Vol. 65 No. 41 Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Flight Surgeon Provides Physical/Spiritual Care During Mission
Lt. Paul von Herrmann, a flight surgeon with Train-
ing Air Wing FIVE, was one of five doctors who participat-
ed in a humanitarian mission to Monterrey Mexico this past
summer. The mission's goal was to provide quality medical
care to less privileged residents of the area.
The doctors, along with nurses, physical therapists,
dental and optometry professionals and medical technicians,
provided care through a trip coordinated through various
churches in North Carolina, Virginia, and Florida. More
than 20 people in all made the trip to help minister to the
physical and spiritual needs of the patients there.
"Whether you are a Christian or not, a trip like this
definitely refocuses you. It is incredible to see how happy
they are in circumstances so different than what we take for
granted," he said.
Lt. Paul von Herrmann gets to know one of his hundreds of patients The first two days of the trip, were spent at two lo-
during his week-long mission to Monterrey, Mexico. Herrmann and cal nursing homes. Von Herrmann called the care for the
several other doctors travelled to the site to help care for less privi- residents "fairly complex" as the team dealt with multiple
leged residents of the city who need medical care. Photo courtesy of medications, new problems and long term issues some re-
Lt. Paul von Herrmann. (Cont. on Page 5)
Women Will Serve on Submarines, Navy Secretary Says
By John J. Kruzel, American Forces Press Service "I believe women should have every opportunity to
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said serve at sea, and that includes aboard submarines," he told
Oct. 6 women soon will serve on submarines, suggesting a reporters following a tour of Northrop Grumman Corp.'s
reversal of the long-standing ban by the Navy. (Cont. on Page 7)
Appearing on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show (C t. on
with Jon Stewart," Mabus signaled that the Navy is moving
closer to allowing coed personnel on submarines.
"It will take a little while because you've got to in-
terview people and you've got to be nuclear trained," he said,
referring to prerequisite steps before a Sailor is assigned to a
submarine.
Officials previously have cited a lack of privacy and
the cost of reconfiguring subs as obstacles to allowing fe-
male crew members to serve aboard the vessels.
But Mabus is one of several top Navy officials re-
cently to call for an end to the policy. The Navy secretary's
comments yesterday amplify his previous endorsement of
ending the ban.
"This is something the [chief of naval operations] Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus poses for
and I have been working on since I came into office," Ma- a photo with Jon Stewart, host of The Daily Show. Mabus appeared
bus, who was confirmed as Navy secretary in May, said last on The Daily Show, answering questions about today's Navy and Ma-
week. "We are moving out aggressively on this. rine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd
week. 'W1e are moving out aggressively on this. Class Kevin S. O'Brien/Released)
BBB Looking for Oldest Document to be Shredded at Secure Your ID Day
Pensacola, Fla. (Oct. 12, 2009) Your Better Business Bu-
reau serving Northwest Florida is looking for the oldest
bank statement, tax document or other paperwork that con-
sumers bring to be responsibly destroyed by Gilmore Ser-
vices at the Secure Your ID Day shredding event to be held
on Oct. 17.
Thanks to the generosity of national partner Black
and Decker, your BBB is offering a free personal shredder
to the individual who brings in the oldest document to be
shredded by Gilmore Services at each of the three locations
for Secure Your ID Day.
BBB is partnering locally with Gilmore Services,
Pensacola's Cat Country 98.7 FM and NewsRadio 1620 and
Panama City's WJHG-TV NBC 7 and nationally with the
National Foundation for Credit Counseling and the National
Association for Information Destruction to help individuals
take steps to protect their personal information. BBB staff
will be on-site to provide expert advice and tips for ID theft
protection.
"Identity theft is largely a crime of access," said Nor-
man Wright, President/CEO of your BBB serving Northwest
Florida. "Our goal is to make the information less accessible
and empower people to be their own first line of defense
against identity theft. With community-based BBBs across
North America collaborating simultaneously, we'll have a
tremendous coast-to-coast presence that will hopefully, pre-
vent a lot of theft."
Bring up to 50 pounds of documents to be shredded
on site, free-of-charge and take home tips and resources you
need to help protect yourself. Please do not tie bags.
-BBB Secure Your ID Day Details
-Oct. 17, 10 a.m. 2 p.m.
-Cordova Mall, 5100 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola, Fla.
-Sam's Club, 1707 W. 23rd St., Panama City, Fla.
-Gilmore Services, 3553 Industrial Park Drive, Mar-
ianna, Fla.
For more information on "Secure Your ID" Day,
visit www.nwfl.bbb.org/secureID and for additional advice
you can trust on protecting yourself against identity theft,
start with bbb.org.
News and Notes
Legal Notice Due to manning constraints, the NASWF Legal
Office will temporarily be operating on limited hours. Beginning
Monday, Oct. 19th, the Legal Office will only be open on Tuesdays
and Thursdays, from 0730 until 1600. Please call 623-7231 for
more information.
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.
Entry fees are $25 for adults and $20 for those under 18. After
Oct. 13th, all registration fees are $30. Registration is available at
www.active.com or forms may be downloaded from www.santa-
rosa.kl2.fl.us/sref. For information call 850-983-5043.
Haunted House Walking and Trolley Tours The Pen-
sacola Historical Society hosts its annual Haunted House and Trol-
ley Tours 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 Pen-
sacola Historical Museum 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. Call 595-1559 for details.
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
Navarre Pkwy. For details call (850) 623-1930.
Running the Trail The Rotary Club of Milton will host its
3rd Annual "5k Running the Trail for Education" Oct. 24, on the
Blackwater Heritage State Trail in Milton. Check in will start at
7 a.m. at Milton City Hall and the runners will be bussed to the
starting point at 8 a.m. The run will start at 9 a.m. There will be an
awards ceremony at the Blackwater Bistro immediately after the
race. This 5k run/walk is open to adults and children of all ages.
Entry fees are $20 for adults and $15 for students 18 and under
Pilot for a Day
Firefighting personnel from the NAS Whiting Field fire station help
Pilot for a Day Daniel Webster man a fire hose. The fire station visit
Yvas one of several activities Daniel enjoyed during his day at the base
Oct. 6.
Supporting DV Awareness and Prevention
In his proclamation declaring October as National Do
mestic Violence Awareness Month, President Barack Obama
said: "Domestic violence touches the lives of Americans of all
ages, leaving a devastating impact on women, men, and chil
dren of every background and circumstance. A family's home
becomes a place of fear, hopelessness, and desperation when
woman is battered by her partner, a child witnesses the abuse
f a loved one, or a senior is victimized by family members.
Since the 1994 passage of the landmark Violence Against
Women Act, championed by then Senator Joe Biden, our Na
tion has strengthened its response to this crime and increased
services for victims. Still, far too many women and families in
this country and around the world are affected by domestic vi
lence. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month,
e recommit ourselves to ending violence within our homes,
our communities, and our country."
In support of Domestic Violence Awareness aboar
NAS Whiting Field, Commanding Officer Captain Enrique
Sadsad signed a proclamation "calling upon all personnel an
their families to increase their participation in our efforts to
prevent domestic violence, thereby strengthening the Navy
community."
if signed up by Oct. 23. You can register at: http://www.active.
com/event detail.cfm?event id= 1794677
October Terms Open for Registration Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University at the NAS Pensacola and NAS Whiting
Field campus is now registering for the following courses offered
during the October term on NAS Whiting Field: AMNT 270- Air-
frame and Powerplant Airframe Structures & Applications and
AMNT 271 Airframe and Powerplant Airframe Systems & Appli-
cations. The two 3 credit hour courses will be offered Saturdays
from 0800-1200 and 1300-1700. The term begins October 19 and
ends December 20, 2009.
Job Fair Workforce EscaRosa Employ Florida, Hire Vets First
and Jobs Plus are sponsoring the 3rd Annual Northwest Florida
Veterans & Military Hiring Fair. The event specifically targets
Veterans, Active Duty Military and their family members and
more than 40 employers will attend. The fair will take place Nov.
13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Days Inn conference center at 8700
Navarre Parkway in Navarre, Fla. Check out www.employflorida.
com for more information.
Fleet and Family Support Center Classes
Credit Management Tuesday, October 20, 1300 1500
The average American family has nine credit cards (1996 American Express Survey); three or four of those are used regularly; the av-
erage total balance on those cards is $3,900 at the interest rate of 18%. Attend this class to find out ways to better manage your credit.
Class will be held in the FFSC conference room. For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
Anger Management Wednesday, October 21, 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.
VA Representative (Call for Appointment Friday, October 23, 0800 1200
New Spouse Indoctrination Monday, October 26, 0800 1200
Find out what challenges and rewards are in store for you and your flight student and how you can enjoy and thrive in the military life-
style. Learn about the local culture, recreational opportunities, and support services available to you, while meeting other spouses and
command staff! For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
I.D. Theft Prevention Tuesday, October 27, 1300 1500
There were more than 3.25 million victims last year. Costs average $4,800 $10,200 per crime. Loss to businesses and financial insti-
tutions is greater than 50 billion. Attend this class to learn ways to lessen your chances of becoming a victim. Class will be held at the
FFSC conference room. For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
TRICARE Note
TRICARE BUILDS STRONG BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH SUPPORT
The TRICARE Management Activity (TMA)
continues to improve a strong behavioral health care
system by launching many initiatives to assist Service
members, families, health care providers and military
leaders.
Results from U.S. participation in the Global
War on Terror prompted TRICARE to develop these
initiatives with a wide range of additional educational
tools, resources and assistance programs. Beneficiaries
are using these tools to recognize signs of stress, depres-
sion, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance
abuse and more. They're getting help locating a health
care provider, learning about symptoms or supporting
a loved one dealing with a diagnosis.
The toll-free numbers are: West Region, (866)
651-4970; North Region, (877) 747-9579; and South Re-
gion, (877) 298-3514. Hours vary according to region.
TriWest continues to provide 24/7 telephone ac-
cess and crisis intervention services. Service members
and their families in the TRICARE West Region can
request assistance with a mental health crisis or with
simple requests for behavioral health information by
calling (866) 284-3743.
Vietnam Vets and Fedex Launch National Call for Photos
Washington, D.C. The National Call for Photos, a cam-
paign to gather images of the more than 58,000 men and
women whose names are on the Vietnam Veterans Memo-
rial, will be launched on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 10:30 a.m. at
an event being held at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is teaming up
with FedEx Office (formerly FedEx Kinko's) to collect the
photos. FedEx Office will provide scanning services in its
over 1,600 FedEx Office Print and Ship Centers, allowing
family and friends to submit photos of loved ones whose
names are on The Wall.
The images will be scanned and eventually dis-
played in The Education Center at The Wall. The Education
Center is an underground facility that will be built near the
Vietnam Veterans and Lincoln Memorials.
The pictures being collected will form its center-
piece: a larger-than-life wall of photos that will showcase
pictures of those we lost during the Vietnam War on their
birthdays.
"It is vital that we remember the individuals who
made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam, even as we pay trib-
ute to everyone who served and sacrificed in all of Amer-
ica's wars," said Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president of
the Memorial Fund. "When it is built, The Education Center
will allow us to put faces with the names on The Wall and
learn some of their stories."
"FedEx Office is honored to play a role in the Na-
tional Call for Photos," said Brian Philips, president and
CEO of FedEx Office.
"FedEx Corporation has been a longtime financial
contributor to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. With
this current effort, we are able to leverage our network and
technical capabilities to help preserve these treasured images
for generations to come."
When having a photo scanned at a FedEx Office lo-
cation, contributors will be asked to fill out a form on which
they will identify the person whose photo they are providing
and share a remembrance of that person. The form and photo
will then be scanned and uploaded to a special site where
all of the photos will be housed. Scanners will be available
at the Newseum event for participants and members of the
public to be among the first in the country to contribute pho-
tos.
Speakers at the launch event will include: Former
Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel; Sons and Daughters in Touch
(SDIT) member Colleen Shine; Peter Holt, chairman of the
Campaign to Build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; FedEx
Office President and CEO Brian Philips; and Bob Wallace,
executive director of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
(Cont. on Page 6)
Vietnam Vets and Fedex
(Cont. from Page 5)
Jan Scruggs will serve as master of ceremonies.
Hagel, Holt and Scruggs, who are all Vietnam veter-
ans, will share memories of some of the individuals they served
with who did not come home. Colleen Shine will offer photos
of her father and her uncle, both of whom died in the Vietnam
War, and will share memories of them.
Following formal remarks, the participants will take
their photos to the scanning stations, where FedEx Office Presi-
dent and CEO Brian Philips will oversee the scanning. Mem-
bers of the audience will then be invited to submit their photos
for scanning.
The launch marks the beginning of a campaign to gather
photos and raise money for The Education Center at The Wall.
Every FedEx Office Print and Ship Center around the country
is prepared to accept photos in this national call. In addition,
the Memorial Fund is partnering with community and veterans
groups to gather photos. To find the nearest FedEx Office loca-
tion, visit fedex.com. For communities without a FedEx Office
location, individuals can visit www.VVMFCenter.org to upload
their photos and information.
Women on Submarines
(Cont. from Page 1)
Newport News shipyard.
Navy Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of na-
val operations, acknowledged that spe-
cial accommodations would be a factor
in the decision, but one that's not insur-
mountable.
"Having commanded a mixed-
gender surface combatant, I am very
comfortable addressing integrating wom-
en into the submarine force," he said last
month. "I am familiar with the issues as
well as the value of diverse crews."
Roughead said he has been per-
sonally engaged through the years in the
Navy's debate of the feasibility of assign-
ing women to submarines.
"There are some particular is-
sues with integrating women into the
submarine force -- issues we must work
through in order to achieve what is best
for the Navy and our submarine force,"
he said. "This has had and will continue
to have my personal attention as we work
toward increasing the diversity of our
Navy afloat and ashore."
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chair-
man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, ad-
dressed the issue with the Senate Armed
Services Committee last month.
"I believe we should continue
to broaden opportunities for women,"
Mullen is quoted as saying in response
to written questions posed by the Senate
Armed Services Committee. "One policy
I would like to see changed is the one bar-
ring their service aboard submarines."
Mullen, a champion of diversi-
fying the services, said this month that
having a military that reflects the demo-
graphics of the United States is "a
strategic imperative for the security of
our country."
Monterrey Mission
(Cont. from Page 1)
sulting from a lack of regular care. The nursing homes had
physician oversight, but they are not in residence and the visits
are sporadic. The difficulty of the cases varied, from complete
dementia, poor hearing due to earwax impaction, to an ingrown
toenail infected for three years.
Many of the patients the team saw also had uncon-
trolled diabetes due to testing regimens much less regular than
in the United States. These residents were only able to have
their blood glucose levels checked once a month. American
diabetics usually check their levels multiple times a day. Many
patients came to the clinic only to have their blood glucose
checked.
For the final three days, the team converted the up-
stairs of a local church into a clinic with workstations for all the
doctors, as well as a mobile lab, dental station, optometry area,
physical therapy site, and more. In all, the mission saw more
than 600 patients. Monterrey is a relatively large city and has
socialized medicine, but these were people who were "falling
through the cracks."
Von Hermann completed medical training in 2006 and
has only been in the military for three years. One of the ap-
peals to medicine for him was the fact that doctors are welcome
almost anywhere because the skill is such a valued one. This
is the fifth such mission he has been on, having travelled to
Mexico, Belize, Kenya, and Bolivia on previous trips. This is
his second as a full physician, but he finds the work extremely
rewarding.
"I enjoy taking care of people's needs," he said. "It is
kind of a calling. Obviously, to help people less fortunate than
us here is important."
According to von Herrmann, most people who go on
these humanitarian trips want to go again. From a Christian
standpoint, he said it is important to leave them something long
lasting. The desire to provide such care has to be a strong one
as the team members either raise their own funds or pay the
costs out of pocket. Much of the medical supplies are donated
through pharmaceutical firms however.
"The reality is that whomever we cure will become
sick again someday. Any medicines we give will eventually
run out. However, on these trips, medicine is simply the means
to meeting larger needs for members of a community. If we as
a team didn't leave these people with something eternal, then
we haven't done much."
Having a Fine, Fine Navy Birthday
Honoring the Past Forging the Future
was the theme of the 234th Navy Birthday celebration at
Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Oct. 10. Above Left:
Training Air Wing FIVE Commodore, Col. Scott Walsh
serves as the guest speaker for the occassion as he
speaks about John Paul Jones, Dorie Miller and other
remarkable Sailors. Above Right: Erica Rowe sings the
"Star Spangled Banner" to begin the official portion of
the evening's events. Below Right: The NAS Whiting
Field color guard team presents the colors for the na-
tional anthem. Left: The oldest and youngest Sailors
at the event -- CMDCM Hari Singh andAN Glory Peak
-- cut the cake for the event. Below left: AC3 Ashley
Coleman and AC1 Dante Spagnolo perform the Navy
Two Bell Ceremony.
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