2 2013 STILL SERVING

PublisherLaura Baxter

editor/designerRebecca Hastings

Creative direCtorTricia Lieurance

PhotograPherHarry Gerwien

Published by MilitarynewsPaPers of virginia150 W. Brambleton Ave.,Norfolk, VA 23510Phone: (757) 222-3990Fax: (757) 853-1634

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The contents of this special section arenot necessarily the official views of orendorsed by the U.S. Government, DOD,the DOT or the U.S. Coast Guard. Opinionsof the contributing writers do notnecessarily reflect the opinions of MilitaryNewspapers of Virginia or The Flagship®.The availability of these newspapersand the appearance of advertising inthese publications, including any insertsor supplements, do not constituteendorsement by the federal government,the DOD, the DOT, the U.S. Coast Guardor Military Newspapers of Virginia ofproducts or services advertised.

Each year on November 11, we celebrate VeteransDay. This day became part of our American calendarin 1919 following the end of World War I to honorthe service and sacrifices of our men and womenin uniform. Then known as Armistice Day, the nameofficially changed to Veterans Day on June 1, 1954.

Our veteran and retired military have served ourcountry but they continue to serve out of uniform.They make significant contributions to our communitythrough their work, philanthropic and volunteerefforts.

They do not ask for recognition but contribute everyday out of their sense of service and commitment.They understand and live by their principles ofleadership, initiative and selflessness. It is part of theirmission to make our country a better place to live in,and we are lucky that so many have chosen to makeHampton Roads their permanent home.

This December marks the third anniversary of StillServing –The Military Retiree and Veterans Awards.Founded by The Flagship and Military Newspapersof Virginia, Still Serving is a recognition programthat celebrates the service and achievements ofthese dedicated individuals. This year we receivedan impressive group of nominations. While all ofthese individuals have made significant impactsin our community, we have chosen 10 as our 2013honorees, highlighted in this section. Our committeeselected these individuals based on their volunteeraccomplishments and for going above and beyondin regards to working with the military and/or civiliancommunities. We thank them for taking time out oftheir busy schedules to help select this year’s honorees.Our committee members included: Eugene Crabtree– retired Master Chief Hospital Corpsman, U.S. Navy/Director, Retired Affairs, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic; SteveLudwig - retired Command Master Chief, U.S. Navy/Regional Military Representative, GEICO; Kathy Nelson– retired Capt., U.S. Navy/Director, Navy Marine CorpsRelief Society Norfolk; Adair Wells, Sales DevelopmentManager, The Flagship and Military Newspapers ofVirginia and founder of Still Serving.

Most importantly, we would like to thank the followingbusinesses for sponsoring the 2013 Still ServingAwards: United Concordia, our presenting sponsor,Navy Mutual, GEICO, USAA, Tidewater CommunityCollege, and the USO Hampton Roads/Central Virginia.These businesses know the value of our retired andveteran military and their generous support helped tomake this event possible.

MILITARYNEWSPAPERSOF VIRGINIA

Congratulations!to all the nominees ofthe still serving 2013veterans awards!

Roberto AguilarFred Archer

Pamela BarnabyJames W. Beckwith, Jr.

David BoisselleEmanuel ChestnutFrancis CubilloRalph FisherSue FitzgeraldGlenn Gately

Barbara GeraghtyJames B. Hart

Dale W. HarringtonWilliam HaydenRobert Herbin

Leon HillMike HoffpauirDonald MacariJohn OlsonLes Page

Don PhillipsJason Redman

Thomas L. Van PettenGary Wilks, Sr.David WilliamsClarence Willis

STILL SERVING 2013 3

“In Jason’s spare time, he speaks across the country spreading

his message of life, inspiration, and sheds light on the sacrifices

that enable the freedoms of our country. I work with many

military organizations inVirginia and North Carolina. I

am never more uplifted and inspired than I am at a Wounded

Wear event.The sacrifices given to our country – those who

benefit from this charity – are obvious. Even more obvious

is the sense of inclusion and empowerment they get from

participating with Jason and Wounded Wear. I’m very proud

to be able to call Jason Redman a friend.”

— Steven Ludwig, friend

NAVYLIEUTENANT

SERVED 1992-2013

Why did you decide tostay in Hampton Roadsafter your service?My naval career brought me to Hampton Roads.I have lived all across the country growing up,but actually spent my entire career here inHampton Roads. My kids were born here and goto school here. We have grown roots here.

Describe somemilitary highlights.Graduating SEAL Training and Ranger School.The military was an amazing journey – I joinedas a boy and left as a mature man and leader. Ihad the opportunity to travel all over the world,from Central and South America, to Europe tothe battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan.

What are yourachievements or fondmemories outside themilitary?Creating Wounded Wear, Jumping for aPurpose, climbing Mt. Rainier as part of aWounded Warrior Climbing Team, writing mypersonal memoir, “The Trident.”

Why did you decide toestablishWoundedWear?Wounded Wear was established out of my ownexperiences as a Wounded Warrior. I wantedclothing that made me proud to be out inpublic, that people could see why I looked theway I did – from battlefield injuries versus someaccident. From the beginning and my continuedexperience as a Wounded Warrior, we havegrown into an organization that helps warriorsrediscover the hero within. We do this throughthree different areas. Pride – Power – andPurpose.

We help reinstill pride in the warriors throughour clothing and modifications. From there,we try to get them to one or of our eventsdesigned to empower them to live greatly,such as our Jumping for a Purpose event (seepage 15), that takes warriors and families ofthe fallen skydiving, and last we are beginningto help them to find their new purpose, andconnect them to organizations that can helpthem achieve it. The last part of Wounded Wearis continuing to raise the national awarenessof the sacrifice our warriors, their families andfamilies of the fallen have made for our greatcountry.

What advice do you havefor those separating fromthemilitary wishing tocontinue serving theircommunity?The military is about service. There are a lotof different ways to serve. Giving back to yourfellow veterans and the community is incrediblyrewarding.

J

READ ABOUTWOUNDEDWEAR’S“JUMPING FOR A PURPOSE”

EVENT ON PAGE 15.

4 2013 STILL SERVING

“Many know of the needs and concerns in their

communities, but few make it their life’s work to

address those needs and concerns. Barb Geraghty has

chosen not to accept offers to work in her technical

field in commercial enterprises, but instead gives her

time and attention freely as a volunteer. Barb’s model

for service and leadership inspires others and makes

Hampton Roads a better place to live and work.”

— Kathy Nelson, former coworker

NavyCaptaiN

Served 1980-2007

Why did you decide tostay in Hampton Roadsafter your service?Of all of my duty assignments, I’ve enjoyed theCommonwealth of Virginia best. Hampton Roadsand its milder climate, proximity to history andthe water, wide range of arts and entertainmentand educational institutions appealed to me.There are a lot of opportunities for creating asatisfying lifestyle.

Describe somemilitary highlights.I was a member of the first class to graduatewith women from the U.S. Naval Academy in1980. I lived in Iceland, Japan and Italy, servingas the executive officer of Naval Computer andTelecommunications Station Iceland (Keflavík,Iceland), commanding officer of Naval Computerand Telecommunications Station Far East(Yokosuka, Japan) and commanding officer ofNaval Computer and Telecommunications AreaMaster Station Europe Central (Naples, Italy).I am a plankowner in the Navy’s InformationProfessional Community, an officer specialtyestablished in 2001.

What are yourachievements or fondmemories outside themilitary?I love to travel and experience new cultures. I’vehad the chance to live in Iceland, Japan and Italy,and have traveled to 27 countries. Some of thehighlights of my travels include snowmobiling atthe top of a glacier in Iceland, climbing Mt. Fuji inJapan, visiting the Great Wall in China and seeingthe land of my ancestors in Ireland and Germany.

Why did you decide tovolunteer with the localSusan G. Komen for theCure affiliate?My mother and I are both breast cancer survivors(16 and 15 years respectively). I got involvedwith Komen because of my interest in breastcancer and the fact that 75 percent of thefunds raised in Tidewater remain in this area,providing mammograms and breast screeningsfor underserved women. I’m currently the Board

Secretary and have co-chaired the 2011 KomenTidewater Race for the Cure. I am also activein the Tidewater Affiliate of the PancreaticCancer Action Network and am chairing ourinaugural PurpleStride 5K event on April 5, 2014.I volunteer with this organization because I lostmy dad to this deadly disease in 2010.

What advice do you havefor those separating fromthemilitary wishing tocontinue serving theircommunity?One of the things that many of us who retireor separate from the military miss the most isthe sense of camaraderie and service to others.Volunteering in the community is a way to finda group with similar interests and harness yourpassion to continue to serve. The military givesus many skills that non-profits value: leadership,management, strategic planning, logisticalplanning – the list is endless. Volunteering not onlyfeeds the soul, but can also add to a resume, beforeand after leaving the military. Check the localnewspaper or Volunteer Hampton Roads for lists oforganizations looking for volunteers and pick oneor two that spark an interest, then give them a try.

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STILL SERVING 2013 5

“Thanks to the efforts of Col. Cubillo, on any givenThursday

throughout the school year, a group of Sailors or Marines can be

found along with Cubillo leading calisthenics with fifth grade PE

classes. Col. Cubillo works alongside Physical Education teacher

Jerry Killmeyer to promote physical activity and heart-healthy

habits. In fact, each April, he and members of the Navy and

Marine Corps IntelligenceTraining Center join students for the

Jump Rope for Heart Fundraiser at the school. Since the event

began in 1989, the partnership has raised more than $150,000

for the American Heart Association.”

—Laura J. Smart,Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Marine CorpsColonel

served 1972-2009

Why did you decide to stayin Hampton Roads afteryour service?I consider myself very fortunate, as a Marine, tohave been stationed here in Hampton Roads twicein my career. First time (1995-99) at Dam Neckand then I returned in 2002 to serve in a Jointassignment in Norfolk/Suffolk. After that Jointtour I was asked to remain on active duty (I was atthe time retirement eligible with over 30 years ofservice) and stand up a new command back at DamNeck ... someone was trying to tell me something!

Describe somemilitary highlights.I’ve been blessed to have experienced a trulystoried and unique career in the Marine Corps. Irose through the “ranks” from enlisted (privateto staff sergeant) to warrant officer, limited dutyofficer, and unrestricted officer from captainto colonel having been promoted 13 times in acareer that spanned just two years shy of fourdecades. I was also blessed to have severalwonderful overseas assignments that manyMarines rarely get, including two tours in Japan,and tours in Scotland, Spain, Cuba and Hawaii.

What are yourachievements or fondmemories outside themilitary?Outside the military I am active in my church choirwhere I sing as a tenor and cantor. I am a proudmember of a 5-person vocal group called “FondMemories” where we sing and perform songs thatbring back “fond memories” to the many assisted-living and senior living center residents here inHampton Roads. I am also a solo singer/entertainerhere in Hampton Roads as “Frank Sings Frank,” ahobby that quickly turned into a small business.

Why did you decide tovolunteer with PrincessAnne Elementary Schooland NMITC?PAES and NMITC (Navy and Marine CorpsIntelligence Training Center, at Dam Neck) haveenjoyed a long-standing, award-recognizedpartnership in education program for 22 years.When I first arrived at NMITC in 1995 I was asked

if I would be interested in volunteering at PAESin a traditional “adopt-a-school” format wherebythe service member would go to the school, read,mentor or tutor students in need. I happened to askthe senior Physical Education (PE) teacher if anyoneever volunteered to help with PE. It was a perfectmarriage – elementary school kids in a playground/gym setting and Marines and Sailors!

What advice do you havefor those separating fromthemilitary wishing tocontinue serving theircommunity?Embrace volunteering in the community! Thereare plenty of areas that you can get involvedin. In addition to schools, where retired militarypersonnel can offer so much, there’s senior andassisted living centers all over Hampton Roadswho would welcome volunteers especially fromthe military services. I would also encouragethose who play musical instruments, sing/entertain, read or write poetry or are interestedin acting/performing arts to join up withTidewater Arts Outreach (TAO), set up to linktalented volunteers with the many senior/assisted living centers in Hampton Roads.

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6 2013 STILL SERVING

“After retirement, Leon’s volunteer efforts were at Okinawa,

where his wife was stationed and where he was a key volunteer

in the Young Marines program. After returning to

Hampton Roads, he continued his superb volunteer activities

in earnest. It’s hard to compete with a volunteer like Capt.

Hill – always willing and able to assist those in need and

participate in community activities. His strong work ethics,

innovative ideas, persistence and abilities to work with others

have been invaluable in his volunteer efforts. He is a true

patriot and outstanding leader. “

—Doyle Quisenberry, coworker

Marine CorpsCaptain

served 1971 - 1992

Why did you decide to livein Hampton Roads?I was shipped here after returning from SoutheastAsia in December of 1972. It snowed that yearand the beauty and history that I learned ofVirginia provide a new perspective for me. TheTidewater area of Virginia was my first choice tolive after retirement. Then came my wife returningfrom Kuwait, a U. S. Navy Nurse. She was fromChesapeake. My desire to live here was finalized.

Describe somemilitary highlights.Being stationed in the Far East – Okinawaand Iwakuni, Japan. Duty as a U.S. MarineCorps recruiter in Detroit, Mich. – Recruiterof the Years for three years and promotedmeritoriously to gunnery sergeant andsubsequent promotion to warrant officer.Deployments to Norway – meetings andtraining with the Norwegians and Brits, teachingEnglish to the Norwegian officers. Developingfriendship with Norwegian officers and families,as well as long lasting friendship with manyJapanese nationals. Participating in Joint StaffPlanning Meetings with other Armed Forces andassisting with developing the training plans.

Describe some achieve-ments outside themilitary.Assisting in the birth of my youngest son. Havingthe honor of working with Virginia JuvenileJudge Ann Holton on establishing a Foster Child,Adoptive and Kinship Care support organizationfor the youths in need. The honor of serving onthe Board of Directors of the Armed ServicesYMCA, Virginia Beach for three years.

Why did you decide tovolunteer with ESGR?During Desert Shield/Desert Storm, my commandwas required to augment command with MarineReserves. My directorate, Supply Logistics wasassigned a platoon of Marines from MA. Oncethe short tour was done, I wrote performancereports and awards, made presentations andprovided them orders to home city. As an activeduty officer, I had no idea of the challenges thatthe service members were to face upon returnto their home. One day a retired Navy captainstopped by my business in Portsmouth and asked“Who owns the vehicle outside with the bluemilitary decal?” I answered I am the owner. Hethen said, “Do I have a deal for you.” After a briefintroduction and the mission of ESGR, I was sold.

Why did you volunteerwith the Boy Scouts?A friend of mine who was the Scoutmaster of theTroop approached me with getting my boys involvedin Scouting when they became of age. Once my boysentered grade school, I withdrew from several of theother volunteer organizations to spend time withthem as a parent in Scouting. That support led tome becoming an Assistant Cubmaster after the firstmonth and a camp-out. I am enjoying providing thetraining and support to our young men in Scouting.

What advice do you havefor those separating fromthemilitary wishing tocontinue serving theircommunity?For each country we visit in the military, we servein the communities, either repairing schools andpainting, teaching English to the local children andsupporting orphanages. When separating from themilitary, continue to volunteer and serve in your citiesand communities. They need our support and we areequipped with the training and talent to deliver.

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STILL SERVING 2013 7

“If there is a need, Fred Archer is there to jump in.The

last few years at The Dwelling Place have been a struggle

because government grants have been cut, funds have been

hit by the recession and individual donors have struggled

with their own lives. Fred has lead the charge to sustain the

mission of the organization – to provide a safe and secure

emergency shelter for families in crisis and to help move them

into sustainability. He has never lost sight of the needs of

our community.”

— Ilona Webb Bruner,

The Dwelling Place executive director

NavyCommaNder

Served 1979-1999

Why did you decide tostay in Hampton Roadsafter your service?You know that old saying “Everybody’s got tobe somewhere?” It was a matter of being closeto family and neither my wife nor I had familywhere we were from. We liked Hampton Roads.We were fortunate to be fond of the whole area.And it was very convenient being near one setof kids and grand kids.

Describe somemilitary highlights.Supporting an orphanage in Japan along withMarines who had been involved with thatorphanage for many years. Also working toraise money and provide basic medical suppliesto refugee women during the crisis in BosniaHerzegovina; providing religious services toservice men and women in diverse and lonelysettings ... I may not stop if I continue with oldmemories!

What are yourachievements or fondmemories outside themilitary?Travelling with my grandchildren to theirsporting events. I’ve also traveled to Ireland,and have played golf almost every week witha group of very compatible friends. The non-military parts of life, in Maine, California,Florida and New Jersey. In each place we hadthe opportunity for wonderful communityexperiences adding to our family lore.

Why did you decideto volunteer with TheDwelling Place?When I first came here I had never heard ofThe Dwelling Place, but they had a bluegrassconcert as a fundraiser, and the performerswere people that I knew – a nationally knownbluegrass band. I went and because of that Isaw what the The Dwelling Place was all about.

I’ve always been struck with homeless problems.As a kid, across the country I met people whowere stranded. I also worked with the companythat worked with migrants that were also kindof stranded. I had a concern in my heart forhomeless people. And when I realized howmany children were affected, I was definitely in.

The Dwelling Place place is a resident situationfor families, single mothers and children. Theaverage age of the homeless is 9. The majorityof homeless people are kids and the dwellingplace focuses on them and their families.

What advice do you havefor those separating fromthemilitary wishing tocontinue serving theircommunity?Find a project or organization that you like andcan support fully, sign up and stick to it. Serviceorganizations need stability in staff and also involunteers.

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8 2013 STILL SERVING

VirginiaScholasticChessAssociation

Learn more about our finalists’ organizations!

Contact us todaywww.tcc.edu/military • Local: 757-822-7777 • Toll Free: 866-921-6280

International: 855-399-7480 • Email: CMVESupport@tcc.edu

TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGECENTER FOR MILITARY &VETERANS EDUCATION

TCC IS BEHIND THEM 100%.

30%of our studentsare connected to the military.

Whether on base, on our campuses, or worldwide you can trustTCC’s Center for Military & Veterans Education (CMVE)team to help you take command of your education and career.

TCC offers many certificates that ladder to associate andbachelor’s degree programs while fast-tracking you to employability.

TCC’s CMVE provides one-stop access to degree planning,certifications, job skills training, and employment opportunities.

Enroll today at tcc.edu.

FROM HERE, GO ANYWHERE.

STILL SERVING 2013 9

Wounded Wear: www.woundedwear.org

ESGR: www.esgr.mil

STARBASE Victory: www.starbasevictory.org

The Dwelling Place: www.thedwellingplaceva.org

Wave City Care: www.wavecitycare.com

The American Red Cross: www.redcross.org

Susan G. Komen: www.komentidewater.org

Virginia Scholastic Chess Association: www.vschess.org

NMITC: netc.navy.mil/centers/ceninfodom/nmitc

Visit their websites:

10 2013 STILL SERVING

“After 27 years of service, Mike allows himself very little

free time or ‘me time.’ Instead, he spends all of his free time

outside of his work at Fort Eustis planning, organizing

and executing scholastic chess tournaments from Hampton

Roads to Richmond. He almost single-handedly planned,

organized and executed the 2013 State Scholastic and

Collegiate Chess Championships in Farmville at Longwood

University, serving several hundred players from across the

state of Virginia. He has done this for many years.”

—Christina M. Schweiss, friend and board member

ARMYColonel

SeRved 1979-2005

Why did you decide to stayin Hampton Roads afteryour service?In the mid-90s I attended the Joint Forces StaffCollege in Norfolk. I fell in love with the area,informing many of my Army colleagues that“Norfolk is one of the best kept secrets and leastknown places in the Army to serve.” That’s whyin 2003, after completing my tour in Europe,I decided to come to Norfolk – I wanted to“experience the secret” again.

Describe somemilitary highlights.I deployed to the Balkans (Bosnia, Albaniaand Kosovo) three times between 1998 and2003, with my final position being the DeputyCommander of U.S. Forces in Kosovo, a veryrewarding position I held for one year. My secondmost favorite assignment was the three years myfamily and I spent in Hawaii.

What are yourachievements or fondmemories outside themilitary?Achieving the “title” of National TournamentDirector, which is the chess equivalent of beinga referee in the National Football League. It took13 years of hard work to make it to this level, andmy fondest memories are of the coaching andmentoring I received along the way.

Why did you decide towork with the VirginiaScholastic ChessAssociation?My youngest son had an interest in chess whenhe was about 3 or 4 years old, so I taught him toplay. In 2000, we found ourselves stationed in theBoston area. One evening I attended a meetingof the Massachusetts Chess Association (MACA).They said that their Scholastic Chess Coordinatorhad recently moved on and they neededsomeone to do the work. I volunteered.

The seed that sprouted from my work in MACAeasily translated into what I do today as thePresident of the Virginia Scholastic ChessAssociation (VSCA). The VSCA’s mission is tospread chess among children living in theNorfolk-Richmond-Charlottesville corridor.We do this by helping schools start chessclubs, providing them with resources (chesssets), sending instructor-qualified volunteersto help teach chess, and hosting local chesstournaments. Today the VSCA has more than400 members. Our membership is free, it costsnothing to join the VSCA – something of whichwe are very proud.

What advice do you havefor those separating fromthemilitary wishing tocontinue serving theircommunity?Just look around and jump in. Don’t think toomuch about it – to borrow the Nike phrase, “JustDo It.” There’s lots to do. The key is networkingbefore you get out through participation invarious activities that you and/or your family liketo do.

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STILL SERVING 2013 11

“Don and his spouse are deeply involved with programs that

service children.They have established programs and worked

in programs. He is dedicated to helping the less fortunate

children who have difficulty applying themselves to rigors

of school. Children who get in trouble with the authorities,

single parent children and so on. He does everything possible

to equip them to face a difficult and challenging world and to

take responsibility. He does not hesitate to take initiative to

help when needed and is a true asset to the community in the

growth development for today and generations to come.”

—Julie Dudley, friend and executive director

armyColonel

Served 1958 -1988

Why did you decide to stayin Hampton Roads areaafter your service?We have lived in Virginia/Maryland since 1976.When I retired in 1988, I remained in this areabecause three of our children lived in this area.I was assigned to the Army Staff in 1976 forfour years. My next four assignments were inWashington, D.C. After retirement I worked eightyears as a DA civilian.

Describe somemilitary highlights.I served on active duty as a Regular ArmyCommissioned Officer from August 1958 toSeptember 1988. I was stationed in WestGermany and West Berlin for 7 years, Vietnamfor 2 years, and have also been stationed inCalifornia, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Missouri,Kansas, Virginia and Maryland. I was selectedas an Army Fellow and attended the U.S. StateDepartment’s Foreign Service Institute. In 1982,I was selected as the Army Fellow to attendthe U.S. Department of State Foreign ServiceInstitute. That same year, I received award fromthe Secretary of Defense.

Why did you decide tovolunteer with Red Cross?I was asked to become a Red Cross volunteer.I served as a Board Member, Vice-President,President and Chairman for the Armed ForcesEmergency Services (AFES). AFES is the linkbetween a deployed service member and theirfamily. In case of death or serious illness, familymembers telephone AFES, who then verifiesthe condition and contacts ARC HQ. The HQrep contacts the service member’s organizationto inform and or request the approval for theservice member to contact the requester and orcome home. Also, I supported members of thecommunity after weather emergencies.

Describe yourworkwith theCommunity Service Board.I served on the Middle Peninsula, NorthernNeck Community Service Board, MP NN CSB,for 9 years. The board serves 10 counties andprovides services to individuals and famalieswith special needs. “[Leon] helps individualswith needs such as enrolling in drug rehab,kids with emotional issues, single parentswith new babies, etc.,” said Julie Dudley, theExecutive Director for the American Red Cross,River Counties Chapter.

Other community service:According to Julie Dudley, friend and executivedirector of the River Counties Chapter of theAmerican Red Cross, Don also served as the:Vice President of The Link Organization;

created by association of churches as a one-stop agency covering two counties to help lessaffluent individuals/families in need.Primary contact to distribute “Coats for Kids.”

He screened the recipients to assure coats wentto the needy and arranged for distribution atelementary and middle schools.Community Planning Management Team

(CPMT) member, providing services for fosterchildren who are in need.

What advice do you havefor those separating fromthemilitary wishing tocontinue serving theircommunity?Community service is part of Army culture. I thinkthose who retire will continue to serve whereverthey are. I think we need work hard to recruitnon-military to perform community service.

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12 2013 STILL SERVING

“Cmdr. Fitzgerald is one of those exceptional individuals

who seeks to find ways to improve the lives of others and she

knows ‘how to rally the troops,’ to ensure every endeavor is a

huge success. One of the most gratifying experiences for the

more than 300 volunteers was participating in the WAVE

Holiday Extravaganza held at Lynnhaven Middle School

last December.This two-day event was the brainchild of

Comdr. Fitzgerald to help 136 families in need and their 500

children to have an enjoyable holiday.”

— Laura J. Smart, Partnership Coordinator

for Virginia Beach City Public Schools

NavyCommaNder

Served 1979-2000

Why did you decide to stayin Hampton Roads afteryour service?I stayed in Hampton Roads because that was mylast duty station and where I was plugged in withmy church and my friends. My initial plan wasto move back to the West Coast where I spent alarge part of my career, but in the end, I decidedthat Hampton Roads was home!

Describe somemilitary highlights.The people are my fondest memory. Specificadventures included diving throughout theworld with multi-national forces, blowing up a100 foot communications tower in Adak, Alaskaor recovering Trident rocket motors in mid-oceanrecovery. But it was all fun and exciting due tothe amazing people I worked alongside.

One of my early jobs with EOD Mobile Unit Twoout of Fort Story was a Trident Rocket MotorRecovery. Myself and a detachment of three otherpeople were flown down to Mayport, Fla. to workwith another team. When the Trident missile waslaunched, we were flown out to mid-ocean via

helicopter, jumped out with a package of slingsand buoys, and attached it to the rocket motorthat dropped off mid flight before it could sink.Then we waited for a boat to come recover us andthe rocket motor. The helicopter stood off as ouremergency rescue while we waited. Just us andthe sharks out there for 45 minutes to an hour!

Our EODGRU Two Detachment Sigonella Sicily(myself and eight enlisted EOD Technicians)were the dive team deployed to the Red Seain 1983 for the demining of the Suez Canal.We worked hand-in-hand with the Egyptians.I remember being flown in via helicopter eachmorning to go have tea with the port captainand discuss whether we would have a boat fordive operations that day.

My greatest military achievement would haveto be all my firsts that I was able to accomplishas a woman in the Navy. I was the first womanto become a Master Explosive OrdnanceDisposal (EOD) Technician, the first to becomecommanding officer of an EOD Mobile Unit andmany other firsts along the way!

I got to participate in numerous U.S. SecretService operations with many of the U.S.presidents, VP’s and other dignitaries. A fewhighlights were being with President Reaganin Barbados on one trip and another providingto support to President George H.W. Bush at hishome in Kennebunkport, Maine.

Why did you decideto volunteer withWave City Care?I began volunteering with Wave City Care in 1999with the after-school program in a low incomeneighborhood. I love children and spent a fewyears before the Navy as an elementary schoolteacher, so it was a perfect role for me! From thereI plugged into new roles and eventually came onstaff as a grant writer. Today I run the organizationas the Vice President of Wave City Care.

What advice do you havefor those separating fromthemilitary wishing tocontinue serving theircommunity?Take all your skills, interests and the passion youpoured into your career in the military and useit to make Hampton Roads a better place. Thereare so many opportunities out there where youcan help and you are so equipped to do it! It willchange your life!

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STILL SERVING 2013 13

“STEM education is extremely important to society.There

are more STEM jobs than this country’s educational system

currently produces. Bill has chosen an extremely effective way to

reach kids. What is exceptional about STARBASEVictory

is that it reaches every student in the Portsmouth School system.

Most STEM programs only reach those relative few that

sign up or are encouraged to sign up by a parent. Even though

Portsmouth is one of the poorest school systems in Hampton

Roads, thanks to Bill’s efforts, they have one of the best

STEM programs anywhere.”

—Douglas Bitterman, professional acquaintance

NavyReaR admiRal

SeRved 1967 - 1997

Why did you decide tostay in Hampton Roadsafter your service?I moved our family to Hampton Roads in 1977 fortwo primary reasons: (1) My wife and I wantedto be closer to our respective parents, who bothlived in the Washington, D.C. area. (2) Havingspent the first 10 years of my career on theWest Coast, deploying to the Pacific theater, Iwanted to spend some time in the East Coastenvironment and experience Mediterranean Seadeployments.

Describe somemilitary highlights.My flying career was targeted towardbecoming an astronaut. I gained significantflight experience by instructing in the TrainingCommand, flying in combat during the VietnamWar and going to the Air Force Test Pilot School.I was a finalist for the first space shuttle class, butwas disappointed to not be selected. However,aviation command, the Navy Nuclear Propulsionprogram and eventual command of the USSAbraham Lincoln (I was the commissioning CO)proved every bit as exciting and challenging as

flying the shuttle. In my final job in the Navy, Iwas the Chief of Naval Air Training and had theextraordinary opportunity to work extensivelywith my Air Force counterparts to introduce JointAviation Training into both services.

Describe some achieve-ments outside themilitary.After retiring, I taught for 10 years in theNAS Oceana flight simulators. Concurrently,I had a consulting job with a private, non-profit foundation where I was hired to set upscholarships for electric power engineeringstudents. I remain in that job today because itallows me to attend annual symposium, where Ican meet young engineers and listen to “cuttingedge” advancements across a broad spectrum ofengineering fields.

Why did you establishSTARBASE Victory?I am an engineer by education and Navytraining. Both of our sons are practicingengineers. I have long believed that thepublic school system(s) fail to providestudents with the opportunity to “enjoy thethrill of discovery.” STEM subjects (Science,

Technology, Engineering and Math) are usuallytaught using equations, theories and complexexperiments, which makes them seem moredifficult. Young children should be introducedto math and science as an integral part of theireveryday lives. Elementary age students areinterested in literally everything, so this is thetime to expose them to STEM.

What advice do you havefor those separating fromthe military wishing tocontinue serving theircommunity?The skills that you are taught and the leadershipopportunities that you experience in the militaryare valuable in the “outside world,” and becausewe are “on-duty” around the clock in the military,we develop a natural penchant for stayingfocused on the mission and rationing our time,often splitting it between job and family. Thoseskills are, frankly, under-appreciated in thecivilian world, but they will make you successfulat just about anything you do. Then, as you getolder and “retire,” don’t settle into a rocking chair– the world of volunteerism is waiting for yourskills and willingness to work.

H

14 2013 STILL SERVING

Why did you decide to stayin Hampton Roads afteryour service?My son is a career Marine and was transferredfrom California to Norfolk. He took mygranddaughter!

Describe somemilitary highlights.I am a Vietnam veteran – it is the attitude of oursociety that provided the fuel for me to makesure that neglect and abuse does not fall uponthose that serve this country, long before it waspopular.

What are yourachievements or fondmemories outside themilitary?My career. I am a retired California HighwayPatrolman. A good portion of that was spentriding as a Motor Officer – it doesn’t get anybetter than that. I still ride. Now I ride with theCombat Veterans Motorcycle Association andPatriot Guard Riders.

Why did you decideto volunteer with theTidewater Quilters Guild?What is “Quilt of Valor?”Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF) is a nationalorganization formed in 2003 by a Blue Starmother Catherine Roberts (qovf.org). The missionof QOVF is to cover all combat service membersand veterans touched by war with comfortingand healing Quilts of Valor. I am the VirginiaState Coordinator for the Foundation andorganize and coordinate the piecing, collecting,

organizing, distributing, making the awardpresentations or assisting others within thevolunteer network here in Virginia of making andpresenting Quilts of Valor.

I am also a longarm quilter. I operate a “powertool” that puts in the stitching to complete thequilt before it goes to a quilter to sew on thebinding. I became a member of the TQG in aneffort to be more in touch with the processesinvolved in quilting, the social networking withothers of like interests and to share in a craft mywife enjoys very much.

What advice do you havefor those separating fromthemilitary wishing tocontinue serving theircommunity?You just need to pay attention in your daily life.Opportunities to help, pay it forward, give backand be a contributing source to and for othersare everywhere, if you’re paying attention.

“Les will travel wherever needed, to present a Quilt of

Valor to a veteran or retiree. I’ve personally been present at

one of these presentations and I can say, his heart is so full

and the recipient felt so comforted. Les’ purpose is to find

a way to be of benefit to as many veterans and retirees as

possible. By following his purpose, he is still serving, which

provides true meaning in his life and that of his wife Elaine,

whom is also very dedicated to quilting the Quilts of Valor

and ensuring the quilts are pressed, clean and ready for Les

to present.”

— Diane Beavers, friend

“Les personally addresses each

veteran, from his heart, with words

of comfort, encouragement and

thanks for their service to America.”

— Diane Beavers, friend

Marine CorpsCorporal

served 1964-1968P

STILL SERVING 2013 15

Photo and storycourtesy of The Flagship

SUFFOLK—How would it feel toleave your worries at the door andclear your mind from 14,000 feet inthe air? Several Wounded Warriorshad the chance to do just that whenthey did a tandem jump from anairplane as they participated in the3rd annual “Jumping for a Purpose”skydiving event in Suffolk, May 18,sponsored by Wounded Wear.

Jumping for a Purpose wasestablished in 2010 when JasonRedman, founder and executivedirector of Wounded Wear; MattThompson, CEO of Troopswap; andLarry Pennington, owner of SkydiveSuffolk collaborated together toorganize an event that would giveback to Wounded Warriors who hadalready given so much of themselvesto defend our country.

“This event is about empoweringWounded Warriors, providing them theopportunity to recognize that their livesdid not end with their injuries,” saidRedman during the opening ceremony.“It actually just began.”

Retired Hospital Corpsman 3rd ClassJeremiah Harold was one of the firstWounded Warriors of the day to takethe plunge from in the air. Althoughhe is not as active as he used to bedue to being wounded in Afghanistanin 2009 when he was knocked fromthe second story of a building thatwas hit with 107 mm rocket, breakingboth of his legs and giving him aconcussion. He didn’t let that stophim from leaping from the airplane.

“As soon as I exited the plane, it wasawesome. I knew I was right where I

was supposed to be,” he said. “Theseevents help me get better mentallyand physically.”

Suffolk Mayor Linda T. Johnsonattended the event for the first timeand was amazed of the WoundedWarriors bravery and all thesupporters who came out for theevent.

“I am just filled with awe ... to theWounded Warriors I say to you, ‘whatan inspiration.’ This event can teachall of us that no matter what happensin life, you just don’t give up.”

Wounded Wear volunteer MichelleSnyder, an Army veteran injuredduring a job-related jump in 2002while on active duty, had theopportunity to participate during lastyear’s event.

“I enjoyed jumping out of planes inthe Army, but the average jump inthe Army is 1,000 feet,” he said. “Sojumping at 13,000 feet was a hugeadrenaline rush and I felt no pain.”

Snyder became a regular WoundedWear volunteer in January of 2012after participating in a WoundedWarrior clothing kit buildingvolunteer event, in which a WoundedWarrior unit from North Carolinatraveled to Hampton Roads to buildkits for other wounded vets.

“I decided that night, if a squad ofWounded Warriors drove all the wayfrom North Carolina and Portsmouthto make kits for their buddies, thenthis was an organization I wanted tocontinue to be a part of.”

According to Erica Redman, wifeof Jason, although the jump was a

success with around 40 WoundedWarriors slated to jump, she says theywould like to improve the event’simpact.

“Ideally we would like to have anational reach, to expand our mission

to help and empower our veteransacross the country.”

For more on Wounded Wear and howyou can support their mission, visitwww.facebook.com/woundedwear,or at www.woundedwear.org.

Annual ‘Jumping for aPurpose’ gives WoundedWarriors chance to fly high

EVENT SPONSORED BYWOUNDEDWEAR AND THE 2013 STILL SERVING VETERAN OF THE YEAR JASON REDMAN

RetiredHospitalCorpsman3rd ClassJeremiahHaroldlands in thedrop zoneat SkydiveSuffolkduring the3rd annualJumping fora PurposeSkydivingevent.

16 2013 STILL SERVING

United Concordia Dental,

an industry leader in group andindividual dental insurance,

is proud to support ournation’s military service members,

veterans and retirees.

We salute your courage and honor.

Dental plans are administered by United Concordia Companies, Inc. and underwritten by United Concordia Life and Health Insurance Company, United Concordia DentalCorporation of Alabama, United Concordia Insurance Company of New York and United Concordia Insurance Company. For more information, please visit the “Disclaimers”link at www.unitedconcordia.com.

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