the retrospect - moaa tampa chapter
Transcription
the retrospect - moaa tampa chapter
JUNE 2015 TAMPA CHAPTER—A CHAPTER OF MOAA NATIONAL—A FIVE STAR CHAPTER 2002, 2004-2014 VOLUME 21, NUMBER 6 SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST ARMY BIRTHDAY SCHOLASHIPS AWARDED FIRST RUNNER UP JOINT CHIEFS NOMINEE FORMER PRESIDENT OF TAMPA CHAPTER DIES FIRST FEMALE F-35 PILOT YEAR OF THE MILITARY DIVER COAST GUARD MAN IS TOP PERFORMER IN THIS ISSUE P 2 OUR PRESIDENT P 3 LEGISLATIVE LOWDOWN OPERATION HELPING HAND P 4 BULLETIN BOARD P 6-11 SERVICE NEWS When the American Revolution broke out, the rebellious colonies did not possess an army in the modern sense. Rather, the revolutionaries fielded an amateur force of colonial troops, cobbled together from various New England militia companies. They had no unified chain of command, and although Artemas Ward of Massachusetts exercised authority by informal agreement, officers from other colonies were not obligated to obey his orders. The American volunteers were led, equipped, armed, paid for and supported by the colonies from which they were raised. In the spring of 1775, this “army” was about to confront British troops near Boston, Massachusetts. The (Continued on page 6, see ARMY) JUNE SPEAKER: MG MICHAEL X. GARRETT USA Maj. Gen. Garrett serves as chief of staff, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM), located in Tampa, FL. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, he received his commission in 1984 as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry upon graduating from Xavier University. His assignments include multiple joint and operational tours, staff assignments at numerous levels as well as several commands. Highlights include commanding 3d Battalion 325th Infantry (Airborne), 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg North Carolina. He deployed to Afghanistan as Chief of MAJOR GENERAL Current Operations, Combined Task Force 180 in support of Operation MICHAEL X ENDURING FREEDOM. He then commanded 4th Brigade Combat Team GARRETT USA (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division (Light) which deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Following Brigade Command, he served as the Deputy Commanding General of United States Army Recruiting Command. Following his tour with Recruiting Command, he returned to Fort Bragg where he served as the Chief of Staff, XVIII Airborne Corps. As the XVIII Airborne Corps Chief of Staff, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation NEW DAWN where he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for United States Forces-Iraq. Most recently he served as the Commanding General, United States Army Alaska. His military education includes completion of the Infantry Officer Basic and Advance courses, the US Army Command and General Staff College and a prestigious Senior Service College Fellowship. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Xavier University. (Continued on page 8, see CHIEF OF STAFF) Upcoming Events OUR BOARD WILL MEET AT 1000 on: · 04 JUNE · 02 JULY · 06 AUGUST LUNCHEON MEETINGS WILL BE HELD AT 1130 AT SURF’S EDGE ON ON:: · 11 JUNE · 09 JULY · 13 AUGUST IMPORTANT DATES IN JUNE 2015 11 JUNE―Tampa Chapter and MOWC scholarships will be awarded. 14 JUNE―National Flag Day~On 14 June 1777, the Flag Resolution was signed, making the current stars and stripes the National Flag of the United States of America. 18 JUNE―Ramadan~the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, during which, for a period of thirty days, Muslims abstain from eating, and drinking from sunrise to sunset. 19 JUNE―Juneteenth~commemorates the setting free of slaves and the abolishment of slavery in the state of Texas on June 19, 1965. The day is also called the Emancipation Day. Juneteenth is formed by joining the two words (a portmanteau). This holiday honors the African American heritage and commemorates the African American freedom and it is a day of reflecting the past and a day of renewal in to a new and kinder human race. 21 JUNE―Father's Day~Father's Day was created to complement Mother's Day and is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. 21 JUNE―The Summer Solstice marks the beginning of the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere and takes place somewhere around June 20th or 21st each year. PAGE 2 JUNE 2015 PRESIDENT: LTC Jim Griffin USA RET (813) 785-0552 [email protected] IMMEDIATE PAST PRES.; PROGRAM CHAIRMAN & CHAIR, OPERATION HELPING HAND & MEMBER, MOAA NAT BD OF DIRECTORS: CAPT Bob Silah USN RET (813) 963-1854 [email protected] ASSIGNMENTS 1ST VICE PRESIDENT/EVENT RESERVATIONS: MAJ SCOTTY CLELAND USAF RET 988-4552 [email protected] ND 2 VICE PRESIDENT/ PUBLIC RELATIONS & EDITOR, THE RETROSPECT: CAPT Don Dvornik USN RET (727) 441-2051 [email protected] EDITOR EMERITUS: CDR Stanley Ewanowski USN RET PhD MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN: COL William Schneider USA RET (813) 977-2572 Cell (813) 300-3202 [email protected] SECRETARY/DATA BASE MGR/PHOTOGRAPHER: CW2 Tom South USA RET (813) 975-5025 [email protected] TREASURER: COL Carol Zieres USA RET (727) 793-0568 CELL (727) 366-1045 [email protected] DEPUTY TREASURER: CPT Wiley Hazel USA RET (813) 979-1739 LEGAL ADVISOR: Former LT William Mitchell USN (813) 963-5098 Cell: (813) 679-1217 [email protected] CHAPLAIN/COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER: CDR Richard Helveston CHC USNR RET (863) 510-5048 Cell (863) 602-3684 [email protected] SCHOLARSHIP CHAIRMAN: Col Milt Steadman USAF RET (813) 968-2835 LEGISLATIVE LIAISON: Col Ronald Buchert USAF RET (813) 961-4129 ID CARD/BASE ENTRY: Maj John Massey USAF RET (813) 886-1938 PERSONAL AFFAIRS: Maj Dick Tinsley USMC RET (813) 886-2169 [email protected] SICK CALL CHAIRMAN: CW3 Bill Farrow USA RET (813) 884-7823 [email protected] FLAG OFFICER LIAISON: Maj Gen James Jones USAF RET FL NATIONAL GUARD LIAISON: MAJ Chris Buckley, FLNG (727) 259-4563 RESERVE LIAISON: LTC Robert Sawallesh USA RET (813) 654-3900 JR ROTC/ROTC Lt Col Ken Martin USMCR RET (813) 831-4426 SENIOR FORMER OFFICERS LIAISON/ASSISTANT JR ROTC/ ROTC: FORMER 1LT James G. Kalemeris USAF (813) 933-5493 CELL: (814) 924-5132 MBR RECRUITMENT/FUND RAISING: All Members GOLF TOURNAMENT COORDINATOR: Robert Ahern (813) 265-1605 MOWC PRESIDENT: Bonnie Kerr (352) 593-4270 [email protected] is published monthly by members of the Tampa Chapter of the Military Officers’ Association of America (MOAA), P.O. Box 6383, MacDill Air Force Base, FL 33608 33608--0383. Tampa Chapter MOAA, Inc. is a 501 501--C-19 tax CAPT DVORNIK EDITOR exempt veterans organization not associated with the Department of Defense. The views expressed in individually signed articles do not necessarily reflect Chapter policy. (Volume 21, Number 66— —JUNE 2015) PUBLICATION DEADLINE FOR THE JULY 2015 ISSUE IS 18 JUNE THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE It was indeed an honor for THE TAMPA CHAPTER to be able to have GENERAL JOSEPH L. VOTEL, COMMANDER, US SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND, as our guest speaker for MAY. GENERAL VOTEL’S superb presentation with a complete overview of SOCOM was informative, enlightening as well as being at a level that everyone in the room left with an understanding of just how complex running this command must be. General VOTEL’S is truly the command that is actively fighting THE GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR throughout the entire world on a LTC GRIFFIN daily basis. The CHAPTER thanks him for the time he granted us to provide us with an update that everyone should have a chance to hear. The FLORIDA COUNCIL OF CHAPTERS CONVENTION was held in ST. AUGUSTINE on 22-24 MAY. Many of your fellow chapter members were able to attend. Information from the CONVENTION will be forthcoming in the JULY RETROSPECT. JUNE is our scholarship presentation luncheon. Our SCHOLARSHIP CHAIRMAN, COL MILT STEADMAN AND THE SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE have selected six well deserving candidates to receive scholarships. The three MOAA SCHOLARSHIPS will be presented to the following well deserving students: CARTER DVORNIK, CALVARY CHRISTIAN H.S. WHO WILL BE ATTENDING VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY, TYLER HEATH,PLANT H.S. WHO WILL BE ATTENDING AUBURN UNIVERSITY, AND DANIEL BUCHERT MIYARES, WINSTON CHURCHILL H.S. WHO WILL BE ATTENDING UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS. All of their complete bios are provided on page 10 of this issue. The TAMPA CHAPTER congratulates all of these fine students and wishes them all the best in their next big step toward success. We are finally closing in on all of the folks who want to continue to receive the RETROSPECT as TAMPA CHAPTER MEMBERS. Bill Schneider ,MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN has finally ended his plea for you to pay your dues. Thanks for him going the “extra mile” to keep you as a TAMPA CHAPTER MEMBER. This is just another example of how as always… WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK!!! ARMY GENERAL VOTEL’S PRESENTATION Gen Votel summarized the environment in which SOF operates, specifically naming the grave threats to our national security and the security of our partners world-wide. After the failed rescue operation in Iran on 24 April 1980, the DoD realized that our forces were neither trained nor equipped to combat terrorist organizations and created a new unified command whose raison d'etre is to respond to any current or future threat. In addition to the service-like authorities of developing training MAY SPEAKER: and monitoring readiness, congress gave USSOCOM unique responsibiliGEN VOTEL ties for a unified command. USSOCOM is not dependent on the Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Air Force for its budget or to develop and buy new equipment, supplies or services for the command. USSOCOM has its own budgetary authorities and responsibilities through a specific Major Force Program (MFP-11) in DOD’s budget. Additionally, USSOCOM has its own acquisition authorities, so it can develop and buy special operations-peculiar equipment, supplies or services. He stated that he has four priorities in carrying out his mission. First and foremost is to prepare to address any threat to national security whether domestic or foreign. This means that he has to have the right people in the right places with the right training and equipment. His second priority is helping our nation to win whether that be in conventional warfare, cyber warfare, and social media. His third priority is building relationships. In fact he thinks of SOCOM as a network which is capable of gaining strength by working with other networks and never makes a plan of action without consultation. His final priority is being prepared for the future by gathering information from all currently available sources, thinking “outside the box” and networking. USSOCOM has approximately 57,000 active duty, Reserve and National Guard Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and DoD civilians assigned to the headquarters, its four components and one sub-unified command. USSOCOM’s components are U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), Naval Special Warfare Command (NAVSPECWARCOM), Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC). The Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) is a USSOCOM subunified command. Editor JUNE 2015 PAGE 3 STARTING OUR 11TH YEAR I could start by saying “It seems like yesterday…” We started this project (Operation Helping Hand) in May 2004―never thinking that we'd be still going strong 11 years later. We have helped well over 1000 of CAPT SILAH our wounded/injured active duty, former and retired military patients who are or were patients at our James A. Haley VA Hospital and we will continue our mission as long as we are needed. We've kicked off our 11th year with a couple of events. In the fund raising area, a company known as Golden Grail Indoor Golf held a Master's Golf Tournament for us and The Villages had their actual annual golf tournament with all proceeds going to Operation Helping Hand. This was not an ordinary golf tournament in that 200 golfers took part. We were invited to be at their tournament dinner and 3 of us were there to spread the word about our mission. We did the same at Lakeland, Florida's, “Sun 'N Fun,” event. Our booth was visited by over 700 and again we were able to give out information about who we are and what we do while handing out our information and mementos. There is a restaurant in Tampa called Boston's Sports Bar. As they have done in the past 4 years, they had a “Operation Helping Hand” night where they opened their doors to only our supporters. Patrons paid an entry fee, partook of complimentary food and drink, silent auction and raffle. Again all proceeds again going to us. Again the Tampa Bay Rays came through for Operation Helping Hand giving us use of their largest suite with full buffet on Mother's Day. We hosted 77 patients, their families and the Hospital staff along with some of our staff. Great time was had by all, even if the Rays lost. Our next game in our suite courtesy of the Rays will be mid-June. Our monthly dinners continue every 3rd Thursday. In May, the dinner was sponsored by USAA who have been an ardent supporter over many years, and we thank them. Recently the Vice President/General Manager of USAA Southeast Robert Hoyland retired, and was replaced by Yvette Segura. We welcome Yvette and wish Robert Godspeed in his retirement. USAA has done much for us over many years and we sincerely thank them. The MOAA Florida Council of Chapters held their annual conference in St Augustine in mid May and we, along with the MOAA Tampa Chapter, were there manning our shared booth and giving the Florida Chapter attendees a good idea of our Chapter and Operation helping Hand. I'll finish with a Happy Birthday to two members of the Operation Helping Hand Executive Council without whose help we couldn't be doing as well as we are. Congratulations and many more to Tom South (16 May) and Bill Farrow (23 May). As I've said before, we in Operation Helping Hand are well underway and plan for smooth sailing as long as we have patients and their families to support and assist. ―submitted by CAPT Bob Silah USN RET, Chairman, Operation Helping Hand. LEGISLATIVE LOWDOWN Not to be overly optimistic but it appears that, as the proposed retirement reform bill is read and digested by more and more Congressmen and heads of veterans groups, some basic COL BUCHERT flaws are being uncovered that cast doubt on the plan, especially for career service members who serve 20 years or more. No question, the proposed changes would offer a better deal for the 83 percent of troops who serve fewer than 20 years. Under the current system, they get no retirement benefit. The proposed new model would offer them a personal retirement savings account with annual government contributions of up to 6 percent of basic pay. “I have not seen figures that make me comfortable to say that this new system will be the equivalent or better for what a service member who serves 20 or more years gets under the current benefit,” said Deirdre Holleman, the executive director of the Retired Enlisted Association. As of now, it looks like the new benefit for people who serve less than 20 is being paid for by cuts in the benefit for those who have served 20 or more.” Amen. “In the long run, the old system is a better deal for people who serve 20,” insisted Rick Jones, director of legislation for the National Association for Uniformed Services. “I think they (Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission) are presenting a sales pitch that markets their proposal,” Jones said of the commission's analysis. And just to present a couple of philosophical points into the discussion, I think that a plan that encourages midlevel officers and NCOs to leave the service when they are in the their most effective years just doesn't make sense and that doesn't even consider the fact that we would also lose potential senior leaders of our services. The Senate completed its final draft of the FY16 defense bill and here are a few administration “niceties” that sneaked through: a 1.3 percent pay raise that is well below the 2.3 percent raise mandated by law; an increase in TRICARE pharmacy fees; a reduction in housing allowances. Let’s cheer for the House bill which doesn't contain any of these bennies! —submitted by Col. Ron Buchert, USAF, (Retired), Member, MOAA Board of Directors (2000-2006)/ Chapter, Legislative Liaison PAGE 4 JUNE 2015 TAMPA CHAPTER BULLETIN BOARD ―ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS ― Copies of the Retrospect (old and new) are always available on the Chapter’s web at moaatampa.org/ WELCOME NEW MEMBERS MAJ MAELI ALLISON USAF AD, 6520 Biscayne Shore Ln, Tampa, FL 33611-1550 (575) 791-2430 —submitted by COL Bill Schneider, Membership Chairman TAPS LTC JOSEPH GONTARSKI USA RET died on 8 May 2015. He is survived by his wife, Lorainne, 2901 W Euclid Ave, Tampa, FL LCDR VIRGINIA B. PRICE NC USN RET passed away on 13 May 2015. LTC WILLIAM A “SNAP’ SMITH―a Marine LTC, F4 pilot, whose last tour was with CENTCOM, was also owner of Tampa Golf on Nebraska Ave. He is the guy that at no charge put together all of the putters for the putting green at the VA Hospital. He is also the one who made the fantastic umbrellas that we gave to the winners of the golf tournaments; his umbrellas also were used to raise money at Boston’s Restaurant and Salad Bar every year. He was a tremendous supporter of Operation Helping Hand who never failed to mention us to his customers, many of whom have donated to our charity. He was an avid golfer and a major club fitter in the area. He died while playing golf at the BLACK DIAMOND GOLF COURSE on April 18,2015. He will be missed. You can access them anytime instead of waiting for the letter carrier or an e-mail. Previous issues are located at the bottom of the page. JUST GIVE IT A TRY It saves postage, paper and can always be found! —submitted by Maj Dick Tinsley Personal Affairs Chairman REMEMBER IN OUR PRAYERS COL KENNETH W. DAVEY USAF RET, 4008 Mountain Springs LN, Tampa, FL 33624-1824 DR STAN J EWANOWSKI (CDR USNR RET), 5010 Marathon Dr., Madison, WI 53705-4713 CARLA HENSEN, wife of FORMER USAF CPT ERIC HENSEN, 4425 Pine Meadow Ct., Tampa, FL 33624-5244 MAJ B R HEWITT USAF RET, 14450 Reuter Strass Cir #701, Tampa, FL 33613-3127 LT COL JOANNE VEVERKA-TAUBER USAF RET, 13714 Chestersall Dr, Tampa, FL 33624-2501 —submitted by CW3 Bill Farrow, Sick Call Chairman HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEMBERS BORN IN JUNE 1 1 2 2 3 5 7 7 7 8 8 9 10 10 12 12 18 22 22 22 27 29 30 LT COL LEONARD BERMAN USAF RET LT ROBIN ORR USCG RET LTC RICHARD LYONS USA RET COL HAROLD YOUMANS USA RET FORMER 2LT THOMAS MONNA ARNG FORMER NAVY ENS MICHAEL SHAPIRO COL CLIFFORD ENGLE USAF RET VADM DAVID PETERMAN USCG RET LT COL WILIAM POVEY USAF RET LTC JIM GRIFFIN USA RET MAJ GEN GERALD P MINETTI USA RET LT COL WILLIAM C LEWIS USAF RET CW4 DAVID DANIELS USCG RET CAPT ROBERT J SILAH USN RET LCDR B LESLIE CASH SR USN RET MAJ CHARLES ZIPPERER USA AD LT LEE CUTHBERTSON USCGR FORMER USAF CAPT ROBERT BREEN COL STANLEY LOBODINSKI USA RET COL GREGORY RENN USA RET COL LUTHER LLOYD USA RET LTC HOUSTON TUCKER USA AD MAJ ALBERT SINICOPE USAF RET MOAA LUNCHEON THURSDAY, 11 JUNE 2015 at 1130 hours at the SURF’S EDGE CLUB ON MACDILL AFB PLEASE NOTE: RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED BY NOON ON FRIDAY 05 JUNE MOAA RESERVATION NUMBER (813) 676-4676 REMEMBER–if you make a reservation and don’t show, you still must pay. MENU Cuban Salad: Iceberg, Ham, Swiss Cheese Tossed in a Specialty Dressing Cuban Bread & Butter, Polo Chicken, Yellow Rice, Black Beans JUNE 2015 PAGE 5 JOINT LUNCHEON PHOTOS BY CW2 TOM SOUTH USA RET Jefferson HS JROTC color guard with LtCol Bruce Lamping, Instructor PAGE 6 JUNE 2015 (ARMY, continued from page 1) revolutionaries had to re-organize their forces quickly if they were to stand a chance against Britain’s seasoned professionals. Recognizing the need to enlist the support of all of the American seaboard colonies, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress appealed to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia to assume authority for the New England army. Reportedly, at John Adams’ request, Congress voted to “adopt” the Boston troops on June 14, although there is no written record of this decision. Also on this day, Congress resolved to form a committee “to bring in a draft of rules and regulations for the government of the Army,” and voted $2,000,000 to support the forces around Boston, and those at New York City. Moreover, Congress authorized the formation of ten companies of expert riflemen from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, which were directed to march to Boston to support the New England militia. George Washington received his appointment as commander -in-chief of the Continental Army the next day, and formally took command at Boston on July 3, 1775. LOVING PEOPLE AND USING THINGS By guest Chaplain (COL) Bernard H. Lieving USA RET On the wall of my office there is a plaque I was given many years ago. One of the several sayings on it is: “The best things in life aren’t things.” That saying echoes something Helen Keller believed when she said: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt in the heart.” I was reminded of these words recently when someone told me the lengths to which he was going in order to get a “thing” he desperately wanted. He wanted my counsel on how to heal a personal relationship that was being seriously damaged due to his relentless pursuit of an object. He was using a friend’s position and influence in order to get what he wanted and the friend was objecting. The world God created and called “good” and in which we live today include many things that are good and that we have opportunity to enjoy. There is nothing wrong in having possesJohn R. Maass, Historian sions or wanting a new position or a promotion. The danger for US Army Center of Military History us is when we place higher value, more importance, and greater emphasis on even the good things than we do in human relationships. We are created to love people and use things, not the NEW CHAIRMAN, JCS On May 5, President Obama nominated opposite. The problem with loving things is that we begin to use people to get things or to get more of the things we love. Gen. Joseph Dunford, Commandant of I believe this is one area on which the great majority of the the Marine Corps, to be the next Chairworld’s religions would agree – human relationship developman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Gen. ment and cultivation is far more important than the accumulaPaul Selva, USAF, to be the next Vice tion of possessions. Among the teachings of Jesus is a warning Chairman. The nominations are two of not to “lay up for yourselves treasures on earth.” In other words, do not hoard things to the detriment of human relationthe president's most important national security advisors. They represent the top ships or relationship to one’s God. Jesus also said that the “love of money is the root of all evil” and that “where your treasure two senior ranking officers in the military and serve as senior military advisors is, there your heart will be also.” My conversation with the man about the healing of the relato the president, the secretary of defense, tionship he was concerned about ended when I suggested that and the National Security Council. if he wanted the relationship maybe he should cease so stubhttp://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=118930 bornly pursuing the thing. It will be interesting if someday I see him behind the steering wheel of that antique Corvette he wanted so badly, perhaps at the cost of a lost friendship. PANAMA CITY, FL (May 5, 2015) Sgt. Dagan Indeck assists Navy Diver 2nd Class Valerie De Freitas during a Mark V familiarization dive to commentate the Year of the Military Diver at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center (NDSTC). NDSTC will recognize 35 years of training this year and the 100th anniversary of the Mark V Dive helmet to commemorate the YOTMD. NDSTC, the largest diving facility in the world, trains more than 1,200 military divers from every branch of service each year. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Harry Andrew D. Gordon/Released) http://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=195728 Landing Craft Air Cushion 27 transports U.S. Marines from the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York to shore in Djibouti, May 6, 2015. The Marines are assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and the landing craft is assigned to the U.S. Navy's Assault Craft Unit 4. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/14d6796a6945765e JUNE 2015 PAGE 7 FIRST FEMALE F-35 PILOT BEGINS TRAINING By Air Force 1st Lt. Hope Cronin, 33rd Fighter Wing MEMBERSHIPS APPS ARE AVAILABLE FROM: LTC Bill Schneider at (813) 977-2572 EGLIN AFB, FL―Air Force Lt. Col. Christine Mau, 33rd Fighter Wing Operations Group deputy commander, completed her first training flight in the single-seat F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighter here May 5. Previously, Mau comAir Force Lt. Col. Christine Mau, 33rd Operations pleted 14 virtual trainGroup deputy commander, puts on her helmet before ing missions in the Ftaking her first flight in the F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighter at Eglin Air Force Base, FL, May 5, 2015. 35 Academic Training Mau, who previously flew F-15E Strike Eagles, made Center’s full-mission history as the first female F-35 pilot in the program. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Marleah Robertson simulator. “It wasn’t until I was taxiing to the runway that it really struck me that I was on my own in the jet,” said Mau, formerly an F-15E Strike Eagle pilot. “I had a chase aircraft, but there was no weapons system officer or instructor pilot sitting behind me, and no one in my ear, like in simulators.” And with that, like the other 87 F-35A pilots trained here over the last four years, Mau thundered down the runway and was airborne as the first woman in the Air Force’s premier fighter. “It felt great to get airborne,” she said. “The jet flies like a dream, and seeing the systems interact is impressive. Flying with the helmet-mounted display takes some adjusting, but it’s an easy adjustment. The training missions in the simulator prepare you very well, so you’re ready for that flight.” The initial flight in the F-35 training syllabus is designed to orient pilots with the physical aspects of flying the F-35 as compared to other fighters they’ve flown previously, such as the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-15C Eagle, F-16 Falcon, A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-22 Raptor. Women have served in combat aviation roles in those and other aircraft for more than 20 years. Mau acknowledged that although she may be the first woman pilot in the F-35 program, her gender has no bearing on her performance. She joked that the only difference between her and her fellow F-35 pilots is the size of her Gsuit and facemask―both extra-small. “Flying is a great equalizer,” Mau said. “The plane doesn’t know or care about your gender as a pilot, nor do the ground troops who need your support,” she explained. “You just have to perform. That’s all anyone cares about when you’re up there―that you can do your job, and that you do it exceptionally well.” Mau’s combat experience and technical prowess in the cockpit were the primary draws for her selection to her position with the 33rd Operations Group. “Lieutenant Colonel Mau brings a valuable level of combat and operational knowledge to our team,” said Air Force Col. Todd Canterbury, 33rd Fighter Wing commander. “We’re nearly a year out from declaring initial operational capability with the F-35. We need battle-tested pilots to help us put the F35A through its paces and ensure we have a trained and ready force of F-35 pilots to feed into our combat air forces.” Canterbury witnessed Mau’s leadership and combat effectiveness first-hand when they were both deployed to Afghanistan in 2011, where she was part of another important milestone for (Continued on page 8, see PILOT) PAGE 8 JUNE 2015 (CHIEF OF STAFF from page 1) His awards and badges include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, The Combat Infantryman Badge, The Expert Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the Ranger Tab. SOLDIER MAKES VOLUNTEERING A FAMILY AFFAIR By Army Capt. John Brimley, DoD News, Defense Media Activity As a single mother of three children, Army Sgt. 1st Class Heather West finds herself spending most of her personal time away from home serving others. http://www.centcom.mil/en/about-centcom-en/leadership-en Some Saturdays, West works at Operation Santa Army Sgt. 1st Class Heather West of the 402nd Field Artillery Brigade Claus at Fort Bliss, poses with her children, C.J., 16, Dasanah, 11, and Aaron, 15, in El Paso, Texas, April 28, 2015. West started volunteering in the El Paso TX. Other days, three years ago and her children joined her shortly thereafshe's at one of the community ter. Dasanah received the Fort Bliss Outstanding Youth Volunteer local convenience award last month. stores chatting USA photo by Sgt. 1st Class David Parish with a person for whom she bought a soda and a bag of potato chips. But every first Sunday she can be found at the Opportunity Center of El Paso feeding the homeless. Wherever she is, the 402nd Field Artillery Brigade operations noncommissioned officer manages to find balance between work, family and volunteering. "I really just get an idea about wanting to volunteer, and I just go and do it," she said. West said she gets calls from people all around El Paso, but Councilman Carl Robinson is the one person who can get her to do almost anything. She said he has helped fuel her efforts. "Heather's very cooperative and responsive," Robinson said. "It's always good to know when you have a civic-minded person on your team." West admits it's a challenge to juggle single parenthood and a packed work schedule. "Sometimes people sacrifice family to help out," she said, but she doesn't look at it as a sacrifice. In fact, the 13-year veteran just so happens to be the president of the Fort Bliss Sgt. Audie Murphy Club, which is also known for its volunteer efforts. "You make time for what you want to make time for," West said. "You just really have to take advantage." West isn't out in the community going at it alone. Her daughter, 11year-old Dasanah West, recently received the Fort Bliss Outstanding Youth Volunteer award. And West's teenage sons, 16-year-old C.J. and 15-year-old Aaron, volunteer just as much as their sister―and they all do it together as a family. "When she first introduced us to feeding the homeless, I was really skeptical and I wasn't really up for it either, because I wanted to stay home," C.J. said. Aaron said he felt the same way, preferring to stay home and sleep the whole day. "I'm glad she got me out the bed that day," said Aaron. C.J. also said he's taken a liking (PILOT, continued from page 7) to all the family volunteering. women in the combat aviation community. For the past three years, the Wests have made a life out of communiWhile with the 389th Expeditionary Fighter Squadty service. While the people receiving help reap the immediate benefit, ron, Mau was part of the first all-female combat sortie. the West family says they have been strengthened by these acts of The combat mission provided air support to coalition kindness. and Afghan forces in Afghanistan’s Kunar Valley. From "Before we started volunteering, everybody was pretty spaced out," the pilots and weapons system officers of the two FWest said. Dasanah said that distance has dwindled to almost nothing. "It's brought us pretty close," she said. "The more we get to know one 15E jets to the mission planners and maintainers, the another, it's actually pretty special." entire mission was carried out entirely by women. With everything West keeps her hand in, from the 10- and 12-hour “As a service, we need to attract the most innovative workdays to the countless hours she spends helping others, her efforts and skillful airmen possible for one reason: it makes us and impact on her own family are not lost. They value what she does in more effective,” Canterbury said. “The broader the net the community for the less fortunate just as much as what she does at that we cast into the talent pool, coupled with a laser home. focus on performance, ensures we have the best air"Never in my life have I met a woman so persistent for the happiness men in place to carry out the mission. Performance is of others to where she will go out of her way for the smallest things to key, and it’s the standard we hold all of our airmen to make people happy," Aaron said. in the Air Force.” http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=128753 https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/14d543b36a92c114 JUNE 2015 PAGE 9 MELVIN GARTEN, ARMY'S MOST DECORATED COLONEL AND PAST PRESIDENT OF TAMPA TROA/MOAA,1986-1987, DIES EXERCISE MAX THUNDER REUNITES PILOT BROTHERS By Air Force Senior Airman Taylor Curry, 8th Fighter Wing It's not often that siblings serve in the military simultaneously, and it's even more rare when their duty assignments converge. But that's what happened for the Allen Marine Corps Capt. Jarrod brothers, who were recently Allen, an F/A-18 Hornet pilot reunited here for Exercise with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225, and Air Force Max Thunder 15-1. USMC Capt. Jacob Allen, an F-16 Capt. Jarrod Allen is an F/AFighting Falcon pilot with the 18 Hornet pilot stationed at 35th Fighter Squadron, pose MCAS Miramar in San Diego for a photo together during exercise Max Thunder 15-1 and currently deployed to at Gwangju Air Base, South MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. USAF Korea, April 17, 2015. U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Jacob Allen is an F-16 Senior Airman Taylor Curry Fighting Falcon pilot stationed at Kunsan Air Base. “Since we are in different services and fly different fighter aircraft, we haven't really had the chance to work with each other in this type of element yet, so we were glad to have this opportunity,” Jarrod said. CSM ENRIQUE MENDEZ JR. SELECTED AS THE Jarrod, known as “Bluto,” and Jacob, known as SENIOR ENLISTED ADVISOR TO THE ASSISTANT “Apollo,” have similar missions. The first night of ADJUTANT GENERAL Max Thunder would see the brothers training toCol. Perry L. Hagaman, the Assistant Adjutant Generalgether in defensive counter-air exercises. In that Army, is pleased to announce the selection of CSM Enrique scenario, Jacob led the first group of four allied jets, Mendez as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Assistant Adjuwhose task was to defend the area from enemy airtant General-Army. craft. As their time on station neared completion, “CSM Mendez is an outstanding leader who understands the second group approached the airspace to assume Soldiers and has advised commanders at numerous levels,” said Hagaman. responsibility, and Jarrod was their lead pilot. “The “He thrives on new challenges and responsibilities. In this position, he will handoff of responsibility is based on timing, so it has focus on the morale, welfare, and individual readiness of the Florida Army to be precise,” Jacob said. “When the second fourNational Guard and strengthening our NCO Corps.” ship approached, I got to pass responsibility to my Mendez serves as the Command Sergeant Major of the 50th Regional Supbrother over the radio, who was then in charge of port Group and is also assigned as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Florida defending the area.” National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. He entered the United States Army The brothers grew up as Navy brats, originally in 1980 and attended One Station Unit Training at Fort Sill, Okla., where he from the San Diego area. Their father was a naval was trained as a Forward Observer. flight officer for the E-2 Hawkeye which motivated Submitted by Maj Chris Buckley, FLNG Liaison them to follow in his footsteps. “Our dad was a big inspiration to us,” Jacob said. “As far back as I can remember, I always knew I wanted to fly, just like THE MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA MEDAL WAS PRESENTED TO CADET DAKOTA ROUSSEAU BY CHAPLAIN HELVESTON my father. We would always go to see airshows, and AT PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL ON 14 MAY 2015 that was so exciting for us both.” Both brothers explained that they love their job primarily because in the end, what they do helps people. “The F-16 provides close air support when troops on the ground call in and we employ weapons as needed for them to achieve their mission objectives and most importantly, to survive,” Jacob said. The F/A-18 is also focused on supporting ground forces, Jarrod said, with the main goal looking out for Marines on the ground. Although they haven't been stationed together, the brothers occasionally bump into each other while on the job. “Before this exercise, the last time we saw each other was in Jordan for a couple of hours,” Jarrod said. “It wasn't long, but it's still good to see my brother any chance I get.” Max Thunder is the largest flying exercise held on the Korean Peninsula. Held twice yearly, it is aimed at increasing U.S. and South Korean interoperability with dissimilar aircraft, enabling the two allies to be battle-ready. COL. Melvin Garten, USA, RET. 1921-2015 Colonel Melvin Garten, long-time chapter member, two term president, and three year award winning editor of the Retrospect, died this past May 13 When he retired from the Army he was the most highly decorated colonel on active duty. For his valor and combat leadership he received the Distinguished Service Cross, three Silver Stars, four Bronze Stars, five Purple Hearts, the Legion of Merit, two Joint Commendation Medals, and two Air Medals. In 1966, he lost a leg in Vietnam Mel was a native New Yorker but following his Army service he moved to Florida and was a professor of history and political science at the University of Tampa. He had a distinguished military career serving in the Pacific Theater in command and staff positions. His combat included single-handedly destroying two enemy machine positions and serving as a leader of the parachute team that liberated Los Banos prison camp in the Philippines. He is one of only 300 soldiers that earned three combat infantry badges. Mel is survived by two sons, one of whom is a university professor at Yale and the other is a former cabinet level government official. His daughter in law is Ina Garten, head chef on the Food Network's "The Barefoot Contessa." Submitted by Col Ron Buchert http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx? id=128736&source=GovDelivery PAGE 10 JUNE 2015 SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBERS―We thank our dedicated scholarship committee members who strove to be fair to all applicants: (L to R) GINGER HEATH, MOWC; COL STEADMAN, MOAA; LTC ALLAN BERG, CONSULTANT CARTER DVORNIK: Staying true to his grandmother’s advice of “Never close doors for yourself”, Carter believes he has performed to the best of his ability and hopes this attitude will lead to college success at Vanderbilt University. Sponsored by his grandfather, CAPT Donald F. Dvornik USN RET, Carter is a student at Calvary Christian High School in Clearwater where he holds a GPA of 3.96 (weighted 4.35) giving credence to his hard work and perseverance. He has received numerous honors including the Principal’s Award (3 yrs), College Board AP Scholar with Honor Award, and Regional Winner of the Outstanding Southern Baptist Association of Christian School Scholars. Carter has been an active member of the Varsity Football and Track teams, American Legion Boys’ State Delegate in 2014, and extensively involved in music & dramatic performance as well as sports broadcasting. In his essay, Carter stated, “I have exerted a tremendous effort to ensure that all of my doors are open. College will help me choose which door to walk through”. MOIRA ESPINOSA: Growing up in a family of 8 teaches the values of respect and responsibility according to Moira Espinosa, daughter of Alexander P. Espinosa, LTC U.S. Army. These values are strong attributes that have attributed to her 3.81 GPA. Originally born in Germany, Moira has been extremely active in activities at Freedom High School including the Captain of her Swim Team, National Honor Society, and the International Thespian Society. She has worked with TAPS-Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, church youth groups, and ACS Relay for Life. Moira’s life goal is to “help others in a way similar to the way my dad does every day”. Her acceptance to University of Florida will give her the foundational education necessary in Psychology and Criminology to fulfill her dream in working for the F.B.I. in helping to keep our country safe by eradicating domestic threats. TYLER L. HEATH: Hours and hours of swim practice attributed to the “sense of discipline and a value of hard work”, according to Tyler. This swimming Varsity Letterman and Captain at Plant High School attributes his “drive for success” by transitioning this learning into both his academics and community focus (3.93 (Weighted 5.6). Sponsored by his grandfather, CDR Terrill (Terry) S. Heath USN RET, Tyler looks forward to attending Auburn University. Academic memberships for Tyler include the Beta Honor Club and the National Honor Society. He is an Honor Council and Academic Letter of Excellence recipient. In addition to Tyler’s swim activities, he has served as First Priority President, and has been a member of the FCA Board, Key Club, and Executive Board, among others. Tyler has had extensive leadership roles in church-related activities including a Dominican Republic Mission Trip, served on the FEP Outreach Program and Key Club Service Team. Maintaining a part-time job throughout his high school years as a ship deckhand, Tyler plans to continue his “drive” towards financial self-sufficiency and independence during his college experience. In his opinion, Tyler’s involvement in church-related activities has given him “a servant’s heart and a moral obligation to help those who are less fortunate”. This, he states, “will shape my future and hopefully allow me to be a world changer”. AMANDA NICOLE MARKEE: Pursuing her passion in life for writing is not just a dream for Amanda, it is becoming a reality as she prepares to enter New College this fall. She is sponsored by her grandfather, William K. Weitz, Cpt. USA (Ret). Inspired by her love for extensive learning, reading, and a “personal corner in the school library,” Amanda’s writing has depth, sincerity, and determination. Described as “the personification of service leadership”, she seems destined to “do great things” according to her Creative Writing Director at Howard W. Blake Fine Arts High School. Over the years, Amanda has overcome some major obstacles in life, assisted with raising her siblings, all the while participating in AP courses and dual school enrollments with a 3.76 GPA. Her awards include the 2015 Tampa Tribune Scholar, HCTE 1st Place in Poetry, Scholastic Arts & Writing Gold Key, and Performing Arts Excellence. Amanda has been a member of Writers, Inc., Science Club President, Synapse Literary Magazine Editor, and plays guitar and sings. She also has served as a volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries and as a chemistry tutor. Amanda believes that she is now able to confidently say that she has “done her best”, and looks forward to learning the things that help her in bettering herself and her skills while pursuing the passions that have allowed her to “get through each and every day.” DANIEL BUCHERT MIYARES: Making a difference in the lives of others is of great significance to Daniel, and he shares that the Golden Rule is “not a rule so much as it is a call to action”. This goal he hopes to become reality as he begins his studies at University of Texas at Austin. Grandson of sponsor, Ronald V. Buchert, Col, USAF (Ret), Daniel credits his family with giving him the principles and morals that have attributed to his success, and a 4.0 GPA (4.68 Weighted) from Winston Churchill High School. His awards and honors include AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Commended Scholar, and National Honor Society. As a trumpeter, soccer player, and newspaper staff writer, Daniel also finds time to be an Executive tutor and brand ambassador of the Aristotle Circle Peers. He also volunteers for the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and in numerous church-related activities. Daniel has worked with students “who struggle academically, motivating and preparing them for success”, and he believes that his upcoming four years of college will be his most important . . . in “leading a life worth living” in bringing that difference to lives, and to our world. JADE KYLEE TAYLOR: Considered a “stand-out by her peers”, Kylee radiates determination throughout her academics with her “keep your eye on the prize” hard work in achieving her goals. Sponsored by Elaine Taylor, MOWC member and grandmother, Kylee is a student at Terry Sanford High School in Fayetteville, NC where she has proudly earned a 3.79 GPA (4.43 AP Weighted). Considered by many as a natural athlete, her sports include Varsity softball and cross country, Tri-Chi, 12th Man, & 6th Man. Most importantly, Kylee is a National Honor Society member, AAA Scholar Athlete, and an award winner for her Academic Excellence. She has been very active over the years as a volunteer for the Renaissance Christian Academy, Fascinate-U Children’s Museum, and at the Ft. Bragg YMCA. Kylee has “jumped hurdles” through her life – always finding ways to achieve regardless of the circumstances. By continuing to keep her eye on the prize, Kylee believes she will go on to achieve her ultimate goal in life, following matriculation at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. JUNE 2015 PAGE 11 COAST GUARD RESERVIST IS TOP PERFORMER By Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Zac Crawford ,U.S. Coast Guard District 13 † SEATTLE―Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan M. Olson stood out from the pack during a recent award ceremony where he was recognized for his service to his country and his community. Olson, a maritime enforcement specialist with Port Security Unit 313 based in Everett, Washington, received a special call on a typical day where he was balancing operational and administrative duties. On the other end of the line was Master Chief Petty Officer Eric Johnson, the Coast Guard's chief of reserve forces. Johnson called Olson to inform him of his selection as the Coast Guard's 2014 Enlisted Person of the Year―Reserve Component. The EPOY program is designed to recognize the accomplishments of the top enlisted performers who best exemplify the Coast Guard's core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty. Both active duty and reserve EPOY recipients are considered to U.S. Coast Guard reservist Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Olson be the best and brightest in the field. They are selected using criteria that consider steers an Oso Fire Department vehicle out of the station in Oso, their professional and personal accomplishments, work ethic, involvement in comWash., Aug. 11, 2012. Olson is a maritime enforcement specialmunity service and standards of conduct. ist with Port Security Unit 313 in Everett, Wash., and the Coast "Each of the candidates distinguished themselves among their peers by being nom- Guard's 2014 Enlisted Person of the Year Reserve Component. Courtesy photo inated and, ultimately, selected by their districts," Johnson said. "This resulted in nine superstars being presented to a panel of senior enlisted leaders who then, objectively and without collaboration, rated the nominees in various performance categories." Olson received the highest score, but Olson emphasized that all of the candidates were extremely strong and any one of them would have been a worthy choice. Assigned to the Shoreside Security Division of Port Security Unit 313, Olson is his division's lead petty officer and is in charge of nearly 30 people. When not performing his Coast Guard duties, he works as the head of security for a family in the area, advising them in threat analysis and mitigation, and facility and personnel protection. He is also a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician for his local community in Oso, Washington. Working as a volunteer firefighter, Olson assisted first responders in recovery efforts for 24 straight days during the devastating Oso mudslide in March 2014. As a firefighter and emergency medical technician, he's also volunteered an impressive 600 hours responding to 80 separate fire, accident and medical emergencies. "I had always had interest in the fire service. Moving to a small town and seeing the level of professionalism and dedication by the other community volunteers at the fire hall was very neat to see," Olson said. "I experienced a similar situation when considering joining the Coast Guard. Like the fire service, I was motivated by the people and I wanted to be part of what they did." Olson's Coast Guard accomplishments include facilitating more than 240 hours of instruction for PSU members and securing nearly 18,000 acres of training ground with the Department of Defense to be used by his unit. He's also taught Krav Maga (a close-quarters self-defense discipline) to 47 members of his unit. Olson also certified 30 members in tactical combat casualty care, a system of techniques designed to teach individuals the ability to render medical aid in a combat environment. Olson "displayed a can-do, get-it-done attitude," Johnson said. "His focus was that of, 'How can I do more and support those around me― both within the Coast Guard and in my civilian life?'" He "lives by a very good code," Johnson added, "and his positive approach to his military service will serve him well as a chief petty officer." Individuals in the Coast Guard are all part of a team, Olson said. "Time and time again, I hear stories of Coast Guard members doing extraordinary things within their communities," Olson explained, "and not because they are just members of the Coast Guard necessarily, but simply because it is the right thing to do and they have the capability and desire to help others." Olson said his award was earned with the help and guidance of many others. "There are no actions that I could have taken over the last year without the support of others," he said. "This award is really a celebration of all the hard work by a lot of excellent people who make a great team." Olson added, "The culture of service and excellence that radiates from our enlisted ranks is always evident. It is motivating for me to see the great work that other enlisted members do on a daily basis." https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/14d5439dcd7b4808 THE TAMPA CHAPTER OF THE MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA POST OFFICE BOX 6383 MACDILL AFB FL 33608-0383 PRST STD U S POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 850 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED TAMPA CHAPTER (www.moaatampa.org/) www.moaatampa.org/) OPERATION HELPING HAND (www.operationhelpinghandtampa.com/) www.operationhelpinghandtampa.com/) TAMPA MOAA National (www.moaa.org/) FL COUNCIL (www.moaafl.org/) www.moaafl.org/) CHAPTER America’s wounded and injured active duty military have responded to their country’s call. Since May 2004, our mission for the past eleven years has been to respond to them and their families in all of their needs. We will continue with Tampa Chapter’s help. www.operationhelpinghandtampa.com An IRS 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation and a project of the TAMPA CHAPTER OF MOAA