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Vol. 65 No. 37 Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Martinson Receives Key to the City of Milton
By Ens. Robert Hooper III, NAS
Whiting Field Public Affairs
Chief Naval Air Crewman
Dustin Martinson received some rare
recognition Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Milton
City Hall. He was one of only a handful
of persons ever to be presented with a
key to the city of Milton an honor be-
stowed to him due to his strong record
of community service.
"I don't normally hand out
keys, you know," said Milton Mayor
Guy Thompson. "Only when some-
one really exemplifies, or displays, a
commitment to community service do
I give one out. And he really helped us
out, especially in the area of code en-
forcement."
And exemplify commitment
the chief has. For the past three years,
he has been lending his time to various
Flu Season Has
projects, including: a Initially, he worked
Milton neighborhood on a house renovation in
cleanup program that Baghdad coordinated by
involved the clean- the Navy League. His name
up of neighborhood was then given to Sharon
spaces and yards, Holley, code enforcement
specifically where officer for the city of Mil-
neglect was present ton. Working with her,
and incurring fines, Martinson began to help
upwards of $150 per the local elderly and needy
day; a charity drive along with other communi-
for a family in Mil- ty service calls from NAS
ton who was in such Whiting Field."
financial distress that When asked, Martin-
the mother passed out son said that his motivation
at work due to a lack AWSC Dustin Martinson is simply, "helping people.
of eating; and the I chose to help these indi-
Blackwater River Foundation's "The viduals because they are unable to help
Jones House" historical home project themselves and are often too proud to
which is trying to restore the home to admit that they are in trouble."
its former grandeur. (Cont. on Page 5)
Arrived to NAS Whiting Field
Former Command Master Chiet Joseph Vukovcan prepares to receive
his annual flu shot from Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Darrell Mang-
ham on board Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field. Mangham is
a preventive medicine technician at the base and is using a needleless
system to administer the shot, which uses compressed carbon dioxide
to insert the serum under the skin. U.S. Navy file photo.
By NAS Whiting Field Branch Medical Clinic
Every year we battle seasonal flu. Flu viruses are
spread mainly from person to person through coughing or
sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may
become infected by touching something such as a surface
or object with flu viruses on it and then touching their
mouth or nose.
It is mandatory for active duty members to be vacci-
nated, and the Whiting Field Branch Health Clinic has been
fortunate to acquire larger amounts of injectable -- vice flu
mist -- vaccine to minimize training downtime. More than
600 vaccinations were administered during the most recent
safety stand-down, and the remaining squadrons will have
an on site shot-ex during the next stand-down October 9th.
For those active duty members who want to get the
vaccine early, it is now available at the Branch Health Clin-
ic Monday through Thursday from 1300 1530. Certain
people in our population are at "high risk" for serious com-
plications. This includes people 65 years and older, certain
(Cont. on Page 2)
Navy Marked Ombudsman
From Commander, Navy Installations Command Public
Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Ombudsman Appreciation Day was
Sept. 14, and events were held by many commands on or near
that day, as operational schedules allowed.
"This will be an opportunity for people around the
fleet to stand together and give thanks to those who work tire-
lessly to improve the readiness of commands and the lives of
Sailors and Navy families," said Bobbi West, ombudsman at
large. "Without them, we could not do what we do as a Navy."
The morale, health, welfare, and efficiency of com-
mand personnel are the responsibility of the commanding offi-
cer. The command ombudsman assists the commanding officer
in carrying out this responsibility.
Ombudsmen are professionally trained information
and referral volunteers who serve as a vital two-way commu-
nication link between the command and family members. The
program enhances the exchange of information and ideas be-
tween the leadership of the command and the family members
of those serving within the unit.
Navy Family Ombudsman Program provides a labor
cost avoidance in excess of $48 million per annum through
volunteerism. Ombudsmen provided information and referral
resources to satisfy more than one million inquiries received
last year.
In recent years, the Ombudsman Program has estab-
lished communication networks for family members of indi-
vidual augmentees. They have expanded services to ombuds-
Appreciation Day Sept. 14
men serving in remote, isolated, or locations outside the close
proximity of a Navy installation. The program has also created
"Ombudsman Basic Training Orientation" for ombudsmen
who are unable to attend Ombudsman Basic Training (OBT)
within six weeks of appointment. This Webinar-based training
ensures that all command ombudsmen have the most critical
basic knowledge to perform their volunteer duties while wait-
ing to attend the standard OBT course.
Future initiatives include the expansion of ombuds-
men resources and services to individual augmentee families or
families of wounded, ill or injured service members.
The Navy's Ombudsman Program is run by the Fleet
and Family Support Program, which reflects the program's
commitment to promote the resilience and self-reliance of Sail-
ors and Navy families and to help them navigate the uniqueness
of military life.
The Ombudsman Program was introduced to the U.S.
Navy on Sept. 14, 1970 by then-Chief of Naval Operations
Adm. Elmo Zumwalt. In Z-gram 24, Zumwalt adapted his pro-
gram from a 19th century Scandinavian custom originally es-
tablished by the king to give ordinary private citizens an avenue
to express their concerns to government officials. Zumwalt rec-
ognized issues and concerns that are unique to Navy families.
"With the increasing demands of the Navy, of deploy-
ments, especially those serving as individual augmentees, we
need ombudsmen more than ever," West said. "The performance
of our Sailors and the mission readiness of our commands is a
testament to the great success of the command ombudsman."
News and Notes
Hazardous Waste Center The Santa Rosa County Envi-
ronmental Department is offering a free service to provide citizens
an environmentally safe way to dispose of hazardous household
waste. The center is located at the entrance of the Central Landfill
at 6337 Da Lisa Road in Milton. Mon. Sat. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Splash & Dash MWR is hosting a "Splash and Dash" Biath-
lon at 8:00 a.m. at the NAS Whiting Field Training Pool Saturday,
Oct. 3, 2009. The Biathlon will consist of two legs, a 500 yard
swim and a 5K run. Prizes will be awarded for First, Second and
Third Place winners in the Men and Women Divisions. This event
is free and refreshments will be provided after the event. If you
are interested, signups are being taken through the day of the event
at the following MWR facilities: The Liberty Center, Wings Club,
Fitness Center and MWR Athletics Office. For more information,
please contact Todd Mooneyham at (850) 665-6102.
Leave Donor Program Max Tinsley, Supervisory Security
Specialist at CNRSE Jacksonville office, has been approved for
the Leave Recipient Program. Tinsley will be required to be out
of work for approximately four to six weeks and will exhaust all
of his leave very soon. Anyone wishing to donate annual leave
under this program may contact Jim Harbaugh at CNRSE DSN
942-0041, or Commercial (904)542-0041. Thank you for your
participation.
Run the Bridge The 2nd Annual Mediacom Garcon Point
Bridge Run/Walk is seeking participants for the 4.8 mile trek
across the bridge Oct. 17. The event will begin at 7:30 a.m. and
post race activities will include hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks
for participants. Advance registration is encouraged. Entry fees
are $20 for children under 18 and $25 for adults. After Oct. 13th,
all registration fees are $30. The first 300 registered participants
will receive an official T-shirt. Registration is available online at
www.active.com or forms may be downloaded at www.santarosa.
kl2.fl.us/sref. For more information call 850-983-5043.
Haunted House Walking and Trolley Tours Be fright-
ened again as Pensacola Historical Society hosts its annual Haunted
House and Trolley Tours. Let our costumed guides scare you with
horrifying tales of Pensacola's darker history on our annual ghost
tours. Brave participants may choose between a walking or trolley
tour if you dare! Tours are Friday and Saturday evenings Oct. 16,
17, 23, 24, 30, and 31. Walking tours leave every 30 minutes from
6 to 8:30 p.m. Trolley Tours leave at 6:30 p.m, 7:30 p.m, and 8:30
p.m. All tours will leave from the Pensacola Historical Museum
(115 E. Zaragoza St.) and will last one hour. Tours go on rain or
shine! Walking Tour tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children
12 and under. Trolley Tour tickets are $16 for adults and $8 for
children 12 and under. No refunds will be given. Tickets go on
sale Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. Reservations and advanced payment are
required. Please call the Pensacola Historical Museum for tickets
and information, 850-595-1559.
Deployment Support Group for Children Children
going through deployment may experience many of the same ef-
fects as children of divorce. FFSC is offering a deployment/activ-
ity support group to provide a place where children can meet with
others their same age who share the same worries and fears. The
first meeting will take place Sept. 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the
chapel fellowship hall at NAS Whiting Field. For more informa-
tion call 623-7177.
Chief Warrant Officer Four Rudy Mendiola has his new shoulder
boards placed on by his wife Tammy and his son Michael. Mendiola
as promoted from CW3 Sept. 4 U.S. Navy photo by Jay Cope.
Red Dress Extravaganza There will be a Women's Health
Awareness program at the Radford Fitness Center, NAS Pensacola
Oct. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Comejoin us for fun while you learn
more about staying healthy. Models will present what's available
in active wear at your NEX. Fitness classes such as yoga, spinning
and ab classes will be ongoing. Screenings for osteoporosis and
blood pressure will be conducted. Exhibits will be presented by :
NEX Pensacola, Naval Hospital Pensacola, MWR, Fleet & Family
Support Center, Running Wild, Northwest Florida Blood Mobile,
West Florida Mobile Mammography Unit, and Sacred Heart Health
System Mobile Health Unit. For info, call: 452-6326 x4100
Free Tickets All active duty and retired military service mem-
bers can visit their nearest MWR/ITT office October 1st Decem-
ber 31st with a valid military photo ID and receive a free one-day
admission to Wet'n Wild Orlando! Discounted rates available for
companions. Open year round with heated pools. *Limit (1) one
free ticket per military ID. Restrictions apply. Complimentary
ticket valid through 12/31/09 only.
Electronic Recycling Expo The Greater Navarre Beach
Arts Association and Santa Rosa Clean Community System are
teaming up to offer an electronic recycling event on Saturday, Oc-
tober 24 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Navarre Park located at 8513 Na-
varre Pkwy. The event will include informative tips on recycling,
and art created from recycled material by local artists and crafters,
as well as food and music. Residents who do not attend the event
are invited to bring their used electronics to the central landfill lo-
cated at 6337 Da Lisa Road in Milton, Monday through Saturday
between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. For details call (850) 623-1930.
Garcon Point Bridge Run The Second Annual Garcon
Point Bridge Run, a 4.8 mile run/walk across the Garcon Point
Bridge, will be held Oct. 17 with a 7:30 a.m. start. Participants
will run/walk from the north end of Garcon Point Bridge to the
south end. Post race activities will include hamburgers, hot dogs,
and drinks for participants. Advance registration is encouraged.
Entry fees are $20 for children under 18 and $25 for adults. Af-
ter October 13th, all registration fees are $30. The first 300 regis-
tered participants will receive an official T-shirt. Register online at
www.active.com or forms may be downloaded at www.santarosa.
kl2.fl.us/sref. For more information call 850-983-5043.
Fleet and Family Support Center Classes
Renting Tuesday, September 22, 1300 1500
The purpose of this workshop is to provide complete, objective, and unbiased information so prospective military renters will be confi-
dent in their decision whether or not to rent, and be better able to negotiate the potential financial pitfalls they may encounter during the
rental process. Class will be held in the FFSC conference room. For more information, call 623-7177.
Time Management Wednesday, September 23, 1300 1400
At the end of the day, do you ask yourself "where did the day go?" and feel like you have accomplished very little on your list of "things
to do?" If you answered "yes" to these questions, this class is for you. The information provided in this class will provide you with tools
that will help you make the most of your busy and demanding days. Class will be held at the FFSC conference room. For more informa-
tion, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
New Spouse Indoctrination Monday, September 28, 0800 1200
Welcome to NW Florida, NAS Whiting Field, Training Wing Five, and the world of aviation training! Find out what challenges and re-
wards are in store for you and your flight student and how you can enjoy and thrive in the military lifestyle. Learn about the local culture,
recreational opportunities, and support services available to you. For details, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
CSB/Redux Option Tuesday, September 29, 1300 1500
Are you nearing your 15th year of military service? If so, which retirement option are you going to choose? Learn about the Career Status
Bonus and Redux retirement system and how it could affect your savings long term. Know the differences between the CSB/Redux and
the High 3 retirement systems, so that you can make the choice that is right for you and your family. For more information, contact your
Financial Educator at 850-623-7177.
TRICARE Note
RETIREE SEMINAR 2009
A TRICARE retiree seminar will be held at
the NAS Pensacola Base Theater Building 633
Oct. 17, from 9:00 am noon. All Military
retirees are invited to attend.
The event is sponsored by the Retired Activi-
ties Office and the Fleet and Family Support
Center. Call (850) 452-5990 for additional de-
tails.
Representatives to be on hand to answer your
questions from:
Naval Hospital Pensacola
TRICARE
Vet Center
MWR
NEX
FFSC
Retired Activities Office
Veteran's Affairs Office
For your entertainment, McGuire's Irish Pipe
Band will be on hand
Suicide Prevention Week Observed
In a nation where more people die by suicide than by homi-
cide, the need for suicide prevention is urgent. The week of September
6th-12th, was set aside as a special week to educate people how to do
something to prevent another death.
More than 90 percent of people who die by suicide suffer from
one or more psychiatric disorders at the time of death. For military per-
sonnel, these disorders are often closely linked to the unique hardships
they face. However, with appropriate care, the emotional turmoil that
sometimes follows can be alleviated and suicide can be prevented.
In honor of Suicide Prevention Week, Military PathwaysTM
launched an expanded online screening tool that allows service mem-
bers and their families the opportunity to assess their mental wellbeing,
anonymously, and to identify symptoms before a problem becomes se-
rious. Although most depressed people are not suicidal, most suicidal
people are depressed. Failure to recognize depression and other mental
health issues such as PTSD can have devastating consequences, under-
scoring the importance of detecting these disorders early.
The tool offers military service members and their families
free, anonymous mental health self-assessments at www.MilitaryMen-
talHealth.org and 1-877-877-3647. Additionally, the National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 800-273-TALK
(8255); active duty members and veterans should press "1" after being
connected.
This September, honor the military members and families that
you know by encouraging them to seek help if needed. These men and
women have served their nation valiantly. Now it is time for us to serve
them.
Flu Vaccine
(Cont. from Page 1)
children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people
of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. High risk pa-
tients are on a special roster at the Whiting Field Branch Health
Clinic and will be called by clinic nurses.
Lastly, in addition to seasonal flu there is a new and very
different virus spreading worldwide called, Swine, novel or H1N1
flu. This H1N1 flu situation has received worldwide media atten-
tion and is a great to concern to our beneficiaries. To avoid expo-
sure, the following standard precautions are recommended for any
type of flu:
S Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough
Key to Milton
(Cont. from Page 1)
Finding the time to serve the community in such
endeavors is difficult to combine with the hectic, military
liefestyle. Martinson works diligently to ensure that the
community service doesn't interfere with work, but also that
there it is a part of his everyday life.
"I plan ahead and arrange my schedule to ensure
that the time is found," he said
Training Air Wing FIVE and the Navy highly en-
courage military personnel to be active in their communities.
However, Martinson goes far beyond the norm and exceeds the
impressive standards expected of the Wing's service members.
or sneeze; or into your clothes/shirt sleeve.
S Wash hands often with soap and water; alcohol-based
hand cleaners are also effective.
S Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread
this way.
S Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
S If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, CDC recommends
that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone ex-
cept to get medical care or for other necessities. Your fever should
be gone (below 100) without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
If the illness persists, seek medical care from your doctor.
Recognition for such efforts is not the motivation behind Martin-
son's efforts, but attracting the attention of Thompson and the rest
of the city council points to the fact that the recognition was more
than merited.
Thompson praised the positive impact Martinson's efforts
have on the community and its residents. According to the mayor,
he was not recognized due to a singular iteration of outstanding
service, but rather a repeated dedication of time and effort in sup-
porting the United Way.
"Volunteering improves peoples' lives," the mayor said,
"and we hope that he [Chief Martinson] realizes the appreciation
we have for his efforts."
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