing in the absence of chairman Al Koetje, who was attending a funeral.

While there are no immediate concerns NAS Whidbey will be placed on any closure list, task force members say it’s important to keep the base — and the vital role it plays locally and nation-

ally — in front of decision-makers in Washington, D.C. The group has an important ally there, retired Rear Adm. James Seely, former commanding officer of NAS Whidbey, who is a paid consultant, providing regular reports to task force members and serving as an escort when groups of local officials venture to Capitol Hill each year.

“He stays close to the issues,” said Slowik.

“Seely has ties to this community,” said Oak Harbor city council member Beth Munns. “He keeps his ear to the ground and has a lot of influence there.”

Another strong political ally in Washington, D.C. is Rep. Rick Larsen.

“I urge whoever’s going back (to Washington, D.C.) to talk with him,” Slowik said. “Larsen is the preeminent electronic warfare guy in Congress and he has definitely taken up the banner.”

SEE Future | PAGE 12

Naval Station Everett to get destroyers...............pg. 2 ANA hears from VAQ-129 leader.....................pg. 3 Pets’ Sake: The high cost of pet care..................pg. 4 Author explains Operation Baghdad Pups .......pg. 7

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Naval Station Everett to get destroyers Three frigates to be replaced over time

By KATHY REED

T

Whidbey Crosswind

he Navy is boosting its presence at Naval Station Everett.

In a release Tuesday from U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen’s office, Larsen announced the Navy will replace each of three frigates with new or modified destroyers over the next seven years.

“This decision secures the future of Naval Station Everett,” said Larsen during a press conference. “I have spent years convincing the Navy that Everett is ready, willing and able to support more and larger ships.”

The announcement means that Everett will eventually be the homeport to five destroyers and one aircraft carrier. Personnel will increase by approximately 300, from 3,956 to 4,235.

The USS Ingraham, homeported at Naval Station Everett, is one of three frigates that will be replaced with destroyers upon their decommissioning. U.S. Navy File Photo “The decision shows the Navy is committed to the base and to the new Asia-Pacific strategy,” Larsen said. “Many military communities around the country are worried about defense cuts and what it will mean to them. This

decision should relieve the Everett community of many fears of losing the base in the future.”

While the decision doesn’t impact either Naval Air Station Whidbey Island or Naval Base Kitsap directly, it’s still good news for the region.

“I don’t know the decision will have any impact on NAS Whidbey, but it does generally show the Navy recognizes the value of the bases have in the region,” Larsen said.

“The Pacific Northwest is on the Navy’s map and it’s on the map for a good reason.”

While the decision is a victory, Larsen said he will continue the battle to bring more ships to Naval Station Everett. That is good news to Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson.

“The infrastructure to homeport more ships is in place,” Stephanson said. “We take pride in being the sailor’s choice. This is where sailors and their families want to be and we welcome them.”

The destroyers will replace the frigates USS Ford (FFG 54), USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) and USS Ingraham (FFG 61) as they are decommissioned in 2014, 2016 and 2019, respectively. The destroyers will be a mix of new and modified ballistic missile defense-capable ships.

Aviation Battle ‘E’ winners announced From CNAF Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) — Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) announced the winners of the 2011 Aviation Battle Efficiency (Battle “E”) awards Feb. 10 and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island squadrons were among them.

The aviation Battle “E” is the Navy’s top performance award presented to the aircraft carrier and aviation squadron in each competitive category that achieves the highest standards of performance readiness and efficiency. The award recognizes a unit’s training and operational achievements while including a balance that incentivizes efficiency.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) was the Battle “E” winner of the aircraft carrier category for the West Coast while the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) won for the East Coast.

“The warfighting excellence shown by these squadrons and the Vinson and the Bush proves them to be the best of the best.

I am incredibly proud of their accomplishments,” said Vice Adm. Al Myers, CNAF commander. “In a time of increased demand and a constrained fiscal environment, these sailors, officers and aviators continue to deliver combat effectiveness and to display the professionalism and pride that is the hallmark of naval aviation.”

In the aviation squadron competitions, each aviation

Type-Commander selects a winner in every category, while CNAF selects the Navy-wide winners, resulting in three sets of recipients.

Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 won the Battle ‘E’ award for the VAQ CVW category for the 2011 Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic squadrons. For Pacific Fleet squadrons, the Lancers of VAQ-131 won the Battle ‘E’ award in the VAQ CVW category. The 2011 CNAF squadrons selected for Battle ‘E’ winners included, the VAQ-132 Scorpions and the Rangers of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 2, in the VAQ EXP and VQ EW categories, respectively.

The Battle “E” competition is conducted to strengthen individual command performance, overall force readiness, and to recognize outstanding performance within the naval aviation force.

Grading metrics for attaining the Battle “E” award include operational achievement, training, inspection accomplishments, material and personnel readiness, aviation safety, weapon systems and tactics development, and contributions to the aviation community.

Each member attached to a winning ship or squadron earns the right to wear the Battle “E” ribbon on their uniform, or if they already possess that ribbon, they can add an additional “E” device to the ribbon.

The Navy’s next generation long-range anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon, lands at NAS Jacksonville, Fla., during the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Centennial of Naval Aviation events. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication

Specialist 1st Class Michelle Lucht/Released

Poseidon at NAS Jacksonville for weapons certification

By Clark Pierce Jax Air News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) — A three-day conventional weapons technical proficiency inspection (CWTPI) for Patrol Squadron (VP) 30 ordnance personnel supporting the P-8A Poseidon aircraft took place last week at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, beginning Feb. 6.

The “ordies” were seeking their certifications to handle, load and deliver ordnance such as torpedoes, missiles and mines.

“VX-1 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River loaned VP-30 their Poseidon T-5 so we can maintain our schedule for conducting our CWTPI over the next three days,” said VP-30 Commanding Officer Capt.

Mark Stevens.

“Our ordnance professionals are shooting for a good score from a team of inspectors from the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapon School based here at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

Basically, our people will receive their load plans and then go to work loading inert Mark-54 torpedoes in the bomb bay of the P-8,” said Stevens.

He added that when the ordnance team was not using the aircraft for CWTPI, there would be training sessions aboard T-5 for maintainers and troubleshooters

who are working for their certifications to diagnose, service and repair the P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft.

Lt. Cmdr. Jason Parmley from Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Group serves as the lead weapons training officer.

Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician David Wood, of VP-30 maintenance control, said the CWTPI is an important milestone in transitioning to the P-8A platform.

“Since August of last year, we’ve been training a core group of about 80 maintainers by going on site to Boeing in Seattle, Wash., and following that with additional P-8 training and certifications at VX-1 in Pax River, Md. “While we have the T-5 at NAS Jax, our core group of P-8 maintainers will also conduct walk-throughs of the aircraft to their VP-30 shipmates who will be part of the transition from the P-3 Orion to the P-8 Poseidon. Our goal is to train up and certify all of our VP-30 personnel so as the Navy’s P-8 fleet replacement squadron, we’re ready to teach the P-8 to VP-16 beginning this July.”

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island is slated to receive four squadrons of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft under the Navy’s current program of record.

VAQ-129 commanding officer NWCA scholarships up for grabs sweetens February’s ANA meeting Navy Wives Club of America scholarship

By MELANIE HAMMONS Whidbey Crosswind

A

ssociation of Naval Aviation Whidbey Island Squadron 40 members and guests enjoyed a quick course in the role naval aircraft have played in the Middle Eastern theater at Tuesday’s meeting at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Officers’ Club.

The presentation, given

by Navy Cmdr. Jeffrey Craig, commanding officer of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, proved a great follow-up to January’s meeting, which featured none other than Craig’s dad, a B-52 pilot in Vietnam, retired Air Force Col. Reed Craig.

Member Dave Weisbrod delivered the intelligence briefing, a regular feature of ANA meetings.

“For a number of months now, not only the United States, but the world at large, has been focused on concerns about Iran,” said Weisbrod, showing a powerpoint timeline of events in that region.

Weisbrod said that just this month, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta described a “strong likelihood” of an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear capabilities in April, May or June.

Following the intel briefing, Scott Hornung, ANA’s president, introduced Cmdr. Craig.

“This has been a unique opportunity to gain a father-son perspective,” said Hornung, alluding to Col. Craig’s January presentation.

“Scott told me to make sure that I wished the ladies here today a happy Valentine’s Day,” said Craig.

“Hopefully, the gentlemen will make sure to remember the day with roses, or in some other special way.”

Craig described the operational objectives of VAQ-129’s mission. He also related his experiences while with VAQ-132 during several operations in the Middle East, including New Dawn, Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector.

As both a participant and eyewitness to the Navy’s transition from the EA-6B Prowler aircraft to the EA-18G Growler,

Navy Cmdr. Jeffrey Craig, right, VAQ-129’s commanding officer, talks with audience members following his Feb. 14 presentation at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Officers’ Club. Melanie Hammons/Whidbey Crosswind Cmdr. Craig next gave a rundown on the differences in the operational capabilities of the two. (For a more in-depth discussion of his perspective, please refer to next week’s issue of the Whidbey Crosswind.)

It’s no surprise that for many who attend ANA meetings, aviation is more than just an interest, it’s a passion. Such is the case with retired Navy Capt.

Bill Young, who helped form the A-3 Skywarrior Whidbey Memorial Foundation, which seeks to place a restored A-3 on permanent display at the Ault Field Road entrance of

NAS Whidbey.

Young commented that the fundraising, work and efforts toward that goal are ongoing.

“It continues on,” said Young. “We’re still planning on an October, 2012 time frame as far as moving the plane to its permanent site.

“We’re even optimistic that it could end up there a little sooner,” he said, cautioning that there is still a lot of work to be done on the plane in the meantime.

The next meeting of the ANA will be at 11:30 on March 13 at NAS Whidbey Island’s Officers club.

It’s scholarship application time and the Navy Wives Club of America would like to remind those in need of assistance with college tuition to apply.

NWCA gives out 30 scholarships annually, ranging in amount from $1,000 to $1,500 to cover tuition, room and board, fees and books.

Those eligible for the grants must be the natural born, legally adopted or stepson/stepdaughter of an enlisted member of the Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard on active duty, retired with pay or the son or daughter of a deceased member of those categories.

Applicants must have a valid dependent identification card, must show basis of need for financial assistance, have a grade point average of at least 2.5 and be a graduate of an accredited high school or its equivalent or will graduate prior to eligibility for assistance. Applicants should be physically capable of completing the course undertaken and be of good character.

The deadline for applications is May 30.

Applications can be downloaded from the NWCA website at www.navywivesclubsofamerica.org. For information locally, call Joey Price at 360-779-6191.

applications can also be obtained by mailing a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Linda Hedden - Scholarship Director 1300 Hampton Drive Summerville, SC, 29483

The Binnacle

Page 4 | February 17, 2012

Our Views

BRAC lists, budgets and bases, oh my!

There’s an old saying about the weather that goes something like ‘wait a few minutes, it will change.’

That’s kind of the feeling I’ve gotten in regard to all the government budget reports. My inbox was flooded with updates and comments and all manner of press releases all week.

The fact of the matter is, we can be sure many things will change over the course of the next year.

Initial proposals will be tossed out and refined as all the data streams in.

Kathy That’s part of what happened Reed in 1991 when Naval Air Station Whidbey Island was placed on the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) list. The folks choosing the bases hadn’t really had time to do their homework. The fact was, closing NAS Whidbey and moving everything to NAS Lemoore in California was more costly in the long run than keeping the base here. Cooler heads and costconscious decision-makers prevailed, much to the collective relief of Oak Harbor city leaders and probably to some Navy folks as well.

The past 21 years have served to further strengthen NAS Whidbey’s position within the Navy and on Whidbey Island. With nearly 70 years of history behind it, the base has been able to demonstrate its worth. As the government shifts its focus to the Asia-Pacific theater, it would seem ludicrous to think NASWI would be included on any future BRAC lists.

Time will tell. Who’s to say if that will be the case in another 70 years? None of us can say with absolute certainty what the state of our economy will be — we can hope we’ve been wise stewards and overcome the economic difficulties our country has seen over the last few years. Factor in the state of world politics and the state of our nation’s defenses, and it seems to me we will have no clearer picture than we do today.

If we’re content to live in the here and now then it seems all will be well. But is that an acceptable risk? Or is it time to take a more earnest look, with real actions and initiatives for alternatives?

-Kathy Reed, editor

the Whidbey CrossWind Published each Friday from the office of The Whidbey Crosswind 107 S. Main St, Ste E101 ~ P.O. Box 1200 Coupeville, WA 98239 (360) 675-6611 ~ (360) 679-2695 fax On the Internet at www.whidbeycrosswind.com We’re independently audited!

Scan the code with your phone and look us up online! Keep the app and look us up anytime

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NAVY VIEWS

“I like John F. Kennedy, because he understood what the people were going through during his presidency.”

President’s Day is Monday.

Who is your favorite president and why?

Merline Surprise Wife of Air-Traffic Controller 2nd Class Jimy Surprise “President Ronald Reagan, because he was a reformed democrat, he bowed to no one and he was larger than life.”

“It would have to be Ronald Reagan, because he revived the economy when he was in office and believed in less government and a more people oriented society.”

Derek Holbrook Aviation Machinist’s Mate 1st Class, retired

Erika Caldwell Wife of Lt. Joshua Caldwell

“I would say that Abraham Lincoln is my favorite because he stood up for what he believed in to restore the nation.”

“President George W. Bush, because he was the president that inspired me to come into the Navy.”

Crystal Little Yeoman 2nd Class

Nick Teel Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class

The cost of veterinary care, Part II

I

n my last column, I addressed some of the business reasons or the cost of veterinary care for your pets is on the rise. The ake reasons can vary — from the cost of getting an education to getting setup in a practice, using an outdated, inefficient business model to dvm non-profit organizations. The rising cost of equipment alone makes it much harder for veterinarians to simply hang out a shingle. But there are plenty of other reasons the cost of pet care has risen and there are some things you can do as a pet owner to help keep it in line.

The cost of drugs and supplies has increased far more quickly than can be accounted for by inflation alone. Veterinarians use many items in common with the human health care field, so price increases there translate into increased prices for your pet. A related problem is consolidation in the manufacture

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of medications. Larger companies are buying up smaller businesses, especialets ly those manufacturing generic drugs, and then raising prices. One dramatic example occurred when Bausch & Lomb acquired several manufacturers of eye medications. A tube of veteriiel nary ophthalmic antibiotic ointment went from $3.25 to more than $32 overnight.

The small number of pets that are covered by health insurance is another factor that leads to increased medical costs for individual pet owners. Health insurance helps to support a general level of care for an entire population, and without that support veterinary clinics have to charge what it costs to provide medical care within the requirements of their individual practice.

Still another economic pressure on traditional

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J.M. K ,

Publisher......................................................................................................Marcia Van Dyke Editor................................................................................................................ Kathryn Reed Writers........................................................................... Melanie Hammons, Bryan Ilyankoff Administrative Assistant.................................................................................. Connie Ross Advertising Manager................................................................................... Lee Ann Mozes Advertising................................................................................. Erica Johnson, Gail Rognan Ad Services ~ Graphics................................................................................ Ginny Tomasko Production Manager.......................................................................Michelle Wolfensparger Staff Artists.............................................................................. Leslie Vance, Rebecca Collins Circulation Manager.......................................................................................Lynette Reeff Circulation Assistant...................................................................................Diane Smothers

SEE Pets | NEXT PAGE

Identification statement and subscription rates The Whidbey Crosswind is published weekly by Sound Publishing on Fridays for $19 for 3 months, $29 for 6 months, $45 per year and $75 for 2 years delivered by carrier in island county from North Whidbey Island to Greenbank; $20 for 3 months, $32 for 6 months, $52 per year and $94 for 2 years delivered by in county mail from Greenbank to Clinton; $35 for 3 months, $65 for 6 months, $105 per year mailed out of county. Payment in advance is required. It is published by Whidbey Crosswind PO Box 1200, Coupeville, WA 98239. Periodicals rate postage paid at Coupeville, WA and at additional mailing offices.

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Pets| from PREVIOUS PAGE veterinary practices is the trend of consumers to buy their pet’s medications from sources other than their veterinarian.

Years ago, human doctors used to dispense medications themselves as an important source of revenue for their practices. Pharmacies wanted in on the action, and over the years they completely took over the business. Human medicine responded by raising their fees to cover the lost revenue. Veterinarians are facing the same choices today.

Some are electing to limit or discontinue their pharmacies while raising their fees in other areas.

Even non-profit organizations have complicated the picture. In the past few decades large groups, such as humane societies and others, have opened veterinary practices within their facilities to help generate monies to fund their animal welfare programs. Their tax-exempt status helps them to effectively compete with veterinarians who do not have the same advantage. In the face of a decreasing number of patient visits, veterinarians have been forced to raise prices to maintain the revenue they need to operate their businesses.

Given all of these factors pushing the costs of veterinary medical care up what can a pet owner do? Here are a few things for you to consider: • Communicate with your veterinarian regarding pharmacy costs. If you find the same prescription product from a reliable source that costs less, check to see whether your veterinarian is willing to match the price.

• Purchase pet health insurance. There are several companies with many policy options that can help cover your regular veterinary visits as well as major medical expenses.

• Preventing a problem is much less expensive that fixing a problem. In terms of veterinary costs for your pet, having them seen on a regular basis with screening lab work when recommended can head off problems that you might not be financially ready for later.

• Understand every veterinary practice is a unique business entity and the fees and operating costs of one practice cannot be fairly compared to another. As a consumer you have to make a decision as to where you spend your pet care dollars based on the level of comfort and trust you have in the veterinarian you choose.

As a veterinarian who has been both employee and practice owner I would love to wave a magic wand and change how veterinary clinics are operated: • Instead of a having several individual practices in an area, veterinarians could consolidate into a single facility so that staff and major medical equipment could be shared, resulting in lower overall operating costs. These savings could result in lower costs to the pet owner.

I once worked in a practice like this in the Boston area where there was a small animal clinic with five veterinarians that shared the facility with a veterinary specialty hospital and an emergency clinic all under one roof. The total staff included more than one hundred people all dedicated to the concept of quality veterinary care 24/7.

• A concept I would like to borrow from New Zealand where I have spent some practice time is the idea of a veterinary co-op. These are essentially member-owned veterinary practices where the prices and operating policies are set by the membership and a board of directors. This would allow members and veterinarians the opportunity to share the struggle of managing health care costs.

In our current economy and business climate there are many factors working to continually put upward pressure on the costs of veterinary care for your pet. Your veterinarian is doing the best they can to provide a medical service in this increasingly competitive environment. As has always been true, the only constant is change, and this will certainly be the case for the future of veterinary medicine.

Dr. Kiel is the U.S. Army veterinarian currently supporting NAS Whidbey Island and Naval Station Everett. His columns appear the first and third Friday of each month.

Please send questions or comments to Dr. Kiel at joseph. kiel@navy.mil.

Volunteers needed to attack Ebey’s weeds The Nature Conservancy is seeking volunteers to remove invasive weeds and block off unwanted trails along the scenic bluff at Ebey’s Landing.

Work party hours Saturday are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain gear is a must. The conservancy will provide snacks and gloves.

Organizers say this is a physically intense but rewarding experience. For more information and to sign up, contact Julie Edwards at julie.edwards@ tnc.org or 206-343-4345 ext. 381.

Shanty Fest rescheduled The third annual Shanty Fest has been rescheduled and will be held Saturday at Greenbank Farm.

Those interested can enjoy five free workshops: Little Shifties Singalong for children, led by the Shifty Sailors, 1 p.m.; Women and the Sea, led by Chris Roe, Wendy Joseph and Jan Glanister, 1:45 p.m.; Adult Song Circle, led by the Shifty Sailors, 2:30 p.m.; Storytelling, led by Captain John Stone and Roger Sherman, 3:30 p.m.; Sharing in Different Ways, 4:15 p.m.

An evening concert featuring the Shifty Sailors and more will be held at

Party for star gazers 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 and may be purchased in Oak Harbor: Wind & Tide, Bayleaf; Coupeville: Bayleaf; Greenbank: Greenbank Farm Wine Shop; Freeland: BookBay; Langley: Moonraker; Brown Paper Tickets: 800838-3006; www.brownpapertickets.com.

“Steel Magnolias” continues The production of “Steel Magnolias” continues through Feb. 25 at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts in Langley.

Under the direction of Tim Rarick, “Steel Magnolias” centers around six different women in Chinquapin, La., and how their lives are interwoven.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday through Feb. 25.

Ticket prices range from $12 to $16 and are available through the WICA ticket office at 360-2218268 or 800-638-7631. Go to www.WICAonline.com for information.

Post Valentine wines The annual Red Wine and Chocolate Tour will be held Saturday through

Thank you from Meerkerk Gardens To the Editor: The last few years have been very difficult for nonprofit organizations on the Island, especially those depending on the public donating their operating funds.

The Meerkerk Gardens are no exception. We have had to lower our budgets severely and reduce our employees.

However, the board of directors and staff have been and remain dedicated to keeping the Gardens open, groomed and manned with friendly attendants.

Thanks to all of our supporters, both formal Friends of Meerkerk and the public in general who visited and donated to the gardens’ operation, we are once again able to end our fiscal year with balanced books and no debt.

We are anxious to welcome everyone early this spring, when the hundreds of thousands of daffodils burst into bloom, followed by our grand rhododendrons, then the summer flowers and finally the fall colored leaves.

In addition, don’t forget, we have over 43 acres of native forest, containing 3 miles of hiking trails available for your enjoyment.

In an effort to encourage more of you to visit this special Island asset in this still tough economy, the board of directors has voted to lower the admission price to $5 for all, with children age 12 and under free.

Thank you all again. We hope to see you in 2012.

Donald H. Lee President

Monday, Feb. 18 to 20, at various Whidbey Island wineries.

Taste wines and chocolate at six tasting rooms, which will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with some offering vineyard and farm tours.

Tickets cost $20 in advance from www.brownpapertickets.com or the wineries, or $25 during the tour. Visit www.whidbeyislandvintners.org.

Learn to save more, spend less Whidbey’s Frugalista, Amy Hannold, will present the class “Save More, Spend Less” on Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce on SR 20 in Oak Harbor.

Those attending will learn how to create the efficiency and planning that will save money.

Couponing tools, shopping strategies and ways of reducing household expenses are some of the topics covered.

Cost is $12 per person, which includes a notebook full of tools and moneysaving resources, class outline, freebies and door prizes.

To reserve a notebook, guests must RSVP to nwcouponclub@comcast. net. Call 675-2338 for information.

Enjoy the night sky and view distant galaxies, planets and nebulas at a Star Party Friday, Feb. 24 at Fort Nugent Park in Oak Harbor.

This free event is hosted by the Island County Astronomical Society and will begin at dark.

No telescope is needed and people of all ages are welcome to attend.

Please note the event will be canceled if the weather is cloudy.

Contact Dan Pullen at 679-7664 or icaspub@juno. com for information, or go to www.icas-wa.webs.com.

Beach Watchers wanted Anyone interested in learning how to protect and preserve their favorite beach, gaining a better understanding of the geology and biology of the islands, or who wants to meet people who share a love of nature may want to consider becoming a Beach Watcher trainee.

WSU Island County Beach Watchers are taking applications now to join the 2012 training sessions.

Classes will meet Mondays and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 2 through 30 and again from Oct. 1 through 31.

Got to beachwatchers. wsu.edu/island/ for information, or call Barbara Bennett at 679-7391.

Women | from PAGE 1 co-located with ground combat units will open up more than 14,000 additional positions to them.

“Women are contributing in unprecedented ways to the military’s mission,” Defense Secretary Leon Panetta Mike McClung said in the release.

“Through their courage, sacrifice, patriotism and great skill, women have proven their ability to serve in an expanding number of roles on and off the battlefield.”

Mike McClung, father of Maj. Megan McClung, the first Maj. Megan female Marine officer McClung killed in Iraq, said women have always had a role in combat, official or not, and Congress is just playing games.

“It’s a paperwork shuffle, really,” he said.

“If you stop and think about it, women have been in combat since time immemorial. The reality is if a job has physical requirements, there should be criteria.

Megan always argued that you can’t

exclude women because they are physically smaller.”

Part of the paperwork shuffle, as McClung calls it, is because the modern battlefield has changed. There are no longer clearly defined front lines and combat support operations are spread throughout the battlespace.

Allowing women to do jobs such as tank mechanic and field artillery radar operator, for example, opens up more than 13,000 Army jobs for female soldiers.

More than 1,000 jobs in intelligence, communications and logistics at units smaller than a brigade will also be opened.

According to the Pentagon, 144 military women have been killed and 865 wounded in combat and noncombat incidents in Iraq and Afghanistan. More than 200,000 women are part of the military’s 1.4 million-member active duty force.

McClung said men and women who join the military or become firefighters or police officers are a different breed. That shared spirit, or warrior ethos, sets them apart and makes them strive to do their jobs to the best of their ability.

He said his daughter wanted the same opportunities as her male counterparts in the Marine Corps.

“Had the rules been different all along, had Megan been allowed to join the infantry, she would have been in the lead,” McClung said.

Navy names littoral combat ship after Gabrielle Giffords From Department of the Navy

WASHINGTON (NNS) — Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced Feb. 10 that the next Independence variant littoral combat ship (LCS) will be named USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10).

The selection of Gabrielle Giffords, designated LCS 10, honors the former congresswoman from Tucson, Ariz. who is known for supporting the military and veterans, advocating for renewable energy and championing border security. Giffords recently resigned from Congress to recover from wounds she sustained in an assassination attempt in 2011.

“The Navy motto is Semper Fortis, Always Courageous,” said Mabus during a ceremony held in

the Pentagon Courtyard.

“Unwavering courage has defined the Navy for 236 years and it is what we expect, what we demand of our Sailors every single day. So it’s very appropriate that LCS 10 be named for someone who has become synonymous with courage, who has inspired the nation with remarkable resiliency and showed the possibilities of the human spirit.”

Mabus also announced the ship’s sponsor will be Roxanna Green. Green is the mother of ChristinaTaylor Green, the nineyear-old girl who was killed while attending the meeting of constituents where Giffords was shot.

A ship’s sponsor plays an important role in the life of the ship, naval tradition holds that her spirit and presence guide the ship

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throughout its service life.

“On that dark, tragic day now more than a year ago, Christina-Taylor Green was taken from us.

A nine-year-old who had just been elected to the student council, she wanted to become a more active participant in our democracy. Her mother, Roxanna Green, continues to express her daughter’s hope for the future and, as the President said, “of a nation as good as she imagined.”

“I am pleased to honor Gabrielle Giffords and the people of Arizona with the naming of this ship,” said Mabus. “Giffords and the ship’s sponsor, Roxanna Green, are sources of great inspiration and represent the Navy and Marine Corps qualities of overcoming, adapting and coming out victorious despite great challenges.”

Come Worship With Us.

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First United Methodist Church

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

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

675-4837

A Church, A Family

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

SUNDAY SERVICE

8:00 am TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICE 9:30 am FAMILY WORSHIP SERVICE 11:23 am CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP SERVICE www.ststephensanglicans.org

Island Vineyard Community Church Pastor James Gallagher

6:00-7:30 PM SUNDAY NIGHTS www.islandvineyard.org 2 CHURCHES - 1 BUILDING

555 SE Regatta Dr. Oak Harbor 679-3431

ISLAND VINEYARD COMMUNITY CHURCH

GRACE BY THE SEA • AN ANGLICAN EXPRSSION OF FAITH

www.frcoh.org office@frcoh.org

Sunday Worship... 8:30 am & 10:45 am Classes For All Ages...................9:45 am Youth Ministries-Choirs-Bible Studies

Dave Johnson, Pastor Chet Hansen, Music Minister Shelly Carman, Youth Director

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

Oak Harbor Church of Christ 1000 NE Koetje Street (Just North of Office Max)

“To Know Christ & Make Him Known”

Sunday Morning:

Worship Assembly ---------9:30 am Bible Classes for all ages 11:00 am Wed. Classes for all ages --6:30 pm www.churchofchrist-oh.org oakharborchurch@gmail.com

675-3441

House of Prayer Faith Tabernacle of Praise Monday Prayer Meeting - 6:00 P.M. Tuesday Night Bible Study- 6:30 P.M. Friday High Praise Service- 6:30 P.M. Sunday Celebration/Children’s Ministry – 9:30 A.M. Sunday Morning Worship Service – 11:00 A.M. Church Telephone Number (360)679-1003 Bishop Charles And Pastor Effie Boyles (360)929-3127

620 A/B Erin Park Drive Oak Harbor, WA 98277 (NEXT TO U-HAUL BLDG.) Word Of Everlasting Life & Faith Church

721 S.E. Barrington • Oak Harbor 360-632-3642

Sunday

Bible Study 9:00am Worship Service 10:00am Evening Service 6:00pm

Come Worship With Us! Thursday Bible Study 7:00p.m.

950 S.W. Upland Ct • Oak Harbor Pastor Dr. Thomas Stoneham Sr., Minister Donald Cole

Oak Harbor

490 NW Crosby Ave., Oak Harbor 675-5008

Sunday Services 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am

(“Kids on the Rock” Ministry for Children ages 3mos.-5th grade meets at all services)

“Amped” Jr. High Youth: Sun., 5:00 pm “Legacy” High School Youth: Sun., 7:15 pm Small Groups Women’s Ministry • Men’s Ministry Russ Schlecht ~ Senior Pastor

www.elivingword.org

United Pentecostal Church Sunday Service - Noon Wednesday Bible Study 7pm Pastor Mark Dillon 404-661-4653 mdillon@oakharborupc.com Mailing Address: 41 NE Midway Blvd Suite 103 Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Whidbey Presbyterian Church

CALVARY APOSTOLIC TABERNACLE (The Pentecostals of Island County)

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

1148 SE 8th Ave Oak Harbor

SOULS HARBOR

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

11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship 9:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship Dave Templin, Pastor Bethany Popkes, Youth Director Kurt Imbach, Adult Facilitator

www.whidbeypres.org

632-7243

Pastor Greg Adkins

Concordia Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

Preschool 360-679-1697

590 N. Oak Harbor St • Oak Harbor www.concordialutheranwhidbey.org

Lutheran Church

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

Saturday Worship ................. 5:30 p.m.

Sunday Worship ....8:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School .........................9:15 a.m.

Nursery Available

Sunday Evening Prayer 6:30 PM at St. Mary Catholic Church in Coupeville

Pastor Jeffrey Spencer Pastor Marc Stroud, Caring Minstry Lynne Ogren, Music & Children Ministry

679-1561

Whidbey Island Church of Christ 3143-G North Goldie Rd Oak Harbor

Worship Service .........................Sunday 10:00am Adult Bible Study & Sunday School.....11:15am Evening Service ....................Wednesday 6:30pm Nursery Available

Pastor Juan Palm 360-675-2548

679-3579

Child Care is available and Everyone Welcome

Oak Harbor

679-1288

Sunday Worship ........9:00 a.m.

Sunday Bible Study 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Evening ........5:00 p.m.

Wednesday Evening .6:00 p.m.

For more information call: Gary 675-5569 Jerry 679-3986

A connection beyond words

By MELANIE HAMMONS Whidbey Crosswind

W

hen Cindy Hurn’s friend invited her to come to Iraq in 2011, the local author and ghostwriter’s first reaction was, “Why? What for?”

“While I knew civilians were over there helping out the military in various ways, it seemed a dangerous, unstable place to be,” said Hurn, of Coupeville, in a recent interview about the book “No Buddy Left Behind: Bringing U.S. Troops’ Dogs and Cats Safely Home from the Combat Zone.” Hurn co-wrote the book with her friend Terri Crisp, a volunteer with Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International, who also served as SPCA’s program manager of Operation Baghdad Pups.

Hurn said the book’s storyline chronicles Crisp’s two-fold determination: one, to bring to the US abandoned dogs and cats rescued in Iraq by American troops, and two, reunite them with the service members who had adopted them. Operation Baghdad Pups would eventually succeed in evacuating several hundred animals, mostly dogs and cats, from Iraq to the U.S., three of whom Hurn escorted herself.

Although Hurn had lived overseas before, coming face-to-face with Middle Eastern culture for the first time was an eye-opener for her. Her time in Iraq was spent in a safe zone, but even so, she picked up on the apprehension the general populace must have felt.

Terri Crisp, program manager for Operation Baghdad Pups, shares a soulful moment with a camel in Iraq. PHOTO Courtesy of Cindy Hurn

Cindy Hurn, co-author of “No Buddy Left Behind: Bringing U.S. Troops’ Dogs and Cats Safely Home from the Combat Zone,” speaks of her experiences in Iraq during a presentation at Wind & Tide Bookshop in Oak Harbor Feb. 11. Melanie Hammons/Whidbey Crosswind “If you walked into a cafe, everyone’s eyes immediately went towards you, checking out who you were, and what you were carrying in your hands,” she said.

“And I was in a supposedly safe zone,” she continued. “For the first time, I experienced an inkling of what it was like for the soldiers assigned to Iraq, who most definitely were not in a safe zone.”

She said the different culture of the Middle East also influenced the people’s outlook on animals, which is in sharp contrast to American culture.

“Over here, the mindset overwhelmingly is that animals are our pets, our friends. There, the sometimes desperate conditions and poverty mean the people are raised to see them quite differently,” she said.

Hurn said one of the

first reactions of American soldiers was to adopt abandoned puppies, something forbidden by regulations that Hurn says were in the soldiers’ best interests.

“It was not unheard of for militants to take a puppy and strap a bomb to it,” said Hurn. “There were risks there.”

Still, one of these alliances came to the attention of Crisp in 2007, when Army Sgt. Eddie Watson wrote to SPCA International asking for help bringing back to the U.S. a dog named Charlie that his unit had adopted.

“Even though people were giving monetary gifts to make this happen,

the question was how to accomplish it,” said Hurn.

“You can just imagine the red tape associated with the logistics alone.”

There was a happy ending, though. It took Crisp six months to get Charlie to the U.S., where he was finally reunited with Watson - on Valentine’s Day 2008, no less. But that wasn’t really the end of the story. News spread of Charlie’s rescue, and soon, other requests for rescues were being forwarded to SPCA International.

“Everyone close to the situation saw that there was now a window of opportunity to get these animals out of Iraq. Not knowing

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“While I knew civilians were over there helping out the military in various ways, it seemed a dangerous, unstable place to be.”

– Cindy Hurn how much longer that window would be open, the need to act on it right away took priority,” said Hurn.

At a recent interview at Wind & Tide Bookshop, Hurn read excerpts from

the book and answered people’s questions.

“How do you determine which service member of the unit gets to keep the animal?” someone asked.

“Good question,” Hurn responded. “If several wanted to adopt, it likely would go to whomever could provide the best conditions to house the animal once stateside.”

It’s common knowledge that soldiers often bond deeply with adults and children in other countries and even with the working service dogs that often save their lives. One surprise is that many of the animals

SEE Author | PAGE 12

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Friday, Feb. 17

FREE Saturday Double Feature

Double Feature $5 adults/$2 youth

6 p.m. - Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (PG 13) 8:30 p.m. - The Devil Inside (R)

7 p.m. - Joyful Noise (PG 13) 9:30 p.m. Contraband (R)

Sunday, Feb. 19

Saturday, Feb. 18

Each movie $1

Matinee $3 adults / $1.50 youth

2 p.m. - Adventures of Tintin (PG) 4:15 p.m. - War Horse (PG 13)

2 p.m. - We Bought a Zoo (PG)

Information: 257-5537

Fri., Feb.17

Dining to Donate: Relay for Life of Whidbey Island Team Brothers in Arms is having a Dining to Donate at Applebee’s on Friday.

Anyone with a ticket, which can be printed at www. relayforlifeofwhidbeyisland. org under “fundraisers,” will have 15 percent of proceeds go to Relay for Life. Applebee’s is located at 31810 Hwy. 20, Oak Harbor. Call Tina for details at 240-1451.

Mardi Gras Party: Celebrate Fat Tuesday on Friday at the Back Alley Bar on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island from 8 p.m. to midnight. Beads and party favors included. Call 2574847 for information.

Elks’ Mardi Gras: Oak Harbor Elks Club hosts a Mardi Gras Party including a lightly seasoned authentic New Orleans dinner Friday at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30.

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Tickets are available in the Elks lounge or by calling Jeanette Sem, 675-9685 or June Dushek, 675-2426.

Cost is $15. The event is open to Elks members and their guests only, and Mardi Gras costumes are optional. Proceeds benefit Emblem Club 450 charities.

Professional Storyteller: Elementary school students can head to the Coupeville Library for the Early Release Program Friday at 1 p.m.

Professor and professional storyteller Lou LaBombard will tell Native American stories emphasizing tolerance and how we can all make a difference. The library is located at 788 NW Alexander St. Call 678-4911.

Click Music Acoustic Jam: Join your friends and neighbors for a free evening of playing music together each Friday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Click Music, 1130 NE Seventh Ave., in Oak Harbor.

Players of all ages and levels are welcome. Call 675-5544.

Sat., Feb. 18

Benefit Yard Sale: Relay for Life of Whidbey Island Team Rutledge will hold a fundraising yard sale Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2109 Fireside Ln., Oak Harbor. Payment is by donation, with all proceeds going to Relay for Life. Donations of items are welcome; contact Julia at 260-515-7744 for arrangements.

Daddy Daughter Dance: The Oak Harbor Daddy Daughter Dance will be held Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Senior Center, 51 SE Jerome Street.

Cost is $20 per couple. There will be a DJ, dancing, games and desserts. Sponsored

by North Whidbey Parks and Recreation, 675-7665.

Weekend of Wine and Chocolate: A ‘Sweet, Savory & Six Sexy Reds’ event will take place Saturday through Monday at Whidbey Island Winery in Langley. Step into the cellar with the wine makers and sample six red wines paired with both sweet and savory chocolates. Cost is $10, hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Cameo appearances by George of “Chocolates by George.” Call 360-321-2040.

People First Dance Night: People First of Island County, a private, nonprofit selfadvocacy organization for people with developmental disabilities, will hold its monthly dance night from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Grace Community Church, 29470 SR 20, Oak Harbor.

Call 360-914-1999 or email peoplefirstofislandcounty@ gmail.com.

Nonfiction Writing Workshop: The Whidbey Island Writers Association will hold the workshop “Writing Nonfiction: Embryo to First Paragraph” Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Coupeville Library. This workshop by Larry Cheek costs $75 for WIWA members and $90 for nonmembers.

Register or get information at www.writeonwhidbey. org or 360-331-0307.

Defensive Driving Class: AARP will sponsor a defensive driving class Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., covering rules of the road, challenges and agerelated physical changes that affect driving. There is no age limit, but the class focuses on older drivers.

Check with your insurance for discounts. Cost is $12 for AARP members; $14 for nonmembers. Bring a lunch.

Register by calling 279-4580.

The Wreck of the Andrea Doria: Local author Peter Hunt will present the wreck of the Andrea Doria slide show complete with artifacts recovered from the ship.

Visit the Wind and Tide Bookshop in downtown Oak Harbor Saturday at 1 p.m. to hear Hunt discuss and sign copies of his book, “Setting the Hook, A Diver’s Return to the Andrea Doria.”

Mon., Feb. 20

Job Club: Join the Job Club Mondays at 1 p.m. for free help finding a job.

Attendance is drop-in. The club is located in the Oak Harbor Library meeting room H137, 1000 SE Regatta Dr. Call 675-5115 or visit www.sno-isle.org.

City Offices Closed: Presidents’ Day holiday will close Oak Harbor city offices Monday. Garbage and recyclables usually collected Monday will be picked up Tuesday. There will be no changes in other Tuesday collections.

Tues., Feb. 21

AARP Tax-Aide: Free, one-on-one assistance for individuals’ federal tax return will be offered Tuesday from 12:30 to 6 p.m. at Oak Harbor Library. Priority will be given to those 60 and older. AARP membership is not required.

Call 675-5115 or go to www. sno-isle.org for information.

McTeachers Night: Broad View Elementary hosts “McTeacher Night” Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. Teachers will be cooking up and serving burgers at the Oak Harbor McDonald’s, with part of the proceeds benefiting the school.

Camera Club: Whidbey Island Camera Club will meet Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Oak Hall,

Room 306, Skagit Valley College Whidbey Campus.

The theme is “Windows (home, stores, churches etc).” Submit up to three photographs for discussion during the meeting to absolutescience@hotmail. com. Whidbey Island Camera Club is open to the public. Contact tina31543@ comcast.net or visit www. whidbeyislandcameraclub. com.

Wed., Feb. 22

Relay for Life Captains Meet: Relay for Life of Whidbey Island team captains meet Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Freeland Library conference room, located at 5495 Library Ln., Freeland. Everyone is welcome to attend to get information about Relay For Life participation, survivor/ fighter assistance available on island, sponsorship, luminary, memory plaques and fundraising. Call Tina King, 240-1451, with questions and find Relay for Life Whidbey on Facebook.

Thurs., Feb. 23

Musical Revue: Whidbey Playhouse in Oak Harbor presents “Wish Upon a Star” musical revue, starting Thursday and running through Sunday, March 4. Enjoy performances

by Rosario Sounds, Shifty Sailors, The Ballet Slipper, The Satin Dolls, Oak Harbor High School Show Choir and many others. Show will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $12 and are available at the Whidbey Playhouse box office or by calling 679-2237.

Orchid Sale: Whidbey General Hospital and its gift shop is having an Orchid Sale by AJ Florals Thursday and Friday, Feb. 23 and 24. Twenty percent of the proceeds will be donated to the hospital medical equipment wish list. Contact Nancy Bailey at 678-7656 ext. 3246.

Preschooler Ready Readers: Children ages 3 to 5 years enjoy stories, songs and getting ready to read with a parent or caregiver Thursday, Feb. 23 at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. at the Oak Harbor Library, 1000 SE Regatta Dr., and at 9:30 a.m. at the Coupeville Library, 788 NW Alexander St. Call 675-5115 or visit www.sno-isle.org.

Fri., Feb. 24

Knitting Group: Bring size 11 needles and a skein of yarn to the Fourth Friday Knitting Group, Friday at 10 a.m. at the Coupeville Library. Learn to knit or bring a project you’re working on. For ages 12 and up. Call 678-4911.

North Whidbey Coupon Club: Those interested in saving money on groceries and everyday items are welcome to attend the North Whidbey Coupon Club each Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

The club is free and open to all couponers, new or experienced. For information email nwcouponclub@ comcast.net or call 675-2338.

Sat., Feb. 25

Red Dress Ball: The Red Dress Ball will be held Saturday at 6 p.m. at the CPO Club on Ault Field Road in Oak Harbor. There will be a no-host bar, heavy hors d’oeuvre and dancing.

Cost is $50 per person.

Tickets are available at Whidbey Island Banks, from Soroptimist members and Whidbey General Hospital Life Center. Call Marta Page for information at 675-5999 or sioakharbor@ soroptimist.net.

Bringing Relay to Life: The first annual Magic of Relay: Bringing Relay to Life will be held Saturday, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. at the Best Western Cotton Tree Inn Convention Center, located at 2300 Market St., Mount Vernon. Relayers from across North Puget Sound will hear inspirational speakers, network with other relay teams, learn about fundraising and more. Enjoy a complimentary lunch.

There is no cost to attend but pre-registration is required

by Friday, Feb. 17. Register at www.MagicOfRelay.org.

Zombies Needed: Anyone on Whidbey Island wishing to be a zombie dancer in Oak Harbor High School’s “Thrill the Island,” an island-wide music video of “Thriller,” must attend rehearsal Saturday, Feb. 25 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Oak Harbor High School gym.

The video will be filmed March 10 from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Pioneer Way in Oak Harbor. Call 279-5829.

Oak Harbor Pool Aglow: Glow Night night at the Oak Harbor Pool will be held Saturday, Feb. 25 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Cost is $3, with snacks, drinks and glowing things provided. Contact the North Whidbey Parks & Recreation Oak Harbor Pool at 675-7665 with questions.

Sale to Benefit Stroke Victim: A huge benefit sale at the American Legion Hall Saturday and Sunday, Feb 25. and 26, from noon to 7 p.m. each day will help Kim Morris, OHHS class of ‘79. Morris is slowly recovering from a stroke. Antiques, tools, furniture, a 1952 Studebaker pickup and much more, with a silent auction every hour. Donations welcome; call 678-7788.

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2 BEDROOM Dugualla Bay beach front! Complete quality furnishings included with this beautiful log home. Open floor plan, basement rec room, quiet, on approx 3 acres. No smoking/ pets. $1,825 per month, first, last, damage deposit, a n d c r e d i t c h e ck r e quired. Available now!

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2 BEDROOM WITH washer, dr yer, yard & small fenced garden in C raw fo r d R o a d a r e a .

Pe t s n e g o t i a b l e . N o s m o k i n g . $ 8 0 0 p e r 9OURĂĽNEWĂĽJOBĂĽISĂĽWAITINGĂĽATĂĽĂĽ B E AU T I F U L wa t e r / M t WWW NW ADS COM month plus first, last & view 3 Bedroom, 1.75 3 BEDROOM Victorian $400 damage deposit. Oak Harbor Bath home. W/D, Gas/ farmhouse, 2.5 bath on 360-632-0337.

3 BEDROOM, 2.5 bath, pellet fireplace. Attached Oak Harbor 3 acres. Pets negotiable. LANGLEY 2 car garage on private garage. New carpet, no N o s m o k i n g . $ 1 , 2 0 0 . 3 BEDROOM, 1 BATH cul-de-sac. 10 minutes p e t s / s m o k i n g . $ 1 3 0 0 Section 8 ok. Available home. Remodeled Sara- from NAS. $1150 month mo. Call 360-929-0758.

February 1st. 425-314- toga rambler in woodsy plus deposit. Available 1380, 425-876-1366. setting. Near town, on now! 904-287-3202 be- OAK HARBOR GREAT BALCONY View busline. Washer, dryer fore 7pm.

FREELAND of July 4th fireworks and and attached garage. No OAK HARBOR stunning harbor landsmoking/ pets. $950 scape. 3 bedroom, 2.5 month plus utilities, first, bath home, hardwood 2 BEDROOM, 2 bath, last, deposit and 1 year floors, double garage, all bonus room rambler on lease. 360-321-4042 appliances & some furnice dead end street.

WWW NW ADS COM nishings. $1,200 gets Move in ready with new you into a quiet cul-decarpet, paint, flooring, ,OCALĂĽJOBSĂĽINĂĽPRINTĂĽANDĂĽON LINE sac! Close to bus, counter tops, stainless Langley 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH s c h o o l s , c h u r c h e s & steel appliances and updated home on se- stores. Secur ity, first, wa s h e r / d r ye r. L a r g e cluded 2 1/2 acre lot. 2 last, $500 damage deyard with shed and car attached garage plus posit. Available 3/1. 360fenced backyard. Own it c o ve r e d c a r p o r t a n d 675-4113. for way less than rentstorage shed. Includes ing! Asking $109,000. washer, dryer and refrig- Real Estate for Rent Call Rob at 360-421Skagit County erator. Electric heat plus 3805.

1 + B E D RO O M , l o f t OAK HARBOR a r e a , Fr e e l a n d a r e a , 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH propane fireplace insert. Sedro Woolley $875/ month. Washer, Apartment on 5 Wooded Non smoking. Pet negod r y e r, g a r a g e , w o o d acres, 10 minutes from t i a bl e w i t h a d d i t i o n a l floors in living/ dining & Fr e e l a n d o r L a n g l ey. damage deposit. $1,350 wood stove. Acreage. Spacious, sunny, peace- per month. Section 8 First, last and cleaning f u l a n d s e c l u d e d . A l l Okay. Credit check req. d e p o s i t . N o s m o k i n g . black appliances, jacuz- Call 360-929-3459.

Cell: 503-341-3799. zi. Small pet OK. $900 Oak Harbor month. Call Mon-ThursFREELAND FOR SALE BY OWNER: day, 10am-4pm; JOHN Spacious 3 bedroom 360-321-2402 3 LARGE BEDROOMS, home on active 55 street Langley 1 bath. Large walk-in across from golf course. closet in Master. Large Vaulted ceilings, living living and dining rooms room, dining area off of with per iod detailing. kitchen, den with gas Newly renovated eat-in fireplace. Carpet and tile 3 B E D RO O M , 2 b a t h kitchen. Laundr y. Upfloors. Two full baths. BEAUTIFUL 1,700 SF w i t h 1 c a r g a ra g e i n stairs bonus room. Gas Walk-in closets in mas- L o g H o m e. L a r g e r e q u i e t n e i g h b o r h o o d . furnace. Partially fenced ter suite. Granite coun- modeled house is on 5 Woodstove and laminate yard. Close to schools tertops, cherry cabinets. acres. 2 bedrooms, 2 and shopping. No smokStainless steel applianc- baths, W/D, deck. Pets 3 + B E D R O O M S , 3 downstairs, carpet up- ing or pets. Security fee: es. Gas heating. Fenced considered. Water incl. Baths, $1375/ month. stairs, fenced backyard. $50. $1200 rent, $1000 Av a i l a b l e n o w ! N i c e $1250 month, 12 or 18 b a c k y a r d . C o v e r e d $1,200. 360-331-2795. home in safe and clean month lease available. d a m a g e . J o a n n a , porches; attached twocommunity. Large deck, $1250 security deposit (360)755-9872 car garage. Sprinkler GREENBANK System. HOA dues in- 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH large living room with and first months rent up Apartments for Rent c l u d e y a r d c a r e . home on 2 plus acres in fireplace, large entertain- front. Pets negotiable.

Island County $329,500. A must see. Greenbank. Super clean ment room with fireplace Call Diana for informaRealtors Welcome! Call: w i t h h a r d wo o d f l o o r s downstairs, 2 car gar- tion, 360-929-5495.

Coupeville 360-679-2460. and detached 3 car gar- age, utility room, ample OAK HARBOR MADRONA VALLEY age. Private setting with storage space. Commu- B E AC H F R O N T, P r i APARTMENTS nity clubhouse with pool, vate, quiet location.

2 garden and green 1 Bedroom $555 h o u s e . $ 1 , 3 0 0 p e r tennis and dining. Close bedroom, 1 bath. Washt o ex c e l l e n t s c h o o l s, er/ dr yer. New car pet, m o n t h p l u s d e p o s i t s.

2 Bedroom $620 $300 Security Deposit Pets negotiable. Owner s h o p p i n g a n d d i n i n g . new kitchen. Fireplace.

Minutes from Ferry.

ReClubhouse, parks, pool, is WA state RE Broker.

Income Limits Apply P l e a s e c a l l 3 6 0 - 9 2 9 - cent Updates. Long term boat ramp, dock, comCall 360-678-3522 lease preferred. First, m u n i t y b e a c h . $ 7 9 5 5968 for information. last and damage deposit month. (425)563-8422 360-320-1057 Langley required. No smoking.

2 BEDROOM, 1.5 Bath Pet negotiable with addireal estate Glenhaven Townhouse; tional damage deposit. washer/dryer included. Call (360)929-0893 or for sale Age 55 or older, $700 (707)937-3597, leave p e r m o n t h . Ava i l a bl e message.

Real Estate for Sale 2/15. Contact Katharine Manufactured Homes 360-678-4181 or 800- Oak Harbor Serving North 2 BR, 1 BA duplex.

321-0686.

Oak Harbor Close to NAS on private Whidbey for all of FOR SALE 2 and 3 BR Langley 1/2 acre. All appliances your housing needs. mobile homes in family- Secluded custom cot- including W/D, propane f r i e n d l y p a r k , n e a r tage on quiet acreage . 2 heat, private deck. $700, schools, shopping, Navy BR, furnished or unfur- 1st and deposit. Water & 360-675-9097 base. $5,000-$18,000. nished, gas heat. $1200 septic included. Pets nemonth. 360-321-4978. www.WhidbeyIslandRentals.com 360-675-4228 gotiable. (360)320-3668 OPPORTUNITY

Apartments for Rent Island County

Apartments for Rent Island County OAK HARBOR

&INDĂĽ)T ĂĽ"UYĂĽ)T ĂĽ3ELLĂĽ)T ,OOKINGĂĽFORĂĽTHEĂĽRIDE OFĂĽYOURĂĽLIFE WWW NW ADS COM ĂĽHOURSĂĽAĂĽDAY

L A R G E 2 B E D RO O M Penthouse view, spacious patio. Clean and quiet! Fireplace, washer, dr yer hookups. Senior ClassiďŹ eds. We’ve got you discount avail. Garbage covered. 800-388-2527 included. $725/ Month.

360-675-6642.

Langley

Oak Harbor

2 BEDROOM VIEW apartment, 4 miles North of Langley. Second story. Beach access. View o f S a ra t o g a Pa s s a g e and Mount Baker. $600 per month plus electric.

Water, sewer, garbage paid. Contact Ross: 206628-2447 or rjacobson@wkg.com Langley

LEXY MANOR. Small, quiet complex. 1, 2 & 3 bedrooms available.

Close to shopping.

Fa m i l i e s a n d s p e c i a l needs welcome. Rent starts at $556. Call: 360279-2155

SOLD IT? FOUND IT? Let us know by calling 1-800-388-2527 so we can cancel your ad.

Oak Harbor

Madrona Manor Quality Living at an affordable price.

Families and special needs welcome.

1, 2 and 3 bedrooms starting at $615/mo.

Walking distance to beach, park, shopping and bus route.

Call: 360-240-1606

STUDIO APARTMENT: Completely fur nished with sweeping view of Saratoga Passage. Private deck. Quiet neighborhood. $775/mo, min 6 mo lease. INCLUDES ** Section 8 ok all utilities, basic phone, and free cable TV. No Bottomless garage sale. smoking. Cat possible. $37/no word limit. Reach Call 360-221-3911 to thousands of readers. view.

Go online: nw-ads.com Oak Harbor 24 hours a day or Call 1 BEDROOM 800-388-2527 to get more information.

APARTMENTS. $612-$662 per month. &INDĂĽ)T ĂĽ"UYĂĽ)T ĂĽ3ELLĂĽ)T Deposit special ,OOKINGĂĽFORĂĽTHEĂĽRIDE only $265!

OFĂĽYOURĂĽLIFE Near NAS. Available Now! WWW NW ADS COM ĂĽHOURSĂĽAĂĽDAY Call: (360)679-1442 OAK HARBOR

OAK HARBOR

OAK GROVE APTS

Now available:

1 & 2 Bedrooms $550-$680 per month Call 360-675-4002 65 SW 3rd Ave, Oak Harbor

EXTENDED stay. Temporary housing. 1 Bedroom, month to month, &INDĂĽITĂĽFASTĂĽANDĂĽEASY WWW NW ADS COM furnished, utilities included. no smoking or pets.

ClassiďŹ eds. We’ve got you 360-675-5911, covered. 800-388-2527 nwimotel@frontier.com

'SPTUBE 1POE

FROM 5,000 TO $10,000 IN BUYER BONUSES

$

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PAGE 10

I Feb 17, 2012

Apartments for Rent Snohomish County

OAK HARBOR MOBILE HOME PARK

Mukilteo

Commercial Rentals Office/Commercial OAK HARBOR

MULTIPLE Commercial spaces, just renovated to like new, on Pioneer with unobstructed Winter Specials! Way View of Oak Harbor Bay and Marina. Entire space of 2,405 sq ft has dividing wall with two Lease, Purchase or separate entrances and Rental Options many separation opporAvailable Now tunities. Or two separate t e n a n t s p a c e APPLICATION FEE availabilities for either S8 okay 1,254 or 1,151 SF with CALL TODAY each having space sep360-675-4228 aration oppor tunities.

Call 360-914-7090 or ClassiďŹ eds. We’ve got you 360-675-9592. covered. 800-388-2527 &INDĂĽ)T ĂĽ"UYĂĽ)T ĂĽ3ELLĂĽ)T ,OOKINGĂĽFORĂĽTHEĂĽRIDE OFĂĽYOURĂĽLIFE WWW NW ADS COM ĂĽHOURSĂĽAĂĽDAY

$545 - $745

B E A U T I F U L LY F u r nished 1 bedroom view apartment. $950 month plus $100 month includes all utilities, cable TV and Wi-Fi. Secluded downtown Old Mukilteo, 3 blocks from ferry. Spac i o u s 8 5 0 S F. Z o n e d residential/ commercial.

Ideal for live/ wor k space. Secluded, large ya r d , w a l k - i n c l o s e t , large living room with office space, covered veranda, off-street parking, new large flat screen TV, shared W/D. Surrounded by yard, quiet and borders a wooded ravine with year round stream.

5 minutes to Boeing, 1/2 hour to Seattle (via commuter rail), 15 minute ferry ride to Whidbey Island. 1 year lease. First, last, damage and background check required.

No pets, no smoking.

For photos, email: greatviewmukilteo@hotmail. com Contact Milo at: 425-971-5890 WA Misc. Rentals Duplexes/Multiplexes

WWW.WHIDBEYCROSSWIND.COM

www.nw-ads.com

WA Misc. Rentals Mobile/MFG Homes

ClassiďŹ eds. We’ve got you covered. 800-388-2527

real estate rentals

OAK HARBOR

Commercial Rentals Office/Commercial Oak Harbor

3 ROOM OFFICE Suite, 2 with waterfront views, in professional building.

High traffic, great parking! $950, water, sewer, garbage, electric included. 360-929-7593

SOLD IT? FOUND IT? Let us know by calling 1-800-388-2527 so we OAK HARBOR 2 BEDROOM waterview! can cancel your ad.

Old town, quiet neighborhood, near beach! &INDĂĽ)T ĂĽ"UYĂĽ)T ĂĽ3ELLĂĽ)T Laundry hookups, yard, ,OOKINGĂĽFORĂĽTHEĂĽRIDE OFĂĽYOURĂĽLIFE off-street parking. $720.

WWW NW ADS COM 360-679-1103. ĂĽHOURSĂĽAĂĽDAY

OFFICE SPACE

231 SE Barrington Starting @ $425/mo 735 SF ~ $765+nnn 605 SF ~ $745+nnn

206-715-9000

announcements Announcements

G&O MINI STORAGE New Space Available Now! Some Just Like A Vault!

Hwy 20 & Banta Road

Call:

360-675-6533 PELVIC/ TRANSVAGINAL MESH? Did you undergo transvaginal placememnt of mesh for pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence between 2005 and the present time? If the patch required removal due to complications, you may be entitled to compensation.

Call Johnson Law and speak with female staff members 1-800-535-5727 ClassiďŹ eds. We’ve got you covered. 800-388-2527

www.LeasingRealEstate.com

Found

Bottomless garage sale. $37/no word limit. Reach thousands of readers.

Go online: nw-ads.com 24 hours a day or Call 800-388-2527 to get more information.

FOUND: CAR or Truck Keys on Carbineer type key ring. On Sunnyside Ave in Swantown. Call (360)279-0912 to ID.

For All Your Recruitment Needs

ASK THE EXPERT

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT

POOL FACILITIES MANAGER & LIFEGUARDS

REPORTER

The Whidbey NewsTimes seeks an enthusiastic, motivated Advertising Sales Representative to sell advertising.

Successful candidate must be dependable, detail-oriented and possess exceptional customer ser vice skills.

Previous sales experience required and media sales a plus! Reliable insured transportation and good driving record required. Straight commission with a draw, excellent health benefits, 401K and a great work environment with opportunity to advance. EOE. Please send resume with cover letter in PDF or Text format to hr@soundpublishing.com or mail to: HR/WNTADSALES Sound Publishing, Inc. 19351 8th Ave. NE, Suite 106 Poulsbo, WA 98370

For detailed job descriptions please contact: Ed: 360-678-0426, whshed@live.com.

Or send resume to ACBC, PO Box 366, Coupeville, WA 98239 9OURĂĽNEWĂĽJOBĂĽISĂĽWAITINGĂĽATĂĽĂĽ

WWW NW ADS COM

SOLD IT? FOUND IT? Let us know by calling 1-800-388-2527 so we can cancel your ad.

ISLAND COUNTY JOB OPENING ELECTION ACCESSIBILITY COORDINATOR www.islandcounty.net/hr for more information North Whidbey Park & Recreation District

The final date for receiving applications will be February 29, 2012.

PART TIME, WEEKEND OFFICE POSITION Employment Storage facility looking Administrative for help. Must have computer skills and good ADMINISTRATOR customer service. Apply Whidbey Watershed in person, Mariner Self Stewards Storage, 34100 SR 20, Seeking person with ex- Oak Harbor. perience in communication, program & financial management, fundraising. Par t-time salaried position 40-50 hrs/ RECEPTIONIST month. See job description on web site: MARKETING REP www.whidbeywatersheds.org

Submit letter, resume and references to:

Part-time/Seasonal pool facilities manager and summer lifeguards.

Manager responsible for operation and maintenance of a 100,000gallon community pool including supervision of lifeguards. Applicants must have prior experience with similar sized facility and lifeguard certification. Manager: 20-30 hrs/wk, June thru Sept 15th; 2-6 hours S e p t . t h r u M ay. L i fe guards: full/part-time positions. Mid-June thru early Sept.

info@whidbeywatersheds.org

For more information please visit: www.whidbey.com

Position open until filled.

Interviews begin Feb 22.

EEOE

got weeds?

Mary’s Weeding Service Garden Restoration, Maintenance, Pruning Planting, Yard Debris Serving all of Whidbey Island

360-632-7088 or 360-333-8805 P.O. Box 114 Coupeville, WA 98230 Marysweeding@yahoo.com

The Journal of the San Juans in the beautiful San Juan islands of Wa s h i n g t o n S t a t e i s seeking a general assignment reporter with writing experience and photography skills.

Knowledge of Indesign and social media a plus but not required. Applicants must be able to work in a team-oriented deadline driven environment, display excellent w r i t i n g s k i l l s, h ave a knowledge of community n ew s a n d b e a bl e t o compose ar ticles on multiple topics. This is a 32 hour-per-week position that includes excellent benefits; medical, dental, 401K, paid vacation and holidays.

Please send resume with cover letter, 3 or more non-retur nable clips in PDF or Text format and references to hr@soundpublishing.com or mail to: GAREP/HR Sound Publishing, Inc. 19351 8th Ave. NE, Suite 106 Poulsbo, WA 98370 EOE

Health Care Employment

General

MENTAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN III On Call.

C o u p ev i l l e. R e q u i r e s both skills training around parenting issues, behavior management techniques and support to the parent and children. BA degree in behavioral health or AA + 2 years related experience or combination education/experience totaling 4 ye a r s. Va l i d W S D L and insurable dr iving record. Registered in WA S t a t e. $ 1 2 . 7 0 + DOE. Please send resume & cover letter to: Compass Health, HR PO Box 3810 MS 42 Everett, WA 98213 resume@compassh.org www.compasshealth.org EOE Business Opportunities

SALON OR EQUIPMENT For Sale. 6 stat i o n s w i t h a l l n ew e r, black equipment. 6 hyHealth Care Employment draulic chairs and 3 dryGeneral e r c h a i r s. S a l o n h a s CERTIFIED MEDICAL kitchen, tankless water ASSISTANT h e a t e r a n d s t a ck a bl e for PRN hrs W/D. Will sell equipment seperately. Rent at locaOak Harbor Naval tion extremely reaHospital sonable! Please call for Cer tification by AAMA more details: 360-679r e q u i r e d . M i n i m u m 1 2163 year experience within last 3 years. Prefer out- VIVIANE Skin Care patient exper. Contact Wanted: Entrepreneurial Sabina@caseproinc.com Woman desiring a home b a s e d bu s i n e s s w i t h proven water based skin care. Local family Part & Full Time Please apply in person: owned company. Great earning potential. Starter Careage of Whidbey kits as low as $29.99.

311 NE 3rd Street Coupeville, WA. joininfo@vivianeskincare.com 360-678-2273 www.vivianeskincare.com

Bottomless garage sale. $37/no word limit. Reach thousands of readers.

Go online: nw-ads.com 24 hours a day or Call 800-388-2527 to get more information.

Salesperson Needed to work in a fun, fast-paced environment!

Little Nickel, a division of Sound Publishing, Inc. is seeking an experienced Inside Advertising Sales Consultant. Position will be based out of our Eve r e t t o f f i c e. We a r e looking for candidates who are assertive, goaldriven, and who possess strong interpersonal skills—both written and (800)423-3600 verbal. Ideal candidates COOK will need to have an exPart Time ceptional sales backPlease apply in perground; print media exson: per ience is a definite Careage of Whidbey asset. If you thrive on 311 NE 3rd Street calling on new, active or Coupeville, WA. inactive accounts; are 360-678-2273 self-motivated, well organized, and want to join Director of a professional, highly Nursing Service. energized and competiLong term care tive sales team, we want experience pref. to hear from you. Must be computer-proficient at Please apply in person: Professional Services Careage of Whidbey Word, Excel, and utilizJanitorial 311 NE 3rd Street ing the Internet. ComCoupeville, WA. pensation includes a 360-678-2273 base wage plus commisFulltime MA/LPN sion and an excellent wanted for fast paced group benefits program. medical clinics located Please email resume o n S o u t h W h i d b e y  and cover letter to: hreast@soundpublishing.com Benefits included. VACUUM AND SEWING MACHINE SALES, SERVICE & REPAIR Fax resume to or MAIL to: 360-331-2104. Sound Publishing, Inc. 360-679-2282 Email resume to 19426 68th Avenue S. /& .JEXBZ #MWE t 0BL )BSCPS whidphys@comcast.net Kent, WA 98032 COVENANT JANITORIAL & MAINTENANCE ATTN: HR/LNIS 360-720-2617 Maple Ridge EOE Commercial & Industrial Janitorial Services for All Whidbey Island

CNA’s

professional services

Island Sewing&Vacuum

Assisted Living IS GROWING!!

&INDĂĽITĂĽFASTĂĽANDĂĽEASY WWW NW ADS COM

Sell it free in the Flea • 1-866-825-9001 • &INDü)T ü"UYü)T ü3ELLü)T ,OOKINGüFORüTHEüRIDE OFüYOURüLIFE WWW NW ADS COM üHOURSüAüDAY

10% Discount for all WGH Employees, Police, Firefighters & EMS.

Now Hiring:

Caregivers, F/T P/T weekend Kitchen Aide

Apply in person at: 1767 Alliance Ave. Freeland, WA. 98249

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

O PRO

Whether you need to target your local market or want to cover the Puget Sound area,

Employment Media

WNT

With options ranging from one time advertising to annual campaigns, I have the products and the expertise to meet your needs.

Employment General

FOUND: LADIES Goldis in search of a new tone Pulsar Wrist Watch.

DIRECTOR Found on 2/1/12 on Jewett Road. Call to identi- To see the full job postfy and claim. (360)579- ing including the applica4129 tion procedures please click to: www.oakharborpool.org or visit the pool itself.

You may also email: DirectorSearch NWPRD@gmail.com

jobs

Tiffany Walker Recruitment Solutions Specialist 10 years print media experience 866-603-3213 twalker@soundpublishing.com

Employment General

Living and Serving Locally for 30 years.

/FX $POTUSVDUJPO t 3FNPEFMJOH t "EEJUJPOT

360-678-6040 Lic#CC01SPATZWL953PR

So easy you can do it standing on your head

www.nw-ads.com

home services Home Services Handyperson

24/7 EXPERT HANDYMAN

Free Estimates! Very Reasonable! Excellent Work! Dependable!

Call Denny Today!

360-632-0269

F

WWW.WHIDBEYCROSSWIND.COM

www.nw-ads.com Dogs

stuff

pets/animals

Appliances

Dogs

APPLIANCE RECYCLING CONNECTION

5 PUREBRED Miniature American Eskimo puppies for sale. $650 each.

Great with kids, family raised. Mom on-site.

Ready for their forever home. If interested, please email: americaneskimopups@gmail.com or call 360-675-6117

$$$ SAVE $$$

Many only 1-3 year old appliances starting at

$99

* Washers * Dryers * Refrigerators * D/W * Stoves * Freezers * S/S Refrigerators * Stack W/D. All fully guaranteed.

Over 100 Units To Choose From.

Need it Delivered?

We can do that too!

Open Mon-Fri 9-6, Saturday 9-5.

360-336-3812 VISA/M.C.

TOY POODLE, 8 weeks o l d . M a l e, bl a ck w i t h white paws, chin and neckline. CKC Registered. Tail bobbed, dew c l aw s c l i p p e d , p u p py shots and partially potty trained. $450. (307)2592 3 0 7 Po r t O r c h a r d .

E m a i l f o r p i c t u r e s : 1 9 6 5 R E S TO R E D 3 1 ’ glasser2@msn.com Pembroke Sedan Cruiser, possible live aboard.

Sell it free in the Flea Mahogany lapstrake hull on oak frames, full keel 1-866-825-9001 with bronze skeg, rudder & cutlass strut; deck & coach roofs covered with glass cloth; Perkins diesel, Borg Warner Velvet D r i ve t ra n s m i s s i o n & bronze prop. 100 gal fuel tankage, 80 gal water tankage. Pressure hot & cold water for shower, wash basin & sink. Elecgarage sales - WA tric Head, diesel range, ac/dc refrigerator, microw a v e . V H F, d e p t h Garage/Moving Sales sounder, autopilot, spotIsland County light, battery charger, ac to dc converter, 2 bilge Freeland pumps. Inflatable dingy, MOVING - TAG Sale. 1 2 a n c h o r s w i t h r o d e, D ay O n l y ! S a t u r d ay, boat hooks, fenders, & Fe b r u a r y 1 8 t h , 9 a m - mooring lines. Sleeps 2 4 p m . F u r n i t u r e , A n - in large V-berth, dinette tiques, Decorator Acces- converts to small double sories, Fine China, Sil- berth. Illness forces sale. verplate Ware, Crystal, Boat lying in Por t OrVenetian Glass Chande- chard. $4,000 or best oflier, Teacups, Teapots, fer by 3/23/12! No reaCopper Pots and Pans, sonable offer refused.

B o o k s , E a s t e r a n d 360-638-1749 or email Christmas Decorations. jimvanvalkenburg@ No Early Birds, Please! myway.com 634 Windmill Drive, off Bush Point Road, Freeland.

AKC GERMAN Shepherd puppies, bred for sound Cemetery Plots temperament and train a b i l i t y. A l l G e r m a n OAK HARBOR bloodlines. Parents on4’X10’ BURIAL PLOT At site and family raised.

Maple Leaf Cemeter y. Males / females. $700.

L o v e l y , w e l l k e p t 360-456-0362 grounds & year round maintenance included. SOLD IT? FOUND IT? As seasons change the Let us know by calling picturesque view is gor- 1-800-388-2527 so we &INDĂĽITĂĽFASTĂĽANDĂĽEASY geous! Friendly, helpful can cancel your ad.

WWW NW ADS COM staff. Asking below cemetery price at only Oak Harbor $800, cash only. InterEVERY WEEKEND in ested please call Mary Fe b r u a r y a n d M a r c h .

Ann 360-675-3074.

House across from Jets, on Hwy 20. 9am-5pm.

SOLD IT? FOUND IT? Too much stuff to list!

Let us know by calling 1-800-388-2527 so we Oak Harbor can cancel your ad.

AKC POODLE Puppies. F U R N I T U R E A n d Brown Standard. 9 wks Household Items. Februo l d o n Fe b r u a r y 1 s t . ary 19th-20th, 8am-4pm, First shots and wormed. 1 0 4 0 C l i f f v i ew L a n e, Very beautiful, intelligent 98277. loving. Parents have had OAK HARBOR pre-breeding & genetic MULTI FAMILY garage testing, also good hips, sale! Too many items to elbows & eyes. Home list! Friday & Saturday raised with with loving f r o m 9 a m t o 3 p m a t c a r e . 7 f e m a l e s , 2 1770 Aberdeen Cour t, males. $1200/each. See Oak Harbor. puppies online: www.topperspoodles.net Call Rober ta 360-2866845.

Flea Market

flea market

Desk with matching bookcase. Sturdy construction with metal supports and pressed wood surfaces. $40 for both.

360-679-2650 Laura.

Motorcycle helemet; Harley Davidson, extra large, black. New condition! $75. New pair of Carolina Riding boots, size 11 1/2 wide, steel toed, $50. Call between 5pm and 6pm 360-6752712.

Free Items Recycler

FREE, 32� JVC HDTV. CRT style. Works fine, we just upgraded and need the space. 360675-5384, Oak Harbor.

FREE! Wood pallets for firewood or ?

(Does not include 48x40 size)

Call Today!

425-355-0717 ext. 1560

Ask for Karen Avis

Visit our web site for great deals nw-ads.com BOSTON TERRIER

wheels BOSTON TERRIER Puppies. Purebred, born December 4th. Excellent markings & conformation! 2 males & female.

Paper trained with first shots. Family raised! Super friendly dispositions!

Only $800 each. Harriet 360-929-0495 or 360679-2500 Whidbey Island.

GREAT DANE

A K C G R E AT D A N E Puppies. Now offering Full-Euro’s, Half-Euro’s & Standard Great Danes. Males & females. Every color but Faw n s , $ 5 0 0 & u p.

Health guarantee. Licensed since 2002.

Dreyersdanes is Oregon state’s largest breeder of Great Danes. Also; selling Standard Poodles. www.dreyersdanes.com Call 503-556-4190.

Marine Power

jimvanvalkenburg@myway.com

Feb 17, 2012

Marine Power

1997 21’ DUCKWORTH Silverwing Semi Hardt o p. “ T h e # 1 C u s t o m Welded Aluminum Boat�.

V Hull. Shock absorber captains chairs, bench seats and fish seats.

Po l e h o l d e r s. S t e r e o.

Dual batteries and more.

2001 Honda 130 Outboard and Merc 15 HP kicker. Priced to sell at $19,995. More Info Available. 360-472-0895 Friday Harbor

Automobiles Nissan

Pickup Trucks Toyota

2011 CADILLAC DTS, only 2,200 miles! Red, 4 door, sunroof. Standard Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance includes scheduled oil changes, tire rotations, replacement of engine and cabin air filters and multipoint vehicle inspections for 4yrs or 50,000 miles.

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2006 Nissan Sentra 96K miles, Sharp Rig, $7995.

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1995 CHEVY Impala SS. Original owner; only 49,000 miles; Corvette 350 engine; factory upgraded brake system; dark green/grey metallic paint, grey leather interior; Pioneer 12 CD system with remote; electric windows, seats, door locks; original wheels; r e g u l a r m a i n t e n a n c e.

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Author | from PAGE 7 adopted and rescued during Operation Baghdad Pups answer some very deep-seated needs in the lives of those who adopt them, said Hurn.

She said the entire experience of compiling the book had opened her eyes not only to how military members are affected by combat, but also their families.

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having PTSD,” she said.

“Think for a minute of what their families are going through as well.

“You can imagine how it is for some of these soldiers who return from the war zone,” continued Hurn. “Maybe they’ve lost a friend or two over there.

What a comfort some of these animals they adopt can be to them. The book is just filled with examples.”

One of the examples she cited was the case of a

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“You can imagine how it is for some of these soldiers who return from the war zone. What a comfort some of these animals they adopt can be to them.”

The force is with them

– Cindy Hurn Navy SEAL whose experiences left him silent, and unable to talk about his trauma. His mother said she’d lost her son, characterizing him as “wounded and shut-down.”

But that changed the day he was reunited with his dog.

“That dog brought my son home,” said the mom.

“I would see him sitting out in the garden in the back, with his arm around his dog, just talking to him.”

Crisp and Hurn’s book, “No Buddy Left Behind: Bringing U.S. Troops’ Dogs and Cats Safely Home from the Combat Zone,” may be purchased at Wind & Tide Bookshop in Oak Harbor.

Future | from PAGE 1 In a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Larsen said the future of NAS

Stormtrooper TK-7293 of the 501st Legion reenlists Aviation Electronics Technician Chief Dennis King in front of the Prowler memorial on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Feb. 1. TK-7293 is also known as Lt. Christopher Cecil of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 61.

Whidbey is secure.

“The Navy stands by its record of decision in regard to the P-8A coming to NAS Whidbey,” Larsen said. “In my conversations with Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, he assured me the Navy is sticking with the 2008 record of decision, which will bring the Poseidon to NAS Whidbey by 2017.”

A briefing released Monday by the Department of Defense indicated the DOD was adjusting the number of P-8As ordered. However, Larsen said it’s just a delay, not a cancellation, of the number of Poseidons being purchased.

“The Navy is slowing its purchase of ten planes by one year for the sake of the budget,” said Larsen.

“Sec. Mabus said the Navy will still purchase the full complement of P-8As.” This news should be music to the ears of task force members, who said at last week’s meeting they believe the only thing that could hurt NAS Whidbey at this point would be a change to the record of decision regarding the P-8A. Task force members worried that if NAS

Whidbey were to lose the Poseidon platform, it would put the base may be in a more precarious position.

“If we minimize the number of platforms at the base, it puts us at greater risk,” said Island County Commissioner Angie Homola.

Former base commander and state legislator, Barry Sehlin, looks at the issue from a practical standpoint.

“As long as the Navy plans to maintain carrier levels and long range patrol, the P-3s and P-8s have to have a place to park,” he said, adding that many current bases are full, such as NAS Lemoore in California, where all NASWI personnel and aircraft would have been moved to had the base closed in 1991. Lemoore was full then, and it’s full today.

“The Navy is between a rock and a hard place on where to park their jet aircraft,” Sehlin said. “They clearly have to be parked somewhere and NAS Whidbey has to be part of that decision.”

As task force members plan their upcoming, annu-

al trips to Washington, D.C. to meet with members of Congress and officials at the Pentagon, they discussed strategy.

“I hope we can bring all our ideas together,” Slowik said. “In the past we’ve gone in with a plan of what we wanted to discuss and focused on issues relevant to Whidbey.”

“It works better if people are working together,” Homola said. “If we can’t align the trips, at least we can all be on the same page.”

Over the years the task force has gained credibility on Capitol Hill and at the Pentagon. Plus, there are more NAS Whidbey veterans at the Pentagon these days — a depth of experience gained since the air station was saved in 1991.

“There are now people with Whidbey Island experience at much higher levels of the Pentagon,” said Munns, who added there are other factors that also work to Whidbey’s advantage. “What is part of the decision-making process is quality of life. The cost of supporting a sailor is less at Whidbey, so if they’re looking to save money, this seems like the logical choice.”