whidbey crosswind february 17, 2012

Whidbey

www.whidbeycrosswind.com

Covering Whidbey island’s naval air sTaTion CommuniTy

Volume 1, No. 47 | 17 February 2012

this Edition

Naval Station Everett to get destroyers ..............pg. 2

ANA hears from VAQ-129 leader ....................pg. 3

Pets’ Sake: The high cost of pet care .................pg. 4

Author explains Operation Baghdad Pups .......pg. 7

As base closures loom

Will NASWI be spared once again?Headlines share some of the story of what happened in 1991 when NAS Whidbey Island was on the government’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) list. Above, the Save NAS Whidbey Island Task Force formed when NASWI was threatened in 1991; today members still meet to discuss strategies to keep NASWI off any future BRAC lists. Kathy Reed/Whidbey CRossWind

By KATHY REEDWhidbey Crosswind

The Department of Defense’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2013 calls for two new rounds

of base closures — one in 2013 and another in 2015. In a Navy-centric com-munity like Oak Harbor, that has people on Whidbey Island paying close atten-tion.

Ever since Naval Air Station Whidbey Island was on the list of base closures in 1991, the Save NAS Whidbey Island Task Force has worked to make sure the base

is never again on such a list. Members of the task force gathered at the Best Western in Oak Harbor Wednesday afternoon for an orientation meeting designed for elected officials and a little background on the group.

“The task force was formed by a group of interested individuals after the base clo-sure list of 1991 was released,” said former Oak Harbor Mayor Jim Slowik, who headed up the meet-ing in the absence of chairman Al Koetje, who was attending a funeral.

While there are no immediate con-cerns NAS Whidbey will be placed on any closure list, task force members say it’s important to keep the base — and the vital role it plays locally and nation-

ally — in front of decision-makers in Washington, D.C. The group has an important ally there, retired Rear Adm. James Seely, former commanding officer of NAS Whidbey, who is a paid consul-tant, providing regular reports to task force members and serving as an escort when groups of local officials venture to Capitol Hill each year.

“He stays close to the issues,” said Slowik.

“Seely has ties to this community,” said Oak Harbor city council member Beth Munns. “He keeps his ear to the ground and has a lot of influence there.”

Another strong political ally in Washington, D.C. is Rep. Rick Larsen.

“I urge whoever’s going back (to Washington, D.C.) to talk with him,” Slowik said. “Larsen is the preeminent electronic warfare guy in Congress and he has definitely taken up the banner.”

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen says future is secure

Rep. Rick Larsen

SEE FuTuRE | PAGE 12

Women get closer to the front line


The doors of opportunity for women in the military have opened wider, following a Department of Defense report submitted to Congress last week.

According to a DOD release, the depart-ment notified Congress Feb. 9 it intends to make changes to rules that have been in place since 1994 that govern the service of female members of the armed forces. Relaxing rules that allow women to perform jobs that are

SEE WomEN | PAGE 6

2


The Navy is boosting its presence at Naval Station Everett.

In a release Tuesday from U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen’s office, Larsen announced the Navy will replace each of three frigates with new or modified destroyers over the next seven years.

“This decision secures the future of Naval Station Everett,” said Larsen during a press conference. “I have spent years convincing the Navy that Everett is ready, willing and able to support more and larger ships.”

The announcement means that Everett will eventually be the homeport to five destroyers and one aircraft car-rier. Personnel will increase by approximately 300, from 3,956 to 4,235.

“The decision shows the Navy is committed to the base and to the new Asia-Pacific strategy,” Larsen said. “Many military communities around the country are worried about defense cuts and what it will mean to them. This

decision should relieve the Everett community of many fears of losing the base in the future.”

While the decision doesn’t impact either Naval Air Station Whidbey Island or Naval Base Kitsap directly, it’s still good news for the region.

“I don’t know the decision will have any impact on NAS Whidbey, but it does generally show the Navy recognizes the value of the bases have in the region,” Larsen said. “The Pacific Northwest is on the Navy’s map and it’s on the map for a good reason.”

While the decision is a victory, Larsen said he will continue the battle to bring more ships to Naval Station Everett. That is good news to Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson.

“The infrastructure to homeport more ships is in place,” Stephanson said. “We take pride in being the sailor’s choice. This is where sailors and their families want to be and we welcome them.”

The destroyers will replace the frigates USS Ford (FFG 54), USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) and USS Ingraham (FFG 61) as they are decommissioned in 2014, 2016 and 2019, respectively. The destroyers will be a mix of new and modified ballistic missile defense-capable ships.

Naval Station Everett to get destroyersThree frigates

to be replaced over time

The USS Ingraham, homeported at Naval Station Everett, is one of three frigates that will be replaced with destroyers upon their decommissioning. U.S. Navy File Photo

From CNAF Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) — Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) announced the winners of the 2011 Aviation Battle Efficiency (Battle “E”) awards Feb. 10 and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island squadrons were among them.

The aviation Battle “E” is the Navy’s top performance award presented to the aircraft carrier and aviation squadron in each competi-tive category that achieves the highest standards of performance readiness and efficiency. The award recognizes a unit’s training and operational achieve-ments while including a balance that incentivizes efficiency.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) was the Battle “E” win-ner of the aircraft carrier category for the West Coast while the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) won for the East Coast.

“The warfighting excel-lence shown by these squadrons and the Vinson and the Bush proves them to be the best of the best. I am incredibly proud of their accomplishments,” said Vice Adm. Al Myers, CNAF commander. “In a time of increased demand and a constrained fiscal environment, these sail-ors, officers and aviators continue to deliver combat effectiveness and to display the professionalism and pride that is the hallmark of naval aviation.”

In the aviation squadron competitions, each aviation

Type-Commander selects a winner in every category, while CNAF selects the Navy-wide winners, result-ing in three sets of recipi-ents.

Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 won the Battle ‘E’ award for the VAQ CVW category for the 2011 Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic squadrons. For Pacific Fleet squadrons, the Lancers of VAQ-131 won the Battle ‘E’ award in the VAQ CVW category. The 2011 CNAF squadrons selected for Battle ‘E’ winners included, the VAQ-132 Scorpions and the Rangers of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 2, in the VAQ EXP and VQ EW cat-egories, respectively.

The Battle “E” com-petition is conducted to strengthen individual com-mand performance, overall force readiness, and to recognize outstanding per-formance within the naval aviation force.

Grading metrics for attaining the Battle “E” award include operational achievement, training, inspection accomplish-ments, material and per-sonnel readiness, aviation safety, weapon systems and tactics development, and contributions to the avia-tion community.

Each member attached to a winning ship or squadron earns the right to wear the Battle “E” ribbon on their uniform, or if they already possess that ribbon, they can add an additional “E” device to the ribbon.

Aviation Battle ‘E’ winners announced

By ClARK PiERCEJax Air News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) — A three-day conventional weapons technical proficiency inspection (CWTPI) for Patrol Squadron (VP) 30 ordnance personnel supporting the P-8A Poseidon aircraft took place last week at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, beginning Feb. 6.

The “ordies” were seeking their certifica-tions to handle, load and deliver ordnance such as torpedoes, missiles and mines.

“VX-1 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River loaned VP-30 their Poseidon T-5 so we can maintain our schedule for conduct-ing our CWTPI over the next three days,” said VP-30 Commanding Officer Capt. Mark Stevens.

“Our ordnance professionals are shoot-ing for a good score from a team of inspectors from the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapon School based here at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. Basically, our people will receive their load plans and then go to work loading inert Mark-54 torpedoes in the bomb bay of the P-8,” said Stevens.

He added that when the ordnance team was not using the aircraft for CWTPI, there would be training sessions aboard T-5 for maintainers and troubleshooters

who are working for their certifications to diagnose, service and repair the P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft.

Lt. Cmdr. Jason Parmley from Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Group serves as the lead weapons training officer.

Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician David Wood, of VP-30 main-tenance control, said the CWTPI is an important milestone in transitioning to the P-8A platform.

“Since August of last year, we’ve been training a core group of about 80 main-tainers by going on site to Boeing in Seattle, Wash., and following that with additional P-8 training and certifications at VX-1 in Pax River, Md.

“While we have the T-5 at NAS Jax, our core group of P-8 maintainers will also conduct walk-throughs of the aircraft to their VP-30 shipmates who will be part of the transition from the P-3 Orion to the P-8 Poseidon. Our goal is to train up and certify all of our VP-30 personnel so as the Navy’s P-8 fleet replacement squad-ron, we’re ready to teach the P-8 to VP-16 beginning this July.”

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island is slated to receive four squadrons of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft under the Navy’s current program of record.

The Navy’s next generation long-range anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol air-craft, the P-8A Poseidon, lands at NAS Jacksonville, Fla., during the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Centennial of Naval Aviation events. U.S. Navy Photo by MaSS CoMMUNiCatioN SPeCialiSt 1St ClaSS MiChelle lUCht/ReleaSed

Poseidon at NAS Jacksonville for weapons certification

It’s scholarship applica-tion time and the Navy Wives Club of America would like to remind those in need of assistance with college tuition to apply.

NWCA gives out 30 scholarships annually, ranging in amount from $1,000 to $1,500 to cover tuition, room and board, fees and books.

Those eligible for the grants must be the natu-ral born, legally adopted or stepson/stepdaughter of an enlisted member of the Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard on active duty, retired with pay or the son or daughter of a deceased member of those categories.

Applicants must have a valid dependent identifica-tion card, must show basis of need for financial assis-tance, have a grade point average of at least 2.5 and be a graduate of an accred-ited high school or its equivalent or will graduate prior to eligibility for assis-tance. Applicants should be physically capable of completing the course undertaken and be of good character.

The deadline for applications is May 30. Applications can be down-loaded from the NWCA website at www.navywives-clubsofamerica.org. For information locally, call Joey Price at 360-779-6191.

By MELANIE HAMMONSWhidbey Crosswind

Association of Naval Aviation Whidbey Island

Squadron 40 members and guests enjoyed a quick course in the role naval aircraft have played in the Middle Eastern theater at Tuesday’s meeting at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Officers’ Club.

The presentation, given by Navy Cmdr. Jeffrey Craig, commanding offi-cer of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, proved a great follow-up to January’s meeting, which featured none other than Craig’s dad, a B-52 pilot in Vietnam, retired Air Force Col. Reed Craig.

Member Dave Weisbrod delivered the intelligence briefing, a regular feature of ANA meetings.

“For a number of months now, not only the United States, but the world at large, has been focused on concerns about Iran,” said Weisbrod, show-ing a powerpoint timeline of events in that region.

Weisbrod said that just this month, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta described a “strong likeli-hood” of an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear capabili-ties in April, May or June.

Following the intel brief-ing, Scott Hornung, ANA’s president, introduced Cmdr. Craig.

“This has been a unique opportunity to gain a father-son perspective,” said Hornung, alluding to Col. Craig’s January pre-sentation.

“Scott told me to make sure that I wished the ladies here today a happy Valentine’s Day,” said Craig. “Hopefully, the gentlemen will make sure to remem-ber the day with roses, or in some other special way.”

Craig described the operational objectives of VAQ-129’s mission. He also related his experiences while with VAQ-132 dur-ing several operations in the Middle East, including New Dawn, Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector.

As both a participant and eyewitness to the Navy’s transition from the EA-6B Prowler aircraft to the EA-18G Growler,

Cmdr. Craig next gave a rundown on the differ-ences in the operational capabilities of the two. (For a more in-depth discussion of his perspective, please refer to next week’s issue of the Whidbey Crosswind.)

It’s no surprise that for many who attend ANA meetings, aviation is more than just an interest, it’s a passion. Such is the case with retired Navy Capt. Bill Young, who helped form the A-3 Skywarrior Whidbey Memorial Foundation, which seeks to place a restored A-3 on permanent display at the Ault Field Road entrance of

NAS Whidbey.Young commented that

the fundraising, work and efforts toward that goal are ongoing.

“It continues on,” said Young. “We’re still plan-ning on an October, 2012 time frame as far as mov-ing the plane to its perma-nent site.

“We’re even optimistic that it could end up there a little sooner,” he said, cautioning that there is still a lot of work to be done on the plane in the meantime.

The next meeting of the ANA will be at 11:30 on March 13 at NAS Whidbey Island’s Officers club.

VAQ-129 commanding officer sweetens February’s ANA meeting

Navy Cmdr. Jeffrey Craig, right, VAQ-129’s commanding officer, talks with audience members following his Feb. 14 presentation at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Officers’ Club. Melanie HaMMons/WHidbey CrossWind

NWCA scholarships up for grabsNavy Wives Club of America scholarship applications can also be obtained by mail-ing a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Linda Hedden - Scholarship Director 1300 Hampton Drive Summerville, SC, 29483

There’s an old saying about the weather that goes something like ‘wait a few minutes, it will change.’

That’s kind of the feeling I’ve gotten in regard to all the government budget reports. My inbox was flooded

with updates and comments and all manner of press releases all week.

The fact of the matter is, we can be sure many things will change over the course of the next year. Initial proposals will be tossed out and refined as all the data streams in.

That’s part of what happened in 1991 when Naval Air Station Whidbey Island was placed on the Base Realignment and Closure

(BRAC) list. The folks choosing the bases hadn’t really had time to do their homework. The fact was, clos-ing NAS Whidbey and moving everything to NAS Lemoore in California was more costly in the long run than keeping the base here. Cooler heads and cost-conscious decision-makers prevailed, much to the col-lective relief of Oak Harbor city leaders and probably to some Navy folks as well.

The past 21 years have served to further strengthen NAS Whidbey’s position within the Navy and on Whidbey Island. With nearly 70 years of history behind it, the base has been able to demonstrate its worth. As the government shifts its focus to the Asia-Pacific theater, it would seem ludicrous to think NASWI would be included on any future BRAC lists.

Time will tell. Who’s to say if that will be the case in another 70 years? None of us can say with absolute certainty what the state of our economy will be — we can hope we’ve been wise stewards and overcome the economic difficulties our country has seen over the last few years. Factor in the state of world politics and the state of our nation’s defenses, and it seems to me we will have no clearer picture than we do today.

If we’re content to live in the here and now then it seems all will be well. But is that an acceptable risk? Or is it time to take a more earnest look, with real actions and initiatives for alternatives?

-Kathy Reed, editor

The Binnacle | February 17, 2012 www.whidbeyCrosswind.Com

BRAC lists, budgets and bases, oh my!

Our Views

Kathy Reed

Our Views NAVYVIEWS

“President Ronald Reagan, because he was a reformed democrat, he bowed to no one and he was larger than life.”

Derek Holbrook Aviation Machinist’s Mate 1st Class, retired

“I would say that Abraham Lincoln is my favorite because he stood up for what he believed in to restore the nation.”

Nick Teel Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class

“I like John F. Kennedy, because he understood what the people were going through during his presidency.”

MerliNe SurpriSeWife of Air-Traffic Controller 2nd Class Jimy Surprise

“It would have to be Ronald Reagan, because he revived the economy when he was in office and believed in less government and a more people oriented society.”

erika calDwell Wife of Lt. Joshua Caldwell

President’s Day is Monday. Who is your favorite president and why?

“President George W. Bush, because he was the president that inspired me to come into the Navy.”

crySTal liTTleYeoman 2nd Class

The cost of veterinary care, Part IIIn my last column, I addressed

some of the business reasons the cost of veterinary care

for your pets is on the rise. The reasons can vary — from the cost of getting an education to getting setup in a practice, using an out-dated, inefficient business model to non-profit organizations. The ris-ing cost of equipment alone makes it much harder for veterinarians to simply hang out a shingle. But there are plenty of other reasons the cost of pet care has risen and there are some things you can do as a pet owner to help keep it in line.

The cost of drugs and supplies has increased far more quickly than can be accounted for by inflation alone. Veterinarians use many items in common with the human health care field, so price increases there translate into increased prices for your pet. A related problem is consolidation in the manufacture

of medications. Larger companies are buying up smaller businesses, especial-ly those manufacturing generic drugs, and then raising prices. One dramatic example occurred when Bausch & Lomb acquired several manufacturers of eye medications. A tube of veteri-nary ophthalmic antibiotic ointment went from $3.25 to more than $32 overnight.

The small number of pets that are covered by health insurance is another factor that leads to increased medical costs for individual pet owners. Health insurance helps to support a general level of care for an entire population, and without that support veterinary clinics have to charge what it costs to provide medical care within the require-ments of their individual practice.

Still another economic pressure on traditional

SEE Pets | NEXT PAGE

Published each Friday from the office of The Whidbey Crosswind

107 S. Main St, Ste E101 ~ P.O. Box 1200 Coupeville, WA 98239

(360) 675-6611 ~ (360) 679-2695 faxOn the Internet at

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Publisher ..................................................................................................... Marcia Van DykeEditor ............................................................................................................... Kathryn ReedWriters........................................................................... Melanie Hammons, Bryan IlyankoffAdministrative Assistant ................................................................................. Connie RossAdvertising Manager .................................................................................. Lee Ann MozesAdvertising ................................................................................ Erica Johnson, Gail RognanAd Services ~ Graphics ............................................................................... Ginny TomaskoProduction Manager ......................................................................Michelle WolfenspargerStaff Artists ............................................................................. Leslie Vance, Rebecca CollinsCirculation Manager ......................................................................................Lynette ReeffCirculation Assistant ..................................................................................Diane Smothers

IdEntIfIcatIon StatEmEnt and SubScrIptIon ratESThe Whidbey Crosswind is published weekly by Sound Publishing on Fridays for $19 for

3 months, $29 for 6 months, $45 per year and $75 for 2 years delivered by carrier in island county from North Whidbey Island to Greenbank; $20 for 3 months, $32 for 6 months, $52 per year and $94 for 2 years delivered by in county mail from Greenbank to Clinton; $35 for 3 months, $65 for 6 months, $105 per year mailed out of county. Payment in advance is required. It is published by Whidbey Crosswind PO Box 1200, Coupeville, WA 98239. Periodi-cals rate postage paid at Coupeville, WA and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Whidbey Crosswind PO Box 1200, Coupeville, WA 98239. Copyright © 2010, Sound Publishing

J.M. Kiel,dvM

For Pets’ sake

veterinary practices is the trend of consumers to buy their pet’s medications from sources other than their veterinar-ian.

Years ago, human doctors used to dispense medications themselves as an important source of revenue for their practices. Pharmacies wanted in on the action, and over the years they completely took over the business. Human medicine responded by raising their fees to cover the lost revenue. Veterinarians are facing the same choices today. Some are electing to limit or discontinue their pharmacies while raising their fees in other areas.

Even non-profit organizations have complicated the picture. In the past few decades large groups, such as humane societies and others, have opened veterinary practices within their facilities to help generate monies to fund their animal welfare programs. Their tax-exempt status helps them to effectively compete with veterinar-ians who do not have the same advantage. In the face of a decreasing number of patient visits, veterinarians have been forced to raise prices to maintain the revenue they need to operate their businesses.

Given all of these factors pushing the costs of veterinary medical care up what can a pet owner do? Here are a few things for you to consider:

• Communicate with your veterinarian regarding pharmacy costs. If you find the same prescription product from a reliable source that costs less, check to see whether your veterinarian is willing to match the price.

• Purchase pet health insurance. There are several companies with many policy options that can help cover your regular veterinary visits as well as major medical expenses.

• Preventing a problem is much less expensive that fix-ing a problem. In terms of veterinary costs for your pet, having them seen on a regular basis with screening lab work when recommended can head off problems that you might not be financially ready for later.

• Understand every veterinary practice is a unique business entity and the fees and operating costs of one practice cannot be fairly compared to another. As a con-sumer you have to make a decision as to where you spend your pet care dollars based on the level of comfort and trust you have in the veterinarian you choose.

As a veterinarian who has been both employee and practice owner I would love to wave a magic wand and change how veterinary clinics are operated:

• Instead of a having several individual practices in an area, veterinarians could consolidate into a single facil-ity so that staff and major medical equipment could be shared, resulting in lower overall operating costs. These savings could result in lower costs to the pet owner.

I once worked in a practice like this in the Boston area where there was a small animal clinic with five veterinar-ians that shared the facility with a veterinary specialty hospital and an emergency clinic all under one roof. The total staff included more than one hundred people all dedicated to the concept of quality veterinary care 24/7.

• A concept I would like to borrow from New Zealand where I have spent some practice time is the idea of a vet-erinary co-op. These are essentially member-owned vet-erinary practices where the prices and operating policies are set by the membership and a board of directors. This would allow members and veterinarians the opportunity to share the struggle of managing health care costs.

In our current economy and business climate there are many factors working to continually put upward pressure on the costs of veterinary care for your pet. Your veteri-narian is doing the best they can to provide a medical service in this increasingly competitive environment. As has always been true, the only constant is change, and this will certainly be the case for the future of veterinary medicine.

Dr. Kiel is the U.S. Army veterinarian currently support-ing NAS Whidbey Island and Naval Station Everett. His columns appear the first and third Friday of each month. Please send questions or comments to Dr. Kiel at [email protected].

Pets| from PrEVIoUS PAGE Volunteers needed to attack Ebey’s weeds

The Nature Conservancy is seeking volunteers to remove invasive weeds and block off unwanted trails along the scenic bluff at Ebey’s Landing.

Work party hours Saturday are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain gear is a must. The conservancy will provide snacks and gloves.

Organizers say this is a physically intense but rewarding experience. For more information and to sign up, contact Julie Edwards at [email protected] or 206-343-4345 ext. 381.

Shanty Fest rescheduled

The third annual Shanty Fest has been rescheduled and will be held Saturday at Greenbank Farm.

Those interested can enjoy five free workshops: Little Shifties Singalong for children, led by the Shifty Sailors, 1 p.m.; Women and the Sea, led by Chris Roe, Wendy Joseph and Jan Glanister, 1:45 p.m.; Adult Song Circle, led by the Shifty Sailors, 2:30 p.m.; Storytelling, led by Captain John Stone and Roger Sherman, 3:30 p.m.; Sharing in Different Ways, 4:15 p.m.

An evening concert featuring the Shifty Sailors and more will be held at

6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 and may be purchased in Oak Harbor: Wind & Tide, Bayleaf; Coupeville: Bayleaf; Greenbank: Greenbank Farm Wine Shop; Freeland: BookBay; Langley: Moonraker; Brown Paper Tickets: 800-838-3006; www.brownpap-ertickets.com.

“Steel Magnolias” continues

The production of “Steel Magnolias” con-tinues through Feb. 25 at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts in Langley.

Under the direction of Tim Rarick, “Steel Magnolias” centers around six different women in Chinquapin, La., and how their lives are interwoven.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday through Feb. 25.

Ticket prices range from $12 to $16 and are avail-able through the WICA ticket office at 360-221-8268 or 800-638-7631. Go to www.WICAonline.com for information.

Post Valentine wines

The annual Red Wine and Chocolate Tour will be held Saturday through

Monday, Feb. 18 to 20, at various Whidbey Island wineries.

Taste wines and choco-late at six tasting rooms, which will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with some offering vineyard and farm tours.

Tickets cost $20 in advance from www.brown-papertickets.com or the wineries, or $25 during the tour. Visit www.whidbeyis-landvintners.org.

Learn to save more, spend less

Whidbey’s Frugalista, Amy Hannold, will pres-ent the class “Save More, Spend Less” on Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce on SR 20 in Oak Harbor.

Those attending will learn how to create the efficiency and planning that will save money. Couponing tools, shop-ping strategies and ways of reducing household expenses are some of the topics covered.

Cost is $12 per person, which includes a notebook full of tools and money-saving resources, class outline, freebies and door prizes.

To reserve a notebook, guests must RSVP to [email protected]. Call 675-2338 for information.

Party for star gazers

Enjoy the night sky and view distant galaxies, planets and nebulas at a Star Party Friday, Feb. 24 at Fort Nugent Park in Oak Harbor.

This free event is hosted by the Island County Astronomical Society and will begin at dark.

No telescope is needed and people of all ages are welcome to attend.

Please note the event will be canceled if the weather is cloudy.

Contact Dan Pullen at 679-7664 or [email protected] for information, or go to www.icas-wa.webs.com.

Beach Watchers wanted

Anyone interested in learning how to protect and preserve their favorite beach, gaining a better understanding of the geol-ogy and biology of the islands, or who wants to meet people who share a love of nature may want to consider becoming a Beach Watcher trainee.

WSU Island County Beach Watchers are taking applications now to join the 2012 training sessions. Classes will meet Mondays and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 2 through 30 and again from Oct. 1 through 31.

Got to beachwatchers.wsu.edu/island/ for infor-mation, or call Barbara Bennett at 679-7391.

Thank you from Meerkerk Gardens

To the Editor:The last few years have been very difficult for non-

profit organizations on the Island, especially those depending on the public donating their operating funds. The Meerkerk Gardens are no exception. We have had to lower our budgets severely and reduce our employees.

However, the board of directors and staff have been and remain dedicated to keeping the Gardens open, groomed and manned with friendly attendants.

Thanks to all of our supporters, both formal Friends of Meerkerk and the public in general who visited and donated to the gardens’ operation, we are once again able to end our fiscal year with balanced books and no debt.

We are anxious to welcome everyone early this spring, when the hundreds of thousands of daffodils burst into bloom, followed by our grand rhododendrons, then the summer flowers and finally the fall colored leaves.

In addition, don’t forget, we have over 43 acres of native forest, containing 3 miles of hiking trails available for your enjoyment.

In an effort to encourage more of you to visit this spe-cial Island asset in this still tough economy, the board of directors has voted to lower the admission price to $5 for all, with children age 12 and under free.

Thank you all again. We hope to see you in 2012.Donald H. LeePresident

JOIN US INJJOIN US INJOIN US INJ

250 SW 3rd Avenue • Oak Harbor(Behind K-Mart)

Sunday Morning Services • 9:00am Traditional Worship • 10:00am Sunday School (All Ages) • 10:30am Contemporary Worship

Children and Worship675-4837

www.frcoh.org [email protected]

Sunday Worship ...8:30 am & 10:45 amClasses For All Ages...................9:45 am

Youth Ministries-Choirs-Bible Studies

Dave Johnson, PastorChet Hansen, Music Minister

Shelly Carman, Youth Director675-2441 • www.ohfumc.org

1050 SE Ireland St • Oak Harbor

First UnitedMethodist

Church

Oak HarborLutheran ChurchNW 2nd Avenue & Heller RoadAcross the street from OHHS Staadium

Nursery Available Sunday Evening Prayer 6:30 PM at

St. Mary Catholic Church in CoupevillePastor Jeffrey Spencer

Pastor Marc Stroud, Caring MinstryLynne Ogren, Music & Children Ministry

679-1561

Saturday Worship ................. 5:30 p.m.Sunday Worship ....8:00 & 10:30 a.m.Sunday School .........................9:15 a.m.

House of Prayer Faith Tabernacle of Praise

Monday Prayer Meeting - 6:00 P.M.Tuesday Night Bible Study- 6:30 P.M.Friday High Praise Service- 6:30 P.M.

Sunday Celebration/Children’s Ministry – 9:30 A.M.Sunday Morning Worship Service – 11:00 A.M.

Church Telephone Number (360)679-1003Bishop Charles And Pastor Effie Boyles (360)929-3127

620 A/B Erin Park DriveOak Harbor, WA 98277

(NEXT TO U-HAUL BLDG.)

Sunday Services8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am

(“Kids on the Rock” Ministry for Children ages 3mos.-5th grade meets at all services)“Amped” Jr. High Youth: Sun., 5:00 pm

“Legacy” High School Youth: Sun., 7:15 pmSmall Groups

Women’s Ministry • Men’s MinistryRuss Schlecht ~ Senior Pastor

www.elivingword.org

490 NW Crosby Ave., Oak Harbor 675-5008

WhidbeyPresbyterian

Church1148 SE 8th Ave

Oak Harbor11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship

9:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship Dave Templin, Pastor

Bethany Popkes, Youth DirectorKurt Imbach, Adult Facilitator www.whidbeypres.org

679-3579Child Care is available and Everyone Welcome

Oak HarborUnited Pentecostal Church

Sunday Service - NoonWednesday Bible Study 7pm

Pastor Mark Dillon404-661-4653

[email protected]

Mailing Address:41 NE Midway Blvd Suite 103

Oak Harbor, WA 98277

CALVARY APOSTOLIC TABERNACLE(The Pentecostals of Island County)

3143 Goldie Rd Unit B • Oak Harbor(behind Precision Tire)

SOULS HARBORA SAFE PLACE TO CALL HOME

Sunday Morning...............10amSunday Evening ............ 6:30pmWednesday ..........................7pm

632-7243Pastor Greg Adkins

Word OfEverlastingLife & FaithChurch

721 S.E. Barrington • Oak Harbor360-632-3642Sunday

Bible Study 9:00amWorship Service 10:00amEvening Service 6:00pm

Come Worship With Us!Thursday Bible Study 7:00p.m.950 S.W. Upland Ct • Oak HarborPastor Dr. Thomas Stoneham Sr.,

Minister Donald Cole

Oak HarborChurch of Christ

1000 NE Koetje Street(Just North of Offi ce Max)

“To Know Christ & Make Him Known”

Sunday Morning:Worship Assembly ---------9:30 amBible Classes for all ages 11:00 amWed. Classes for all ages --6:30 pm

[email protected]

675-3441

679-1288

ConcordiaLutheranChurch

Missouri SynodWorship Service .........................Sunday 10:00amAdult Bible Study & Sunday School .....11:15amEvening Service ....................Wednesday 6:30pm

Nursery Available

Pastor Juan Palm360-675-2548

Preschool 360-679-1697590 N. Oak Harbor St • Oak Harbor

www.concordialutheranwhidbey.org

Whidbey IslandChurch of Christ

3143-G North Goldie RdOak Harbor

Sunday Worship ........9:00 a.m.Sunday Bible Study 10:00 a.m.Sunday Evening ........5:00 p.m.Wednesday Evening .6:00 p.m.

For more information call:Gary 675-5569Jerry 679-3986

Come Worship With Us.Promote Your Place Of Worship In

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Grace By The SeaAn Anglican Expression of Faith

The Rev. Paul Orritt

SUNDAY SERVICE8:00 am

TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICE

9:30 amFAMILY WORSHIP SERVICE

11:23 amCONTEMPORARY

WORSHIP SERVICEwww.ststephensanglicans.org

2 CHURCHES - 1 BUILDING555 SE Regatta Dr.

Oak Harbor679-3431

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Island Vineyard Community ChurchPastor James Gallagher

6:00-7:30 PMSUNDAY NIGHTSwww.islandvineyard.org

co-located with ground combat units will open up more than 14,000 additional positions to them.

“Women are contrib-uting in unprecedented ways to the military’s mission,” Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said in the release. “Through their cour-age, sacrifice, patrio-tism and great skill, women have proven their ability to serve in an expanding number of roles on and off the battlefield.”

Mike McClung, father of Maj. Megan McClung, the first female Marine officer killed in Iraq, said women have always had a role in combat, official or not, and Congress is just playing games.

“It’s a paperwork shuffle, really,” he said. “If you stop and think about it, women have been in combat since time immemo-rial. The reality is if a job has physical requirements, there should be criteria. Megan always argued that you can’t

exclude women because they are physi-cally smaller.”

Part of the paperwork shuffle, as McClung calls it, is because the modern battlefield has changed. There are no lon-ger clearly defined front lines and combat support operations are spread throughout the battlespace.

Allowing women to do jobs such as tank mechanic and field artillery radar operator, for example, opens up more than 13,000 Army jobs for female soldiers. More than 1,000 jobs in intelligence, com-munications and logistics at units smaller than a brigade will also be opened.

According to the Pentagon, 144 military women have been killed and 865 wounded in combat and noncombat incidents in Iraq and Afghanistan. More than 200,000 women are part of the military’s 1.4 mil-lion-member active duty force.

McClung said men and women who join the military or become firefighters or police officers are a different breed. That shared spirit, or warrior ethos, sets them apart and makes them strive to do their jobs to the best of their ability.

He said his daughter wanted the same opportunities as her male counterparts in the Marine Corps.

“Had the rules been different all along, had Megan been allowed to join the infantry, she would have been in the lead,” McClung said.

Women | from PAGE 1

Mike McClung

Maj. Megan McClung

From Department of the Navy

WASHINGTON (NNS) — Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced Feb. 10 that the next Independence variant litto-ral combat ship (LCS) will be named USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10).

The selection of Gabrielle Giffords, desig-nated LCS 10, honors the former congresswoman from Tucson, Ariz. who is known for supporting the military and veterans, advocating for renewable energy and championing border security. Giffords recently resigned from Congress to recover from wounds she sustained in an assassination attempt in 2011.

“The Navy motto is Semper Fortis, Always Courageous,” said Mabus during a ceremony held in

the Pentagon Courtyard. “Unwavering courage has defined the Navy for 236 years and it is what we expect, what we demand of our Sailors every single day. So it’s very appropriate that LCS 10 be named for someone who has become synonymous with cour-age, who has inspired the nation with remarkable resiliency and showed the possibilities of the human spirit.”

Mabus also announced the ship’s sponsor will be Roxanna Green. Green is the mother of Christina-Taylor Green, the nine-year-old girl who was killed while attending the meeting of constituents where Giffords was shot. A ship’s sponsor plays an important role in the life of the ship, naval tradition holds that her spirit and presence guide the ship

throughout its service life.“On that dark, tragic

day now more than a year ago, Christina-Taylor Green was taken from us. A nine-year-old who had just been elected to the stu-dent council, she wanted to become a more active participant in our democ-racy. Her mother, Roxanna Green, continues to express her daughter’s hope for the future and, as the President said, “of a nation as good as she imagined.”

“I am pleased to honor Gabrielle Giffords and the people of Arizona with the naming of this ship,” said Mabus. “Giffords and the ship’s sponsor, Roxanna Green, are sources of great inspiration and represent the Navy and Marine Corps qualities of over-coming, adapting and com-ing out victorious despite great challenges.”

Navy names littoral combat ship after Gabrielle Giffords

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When Cindy Hurn’s friend invited her to

come to Iraq in 2011, the local author and ghost-writer’s first reaction was, “Why? What for?”

“While I knew civilians were over there helping out the military in various ways, it seemed a danger-ous, unstable place to be,” said Hurn, of Coupeville, in a recent interview about the book “No Buddy Left Behind: Bringing U.S. Troops’ Dogs and Cats Safely Home from the Combat Zone.” Hurn co-wrote the book with her friend Terri Crisp, a volunteer with Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International, who also served as SPCA’s program manager of Operation Baghdad Pups.

Hurn said the book’s storyline chronicles Crisp’s two-fold determination: one, to bring to the US abandoned dogs and cats rescued in Iraq by American troops, and two, reunite them with the service members who had adopted them. Operation Baghdad Pups would even-tually succeed in evacuat-ing several hundred ani-mals, mostly dogs and cats, from Iraq to the U.S., three of whom Hurn escorted herself.

Although Hurn had lived overseas before, coming face-to-face with Middle Eastern culture for the first time was an eye-opener for her. Her time in Iraq was spent in a safe zone, but even so, she picked up on the apprehension the general populace must have felt.

“If you walked into a cafe, everyone’s eyes imme-diately went towards you, checking out who you were, and what you were carrying in your hands,” she said.

“And I was in a suppos-edly safe zone,” she contin-ued. “For the first time, I experienced an inkling of what it was like for the sol-diers assigned to Iraq, who most definitely were not in a safe zone.”

She said the different culture of the Middle East also influenced the people’s outlook on animals, which is in sharp contrast to American culture.

“Over here, the mindset overwhelmingly is that animals are our pets, our friends. There, the some-times desperate conditions and poverty mean the peo-ple are raised to see them quite differently,” she said.

Hurn said one of the

first reactions of American soldiers was to adopt aban-doned puppies, something forbidden by regulations that Hurn says were in the soldiers’ best interests.

“It was not unheard of for militants to take a puppy and strap a bomb to it,” said Hurn. “There were risks there.”

Still, one of these allianc-es came to the attention of Crisp in 2007, when Army Sgt. Eddie Watson wrote to SPCA International ask-ing for help bringing back to the U.S. a dog named Charlie that his unit had adopted.

“Even though people were giving monetary gifts to make this happen,

the question was how to accomplish it,” said Hurn. “You can just imagine the red tape associated with the logistics alone.”

There was a happy end-ing, though. It took Crisp six months to get Charlie to the U.S., where he was finally reunited with Watson - on Valentine’s Day 2008, no less. But that wasn’t really the end of the story. News spread of Charlie’s rescue, and soon, other requests for rescues were being forwarded to SPCA International.

“Everyone close to the situation saw that there was now a window of oppor-tunity to get these animals out of Iraq. Not knowing

how much longer that win-dow would be open, the need to act on it right away took priority,” said Hurn.

At a recent interview at Wind & Tide Bookshop, Hurn read excerpts from

the book and answered people’s questions.

“How do you determine which service member of the unit gets to keep the animal?” someone asked.

“Good question,” Hurn responded. “If several wanted to adopt, it likely would go to whomever could provide the best con-ditions to house the animal once stateside.”

It’s common knowledge that soldiers often bond deeply with adults and children in other countries and even with the working service dogs that often save their lives. One surprise is that many of the animals

A connection beyond words

Cindy Hurn, co-author of “No Buddy Left Behind: Bringing U.S. Troops’ Dogs and Cats Safely Home from the Combat Zone,” speaks of her experiences in Iraq during a presenta-tion at Wind & Tide Bookshop in Oak Harbor Feb. 11. Melanie HaMMons/WHidbey CrossWind

Terri Crisp, program manager for Operation Baghdad Pups, shares a soulful moment with a camel in Iraq. PHoTo CourTesy of Cindy Hurn

SEE AutHOr | PAGE 12

“While I knew civilians were over

there helping out the military in various ways,

it seemed a dangerous,

unstable place to be.”

– Cindy Hurn

Fri., Feb.17Dining to Donate: Relay for Life of Whidbey Island Team Brothers in Arms is having a Dining to Donate at Applebee’s on Friday. Anyone with a ticket, which can be printed at www.relayforlifeofwhidbeyisland.org under “fundraisers,” will have 15 percent of proceeds go to Relay for Life. Applebee’s is located at 31810 Hwy. 20, Oak Harbor. Call Tina for details at 240-1451.

Mardi Gras Party: Celebrate Fat Tuesday on Friday at the Back Alley Bar on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island from 8 p.m. to midnight. Beads and party favors included. Call 257-4847 for information.

Elks’ Mardi Gras: Oak Harbor Elks Club hosts a Mardi Gras Party including a lightly seasoned authentic New Orleans dinner Friday at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30.

Tickets are available in the Elks lounge or by calling Jeanette Sem, 675-9685 or June Dushek, 675-2426. Cost is $15. The event is open to Elks members and their guests only, and Mardi Gras costumes are optional. Proceeds benefit Emblem Club 450 charities.

Professional Storyteller: Elementary school students can head to the Coupeville Library for the Early Release Program Friday at 1 p.m. Professor and professional storyteller Lou LaBombard will tell Native American stories emphasizing tolerance and how we can all make a difference. The library is located at 788 NW Alexander St. Call 678-4911.

Click Music Acoustic Jam: Join your friends and neighbors for a free evening of playing music together each Friday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Click Music, 1130 NE Seventh Ave., in Oak Harbor. Players of all ages and levels are welcome. Call 675-5544.

Sat., Feb. 18Benefit Yard Sale: Relay for Life of Whidbey Island Team Rutledge will hold a fundraising yard sale Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2109 Fireside Ln., Oak Harbor. Payment is by donation, with all proceeds going to Relay for Life. Donations of items are welcome; contact Julia at 260-515-7744 for arrangements.

Daddy Daughter Dance: The Oak Harbor Daddy Daughter Dance will be held Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Senior Center, 51 SE Jerome Street. Cost is $20 per couple. There will be a DJ, dancing, games and desserts. Sponsored by North Whidbey Parks and Recreation, 675-7665.

Weekend of Wine and Chocolate: A ‘Sweet, Savory & Six Sexy Reds’ event will take place Saturday through Monday at Whidbey Island Winery in Langley. Step into the cellar with the wine makers and sample six red wines paired with both sweet and savory chocolates. Cost is $10, hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Cameo appearances by George of “Chocolates by George.” Call 360-321-2040.

People First Dance Night: People First of Island County, a private, nonprofit self-advocacy organization for people with developmental disabilities, will hold its monthly dance night from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Grace Community Church, 29470 SR 20, Oak Harbor. Call 360-914-1999 or email [email protected].

Nonfiction Writing Workshop: The Whidbey Island Writers Association will hold the workshop “Writing Nonfiction: Embryo to First Paragraph” Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Coupeville Library. This workshop by Larry Cheek costs $75 for WIWA members and $90 for nonmembers. Register or get information at www.writeonwhidbey.org or 360-331-0307.

Defensive Driving Class: AARP will sponsor a defensive driving class Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., covering rules of the road, challenges and age-related physical changes that affect driving. There is no age limit, but the class focuses on older drivers. Check with your insurance for discounts. Cost is $12 for AARP members; $14 for nonmembers. Bring a lunch. Register by calling 279-4580.

The Wreck of the Andrea Doria: Local author Peter Hunt will present the wreck of the Andrea Doria slide show complete with artifacts recovered from the ship. Visit the Wind and Tide Bookshop in downtown Oak Harbor Saturday at 1 p.m. to hear Hunt discuss and sign copies of his book, “Setting the Hook, A Diver’s Return to the Andrea Doria.”

Mon., Feb. 20Job Club: Join the Job Club Mondays at 1 p.m. for free help finding a job. Attendance is drop-in. The club is located in the Oak Harbor Library meeting room H137, 1000 SE Regatta Dr. Call 675-5115 or visit www.sno-isle.org.

City Offices Closed: Presidents’ Day holiday will close Oak Harbor city offices Monday. Garbage and recyclables usually collected Monday will be picked up Tuesday. There will be no changes in other Tuesday collections.

tueS., Feb. 21AARP Tax-Aide: Free, one-on-one assistance for individuals’ federal tax return will be offered Tuesday from 12:30 to 6 p.m. at Oak Harbor Library. Priority will be given to those 60 and older. AARP membership is not required. Call 675-5115 or go to www.sno-isle.org for information.

McTeachers Night: Broad View Elementary hosts “McTeacher Night” Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. Teachers will be cooking up and serving burgers at the Oak Harbor McDonald’s, with part of the proceeds benefiting the school.

Camera Club: Whidbey Island Camera Club will meet Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Oak Hall,

Room 306, Skagit Valley College Whidbey Campus. The theme is “Windows (home, stores, churches etc).” Submit up to three photographs for discussion during the meeting to [email protected]. Whidbey Island Camera Club is open to the public. Contact [email protected] or visit www.whidbeyislandcameraclub.com.

Wed., Feb. 22Relay for Life Captains Meet: Relay for Life of Whidbey Island team captains meet Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Freeland Library conference room, located at 5495 Library Ln., Freeland. Everyone is welcome to attend to get information about Relay For Life participation, survivor/fighter assistance available on island, sponsorship, luminary, memory plaques and fundraising. Call Tina King, 240-1451, with questions and find Relay for Life Whidbey on Facebook.

thurS., Feb. 23Musical Revue: Whidbey Playhouse in Oak Harbor presents “Wish Upon a Star” musical revue, starting Thursday and running through Sunday, March 4. Enjoy performances by Rosario Sounds, Shifty Sailors, The Ballet Slipper, The Satin Dolls, Oak Harbor High School Show Choir and many others. Show will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $12 and are available at the Whidbey Playhouse box office or by calling 679-2237.

Orchid Sale: Whidbey General Hospital and its gift shop is having an Orchid Sale by AJ Florals Thursday and Friday, Feb. 23 and 24. Twenty percent of the proceeds will be donated to the hospital medical equipment wish list. Contact Nancy Bailey at 678-7656 ext. 3246.

Preschooler Ready Readers: Children ages 3 to 5 years enjoy stories, songs and getting ready to read with a parent or caregiver Thursday, Feb. 23 at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. at the Oak Harbor Library, 1000 SE Regatta Dr., and at 9:30 a.m. at the Coupeville Library, 788 NW Alexander St. Call 675-5115 or visit www.sno-isle.org.

Fri., Feb. 24Knitting Group: Bring size 11 needles and a skein of yarn to the Fourth Friday Knitting Group, Friday at 10 a.m. at the Coupeville Library. Learn to knit or bring a project you’re working on. For ages 12 and up. Call 678-4911.

North Whidbey Coupon Club: Those interested in saving money on groceries and everyday items are welcome to attend the North Whidbey Coupon Club each Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce. The club is free and open to all couponers, new or experienced. For information email [email protected] or call 675-2338.

Sat., Feb. 25Red Dress Ball: The Red Dress Ball will be held Saturday at 6 p.m. at the CPO Club on Ault Field Road in Oak Harbor. There will be a no-host bar, heavy hors d’oeuvre and dancing. Cost is $50 per person. Tickets are available at Whidbey Island Banks, from Soroptimist members and Whidbey General Hospital Life Center. Call Marta Page for information at 675-5999 or [email protected].

Bringing Relay to Life: The first annual Magic of Relay: Bringing Relay to Life will be held Saturday, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. at the Best Western Cotton Tree Inn Convention Center, located at 2300 Market St., Mount Vernon. Relayers from across North Puget Sound will hear inspirational speakers, network with other relay teams, learn about fundraising and more. Enjoy a complimentary lunch. There is no cost to attend but pre-registration is required by Friday, Feb. 17. Register at www.MagicOfRelay.org.

Zombies Needed: Anyone on Whidbey Island wishing to be a zombie dancer in Oak Harbor High School’s “Thrill the Island,” an island-wide music video of “Thriller,” must attend rehearsal Saturday, Feb. 25 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Oak Harbor High School gym. The video will be filmed March 10 from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Pioneer Way in Oak Harbor. Call 279-5829.

Oak Harbor Pool Aglow: Glow Night night at the Oak Harbor Pool will be held Saturday, Feb. 25 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Cost is $3, with snacks, drinks and glowing things provided. Contact the North Whidbey Parks & Recreation Oak Harbor Pool at 675-7665 with questions.

Sale to Benefit Stroke Victim: A huge benefit sale at the American Legion Hall Saturday and Sunday, Feb 25. and 26, from noon to 7 p.m. each day will help Kim Morris, OHHS class of ‘79. Morris is slowly recovering from a stroke. Antiques, tools, furniture, a 1952 Studebaker pickup and much more, with a silent auction every hour. Donations welcome; call 678-7788.

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real estatefor sale - WA

Real Estate for SaleIsland County

FREELAND/ LANGLEYSOUTH WHIDBEY Is- land 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,132 sq ft manufactured home in beautiful 55 + neighborhood. Less then 10 minutes to 3 lakes, 3 towns, & several beach locations and launches. Very well maintained, very few owners. 2 covered porches, propane fireplace, carport & out- building. $66,500. 360- 341-2135 leave a number.Oak Harbor

2 BEDROOM, 2 bath, bonus room rambler on nice dead end street. Move in ready with new carpet, paint, flooring, counter tops, stainless s tee l appl iances and washer / dr yer. Large ya r d w i t h s h e d a n d fenced backyard. Own it for way less than rent- ing! Asking $109,000. Cal l Rob at 360-421- 3805.OAK HARBOR

FOR SALE BY OWNER:Spac ious 3 bedroom home on active 55 street across from golf course. Vaulted ceilings, living room, dining area off of ki tchen, den with gas fireplace. Carpet and tile f loors. Two ful l baths. Walk-in closets in master suite. Granite coun- tertops, cherry cabinets. Stainless steel appliances. Gas heating. Fenced b a c k y a r d . C o v e r e d porches; attached two- car garage. Sprinkler System. HOA dues in- c l u d e y a r d c a r e . $329,500. A must see. Realtors Welcome! Call: 360-679-2460.

real estatefor sale

Real Estate for SaleManufactured Homes

Oak HarborFOR SALE 2 and 3 BR mobile homes in family- f r i e n d l y p a r k , n e a r schools, shopping, Navy base. $5,000-$18,000. 360-675-4228

real estatefor rent - WA

Real Estate for RentIsland County

Clinton

3 BEDROOM, 2 bath home on acreage. Pri- vate setting. $900 month i n c l u d e s w a t e r . (360)341-1668CLINTON

3 BEDROOM Victorian farmhouse, 2.5 bath on 3 acres. Pets negotiable. No smok ing . $1 ,200. Section 8 ok. Available February 1st. 425-314- 1380, 425-876-1366.

FREELAND

1 + BEDROOM, lo f t a rea, Free land area, $875/ month. Washer, d r ye r, ga rage, wood floors in living/ dining & wood stove. Acreage. First, last and cleaning deposi t . No smoking. Cell: 503-341-3799.

FREELAND

BEAUTIFUL 1,700 SF Log Home. Large remodeled house is on 5 acres. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, W/D, deck. Pets considered. Water incl. $1,200. 360-331-2795.

GREENBANK2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH home on 2 plus acres in Greenbank. Super clean wi th hardwood f loors and detached 3 car garage. Private setting with g a r d e n a n d g r e e n h o u s e . $ 1 , 3 0 0 p e r month p lus depos i ts. Pets negotiable. Owner is WA state RE Broker. P lease ca l l 360-929- 5968 for information.Langley2 BEDROOM, 1.5 Bath Glenhaven Townhouse; washer/dryer included. Age 55 or older, $700 per month . Ava i lable 2/15. Contact Katharine 360-678-4181 or 800- 321-0686.LangleySecluded custom cot- tage on quiet acreage . 2 BR, furnished or unfur- nished, gas heat. $1200 month. 360-321-4978.


Greenbank

LAGOON POINT Water- front with 45’ dock in protected lagoon. Bring your boat. Best fishing in s ta te. 1 bedroom, bright, large garage, new construct ion, washer/ d r y e r , d i s h w a s h e r . $1200 month. Cal l or text: 206-949-1454LANGLEY2 B E D R O O M W I T H washer, dryer, yard & small fenced garden in Crawford Road area. Pe t s n e g o t i a b l e . N o s m o k i n g . $ 8 0 0 p e r month plus first, last & $400 damage deposit. 360-632-0337.LANGLEY3 BEDROOM, 1 BATH home. Remodeled Sara- toga rambler in woodsy setting. Near town, on busline. Washer, dryer and attached garage. No smoking/ pets. $950 month plus utilities, first, last, deposit and 1 year lease. 360-321-4042

Langley

3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH Apartment on 5 Wooded acres, 10 minutes from Free land or Lang ley. Spacious, sunny, peace- fu l and sec luded. Al l black appliances, jacuz- zi. Small pet OK. $900 month. Call Mon-Thurs- day, 10am-4pm; JOHN 360-321-2402Langley

3 + B E D R O O M S , 3 Baths, $1375/ month. Ava i l a b l e n ow ! N i c e home in safe and clean community. Large deck, large l iving room with fireplace, large entertain- ment room with fireplace downstairs, 2 car garage, utility room, ample storage space. Commu- nity clubhouse with pool, tennis and dining. Close to exce l lent schools, shopping and d in ing. Minutes from Ferry. Re- cent Updates. Long term lease preferred. First, last and damage deposit required. No smoking. Pet negotiable with additional damage deposit. Call (360)929-0893 or (707)937-3597, leave message.Oak Harbor2 BR , 1 BA dup lex . Close to NAS on private 1/2 acre. All appliances including W/D, propane heat, private deck. $700, 1st and deposit. Water & septic included. Pets negotiable. (360)320-3668


OAK HARBOR

2 BEDROOM Dugualla Bay beach front! Com- plete quality furnishings included with this beautiful log home. Open floor p l a n , b a s e m e n t r e c room, quiet, on approx 3 acres. No smoking/ pets. $1,825 per month, first, last, damage deposit, and c red i t check re - quired. Available now! P lease ca l l 206-729- 2599 for details.

Oak Harbor3 BEDROOM, 2.5 bath, 2 car garage on private cul-de-sac. 10 minutes from NAS. $1150 month plus deposit. Available now! 904-287-3202 before 7pm.OAK HARBOR

3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH updated home on secluded 2 1/2 acre lot. 2 car attached garage plus covered car por t and storage shed. Includes washer, dryer and refrigerator. Electric heat plus propane fireplace insert. Non smoking. Pet nego- t iable wi th addi t ional damage deposit. $1,350 per month. Sect ion 8 Okay. Credit check req. Call 360-929-3459.

Oak Harbor

3 BEDROOM, 2 bath w i th 1 car garage in q u i e t n e i g h b o r h o o d . Woodstove and laminate downstairs, carpet up- stairs, fenced backyard. $1250 month, 12 or 18 month lease available. $1250 security deposit and first months rent up front. Pets negotiable. Call Diana for information, 360-929-5495.

OAK HARBOR BEACH FRONT, Pr i - vate, quiet location. 2 bedroom, 1 bath. Wash- er/ dryer. New carpet, new kitchen. Fireplace. Clubhouse, parks, pool, boat ramp, dock, commu n i t y b e a c h . $ 7 9 5 month. (425)563-8422


OAK HARBOR

3 BR, SINGLE STORY in 5 unit building. Beauti- ful San Juan Island view! New interior, yard, parking. No laundry/ hookups $645. 360-679-1103.OAK HARBOR

BEAUTIFUL water /Mt view 3 Bedroom, 1.75 Bath home. W/D, Gas/ pellet fireplace. Attached garage. New carpet, no pe ts /smok ing . $1300 mo. Call 360-929-0758.

OAK HARBORGREAT BALCONY View of July 4th fireworks and stunning harbor land- scape. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home, hardwood floors, double garage, all appliances & some furnishings. $1,200 gets you into a quiet cul-de- s a c ! C l o s e t o b u s , schoo ls , churches & stores. Secur i ty, f i rst, last, $500 damage deposit. Available 3/1. 360- 675-4113.

Real Estate for RentSkagit County

Sedro Woolley

3 LARGE BEDROOMS, 1 bath. Large walk- in closet in Master. Large living and dining rooms wi th per iod detai l ing. Newly renovated eat-in k i tchen. Laundry. Up- stairs bonus room. Gas furnace. Partially fenced yard. Close to schools and shopping. No smoking or pets. Security fee: $50. $1200 rent, $1000 d a m a g e . J o a n n a , (360)755-9872

Apartments for Rent Island County

Coupeville

MADRONA VALLEY APARTMENTS

1 Bedroom $555 2 Bedroom $620$300 Security Deposit

Income Limits ApplyCall 360-678-3522

360-320-1057


FreelandSelf-contained 1-Bdrm ap t in p r i va te home. West water/mtn view, la rge pa t io, own en- t rance. Pr ivate /qu ie t . $700/mo includes util, cable, wi-fi, shared laundry. No smokers. Pets negot. (360)730-2490

Langley

2 B E D R O O M V I E W apartment, 4 miles North of Langley. Second story. Beach access. View of Saratoga Passage and Mount Baker. $600 per month plus electric. Water, sewer, garbage paid. Contact Ross: 206- 628 -2447 o r r j acob - [email protected]

LangleySTUDIO APARTMENT: Complete ly furn ished with sweeping view of Saratoga Passage. Pri- vate deck. Quiet neighborhood. $775/mo, min 6 mo lease. INCLUDES all utilities, basic phone, and free cable TV. No smoking. Cat possible. Cal l 360-221-3911 to view. Oak Harbor

1 BEDROOMAPARTMENTS.

$612-$662 per month.Deposit special -

only $265!Near NAS. Available Now!Call: (360)679-1442

OAK HARBOR

EXTENDED stay. Tem- porary housing. 1 Bed- room, month to month, furnished, utilities included. no smoking or pets. 360-675-5911,[email protected]

Classifieds. We’ve got you covered. 800-388-2527


OAK HARBOR

LARGE 2 BEDROOM Penthouse view, spacious patio. Clean and quiet! Fireplace, washer, dryer hookups. Senior discount avail. Garbage included. $725/ Month. 360-675-6642.

Oak HarborLEXY MANOR. Small, quiet complex. 1, 2 & 3 b e d r o o m s ava i l a b l e . C l o s e t o s h o p p i n g . Fami l ies and spec ia l needs welcome. Rent starts at $556. Call: 360- 279-2155

Oak Harbor

Madrona ManorQuality Living at an

affordable price.Families and special

needs welcome.1, 2 and 3 bedrooms starting at $615/mo. Walking distance to

beach, park, shopping and bus route.

Call: 360-240-1606** Section 8 ok

OAK HARBOR

OAK GROVE APTSNow available:1 & 2 Bedrooms

$550-$680 per month

Call 360-675-400265 SW 3rd Ave,

Oak Harbor


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Apartments for Rent Snohomish County

Mukilteo

B E AU T I F U L LY F u r - nished 1 bedroom view apartment. $950 month p lus $100 month in - cludes all utilities, cable TV and Wi-Fi. Secluded downtown Old Mukilteo, 3 blocks from ferry. Spa- c ious 850 SF. Zoned residential/ commercial. I d e a l fo r l i ve / w o r k space. Secluded, large yard , wa lk - in c lose t , large living room with office space, covered ve- randa, off-street parking, new large flat screen TV, shared W/D. Surrounded by yard, quiet and bor- ders a wooded ravine with year round stream. 5 minutes to Boeing, 1/2 hour to Seattle (via com- muter rail), 15 minute ferry ride to Whidbey Is- land. 1 year lease. First, last, damage and background check required. No pets, no smoking. For photos, email: great- viewmukilteo@hotmail. com Contact Mi lo at : 425-971-5890

WA Misc. RentalsDuplexes/Multiplexes

OAK HARBOR2 BEDROOM waterview! Old town, quiet neighborhood, near beach! Laundry hookups, yard, off-street parking. $720. 360-679-1103.

WA Misc. RentalsMobile/MFG Homes

OAK HARBORMOBILE HOME

PARK

Winter Specials!

$545 - $745 Lease, Purchase or

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CALL TODAY360-675-4228

real estaterentals

Commercial RentalsOffice/Commercial

Oak Harbor

3 ROOM OFFICE Suite, 2 with waterfront views, in professional building. High traffic, great parking! $950, water, sewer, garbage, electric included. 360-929-7593



Commercial RentalsOffice/Commercial

OAK HARBORMULTIPLE Commercial spaces, just renovated to like new, on Pioneer Way with unobstructed View of Oak Harbor Bay a n d M a r i n a . E n t i r e space of 2,405 sq ft has dividing wall with two separate entrances and many separation opportunities. Or two separate t e n a n t s p a c e availabilities for either 1,254 or 1,151 SF with each having space sep- arat ion oppor tuni t ies. Cal l 360-914-7090 or 360-675-9592.

OAK HARBOR

OFFICE SPACE231 SE BarringtonStarting @ $425/mo735 SF ~ $765+nnn605 SF ~ $745+nnn

206-715-9000www.LeasingRealEstate.com




more information.

announcements

Announcements

G&O MINI STORAGENew Space

Available Now!Some Just Like A Vault! Hwy 20 & Banta Road

Call:

360-675-6533

PELVIC/TRANSVAGINAL

MESH?

Did you undergo transvaginal placememnt of mesh for pelvic organ prolapse or stress uri- nary incontinence between 2005 and the present t ime? If the patch required remov- a l due to compl ica- tions, you may be enti- tled to compensation.

Call Johnson Law and speak with

female staff members 1-800-535-5727

Found

FOUND: CAR or Truck Keys on Carbineer type key ring. On Sunnyside Ave in Swantown. Call (360)279-0912 to ID.

FOUND: LADIES Gold- tone Pulsar Wrist Watch. Found on 2/1/12 on Je- wett Road. Call to identi- fy and claim. (360)579- 4129

jobsEmployment

Administrative

ADMINISTRATORWhidbey Watershed

Stewards

Seeking person with experience in communication, program & financialmanagement, fundraising. Par t-time salaried p o s i t i o n 4 0 - 5 0 h r s / month. See job descrip- tion on web site:

www.whidbeywatersheds.orgSubmit letter, resume

and references to:[email protected] open until filled. Interviews begin Feb 22.


EmploymentGeneral

ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT

The Wh idbey News - Times seeks an enthu- siastic, motivated Adver- tising Sales Representa- tive to sell advertising. Successful candidate must be dependable, detai l-or iented and possess exceptional customer se r v ice sk i l l s . Previous sales experience required and media sales a plus! Reliable in- sured transportation and good driving record required. Straight commis- sion with a draw, excel- l en t hea l th bene f i t s , 401K and a great work environment with opportunity to advance. EOE. P lease send resume with cover letter in PDF or Text format to

[email protected] mail to:

HR/WNTADSALES Sound Publishing, Inc.

19351 8th Ave. NE, Suite 106

Poulsbo, WA 98370

ISLAND COUNTY JOB OPENING

ELECTION ACCESSIBILITY COORDINATOR

www.islandcounty.net/hr for more information

North Whidbey Park & Recreation District

is in search of a newDIRECTOR

To see the full job post- ing including the application procedures please click to:

www.oakharborpool.orgor visit the pool itself. You may also email:

[email protected]

The final date for receiv- ing applications will be February 29, 2012.

PART TIME, WEEKEND OFFICE

POSITIONStorage facility looking for help. Must have computer ski l ls and good customer service. Apply in person, Mariner Self Storage, 34100 SR 20, Oak Harbor.

RECEPTIONIST

MARKETING REP

For more informationplease visit:

www.whidbey.com

EEOE

EmploymentGeneral

POOL FACILITIES MANAGER

& LIFEGUARDS

Part-time/Seasonal pool facilit ies manager and s u m m e r l i f e g u a r d s . Manager responsible for operation and maintenance of a 100,000- gallon community pool including supervision of l i feguards. Appl icants must have prior experience with similar sized facility and lifeguard cer- t i f i c a t i o n . M a n a g e r : 20-30 hrs/wk, June thru Sept 15th; 2-6 hours Sept . th ru May. L i fe - guards: full/part-time posit ions. Mid-June thru early Sept.

For detailed job descrip- tions please contact:Ed: 360-678-0426, [email protected] send resume to

ACBC,PO Box 366,

Coupeville, WA 98239

Salesperson Needed to work in a fun,

fast-paced environment!

Little Nickel, a division of Sound Publishing, Inc. is seeking an experienced Inside Advertising Sales Consultant. Position will be based out of our Ev- ere t t o f f ice. We are looking for candidates who are assertive, goal- driven, and who possess s t rong i n te r pe rsona l skills—both written and verbal. Ideal candidates will need to have an ex- cept ional sales background; print media exper ience is a def ini te asset. If you thrive on calling on new, active or inactive accounts; are self-motivated, well or- ganized, and want to join a professional, highly energized and competitive sales team, we want to hear from you. Must be computer-proficient at Word, Excel, and utiliz- ing the Internet. Com- pensat ion inc ludes a base wage plus commis- sion and an excellent group benefits program.

Please email resume and cover letter to:

[email protected] MAIL to:

Sound Publishing, Inc.19426 68th Avenue S.

Kent, WA 98032ATTN: HR/LNIS

EOE



more information.


Sell it free in the Flea1-866-825-9001

EmploymentMedia

REPORTER

The Journal of the San Juans in the beautiful San Juan i s lands o f Wash ing ton S ta te i s seeking a general as- signment reporter with writing experience and p h o t o g r a p h y s k i l l s . Knowledge of Indesign and social media a plus but not required. Appli- cants must be able to work in a team-oriented deadline driven environment, display excellent wr i t ing sk i l ls, have a knowledge of community news and be able to compose a r t i c les on multiple topics. This is a 32 hour-per-week position that includes excellent benefits; medical, dental, 401K, paid vaca- t i o n a n d h o l i d a y s . P lease send resume with cover letter, 3 or more non- re tu r nable clips in PDF or Text format and references to [email protected] mail to:

GAREP/HRSound Publishing, Inc.

19351 8th Ave. NE, Suite 106

Poulsbo, WA 98370EOE

Health Care EmploymentGeneral

CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANTfor PRN hrs

Oak Harbor Naval Hospital

Cer tification by AAMA requ i red . Min imum 1 year experience within last 3 years. Prefer out- patient exper. Contact

[email protected]

CNA’sPart & Full Time

Please apply in person:Careage of Whidbey

311 NE 3rd StreetCoupeville, WA.360-678-2273

COOKPart Time

Please apply in person:

Careage of Whidbey311 NE 3rd StreetCoupeville, WA.360-678-2273

Director of Nursing Service.

Long term care experience pref.

Please apply in person:Careage of Whidbey

311 NE 3rd StreetCoupeville, WA.360-678-2273

Fulltime MA/LPNwanted for fast paced medical clinics located o n S o u t h W h i d b e y Benefits included.

Fax resume to 360-331-2104. Email resume to

[email protected]

Maple RidgeAssisted LivingIS GROWING!!

Now Hiring:• Caregivers, F/T• P/T weekend

Kitchen Aide

Apply in person at:1767 Alliance Ave.

Freeland, WA. 98249

Health Care EmploymentGeneral

MENTAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN III -

On Call.Coupev i l le . Requ i res b o t h s k i l l s t r a i n i n g around parenting issues, behavior management techniques and support to the parent and children. BA degree in be- havioral health or AA + 2 years related experience or combination education/experience totaling 4 years. Va l id WSDL and insurable dr iv ing record. Registered in WA S t a t e . $ 1 2 . 7 0 + DOE. Please send resume &

cover letter to: Compass Health, HRPO Box 3810 MS 42Everett, WA 98213

[email protected]

EOE

Business Opportunities

S A L O N O R E Q U I P - MENT For Sale. 6 sta- t ions w i th a l l newer, black equipment. 6 hy- draulic chairs and 3 dry- e r cha i rs. Sa lon has kitchen, tankless water heater and stackable W/D. Will sell equipment seperately. Rent at loca- t i o n ex t r e m e l y r e a - sonable! Please call for more details: 360-679- 2163

VIVIANE Skin CareWanted: Entrepreneurial Woman desiring a home based bus iness w i th proven water based skin c a r e . L o c a l f a m i l y owned company. Great earning potential. Starter kits as low as [email protected]

(800)423-3600

professionalservices

Professional ServicesJanitorial

10% Discount for all WGH Employees, Police, Fire�ghters & EMS.

IslandSewing&VacuumVACUUM AND SEWING MACHINE

SALES, SERVICE & REPAIR360-679-2282

COVENANT JANITORIAL & MAINTENANCE360-720-2617

Commercial & Industrial Janitorial Services for All Whidbey Island

homeservices

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24/7 EXPERTHANDYMANFree Estimates! Very

Reasonable! Excellent Work! Dependable!Call Denny Today!

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Feb 17, 2012 I PAGE 11WWW.WHIDBEYCROSSWIND.COM www.nw-ads.com

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stuffAppliances

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Cemetery Plots

OAK HARBOR4’X10’ BURIAL PLOT At Maple Leaf Cemetery. L o v e l y , w e l l k e p t grounds & year round maintenance included. As seasons change the picturesque view is gor- geous! Friendly, helpful staff. Asking below ce- meter y pr ice a t on ly $800, cash only. Inter- ested please call Mary Ann 360-675-3074.

flea marketFlea Market

D e s k w i t h m a t c h i n g bookcase. Sturdy con- struction with metal sup- ports and pressed wood surfaces. $40 for both. 360-679-2650 Laura.

Mo to rcyc le he leme t ; Harley Davidson, extra large, black. New condi- tion! $75. New pair of Carolina Riding boots, size 11 1/2 wide, steel toed, $50. Call between 5pm and 6pm 360-675- 2712.

Free ItemsRecycler

FREE, 32” JVC HDTV. CRT style. Works fine, we just upgraded and need the space. 360- 675-5384, Oak Harbor.

FREE!Wood pallets for firewood

or ? (Does not include 48x40 size)

Call Today!

425-355-0717ext. 1560

Ask for Karen Avis


pets/animals

Dogs

5 PUREBRED Miniature American Eskimo puppies for sale. $650 each. Great with kids, family ra ised . Mom on-s i te. Ready for their forever h o m e. I f i n t e r e s t e d , please email: american- [email protected] call 360-675-6117

AKC GERMAN Shepherd puppies, bred for sound temperament and train a b i l i t y. A l l G e r m a n bloodlines. Parents on- site and family raised. Males / females. $700. 360-456-0362

AKC POODLE Puppies. Brown Standard. 9 wks o ld on Februar y 1s t . First shots and wormed. Very beautiful, intelligent loving. Parents have had pre-breeding & genetic testing, also good hips, elbows & eyes. Home raised with with loving c a r e . 7 f e m a l e s , 2 males. $1200/each. See p u p p i e s o n l i n e : www.topperspoodles.net Call Rober ta 360-286- 6845.

BOSTON TERRIER

B O S T O N T E R R I E R Puppies. Purebred, born December 4th. Excellent markings & conforma- tion! 2 males & female. Paper trained with first shots. Family raised! Su- per friendly dispositions! Only $800 each. Harriet 360-929-0495 or 360- 679-2500 Whidbey Is- land.

GREAT DANE

A K C G R E AT D A N E Puppies. Now offer ing Full-Euro’s, Half-Euro’s & S t a n d a r d G r e a t D a n e s . M a l e s & fe - males. Every color but Fa w n s , $ 5 0 0 & u p . Heal th guarantee. Li- c e n s e d s i n c e 2 0 0 2 . Dreyersdanes is Oregon state’s largest breeder of Great Danes. Also; selling Standard Poodles. www.dreyersdanes.comCall 503-556-4190.


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Dogs

TOY POODLE, 8 weeks o ld . Male, black wi th whi te paws, chin and neckl ine. CKC Regis- tered. Tail bobbed, dew c laws c l ipped, puppy shots and partially potty trained. $450. (307)259- 2 3 0 7 Po r t O r c h a r d . E m a i l f o r p i c t u r e s : [email protected]

garage sales - WA

Garage/Moving SalesIsland County

Freeland

MOVING - TAG Sale. 1 Day On ly ! Sa tu rday, Februar y 18th , 9am- 4 p m . F u r n i t u r e , A n - tiques, Decorator Acces- sories, Fine China, Sil- verplate Ware, Crystal, Venetian Glass Chande- lier, Teacups, Teapots, Copper Pots and Pans, B o o k s , E a s t e r a n d Christmas Decorations. No Early Birds, Please! 634 Windmill Drive, off Bush Point Road, Free- land.

Oak Harbor

EVERY WEEKEND in Februar y and March. House across from Jets, on Hwy 20. 9am-5pm. Too much stuff to list!Oak Harbor

F U R N I T U R E A n d Household Items. Febru- ary 19th-20th, 8am-4pm, 1040 Cl i f f v iew Lane, 98277. OAK HARBOR MULTI FAMILY garage sale! Too many items to list! Friday & Saturday f rom 9am to 3pm a t 1770 Aberdeen Cour t, Oak Harbor.

wheels

Sell it free in the Flea1-866-825-9001

MarinePower

1965 RESTORED 31’ Pembroke Sedan Cruis- er, possible live aboard. Mahogany lapstrake hull on oak frames, full keel with bronze skeg, rudder & cutlass strut; deck & coach roofs covered with glass cloth; Perkins diesel, Borg Warner Velvet Dr ive t ransmiss ion & bronze prop. 100 gal fuel tankage, 80 gal water tankage. Pressure hot & cold water for shower, wash basin & sink. Elec- tric Head, diesel range, ac/dc refrigerator, micro- w a v e . V H F, d e p t h sounder, autopilot, spot- light, battery charger, ac to dc converter, 2 bilge pumps. Inflatable dingy, 2 anchors wi th rode, boat hooks, fenders, & mooring lines. Sleeps 2 in large V-berth, dinette converts to small double berth. Illness forces sale. Boat lying in Por t Or- chard. $4,000 or best offer by 3/23/12! No reasonable offer refused. 360-638-1749 or email [email protected]@myway.com

1981 24 .5 ’ TANZER. Shoal keel, main, j ib, spinner. Two burner al- cohol Stove, Sink, Ice box. Drop down table. forward “V” berth, Porta- potty, 8 HP 4 cycle Hon- da outboard. PFDs, extra fuel tank. New seat covers. Inflatable raft. Very stable boat under sa i l . Easy to handle! $4 ,000 . Oak Harbor. J o h n 3 6 0 - 2 4 0 - 8 3 3 2 ; [email protected]

2005 17’ DC Tracker. Deep V Aluminum boat. 2005 4 Stroke Merc, 115 HP. 2005 4 Stroke Merc 9.9 HP, 50 HP electric t ro l l ing motor. Hum- mingbi rd GPS, Char t P lo t te r, F i sh F inder, Stereo, 1 Downrigger, Bimini Top. Ready to fish! Call Troy, 360-544- 2217. Email for photo: [email protected]

MarinePower

1997 21’ DUCKWORTH Silverwing Semi Hard- top. “The #1 Custom Welded Aluminum Boat”. V Hull. Shock absorber captains chairs, bench seats and f ish seats. Pole holders. Stereo. Dual batteries and more. 2001 Honda 130 Out- board and Merc 15 HP kicker. Priced to sell at $ 1 9 , 9 9 5 . M o r e I n fo Available. 360-472-0895 Friday Harbor

AutomobilesBMW

01 BMW 330I, loaded, 157K miles, grn exterior, beige interior. $6995. Cal l 360-647-5686 or FreewayAutosales.net



more information.

Advertise your service800-388-2527 or nw-ads.com

AutomobilesCadillac

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AutomobilesChevrolet

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In a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Larsen said the future of NAS

Whidbey is secure.“The Navy stands by

its record of decision in regard to the P-8A coming to NAS Whidbey,” Larsen said. “In my conversations with Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, he assured me the Navy is sticking with the 2008 record of deci-sion, which will bring the Poseidon to NAS Whidbey by 2017.”

A briefing released Monday by the Department of Defense indicated the DOD was adjusting the number of P-8As ordered. However, Larsen said it’s just a delay, not a cancellation, of the number of Poseidons being purchased.

“The Navy is slowing its purchase of ten planes by one year for the sake of the budget,” said Larsen. “Sec. Mabus said the Navy will still purchase the full complement of P-8As.”

This news should be music to the ears of task force members, who said at last week’s meeting they believe the only thing that could hurt NAS Whidbey at this point would be a change to the record of decision regarding the P-8A. Task force mem-bers worried that if NAS

Whidbey were to lose the Poseidon platform, it would put the base may be in a more precarious posi-tion.

“If we minimize the number of platforms at the base, it puts us at greater risk,” said Island County Commissioner Angie Homola.

Former base commander and state legislator, Barry Sehlin, looks at the issue from a practical stand-point.

“As long as the Navy plans to maintain car-rier levels and long range patrol, the P-3s and P-8s have to have a place to park,” he said, adding that many current bases are full, such as NAS Lemoore in California, where all NASWI personnel and aircraft would have been moved to had the base closed in 1991. Lemoore was full then, and it’s full today.

“The Navy is between a rock and a hard place on where to park their jet aircraft,” Sehlin said. “They clearly have to be parked somewhere and NAS Whidbey has to be part of that decision.”

As task force members plan their upcoming, annu-

al trips to Washington, D.C. to meet with mem-bers of Congress and offi-cials at the Pentagon, they discussed strategy.

“I hope we can bring all our ideas together,” Slowik said. “In the past we’ve gone in with a plan of what we wanted to discuss and focused on issues relevant to Whidbey.”

“It works better if people are working together,” Homola said. “If we can’t align the trips, at least we can all be on the same page.”

Over the years the task force has gained credibility on Capitol Hill and at the Pentagon. Plus, there are more NAS Whidbey veter-ans at the Pentagon these days — a depth of experi-ence gained since the air station was saved in 1991.

“There are now people with Whidbey Island experience at much higher levels of the Pentagon,” said Munns, who added there are other factors that also work to Whidbey’s advan-tage. “What is part of the decision-making process is quality of life. The cost of supporting a sailor is less at Whidbey, so if they’re looking to save money, this seems like the logical choice.”

Future | from PAGE 1

adopted and rescued dur-ing Operation Baghdad Pups answer some very deep-seated needs in the lives of those who adopt them, said Hurn.

She said the entire expe-rience of compiling the book had opened her eyes not only to how military members are affected by combat, but also their families.

“We talk about soldiers

having PTSD,” she said. “Think for a minute of what their families are going through as well.

“You can imagine how it is for some of these soldiers who return from the war zone,” continued Hurn. “Maybe they’ve lost a friend or two over there. What a comfort some of these animals they adopt can be to them. The book is just filled with examples.”

One of the examples she cited was the case of a

Navy SEAL whose experi-ences left him silent, and unable to talk about his trauma. His mother said she’d lost her son, charac-terizing him as “wounded and shut-down.”

But that changed the day he was reunited with his dog.

“That dog brought my son home,” said the mom. “I would see him sitting out in the garden in the back, with his arm around his dog, just talking to him.”

Crisp and Hurn’s book, “No Buddy Left Behind: Bringing U.S. Troops’ Dogs and Cats Safely Home from the Combat Zone,” may be purchased at Wind & Tide Bookshop in Oak Harbor.

Author | from PAGE 7 “You can imagine how it is for some of these soldiers who return from

the war zone. What a comfort some of

these animals they adopt can

be to them.”– Cindy Hurn

The force is with them

Stormtrooper TK-7293 of the 501st Legion reenlists Aviation Electronics Technician Chief Dennis King in front of the Prowler memorial on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island feb. 1. TK-7293 is also known as Lt. Christopher Cecil of fleet Logistics Support Squadron (Vr) 61.

whidbey crosswind february 17, 2012

Documents

nas whidbey island task

task force members

list of base closures

cerns nas whidbey

base closure list

closure list

base closures loomwill

rick larsen