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Vol. 65 No. 32 Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Sadsad Earns ADC Leader Award
By Ens. Austin Nasca and Jay Cope, NAS Whiting Field
Public Affairs
Naval Air Station Whiting Field's encroachment pre-
vention program has been praised as the nation's model pro-
gram. The program requires a tremendous amount of trust
and cooperation between the county and the base to protect
Whiting Field's mission. Strengthening the relationship be-
tween the base and Santa Rosa County as well as partnering
with them on initiatives to help both entities were primary
goals for Capt. Enrique Sadsad when he assumed command
August 2007.
His efforts earned some unexpected dividends when
Santa Rosa County nominated him for the Association for
Defense Communities Military Leader of the Year award.
Sadsad was even more stunned when he was selected to re-
ceive the award which was presented to him at the associa-
tion's annual conference Aug. 4.
"It was an incredibly pleasant surprise that the San-
ta Rosa County community would feel strongly enough to
nominate me for this award, let alone that I was selected. It
is a humbling experience, but it is a true testament to the ter-
Capt. Enrique Sadsad holds the Association of Defense Communities
Military Leader of the Year Award. He received the award in Boston
during the groups annual conference Aug. 4. U.S. Navy photo by Jay
Cope.
rific working relationship we have here between Naval Air
Station Whiting Field and the county," he said. "It has been
a privilege to work with them in strengthening the mission
(Cont. on Page 5)
Fisher Takes Command of HT-8 from Heaney
to Cmdr. Michael Fisher. The ceremo- character," Walsh said. "As you walk
ny occurred in front of a large crowd through this museum and look at the
of family members, friends, service Dauntless Dive Bomber, don't look at
members and guests in the Blue Angels an obsolete aircraft, look at the cockpit
SAtrium at the National Museum of Na- and think about what was in that cock-
0 Hval Aviation on Thursday, July 23. pit. Naval Aviation is not about alumi-
Marine Col. Scott Walsh served num, fiberglass, rubber, wood naval
Cmdr. Christopher Heaney passes the Squad-
ron's flag to Cmdr. Michael Fisher, symboli-
cally turning over command of Helicopter
Training Squadron EIGHT to him. Photo
courtesy of HT-8.
By Capt. Matthew Sproat, HT-8
Public Affairs
With the symbolic passing of
the squadron colors, Cmdr. Christopher
Heaney turned over command of Heli-
copter Training Squadron Eight (HT-8)
as the guest speaker for the ceremony
and reminded the audience that the
country is still at war. And that the true
value of the military equipment used to
execute the strategy lies in the opera-
tors' dedication and drive to excel.
"We need our rotary wing war-
riors right now because helicopters are
the most flexible airborne weapon sys-
tem in our Navy. It comes down to the
character of leaders, and those people
like Chris and Mike it's that type of
aviation is about flesh, bone, blood and
what's in here (the heart). The people
inside the cockpit make the difference.
HT-8 is forging that flesh and blood
into the future rotary wing warriors of
our nation."
During Heaney's 13-month
tenure as Commanding Officer, the
Eightballers flew more than 25,500
flight hours and completed more than
14,800 syllabus events. While serving
(Cont. on Page 5)
BBC Holds Housing Survey
for Resident Satisfaction
The Annual CEL Housing Survey time is upon NAS
Whiting Field once again. In a few weeks, family housing
residents will be receiving the CEL Resident Satisfaction
Survey. Balfour Beatty Communities encourages residents
to fill them out and return them.
By completing and handing surveys in, residents will
qualify for weekly drawings.
The survey is part of a performance assessment pro-
gram. Balfour Beatty Communities ranks "extremely" satis-
fied and "very good" a passing grade on the survey and any
score that is less than this is considered unacceptable.
"We truly strive to exceed our resident's expectations
and hope that every resident enjoyed their home and the ser-
vices that we provided," explained Jessica Heilman, Com-
munity Manager for Balfour Beatty Communities.
Once residents complete their surveys and seal them
in the postage paid envelopes provided, they can simply bring
it to the Balfour Beatty Communities Management Office
and drop it in the authorized locked mailbox. Only CEL em-
ployees will open the returned envelopes. Survey results are
completely confidential and anonymous.
"The survey allows us to see where we are succeed-
ing and where there is room for improvement," said Heilman,
"it's important for residents to fill them out honestly."
The survey deadline date is October 7, 2009
honoring me lop aniors
HM1 (AW)Pamela Jenkins NASWF Branch Health Clinic, ABH2
[AW/SW) Jermaine Smith NASWF Crash Division, andAWS2 (NAC]
Matthew Beach HT-28 are recognized by the Santa Rosa Council ol
the Navy Leage Friday, July 31 as the Sailors of the Quarter. Also pic-
tured with the award recipients are: Cmdr. Mathew Frost Executive
Officer, HT-28; Walt Reese Navy League; Ron Fields Navy League
'CEO Pen Air Federal Credit Union; Matt Garner Complete Video
Productions; and Darrel Greer Navy League President / Edward
Jones Investments.
News and Notes
NHP Accepting New Enrollees Naval Hospital Pensaco-
la's Primary Care Clinics (Family Medicine and Internal Medicine)
are now accepting new enrollees. This enrollment opportunity is
open to all Retirees and Retiree Family Members. Please note:
Medicare and TRICARE for Life beneficiaries are not included.
However, these programs will remain unchanged.
To enroll, please stop by Naval Hospital Pensacola's TRICARE
Service Center (TSC) located on the first floor of the hospital in
Room D-1051, Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30
a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may also call Naval Hospital Pensacola's
Health Benefits Office at (850) 505-6709 for questions or any fur-
ther assistance.
Military Wives Host Art Show Clara's Angels, anAmer-
ican Red Cross volunteer group made up of local military wives,
will host an Art Show and Wine Tasting event at the Pensacola
Naval Air Station Officers' Club on August 15, 2009.
"We are excited to be partnering with the local Red Cross for this
year's event," said Karin Feagles, the event coordinator. "The Red
Cross provides a valuable service to the military families in North-
west Florida and to the entire community when disaster strikes,"
continued Feagles.
Artwork including photography, jewelry, ceramics, pottery, paint-
ings and unique crafts from local artisans will be displayed and
available for purchase.
A local beverage distributor, Southern Wine & Spirits, will have a
variety of wines available for tasting and appetizers will be served
during the evening.
The event will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is open to the
public. Tickets can be purchased at www.YourRedCross.org or at
the door.
Marriage Enrichment Retreats The Chaplain's Reli-
gious Development Operation (CREDO) will host two Marriage
Enrichment retreats within the next two months. The first will
be at the Renaissance Hotel in Mobile, Ala., Aug. 28-30 and the
second will be at Perdido Bay Resort, Sent. 11-13. Both retreats
Donald McMillan is presented a Length of Service award by Col
Scott Walsh for surpassing 50 years of service to the government. H(
s the Academic Training Department Head now, but completed 3(
years of an active Army career both enlisted and officer, as well as tht
wext 19 as Army GS civilian, mostly in Korea. He has only been witt
:he Navy 8 months so far. Photo courtesy of TRAWING-5.
Kecognzing superior service
Lt. Brook Bielen (TAD to the HITU fm HT-28) and Lt. Sandy Bielen
(TAD to Acad Trng fm VT-2) receive their end of tour awards from
Col. Scott Walsh, Commander Training Air Wing FIVE. Both sepa-
rated from the Navy recently. Photo courtesy of TRAWING-5.
are free and open to active duty, reserve, and retired personnel.
The Marriage Enrichment sessions are designed to help couples
understand expectations, explore personality differences, improve
communication skills and provide quality fun time together to help
strengthen relationships. For more information or to sign up, call
the spiritual fitness division southeast at (904) 542-3923. Interest-
ed personnel may also call Chaplain Ray Summerlin at 623-7211.
Get Back to Nature New Orleans has proclaimed military
travel month through Sept. 30. The city is rolling out the red,
white, and blue carpet for all military visitors. The Audubon Na-
ture Institute is providing a military promotion of "buy one get
one free" coupons. Valid for up to four admissions, the coupons
may be used for the Audubon Zoo, Insectarium or Aquarium. Visit
auduboninstitute.org for details or contact ITT at 7032.
Book Signing The Navy Exchange will host a book signing
by Martha LaGuardia-Kotite Aug. 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
She is the author of the book "So Others May Live," a feature
about Coast Guard rescue swimmers. The author is a Niceville,
Fla. resident and a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
9-Pin No Tap The NAS Whiting Field Bowling Alley hosts
9-Pin No Tap evenings on the first Saturday of each month. Begin-
ning at 7 p.m. the event features prizes for red and blue headpin
strikes and 300 no tap games. Call 623-7313 for details.
Military Discount August brings fun times at the Black-
water Bistro! This is the month when the restaurant recognizes
all Military Personnel, Defense Contractors, those who work on
base and serve in any capacity to support and defend the freedoms
Americans share. The Bistro will honor all Military Personnel and
Defense Contractors with $1.00 Cold Draft Beer EVERYDAY,
ALL DAY, ALL MONTH in August.
Golf Tournament The 9/11 golf tournament is seeking play-
ers and teams for their inauguaral event. The tournament at Ti-
ger Point Country Club costs $75 per individual in advance of the
event and $85 Friday, Sept. 11. The ticket includes green fees, cart,
banquet, with guest speakers, prizes and more. The contest is a 4-
man scramble with a noon shotgun start. Call 850-758-6698/529-
8682 or email: 91109WWPGolf(,resallc.com for details.
Fleet and Family Support Center Classes
Welcome to Whiting! Every Thursday 1000 1200
If you are new to NAS Whiting Field or just want to learn more about the Milton Pensacola area, this class is for you! Come find out
about MWR and other recreational facilities, hurricane preparedness, things to do on the weekend, the FFSC and other support services
available! Children are welcome and this is a great opportunity to meet new friends! Call to sign up at 623-7177.
VA Representative (Call for appointment) Fridays, August 14, 0800-1200 & August 28, 0800-1200
Home Buying Friday, August 14, 1300 1500
A home is one of the most complicated and costly purchases you'll ever make. Getting the best deal at the time of purchase can reduce
"life of the loan" by thousands of dollars. Let us show you how. Class will be held at the FFSC conference room. For more information,
contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
Anger Management Wednesday, August 19, 1300 1400
Is anger affecting your health, your relationships or your work performance? Learn to understand the causes and effects of unhealthy
anger and how to express and release that anger in a healthy way! Class will be held at the FFSC conference room. For more information,
contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
Developing Your Spending Plan Friday, August 21, 1300 1500
This class is not designed to tell you what to do with your money; this class will challenge you to think before you spend. There is no
patent on the "right" way to handle your money, but there are better ways to get your dollar's worth. Class will be held at the FFSC
conference room. For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
Whiting Field to Host Annual Job
Naval Air Station Whiting Field's Fleet and Family
Support Center will host their 20th annual Job Fair at the
base's Sikes Hall, Thursday, Aug. 20.
More than 60 employers are scheduled to attend
with reservations still being accepted. Past fairs have seen
prospective job seeker attendance exceeding 800, represent-
ing a wealth of veteran, military and military family job ex-
perience.
Naval Air Station Whiting Field's job fair is open
to the public, and admission is free. Some of the employers
who have registered for booths include: Columbia Southern
University, Aquasis Services Inc., AGI, Gulf Power/South-
ern Company, Satellites Unlimited Inc., Santa Rosa Medical,
The Home Depot, The Trump Network, Clearwire, Kelly Ser-
vices, Aerotek, Sikorsky Support Services, Inc., Tom Thumb
Store, Guernesy& Associates, West Corporation, Raytheon
Technical Services, L-3 Communications, Florida Fish and
Wildlife, Florida Highway Patrol, North Okaloosa Medical
Center, Landrum Staffing, Tallahassee Police Department,
Mobile Aerospace Engineering, Cox Communication, Gulf
Coast, United States Secret Service, Keegan Staffing.
Job Seekers will need proof of insurance and a valid
diver license to enter the base. For those planning to attend,
Whiting Field's Job Fair organizers offer you the following
job hunting tips:
1. Be prepared to interview.
(Cont. on Page 6)
TRICARE NOTE
PREVENTING FRAUD AND ABUSE:
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Of the more than $1 trillion Americans spend
every year on health care, the Federal Government esti-
mates that more than $100 billion-or, about 10 percent-is
lost to fraud and abuse. Yet, in many case, both can be
prevented with your help.
What Constitutes Fraud and Abuse?
Fraud occurs when a person or organization
intentionally deceives others to gain some sort of unau-
thorized benefits. Abuse occurs when a provider bills for
services or supplies that are not medically necessary or
do not meet professional standards
How You Can Help Stop Fraud and Abuse
Be sure to carefully review your explanations of
benefits statements. If you suspect fraud or abuse, you
can:
Call 1-800-333-1620 to report your complaint
Report it online at www.humana-military.com
Mail your complaint to:
Humana Military Healthcare Services, Inc.
Attn: Program Integrity
500 W Main Street, 19th floor
Louisville, KY 40202
HT-8 CoC
(Cont. from Page 1)
Sadsad Award
(Cont. from Page 1)
of the base and enhancing its contributions to the local area. My tour here
has been enriched by the many community leaders I am fortunate to call
my friends."
The nation-wide award is presented each year to an individual
who has proven excellence and leadership in transforming their communi-
ties or played a key role in helping their community achieve its goal. ADC
also recognizes military leaders and executives of the private sector who
have taken the extra step in forming partnerships with defense communi-
ties.
Working closely with Santa Rosa County officials, Sadsad has
helped to coordinate an agreement to allow the county limited access to
the base runways to support a proposed commerce park near the base; part-
nered with the county to purchase land using REPI funds that is planned
for used as a county off-road vehicle park; and increased base participa-
tion in community events. The improved relations have benefited both
Col. Scott Walsh, Commander Training Air Wing FIVE
congratulates Cmdr. Christopher Heaney following the pre- parties and inspired the county to nominate Sadsad for the award.
sentation of the Meritorious Service Medal for Heaney's ac- "I've had the opportunity to work with nine different command-
complishments as commanding officer of Helicopter Train- ing officers of Whiting Field and all were excellent, but no one embraced
ing Squadron EIGHT. Photo courtesy of HT-8. the community and region like Capt. Sadsad. He's been incredible at get-
as Commanding Officer of "America's Squadron," ting the community back to the base," Santa Rosa County Board of Com-
the unit amassed 82,000 Class "A" mishap free flight missioners Chairman Don Salter said.
hours while helping 191 Navy, Marine Corps, Coast
Guard, and Allied aviators earn their Wings of Gold.
It was a mission he could never have accom- e
plished alone. Heaney praised all elements of the ,w r, YR/P nO
squadron profusely, but had a special place in his heart
for the instructor pilots and the students.
"The IP's are my heroes deploying in de-
fense of our country multiple times and then volun-
teering to come here and pass their knowledge to the SEPTEMBER 5-7
next generation. You'd be proud of what they're doing
training and preparing our future to take the reigns, he N Y
said. "The instructors plant a seed of knowledge and
professionalism. The students are the next generation
and they're motivated. They volunteered when our na- /ICUff
tion is at war. "It's been an honor to work and serve
with you." Io/lAY4 TRdiSPORTdTIOf U/lVERSL S UD/OS
Fisher takes command after a vear as the ...... .... .....
squadron's executive officer. He in turn will be re-
lieved by the incoming executive officer Cmdr. Hans
Sholley. Sholley, fresh from a tour with Joint Staff in
Washington, DC, also served as the event's narrator.
This Day in Navy History
1918 SECNAV approves acceptance of women as yeo
man (F) in U.S. Navy
1944 LT Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., USNR, the older broth-
er of John F. Kennedy, was killed with his co-pilot in i
mid-air explosion after taking off from England.
1957 In first test of Automatic Carrier Landing System
LCDR Don Walker is landed on USS Antietam.
1958 USS Nautilus (SSN-571) arrives Portland, Eng-
land completing first submerged under ice cruise from
Pacific to Atlantic Oceans.
0L/4iff/K IIU/C fi t II/,IJ
"M/'oED TO F/IR.T PRT/ICIPNTrS*f
$50 DUE BY AUGUST 19TH
I SIGN UP BEGINS AUGUST 4TH
AT LIBERTY CENTER 623-7274
II-_
Job Fair
(Cont. from Page 1)
2. Do your homework; know the firm's culture and needs.
3. Bring pens and paper to take notes.
4. Arrive no later than one hour before the event closes.
5. Plan to spend two or more hours at the event.
6. Be gracious to everyone you meet.
7. Look smart.
8. Create a contact database of employers.
9. Stay confident.
10. Dress according to the type of position you are seeking.
11. Children and strollers can be distracting.
Areas are available to hold on-the-spot interviews, so job seekers
are encouraged to bring extra copies of current resumes. Booth sites are
free, and the hall is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.. It is recommended to ar-
rive early.
Employers and job seekers are encouraged to call Naval Air Sta-
tion Whiting Field's Fleet and Family Support Center at (850) 623-7177,
or fax (850) 623-7246 for more information about this event.
Fair Winds and Following Seas
Maj. Leon Moberg, USMC, receives his shadow box from
Col. Scott Walsh, USMC, during his retirement ceremo-
ny Aug. 7. Moberg served the Marine Corps for more
than 20-years. His last tour of duty was as the Officer in
Charge of Training Wing FIVE's Fixed Wing Instructoi
Training Unit. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Daniel Am-
mons-Moreno.
New School Liaison Officer Onboard NASP
Editor Note: This story ran in the
Gosport several weeks ago. The Tower
is reprinting it as Carissa Bergosh and
Chris Hendrix, the Whiting Field SLO,
have jobs that overlap. There will be
times when she is the best resource for
Whiting Field personnel with children
attending school in Escambia County.
Carissa Bergosh is NAS Pensacola's new
School Liaison Officer
Story by Anne Thrower, Gosport Staff
Writer
There are roughly 2,500 mili-
tary children attending Escambia County
public schools. And now their parents
have a go-to person at Naval Air Sta-
tion Pensacola to answer their questions.
Her name is Carissa Bergosh, and she
knows the Escambia County School Sys-
tem well. She is a certified teacher who
worked as a guidance counselor at Blue
Angels Elementary near NASP and Bratt
Elementary in Century.
And she served as a school board
member for the 87-school system for one
year for her husband, Gary Bergosh,
when he was deployed to Iraq in 2003-
2004. Her husband, a reserve lieutenant
colonel in the Marine Corps, now serves
as a circuit judge in Escambia County.
She is well aware of the changes
within the system. For example, elemen-
tary-age children who live on base will
be at a new school this year. Where they
once went to Edgewater Elementary,
many will now go to Navy Point Elemen-
tary.
Her job is not to be an advocate
for a certain school. Rather she sees her
role as helping the military parents be-
come the best advocates for their chil-
dren.
"My job is basically to give
parents information and not to tell them
School A is better than School B," she
said.
In her new role as the school li-
aison officer at NASP she wants to make
sure all local military children have a
"smooth take off and soft landing" when
they arrive in Pensacola. And then con-
tinue to help the families once they are
here and when they get ready for the in-
evitable next move.
But her role doesn't stop there. She is
now the go-to person for questions about
Florida's state school testing system,
home school issues, deployment sup-
port and postsecondary information if
needed.
Bergosh, who was born and
raised in Pensacola, also wants to make
sure educators understand some of the
stressors that military families go through
such as deployment and moving from
one area to another where extracurricular
activities, credits and grading can be dif-
ferent.
"We have some excellent teach-
ers who are very familiar with the Navy,
and we have some who are actually mili-
tary spouses so they understand," Ber-
gosh said.
But it's those who are not as fa-
miliar with the military she wants to en-
lighten. Bergosh started her new position
June 15 and is working out of the Child
Development Center at Corry Station.
Other Navy facilities are also
adding school liaison officers. At Naval
Air Station Whiting Field, the new SLO
is Chris Hendrix. He can be reached at
665-6105. Bergosh and Hendrix will be
working together as needed.
People wishing to get in touch
with Bergosh can call her at 293-9322.
They also can visit the Web site www.
naspensacola-mwr.com.
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