20th Seabee Readiness Group(SRG) recently announced LogisticsSpecialist 1st Class (SCW) LatoyaRogers, R41 Leading Petty Officer,as their 2012 Sailor of the Year(SOY).According to the Chief of Naval

Operations (CNO) SOY instruction,the CNO established the SOY Pro-gram to recognize one Sailor whorepresents the best of Navy bydemonstrating both professionaland personal dedication, and recog-nizes Sailors who best represent thelarge number of superior dedicatedprofessionals serving in a particulartype of duty as assigned.Rogers, a dual military 13-year

veteran, said her first feelings afterbeing named 20th SRG SOY werethose of being overwhelmed andhumbled.“When I first found out I was over-

whelmed. I’m overwhelmed and I’mhumbled, because they could havepicked somebody else, but I waschosen,” said Rogers.The mother of three said that al-

though she does the best she canon a daily basis, she attributed hersuccess to the good work of herpeople.“By them [subordinates] doing

what they’re supposed to do, andshining and being driven, and themdoing their job to the best of theirability, it helps me to be a betterleader,” said Rogers. I have a good

group of people who work for me.”It takes more than just being a

good worker to be selected as aSOY. A Sailor must take on addi-tional responsibilities in the com-mand, put their workers ahead ofthemselves and be involved in theircommunity. Chief Logistics SpecialistAnnette Thorpe, Rogers’ direct su-pervisor, said that Rogers exempli-fies the well-rounded Sailor.“LS1 is an outstanding Sailor. She

makes sure that her people aregood-to-go, not just at work, butalso with their families. She takescare of her Sailors all around,” saidThorpe. “She cares about her peo-ple and she cares about her job.”When asked what advice she had

for younger Sailors developing theircareers in the Navy, Rogers empha-sized humbleness, service to coun-try and taking care of each other.“Be humble in the knowledge you

are serving the country and you areserving each other, work hard toearn something in life and try tomake a mark, to learn somethingand share wisdom with other peo-ple, and to overall take care of eachother,” said Rogers.

Two Seabees assigned to NavalMobile Construction Battalion(NMCB) 133, Task Force Anchor,were awarded the Purple Heartfor wounds sustained in actionwhile deployed to Afghanistan.The recipients were conducting a

convoy mission between forwardoperating bases in the HelmandProvince when an improvised ex-plosive device detonated neartheir vehicle on Oct.16. “This was a near death experi-

ence that I don’t like to talkabout,” said Equipment OperatorConstructionman Matthew Loper.“I pulled out my shipmate and allI can say is I’m glad we made it.”Loper, a native of Charlevoix,

Mich., received the Purple Heartfrom Brig. Gen. David L. Weeks,commanding general of 411th En-gineer Brigade, Joint Task ForceEmpire, during an award presen-tation at Camp Krutke,Afghanistan, Oct. 29. “General Weeks told me this was

something special,” recalled Loper.“He asked me how I was doingthen he said it’s an honor whichwill last a lifetime. It was moving.”The second recipient, Equipment

Operator Third Class Sean Neil-son, a Danville, Pa. native, re-ceived the Purple Heart whilerecovering from his wounds atNaval Medical Center Portsmouth,Va., Oct. 30, from Rear Adm. MarkHandley, commander of the FirstNaval Construction Division.

“We were almost to the destina-tion,” said Neilson. “I got thatfeeling in my gut. I remembersaying that something wasn’t rightand soon after we got hit. I real-ized I was injured when I tried tostand up because a severe painshot up my leg and I thought‘what happened to my feet?’”“I’m proud to receive this

award,” said Neilson. “I have along line of military running in thefamily and my goal is to get mydegree and become a (Naval) offi-cer.”

“Our two heroes, along with

first responding Sailors, at the siteperformed brilliantly,” said Com-manding Officer Cmdr. NicolasYamodis. “Months of training be-fore entering the theater paid offthroughout these poignant ex-traordinary moments that no onewants to experience, but we mustbe prepared for. The mettle andconviction of purpose of the entireteam cannot be overstated. Theyare part of effecting monumentaltasks in furthering the Afghanistangovernment, and I am proud tocall them shipmates.”

Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Mississippi December 13, 2012Vol. 52 No. 29

www.cnic.navy.mil/gulfport

NMCB 133 Task Force AnchorSeabees awarded Purple HeartsBy UT3 Drew VerbisNMCB 133 Public Affairs

LS1 Rogersnamed SOYfor 20th SRG

LS1 (SCW) Latoya Rogers

By MCC (SCW/SW/AW)Ryan G. WilberNCBC Public Affairs

Brig. Gen. David L. Weeks, commanding general of the411th Engineer Brigade, Joint Task Force Empire, awardsEquipment Operator Constructionman Matthew Loper withthe Purple Heart for wounds sustained during a mission inthe Helmand Province. Loper is deployed to Afghanistanwith the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133, TaskForce Anchor, providing engineer support to coalition forces.(U.S. Navy photo by Utilitiesman 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

See HEARTS page 2

Unclaimed PropertyNotice: NCBC Securityhas a large amount of un-claimed lost and foundproperty. The unclaimedproperty is scheduled for destruction Dec.17. Items range from small to large and canbe claimed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. -4 p.m., at Security (building 436.) Proof ofownership (serial numbers, pictures or a de-tailed description) must be provided toclaim items. Call Security at 228-822-5800for additional information.

Can you imagine life without theinternet? For most of us, the in-ternet is essential to almost everyaspect of our life. We use emailto communicate at work. We at-tend virtual meetings and train-ings. We keep in touch with lovedones across the world. The inter-net allows us to look up the an-swer to any question in the blinkof an eye and download that songwe just can’t get out of our head.The cyber dream can also quicklyturn into a nightmare that couldcost thousands of dollars. Recently, there have been in-

creasing numbers of individualswho have been notified by theirinternet provider that their Inter-net Protocol (“IP”) address hasbeen identified as a copyright in-fringer. The letter from the inter-net provider explains that someentity has filed a lawsuit alleging acopyright infringement has beencommitted (usually an improperfile upload/ download). In most ofthese cases, the entity sends along list of IP addresses to inter-net providers requesting that theyrelease the personal identifying in-formation associated with each IPAddress. For some, this is the first time

they realize that they may havedownloaded something illegally.

For others, they realize that theirIP address has been compromisedand that they should have securedtheir wireless router or uninstalleda file sharing program; the IP ad-dress could be wrong and the cus-tomer associated with that IPaddress may have never evendownloaded any copyrighted ma-terial. Whether you downloaded some-

thing without thinking, used a filesharing software (e.g. bit torrent,pirate bay, gnutella), or think yourneighbor may have beenmooching off of your router, youcould be held liable for copyrightinfringement and ordered to payanywhere between $200 and$150,000 in damages, in additionto attorney fees and court costs!Even if you (or your moochingneighbor) never actually down-loaded the copyrighted material,release of your information byyour internet provider could leadto threats to settle the case, stillpotentially costing thousands ofdollars. The letter from the internet com-

pany usually informs you thatyour name, address, and other in-formation connected with your IPaddress may be released if you donot take action by a certain date.If you receive one of these letters,it is essential that you see an at-torney as soon as possible, as

they can help drop your name asa defendant in a lawsuit, get thecase dismissed or help prove thatyou should not be held liable.Think before you download. Justas you would not steal a CD froma music store, you shouldn’tdownload something without per-mission. File sharing programsmay seem like a great way tobuild your music collection orcatch up on that episode youmissed, but much of this “free”entertainment is copyrighted,meaning that the download canend up costing you thousands ofdollars in a lawsuit. No act onlineis private, every visit can betracked. If your network is not se-cure, not only can your neighborsslow down your internet, but theycould download something ille-gally. If you can’t prove that youwere not the one who illegallydownloaded the file, then youmay still be on the hook. If yousecure your wireless router andthink before you click, you can livethe cyber dream without exposingyourself to a cyber nightmare.

This article is not intended to sub-stitute for the personal advice of alicensed attorney. For legal assis-tance, contact the Naval Construc-tion Battalion Center (NCBC) legaloffice by calling 228-871-2620 tomake an appointment.

Once called the “Badge ofMerit,” the Purple Heart, the U.S.military’s oldest award, isawarded in the name of the Presi-dent of the United States and wasestablished by George Washing-ton. A service member must bewounded or killed by enemy

forces to be eligible for theaward.Home ported in Gulfport, NMCB

133 is deployed to Afghanistanand the U.S. Central Commandarea of operations to assist coali-tion forces and provide engineer-ing support to the Afghangovernment.

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The Seabee Courier is a weekly author-ized on-line publication for members ofthe military services and their families.Content does not necessarily reflect theofficial views of the U.S. Government,the DoD or the U.S. Navy and does notimply endorsement thereof. The ap-pearance of advertising in this newspa-per, including inserts or supplements,does not constitute endorsement bythe U. S. Government, DoD, the Navyor NCBC Gulfport of the products andservices advertised. All content in thisnewspaper shall be made available forpurchase, use or patronage without re-gard to race, color, religion, gender, na-tional origin, age, marital status,physical handicap, political affiliation orany other non-merit factor of the pur-

chaser, user or patron. If a violation orrejection of this equal opportunity pol-icy by an advertiser is confirmed, thepublisher shall refuse to print advertis-ing from that source until the violationis corrected. The Seabee Courier solic-its news contributions from military andcivilian sources, but the Public Affairsstaff reserves the right to edit and/orrewrite material selected for publicationto conform with journalism standards. The deadline for material is close ofbusiness every Friday. Your commentsare always welcome. The SeabeeCourier office is in Building 1, Room205. The mailing address is 4902 Mar-vin Shields Blvd., Code 15, Gulfport, MS39501. Phone: 228-871-3662., E-mail:seabeecourier@navy.mil

NCBC/20SRGCommanding Officer

Capt. Rick BurgessPublic Affairs Officer

Rob MimsEditor

Bonnie L. McGerrMass Comm. Specialist

MCC (SCW/SW/AW) Ryan G. Wilber

Special ContributorsCM3 (SCW) Katchen Tofil

CECN Lucinda Moise

22 NCRCommander

Capt. Darius BanajiPublic Affairs Officer

Vacant

25 NCRCommander

Capt. Darius BanajiPublic Affairs Officer

MCC (SW/AW) Scott Boyle

NMCB ONECommanding Officer Cmdr. Chad M. BrooksPublic Affairs Officer

Lt. Brian GatesMass Comm. Specialist

MC1 (AW/NAC) Aron TaylorSpecial Contributor

CE1(SCW) Joshua Thonnissen

NMCB ELEVENCommanding OfficerCmdr. Maria Aguayo

Public Affairs OfficerLt.j.g. Brian Myers

Mass Comm. SpecialistMC1(AW) Jonathan Carmichael

NMCB SEVENTY FOURCommanding Officer Cmdr. David McAlisterPublic Affairs Officer

Lt.j.g. John Parizek Mass Comm. Specialist

MC2 Ryan Williams

NMCB ONE THIRTY THREECommanding Officer

Cmdr. Nicolas D. YamodisPublic Affairs Officer

MC1(SW/AW) Steven Myers

NCTC GULFPORTCommanding OfficerCmdr. Scott Anderson

Public Affairs OfficerLt. J. Johnson

From HEARTS page 1

Think before you click:By Lt.j.g. Tadd C. Blair, JAGCRegion Legal Service Office SE

Navy Legal

Beware what you or the neighbors download

LOST&

FOUND

Staff Sgt. Marvin Perez-Diaz,of I&I, 3rd Platoon, A com-pany, 4th AABN on boardNCBC is coordinating thearea’s annual Toys for Totscampaign. Your contributionof new, unwrapped toys or amonetary donation would begreatly appreciated. Drop offboxes are located throughoutHarrison, Hancock and StoneCounties, Keesler Air Force

Base PX and onboard NCBC atthe Navy Ex-change and theNavy FederalCredit Union. Donations arebeing accepted through Dec.22. To make a monetary do-nation, or for more informa-tion on Toys for Tots, visithttp://gulfport-ms.toysfor-tots.org.

Toys for Tots

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“I want a Princess neck-lace.”

Zoe

Child Development Center

Hometown:Gulfport, Miss.

“Flip-flops and games.”Bradley

Child Development Center

Hometown: Gulfport, Miss.

“A dress and a baby doll.”

“What do you wantSanta to bring youthis year?”

Emma

CDC

Hometown: Gulfport, Miss.

By CECN Lucinda MoiseNCBC Public Affairs

Around

the

Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Mike Lovell, assigned toNaval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, changes theoil in a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) duringa Planned Maintenance System (PMS) check in a 20th SRG,R436, maintenance shop on board NCBC, Dec. 7 (U.S. Navyphoto by Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Katchen Tofil/Released)

NCBC Gulfport Security Department personal practice non-lethal weapon, or Mechanical Advance Control Hold (MACH)training, on board NCBC Gulfport Dec. 4. MACH trainingteaches the use of hand cuffs, batons and Oleoresin Cap-sicum (OC) spray to stop a situation at the lowest level. (U.S.Navy photos by Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Katchen Tofil/Released)

NCBC Gulfport Fire Fighters inspect couplings and drain hosesused on fire trucks at the main grinder on board NCBC Gulf-port Dec. 4. The Inspection is an important part of an annualhose testing to insure there are no leaks and/or defects in thehoses or couplings. (U.S. Navy photo by Construction Mechanic 3rdClass Katchen Tofil/Released)

Center

Buzz on

the Street

Naval Construction BattalionCenter (NCBC) Morale Welfareand Recreation (MWR) FitnessCenter personnel threw thechallenge flag to all active duty military and invited themto participate in the TwelveDays of Christmas FitnessChallenge at the Fitness Cen-ter on board NCBC thru Dec.14. During the holidays most

people like to spend time withfriends and family, and oftenspending time together trans-lates to eating together. Whileenjoying off time with familyand friends is important, formilitary members it is also im-portant not to neglect physicalfitness while enjoying goodholiday food. According to Kasey Wilczyn-

ski, fitness assistant for MWRat NCBC Gulfport’s Fitness

Center, the fitness challengewas designed to help peoplestay in shape throughout theholidays.

“We devised the TwelveDays of Christmas FitnessChallenge to keep everyonephysically fit during the holi-

days,” said Wilczynski.For each of the 12 days of

Christmas there is a fitness ac-tivity, such as riding six mileson a stationary bike. All theactivities may be done at ones’own pace as long as all 12 arecompleted by Dec. 14. Amongst those participating

in the fitness challenge is22nd/25th Naval ConstructionRegiment’s (NCR) Medical Offi-cer, Cmdr. Henry Casey.“I decided to do the chal-

lenge, because I thought itwas an interesting way to ex-ercise. The MWR [Morale Wel-fare and Recreation] and theNavy are doing a good jobcoming up with ways to keeppeople motivated to work out,”said Casey.Those who complete the

Twelve Days of ChristmasFitness Challenge by Dec. 14will receive a souvenir workouttowel.4

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NCIS has two new anonymousways to report crimes or suspi-cious behavior with the use ofdiscreet and secure online ortexting tip lines.To report information by Celltext:1. Text “NCIS” to the short code274637 (CRIMES) from any cell orsmart phone.2. Receive a response, for exam-ple: “Your alias is: S2U5 Call 911if urgent! If replies put you atrisk, text “STOP”3. Begin dialogueTo report information Online:1. Go to www.NCIS.navy.mil,click on the “Report a Crime” taband select the icon for “text andWeb tip Hotline.”There is a reward of up to $1,000for information leading to afelony arrest or apprehension.

See Something Wrong,Do Something Right!

FF: What single experienceduring your career standsout the most and why?BU2: Attending Builder“A” school graduations,because it is rewardinghaving affected a newSeabee, accomplish a

milestone in their career.

FF: What has been yourbiggest motivation through-out your career?BU2: There is alwayssomething differentgoing on every week,

keeps work interesting.

FF: What advice would yougive to futureSeabees/Sailors?BU2: Always strive for

something new and chal-lenging in your career.

FF: What is your favoritething about working with theSeabees?BU2: Being able to learnsome different trades inthe Seabees.

FF: Who was your most in-

fluential mentor during your career, and why? BU2: BUC Kellogg, because he inspires me to train my studentsto the fullest so they can strive to be better.

Builder 2nd Class (SCW) ColeKahler Instructor, Naval Construc-tion Training Center (NCTC)

NCBCFRAMES

By CM3 (SCW) Katchen TofilNCBC Public Affairs

FREEZEFREEZEFRAMEFRAME

MWR’s Twelve Days of Christmas challengeinvolves more than a partridge in a pear treeBy CECN Lucinda L. MoiseNCBC Public Affairs

Cmdr. Henry Casey, medical officer for the 22nd/25th Naval Con-struction Regiment (NCR) is one of the participants in the TwelveDays of Christmas Fitness Challenge MWR is sponsoring duringDecember. The challenge is a means of encouraging servicemembers to maintain their fitness levels throughout the holidays.(U.S. Navy photo by Construction Electrician Lucinda L. Moise/Released)

PASCAGOULA, Miss. – Precommissioning Unit Arlington(LPD 24) was delivered from the shipbuilders of Hunting-ton-Ingalls Industries’ (HII) shipyard to the U.S. Navy dur-ing a ceremony on the amphibious transport dock’s flightdeck Dec. 7.“Today is a great Navy day, and I can’t tell you how ex-

cited I am to be here,” said Supervisor of Ships Gulf Coast’sCapt. Stephen Mitchell, addressing about 450 Arlingtoncrew members and shipbuilders in attendance. “There is nogreater tribute to the warrior spirit and the resolve of thenation than naming this ship in honor of the 184 men,women and children who died in the terrorist attack on thePentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.”Prior to the ceremony, many HII employees lined the

shipyard streets to watch as Arlington’s plankowner crewmarched in formation from their temporary offices in theshipyard’s precommissioning support building to the shipmoored at the HII West Bank facility.Doug Lounsberry, Director of LPD 17 Programs, began the

delivery ceremony by describing the significance of holdingthis event on the 71st anniversary of the Japanese attackon Pearl Harbor.“After this cowardly act, President Franklin D. Roosevelt

spoke to the nation and called this attack ‘a day that willlive in infamy,’” he said. “An unprecedented buildup of ourarmed forces began, and shipbuilders all over the countryleaned in hard to build the mightiest Navy the world had

ever seen, to take the war to the enemy and make thempay the ultimate price.“Sixty years later, we were attacked in our homeland once

again by cowards, mislead by propaganda and unbelievingin our resilience and determination to protect our freedom.”Arlington is the second of three 9-11 tribute ships [whichalso includes USS New York (LPD 21) and Precommission-ing Unit Somerset (LPD 25)], named in honor of the 2,977lives lost on “that second day of infamy.”“I believe their spirits reside in the steel and weaponry

that make this warship, and that spirit will sail with youwherever you go, wherever you take this namesake,”Lounsberry continued. “Be proud of her, and let no oneever forget what she stands for. Take this ship into harm’sway, confident that she will protect you, and help you ac-complish your missions.”The delivery of Arlington to the Navy was formalized with

the signing of the delivery certificates, performed by Louns-berry, Mitchell, Arlington Commanding Officer Cmdr. DarrenNelson, HII’s LPD 24 Production Manager Terry Hayes andLPD 24 Ship Program Manager Kari Wilkinson.Arlington Command Master Chief Mike Riccitiello pinned the“Command at Sea” insignia above Nelson’s right breastpocket, and the ceremony concluded with Arlington Sailorssetting the first watch, as the battle ensign was hoistedover the warship for the first time, before being lowered tohalf-mast in honor of the Pearl Harbor attack anniversary.Arlington’s delivery is the latest milestone in the life of the

ship, projected to remain in service for 40 years. Previoussignificant events include the keel-laying (May 26, 2008),launching (Nov. 23, 2010), christening (March 26, 2011)and completion of sea trials (Nov. 5, 2012).Arlington is the eighth in Navy’s San Antonio class of

ships, designed to be the most survivable amphibious ves-

sels ever put to sea. The third in the U.S. fleet to bear thename, Arlington will be commissioned in early 2013 andhomeported in Norfolk, Va. The ship combines 21st centuryamphibious shipbuilding and warfighting technologies tosupport current and future Marine Corps aircraft and land-ing craft, and will be capable of taking nearly 1,200 Sailorsand Marines to the fight.

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Left: Intelligence Specialist 3rd Class Layne W. Duras, from Hillsboro,Ore., assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11,prepares an intelligence report in the Combat Operations Center tentduring a Command Post Exercise designed as a training tool to help pre-pare the battalion for deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communica-tion Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael / Released)

Sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11move equipment for transport and stowage following a CommandPost Exercise designed as a training tool to help prepare the battalionfor deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1stClass Jonathan Carmichael / Released)

NMCB 11 Training DaysNMCB 11 Training Days

Precommissioning Unit Arlington (LPD 24) crewmembers march into the Huntington-Ingalls In-dustries' shipyard from their temporary precom-missioning offices to the amphibious transportdock prior to the ship's delivery to the U.S. NavyDec. 7. Arlington is named for Arlington County, Va.,home of the Pentagon, in honor of the 184 vic-tims and heroes who lost their lives during theterrorist attack there on 9/11. (U.S. Navy photo by MassCommunication Specialist 1st Class Eric Brown/Released)

PCU Arlington turnedover to U.S. NavyBy MC1 Eric BrownUSS Constitution Public Affairs

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DUSHANBE, Tajikistan - Builder Constructionman Taylor Mendonca, left,assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133, marks thepitch of rafters for the construction of a Shamsi Base training building dur-ing a Global Peace Operations Initiative project. NMCB is deployed withTask Group 56.2, promoting maritime operations and theater security co-operation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photoby Construction Electrician 2nd Class Richard Rickert/Released)

CAMP KRUTKE, Afghanistan - Steelworker Third Class Joshua Holbert,right, assigned to Task Force Anchor, works on a project in the builder'sshop. Task Force Anchor, comprised of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion133 personnel, is currently deployed to Afghanistan to support engi-neering operations for coalition forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Builder 3rd ClassMichael Morici/Released)

NMCB 133 Global Force for GoodNMCB 133 Global Force for Good

Seabees assigned to Naval Mo-bile Construction Battalion (NMCB)5 and their families attended apre-deployment fair Nov. 30 atNaval Air Station (NAS) PointMugu, Calif. Services ranging from the Fleet

and Family Support Center, Ameri-can Red Cross, NMCB 5 Ombuds-men, and Family Readiness Groupwere in attendance. These re-sources provided information forfamilies to use while their Seabeeis on deployment.“The pre-deployment fair is not

only a place for food, fun andfamily time, but it is more so amoment to get the friends andfamilies of NMCB 5 together,” saidChief Construction MechanicDawn Ayala, homeport liaisonand coordinator for the event. Each NMCB 5 deployment site

for Pacific Command (PACOM)

created displays for familes toview that included informationabout each DET., work and livingconditions, morale, welfare, andrecreational activities and more. “This is going to be my ninth de-

ployment. From my experience, Iknow that the more you tell thefamilies, the more informationthey know, the better and morecomfortable they’re going to feelwhen their Seabee deploys,” saidBuilder 1st Class Gordon Brewer,assigned to Det. Guam.“This is a chance for the

Seabees to display and show offwhere they will be for deploymentand what they will be doing forseven months that benefits thecommunity of their area of opera-tion and the future Sailors. It'salso a chance to let families meetone another and possibly createfriendships to help them throughthe deployment in any time ofneed,” said Ayala.

NMCB 5 prepares for PACOM deploymentBy MC2 (SCW) Ace RheumeNMCB 5 Public Affairs

Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion(NMCB) 5 view a display during a pre-deployment fair Nov. 30at Naval Air Station (NAS) Point Mugu, Calif. Services rang-ing from the Fleet and Family Support Center, American RedCross, NMCB 5 Ombudsmen and Family Readiness Groupwere in attendance to provide information for families to usewhile their Seabee is on deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by MassCommunication Specialist 2nd Class Ace Rheaume/Released)

Race Engines,Dirt Bikes, ATV’s,Cigarette Boats,Zodiacs

Are you up tothe challengeof hard workandrepairingunique SOF equipment?

Naval Special Warfare Devel-opment Group is seeking active duty Construction Me-chanics and all other Seabeerates.

- Motivated/Volunteer- Pass Navy PFA- E4 - E6- No NJP- No bankruptcy- Obtain Secret/TOPSecret clearance

Email us at !DEVGRURecruit-ing@vb.socom.mil or contactyour detailer to request additional information.

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Tis the Season

Service members, families and civilians affili-ated with Naval Construction Battalion Center(NCBC) came together at the Youth ActivitiesCenter (YAC) to attend the annual Tree Lightingand Holiday Gift Village event Dec. 7. Sponsoredby Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), thefamily-friendly fun included children's games,free prizes, vendors, warm cookies and milk andpictures with Santa. Capt. Rick Burgess, com-manding officer of NCBC, Santa and Debbie

Brockway, MWR director flipped the switch to il-luminate the Christmas Tree and light up the sky.Although the night air was balmy, children of allages were able to dance and play in artificialsnow as they waited in line to visit Santa and tellhim their secret wishes. The tree will remain infront of the YAC throughout the holiday sea-son. (U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Spe-cialist 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael, Rob Mims andMWR/Released)

During this season of giving,people everywhere are trans-formed. The Spirit of the Seasoninspires generosity, compassionand joy in us all. But sometimes,in the midst of all this merriment,our personalities swing wildly inthe other direction, resulting inviolence, theft, and intentional in-fliction of emotional distress.What, pray tell, could cause

such extreme behavior, you say?The answer is simple: The WhiteElephant Gift Exchange.Otherwise known as a “Yankee

Swap,” “Parcel Pass,” or “DirtySanta,” this apparently innocentholiday game rouses mercilessthievery and selfish materialismin even the most virtuous of par-ticipants. Case in point: my last bunco

group held a white elephant or-nament exchange every Decem-ber. Most members shoppedbeforehand, picking out some-thing unique, handmade or artis-tic. The class clown in me always

goes for the laugh, so I couldn’tresist when I saw glass blownGerman ornaments shaped likeacorns and walnuts. I bought oneof each, envisioning the hystericallaughter that would erupt when,as the recipient opened my orna-ments, I would blurt out a joke ofquestionable taste.We arrived at the hostess’

apartment at the designated hourand placed our tiny packages

under her sparkling tree. Wineglasses filled, chitchat ensued,and we were all enjoying thefriendly, relaxed atmosphere. An hour into the night, we were

filling up on hot dip and red andgreen M&Ms, when the hostesscalled us into the living room tostart the ornament exchange.Light laughter and conversationcontinued as we casually ploppedonto couches and chairs. We had no idea of the carnage

that was about to befall ourgroup.After some flimsy debate over

who should pick first, our hostessannounced, “Ok, ladies, whydon’t we go in alphabetical order,according to the first letter of ourmiddle names.”Three women claiming some

derivation of the name “Ann”went first, and they each pickedfrom the wrapped gifts under thetree.

One by one, they gently unrav-eled the tissue paper from aroundtheir chosen ornament. Eyesdarted around the room as brainscalculated. Just seconds before,we were more interested in cran-berry cream cheese spread, butnow that merchandise was beingrevealed, we began to silentlystrategize.After four or five women se-

lected from under the tree, therest of us considered the un-opened opened ornaments beforeus. Hmm . . . which one should Iopen . . . Suddenly someone cried “Steal!”

And our mouths began to water.“Yea, it’s no fun if we just pickthe wrapped gifts, you’ve got tosteal!” I added, wiping the spittlefrom my chin.A chant ensued, “Steal! Steal!

Steal!” as the designated womanrose from her seat. A tiny grincould be seen on her face as shelunged toward a wooden orna-

ment, snatching it from her vic-tim. We all erupted in hoots andapplause, as if the living roomhad just turned into a Roman Col-iseum.Seething with vengeance, the

victim of the ruthless theft plot-ted her revenge.The scene quickly turned from

one of merriment to mayhem, asmy bunco group turned into anunruly mob. As the snarlingwomen snatched ornaments, ourhost tried to maintain order.“Now, remember ladies, the giftis dead after it is stolen threetimes.”But the mere mention of

“death” only seemed to ignitemore savagery.The last woman to steal

shouted, “It’s DEAD, it’s DEAD!”in a murderous rage, and we allgnashed our teeth as if she wascarrying a bloody carcass back tothe den. The final victim had no choice;

she had to pick the lone gift leftunder the tree. It was the acornand walnut ornaments I hadbrought, and as she revealedthem, I weakly offered my pre-planned inappropriate joke. Thewomen, still wounded from bat-tle, could only force a few boguschuckles.As we said goodnight, I realized

that we had just had an epic warover meaningless objects that wecould purchase for less than $10in any local store. But what funwould that be, without the thrillof theft, murder and mayhem inthe midst of delicious cookies andtwinkle lights?So remember folks: steal the

gift you want before it dies, mer-cilessly exact your revenge, andhave a very Merry Christmas!

Get more wit and observationsfrom Lisa at her blog, http://the-meatandpotatoesof- life.com.

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‘The Meat & Potatoes ‘The Meat & Potatoes of Life’of Life’

By Lisa Smith Molinari By Lisa Smith Molinari Military Spouse ContributerMilitary Spouse Contributer

A time for hope, cheer and craftiness

CAN DO ChristmasCAN DO Silent Baked Good Auction . . . The CAN DO Christmas Charity is holding a Silent

Baked Goods Auction throughout the day, Dec. 13.Anyone who is interested in supporting the charitycan stop by CCCT/building 260A and submit awritten bid, complete with contact information, on a bakeditem of interest. The bidder can stop by throughout the day tocheck on their bid and add to their bid if they have been outbidby someone else. All bids begin at $5.Donations of baked goods for the auction are needed. Cakes,

cookie, cup cakes, brownies and pies would be most wel-comed. Anyone interested in donating a baked good is askedto contact one of the CAN DO coordinators listed below byDec. 10 and bring the item to CCCT/building 260A the morningof the Silent Auction (Dec. 13.) Monetary donations would alsobe welcomed.

CAN DO coordinators: UT1 Deangelo, 757-513-8001, UT1 Rygh, 228-547-7240, CE1 Troup, 571-331-0043

LADD . . . Leaders Against Drunk DrivingLADD is a program spon-sored by the NCBC/20th FirstClass Association. The mis-sion of LADD is to preventdrunk driving on board NCBCGulfport by providing ridesfor any service member whoneeds assistance gettinghome after an outing that involves alcohol.

~ LADD is strictly confiden-tial. NO REPRISAL!

~ LADD will take individualhome only, no stops.

~ Volunteers who stand thewatch are on call 24/7.It is always important tohave a plan in place whengoing out in town, but if yourplans fall through, please callLADD and we will pick youup! 100 percent confidential,zero reprisal!

Call 228-239-9007

Think you’re tough … enough to play RUGBY? “Rugby is a game for BARBARIANS that is played by GENTLEMEN”

The newly formed Mississippi Gulf Coast Rugby Club is recruiting play-ers, coaches and fans for the 2013 season right now. We aren’t look-ing for wanna-be tough guys, people who are out of shape or peoplewho don’t have time to dedicate three days a week. Once you learnhow to play, this sport will supersede your love of any other. Ourgames last 80 minutes, split into 40 minute halves, and demand ahigh level of endurance, strength and teamwork. The team is com-prised of military and civilians, officers and enlisted, blue-collar work-ers and doctors, 18 year-olds to 40 year-old men. We are diverse andstrong. If you think you have what it takes, come out and see foryourself. Practice is held at Popps FerryFields on Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m.Bring a friend, if you think they can hang.Mississippi Gulf Coast Men’s Rugby FootballClub www.MSGulfCoastRugby.com ,Http://HTOsports.com/MSGULFCOAS-TRUGBY Call Joey at 228-243-2673,Billy at 440-251-4411, Doug at 228-493-6191 or email, MSGulfCoastRugby@gmail.com.

On Dec. 5, Henry Arledgealong with members of theSchool Board broke ground atthe site of the new elementaryschool, River Oaks Elementary.The new school will be locatedon Three Rivers Road. Thenew school will be built for acapacity of 900 students withroom for expansion. River Oaks Elementary will be

open August 2014 for the2014-2015 school year and willhave 35 classrooms, offices, li-brary, cafeteria, and gymna-sium.

While breaks from schoolshould be fun, they don’t haveto be breaks from learning. Thedown time of the holiday seasonis the perfect time of year tokeep kids entertained withbooks.And with recent adoption of

the Common Core State Stan-dards, which set expectationsfor what students should belearning so they will be collegeand career ready, children of allages will be expected to readmore non-fiction.“As a parent, you can play an

important role in helping yourchildren meet the Common CoreState Standards while on break,”says Donna Elder, senior literacyspecialist for the National Centerfor Family Literacy (NCFL). “Byusing fiction and their interestsas a springboard for informa-tional reading, you can makethis a fun experience.”Elder is providing reading ideas

to feed your children’s interests.It’s all about offering thembooks on subjects in which youalready know they are inter-ested:

~ For example, if your childenjoyed “The Cricket in TimesSquare” by George Selden, youcan help foster his or her inter-est in crickets with “Insectiope-dia” by Douglas Florian,“Chirping Crickets” by MelvinBerger, or “Cricket”s by CherylCoughlan.

~ After reading “The SnowChild: A Russian Folktale” retoldby Freya Littledale, follow up byencouraging your child to readabout the science of weatherwith “The Kids’ Book of WeatherForecasting” by Mark Breen andKathleen Friestad or “Weather”by Seymour Simon.~ Teens who couldn’t put

down “The Hunger Games” bySuzanne Collins may be inter-ested in learning more about theorigins and history of real ath-letic competitions. Start with“The Olympics: A History of theModern Games” by AllenGuttmann.” Or entertain a new-found interest in the outdoorswith “The Ultimate SurvivalManual” by Rich Johnson or afield guides to birds. ~ Together, visit the non-profit

website www.Wonderopolis.org,voted one of TIME magazine’s50 Top Websites of 2011. Won-deropolis is an effective way toteach nonfiction reading, whichthe Common Core State Stan-dards identify as a critical skill.The site’s feature, “Wonder ofthe Day,” is aligned with thesestandards, examining a newtopic daily.~ Is your child interested in

baseball? From historical ac-counts like “Baseball: A Historyof America’s Favorite Game” byGeorge Vecsey to a book thatexplains how bats are made,such as “Good Wood: The Storyof the Baseball Bat,” by StuartMiller, you can help kids scorean academic homerun.

~ Inspire the inner-chef inyour children and test their abil-ity to follow instructions with“Kids’ Fun and Healthy Cook-book,” by Nicola Graimes. Or optfor a picture-book biographylike, “Bon Appetit! The DeliciousLife of Julia Child” by JessieHartland.Don’t let “educational” and

“boring” mean the same thing inyour household. By seeking outreading material that engagesyour children on their level onsubjects that are meaningful tothem, you can help them meetthe Common Core State Stan-dards, while having a very merryholiday season. 9

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Focus on Education Focus on Education NCBC School Liaison

Officer

Kevin Byrd is located

at MWR Building 352

1706 Bainbridge Ave.

NCBC, 228-871-2117

or email:

kevin.r.byrd@navy.mil

Santa arrivesat 9 a.m.

Balfour Beatty hosts‘Pancakes

with Santa’Dec. 15, 8 -10 a.m.

at McDonald's on board NCBC

Great ways tokeep kids readingover the holidaysFrom StatePoint Media, Inc.

Ground breaking fornew Gulfport schoolFrom Harrison CountySchool District Online

What do I do if I feel there is an unsafe condition at my child’s school? 1.Discuss your observations or perceptions with the teacher or principal of the school. 2.If you feel that the situation has not been adequately explained, or appropriate action taken,

contact the School District Superintendent or School Board Member who represents you. 3.You can also furnish information by calling the Connections Hotline at 1-888-827-4637 and noti-

fying the operator. Please ensure you list the school, district, county, and exact information to in-clude names of people involved. 4.All calls to the hotline are completely anonymous and if they result in the seizure of a weapon

or drugs could result in the caller receiving up to a $1000 reward. 5.The children of Mississippi belong to all of us, and we must all work together to ensure their

safety

For more Harrison County School Safety Information visit the Harrison County School Districtwebsite at: http://www.harrison.k12.ms.us/

Parents Guide to School Safety

FitnessThe holidays may be here, but

don’t let it get in the way of yourworkout routine. Make time for agroup fitness class. The CBC FitnessCenter offers courses as early as 8a.m. and as late as 6 p.m. Get yourheart pumping with somestrength/cardio, Zumba or cycling.You can also try out the new lowimpact aerobics course or centeryourself with yoga. For the classschedule, visit us on Facebook atNCBC Gulfport MWR or stop by theFitness Center today!

RecreationMovie Theater: FREE every week-

end. Grab some popcorn and sitback and enjoy the movie!

Friday, “Lawless,” R, 6 p.m.Saturday, “ParaNorman,” PG,

6 p.m.Sunday, “The Odd Life of Timo-

thy Green,” PG, 6 p.m.

Information, Tickets andTravel:Looking for a great holiday event

for the family? Look no further, ITT

is taking you and your family toMickey’s Music Festival in MobileDec. 15 for only $25! Departingfrom the ITT parking lot at 11 a.m.,and returning approximately 7 p.m.Space is limited - sign up today!(Children ages 6 and under must bein a passenger restraint device, notprovided by MWR.)The last Saints game of the season

Saints vs. Panthers will go on saleDec. 17 at 9 a.m. for just$52.25/ticket! The first week ofsales will be open to Active Dutyonly. During the second week ofsales tickets will be available forpurchase to all eligible MWR patrons(Active Duty, Reservists, Depend-ents, Retirees and DOD employees)with proper ID. Limit two ticketsper Military ID card. Parking passesare $40 for parking inside of the Su-perdome Parking Garage and will beavailable on a first come first servebasis. (No refunds or exchanges. Allticket prices are subject to changewithout warning. ITT is not respon-sible for lost, stolen or launderedtickets and will not replace them.Resale is prohibited.

Active Duty, Reservist, NationalGuard, USCG and Retirees are noweligible for a complimentary Univer-sal 3 Day Park-to-Park ticket andBlue Man Group Ticket at children’sprice! All dependents and DOD per-sonnel are eligible for discountedUniversal 2 Day, with 3rd Day Freetickets! Call ITT for info!ITT has Nutcracker tickets avail-

able for the performances on Dec.21 for just $15/ ticket! Call ITT formore information.

Liberty Center: Give back to the community and

schedule to volunteer with the Lib-erty Center. Liberty is arranging atrip to volunteer for the Habitat forHumanity Saturday at 7 a.m. Stopby today and sign up!Feel like getting away from the

base for a little action on the ice.Go check out a MS Surge hockeygame with the Liberty Center thisThursday, 6 p.m. Tickets are only$6. The Liberty Center is locatednext to the Navy Exchange.

Navy Outdoor Recreation: Do you have holiday parties

scheduled this season? OutdoorRecreation offers all kind of equip-ment for gatherings from grills andcookers to children’s bounce housesat very affordable prices. Calling all fishermen! Navy Out-

door Recreation presents the Fish-ing Rodeo at Seabee Lake, Dec. 22.

To sign up or for more details, callODR.FREE Batting Cage: No more to-

kens needed. Stop by and take aswing! Rent bats and helmets at nocharge from Outdoor Recreationduring business hours.

Food & BeverageThe Beehive has new hours on the

weekends and will be open specialhours for the holiday season. Headon over every day of the week forgood service and good times withfriends! Call for details 228-871-4009.Fight the cold weather by getting

a hot breakfast from the Grill. TheGrill is located at the corner ofColby and 7th Street and has every-thing from French toast plates tobreakfast burritos or traditionaleggs and bacon.

Anchors & Eagles: Open Tuesday-Thursday 2 - 9 p.m. Call now toschedule your holiday event!

Youth ActivitiesIts hockey season and time to sign

up with the Youth Activities Center togo catch the action on the ice with allof your friends. Enjoy an exciting MSSurge hockey game for only $7 Satur-day, 5 – 11 p.m. Chocolate is the flavor of the sea-

son. Head to the Youth ActivitiesCenter on Tuesday from 5:30 –8:30 p.m. for the Triple Play Cook-ing Club. The club will be makingchocolate covered pretzels. Yummyand FREE! Don’t get bored after school. Do

something cool at the Youth Activi-ties After-School Program andPower Hour, Monday - Friday, 2 –5:30 p.m. Call YAC for details.

Anchors & EaglesAuto HobbyBeehiveChild Development CenterFitness CenterInformation, Tickets & TravelLiberty CenterSeabee Heritage CenterNavy Outdoor Recreation RV ParkThe GrillTraining HallYouth Activities Center

228-871-4607228-871-2804228-871-4009228-871-2323228-871-2668228-871-2231

228-871-4684228-871-3619228-871-2127228-871-5435228-871-2494228-871-4750228-871-2251 10

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For more information about MWRFor more information about MWR

programs and opportunities, contact:programs and opportunities, contact:

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About 1,400 military members and their families came out to celebratethe season during the Annual MWR Tree Lighting and Holiday Gift Vil-lage held at the Youth Activities Center on board Naval ConstructionBattalion Center (NCBC) Dec. 7. (Photo courtesy of MWR/Released)

Looking for a way to serve your community? Interested in a law enforcement career? If so, consider volunteering your off dutytime and become a Gulfport PoliceReserve Officer or a Reserve Com-munity Service Technician. Call Lt.Phillip Kincaid at 228-868-5900, ext.6189 or email him at pkincaid@gulf-port-ms.gov for additional information.

LONG BEACH ALTERNATIVESCHOOL SEEKS MENTORS - LongBeach Alternative School on Old PassRoad in Long Beach is looking formentors for three high school girls andfour high school boys. Mentor dutieswill include providing direction on as-signments, increasing personal ac-countability and other life skills.Please call Michelle Harrison at 228-865-1956 for more information or tovolunteer.WOOLMARKET ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL SEEKS MENTORS - Wool-market Elementary School on John LeeRoad in Biloxi is looking for mentorsfor their male students as they preparefor middle school. Please contactShirley Hardman at 228-392-5640 formore information or to volunteer.COAST SALVATION ARMY NEEDSVOLUNTEERS - Volunteers are needfor various projects throughout theyear. Contact Shawna Tatge for info,Shawna_Tatge@uss.salvationarmy.org DRIFTWOOD NURSING HOME -

Want to make a difference in the lifeof the elderly then volunteer this fallwith Driftwood Nursing Home locatedright outside the Broad Avenue gate.The contact for this volunteer opportu-nity is Christina at 228-243-3421.VOLUNTEER WITH USO - Volunteer-ing is both fun and rewarding. If youare interested in volunteering or wouldlike more information, please visithttp://www.usovolunteer.org/. Volun-teers are needed at both USO loca-tions - (NMPS 2nd Floor, NCBC and

Gulfport Biloxi International Airport.)PROFESSIONAL GOLF ASSOCIA-TION NEEDS VOLUNTEERS - Volun-teers are needed for the ProfessionalGolf Association (PGA) ChampionsTour featuring top golfers - Fred Cou-ples, Tom Lehman, Mark Calcavecchia,Nick Price, & Bernhard Langer March18 - 24 at the Fallen Oak Golf Club,24400 Highway 15, Saucier. Volunteerwill receive a shirt, hat or visor, a cre-dential for the Week, meals duringshift, six good-any-day tickets, a free

round of golf at Grand Bear and ad-mission to a volunteer party at HardRock, Biloxi. For details, contactStephanie Griffis, 228-896-6365.

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Center Chaplains: Lt. Cmdr. Paul Smith, Protestant Chaplain

Lt. Yoon Choi, Protestant ChaplainFor information concerning other faith groups,

call the chapel office at 228-871-2454

Services:Gospel Service: 8 a.m.

Sunday Catholic Mass: 9:30 a.m.Weekday Mass: Tuesday, 11:15 a.m.

Divine Worship: Sunday, 11 a.m.

Seabee Memorial ChapelSeabee Memorial Chapel

NCBC Helping Hands volunteer opportunitiesNCBC Helping Hands volunteer opportunities

Looking for a church?The Seabee Memorial Chapel holdsservices every Sunday that might suityour needs. Protestant Services in-clude a Gospel Service at 8 a.m. andDivine Worship Service at 11 a.m.Catholic Services include CatholicMass at 9:30 a.m. There is alsoCatholic Mass Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m.Seabee PantryThe Seabee Pantry needs restocking.During the holidays, the need for fooddonations is at its highest level.Please donate as many canned goodsand other nonperishables as possible.Donation drop-off sites are located atthe Navy Exchange, Chapel, Commis-sary, Fleet and Family Support Centerand Armed Forces Retirement

Home. The Seabee Pantry is for anyone affiliated with NCBC.Praise and WorshipThe Seabee Memorial Chapel is lookingfor new members for the Praise andWorship Team for the Divine WorshipService at 11 a.m. Sundays. If you cansing or play an instrument, you are in-vited to come share your gift.Women’s Bible Study Women’sFall Bible Study is held Wednesdaysat 11 a.m. at the Seabee MemorialChapel. The Fall Bible Study is con-ducting a six-week study by Jen-nifer Rothchild - Missing Pieces.”Free child care is available. For more information on all offer-ings that are available, contact thechapel at 228-871-2454.

Chapel Offerings

. . . Follow Seabee Center on . . . Follow Seabee Center on Facebook and Twitter . . .Facebook and Twitter . . . Watch out for pedestrians . . .

Remember, they have the rightof way! Unless otherwiseposted, the speed limit onboard NCBC is 25 m.p.h.

This holiday season, the NEXwants to make returning giftsas easy as possible. Sincegifts may be purchased wellbefore they are given duringthe holidays, all NEXs will ac-cept returns through January31, 2013. This extended re-turn policy applies to originalpurchases made Oct. 28 –Dec. 24 either in a NEX orthrough the NEX web store,

www.myNavyExchange.com.Customers are asked to in-clude any packaging materialalong with the receipt whenmaking a return. Any returnswithout a receipt will be placedon a NEX Gift Card. “We know the holiday season

can be hectic,” said MichaelPowers, Navy Exchange Serv-ice Command (NEXCOM) Di-rector, Retail Operations. “Wewant to give our NEX cus-tomers enough time to enjoy

the holidays with their friendsand families and still have timeto return any gift purchases. One gift that won’t be re-

turned is the NEX Gift Card. Itcan be used just like cash formost merchandise and servicepurchases, make layaway pay-ments or place special orders.NEX Gift Cards have no feesand don’t expire and can bepurchased in varying amountsby both exchange-authorizedand non-authorized customers.

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SUPPORTFamily Readiness Groups NMCB 1 FRG invites friends and fam-ily members to attend FRG meetingsthe first Monday of every month at theYouth Activity Center, building 335. Apotluck dinner is served at 6 p.m., fol-lowed by a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Chil-dren are welcome and baby sitting isprovided during deployment. ContactFRG President Mary Belanger, e-mailnmcbonefrg@gmail.com. NMCB 11 FRG For more information re-garding the NMCB 11 FRG, please visitthe FRG and Ombudsman website athttp://nmcb11.webs.com.NMCB 74 FRG All families of NMCB 74are invited to the 74 FRG meeting thethird Monday of each month. Meetingsare at the MWR Youth Activities Cen-ter, building 335, behind the Grinderon NCBC. Socializing begins at 5:30p.m., and meetings begin at 6 p.m.

Bring a covered dish to share at ourpotluck dinner. Children are welcome.Email nmcb74fsg@yahoo.com or visitour Facebook page at “NMCB74 Fear-less FRG” for more information.NMCB 133 FRG invites all friends andfamily members to attend FRG meetingsthe first Monday of the month at 6 p.m.at the Youth Center. Children are wel-come and baby sitting is provided. Pleasebring a dish to share. For more infor-mation contact FRG President JaimeRoyal at 317-730-4064 or send an emailto NMCB133fsg@gmail.com. To receiveupdates, log on to the FRG site athttp://www.wix.com/NMCB133FSG/133frgGulfport Officer’s Spouse Club The Gulfport Officers’ Spouses’ Club is asocial organization that has FUN whilehelping our community. We meetmonthly and have special interest groupsfor almost everyone! For more infor-mation, email goscgulfport@yahoo.com.We hope to see YOU soon! NMCRS The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Soci-ety Thrift Shop is located in building29 on Snead Street. The Thrift Shopis staffed entirely by volunteers, andchild care and mileage are reim-bursed. Retail hours of operation areTuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9a.m. - 1 p.m. Volunteers are alwayswelcome. Visit the NMCRS offices at

the Fleet and Family Support Center,building 30, suite 103 or call 228-871-2610 to find out how to become apart of the NMCRS volunteer team! Gamblers Anonymous The Fleet and Family Support Centeroffers GA meetings every Thursday at 11a.m. GA is a fellowship of people whoshare their experience, strength andhope with each other. All meetings areconfidential and facilitated by GA. Cometo a meeting or call Jim Soriano at 228-871-3000 for information. TRAININGNaval Sea CadetsThe Gulfport branch of the Naval SeaCadets are recruiting youth ages 11 to17 for Sea Cadets, a nation-wide or-ganization that help youth achieve per-sonal success through nautical training.Meetings are the third Saturday of themonth from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., building1, 2nd floor conference room. ContactLt.j.g. Bowling at 228-313-9035 orcoachcb@yahoo.com for information.SOCIALMiss. Gulf Coast First Class Associ-ation is seeking new members. Meet-ings are every Wednesday at 3 p.m. atCBC’s Beehive, building 352. Call BU1Tony Boldrey 228-871-2577 for moreinformation or just come and join us ata meeting. CBC/20SRG Second Class Petty Of-ficers Association is seeking mem-

bers. Meetings are Tuesdays at 2:30p.m. in the Fitness Center classroom.Contact the Association’s Public AffairsOfficer LS2 Matthew Wasson atmatthew.t.wasson@navy.mil or Presi-dent LS2 Earl Simpson at earl.simp-son@navy.mil for information. NCBC Multi-Cultural Diversity Com-mittee is seeking members. Meetingsare held the first and third Wednesdayof the month at 9 a.m., at the SeabeeMemorial Chapel. Contact BU1 JermaCloude at 228-871-2454 for details.VFW Post 3937 Long Beach is openMonday - Thursday from Noon until 8p.m., Friday and Saturday from Noonuntil 10 p.m., Sunday from noon until 7p.m. The first Friday of the month isSeafood Night, the remaining Fridaysare Steak Night. Breakfast is served from7 to 10 a.m. on Saturdays. VFW meet-ings are held the second Wednesday ofthe month at 7:30 p.m. New membersare always welcome. Contact Post Com-mander Bill North at 228-863-8602 forinformation. VFW Post 4526 Orange Grove is opendaily from Noon to 10 p.m. and locatedat 15206 Dedeaux Road, Orange Grove.Meetings are the first Wednesday eachmonth at 7 p.m. All are welcome and en-couraged to attend. Call 228-832-0017for more info. NMCB 62 Alumni Group Naval Mobile Construction Battalion

(NMCB) 62 was recommissioned in Gulf-port in 1966, and decommissioned in1989. To become a member, go tohttp://nmcb62alumni.org or for links toSeabee historical sites. Seabee Veterans of America Is-land X-1 Gulfport are seeking ActiveDuty, Reserve, Retired or Seabees wholeft the military after a short period oftime. Island X-1 Gulfport meets the firstThursday of each month at Anchors &Eagles at 7 p.m. Contact Joe Scott (sec-retary) at 228-669-8335 orelevenoaks58@cableone.net or log ontowww.nsva.org for information. D.A.V. - Disabled American Veter-ans, Chapter 5 invites Veterans and fu-ture Veterans to monthly meetings heldthe 3rd Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Call Service Officer, Silva Royerat 228-324-1888 to find out more aboutour organization and all that is offeredto members.HERITAGEThe Seabee Gift Store is located in theSeabee Heritage Center Training Hall,building 446. Hours are Monday-Friday,10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from11a.m. to 3 p.m. The shop has a varietyof Seabee related memorabilia, booksand DVD’s. Contact the museum atwww.seabeemuseumstore.org/-/shop/index.php or call the gift shop at228-871-4779 for information on all thatis available for customers.

CenterCenterNotesNotes

Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline Information . . . Due to limited IG re-sources throughout the Southeast Region, all Fraud, Waste and Abuse hotlinework will now be handled by the Region. To report Fraud, Waste and Abuse,contact the Region at: Toll Free 1-877-657-9851 Comm: 904-542-4979 DSN942-4979 FAX: 904- 542-5587, E-mail: CNRSE_HOTLINE@navy.mil.

Your Gulfport Commissary . . . It’sworth the trip! Visit www.commis-saries.com to see all that the Commissary has to offer!

NCBC CIVBEEs . . . Are You Up for a Challenge? Announcing the NCBC/Keesler

Civilian ‘Biggest Loser’ Contest

NCBC Civilians (CIVBEEs) have challenged Keesler Air Force Basecivilians to a Biggest Loser Team Challenge competition. Thecompetition will kick off Jan. 14 at the Fitness Center during anintroduction to Fitness Center equipment. Anyone interested inparticipating in the six week-long competition must have a doc-tor’s release of good health form turned in to their supervisor.The release states that the participant is cleared to begin an exer-cise program. Official weigh-in for participants will be conductedJan. 7 - 11, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Fitness Center. Benefitsof participating include access to a free training class during thelunch hour, as well as nutritional classes. Weigh-ins will be con-ducted weekly during the challenge. The base that wins will havebragging rights to a trophy that will be displayed at the winner’scommand suite. For more competition information, contactDorothy Coleman, 228-871-4848 or dorothy.coleman@navy.mil.

NEX Holiday Return Policy meanssatisfaction guaranteedBy Kristine M. SturkieNEXCOM Public Affairs Specialist