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
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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."
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MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
OF AMERICA
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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.
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