Whidbey Crosswind September 2, 2011

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COVERING WHIDBEY ISLAND’S NAVAL AIR STATION COMMUNITY

CROSSWIND Whidbey

VOLUME 1, NO. 23 | 02 SEPTEMBER 2011

www.whidbeycrosswind.com

Emotions stir at the Wall Moving tribute draws steady stream of visitors to Swinomish Casino By K ATHY REED

Whidbey Crosswind

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(Above) A field cross marks the center of the American Veterans Traveling Tribute replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall as a Marine and Navy color guard wait during opening ceremonies last week in Anacortes. (Left) Veterans take part in a pass and review of the Traveling Wall, which was on display last week at the Swinomish Casino. KATHY REED/WHIDBEY CROSSWIND

o say the American Veterans Traveling Tribute makes a lasting impression would be an understatement. To give an accurate count of the number of people who made the trek to see the AVTT Traveling Wall, an 80 percent scale model replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., during its recent stop at the Swinomish Casino in Anacortes, would be difficult. “We don’t have an actual count of the people who came to visit the memorial, but there was a steady stream of people from the opening ceremonies through today,” said casino marketing coordinator Justin Shank during Sunday’s closing ceremony. “A lot of them were here very late.” The traveling tribute, which also included several Cost of Freedom memorials and exhibits, was set up in the east end of the casino parking lot and was open for continuous viewing following the opening ceremony on Aug. 25 through noon on Sunday. “I’m overwhelmed to see the support and the number of people here today,” said casino general manager Mike Wootan during the opening program. “It hit me as I was looking at the wall that I know 10 or 12 people on this wall.” The opening ceremony included a joint Marine Corps and Navy Color Guard and the laying of Prisoner of War and American Gold Star Mothers’ wreaths, which were placed next to a field cross at the center of the wall. Because the tribute was on casino property, members of the Swinomish tribe added to the experience by performing a sacred blessing of the wall. Swinomish tribe

SEE WALL | PAGE 12

NAS Whidbey wins again for energy, water management

For the fourth time, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island has been recognized by the Secretary of the Navy for its continued commitment to energy and water conservation and management. “This award is evidence that Team Whidbey works together to cut energy consumption,” said Capt. Jay Johnston, NAS Whidbey Island commanding officer. “We, like any home owner or renter, pay utility costs, so it’s inherent upon us to spend taxpayer dollars wisely.” NAS Whidbey, Naval Base Kitsap, Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility all achieved platinum level awards, which come

SEE AWARD | PAGE 3

THIS EDITION Mini jets control the sky over Outlying Field .........pg. 2 For Pets’ Sake: Are online medications safe?..pg. 2 Military Appreciation Picnic coming up ..............pg. 3 Keeping roads safe this Labor Day ........................pg. 4

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