A formation of Seabees stood at attention as two members from Naval Mobile Construc- tion Battalion 133, Task Force Anchor, received Purple Hearts during an award ceremony Dec 13. Standing proudly in front of the stars and stripes, Builder Third Class Daniel Blount and Equipment Operator Third Class Steven Thelusma re- ceived the award from Brig. Gen. David L. Weeks, com- manding general of the 411th Engineer Brigade, Joint Task Force Empire. Both recipients suffered in- juries when their convoy was struck with an improvised ex- plosive device while conduct- ing missions outside of the wire. Blount, a native of Macon, Ga., who is serving his second deployment to Afghanistan, experienced the attack while his MRAP was traveling at low speed through rough terrain. “It’s difficult to explain but it felt like a long blink,” Blount said. “The explosion knocked the gunner out of his turret and right onto me. I literally caught him. My first reaction was to check on his condition and then immediately attend to my shipmates. I think we’re fortunate.” “Afterward the Skipper tele- phoned my wife,” added Blount. “He let her know that I was going to make it through this. That’s really when it all sunk in.” Thelusma, a native of Roslin- dale, Mass., who is also serv- ing his second deployment to Afghanistan, was operating an armored tractor trailer when his vehicle was struck. “All I can say is that I sin- cerely feel honored to receive this award. There’s nothing we could have done to prevent (the attack),” said Thelusma. “But I do think that training played an important role in the way we responded and pushed through a dangerous situa- tion.” The two Seabees are ex- pected to recover and com- plete their deployment in Afghanistan. “This is such a prestigious award,” said Blount. “So few have it and I feel humbled. I don’t take this for granted.” Once called the ‘Badge of Merit,’ the Purple Heart is the military’s oldest award dating back to George Washington. Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Mississippi January 4, 2013 Vol. 53 No. 01 www.cnic.navy.mil/gulfport Family and friends welcomed home more than 120 Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Bat- talion (NMCB) 74, Advanced Party, Detail Guam, at the Training Hall on board NCBC Gulfport as they re- turned from deployment, Jan. 3. NMCB 74 has been operating forward deployed throughout the U.S. Pa- cific Command (PACOM) area of operations, sup- porting Navy and Joint forces. For more return photos, visit NCBC Facebook. (U.S. Navy photo by Construction Electrician Constructionman Lucinda L. Moise/Released) Families, friends dodge rain drops to greet NMCB 74 ‘Bees Two NMCB 133 Seabees earn ‘Badge of Merit’ in Afghanistan By UT3 Drew Verbis NMCB 133 Public Affairs CAMP KRUTKE, Afghanistan – Builder 3rd Class Daniel Blount and Equipment Operator 3rd Class Steven Thelusma of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133, Task Force An- chor, receive the Purple Heart for wounds sustained during a mission in the Helmand Province. NMCB 133 is deployed to Afghanistan in support of coalition forces with engineering sup- port. (U.S. Navy photo by Utilitiesman 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)
Transcript
A formation of Seabees stoodat attention as two membersfrom Naval Mobile Construc-tion Battalion 133, Task ForceAnchor, received Purple Heartsduring an award ceremonyDec 13. Standing proudly in front of
the stars and stripes, BuilderThird Class Daniel Blount andEquipment Operator ThirdClass Steven Thelusma re-ceived the award from Brig.Gen. David L. Weeks, com-manding general of the 411thEngineer Brigade, Joint TaskForce Empire. Both recipients suffered in-
juries when their convoy wasstruck with an improvised ex-plosive device while conduct-ing missions outside of thewire.Blount, a native of Macon,
Ga., who is serving his seconddeployment to Afghanistan,experienced the attack whilehis MRAP was traveling at lowspeed through rough terrain. “It’s difficult to explain but it
felt like a long blink,” Blountsaid. “The explosion knockedthe gunner out of his turretand right onto me. I literallycaught him. My first reactionwas to check on his conditionand then immediately attendto my shipmates. I think we’refortunate.”
“Afterward the Skipper tele-phoned my wife,” addedBlount. “He let her know that Iwas going to make it throughthis. That’s really when it allsunk in.”Thelusma, a native of Roslin-
dale, Mass., who is also serv-ing his second deployment toAfghanistan, was operating anarmored tractor trailer whenhis vehicle was struck.“All I can say is that I sin-
cerely feel honored to receivethis award. There’s nothing wecould have done to prevent(the attack),” said Thelusma.
“But I do think that trainingplayed an important role in theway we responded and pushedthrough a dangerous situa-tion.”The two Seabees are ex-
pected to recover and com-plete their deployment inAfghanistan.“This is such a prestigious
award,” said Blount. “So fewhave it and I feel humbled. Idon’t take this for granted.”Once called the ‘Badge of
Merit,’ the Purple Heart is themilitary’s oldest award datingback to George Washington.
Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Mississippi January 4, 2013Vol. 53 No. 01
www.cnic.navy.mil/gulfport
Family and friends welcomed home more than 120Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Bat-talion (NMCB) 74, Advanced Party, Detail Guam, at theTraining Hall on board NCBC Gulfport as they re-turned from deployment, Jan. 3. NMCB 74 has beenoperating forward deployed throughout the U.S. Pa-cific Command (PACOM) area of operations, sup-porting Navy and Joint forces. For more return photos,visit NCBC Facebook. (U.S. Navy photo by ConstructionElectrician Constructionman Lucinda L. Moise/Released)
Two NMCB 133 Seabees earn‘Badge of Merit’ in AfghanistanBy UT3 Drew VerbisNMCB 133 Public Affairs
CAMP KRUTKE, Afghanistan – Builder 3rd Class Daniel Blountand Equipment Operator 3rd Class Steven Thelusma of NavalMobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133, Task Force An-chor, receive the Purple Heart for wounds sustained during amission in the Helmand Province. NMCB 133 is deployed toAfghanistan in support of coalition forces with engineering sup-port. (U.S. Navy photo by Utilitiesman 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)
The Uniformed Services Em-ployment and ReemploymentRights Act (USERRA) is a fed-eral law that protects the jobrights service members whohave voluntarily or involuntar-ily left their civilian jobs toserve in the military. USERRA protections are easi-
est to understand when bro-ken into three categories:
~ Reemployment Rights ~ The right to be free from
discrimination~ Health Insurance Protec-
tion. Reemployment Rights
Under USERRA, service mem-bers have the right to bereemployed in their civilian jobif they leave that job to per-form military service, so longas: ~ The employer receives ad-
vance notice of the servicemember’s service; ~ The total length of all ab-
sences from civilian employ-ment by reason of service in
the military does not exceedfive years;~ The service member re-
turns to work or applies forreemployment in a timelymanner after their militaryservice has ended; and~ The service member hasnot been separated from serv-ice with a disqualifying dis-charge or under other thanhonorable conditions. If all of these requirements
have been met, employersmust restore service membersto the position (both job posi-tion and benefits) that theywould have been in if they hadnot left their civilian job to per-form their military service. Right to be Free from Dis-crimination and Retaliation Under USERRA, those who
have served or will serve inthe military cannot be deniedcertain rights by their civilianemployer. These rights includeinitial employment, reemploy-ment, retention in employ-ment, promotion, or anybenefit of employment by anemployer on the basis of the
employee’s military service orthe employee’s application toserve in the military. Health Insurance Protec-tionUnder USERRA, service mem-
bers and their dependants cancontinue their employer-basedhealth plan coverage whileserving in the military. Themaximum period of coverageis the lesser of:
~ 24 months from the dateon which the service member’sabsence begins; or
~ The day after the date onwhich the service member failsto apply for or return to a po-sition of employment.If you believe your rights
have been violated or if youhave any other questions,please contact your local legalassistance office. This article is not intended tosubstitute for the personal ad-vice of a licensed attorney. Forlegal assistance, contact theNaval Construction BattalionCenter (NCBC) legal office bycalling 228-871-2620 to makean appointment.
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The Seabee Courier is a weekly author-ized on-line publication for members ofthe military services and their families.Content does not necessarily reflect theofficial views of the U.S. Government,the DoD or the U.S. Navy and does notimply endorsement thereof. The ap-pearance of advertising in this newspa-per, including inserts or supplements,does not constitute endorsement bythe U. S. Government, DoD, the Navyor NCBC Gulfport of the products andservices advertised. All content in thisnewspaper shall be made available forpurchase, use or patronage without re-gard to race, color, religion, gender, na-tional origin, age, marital status,physical handicap, political affiliation orany other non-merit factor of the pur-
chaser, user or patron. If a violation orrejection of this equal opportunity pol-icy by an advertiser is confirmed, thepublisher shall refuse to print advertis-ing from that source until the violationis corrected. The Seabee Courier solic-its news contributions from military andcivilian sources, but the Public Affairsstaff reserves the right to edit and/orrewrite material selected for publicationto conform with journalism standards. The deadline for material is close ofbusiness every Friday. Your commentsare always welcome. The SeabeeCourier office is in Building 1, Room205. The mailing address is 4902 Mar-vin Shields Blvd., Code 15, Gulfport, MS39501. Phone: 228-871-3662., E-mail:[email protected]
NCBC/20SRGCommanding Officer
Capt. Rick BurgessPublic Affairs Officer
Rob MimsEditor
Bonnie L. McGerrMass Comm. Specialist
MCC (SCW/SW/AW) Ryan G. Wilber
Special ContributorsCM3 (SCW) Katchen Tofil
CECN Lucinda Moise
22 NCRCommander
Capt. Darius BanajiPublic Affairs Officer
Vacant
25 NCRCommander
Capt. Darius BanajiPublic Affairs Officer
MCC (SW/AW) Scott Boyle
NMCB ONECommanding Officer Cmdr. Chad M. BrooksPublic Affairs Officer
Lt. Brian GatesMass Comm. Specialist
MC1 (AW/NAC) Aron TaylorSpecial Contributor
CE1(SCW) Joshua Thonnissen
NMCB ELEVENCommanding OfficerCmdr. Maria Aguayo
Public Affairs OfficerLt.j.g. Brian Myers
Mass Comm. SpecialistMC1(AW) Jonathan Carmichael
NMCB SEVENTY FOURCommanding Officer Cmdr. David McAlisterPublic Affairs Officer
Lt.j.g. John Parizek Mass Comm. Specialist
MC2 Ryan Williams
NMCB ONE THIRTY THREECommanding Officer
Cmdr. Nicolas D. YamodisPublic Affairs Officer
MC1(SW/AW) Steven Myers
NCTC GULFPORTCommanding OfficerCmdr. Scott Anderson
Public Affairs OfficerLt. J. Johnson
Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline Information Due to limited IG resources throughoutthe Southeast Region, all Fraud, Waste and Abuse hotline work will now be handled by the Region.To report Fraud, Waste and Abuse, contact the Region at: Toll Free 1-877-657-9851 Comm: 904-542-4979 DSN 942-4979 FAX: 904- 542-5587, Email: [email protected].
Navy Legal
Your rights under USERRABy Lt.j.g. Brian T. Henning,JAGCRLSO SE Mayport Biloxi:
Pascagoula:Bunksmall Apart-ments708 SouthPascagoula St.
Updated List of Area Off-Limit LocationsThe following establishments have been declared “Off Lim-its” to all Armed Forces personnel by the Armed Forces Dis-ciplinary Control Board as of Sept. 10, 2012.
Service members are ordered not to enter or patronize theseoff-limit establishments of their locations. This does not applyto Armed Forces police on duty or others on official business.Violations of this order are punishable under Article 92, Uni-form Code of Military Justice.
Follow NCBC on Facebook and Twitter
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“To be in school by fall.”
EOCN(SCW) Michael Kohut
20th SRG
Hometown: Elkalmae, Pa.
“To spend as much time [aspossible] with my family be-fore I deploy again.”
CE3 Kristen Guardiola
NMCB 11
Hometown: Gulfport, Miss.
“To get through anotherdeployment.”
“What is your NewYear’s resolution”
CM2(SCW) Daniel Welk
NMCB 15
Hometown: Farmington, Ark.
By CECN Lucinda MoiseNCBC Public Affairs
Aroundthe
Children from the NCBC Child Development Center (CDC)sang Christmas Carols at the building 1 Quarterdeck incelebration of the holiday season on board NCBC, Dec. 20.The four-year-olds sang Jingle Bells, We Wish You A MerryChristmas and Silent Night. The kids also sang carols at theMorale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and Fleet and Fam-ily Center (FFSC). The CDC plans to make the caroling anannual tradition and hopes to visit more facilities in the fu-ture. (U. S. Navy photo by Construction Electrician Construction-man Lucinda L. Moise/Released)
Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 74,Detail Gulfport, post signs for their deployed shipmates along theroad on board NCBC Gulfport Dec. 27. NMCB 74 is currently operat-ing forward deployed throughout the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM)area of operations, supporting Navy and Joint forces. (U.S. Navy photoby Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Katchen Tofil/Released)
Center
Buzz on
the Street
MWR employees distribute 2013 Sugar Bowl tickets to pleased NCBCGulfport personnel over the Christmas holiday. Tickets were dis-tributed from the MWR Information, Tickets and Travel office to theJan. 2 game between the Florida Gators and Louisville Cardinals inNew Orleans. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of MWR/Released)
Team members from Fami-lies Overcoming UnderStress (FOCUS) taughtFOCUS skills, read booksand participated in craftswith the children at theChild Development Center(CDC) on board Naval Con-struction Battalion Center(NCBC), Dec. 20. The Gulf-port United Service Organi-zations (USO) joined FOCUSfor the event, donatingteddy bears that werepassed out to the childrenduring the event as Christ-mas gifts.Once each month the
FOCUS group visits CDC toteach the children a FOCUSskill centering on ways ofdealing with emotions, toread a story and to partici-pate in an activity.“By engaging children in
story time and fun activitieswith FOCUS each month,these children are buildingtheir emotional vocabularyand developing positivecoping strategies which areimportant aspects of re-siliency for military families,”said Elizabeth Ramsey, aFOCUS resiliency trainer. “The skills taught help the
children to recognize androle-play their feelings re-garding deployment. Manyof the skills are retainedand continued by the CDCstaff also,” added CDC Di-rector Pamela Carlisle. During the month of De-
cember, FOCUS asked theUSO to join the group forstory time. “December is often a
special time for many mili-tary families, although holidays can be challeng-ing when a service member
is deployed. For story time in Decem-
ber, FOCUS chose a bookabout a teddy bear that ismuch loved, but gets sepa-rated from the child wholoves him. As a specialtreat, FOCUS sought out theUSO to provide teddy bearsfor each of the children par-ticipating in story time,” saidRamsey. FOCUS and the USO both
work to support militaryfamilies in unique ways.Ramsey said that theFOCUS staff and USO willcontinue to identify ways tocollaborate on projects tosupport military families inthe future.According to Carlisle,
FOCUS’s involvement withthe CDC not only helps thechildren, but also helps the
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FF: What single experience dur-ing your career stands out themost and why?UT1: Serving with the SEALSof Naval Special WarfareGroup 2, especially the de-ployment to Afghanistanwith SEAL TEAM 4. The experience of that duty station gave me the confi-dence to be able to work all
around the world independ-ently, as well as with smallteams of SEABEES accom-plishing a great many tasksthat I previously thought toodifficult. It showed me justhow inventive and motivatedSEABEES can be!
FF: What has been your biggest motivation throughout
your career? UT1: I would say that mybiggest motivation through-out my career has been mydesire to succeed at what-ever task is given to me.
FF: What advice would you giveto future Seabees/Sailors? UT1: Try to have construc-tive things you enjoy doing
when not at work, and you’llbe surprised how much ithelps you at work.
FF: What is your favorite thingabout being/working withSeabees, and why? UT1: History. All the thingsthat the SEABEES have done and continue to domakes me proud to be a part
of that.
FF: Who was your most influen-tial mentor during your career,and why? UT1: My dad, Kevin DeAn-gelo. Even though he hasnot been on active duty withme, he has been and contin-ues to be my best mentor notonly in my career but in life.
Eva Shinka, site director for Families OvercomingUnder Stress (FOCUS), reads the book “The Spirit ofChristmas” to children at the Child Development Cen-ter (CDC) on board NCBC, Dec. 20. The FOCUS groupreads to the children each month, and teaches thechildren FOCUS skills, which center on ways of deal-ing with emotions. Teaming up with FOCUS thismonth was the Gulfport United Service Organiza-tions (USO), who donated teddy bears that werepassed out to the children during the event as Christ-mas gifts. (U.S. Navy photo by Construction Mechanic 3rdClass Katchen Tofil/Released)
By CM3(SCW) Katchen TofilNCBC Public Affairs
See Story Time page 12
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Seabees assigned to 20thSeabee Readiness Group (SRG),R-73, surprised two families withChristmas gifts and a special visitfrom Santa Claus as part of the“Can Do Christmas,” Dec. 20.This is the 6th consecutive year
that the Can Do Christmas hasbeen able to make Christmas amore joyous time for less fortu-nate families in the community.More than $1,200 was raised for
the charity through a baked goodssilent auction, monetary donationsand generous contributions fromABC Pawn Shop of Long Beach,Miss., which was used to providegifts and a Christmas meal foreach family.The charity was initiated by
Chief Utilitiesman Dan Clowser,currently assigned to Naval MobileConstruction Battalion (NMCB) 1,deployed to Rota, Spain, while as-signed to NMCB 74, Detail Whid-bey Island as a way to give backto the community in the Seabee“Can Do” spirit. In Clowser’s absence, Utilities-
man 1st Class Michael Deangeloand Utilitiesman 1st Class ChadHert, both assigned to 20th SRG,R-73 took the lead, assisted bytheir R-73 shipmates, to continuethe Can Do Christmas tradition.Each family received Christmas
gifts and a gift card. According toDeangelo one of the most reward-ing parts of the Can Do Christmaswas delivering the gifts to the
families. “It is such an awesome feeling
when you see the smiles on thechildren’s faces knowing youhelped give them a good Christ-mas. Everyone deserves a goodChristmas,” said Deangelo. The children seemed to be
shocked and thrilled when SantaClaus made a stop at their house.It was evident that the parentswere delighted as well. Theylaughed and smiled at their chil-
dren’s’ reactions of joy and excite-ment.Deangelo said he was happy to
be part of the Can Do Christmasteam and hopes to see the tradi-tion continue in the years tocome. “It was a great experience being
part of the Can Do Christmas thisyear. I could tell it made a differ-ence in the lives of the families,and I hope to see it continue inthe future,” said Deangelo.
Seabees brighten holidays for localfamilies with ‘Can Do Christmas’By CECN Lucina L. MoiseNCBC Public Affairs
Santa Claus and Seabees assigned to 20th Seabee Readi-ness Group (SRG), R-73, surprise a child with Christmas giftsas part of the 7th annual “Can Do Christmas,” Dec. 20.More than $1,200 was raised for the charity through abaked goods silent auction, monetary donations and gen-erous contributions from ABC Pawn Shop of Long Beach,Miss, which was used to provide gifts and a Christmas mealfor two less fortunate families in the community. (U.S. Navyphoto by Construction Electrician Constructionman Lucinda L.Moise/Released)
NCBC has challenged Keesler Air Force Base to aWeight Loss Challenge. The competition will kickoff Jan. 14 at the Fitness Center during an orien-tation. This competition is open to all who haveaccess to NCBC. Civilian employees interested inparticipating in the six week-long competitionmust have a doctor’s release of good health formturned in to their supervisor. The release statesthat the participant is cleared to begin an exer-cise program. Official weigh-in for participantswill be conducted Jan. 7 - 11, 11 a.m. - 12:30p.m. at the Fitness Center. Benefits of participat-
ing include access toa free training classduring the lunch hour,as well as nutritionalclasses. Weigh-inswill be conductedweekly during thechallenge. The base that wins will have braggingrights to a trophy that will be displayed at thewinner’s command suite. For more competitioninformation, contact Dorothy Coleman, 228-871-4848 or [email protected].
NCBC Are You Up for a Challenge? Announcing: ‘Can Do Weight Loss’ the NCBC/Keesler Weight Loss Contest
3 Ways to Put Yourself FirstSelf-Care in the New Year
Space may be limited for childcare, please register
in advance if possible.
Hosted by FOCUS, NCBC Chapel & MWR
NCBC Security Reminder: To prevent both personal andgovernmental property theft,NCBC Security would like to remind you to remember to secure vehicles, personal compartments, work spaces,compounds, and buildings. Don’t be a target!
Race Engines, Dirt Bikes, ATV’s, Cigarette Boats, ZodiacsAre you up to the challenge of hard work and repairingunique SOF equipment?Naval Special Warfare Development Group is seeking activeduty Construction Mechanics and all other Seabee rates.
- Motivated/Volunteer- Pass Navy PFA- E4 - E6- No NJP- No bankruptcy- Obtain Secret/TOP Secret clearance Email us at [email protected] or contactyour detailer to request additional information.
Construction Electrician 3rdClass Olorunshola Olukera, as-signed to Naval Mobile Con-struction Battalion (NMCB) 11,isn’t going home for the holi-days this year. He continuesstriving for personal and pro-fessional excellence since anOctober visit to see his family inNigeria, his first such visit inover five years.Originally from Lagos, Nigeria,
Olukera took three weeks ofleave in October and paid hisfamily a surprise visit.“My dad barely recognized me
when I walked in, and my momwas crying,” said the soft spo-ken 33-year-old.“I had to break my promise to
visit my family during ourhomeport in 2011. They wereable to understand that the cir-cumstances were beyond mycontrol,” said Olukera. His de-votion to duty took precedencein 2011 as NMCB 11 was inheavy preparation for its 2012deployment to Afghanistan.Olukera came to the UnitedStates in 2007 to continue hiseducation.“I always had this dream of
continuing my educationabroad,” stated Olukera whoalso considered moving to Lon-don. “I weighed the options,and I chose to come to theUnited States. I’ve been lovingit so far.”Olukera completed a three
year electronics program at thehead of his class at a Nigeriantechnical college then took theopportunity to continue his ed-ucation in the U.S. with a moveto Bowie, Md. and an enroll-ment at Capital College.When a Navy recruiter told
the student about the educa-tion benefits available toSailors, Olukera decided that anenlistment in the Navy wouldbe the right move.“Thank God for the United
States Navy because it has re-ally shaped my life,” exclaimedOlukera.After completing ConstructionElectrician “A” school, Olukeratook orders to NMCB11 with
whom he has deployed toGuam and Afghanistan.While deployed to Guam,
Olukera took some collegeclasses, and he has plans totake more in the spring.Olukera believes that “what-
ever is worth doing is worthdoing well,” and because of thisphilosophy he has decided tolimit his enrollment in school sothat he may focus on his Navycareer. With less than fouryears of service, Olukera hasadvanced to the rank of PettyOfficer 3rd Class in a very com-petitive Seabee community. Hehas also earned the SeabeeCombat Warfare Specialist qual-ification, his primary warfarequalification.“This is the best job I’ve ever
had,” stated Olukera. “I don’twant to be an average Sailor inthe Navy. I want to be the bestthat I can be, and I also wantto continue being an “A” stu-dent.”This desire for excellence and
a strong faith in God guideOlukera’s decisions.“I don’t do things because of
money. That’s not the pur-pose. I only do things becauseI know it is right to do it andbecause I know I could use itto help people.”Olukera earned his U.S. citizen-ship in 2009, and, though hisfamily doesn’t fully understandeverything that the U.S. Navy isall about, they know how muchit means to him and support
Naval Mobile Construction Battal-ion (NMCB) 1 is currently deployedto 6th Fleet area of responsibility insupport of construction operationsthroughout Europe and Africa;however, the Seabees have takentime out from their normal missionto enhance the command’s combattraining and readiness during aField Exercise (FEX) executed inRota, Spain. The exercise consisted of four
days of instructor-led training, fol-lowed by two days of intense sce-narios designed to push the troopsphysically and mentally to ingrainthe lessons into each person. Instructors took blocks of time
with each company using bothslide shows and hands-on guid-ance to teach the troops skillsneeded for a battalion’s deploy-ment to combat environments, anddiscussed the operations that areconducted during those missions.Classes were designed to give in-sight into how the battalionprocesses work together prior toand during a combat deployment.
Students were taught multipleskills so that any member couldstep in to fill a gap and succeed inthe new role.Troops were not only taught
“book knowledge,” but were alsogiven the opportunity to apply thelessons learned as they dug fight-ing positions, conducted survey pa-trols, constructed antenna towersand engaged in a host of othertraining activities.“This training was a good re-
fresher for me. The gear haschanged so much since I was lastin battalion, so it was great gettingtips on how to best set-up and uti-lize the new equipment,” said Utili-tiesman 1st Class MichaelMontalto.A small camp was set up and 24-
hour operations were conductedon board Camp Mitchell. Seabeeswere put on high alert while theypatrolled forested terrain and stoodwatches to prevent intruders frominfiltrating the camp, or handle anyscenario that took place. Eachmember was given a role to playand a job to do.The battalion also seized the op-
portunity to build relations with the
Spanish forces, when a small detailof troops was sent out to conductroad improvement operationsalongside the local Spanish MarineForces.The team worked, ate and slept
next to the local forces, wakingeach morning and heading out tothe job site. The roads were insuch bad shape that they were dif-ficult to navigate with the averagecar, so the team brought the roadsdown to grade, while leveling andcompacting them using a grader,roller and excavator.
“We have been able to workmuch faster than originally planned. . . we have been able to completethe mission tasking after only threedays on site,” said Chief BuilderEric Dirk, detail assistant officer-in-charge.The completion of the exercise,
combined with the release of rateadvancement results gave theSeabees plenty of reasons to cele-brate. The battalion is scheduling more
exercises with realistic training op-portunities to ensure personnel areprepared for any events that mayarise in the future.6
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By CE1 (SCW) JoshuaThonnissenNMCB 1 Public Affairs
Equipment Operator Constructionman Jason Williams, assigned to Naval Construction Bat-talion (NMCB) 1, instructs Spanish Marines on the proper operations of D7 Dozer. NMCB1 is currently deployed to the Europe and Africa areas of responsibility (AOR) in supportof construction operations and African Partnership Stations. (U.S. Navy photo by Construc-tion Electrician 1st Class Joshua Thonnissen/Released)
Spotlight on Diversity: NMCB 11 Seabee exhibitsstrong devotion to dutyBy MC1 Jonathan CarmichaelNMCB 11 Public Affairs
CE3 (SCW) Olorunshola Olukera
See Devotion page 12
“Rugby is a game for BARBAR-IANS that is played by GENTLE-MEN” The newly formedMississippi Gulf Coast Rugby Clubis recruiting players, coaches andfans for the 2013 season rightnow. We aren’t looking forwanna-be tough guys, peoplewho are out of shape or peoplewho don’t have time to dedicatethree days a week. Once youlearn how to play, this sport willsupersede your love of any other.Our games last 80 minutes, splitinto 40 minute halves, and de-mand a high level of endurance,strength and teamwork. Theteam is comprised of military andcivilians, officers and enlisted,blue-collar workers and doctors,18 year-olds to 40 year-old men.
We are di-verse andstrong. If youthink youhave what ittakes, comeout and seefor yourself. Practice is held atPopps Ferry Fields on Tuesdayand Thursday at 6 p.m. Bring afriend, if you think they can hang.For more information, visit Missis-sippi Gulf Coast Men’s RugbyFootball Club at www.MSGulf-CoastRugby.com,http://HTOsports.com/MS-GULFCOASTRUGBY or callJoey at 228-243-2673, Billy at440-251-4411, Doug at 228-493-6191 or email, [email protected].
At 6:30 a.m. Dec. 16, officersof the Long Beach Police De-partment, students from theNaval Construction BattalionCenter (NCBC) Gulfport NavalConstruction Training Center(NCTC) Builder and Steel-worker “A” School, students
from the 366th TRS Air Force“AIT” School and one staffmember participated in a RuckMarch from the Bay St. LouisBridge to Jones Park at theGulfport Harbor to raise moneyfor the family of Tyler andKatelyn Myers. With backpacks loaded with
water and food, the volunteersbegan their 15-mile journey
through Bay St. Louis, LongBeach, and Gulfport to helpsupport the cause. The route was monitored and
the volunteers supplied withgenerous contributions ofwater and fruit from the I.P.Casino and emergency serv-ices from the AMR team of Me-morial Hospital. At each city along the route
the volunteers had a healthand comfort rest opportunity. Tyler Myers is a 7th grader at
Long Beach Middle School andKatelyn Myers is a 3rd graderat Quarles Elementary School. Both children are being
treated in Augusta, Ga., forthird degree burns following afire accident at their home inNovember.
Both children require multiplesurgeries and will need to re-main in the hospital’s care foran extended period of time. In order to help their par-
ents, Shannon and ElishaMyers, with medical bills andliving expenses, Long BeachPolice Department organizedthis event and collected morethan $4,000 in donations.
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Ruckin’ for a cause: NCTC students in action
Left: Students assigned to the Naval Construction Training Center (NCTC)Navy Builder and Steelworker “A” School and 336th TRS Air Force “AIT”School, begin a 15-mile journey to raise money for the family of Tyler andKately Myers of Long Beach, Miss. Above: NCTC Navy and Air Force stu-dents continue their 15-mile Ruck March in honor of Tyler and KatelynMyers. The children are undergoing treatment in Augusta, Ga., for thirddegree burns suffered in an accident at their home in November. (U.S. Navyphotos by Builder 2nd Class Whitney Taylor/Relased)
By BU2(SCW) WhitneyTaylorNCTC Public Affairs
Think you’re tough . . .enough to play RUGBY?
VIP on board NCTC graduation
Rear Adm. Don Quinn, commander Naval Education and Training Command(NETC) presents certificates of completion to a graduating class of Steel-worker “A” school students during a ceremony at Naval Construction TrainingCenter (NCTC) Gulfport Dec. 19. (U.S. Navy photo by Steve Vanderwerff/Released)
KUWAIT –With temperatures in thehigh 40’s, the troops of Naval MobileConstruction Battalion (NMCB) 133’sDetail Bravo got together for a 2.5 mileRun to Remember sponsored by mem-bers of the Army Support Group –Kuwait (ASG-KU), Dec. 24.The Run to Remember gave the detail
a chance to honor their fallen brothersand sisters of the armed forces thisholiday season. The group of runners,that included service members fromthe Army, Marine Corps and Navy,started the ceremony by introducingthemselves. Following a blessing forthe health and safety of the runners bythe Chaplain of the ASG-KU ResiliencyCenter, the runners took a moment ofsilence to honor the fallen before start-ing the motivational formation run. Throughout the run, Detail Bravo
maintained the group’s motivation byleading the cadences and setting thepace. The group ran two laps aroundthe perimeter of the Life Support Area(LSA) singing loud and proud. Detail Bravo’s Senior Enlisted Advisor,
Senior Chief Equipment OperatorJames Brock, was at the front of theformation representing the Seabeesand gave all an opportunity to reflecton the importance of the camaraderiethey share. NMCB 133 is currently deployed to
the U.S Central Command area of re-sponsibility to support engineering op-erations.
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Seabees Adopt-A-Highway
Seabees assigned to 20th SeabeeReadiness Group (SRG) R73 are pic-tured during a quarterly clean up ofHighway 53 in Saucier, Miss. The 43service members adopted the high-way to add to their volunteer experi-ence and clean up the environment.The volunteers will be responsible fortheir stretch of Highway 53 for thenext year. To adopt a 1 or 2-mile por-tion of a highway in Harrison County,visit gomdot.com or contact the Dis-trict 6 Litter Program Coordinator at601-544-6511. (U.S. Navy photo cour-tesy of R-73/Released)
NMCB 133 Detail Bravo honors fallen during ‘Run to Remember’
Senior Chief Equipment OperatorJames Brock, a native of Tucson, Ariz.,assigned to Naval Mobile Construc-tion Battalion (NMCB) 133 DetailBravo, leads the formation during theRemembrance Run, Dec. 24. (U.S. Navyphoto by Lt.j.g. Mathew Ward/Released)
By Lt.j.g. Mat WardNMCB 133 Public Affairs
Imagine being a school agechild waking up one morningrealizing that you are in astrange new place and, exceptfor your family, you don't knowanyone at all. You have no friends, you
have no one to talk to and youknow nothing about the schoolyou are about to enter, the
neighborhood in which youlive, or the community intowhich you have just moved. Moving to a new place,
adjusting to a new school, en-countering new teachers andfinding new friends are daunt-ing and scary experiences formost school-age children, es-pecially, if the child faces theexperience more than once.Believing that transitioning
does not have to be difficult-"just different." S2S or Student2 Student, is a unique, studentled, school-managed programthat confronts the challengesof transition and provides rele-vant training that gives stu-dents the best possibletransition experience.S2S is a powerful program
that uses student trainers tohelp change a transitioning
student's focal point from whatthe student just lost to what the student will gain. When students do not feel
threatened by the transition process, and when someoneunderstands them and sharesin the process, it makes transition more acceptable.The initial training for the
S2S programs at OceanSprings and Biloxi High
Schools were funded by theNavy. Military Child EducationCoalition provided the trainingwhich was centered aroundacademics, relationships andfinding the way. For information on S2S, or
any of the other programsavailable for your student, con-tact Kevin Byrd, NCBC schoolliaison officer, 228-871-2117 [email protected].
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Focus on Education Focus on Education
S2S Clubs: Meeting the needs of new studentsBy Kevin ByrdNCBC School Liaison Officer
Members of the Biloxi High School Student 2 Student (S2S)program gather for a photo. One of the important objectivesof the S2S program is to change the transitioning studentsfocus from what they have lost by moving to what they haveto gain at their new location. Contact Kevin Byrd, Naval Con-struction Battalion Center (NCBC) school liaison officer at228-871-2117 for details on S2S. (Photo courtesy of MWR/Released)
Ocean Springs High School members of the Student 2 Student or S2S club are picturedin the courtyard of the school. Ocean Springs High School is one of eight Mississippi HighSchools that have S2S clubs. (Photo courtesy of MWR/Released)
Ocean Springs Mardi Gras Parade . . . 38th AnnualOcean Springs-Elks Mardi Grad Parade is lookingfor floats and marching units (with or withoutflags.) Traditionally, the first parade of theSeason, the parade will roll through downtownOcean Springs Jan. 26 at 1 p.m. The theme thisyear is “Salute to the Military!” For more informa-tion, contact Capt. Linda Geisaka, 228-871-4977.
Balfour Beatty Communities Balfour Beatty Communities is hosting ais hosting a
Mardi Gras Ball forMardi Gras Ball forResidents of BaseResidents of Base
Housing!Housing!
Jan. 18, 6 - 9 p.m. Jan. 18, 6 - 9 p.m. Rhodes Hall, building 303Rhodes Hall, building 303
Call for more info! 228-863-0424Call for more info! 228-863-0424
FitnessIt’s time to stop talking about it
and make those 2013 New Year’sresolutions a reality at the CBC Fit-ness Center. Personal Trainers areavailable to design a customizedwork out plan just for you! Theseprofessionals motivate and cus-tomize a plan based on a client’s in-dividual needs. Trainers are open toall eligible MWR patrons and areavailable at an affordable rate of$30 for active duty and $45 for allreservists, dependents, retirees andDOD civilians. This price covers fiveone-hour sessions of one on onetime with an expert. Start today,call 228- 871-2668. Do you need people around to
motive you to work out? Then,make time for a group fitness class.The CBC Fitness Center offerscourses as early as 8 a.m. and aslate as 6 p.m. Get your heart pump-ing with some strength/cardio,Zumba or cycling. You can also tryout the new low impact aerobicscourse or center yourself with yoga.For the class schedule, visit us onFacebook at NCBC Gulfport MWR orstop by the Fitness Center today!
RecreationFREE Movie Program at the Train-
ing Hall: Take a load off. Sit backand watch the big screen all byyourself for some alone time, ormake it a family night and bring thewhole crew! Stop by the Snack Baron your way in to get that butteredmovie popcorn and those othergoodies that help you get lost in themoment. Forget what was playing?No worries - put the movie hotlinein your phone, 228-871-3299 andcall anytime!
Friday, “End of Watch,” R,6:30 p.m.Saturday, “Finding Nemo,” G,
noon; “Here Comes the Boom,” PG,3 p.m.; “Resident Evil Retribution,”R, 5:30 p.m.
Information, Tickets andTravel:Active Duty, Reservist, National
Guard, USCG and Retirees are noweligible for a complimentary Univer-sal 3 Day Park-to-Park ticket andBlue Man Group Ticket at children’sprice! All dependents and DOD per-sonnel are eligible for discountedUniversal 2 Day, with 3rd Day Freetickets! Call ITT for info!Disney Military Salute tickets are
in! The promotion has been ex-tended for your deeply discounted 4Day Park Hopper Ticket. New tick-ets are valid through Sept. 30, andthey’re only $153.25 each! Pur-chase up to six for your Disney get-away. *Eligible patrons only (activeduty, reservist, retired).Don’t blink . . . or this offer will
race by you like the Daytona 500.Feel the rumble of the stadium inperson. Book your Daytona Interna-tional Speedway package today!ITT is offering packages at greatprices that include a ticket to theDaytona 500, round trip transporta-tion on a Coach bus and two nights’hotel accommodations. Packageprices vary depending on room oc-cupancy - starting at $450 for a sin-gle and running as low as $160 forfour person occupancy. The tripruns from Feb. 23 - 25, and an ini-tial down payment is due by Jan.18. Call ITT for details, 228-871-2231.
Liberty Center: OMG – A trip to New Orleans this
Saturday! Text your buddies nowand get on board Liberty’s FREEshuttle and explore The Big Easy.Play a tourist for a day or blend inlike the locals. Enjoy the historicalsites, shopping, fine dining or the
infamous Bourbon Street. Smell thetasty Cajun favorites and let thesounds of jazz and blues move you.Sign up today. The FREE shuttle de-parts at 9 a.m. How’s your aim? Take a trip with
Liberty to the Gun Ho ShootingRange Sunday and find out. TheFREE shuttle departs the LibertyCenter at noon.
Navy Outdoor Recreation: Toughen up . . . don’t let that cold
weather keep you indoors! NOR haslots of fun equipment that will makeyou forget all about that chill in theair.Shhhhhhh . . . I smell a doe . . .
no a hog! Sorry Elmer Fudd, thishunt doesn’t include rabbits. Put onyour camouflage and sign up todayfor a Navy Outdoor Recreationhunting trip package. Packages in-clude transportation, lodging andmeals and your choice of doe orhog hunting or both. This opportu-nity is scheduled for Jan. 25 – 27and pricing starts as low as $1,000.Plus, the ranch does the dirty workand retrieves and cleans your killsfor you. Be sure to bring an icechest so you can take the meathome to the family. Call NOR for de-tails and to put down a deposittoday, 228-871-2127.FREE Batting Cage: No more to-
kens needed. Stop by and take aswing! Rent bats and helmets at nocharge from Outdoor Recreationduring business hours.
Food & BeverageThe Beehive is now open every
day of the week! Watch the gameon one of our seven flat screens,play a little pool and enjoy goodtimes with friends! With an excel-lent beverage selection, you aresure to find your preference. Callfor details 228-871-4009.Don’t want to get out in the cold
for lunch? Let The Grill bring it toyou. The Grill offers lunch deliveryMonday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 1p.m. Call 228-871-2494 to placeyour order. Fight that early morn-ing chill by getting a hot break-fast. The Grill is open as early as6:30 a.m. Take your pick fromFrench toast plates to breakfastburritos or traditional eggs andbacon. The Grill is located at thecorner of Colby and 7th Street.Anchors & Eagles: Great service
and good times are what you canexpect at Anchors & Eagles. OpenTuesday - Thursday 2 - 9 p.m.,and designated for chiefs and offi-cers. Stop by and shake off theday with comrades.
Youth ActivitiesJust because it’s cold outside
doesn’t mean you have to avoidthe pool. Sign up today for indoorswimming at the Kroc Center. For
only $7, hop in the pool with your fellow Youth Activities Centerpals and feel like its summeragain this Saturday, 10 a.m. –4 p.m. Please bring a sack lunch. Explain the strange . . . under-
stand the misunderstood . . .make your brain swell with theYAC’s Weird Science NightWednesday, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Ex-plore fish facts from the Gulf ofMexico for free!
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For more informationFor more informationabout MWR programs andabout MWR programs andopportunities, contact:opportunities, contact:Anchors & EaglesAuto HobbyBeehiveChild Development CenterFitness CenterInformation, Tickets & TravelLiberty CenterSeabee Heritage CenterNavy Outdoor Recreation RV ParkThe GrillTraining HallYouth Activities CenterMain Office
Looking for a way toserve your community?Interested in a law en-forcement career? If so,consider volunteeringyour off duty time and become aGulfport Police Reserve Officer ora Reserve Community ServiceTechnician. Call Lt. Phillip Kincaid at 228-868-5900, ext. 6189 or email him [email protected] for ad-ditional information.
LONG BEACH ALTERNATIVESCHOOL SEEKS MENTORS - LongBeach Alternative School on Old PassRoad in Long Beach is looking formentors for three high school girls andfour high school boys. Mentor dutieswill include providing direction on as-signments, increasing personal ac-countability and other life skills.Please call Michelle Harrison at 228-865-1956 for more information or tovolunteer.
WOOLMARKET ELEMENTARYSCHOOL SEEKS MENTORS - Wool-market Elementary School on John LeeRoad in Biloxi is looking for mentorsfor their male students as they preparefor middle school. Please contactShirley Hardman at 228-392-5640 formore information or to volunteer.COAST SALVATION ARMY NEEDSVOLUNTEERS - Volunteers are needfor various projects throughout theyear. Contact Shawna Tatge for info,
[email protected] DRIFTWOOD NURSING HOME -Want to make a difference in the lifeof the elderly then volunteer withDriftwood Nursing Home located rightoutside the Broad Avenue gate. Thecontact for this volunteer opportunityis Christina at 228-243-3421.VOLUNTEER WITH USO - Volunteer-ing is both fun and rewarding. If youare interested in volunteering or wouldlike more information, please visit
http://www.usovolunteer.org/. Volun-teers are needed at both USO loca-tions - (NMPS 2nd Floor, NCBC andGulfport Biloxi International Airport.)PROFESSIONAL GOLF ASSOCIA-TION NEEDS VOLUNTEERS - Volun-teers are needed for the ProfessionalGolf Association (PGA) ChampionsTour featuring top golfers - Fred Cou-ples, Tom Lehman, Mark Calcavecchia,Nick Price, & Bernhard Langer March18 - 24 at the Fallen Oak Golf Club,
24400 Highway 15, Saucier. Volunteerwill receive a shirt, hat or visor, a cre-dential for the Week, meals duringshift, six good-any-day tickets, a freeround of golf at Grand Bear and ad-mission to a volunteer party at HardRock, Biloxi. For details, contactStephanie Griffis, 228-896-6365.
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Center Chaplains: Lt. Cmdr. Paul Smith, Protestant Chaplain
Lt. Yoon Choi, Protestant ChaplainFor information concerning other faith groups,
Looking for a church?The Seabee Memorial Chapel holdsservices every Sunday that might suityour needs. Protestant Services in-clude a Gospel Service at 8 a.m. andDivine Worship Service at 10:30 a.m.Catholic Services include CatholicMass at 9:30 a.m. There is alsoCatholic Mass Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m.Seabee PantryThe Seabee Pantry needs restocking.During the holidays, the need for fooddonations is at its highest level.Please donate as many canned goodsand other nonperishables as possible.Donation drop-off sites are located atthe Navy Exchange, Chapel, Commis-sary, Fleet and Family Support Centerand Armed Forces Retirement
Home. The Seabee Pantry is for anyone affiliated with NCBC.Praise and WorshipThe Seabee Memorial Chapel is lookingfor new members for the Praise andWorship Team for the Divine WorshipService at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. If youcan sing or play an instrument, you areinvited to come share your gift.Women’s Bible Study Women’sFall Bible Study is held Wednesdaysat 11 a.m. at the Seabee MemorialChapel. The Fall Bible Study is con-ducting a six-week study by Jen-nifer Rothchild - Missing Pieces.”Free child care is available. For more information on all offer-ings that are available, contact thechapel at 228-871-2454.
Chapel Offerings
LADD is a program sponsoredby the NCBC/20th First ClassAssociation. The mission ofLADD is to prevent drunk driv-ing on board NCBC Gulfport byproviding rides for any servicemember who needs assistancegetting home after an outingthat involves alcohol.It is always important to havea plan in place when going out
in town, but if your plans fallthrough, please call LADD andwe will pick you up!
~ LADD is strictly confiden-tial. NO REPRISAL!~ LADD will take individual
home only, no stops. ~ Volunteers who stand the
watch are on call 24/7.
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SUPPORTFamily Readiness Groups NMCB 1 FRG invites friends and fam-ily members to attend FRG meetingsthe first Monday of every month at theYouth Activity Center, building 335. Apotluck dinner is served at 6 p.m., fol-lowed by a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Chil-dren are welcome and baby sitting isprovided during deployment. ContactFRG President Mary Belanger, [email protected]. NMCB 11 FRG For more information re-garding the NMCB 11 FRG, please visitthe FRG and Ombudsman website athttp://nmcb11.webs.com.NMCB 74 FRG All families of NMCB 74are invited to the 74 FRG meeting thethird Monday of each month. Meetingsare at the MWR Youth Activities Cen-ter, building 335, behind the Grinderon NCBC. Socializing begins at 5:30p.m., and meetings begin at 6 p.m.
Bring a covered dish to share at ourpotluck dinner. Children are welcome.Email [email protected] or visitour Facebook page at “NMCB74 Fear-less FRG” for more information.NMCB 133 FRG invites all friends andfamily members to attend FRG meetingsthe first Monday of the month at 6 p.m.at the Youth Center. Children are wel-come and baby sitting is provided. Pleasebring a dish to share. For more infor-mation contact FRG President JaimeRoyal at 317-730-4064 or send an emailto [email protected]. To receiveupdates, log on to the FRG site athttp://www.wix.com/NMCB133FSG/133frgGulfport Officer’s Spouse Club The Gulfport Officers’ Spouses’ Club is asocial organization that has FUN whilehelping our community. We meetmonthly and have special interest groupsfor almost everyone! For more infor-mation, email [email protected] hope to see YOU soon! NMCRS The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Soci-ety Thrift Shop is located in building29 on Snead Street. The Thrift Shopis staffed entirely by volunteers, andchild care and mileage are reim-bursed. Retail hours of operation areTuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9a.m. - 1 p.m. Volunteers are alwayswelcome. Visit the NMCRS offices at
the Fleet and Family Support Center,building 30, suite 103 or call 228-871-2610 to find out how to become apart of the NMCRS volunteer team! Gamblers Anonymous The Fleet and Family Support Centeroffers GA meetings every Thursday at 11a.m. GA is a fellowship of people whoshare their experience, strength andhope with each other. All meetings areconfidential and facilitated by GA. Cometo a meeting or call Jim Soriano at 228-871-3000 for information. TRAININGNaval Sea CadetsThe Gulfport branch of the Naval SeaCadets are recruiting youth ages 11 to17 for Sea Cadets, a nation-wide or-ganization that help youth achieve per-sonal success through nautical training.Meetings are the third Saturday of themonth from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., building1, 2nd floor conference room. ContactLt.j.g. Bowling at 228-313-9035 [email protected] for information.SOCIALMiss. Gulf Coast First Class Associ-ation is seeking new members. Meet-ings are every Wednesday at 3 p.m. atCBC’s Beehive, building 352. Call BU1Tony Boldrey 228-871-2577 for moreinformation or just come and join us ata meeting. CBC/20SRG Second Class Petty Of-ficers Association is seeking mem-
bers. Meetings are Tuesdays at 2:30p.m. in the Fitness Center classroom.Contact the Association’s Public AffairsOfficer LS2 Matthew Wasson [email protected] or Presi-dent LS2 Earl Simpson at [email protected] for information. NCBC Multi-Cultural Diversity Com-mittee is seeking members. Meetingsare held the first and third Wednesdayof the month at 9 a.m., at the SeabeeMemorial Chapel. Contact BU1 JermaCloude at 228-871-2454 for details.VFW Post 3937 Long Beach is openMonday - Thursday from Noon until 8p.m., Friday and Saturday from Noonuntil 10 p.m., Sunday from noon until 7p.m. The first Friday of the month isSeafood Night, the remaining Fridaysare Steak Night. Breakfast is served from7 to 10 a.m. on Saturdays. VFW meet-ings are held the second Wednesday ofthe month at 7:30 p.m. New membersare always welcome. Contact Post Com-mander Bill North at 228-863-8602 forinformation. VFW Post 4526 Orange Grove is opendaily from Noon to 10 p.m. and locatedat 15206 Dedeaux Road, Orange Grove.Meetings are the first Wednesday eachmonth at 7 p.m. All are welcome and en-couraged to attend. Call 228-832-0017for more info. NMCB 62 Alumni Group Naval Mobile Construction Battalion
(NMCB) 62 was recommissioned in Gulf-port in 1966, and decommissioned in1989. To become a member, go tohttp://nmcb62alumni.org or for links toSeabee historical sites. Seabee Veterans of America Is-land X-1 Gulfport are seeking ActiveDuty, Reserve, Retired or Seabees wholeft the military after a short period oftime. Island X-1 Gulfport meets the firstThursday of each month at Anchors &Eagles at 7 p.m. Contact Joe Scott (sec-retary) at 228-669-8335 [email protected] or log ontowww.nsva.org for information. D.A.V. - Disabled American Veter-ans, Chapter 5 invites Veterans and fu-ture Veterans to monthly meetings heldthe 3rd Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Call Service Officer, Silva Royerat 228-324-1888 to find out more aboutour organization and all that is offeredto members.HERITAGEThe Seabee Gift Store is located in theSeabee Heritage Center Training Hall,building 446. Hours are Monday-Friday,10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from11a.m. to 3 p.m. The shop has a varietyof Seabee related memorabilia, booksand DVD’s. Contact the museum atwww.seabeemuseumstore.org/-/shop/index.php or call the gift shop at228-871-4779 for information on all thatis available for customers.
CenterCenterNotesNotes
Pass Road: 24 hours, 7 days a week Broad Avenue: 5 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday and
9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat/Sun and Holidays 28th Street: 5 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday and
5 - 7 p.m., Outbound Only
NCBC Gate Hours
NCIS has two new anonymousways to report crimes or suspi-cious behavior with the use ofdiscreet and secure online ortexting tip lines.To report information by Celltext:1. Text “NCIS” to the short code274637 (CRIMES) from any cell orsmart phone.2. Receive a response, for exam-ple: “Your alias is: S2U5 Call 911if urgent! If replies put you atrisk, text “STOP”3. Begin dialogueTo report information Online:1. Go to www.NCIS.navy.mil, clickon the “Report a Crime” tab andselect the icon for “text and Webtip Hotline.”There is a reward of up to $1,000for information leading to a felonyarrest or apprehension.
See Something Wrong,Do Something Right!
families of the childrenwhen the kids teach theirfamilies about the skills theyhave learned that month. “Any opportunity where an
outside source comes in toread to the children is bene-ficial. The children reallyenjoy the story time and ea-gerly participate and inter-act with the FOCUS staff,”said Carlisle.FOCUS and the USO to-
gether are working to helpmilitary children and fami-lies stay resilient throughmilitary life challenges that
may present themselvesnow or in the future, andthe skills being taughtthrough the children can bea benefit for all. It is notonly an example of whatthese two organizationshave to offer to the chil-dren, but can open doorsfor more opportunities forthe families.Story Time is scheduled
for the third Thursday ofeach month at 2:30 p.m. atthe NCBC CDC. Stories andactivities are chosen by theFOCUS staff, and parentsare always invited.
From Story Time page 4
his decision.“You know, it’s pretty tough coming (to the U.S.) by yourself;starting from zero. But you know, life is a risk,” stated Olukera.Olukera would like to be able to visit his family every year, but
responsibilities to the Navy and personal budget constraints putlimits on how often he is able to make that trip.NMCB-11 is currently in the midst of a homeport cycle following
an eight month deployment to Afghanistan and is preparing forits next deployment, set to begin near the end of the summernext year.
