military citizen of the year nominees...

What’s Inside

Volume 57, Number 4 February 21, 2019https://www.cnic.navy.mil/meridian ~ www.facebook.com/NASMeridian ~ Twitter: @nasmeridianms

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African Americans in Naval History

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Area Happenings

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Check out what’s for sale.

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Disruptive Thinkers

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Weight of Debt

Base Events

]Legal Assistance March 7-8 at

the Legal Office. Assistance with Wills, Medical

Directives, Power of Attorney and general legal questions. By appointment. Call 679-2340

]ACT Workshop March 23 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in Administration

Building 255, room 265. Call 679-2473

Summer Uniform Shift for

Navy Region Southeast

will be April 1

Military Citizen of the Year nominees announced

From Staff Reports

The 2018 AC2 Whitney L. Powell Memorial Military Citizen of the Year Award will be present-ed Feb. 28 during a luncheon in downtown Merid-ian. The annual award, sponsored by the Missis-sippi Council of the Navy League and East Missis-sippi Business Development Corporation, honors an enlisted military member who dedicated much of their personal time to community service. In 2013, the award was named in honor of Pow-ell, a well-known Sailor who was extremely active in the community. Powell died in a car accident Feb. 7, 2013.

This year’s nominees include: a Yeoman 1st Class (SW/AW) Michael C. How-ard, Naval Technical Training Center; Air Traffic Controller 1st Class (AW) Darius A. Latta, Naval Air Station Meridian; Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Courtland J. Morris, Naval Branch Health Clinic; and Yeoman 1st Class Jennifer M. Purcell, Naval Operational Support Center. aHoward is NTTC’s Yeoman Flag Writer Course Supervisor and Lead Instructor and serves as the schoolhouses Volunteer Service Coordina-tor. He organized 75 organized projects totaling 3,265 community service hours in 2018. Howard serves as the Petty Officer Association president and spearheaded the establishment of the NAS Meridian First Class Petty Officer Association for active and reserve first classes across five com-mands. The mess raised $500 for American Red Cross, MWR, and Hope Village for Children. a Latta is a Facility Watch Supervisor and Section Leader at Air Operations. He has contrib-uted more than 150 hours of community service primarily in youth ministry at Abundant Life Tabernacle mentoring youth. He is a regular vol-unteer with Queen City Nursing Home and leads fellowship on Tuesdays and Thursdays for senior citizens. Latta participate with East Mississippi Animal Rescue and Habitat for Humanity proj-ects. =MCOY, page 3

Photos by Adam PrinceAbove: Master-at-Arms 1st Class Shawn Flowers, right, speaks with Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Kara Clark during Naval Air Station Meridian’sActive Shooter Exercise Wednesday, Feb. 6 at the fire station on board NAS Me-ridian. Clark was serving in the role of a hostage negotiator during the exercise. The exercise was part of the annual Navy-wide Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain which enhances the training and readiness of Navy security personnel and better prepares Department of the Navy (DON) personnel for potential force protection situations. It also establishes a learning environment for security personnel to exercise functional plans and operational capabilities. The exercise is not in response to any specific threat. Below: NAS Meridian Commanding Officer, Capt. Brian Horstman speaks to media during a mock press conference following the active shooter exercise.

YN1 Michael Howard NTTC

AC1 Darius Latta

NAS

HM2 Courtland Morris

NBHC

YN1 Jennifer Purcell

NOSC

Navy Sea Chanters to perform at Meridian’s Temple Theatre

America’s Navy is coming to Meridian, Mississippi, one of 18 cities in nine states to host a performance by the United States Navy Band during its 2019 tour -- one of the signature outreach programs of the U.S. Navy. The United States Navy Band Sea Chanters performance is scheduled for March 15, at 7 p.m. at Meridian’s Temple Theater. The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters is the official chorus of America’s Navy. The ensemble performs a variety of music rang-ing from traditional choral music, including sea chanteys and patriotic fare, to opera, Broadway, and contemporary music. The Sea Chanters chorus is frequently found at the center of high-profile national events. At home in Washington, D.C., the group

performs for the president, vice president, and numerous congressional, military and foreign dignitaries. One of the U.S. Navy Band’s primary responsibilities involves touring the coun-try. All of the band’s primary performing units embark each year on concert tours throughout specified regions of the country, allowing the band to reach out to audiences in areas of the country that do not have op-portunities to see the Navy’s premier musi-cal ensembles on a regular basis. The con-certs are family-friendly events, meant to be entertaining to veterans, families, indi-viduals and those interested in joining the Navy. All Navy Band performances are free and open to the public.

--From U.S. Navy Band Public Affairs

NAS participates in Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2019

Congrats!

Jayde Sharp

Naval Branch Health ClinicCivilian of 4th Quarter 2018

and 2018 Civilian of the Year

Navy League to honor Sailors at luncheon Feb. 28

Area HappeningsFebruary21-26: Four Weddings and An Elvis at the Meridian Little Theatre. Performances begin at 7 p.m.; with 2 p.m. matinee on Feb. 24. Tickets are $18 and $20; call 601-482-6371.22: Camp Hoops from 6-7 p.m. at Carver Junior High School. Camp Hoops is a new program designed to allow athletes with special needs of all ages the opportunity to play basketball and have fun. The events take place on three consecutive Fridays, beginning Feb. 22, and will continue March 1-8. Call 601-678-2665.24: “Cruel & Unusual Punishment” at 3 p.m. at the Historic Temple Theater. Presented by the Wechsler Foundation and Meridian High School’s Department of Theatre and Performing Arts. Concessions available; doors open at 2 pm. Tickets are $10 for the public and $7 for students (with school ID); call 205-837-3762.March2: Meridian Mardi Gras from 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. in downtown Meridian. This family friendly event features king cakes, gumbo, Krewe of Barkus pet parade, and the Krewe of Midas parade of floats. Call 601-485-1998.2: The MSO presents Mardi Gras at 7 p.m. at the MSU Riley Center. Join the Meridian Symphony Orchestra; with special guest Wycliffe Gordon and his International All Stars! Tickets are $35 for adults; $10 for students; call 601-693-2224.4: Auditions for Mamma Mia at MLT at 6:30 p.m. at the Meridian Little Theatre. Please be prepared to sing a minimum of 16 bars of a show tune not from the score of this show with an accompanist that will be provided-- you may bring sheet music. You will also learn a short dance number-please dress accordingly. Show runs May 9-14. Call 601-482-6371.15: US Navy Band “Sea Chanters” in Concert at 7 p.m. at the Historic Temple Theater. The Navy Band Sea Chanters is the United States Navy’s official chorus. The ensemble performs throughout the Country sharing a variety of music ranging from traditional choral music, including sea chanteys and patriotic fare, to opera, Broadway, and contemporary selections. Free tickets are available at the Temple Theatre, Meridian Star and at Ponta Creek Complex onboard NAS Meridian. Call 601-693-5353.

The Skyline ~ February 21, 20192

The Skyline ~ Naval Air Station Meridian, Miss.

Command StaffCommanding Officer ~

Capt. Brian S. HorstmanExecutive Officer ~

Cmdr. J.P. FalardeauCommand Master Chief ~

CMDCM Maurice Sutherland

Editorial StaffPublic Affairs Officer ~

Penny RandallPublic Affairs Specialist~

Adam PrinceStaff Writer/Photographer ~

MC1 Chris Liaghat

This DoD newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of The Skyline are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, or NAS Meridian, Mississippi. The Skyline is pub-lished every other Thursday by The Meridian Star, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Navy, under exclusive written contract with the commanding officer of Naval Air Station, Meridian, Mississippi. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the NAS Meridian Public Affairs Office. The Skyline solicits news contributions from military and civilian sources. It reserves the right to edit material selected for publication. The deadline for material is 4:30 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Send submissions to: The Skyline, 255 Rosen-baum Ave., Suite 163, Public Affairs Office, Naval Air Station, Meridian, MS 39309-5003 or e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]. For more information, call (601) 679-2318 or (601) 679-2809. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or The Meridian Star of products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without re-gard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handi-cap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

Hotlines & Helpful NumbersSAPR Victim Assistance: 601-604-3037

SAPR Civilian Victim Assistance: 601-486-3122SARC: 601-481-4274

SAFE Helpline: 877-995-5247Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255

Military OneSource: 800-342-9647CEAP (DoN Civilian): 844-366-2327EAP (NAF Civilian): 800-932-0034

FFSC Meridian: 601-679-2360Chaplain: 601-604-2015

NMCRS Duty Cell: 601-604-2206EEO (NAF): 866-295-0328EEO (GS): 904-542-2802

Photo of Week

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Domzalski Marine Corps officer candidates go through the Quigley, an obstacle course at Officer Candidates School at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., Feb. 6.

Navy News Briefs

A Day in Naval History

~ Feb. 23, 1945 ~

Four days after landing on Iwo Jima, an invasion where uncommon valor was a common virtue, the United States flag is raised on Mt. Suribachi.

~ Feb. 20, 1962 ~

Lt. Colonel John Glenn, USMC, becomes the first American to orbit the Earth. Recovery is by USS Noa (DD-841). In 1998, while still a sitting

Senator, Glenn flew on the Discovery space shuttle’s STS-95 mission, and became the oldest person to fly in space and the only person to fly

in both the Mercury and Space Shuttle programs. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in

2012. He died at the age of 95 in 2016.

NAS Meridian NMCRS Office is open on Tuesdays

from 8 a.m.-noon & Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Call 601-679-2504. Administration Building 255,

Suite 283

Wreckage of the World War II aircraft carrier USS Hornet rests on the floor of the South Pacific Ocean around the Solo-mon Islands, 5,400 meters (nearly 17,500 feet) below the surface as discovered last month by the expedition crew of Paul G. Allen’s Research Vessel (R/V) Petrel. Hornet was best known for its part in the fateful Doolittle Raid that was launched in April of 1942, which was the first airborne attack of Japanese home-land targets including Tokyo. Led by U.S. Army Lt. Col. James Doolittle, all of the 16 B-25 planes that were launched from Hornet were unable to land at their designated airstrip in China, but the raid provided a boost to American mo-rale, and put Japan on alert about our covert air capabilities. In June, Hornet was one of three American carriers that surprised and

sunk four Japanese carriers at Midway, turning the tide of war in the Pacific. The ship was sunk during the excep-tionally vicious Battle of Santa Cruz Is-land that started Oct. 25, 1942. Hornet proved an especially determined ship over the next 24 hours. Enduring a re-lentless, coordinated attack by Japanese dive-bombers and torpedo planes, her crew was ultimately forced to abandon the ship due to damage and resulting fires. She then defied American efforts to scuttle her with 16 torpedoes and 369 rounds of 5-inch shells. When Japanese forces approached shortly thereafter and fired four torpedoes from two Japanese destroyers late in the evening of Oct. 26, Hornet finally succumbed and slipped beneath the surface. She lost 111 Sailors from her crew of nearly 2,200. --Courtesy of Paul Allen/Vulcan Inc. & R/V Petrel

Final resting place of USS Hornet CV-8 located in South Pacific

The sea lanes are vital to the health and wellbeing of a nation. These strate-gic byways allow trade, travel and the movement of resources. NATO main-tains two groups of mine countermea-sures ships ready to respond to a crisis if needed. In order to maintain a high level of readiness, NATO conducts training ex-ercises to keep Sailor’s skills sharp. Over the past two weeks, more than 160 naval personnel from 21 NATO and Partner nations met at the NATO Mine Countermeasures School (EGUERMIN), in Oostende, Belgium to practice large

scale mine clearance operations in the computer aided exercise Dynamic Move.Three Task Force Battle Staffs each led four Task Units in a virtual task force to clear mines in a simulated crisis situa-tion. The Task Force Battle Staffs includ-ed Standing NATO Mine Countermea-sures Group One, the US Navy’s Mine Warfare Battle Staff from the Naval Sur-face and Mine Warfighting Development Center and a Mine Warfare Battle Staff comprised of Scandinavian Allies and Partners. --From NATO Maritime Command Public Affairs

NATO trains to keep sea lanes clear

U.S. Navy photo The aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV 8) launching U.S. Army Air Forces B-25B bombers at the start of the Doolittle Raid, the first U.S. air raid on the Japanese home islands.

The Skyline ~ February 21, 2019 3

The African American Experience in the U.S. Navy Today’s African American Sailors stand proudly knowing the accom-plishments of their predecessors, including the eight black Sailors who earned the Medal of Honor during the Civil War; Dick Henry Turpin, one of the survivors of the explosion aboard the battleship Maine; and the 14 black female yeomen who enlisted during World War I. The Navy planted the seeds for racial integration during World War II and trained a generation of outstanding African American officers and enlisted per-sonnel who provided critical leadership and expertise during the Cold War. African Americans have a long heritage of service, first with state and continental navies, and then with the Department of the Navy since its establishment in 1798. They continue to distinguish themselves ashore, on ships, in aircraft, and on submarines through times of peace and con-flict. In February 1944, the Navy commissioned its first African-American officers. This long-hoped-for action represented a major step forward in the status of African-Americans in the Navy and in American society. The twelve commissioned officers, and a warrant officer who received his rank at the same time, came to be known as the “Golden Thirteen”. During the 1960s and 1970s, African Americans began commanding ships, submarines, and shore establishments. In 1974, the Navy issued its first Navy Equal Opportunity Manual and two years later issued its first Navy Affirmative Action Plan. And now, as in previous periods, Af-rican-American officers and enlisted personnel have continued to stand out among the Navy’s best and brightest, gaining recognition in their roles as trailblazers.

--From Naval History and Heritage Command

By MC2 Kashif Basharat All Hands Magazine

The Navy announced a Naval Univer-sity System (NUS) that will overhaul the education of the fleet, ensuring a competi-tive advantage in the decades ahead. The announcement came in the wake of a memorandum signed by the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) last week promulgat-ing his decisions and immediate actions resulting from a landmark, seven-month Education for Seapower (E4S) study lead by Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly. The findings and recommendations of the study, captured in a December 2018 final report recently made available via the Navy’s website, identified the Department of the Navy’s strengths and weaknesses when it comes to Sailors’ and Marines’ aca-demic education. “We decided to take a comprehensive look at naval education on how to best edu-cate our Sailors and Marines to sustain an advantage for our naval forces in respect to their minds,” Modly said yesterday in an interview on E4S. “We decided to assemble an outside group of leaders ... to conduct a top-to-bottom, clean-sheet review of naval education.” The NUS will combine the United States Naval Academy, Naval War College, Ma-rine Corps University, Naval Postgraduate School, the academic curricula of the Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and ser-vice Officer Candidate Schools, federal ex-ecutive fellowships, and all flag and general officer education into one united university system. The new system will align and orches-trate the academic efforts and resources of all naval education activities, while also retaining the special characteristics and strengths of each institution, and enhanc-ing overall agility and accountability. It will use a universal transcript system and insti-tute a common strategic intent and similar policies for admissions, instructor qualifica-tions and faculty empowerment. The chief of naval operations and com-mandant of the Marine Corps will also refine selection standards for top-level schools and war colleges, aiming for the top

30 percent of officers in terms of leadership, as well as operational and academic perfor-mance. “This will help us create a much more agile fleet,” said Modly. “That’s ultimately going to be our differentiating strategic ad-vantage. That goes from what our ships can do ... how we work together between the

Navy and the Marine Corps, and how our leaders think and how they react. This is not just about the individual, but how that individual will impact the organization.” Another keystone of the NUS will be the establishment of a Naval Community Col-lege (NCC). The NCC will provide accred-ited associates’ degrees for enlisted Marines

and Sailors in academic disciplines that ad-vance lethality, partnership and reform. “The idea is to get our enlisted service members an opportunity to get educational programs ... wherever they are,” said Mod-ly. “We want to provide them with a system, whether it’s online learning or connections with local colleges in certain areas, to make it easier for them to advance their educa-tion.” The new focus on education will also appear on evaluations. Both branches will utilize competitive grading criteria for edu-cational and learning achievements on offi-cer fitness reports and enlisted evaluations. This will ensure learning achievements are appropriately weighted when it comes to promotions. “[With the E4S study,] we’re finding that there was very little correlation between people who are getting advanced degrees and education with their promotion ranks,” said Modly. “We want to see ... a direct cor-relation, and then obviously it’ll bear itself out in terms of how prepared we are as a naval service. ... Education has not been considered a part of [the] readiness equa-tion at a high enough level. ... What the study found is that’s short-sighted because at some point, if we don’t educate our people properly, it’s going to have a huge impact on readiness.” A new N7/director of warfighting de-velopment will serve as the sole resource sponsor and strategic leader for Navy edu-cation within the office of the chief of naval operations (CNO). This director will serve alongside a Marine counterpart, the exist-ing deputy commandant for combat devel-opment and integration, to refocus naval educational efforts on increased warfighting capacity. A new chief learning officer (CLO) posi-tion will also be created. The CLO will act as a Department of the Navy advisor to the OPNAV and Marine Corps staff on all edu-cation matters. In addition, a naval education board, comprising the under secretary of the Navy, the CNO, the commandant of the Marine Corps and the vice chief of naval operations, among others, will meet at least semi-annu-ally to ensure the success of the NUS.

Navy renews focus on education, establishes Naval University System

U.S Navy Graphic

=MCOY After receiving a counselor certification from Mary-land University he was asked to contribute to a book and curriculum on human trafficking. His work is being used to raise awareness and help survivors of human trafficking and sexual abuse.aMorris is the Assistant Leading Petty Officer for Deployment Health, Acute Care Center, Immuniza-tions and Aviation Medicine at the clinic. He devoted 45 hours of service Habitat for Humanity where he used his knowledge and skills as a carpenter to help build homes within the community. He has also volunteered with the Marion Fire Department and Toys for Tots. In addition, he dedicated time to reno-vating layouts of shelters in Meridian which helped improve the life and comfort of the residents. He is a supporter of Alliance to End Suicide. Morris is the volunteer coordinator for the clinic supervising events for 33 Sailors including Adopt-a-Road proj-ects.a Purcell is the NOSC’s Assistant Leading Petty Officer, Assistant Security Manager, Public Affairs Officer and Reserve Career Counselor. She has con-tributed 190 hours of community service towards various community outreach projects including Northeast Elementary School Scholastics Book Fair, exam proctor at Northeast Middle School and Habi-tat for Humanity. She volunteered 78 clinical hours at Till-Newell Animal Hospital assisting veterinar-ians with day-to-day animal rescue operations. She supported the Coyote Hills Equine Rescue and Ther-apeutic Riding Center by assisting with routine care and handling of the horses. She supervised eight children and handled 12 horses as a camp counselor at the youth ranch during the summer. Purcell is the recipient of the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and the President’s Volunteer Service Medal.

NAS Sailor earns master’s degree in Human Resource Management

ABH1 Albaro Rodriguez from NAS Meridian’s Field Support Division has taken the pursuit of higher educa-tion to the next level. Rodriguez just completed his requirements for the Masters of Art degree in Human Resources Management from National University. “Earning a college degree requires a lot of time and money, being in the Navy helped me to pay for it -- I only had to pay a small portion of the tuition assistance,” Ro-driguez said. He feels that – with the Navy’s help – getting a col-lege degree can inspire others to pursue their goals. “It is always great to finish something and feel accom-plished, but this is well worth it because now my kids know that I was able to earn a degree while working and having a family, so they should have no excuse to do something with their lives,” he said. “It is good to know that when I retired from the Navy, I’ll have something that I can use for another career.” Rodriguez doesn’t have much time to prepare for a new career, as he’s set to retire from the Navy on April 30, 2020. “I have different plans for when I retire,” Rodriguez said. “First, I’ll like to work in a field of my degree, but eventually I’d like to open my own barbershop or own business,” He also encourages other Sailors to pursue higher education … especially while station in Meridian. “Meridian is the perfect place to go to school,” he said. “My advice for Sailors is to take advantage of the opportunity and not to wait until later in their careers.”

While Rodriguez looks forward to opportunities to come; he has also surprised himself by his accomplish-ments. “I arrived in the United States 25 years ago, I never thought it possible that I would earn a bachelor’s degree -- never the less a master’s degree; but trusting in God and allowing him to guide me has made it possible to surpass my own expectations,” Rodriguez said.

Submitted photoABH1 Albaro Rodriguez


Lilly was our easy child. As a baby, she sat contentedly on my hip while I did home therapy with her developmen-tally delayed older brother, or while I argued with her stronger-willed big sister. In school, Lilly made friends easily at every duty station. Her teachers would move Lilly’s desk away from her pals to stop her from chatting, but she would simply strike up new conversa-tions with whomever sat nearby. One afternoon while stationed in Ger-many, I raced out of our base apartment to our minivan, because I had forgotten to pick Lilly up from elementary school, and it was raining. Gunning the engine up a hill, I saw Lilly happily running alone down the sidewalk, arms out-stretched and eyes closed, her backpack flopping under her bob of sandy brown hair. As fat raindrops splatted on her sweet face, she grinned from ear to ear with pure joy. That was Lilly. Not surprisingly, she amassed a group of seventeen girlfriends in high school, despite being the military kid on scholar-ship at a prestigious private school. I snapped copious photos of her fun-loving group dolled up for dances, so proud that Lilly’s easy-going personality had allowed her to breeze through the complex social quagmire of adolescence. But now, Lilly is a freshman in college, struggling with negative body image is-sues, low self-esteem, and depression. Not Lilly! How did this happen? In an attempt to help, I am looking back at Lilly’s seemingly problem-free adolescence for answers. It turns out, her situation was not as simple as it seemed. In today’s violent society, parents, educators and experts are talking openly about the potential dangers of chalking aggressive male behavior up to “boys will be boys.” In the #MeToo era, girls are told they must band together to fight the real problem — male aggression. Few would suspect that girls might actually hurt each other, and subtle “mean girl” manipulations often go unnoticed until lasting psychological damage is done.

Although “relational aggression” has long been considered a form of bullying that can include “gossip, rumor spread-ing, public embarrassment, social exclu-sion, and alliance building,” this behavior is sometimes accepted by parents and educators as a right of passage for girls. However, research indicates that this type of subtle bullying can lead to the development of low self-esteem, eating disorders, anxiety, depression and even suicide for both the victims and the mean girls themselves. Although Lilly hid her angst from us to keep her “happy-go-lucky” reputa-tion in our family, she has now admitted what was really going on in high school. Although she still fiercely defends her friend group, she admits there was a social ladder that she clung to precari-ously, with two particular girls consis-tently at the top. These “ringleaders” were often mean in subtle ways — using their control to temporarily exclude or shame members of the group over minor conflicts. The ringleaders were intimidat-ing enough that the other girls in the group did not stick up for each other, for fear that they might be the next victims of embarrassment or isolation. Petty jealousy over a boy who had a crush on Lilly prompted one ringleader to scream at her to, “Get the f*** out of my room!” Even though the dozen other girls present later admitted that the ringlead-er’s behavior was completely unjustified, not one of them came to Lilly’s defense. She was not accepted back into the group for a week. Also, comments made within the friend group about weight profoundly affected Lilly. On one occasion, Lilly’s friend held up a very large pair of pants she found in her room and said in front of the group, “Lilly, these are way too big for me, but it looks like they might be your size.” I assume this friend hadn’t meant to hurt her, but soon Lilly stopped eating in the dining hall. This and other weight-relat-ed comments were permanently burned into her fragile adolescent psyche. Now, I grit my teeth. I should have asked more questions when I had the chance. But instead of seeing the insidi-ous dangers under the surface, I oblivi-ously snapped photos of those beautiful, glittering girls. Lisa Smith Molinari’s self syndicated columns appear on her blog, www.themeatandpotatoesoflife.com and she recently co-authored Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life Follow Lisa@MolinariWrites.

Girls will be girls

Molinari

COLUMN

NAS Meridian Volunteer Income Tax Assistance 2019 A self-service tax assistance center

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN! Tax Time. Two options:

(1) Military OneSource MilTax 24/7 Self Service

All tax filing is self-service, so you can file taxes from the comfort of your own home using MilTax through Military OneSource. You can talk with a trained MilTax consultant free during tax season (January through April 18) seven days a week from 0700 to 2200 EST or EDT at 800-342-9647.

(2) NAS Meridian Self-Service Tax Assistance Center Location: Andrew Triplett Library, 220 Fuller Road Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed: 1000-1600 and Thurs: 1300-1800 Dates: January 28 – April 18

Who can use the Tax Assistance Center and MilTax?* Active duty, retirees, dependents, reserve on active duty >30 days or pre-mobilization, 20/20/20 spouses/dependents. *Priority to E-6 and below at the Tax Assistance Center.

INFORMATION YOU WILL NEED

o Valid photo identification. o Social Security number. o Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents. o Your wage and earning forms, such as Forms W-2, W-2G, and 1099-R. o Interest and dividend statements (Forms 1099). o Last year’s Adjusted Gross Income. Copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns, if

available. o Routing and account numbers for direct deposit of your tax refund. o Total amount you paid for day care and the day care provider’s identifying number. This is

usually an Employer Identification Number or Social Security number. For questions, contact the NAS Meridian Legal Office at 601-679-2340.

A Governor’s Roundtable dis-cussion was held in Jackson Jan. 28 and included the U.S. Department of Labor, staff from Gov. Phil Bryant’s office, military spouses from NAS Meridian, Gulfport Seabee Battalion and Columbus Air Force Base, in ad-dition to represen-tatives from both large and small businesses around Mississippi. Topics on the agenda includ-ed military spouse professional license portability, employers hiring preferences for veterans/spouses and childcare issues related to military spouse employment. According to the United States Census Bureau, 92 percent of military spouses are women. This makes maintaining a professional career extremely difficult for the spouse due to the numerous moves. Mississippi is trying to change this and ease board licensure requirements for military spouses. A majority of the discussion was about military spouse professional licensure and how to improve the licensing process in Mississippi. Senate Bill 2419 was signed by Governor Phil Bryant in March 2013 which should make it easier for military spouses to quickly obtain their license for many professions. Occupa-tional state boards can grant a temporary or permanent license to a military spouse if they hold a license in another state with similar requirements. The tempo-rary license would allow the professional spouse to begin work while simultaneous-ly applying for the permanent license. To this day, many occupational boards are not adhering or implementing Bill 2419 that was signed into law. There were many recommendations and suggestions to improve this process. A few examples included having a military advisor for each board to help navigate and implement the application process for licensure, holding unwilling boards accountable for not following the law and understanding or clarifying the verbiage used in Bill 2419.

A temporary license is meant to expe-dite the procedure to permanent licen-sure (so the spouse can get back to work and allow boards a reasonable amount of time to grant a license by reciprocity), not temporarily grant the spouse permission to work for 12-24 months (military orders are usually for at least three years). The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff stated that a new bill has been introduced and is currently going through the legisla-tive process that would help clarify the board’s responsibility, to expedite and grant permanent licensure to qualifying military spouses in a reasonable amount of time. Another topic was why some compa-nies hire military spouses due to their dependability, work ethic, and vast expe-rience of multiple job settings knowing full well that they will only be stationed there for approximately three years. Some employers have even made it pos-sible for the spouse to continue working for the company after being relocated to another duty station. The question was how to get the word out about military spouses and what benefit they bring to the table -- even for small businesses. Later, the discussion turned to childcare issues that sometimes prevent spouses from going back to work. Some larger employers are providing childcare for their employees to promote a stable work environment, provide consistency and help with the financial burden that inhibits many spouses from going back to work. Some Child Development Cen-ters (CDC) provide a certain amount of childcare for a limited number of days for military families transferring in and out of the duty station to enable the spouse to seek employment. Many concerns and new ideas were brought to the roundtable discussion. I feel that the Governor and his staff heard what burdens many military spouses and families and are working hard to improve laws. There will be other roundtable discussions in the future on topics that didn’t make to the table this time. More to follow.Shannon McCharen is the first military spouse regis-tered dental hygienist in the State of Mississippi in over eight years. She resides in Meridian where her husband is the Public Works Director for NAS Meridian. She has attained five licenses that include Texas, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Virginia and Mississippi.

Group ready to help military spouses with professional licensure, childcare

McCharen

COLUMN

By Jason Kelly Navy Office of Information Public Affairs

The Navy’s largest annual force protection exercise, which included a real-world re-sponse, concluded Feb. 15. During Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2019, all Navy installations in the con-tinental United States used realistic training scenarios to ensure Navy security forces maintain a high level of readiness to respond to changing and dynamic threats. In Texas, those scenarios turned from training to reality. At Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi, Navy security forces personnel responded to a vehicle that unlawfully entered the base Feb. 14; installation security personnel were already in an increased security posture. Personnel opened fire after the driver crashed his vehicle into a barrier and charged the personnel who were not injured during the inci-dent. Emergency services pronounced the suspect deceased on the scene. In addition to Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain testing installations’ readiness, the annual two-week force protection and anti-terrorism exercise also ensured seamless interoperability among Navy commands, other services and agency partners. “We train as a team with local authorities to rapidly identify and respond to existing and emerging threats to our Navy installations, units, Sailors, our civilian shipmates and families,” said Adm. Christopher Grady, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (US-FFC). USFFC co-leads the command post exercise with Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), which leads the field training exercise Citadel Shield. In Maryland, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Annapolis partnered with Anne Arundel County, the City of Annapolis, Anne Arundel Medical Center and Baltimore Washington Medical Center to conduct an active shooter and mass casualty exercise on base Feb. 6. Navy security forces apprehended volunteers playing the role of active shooters. More than 40 additional volunteers playing wounded victims were transported to Anne Arundel Medical Center and Baltimore-Washington Medical Center. The volunteers playing vic-tims were treated for their injuries by local emergency services. “This yearly exercise has been enhanced to support all of the community emergency management entities and to also include Baltimore Washington Hospital Center, and has grown to be a very large exercise event within our community,” said Patty Sherman, Anne Arundel Medical Center emergency manager who added the medical center has collabo-rated with NSA Annapolis for the mass casualty exercise for more than 10 years. “As a community hospital, we are extremely grateful to the Navy for allowing us to expand and improve upon our policies and procedures in order to provide stabilization and care for potential victims of mass casualty events.” Measures were taken to minimize disruptions within local communities and to normal base operations during the exercise. “We have to train like we fight. It’s important for our security forces to have this opportu-nity to run through the drills and exercise their skills in a realistic scenario,” said Capt. Michael Wathen, NSA Mid-South’s commander. “I recognize that the exercise can cause delays for folks throughout the two weeks, but these exercises are vital to our ability to defend our installation.” The annual exercise is not in response to any specific threat. “Our Navy installations are key enablers that directly support warfighting capabilities and readiness,” said Tim Alexander, director of operations for CNIC. “Exercises such as Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain allow our regions, bases and tenant commands to hone our force protection skills.”

Annual Force Protection Exercise enhances, tests Navy readiness

Photo by Anne OwensU.S. Navy Security Forces, Naval Criminal Investigative Service and Texas Department of Safety personnel discuss details of an investigation after a vehicle unlawfully entered the base, Feb. 14. Navy Security Forces personnel opened fire after the suspect crashed his vehicle into a barrier and charged Security Forces personnel. Emergency services pronounced the suspect deceased on the scene. No personnel were injured during the incident.

By Cpl. George Melendez III Marine Expeditionary Force

The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert Neller, issued a call to action to all “disruptive thinkers” within the Corps. A cultural evolution, filled with Marines that can come up with solutions to acceler-ate ideas to decision makers, that will lead the Corps into a new age of innovation. Marines in Okinawa have answered that call by leading the way in planning and im-plementing how 3D printing may help keep the Marine Corps engaged and ready in a highly contested area like the Indo-Pacific Theater. Two Marines, Sgt. Adrian J. Willis and Lance Cpl. Tracey Taylor, computer techni-cians with 7th Communications Battalion, III MEF Information Group are utilizing 3D printing technology to increase their unit’s readiness. “With this technology, we can reduce the time we wait to receive parts eliminating any complacency that may breed from that downtime,” said Willis, from Las Vegas, Nev. “It allows us to reconcile vulnerabili-ties by creating the parts locally, streamlin-ing the process.” Taylor, originally from Germany and recruited from San Antonio, Texas, is in charge of operating the 3D printer and as-

sists in reproducing parts while Willis is in charge of expanding the printer’s capabili-

ties. Willis will also establish the unit’s pro-cedures in the future.

Operators create 3D files of desired products like caps and other necessary parts through sketches and software. Once created, Taylor says it’s as easy as pressing print. The printer localizes the maintenance process and reduces the time it takes to receive the desired part. In the past, ship-ping delays or discontinued parts would weaken a unit’s readiness. Innovations like 3D printing allow units to extend the life cycle of equipment and maintain readiness of gear, saving the Marine Corps a lot of time and money. “The printer will help us increase our war fighting capabilities, allowing us to assess and fix problems instantly,” Taylor said. “We can just print anything out right then and there.” Willis and Taylor both taught them-selves how to work with the 3D printer and its program. They have taken the initia-tive to make the Marine Corps’ use of the printer even better providing a path for fu-ture innovation within the Department of Defense. “What I’m hoping is that, with all these open source platforms that I am using to de-velop these procedures,” said Willis, “I can introduce them to the Marine Corps and then the Corps can develop and sustain it from there.”


Safety & Energy Efficiency is Our Duty

OOORAH! Pfc. Danita Fernandez CabreraMATSS-1 StudentHometown: Miami

Pfc. Cameron GuarascioMATSS-1 Student

Hometown: Wilson, N.C.

Pfc. Cabrera joined the Marine Corps Aug. 21, 2018; want to further her educa-tion and achieve financial stability. Her favorite Marine Corps tradition happened at the end of boot camp. “I was able to take part in the Women’s 100th year festival after we finished the Cru-cible,” she said. During her free time, Cabrera enjoys drawing, volleyball, basketball and run-ning track. After graduation, she hopes travel west -- specifically Mirimar, Calif. “I want to enjoy some kind of urban city area simi-lar to what I had at home in Miami,” she said.

Pfc. Guarascio joined the Marines Corps Aug. 20, 2018; looking for job security and a chance to put himself on the right track for the future. He’s most looking forward to being able to travel and see the world during his career. During his off-duty time, Guarascio has one primary hobby -- soccer. “Even if I’m not on a team at the time; I still go out to the field and kick the ball around,” he said. His most memorable experience from boot camp was the ‘Warrior’s Breakfast’ after his division finished the Crucible.

The call for “Disruptive Thinkers” is being answered

CAMP PENDlETON, CAlIFORNIA

Photo by Lance Cpl. Rhita Daniel Marines hike through a simulated chemical attack during training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 12.

PARRIS ISlAND, S.C.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Shane Manson Sgt. Maj. William Carter, the sergeant major of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, uses a World War II – era M2 flame thrower to burn last season’s Christmas trees at Elliot’s Beach Feb. 1. The fire department sponsors the annual event at the depot.

Photo by Cpl. George MelendezU.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Adrian J. Willis, a computer technician with 7th Communications Battalion, pictured here aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan, is one of the Marines that utilize 3D printing technology to expand capabilities within the unit. Willis, from las Vegas, Nev., is in charge of expanding the printer’s capabilities and establishing the standard operating procedures for the printer in order to implement and track its impact in the unit.

6 The Skyline ~ February 21, 2019

NAS Meridian, MS • Morale, Welfare and Recreation

Facility Phone Numbers

On the Web: www.navymwrmeridian.com Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MWRMeridian

Fitness Center 679-2379 Liberty Center 679-3760 Tickets 679-3773McCain Rec Center 679-2651Equipment Rental 679-2609

Library 679-2326Rudders Pub & Grill 679-2780CDC/CDH 679-2652SAC 679-5252SLO 679-2473

P.C. Golf Course 679-2526 MWR Admin. 679-2551MWR Jobs Line 679-2467

Coming Attractions

McCain Rec Center

Thursday, February 215 p.m., Peter Rabbit, PG7 p.m., Ocean’s Eleven, PG13

Friday, February 225 p.m., Pete’s Dragon, PG7 p.m., Ocean’s Twelve, PG13

Saturday, February 231 p.m., Ferdinand, PG5 p.m., Ocean’s Thirteen PG137 p.m., Ocean’s Twelve, PG13

Sunday, February 241 p.m., Peter Rabbit, PG5 p.m., Ocean’s Eleven, PG137 p.m., Ocean’s Thirteen PG13

Monday, February 255 p.m., Despicable Me, PG7 p.m., Widows, R

Tuesday, February 265 p.m., Despicable Me 2, PG7 p.m., Possession of Hannah Grace, R

Wednesday, February 275 p.m., Despicable Me 3, PG7 p.m., Face-Off, R

Thursday, February 285 p.m., Despicable Me, PG7 p.m., Widows, R

Coming Attractions

McCain Rec Center

Friday, March 15 p.m., Despicable Me 2, PG7 p.m., Possession of Hannah Grace, R

Saturday, March 21 p.m., Despicable Me 3, PG5 p.m., Face-Off, R7:30 p.m., Possession of Hannah Grace, R

Sunday, March 31 p.m., Despicable Me, PG5 p.m., Widows, R7:30 p.m., Face-Off, R

Monday, March 45 p.m., E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, PG7 p.m., Bohemian Rhapsody, PG13

Tuesday, March 55 p.m., Coco, PG7 p.m., Robin Hood (2018), PG13

Wednesday, March 65 p.m., Goosebumps, PG7 p.m., Creed II, PG13

Thursday, March 75 p.m., E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, PG7 p.m., Bohemian Rhapsody, PG13

Friday, March 85 p.m., Coco, PG7 p.m., Robin Hood (2018), PG13

navymwrmeridian.com

SPRING BREAK CAMPMARCH 11 - MARCH 15

It’s time to shake off the winter blues and put some spring in your step! At the SAC’s Spring Break Camp, children will have the chance to participate in games, stir their imagination, get plenty of exercise and make new friends.

You can sign up for any number of days. The deadline to register is March 7. For more information, or to register your child, stop by the Child Development Center or School-Aged Care Center.

Arts and Crafts • Field Trips • Team Sports • Games • Science Experiments • So Much More!


Listings in the “Sale...Or” column are free for anyone who works at NAS Meridian. You can purchase an ad for a business or organization in “The Skyline,” by calling The Meridian Star at 601-693-1551 -- ask for Advertising or email: [email protected]

7

Sale... Or2017 Keystone Ava-

lanche 365MB (5th wheel) motor home. Sleeps eight; great living quarters; includes cables, hoses and septic lines. Asking $49k. Call 586-899-6429.

2018 Mallard M185 Travel Trailer. Sleeps 4 with 1 queen bed/2 bunks. Easy to tow at 3,575 lbs; only selling because mili-tary member is moving overseas. Great living quarters with lake view. Hooked up and ready to live in, including cables, hoses, septic lines, plus the $500 towing kit. Ask-ing $17,000. Call 360-434-3035

2010 Ultra Classic Harley Davidson 29K miles 96cc Screaming Ea-

gle Engine. Excellent con-dition. Asking $10,500. Call 601-527-4981.

2010 Polaris Ranger 800XP Browning Edi-tion, camo color. roof, windshield, winch, extra set of wheels/tires, and dual gun scabbard. Ask-ing $7,800. Call Pete at 601-678-3458.

2013 Harley David-son Switchback, Asking $8,000; only one owner; still under warranty; all maintenance done by Harley Davidson. Call 505-658-1675.

1982 Harley Davidson FLHS, 80 C.I. Shovel-head Engine w/4-Speed Transmission. Nice An-tique Bike -- just can’t ride anymore. Call 601-527-9756/601-986-8378

2004 Honda TRX450R four wheeler $2,600; 2005 Honda TRX250EX four wheeler $1,600;

2002 Yamaha TTR-125l dirt bike $800; and 2006 50SX-F dirt bike $2,200. All in good shape ready to go. Overseas move forc-ing sale. Make offer ready to deal! Call Ben at 843-597-4221.

2017 Camaro Gen6, 4k miles, 50th anniver-sary limited addition; like-new condition. $38,500. Call 601-686-1027.

2012 Honda Civic, 47k miles, $9,200. Call 601-490-3835.

New! For Sale: 4BD/2BA home close NAS in Daleville! Perfect for hunting, fishing, horse-back riding, or ATV’s; Ideal weekend getaway house with huge shop with electricity and cov-ered parking. Northeast

School District. Call Jen-ny Ziemba at 601-480-5969 or 601-282-5261.

For Sale: 4BD/2BA, 249 sq.ft home, Southern Oaks Subd, NE Lauder-dale School District, 12 ft ceilings, gas heating (new unit), new dishwasher, alarm system, quiet and safe neighborhood, walk-way to soccer and softball complex in subdivision. Asking $310,000. Call 601-917-0379.

For Sale: 3BD/3BA, spacious home 15 min-utes from NAS, quiet neighborhood, 424 Win-dover Circle, 2900 ft. Call for private showing. Own-er is relocating for job will consider leasing, open to all offerings. Call 601-686-0277.

For Sale: 3 BD/1 BA home on Edgewood Dr. in Meridian. Asking $33,500. Call 601-880-1168.

For Rent: 3 BD/2 BA home in Collinsville. Lo-cated in West Lauder-dale School District. Call Joseph at 504-421-8757 or email at [email protected].

For Rent: 3 BD/2 BA home 15 minutes from NAS; pets allowed with de-posit. $1,200 per month; $1,000 deposit with op-tion for 3-year lease at $1,100 per month. Call 334-654-0571.

New! For Sale: 2 never used medium-large size dog kennels. $35 each. Call 601-482-2276.

For Sale: 2 horse trail-er, needs painting, but has a good floor, pulls good and has 2 new back tires. Asking $900 or best offer. Call Nancy at 601-462-9312

For Sale: Remington Model 700 in .270 cal with a Custom Boyds Multi-colored Laminated Wood Stock and a Leupold VX3 4.5-14 x40mm Scope. Price $700. Call 601-462-8097

Two Black storage trucks all brass closures; $10 each. Call 601-482-2276.

Woman’s Converse Composite Toe Trainer Safety Shoe Size 10, brand new in box, $65. White with gray & teal trim. Call Teresa 601-616-9251 (Please no calls af-ter 8 p.m.)

To submit an item to the “Sale...Or” column, e-mail [email protected]. Deadline is the Thursday prior to

publication.

MOTORCYClES/GEAR/ATV

AUTOMOBIlES, ETC.

HOMES/APARTMENTS

MISCEllANEOUS

BOATS/CAMPERS/TRAIlERS

SportsWednesdays I 1700-1900 I Fitness Center Gym

navymwrmeridian.com

NO REGISTRATION REQUIREDJUST SHOW UP AND PLAY!

navymwrmeridian.com

The Fitness Center will offer a MWR Navy Fitness course that provides guidance on the facilitation and instruction of the Command Fitness Leader Certification. Certified CFL instructors, under the direction of OPNAV (N17) and CNIC N921,will facilitate the five-day course to meet the needs of commands across the Navy enterprise. The course covers the administrative actions and duties of a CFL, basic exercise

physiology and nutrition, injury prevention, basic PRIMS training and daily physical workouts. Upon completion of the course, CFLs will be tested and

certified to run the Physical Readiness Program for their respective commands.

CFL Certification CourseMarch 25 - March 29

Call (601) 679-2371 for more information.

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Group Exercise ScheduleGroup Exercise Classes are held in the Multi-Use room (or outside, weather permitting).

All classes are FREE to Active Duty personnel, Retirees, Reservists, DoD Civilians, their Dependents and Guests, and Contractors working full-time on the installation. For more information call (601) 679-2379.

PERSONAL TRAINING AND NOFFS/COMMAND PT SESSIONS ALSO AVAILABLE. CONTACT FITNESS CENTER FOR MORE DETAILS.

NOFFS Strength1100 w/ Courtney

HIIT1100 w/ Courtney

SPIN1100 w/ Courtney

Bodybuilding/Strength

1100 w/ Courtney

HIIT1100 w/ Courtney

U.S. Navy surgeon general Vice Adm. Forrest Faison, on behalf of the Department of the Navy (DoN), instituted a new policy regarding the medical waiver process. The changes were officially signed Feb. 15, and impacts all applicants, with greater empha-sis on enlisted to officer commissioning pro-grams. The decision to update this policy came about as a result of Senior Chief Petty Of-ficer Shannon Kent’s leadership and contin-ued persistence to ensure the best process-es are in place for the Navy. Her sacrifice and service to the Navy and our nation will never be forgotten. This new policy, which was named in her honor, establishes a standardized waiver process that affords a pathway to appeal medical waiver recommendations. A mechanism is now in place for the service representatives to pursue a second medical waiver review on otherwise qualified appli-cants. When a second medical waiver review is requested, a Navy medical professional with delegated authority will evaluate the applicant’s capability to enlist or commis-sion despite the fact that a disqualifying condition may exist. Disqualifying medi-

cal conditions are defined in Department of Defense Instruction 6130.03, “Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction into the Military Services.” This change standardizes the initial re-view process, ensuring all reviewers have access to the same information and are provided standardized training. This will result in decreased variability among medi-cal reviewers and more robust reviews of all details associated with a case in pursuit of the most favorable determination. Perhaps most importantly, the policy memo firmly states the surgeon general’s strong expectation, shared by all Navy lead-ers that the highest consideration should be afforded to those applicants currently serv-ing in a deployable status. Navy Medicine is a global health care network of 63,000 personnel which pro-vides health care support to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, their families, and veterans in high operational-tempo environments, at expeditionary medical facilities, medical treatment facilities, hospitals, clinics, hos-pital ships and research units around the world.

--From U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Public Affairs

Navy updates medical waiver process 2nd Annual Meridian Little Theatre

Golf Tournament April 20, at Briarwood Golf & Swim Club

4-person scramble

$75 per person/$300 per team Includes cart, breakfast,lunch, great prizes, door prizes and more.

Sign up forms are available at the MlT office. Call 601-482-6371 or email nancygmyers@hotmail

All proceeds benefit MlT.


Acting Secretary pleased with progress of coalition to defeat ISISBy Jim Garamone

Defense.gov

Acting Defense Secretary Patrick M. Shanahan said he is pleased with the prog-ress of the coalition to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, and he reiterated America’s steadfast support for the effort. “As a 79-member team, our coalition has taken a strong and united stand against the ISIS threat globally with a particular emphasis on Iraq and Syria,” he said. “The United States appreciates every coalition member’s unique contribution to the collec-tive D-ISIS efforts. Together, we have eliminated the group’s hold on over 99 percent of the territory it once claimed as its so-called caliphate.” It has not been an easy fight. Iraqi troops took Mosul back from ISIS in particularly bitter fighting. Syrian Democratic Forces wrested the ISIS capital of Raqqa back after months of fighting. The final remnants of the terror group are now under tremendous assault in the Middle Euphrates River Valley. “We have destroyed its ability to mass forces,” Shanahan said. “We have eliminated most of its leadership and significantly diminished its resources.” U.S. service members in northeast Syria are heading home. Still, “The United States remains committed to our coalition’s cause: The permanent defeat of ISIS both in the Middle East and beyond,” the acting secretary said. “As we make this tactical change, we remain a stabilizing force for peace in the Middle East alongside our may allies and partners.” Shanahan said the U.S. military will maintain counterterrorism capabilities in the Middle East and will continue to support local partners as those forces wipe up the remnants of the terror group. These strategies must be tailored for the region and threat, he said. “Our coalition is addressing the threat in each region and what is required from us to meet these threats,” he said.

Photo by Sgt. Arjenis Nunez Syrian Democratic Forces troops assault through a target objective during a react-to-contact training event in Deir el-Zour province, Syria, Jan. 25.

Dr. Seuss’ SILLY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Saturday, March 2, 20199:00 am to 12:00 pm • The MAX courtyard

located in downtown Meridian

Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast starts at 9:00 am,Dr. Seuss Character Appearances, Oobleck,

Crafts, Storytimes, Games, and more!

Hosted by MCM-Meridian Partnersmschildrensmuseum.org/meridian

Free to the public!

Made possible by our friends:

Hands-on activities!

The Navy released the calendar year (CY) 2019 Meritorious Advancement Pro-gram (MAP) plan, Feb. 8, in NAVADMIN 031/19, announcing the transition from one to two MAP seasons and increasing quotas in a continuing effort to empower command triads to recognize their most highly-talent-ed Sailors through immediate advancement. The move to two seasons which overlap the Navy-wide advancement exam cycles is designed to incentivize selection of the most deserving Sailors – without regard for how they might fare on the exam. MAP is one of Navy’s continuing efforts to foster more merit-driven career outcomes as part of the modernization of personnel systems and processes under Sailor 2025.“The Meritorious Advancement Program is important because it empowers command triads to identify and advance the best ex-perienced and proficient Sailors from within their commands,” said Capt. Angela Katson, branch head of Enlisted Force Shaping Plans and Policies. “And they will make those deci-sions based on Sailors’ demonstrated perfor-mance and ability.” The two MAP seasons will align with the Spring and Fall Navy Wide Advancement Exam (NWAE) cycles. Season One will be-gin 1 March 2019 and end 30 April 2019. Season Two will begin 1 September 2019 and end 31 October 2019. Approximately 10 percent of the CY-19 quotas will be assigned for each season, however business rules and quota allocations will be evaluated after the first season. MAP functions in conjunction with the Navy’s established advancement system and is open to all Active, Full Time Support and Canvasser Recruiter Sailors who meet advancement eligibility requirements. “The total advancement opportunity for paygrades E4 through E6 includes both MAP and the Navy Wide Advancement Exam,” said Katson. Following feedback from the deckplates and command leadership teams, MAP will ac-count for approximately 20 percent of all E4 through E6 advancements for 2019. “It is important to note that the primary focus remains to recognize the most deserv-ing Sailors, therefore commands are encour-aged to exercise their best judgment and return quotas as appropriate,” said Katson. “Returning quotas will not impact allocation of future year quotas.” The NAVADMIN also announced the Feb. 25, 2019 deadline for commanding officers to request a quota for a controlled rate to the Budget Submitting Office (BSO)/Echelon II command.

The following rates, by component, are controlled for CY-19 Season One (i.e., BSO/

Echelon II approval is required for Sailors to be advanced through MAP into the rates listed):

(1) Active Component: AWO1, CTI1, RP1, SH1, YNS1, AWF2 and AWV2.(2) Full Time Support: AME1, AS1, AT1, AZ1, CS1, ET1, IT1, NCR1, AS2, EM2 and CS2. The NAVADMIN also announced that there will be no redistribution of unused MAP quotas to the BSOs during Season One. Unused quotas will be returned to OPNAV N132 on 1 May 2019 and factored into the 2019 Spring Cycle 243 NWAE. This change was based on the fact that over 95 percent of the MAP quotas for 2018 were used and this change will eliminate an administrative burden for commands. Modifications to MAP are the result of the close partnership between Navy leader-ship and the MAP strategic working group, comprised of senior enlisted leaders across the Fleet. The strategic working group as-sessed lessons learned from fiscal year 2018 and Sailor feedback to ensure command tri-ads are provided even greater opportunity and flexibility. The effective date of advancement is based on the date of the MAP Certification Letter (MCL), but it will be no earlier than 1 March 2019. The time in rate for E4-E6 MAP candidates will be 1 January 2019. The time in rate for E2 and E3 MAP candi-dates who advance between the 1st and the 16th day of the month will be the first day of the month in which they are advanced. The time in rate for E2 and E3 MAP candidates who advance between the 17th day of the month and the last day of the month will be the first day of the following month. Com-mands are encouraged to begin their MAP selection process and submit their MCL as early as possible to ensure Sailors are ad-vanced and paid expeditiously. Sailors can only be advanced one pay-grade. Additionally, Sailors can only be mer-itoriously advanced once during CY-19 MAP seasons (i.e. a Sailor meritoriously advanced in Season One cannot be meritoriously ad-vanced in Season Two). Sailors in a frocked status are not eli-gible for advancement to the next higher paygrade until effectively advanced (i.e., a frocked E5 cannot be meritoriously ad-vanced to E6). However, COs are authorized and encouraged to MAP frocked Sailors who were selected for advancement from the Fall 2018, Cycle 240, NWAE provided they have not reached their effective pay date (i.e., a frocked E5 can be meritoriously advanced to E5). Refer to the profile sheet of the member for effective pay date.

--From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

Meritorious Advancement Program gains a season, quotas increase

Photo by MC1 David R. Krigbaum legalman 1st Class Ashley Dier is pinned by lt. Jason Bentley, staff judge advocate at Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo, during a frocking ceremony at Fleet Activities Sasebo

vOLUNTeers NeeDeD!!!G.v. “sONNy” MONTGOMery sQUaDrON,

CiviL air PaTrOL, MeriDiaN, is LOOKiNG fOr New MeMBers.

MeeTs MONDay NiGHTs (eXCePT HOLiDays) aT 5:30 P.M. iN BUiLDiNG 308 aT Key fieLD.

MeMBersHiP CaTeGOries:

CaDeTs (yOUTH) aGes 13-18 (BUT May reMaiN as a CaDeT UNTiL aGe 21.)

seNiOr MeMBers: aGe 18 aND UP.


FFSC BriefsTo register for any of the following workshops, please call the FFSC at 601-679-2360. The class may not be presented if no one registers, so make sure you call

if you’re interested! Can’t make the scheduled time? Call anyway - the workshop facilitator may be able to work with you one-on-one, give you materials, or let you know when the class will be offered again. All

classes held at FFSC (Building 405) unless otherwise noted

Welcome AboardMarch 5 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.FFSC welcomes you to Meridian by providing current information and policiesregarding NAS. Topics covered will include: Navy career choices, FFSCservices, Suicide Prevention, Medical, Dental, Exceptional Family Member(EFM) Program, TRICARE, vehicle registration, on- & off-base drivingregulations, legal services, community services, Chapel & other religiousservices, MWR, things to do at NAS & in Meridian, and more!

Transition GPS CapstoneMarch 7 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Ninety days before their separation from military service, service members willparticipate in a CAPSTONE event, which will verify that transitioning service members completed the Transition GPS curriculum and achieved CareerReadiness Standards. Service members who require additional assistance willbe referred to supplemental training opportunities. In addition, through theCAPSTONE event, all service members will be offered a ‘warm handover’ toappropriate government agencies and organizations that will be able toprovide them continued benefits, services, and support as veterans. See your command career counselor for more information.

IA Spouse Discussion Group March 7 from 11 a.m.-noon FFSC hosts this IA Spouse Discussion Group over coffee (or tea). Join othermilitary spouses to talk about the challenges of IA deployment, sharesurvival tips, discuss the impact of deployment on children, remind oneanother about the benefits of deployment, or just kick back & chat!

Bill Johnson FFSC

“Obama -- he made a difference with health care and SAPR issues.”

Adam Prince Public Affairs

“TR - because he was com-mitted to enshrining the natural beauty of America.”

Naomi Fleming Navy Federal

“Lincoln ... because he had a cool hat!”

IT’S YOUR TURN...

Fleet & Family Support Center

In celebration of President’s Day we asked, “Who’s your favorite American President and why?”

By Adam Prince

Troy Field FFSC

“Theodore Roosevelt -- he expanded the Navy with the Great White Fleet.”

Chasity Floyd Navy Federal

“Washington -- he was the first president.”

According to the Federal Reserve Board, Ameri-cans now owe more than $2.4 trillion in consumer debt – more than 10 times what they owed in 1970. The introduction of credit cards in the 1970s changed the way Americans spent their money, and the trend set in motion has continued and grown. To put it plainly, most Ameri-cans simply spend more than they make by using credit cards, loans, overdraft priv-ileges and other forms of “consumer credit”.

So do you have a debt problem? Take this quick quiz to find out:aDo you carry cred-it card balances for a long time and usual-ly pay only the mini-mum amount due?aAre your credit card balances growing each month?aDo you no longer have a savings account, or are you using savings to pay bills you used to pay from your checking ac-count?aDo you use cash advances from credit cards or the overdraft feature on your checking account to pay bills and basic living expenses?aHave you “consolidated” your debts into a home equity loan or single credit card at least once?aDoes your heart rate increase when your credit card is run through the machine because you never know if it will be accepted? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may have or be headed toward a serious debt problem. But don’t panic yet – you aren’t alone and help is available. The first step you need to take in getting your-self out of debt is to admit that you have a problem and commit to solving it. Finding help can often give people a sense of relief that they aren’t alone and that their problems truly are fixable. The next step is to stop debt spending. This sounds impossible to some people, but it can be done. Take all of your credit cards (including gas cards and store credit cards) out of your wallet and put them in a drawer (or, better still, in a Ziploc bag of water in the freezer) at home. Make it through a whole day using only cash, checks, or debit/ATM cards. You’ll probably find that simply using cash (or other forms of cash) will, in and of itself, take the wind out of your spending sails. The third step to getting out of debt is to formu-late a spending plan. If you aren’t tracking your spending, you don’t really know where all your mon-ey is going (despite your best estimates). In fact, it’s estimated that approximately 10% of your income is wasted if you don’t have a formal, written spending plan (aka “a budget”). You need to make a spending plan.

Command Financial Specialists or FFSC Work & Family life staff can help you with this, or you can make your own by following these steps:a Track your cash spending – write down every sin-gle thing you purchase with cash for at least a week. It sounds labor-intensive, but it really only takes a couple of minutes a day.a Track other expenditures – write down every pay-ment or purchase you make with checks or debit/ATM cards (by this point, you shouldn’t be mak-ing any credit purchases, so you don’t have to track

those).a Combine the two into a weekly and monthly spending record. It’s easiest to track expenses monthly, since most bills are paid once a month. A calendar can be very helpful for tracking spending.

a Make your spending plan – this is simply the process of bringing

your expenses in line with your income. If your ex-

penses dramatically out-weigh your income, you

may have to make major changes (such as selling an expen-sive car or home and buying a less expensive one). If your expenses aren’t that high, you can probably find small ways to

shave them down and free up some

money for debt re-payment (eating out

less often, discontinuing or reducing cable or sat-

ellite TV, stopping smoking, etc.). This part won’t be easy –

you actually will have to do without luxuries that you’ve probably thought of as

“needs” up to this point. a Think about other ways to earn money – perhaps you or your spouse could get a second job. You could sell a valuable item through the newspaper or an online auction site. And do Collect on any old debts that others owe to you. The fourth and final step to getting out of debt is to pay down your debts every month, one at a time. Start by making a list of your creditors (anyone to whom you owe money, with the exception of mort-gage payments – this is considered a basic housing cost and goes with your monthly expenses). Ideally, you should have a little extra money each month – maybe $50 or $100 – to pay down the debt load. Prioritize your debts to figure out which one to pay down first (usually the one with the highest in-terest rate, as this will save you the most money, but some people like to pay the lowest balance off first, giving them a sense of satisfaction that helps them keep going). Start sending that extra $50 or $100 each month to the first creditor on your prioritized list, while making the minimum payment on all the other debts. When the first debt is paid off, start sending that extra money each month to the next creditor on your list (and, if the first creditor was a credit card company, cancel the card). Continue these steps un-til they’re all paid off. Focusing your repayment dollars on one debt at a time gets them paid off faster and gives you the satisfaction of watching one balance after another shrink and disappear. Again, this will take time, but it will happen. Finally, make sure you avoid the consumer credit trap in the future. After your debts are paid off, con-sider saving or investing the money you were used to spending on paying creditors. That way, you’ll be able to make purchases and deal with emergencies without relying on credit and borrowing. Of course, wise use of credit can be a very good thing, strength-ening your credit report and credit score (which can help you with future purchases and more). Just make sure you pay your credit card balances in full each month and make any loan payments regularly and on time.

--From FFSC

The Weight of Debt

Honoring Outstanding Teachers and Educatorsin East Mississippi and West Alabama

To nominate a teacher, log on to wmdn.net, wgbctv.com, goldenappleawards.com or meridianstar.com

CongratulationsTim Caldwell

December 2018Teacher of the MonthWest Lauderdale High School

199490-1

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Meridian Starthe


By MC3 Timothy E Heaps U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs

Commanders of the U.S. 3rd and 10th fleets have em-phasized dynamic force employment at WEST 2019 confer-ence at the San Diego Convention Center. Vice Adm. John Alexander, commander U.S. 3rd Fleet, and Vice Adm. Timothy “T.J.” White, commander U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet (FCC/C10F), said Feb. 13 at the San Diego Convention Center, dynamic force employ-ment has many components. “We, the Navy, are inherently dynamic,” Alexander said. “The forces we are moving forward are trained at a high level, are manned and equipped the way they need to be, and we can move them around however world events dic-tate.” Alexander, who is responsible for nearly 70,000 person-nel, more than 100 ships, and more than 200 aircraft along the entirety of the U.S. West Coast, added that operating with partners and allies adds to the effectiveness of dynam-ic force employment (DFE). “Dynamic force employment is not only about dynami-cally employing your force, but being able to have other forces dynamically employed with you,” he said. “We never do anything without allies and partners. We need to contin-ue to work through multi-domain task forces and continue to incorporate our allies, partners and friends.” Offering a different perspective on DFE, White ex-plained how FCC/C10F is an important component for pro-viding assured command and control to the Fleet, enabling dynamic force deployment. “We all spend a great deal of time thinking about great power competition, but the fight is right now in cyber-space,” White said. “That is why we, the Navy and Joint cyber force, are all postured to defend forward in order to support the Dynamic Force Employment model.” White also stressed the importance of maintaining a strong network to serve as a collective defense against ad-versarial actions. “Keeping the Fleet networked is a fundamental neces-sity for maintaining a distributed and lethal Naval force that is operationally unpredictable,” White said. “For Fleet Cyber, it’s not just about operating and securing our net-works; it’s also about defending our networks, actively and persistently, against advanced persistent threats to keep our Fleet connected.” DFE ensures that the U.S. Navy remains strategically predictable while being operationally unpredictable in this era of great power competition.Among several top military leaders, including keynote speaker Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson, to speak on the first day of the premier naval conference and exposition on the West Coast, Alexander and White were joined on the panel by Commanding General, I Ma-rine Expeditionary Force Lt. Gen. Joseph Osterman; and Deputy Commander, Pacific Area U.S. Coast Guard Admi-ral Nathan Moore. WEST, now in its 29th year, brings military and indus-try leaders together in a single locale to encourage dis-cussion with the makers of platforms and the designers

of technologies impacting the warfighter and information domain. WEST is co-sponsored by Armed Forces Communi-cations and Electronics Association (AFCEA) International and the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI).U.S. 3rd Fleet provides the realistic, relevant training nec-essary for an effective global Navy and leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific. The command fosters joint, inter-agency and international relationships, which strengthens the ability to respond to crises and protect the collective

maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners. FCC is responsible for Navy information network opera-tions, offensive and defensive cyberspace operations, space operations and signals intelligence.C10F is the operational arm of Fleet Cyber Command and executes its mission through a task force structure similar to other warfare commanders. In this role, C10F provides support of Navy and joint missions in cyber/networks, cryp-tologic/signals intelligence and space.

U.S. 3rd, 10th Fleet Commanders speak at WEST 2019

Photo by Cpl. George MelendezBeth Rensch and lisarae Glessner, from Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Business Systems Center (BSC) in Mechanicsburg, Pa., provide a demonstration of the eSUPPO mobile application for Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) during the West Coast 2019 Department of the Navy (DON) Information Technology (IT) Conference at the San Diego Convention Center, Feb. 13. The eSUPPO mobile app can be downloaded from Google Play or Apple App Store and puts information needed to make informed decisions at the fingertips of Sailors. The three-day conference was held Feb. 13-15, and served as an opportunity for discussion, collaboration, and training of IT policies and initiatives. As part of the event, NAVSUP BSC subject-matter experts showcased Navy One Touch Support, Navy Business Intelligence Services, NAVSUP Enterprise Web, and NAVSUP BSC Regional Support Sites. NAVSUP BSC provides the Navy with information systems support through the design, development, and maintenance of information systems in the functional areas of logistics, supply chain management, transportation, finance, and accounting and is one of 11 commands under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP’s mission is to provide supplies, services, and quality-of-life support to the Navy and joint warfighter.

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