The Golden Eagle Online ----------------------------------------------August 18, 2011
Blue Diamonds earn Top Hook award
Outlaw ordie 2011 Navy Pacfic AMRAAM winner
'Walking School Bus ' has legs
New school year means buses, kids sharing streets
NASL steps up for United Way's 'Day of Caring'
Women’s Equality Day Observed
NASL supports Feds Feed Families Annual Food Drive
Spuds Restaurant & Brew Pub Opens for Business
Blue Diamonds earn Top Hook award
By Ensign Dan Tison
VFA-146 Public Affairs
The Blue Diamonds of Strike Fighter Squadron One Four Six were recently
awarded the Carrier Air Wing Fourteen ―Top Hook‖ award for the best landing
performance within squadrons in the Air Wing during the most recent graded line period
of the 2011 WESTPAC deployment onboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).
Several members of the squadron were additionally honored for exceptional
performance. Squadron Executive Officer, Cmdr. Dan Baxter and Lt. Cmdr. Michael
Mullen were top 10 performers overall throughout the Air Wing. Lt. Annie Domko, Lt.
Tom Kellner, and Lt. Michael Christoph were also among the top 5 ―Nuggets,‖ a title
given to pilots on their first operational cruise.
Every arrested landing a naval aviator makes aboard an aircraft carrier is closely
watched and graded by a Landing Signal Officer (LSO). The LSO evaluates each landing
while ensuring the landings are safe and expeditious. Lt. Galen Thorp, VFA-146’s
Senior LSO stated: ―Top Hook awards are won on the backs of the nuggets. We started
cruise with a very junior squadron, but the newer pilots have all taken huge strides in
their landing performances and this award is a direct reflection of their effort and
improvement over the last six months.‖
However, this award was not just earned by the pilots alone, Squadron
Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Tom Frosch, added, ―I could not be more proud of the
entire squadron, from the pilots flying the ball to touchdown to our maintainers keeping
the jets flying; this is truly a team award.‖
Outlaw ordie 2011 Navy Pacfic AMRAAM winner
From VFA-151 Public Affairs
AO1(AW) Darrell Vandergrifft from the Outlaws of Strike Fighter Weapons
School Pacific (SFWSPAC) was selected as the Navy’s 2011 AMRAAM Outstanding
Performer. Each year, Naval Air Systems Command and the Program Executive Officer
for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons (PMA-259) select two Sailors for this
prestigious award, and AO1 was the Pacific Fleet representative. Vandergrifft was
selected for his sustained superior service to the United States Navy and his steadfast
commitment to providing improved war fighting capabilities. This accomplishment was
achieved through his vast experience and communication skills while assigned as an F/A-
18 conventional weapons loading instructor and inspection team member for the strike
fighter community.
Vandergrifft has established himself as the premier technical expert on aircraft
weapons systems for the F/A-18A-F and the E/A-18G. While serving as an instructor at
SFWSPAC, he flawlessly instructed 13 Conventional Weapons Loading courses and one
Kuwait Air Force class graduating a total of 104 students. His training and oversight
resulted in the successful firing of six AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. In addition, he
provided critical training and evaluation for seven F/A-18 squadrons in the completion of
their Conventional Weapons Technical Proficiency Inspections (CWTPI), and he
personally trained 73 Aviation Ordnancemen in AIM-120 handling, loading, and arming
procedures.
Dedicated ―Red Shirts‖ like Vandergrifft ensure our war fighters can safely and
successfully employ the AIM-120 – enabling them to succeed in combat by achieving
Air-to-Air dominance.
Vandergrifft was recognized for this achievement on August 3rd at the 2011
Aviation Ordnance Officer Annual Training Symposium in Reno.
'Walking School Bus ' has legs
By Melinda Larson
NAS Lemoore Public Affairs Officer
Safe, economical, convenient and fun is how the Lemoore Union Elementary
School District describes its new "Walking School Bus" program that will begin with this
school year.
"A Walking School Bus is a group of children walking to school led by a
volunteer adult," said Leanne Venema, the district's Walking School Bus coordinator.
"The group walks a designated route to the school each morning and afternoon, leaving
the school and making stops along the way to drop children off at their homes. The
process is reversed in the afternoon."
The program is funded by a two year non-infrastructure grant. All four
elementary schools - Cinnamon, P.W. Engvall, Lemoore and Meadow Lane will have
three to four routes based on the "Safe Routes to School" maps. The success of the
program depends on the help of volunteers.
"It can be as simple as two parents taking turns walking to their children to
school," Venema explained. "Or it can be more structured with volunteers, schedules,
and meeting points. We are going to keep the program flexible, and the children and
parents can use the Walking School Bus when they need it."
Since many parents don't have the time to walk their children to school, the
Walking School bus offers an opportunity to share the task with other adults.
"Many parents are reluctant to let their children walk to school alone. With a
Walking School Bus, trusted adults would join in and supervise," Venema added.
"Background checks will be paid for through the program."
With the grant paying for the background checks it could mean more qualified
volunteers for the school district.
"The net gain to the school district will be a much larger qualified volunteer base
that will remain even when the grant runs out in two years," she said. "It is a huge help
in qualifying the economically disadvantaged who are willing to help but can't afford to."
In addition to creating a volunteer base, saving gas money and reducing traffic
congestion around schools, walking to school is a healthy alternative.
"In 1969, half of all kids walked or biked to school. Today, fewer than fifteen
percent of children do so. This trend has led to concerns about student health, traffic
congestion, air quality, and safety. The introduction of the Walking School Bus into the
Lemoore Union Elementary School District means the community is doing something
about those concerns," Venema added.
Walking School Buses are expected to make their debut Sept. 1. Adult volunteers
will wear safety vests, and carry stop signs and whistles.
"When you see the kids walking together in the mornings or afternoons this
school year, be vigilant with your driving and give them a honk with the car horn to show
them your support," Venema said.
For more information and to volunteer contact Leanne Venema by phone: (559)
924- 6887 or e-mail lvenema@luesd.k12.ca.us
New school year means buses, kids sharing streets
From NAS Lemoore Public Affairs
For 23 million students nationwide, the school day begins and ends with a trip on
a school bus. The greatest risk is not riding the bus, but approaching or leaving the bus.
Before children go back to school or start school for the first time, it is essential that
adults and children know traffic safety rules.
Some good recommendations are:
- When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children
walking or bicycling to school.
- When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch out for young people
who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking of getting there
safely.
- Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no
sidewalks in neighborhood.
- Slow down. Watch for children playing and congregating near bus stops.
- Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without
looking for traffic.
- Learn and obey the school bus laws in your state. Learn the "flashing signal light
system" that school bus drivers use to alert motorists of pending actions:
- Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload
children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
- Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped, and
that children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red
lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving
before they can start driving again.
Children
- Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
- When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the
curb, and line up away from the street.
- Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it's okay before
stepping onto the bus.
- If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along
the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus
before you cross. Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
- Use the handrails to avoids falls. When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing
with drawstrings, and book bags with straps don't get caught in the handrails or doors.
- Never walk behind the bus.
- Walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus.
- If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up
because the driver may not be able to see you.
Parents
- Teach children to follow these common sense practices to make school bus
transportation safer.
NASL steps up for United Way's 'Day of Caring'
By Melinda Larson
NAS Lemoore Public Affairs Officer
Teams of volunteers converged on area non-profit agencies to assist with a variety
of projects during Kings United Way's "Day of Caring" Aug. 5. United Way works as
the project facilitator between benefitting agencies and volunteer groups.
The mission of Kings United Way is to create a unified team by increasing the
organized capacity of people to care for one another. More than half of the 164
volunteers were from NAS Lemoore.
"We would not have enough volunteers if it wasn't for the Navy," said Nanette
Villarreal, Kings United Way executive director. "This gives the Sailors a chance to see
how charities are benefiting from their contributions to the United Way through the
Combined Federal Campaign."
From drug-exposed children to the elderly, the Day of Caring touched many
lives. Following an appreciation breakfast and awards ceremony at the Tachi Hotel,
volunteers received their assignments and set out on a variety of charitable missions.
At Hannah's House, a transitional living facility for homeless women with
substance abuse problems and their drug-exposed children, volunteers ripped out old
trees and shrubs in preparation for "Jan's Garden." The garden will be in honor Jan
LaMattino a Hannah's House volunteer for more than 15 years.
"The base and our communities are teammates. This type of work helps our team
bond," said Capt. Eric Venema, NAS Lemoore's commanding officer as he and his wife,
Leanne, uprooted a decaying tree in the backyard of Hannah's House.
"My staff and residents sincerely appreciate everyone's help here today," said Sue
Weisenhaus-Braz, executive director of Champions Recovery Alternative Program. "The
volunteers made a difference today in the quality of life for our residents who cherish the
memory of Jan."
A few blocks away at the Salvation Army, volunteers from NAS Lemoore and
Adventist Health pitched in together to accomplish minor repairs and cleaning. Down the
street at the Kings County Library, volunteers moved and filed books. One avid
volunteer's inspiration is a childhood memory.
"When I was growing up in south Philadelphia, I remember Sailors in their white
'cracker-jacks' helping out in my community and I thought that was pretty cool. I think
it's important to give back," said Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Teresa Smith assigned
to Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific.
In today's fragile economic times, non-profit organizations are feeling the crunch
and volunteers make a difference throughout the Kings County, according to Villarreal.
"During the Day of Caring, volunteers do extra things that help save budgets. By
working on one-time service projects for non-profit agencies in Kings County, everyone
benefits," Villarreal said.
During the welcome breakfast Kings United Way presented Community Spirit
awards and Employee Recognition awards to a variety of individuals and employers.
Women’s Equality Day Observed
By Tammy Eskew
Golden Eagle Staff Writer
On Aug, 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution affirmed the right
of women to vote in all public elections. It had taken American women and their male
supporters 72 years of ceaseless campaigning to win this basic democratic right.
By Presidential proclamation, Aug. 26 is annually celebrated as Women’s
Equality Day in recognition of both the anniversary of suffrage and of women’s
continued efforts toward equal rights in the United States.
―NAS Lemoore will celebrate Women’s Equality Day on Friday, Aug. 26 with a
commemorative luncheon at the mainside Galley from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Guest
speaker for the event is Hanford’s Vice Mayor, Sue Sorensen,‖ explained AMC
(AW/SW) Michael Condell, NAS Lemoore’s Equal Opportunity Advisor.
The event is sponsored by NASL Multi-Cultural Heritage Committee. The group
of volunteers serving on the Committee is dedicated to recognizing the military’s diverse
workforce.
―Observances are designed to enhance cross-cultural and gender awareness
among military members, their families, and the civilian work force. They are conducted
to recognize the continuous achievements of all Americans to the American culture,‖
explained Condell.
Ninety-one years ago, the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution
was completed, guaranteeing women the right to vote. The 19th Amendment was a
turning point in our Nation’s history and observing that day in history is a way to
recognize the continued efforts made by women towards full equality.
―Standing on the shoulders of these trailblazers, we pay tribute to the brave
women who dot the pages of our history books, and to those who have quietly broken
barriers in our workplaces, communities, and society,‖ wrote President Barack OBama
from a Presidential Proclamation. ―We can see the remarkable fruits of past struggles and
victories today. Women's rights are ultimately human rights, and the march for equality
will not end until full parity and equal opportunity are attained in every State and
workplace across our Nation.‖
The fight for women’s equality is not just a woman’s agenda, but an American
agenda. Women’s Equality Day to be celebrated on Friday, Aug. 26 is a global
celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present
and future.
The public is encouraged and invited to attend NAS Lemoore’s celebration of
Women’s Equality Day at the mainside Galley Friday, Aug. 26 beginning at 11:30 a.m.
An all-women’s color guard will present the colors. The National Anthem will be sung
by Karin Erwin and welcoming remarks delivered by Captain Patricia McDonald, Naval
Hospital Lemoore executive officer. Hanford’s Vice Mayor, Sue Sorensen, who was
voted into office, will be the honored guest speaker and Capt. Eric Venema, NASL
commanding officer, will offer closing remarks.
NASL supports Feds Feed Families Annual Food Drive
By Tammy Eskew
Golden Eagle Staff Writer
Consider this shocking national statistic: one out of every six adults and nearly
one out of four children struggle with hunger. In Kings County, record numbers of
people—your neighbors, co-workers and friends don’t have enough to eat. People have to
choose between paying rent and utilities or buying groceries. Help is on the way.
People at NAS Lemoore are stepping up to help meet the national challenge of
gathering two million pounds of food during the Department of Defense ―Feds Feed
Families‖ campaign.
―Food banks across the nation are facing shortages of non-perishable food items.
―Feds Feed Families‖ was conducted in past years in the Capital Region and this year has
been adopted across all Federal agencies. This is an opportunity for federal employees to
make a difference in the local community,‖ said Lt. Jeff Jenkins, NASL command
chaplain.
The nationwide effort food drive is a direct response to the ―United We Serve
Act‖ signed by President Barack Obama in April 2009 calling upon all Americans to
contribute to the nation’s economic recovery by serving in their local communities
―The campaign is for all federal employees. Local food banks traditionally tend to
run low on food in the summer months because most food donations occur around the
holidays,‖ explained Jenkins. ―With our nation’s current economic troubles, the need is
even greater.‖
The campaign will run through the end of August. People can donate at the
Commissary, Chapel, mainside Gym, Jet Mart, Naval Hospital Lemoore, Navy Federal
Credit Union, Navy Lodge, CNNATTU and Lincoln Housing through either of its
community centers.
―The response at NAS Lemoore has been incredible. Every time we have asked
for donations, the floodgate of donations has opened up,‖ explained Jenkins. ―This
program is all about helping and the community aboard NASL is always quick to respond
to help. It’s always good knowing you were able to make a difference.‖
What a difference they have made so far. To date, NASL has collected over
14,146 pounds of food that has been distributed to Lemoore Christian Aid and St.
Vincent DePaul who will in turn, help feed the hungry in our local communities.
―NASL is always willing and ready to lend a helping hand outside our gates. We
have a great relationship with local helping organizations and this type of event only
strengthens those ties,‖ said Jenkins.
Spuds Restaurant & Brew Pub Opens for Business
By Tammy Eskew
Golden Eagle Staff Writer
After a year of hard work and response to the public’s request, Community
Support Programs (CSP) Food & Beverage is proud to announce the highly anticipated
grand opening of NAS Lemoore Spuds Restaurant & Brew Pub.
―We will be open for business Saturday, Aug. 27 at 4 p.m. We are very proud of
the end results,‖ said Dee Richards, CSP director. ―Despite its name, Spuds Restaurant &
Brew Pub is not named after a potato. The name comes from the call sign of the first
naval aviator in history, Cmdr. Theodore ―Spuds‖ Ellyson.‖
As its name suggests, Spuds features a restaurant on one side and a Brew Pub for
adults 21 and older (active duty 18-21) on the other side. Although there are two distinct
sections, the design is a cohesive transition from one area to another.
―We wanted to appeal to all our customers by offering a family atmosphere where
the entire family can enjoy a sit down meal and an adult recreational atmosphere where
you can enjoy a good beer and order casual food,‖ explained Lisa Fulton, NASL Food
and Beverage director.
Spuds Restaurant & Brew Pub is a Navy in-house operation unique to NAS
Lemoore. The work was done by regional MWR construction team led by Eddie Leihr
and the cost of the project was $750,000.
―We gutted it down to the studs. Everything is brand new including the flooring,
walls, fireplace with overstuffed comfortable seating, bar adorned with command
plaques, copper vats used for brewing beer and root beer, lighting, pillars, gaming
systems, computers, televisions and furniture,‖ said Richards. ―Lisa and I picked all the
finishes and the interior design. It was a lot of hard work and the end result is a state of
the art equipped facility with great food, great customer service and a fun place to hang
out.‖
Upon entering the restaurant side of the house, diners will have the option to order
off the wall menu, visit the lunch buffet or enjoy a sit down dinner ordering off a menu
with a variety of entrees. Diners can also enjoy a sweet ending to their meal with an
amazing dessert bar. The walls are adorned with model airplanes and news clippings
from NAS Lemoore beginnings which serves a great conversation topic.
―The restaurant also features a carry-out option and a conference room for
meetings geared towards smaller groups,‖ said Fulton. ―We have added more seating and
will offer weekly specials like Taco Tuesdays, Fajita Fridays and Saturdays Prime Rib.
The Pub & Recreation Center will offer a separate menu.‖
The true beer lover will appreciate their options at Spuds Brew Pub side of the
house where specialty beers will be brewed. They will also carry commercial favorites as
well and other bar drinks to order.
―There is a viewing room featuring three cooper vats used to brew homemade
beer by the brewmaster, Dave Milkman who is also in charge of making homemade root
beer,‖ said Richards.
A brewmaster makes beer. This may sound like a dream job to some, but the
process of making beer is a highly-skilled art. The primary duty of the brewmaster is to
ensure the quality of the beer brewed. There are several steps to the process that must be
followed to strict specifications. Unique ingredient possibilities are practically endless,
but include malted grains, hops, yeast, woods and fruits.
―It smells like a bakery when he is brewing beer. It smells wonderful. Spuds Brew
Pub will feature a great selection of flavors available year round, as well as fun seasonal
selections,‖ explained Fulton. ―Spuds Brew Pub concept is a big living room where
customers will be comfortable and feel at home. It’s a great gathering place for this
community.‖
The Brew Pub is WiFi capable and will feature two gaming stations (eight total)
complete with audio plug ins. Please bring your own headphones. Other features include
ten Internet computer stations, billiards, gaming tables, pinball, jukebox, cozy fireplace,
covered patio with fans and outdoor heaters and of course multiple large flat screen
televisions to broadcast the latest sporting event.
Whether you dine at the restaurant or visit the Pub recreational area, guests will
be visually treated to a warm, cozy, friendly atmosphere where one can relax and enjoy a
deliciously prepared meal, homemade root beer, dessert bar, lunch buffet or homemade
brewed beer, casual food and recreational activities. Spuds Restaurant & Brew Pub opens
for business Saturday, Aug. 27 at 4 p.m.