Future of Miramar discussed at Town Hall Meeting

Vol. 9 No. 6 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. February 9, 2007 Future of Miramar discussed at Town Hall Meeting CPL. SKYE JONES MCAS Miramar Combat Correspondent Lance Cpl. Kyle Davis donated blood here Feb. 5 during a blood drive held by the Navy Medical Center San Diego. Lance Cpl. George J. Papastrat Giving the gift of life: LANCE CPL. GEORGE J. PAPASTRAT Miramar blood drive helps combat military blood shortages MCAS Miramar Combat Correspondent Donating blood to meet patient care is critically needed throughout the world, especially in the military community. The majority of the blood supply for service members is provided by a donor pool of fellow service members and their families. Recent deployments and deferrals from many San Diego military installations have dropped the local donor pool. Compounding the situation, deployed service members cannot donate blood for one year after returning from deployment. In an effort to overcome the shortage, the Navy Medical Center San Diego held a blood drive Monday in the Marine Aircraft Group 46 parking area here to increase blood donations. The 40 plus donations from the Cassie Craft, Marine wife and mother of six children, wants to find out everything she can about Al Asad, before her husband deploys to Iraq next week. The Key Volunteer advisor also wants to know what she can expect from Marine Corps Community Services this year. Although the Craft family has been stationed at Miramar three times, and is currently on a two and a half year tour, she still found the answers to her questions and new information at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar’s Town Hall Meeting, held at the Bob Hope Theater Tuesday. “I haven’t been to a Town Hall Meeting in awhile, but this one was exceptionally informative,” she said. “Maj. Gen. Helland put a map of Iraq on the projector and showed exactly where my husband would be serving. It’s nice to see this information and it is good for others to know about existing programs to be a part of while their spouse is deployed.” Craft was one of many spouses at the meeting, but everyone who lives, works or visits MCAS Miramar had the opportunity to express concerns, ask questions and gain information about the air station from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Commanding General Maj. Gen. Samuel Helland and Col. Christopher O’Connor, MCAS Miramar commanding officer. Questions for the commanders ranged from family housing concerns to joint use flight line issues. The question and answer period, open to all who attended, was only one small portion of the meeting, however. One of the main high- Maj. Gen. Samuel Helland spends some time addressing the concerns of Marine wife and mother, Cassie Craft, one of approximately 75 attendees at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar’s Town Hall Meeting Feb. 6. Lance Cpl. George J. Papastrat lights of the evening was a Facilities Projects in Progress Brief by O'Connor. The brief, highlighting all upcoming Miramar projects, shed light on the construction of the new exchange, a new multifaceted enlisted sports bar, air field lighting repairs and new family housing construction, along with many other projects. “I am pleased that people took time out of their busy schedules to come here,” said O’Connor, of his first Town Hall Meeting at Miramar. “This is a good chance for GO TO TOWN PAGE 3 ‘Operation pages’ flies into action LANCE CPL. FRANCES L. GOCH MCAS Miramar Combat Correspondent GO TO BLOOD PAGE 3 Retired Staff Sgt. Guiles leads the Young Marines to an awaiting KC-130J with their books they collected for deployed Marines. The Young Marines collected more than 10,000 books. Lance Cpl. Frances L. Goch The Temecula Young Marines collected and donated more than 10,000 books to send to Marines currently deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan or recuperating at Landstuhl Army Regional Medical Center in Germany. The Young Marines, ranging in age from eight to 18, loaded pallets Feb. 1 at Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, Marine GO TO BOOK PAGE 4 MCAS Web site Want to know all the buzz, then check out the Flight Jacket on-line. KC FOURSOME Airframer foursome share Marine Corps career path and love of country. For full story, see pages 6-7 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT Miramar Mail is up and running. Send your ideas and concerns to miramarmail@usmc.mil. REACH US EDITORIAL (858) 577-6000 www.miramar.usmc.mil ADVERTISING (619) 758-9280 editorial CMC stresses importance of end strength increase GEN. JAMES T. CONWAY Commandant of the Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Samuel T. Helland Commanding General 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Marines, as many of you know, the president has approved our request for the Marine Corps to grow from its current end strength of 175,000 Marines to 202,000. I want to pass on why this is important to our Corps and what this increase means for us. The current operational tempo of the long war has resulted in strain on our Marines and on the Corps as an institution. While the morale of our Marines remains high - I am nevertheless concerned with the stress of multiple deployments on our Marines and their families. The second effect of this high operational tempo is that it challenges the essence of our Marine Corps. By this, I mean that our Corps has significantly less opportunity to train for other missions to fulfill our congressionally mandated mission to be “the nation’s shock troops.” An active-duty component end strength of 202,000 Marines will go a long way toward reducing the strain both on individual Marines and on our institution. Make no mistake, this request for an end strength increase is separate from, indeed it pre-dates, the pending plus-up operation in Iraq. If this end-strength increase is supported by Congress, our first task will be to build three new infantry battalions and the required supporting structure - approximately 4,000 Marines. We will then grow by approximately 5,000 Marines per year. This end strength will do more than just add the much needed infantry battalions - we will balance the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and reduce the strain on military occupational specialties that are experiencing a 1:1 deployment-to-dwell ratio or less. These include rotary wing squadrons, military police, intelligence units, engineers, and other combat support and combat service support fields. In growing our Corps, we plan to gradually lengthen our dwell periods, so that our Marine Corps will continue to be the two-fisted force our nation expects: equally adept at counterinsurgency as well as full spectrum operations. It will also allow Marines to spend more time with their families. Our goal is to achieve a 1:2 deployment-todwell ratio for active component units and 1:5 for reserve units. Since over 70 percent of the proposed Marine Corps end strength increase will consist of first-term Marines, we are making plans that will enhance our recruiting and retention. Marines, this is an important time in history to serve our country. Many of you joined the Corps after our nation was already at war; you joined expecting to go into harm’s way and have shouldered that duty with courage and determination. You are a special breed of America's warriors and I salute your stalwart service and sacrifice. Semper Fidelis. This Month in Marine Corps History 1 February 1967 Elements of the 3rd Marine Division begin Operation Prairie II the Quang Tri province of Vietnam. During the 46-day search-and-destroy operation 93 Marines and 693 of the enemy were killed. 15 February 1898 28 Marines and 232 seamen lost their lives when the battleship Maine was mysteriously sunk by an explosion in the harbor of Havana, Cuba. Though no definitive evidence linked the Spanish with the sinking, the cry went up, "Remember the Maine!" and by late April the U.S. and Spain were at war. 23 February 1945 Four days after the initial landings on Iwo Jima, 1st Lt. Harold G. Schrier led 40 men from Company E, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines, up Mt. Suribachi to secure the crest and raise the small American flag that battalion commander Lt. Col. Chandler Johnson had given Schrier. Within an hour, the patrol reached the rim of the crater. After a short fire-fight with Japanese defenders emerging from several caves, the small American flag was attached to an iron pipe and raised over the island. 24 February 1991 The I Marine Expeditionary Force and coalition forces began a ground assault on Iraqi defenses in the final chapter of Operation Desert Storm. In 100 hours, U.S. and allied forces defeated the Iraqi Army. *Information re-printed from www.tecom.usmc.mil/HD/This_Month_History.htm Col. Christopher E. O’Connor Commanding Officer MCAS Miramar 1st Lt. Armando A. Daviu Public Affairs Director 2nd Lt. Katheryn B. Putnam Internal Information Officer GySgt. Arsenio R. Cortez Jr. Public Affairs Chief SSgt. Kimberly S. Leone Internal Information Chief LCpl. Taylor H. Poulin Marlon C. Saldana Editors The Flight Jacket is published every Friday at no cost to the government by TFM Associates, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Navy or the U.S. Marine Corps under an exclusively written contract with the U.S. Marine Corps. This civilian enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for the military services, contents of the Flight Jacket are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, Department of the Navy or U.S. Marine Corps. It is for informational purposes only and in no way should be considered directive in nature. The editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Office. Comments or questions should be directed to (858) 577-6000. Questions regarding the appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements should be directed to TFM Associates at (619) 754-2995. Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap. Religious Services The Chaplain’s Office, located in building 5632 on Bauer Road, coordinates regularly scheduled services. For the location and meeting schedules of religious activities, contact the Chaplain’s Office at (858) 577-1333, or visit www.miramar.usmc.mil. Sempertoons by Gunnery Sgt. Charles Wolf Sunday: 9 a.m. Protestant Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Protestant Children’s Worship 11 a.m. Roman Catholic Eucharist Religious Education/Sunday: 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. Catholic CCD Children K-12 10 a.m. Protestant Adult Bible Study Wednesday 6 - 7 p.m. Baptist Service Weekday Worship Service: Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass Monday 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Praise and Worship Service Wednesday 7 p.m. Baptist Service Islamic Worship Service: Islamic Center of San Diego 858-278-5240 www.icsd.org Jewish: Jewish Outreach at 858-571-3444 www.jewishinsandiego.org www.miramar.usmc.mil Page 2 Flight Jacket February 9, 2007 news BLOOD, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Monday’s blood drive will be critical for service members who are deployed, said Doreen Rekoski, blood donor recruiter, Blood Donor Center, NMCSD. The blood donor center at NMCSD sends weekly shipments of blood to the troops deployed and must ensure they have a stock of all types of blood and blood products. “We had a great turn out,” Rekoski said. “It is important that we are doing these drives because the need is so great.” During an average month, the center sends about 1,000 units of blood to units deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, explained Rekoski. This is five times the amount they shipped overseas before the start of OIF/OEF. Blood donation is extremely important for injured service members because donated blood can last as little as five days. A wounded service member in combat may need anywhere from four to 100 units of blood, according to Rekoski. “One young Marine wounded in a sniper attack in Iraq needed 149 blood and blood products,” Rekoski added. The by-products of donated blood are red blood cells, platelets and plasma all of which are essential for military members wounded in combat. Lance Cpl. Kyle Davis, disburser, Finance Office, MCAS Miramar, donated blood to help support the troops that are currently serving in OIF. It marked his first donation in his Marine Corps career. “I hope if I were wounded while in combat, service members would do the same for me,” Davis said. “I am sure they will.” In full bloom, the new MCCS Garden Center here opened its doors last week featuring aisles of brightly colored flower arrangements tended by smiling faces like Lien Huber. The Garden Center is open Mon. – Fri. from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. excluing holidays. In addition to flowers patrons can buy home garden equipment and barbecue essentials. Cpl. Skye Jones TOWN, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 us to inform the community and also listen to what they have to say about base activity.” One of the major presentations during the meeting was the dissemination of the results of a base-wide survey conducted by O'Connor in January. “I read everyone’s comments about customer service, and agree that we need to refocus ourselves on this extremely important aspect of community services. MCCS is Want to host a blood drive? If your unit is interested in hosting a blood drive, you can contact Doreen Rekoski, the blood donor recruiter for the Naval Medical Center San Diego at (619) 921-0406. The donor center will bring a blood mobile directly to your location. They will also give away t-shirts as well as juice and cookies to donors. With every blood donation going directly to support the military community, the life you save could be your own. about taking care of Marines and Sailors, and we should never lose sight of this,” he said. “We will do a better job of getting the word out ahead of time on special events and other MCCS activities so you can have adequate time to plan to take advantage of what is being offered.” In addition to better informing Marines and sailors of Miramar events, the station command is also integrating a way of communication for station residents to the command. “We have established an e-mail address for the Miramar communi- ty to comment on, ask questions, or make recommendations on any issue that affects the air station. Your input is vital to making the air station the best base in the Marine Corps,” O’Connor said. The e-mail address, miramarmail@usmc.mil can be found in Outlook by searching “miramar_mail” in the address book. To view the results of the MCCS survey and other new renovation plans discussed at the Town Hall Meeting, visit www.mccsmiramar.com. www.miramar.usmc.mil February 9, 2007 Flight Jacket Page 3 news BOOK, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Marines and 26 recruits hoping to join their ranks. “It is beneficial to both the forward Marines and the Young Marines because it lets our guys overseas know that they are not forgotten and the Young Marines get to feel the pride of being able to show their patriotism through such a selfless act,” said Guiles. The Young Marines’ generosity is not through just yet, they are also assisting AMVETS, a nationally chartered veterans organization, collect DVD’s for “Operation DVD.” “It’s a morale booster, whether you are deployed or here at the station to see such support being given to the troops,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Curreri, loadmaster, VMGR-352, MAG-11, 3rd MAW. “I was happy to be able to help them in the undertaking of their mission.” For more information on how to help AMVETS and the Young Marines with “Operation DVD” visit www.operationdvd.us or www.amvets.org. Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, for transportation to the deployed Marines. “We wanted to show our support to the Marines that are deployed,” said 15-year-old Bryanna Vaughn, Young Marine and student at Temecula Preparatory School. With knowledge of deployment life from their commanding officer, retired Staff Sgt. Michael Guiles, the Young Marines wanted to help any way they could. “(Marines) don’t have that much to do in their free time so we wanted to help,” said Jarrod Blake, Young Marine and student at Great Oaks High School. The Young Marines collected books over a six month period, gathering contributions from a bookstore that was closing, friends and family members, according to Guiles. There are currently 46 members of Temecula’s chapter of Young Miramar takes a spin during Wheel of Fortune auditions Feb. 1 at the Bob Hope Theater. Marty Lublin, the Wheel of Fortune’s traveling Pat Sajak, brings out the personality in Navy corpsman HM1 John Jucutan. Jucutan, a corpsman with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, joined fellow active duty service members and other military personnel and family members on the stage to solve puzzles and to show off their enthusiasm to the judges. Select contestants will be notified shortly if they are accepted for another audition. The “Armed Forces Week” series of Wheel of Fortune will tape in San Diego next month. Cpl. Skye Jones Page 4 Flight Jacket February 9, 2007 www.miramar.usmc.mil around the corps 3 deployments in 3 years make MWCS-28 confident in combat LANCE CPL. CHARLES E. MCKELVEY MCAS Cherry Point MCAS CHERRY POINT, N.C. – Marines and sailors with Marine Wing Communication Squadron 28 departed Jan. 24 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. The squadron will be part of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (forward), which supports the aviation combat mission of II Marine Expeditionary Force. “This will be the third deployment the squadron has made in the past three years,” said Capt. Neil Whitney, B Company commander, MWCS-28. Data, radio, wire and maintenance are just some of the responsibilities the service members with MWCS-28 will have while they are deployed, explained Whitney, a Kearney, Neb., native. The Marines and sailors with MWCS-28 will be deployed for the majority of 2007 and will be working most- ly out of Al Asad, Iraq. accommodating over there, but “We support the Marine Air I’m still going to miss the same Control Squadron by giving them things I did last time such as my their phones and data capabilities. family and friends,” Kroenig We are the communication sup- added. port,” Whitney added. Cpl. Dana McNeil is deployGunnery Sgt. Patrick Kroenig ing for the first time and is is looking forward to the improve- excited and anxious to see what ments made to the bases since it’s like “over there.” their last deployment. “This is why I wanted to join “I think this time around is the Marine Corps in the first going to be a place,” lot easier,” “This is why I wanted to join the Marine M c N e i l K r o e n i g Corps in the first place. In my opinion, said. “In my said. “This the Marines are the best service and opinion, the time, when I knew I would get the chance to Marines are we get there, deploy if I joined the Marine Corps.” the best everything is service and Cpl. Dana McNeil going to be MCAS Cherry Point I knew I already set would get up and operations should run the chance to deploy if I joined smoother.” the Marine Corps.” Even with the added comforts, McNeil said that she was Marines and sailors still have the ready for any task put in front of unavoidable task of leaving their her. loved ones behind when they “While at Cherry Point, I took deploy. care of the motor transportation “Yes, it’s going to be more for the squadron, but I am confi- Marines and sailors with Marine Wing Communication Squadron 28 stand in line at the Aerial Point of Embarkation to be weighed before boarding the plane. This is one of the last steps in the deployment process before leaving U.S. soil. Lance Cpl. Charles E. Mckelvey dent in my training that I can handle whatever they task me to do,” McNeil said. “We have had some sort of group or detachment deployed since 2003 and now it’s our turn,” Whitney said. “I’m confident with my Marines and sailors and sure that we will accomplish great things during this deployment.” www.miramar.usmc.mil February 9, 2007 Flight Jacket Page 5 feat Lance C From left to right: Sgt. Chris Bartosh and Cpls. Joe Price, Ryan McCarty and Mark Parry have spent almost their entire Marine Corps career together. The corporals went to boot camp together picked up Bartosh in Okinawa, Japan. The four quickly became inseparable and requested to be sent to their second duty station together here. Friendships made in the Marine Corps are certainly like none other. Maybe it comes from common experiences of standing on line during recruit training and being screamed at, the stress of hiking through seemingly endless sand, or feeling the sadness when a “brother” has moved on to a new duty station. For four Marines stationed here, their lives together in the Marines has built a strong friendship that really puts the brothers into the phrase “brothers in arms.” Sgt. Chris Bartosh and Cpls. Joe Price, Ryan McCarty and Mark Parry, who are all a part of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, have spent almost their entire Marine Corps careers together. Price, Parry, and McCarty have been together since boot camp, picking up Bartosh in Okinawa. “We didn’t start hanging out together until we got to school,” said McCarty, airframe mechanic and Sayreville, N. J. native. “We’re all real big on (physical training) and just started seeing each other in the gym and around school. We just became friends.” The strength of the camaraderie that holds these Marines together is evident in their constant provoking and pestering of each other, like young brothers do. They have gotten to know each other so well over the years they finish each others sentences. “Cpl. McCarty and I are both from New Jersey, we grew up 20 minutes away from Page 6 Flight Jacket February 9, 2007 Tightening the bolts of friendship A common interest turns four Marines into family LANCE CPL. FRANCES L. GOCH | MCAS Miramar Combat Correspondent each other…” said Bartosh also an airframe mechanic, hailing from Springfield. “We were hunting and fishing in the same spots growing up and never even knew the other existed,” finished McCarty. After MOS school all four ended up at VMGR-152, MAG-36, 1st MAW, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Japan together. While there they supported several humanitarian missions including going to Indonesia for the tsunami relief effort in 2005 and the Philippines for the land slides in 2006. “We were the first planes down there delivering food, water and supplies to the area,” said Bartosh. “Whenever there is a disaster like that, the work tempo is through the roof. We were working 12 on, 12 off for weeks on end, but it paid off in the long run.” For these Marines, their perspective of their jobs has changed since they originally picked their MOS when entering the delayed entry program for the Marine Corps. “I chose this job when I joined the Marine Corps because of the job skills I would have when I got out,” McCarty said. Now the foursome of airframers realizes their job is much more than just job-skills training for the civilian world. Airframers are responsible for everything related to the structure of the aircraft and the hydraulics system, while powerline mechanics maintain engines and fuel lines. “We are keeping planes in the air and saving lives,” said Parry, airframe mechanic and New Market, MD native. But it was more than just their interest in aviation mechanics and fitness that have brought these fou er. “We love to spend our weeke doors together,” said Price. “We’ll the beach during the day and g boarding up at Big Bear at night.” “I was with this guy the first saw snow,” McCarty said pointing the Palm Beach native and po mechanic. Along with sharing weekends a riences they also share common be a love for their country. “We want to start a new relig jokes McCarty. “Yeah, it is called Americanis Bartosh. “After seeing how so ma people are so grateful for what li have in their country, we realized ho we as Americans take for granted.” “We are traditionalists, we l country and everything it stands f McCarty. With so much in common and th becoming so intertwined over years, it is no surprise that even tho families have never met them in they know the other three’s voices as if they had been there all along. “I couldn’t imagine life witho three, every second with these g blast,” said Price. “These guys family.” www.miramar.usmc.mil ture Sgt. Christopher Bartosh, 21 Hometown: Springfield, New Jersey Occupation: KC-130J Airframe Mechanic Heroes: My father Ambition: Go to school and become a fireman and personal trainer Favorite Food: Lobster and crab Favorite school subject: Gym Favorite Song: Metallica “Fade to Black” Proudest Accomplishment: Completing the Naha Marathon If I had the chance I would … go back in time and watch my parents and myself grow up. Lance Cpl. Frances L. Goch Cpl. Mark A Parry, 21 Hometown: New Market, Md. Occupation: KC-130J Airframe Mechanic Heroes: My parents Ambition: Go to school to be a mechanical engineer Favorite Food: Chicken Alfredo Favorite school subject: Math Favorite Song: Pink Floyd “Comfortably Numb” Proudest Accomplishment: Completing the Naha Marathon If I had the chance I would … take five years off of work and travel the world. Lance Cpl. Frances L. Goch Cpl. Frances L. Goch r and then common physical ur togeth- Cpl. Ryan M. McCarty, 23 Hometown: Sayreville, New Jersey Occupation: KC-130J Airframe Mechanic Heroes: Arnold Schwarzenegger Ambition: To live a happy, worry-free life Favorite Food: Steak Favorite school subject: Geology Favorite Song: Guns ‘N’ Roses “November Rain” Proudest Accomplishment: Going to college for free If I had the chance I would … get my pilot’s license, fly to Costa Rica and live on a beach for a year. Lance Cpl. Frances L. Goch ends outgo out to go snow time he at Price, owerline and expeeliefs and gion …” sm,” said any other ittle they ow much ” love our for,” said Cpl. Joey Price, 22 Hometown: Palm Beach, Fla. Occupation: KC-130J Powerline Mechanic Heroes: My grandpa and Jimmy Buffett Ambition: Travel the world Favorite Food: Chicken wings and oysters Favorite school subject: History/gym Favorite Song: Jimmy Buffett “Why Don’t We Get Drunk” Proudest Accomplishment: Too many to list If I had the chance I would … never change. Lance Cpl. Frances L. Goch heir lives the past ough their n person, by heart out these guys is a are my www.miramar.usmc.mil February 9, 2007 Flight Jacket Page 7 family news Fast Facts: Many other scholarships are provided for military families: Vice Admiral E.P. Travers and Loan Scholarship Program- provides assistance to children and spouses of active-duty and retired sailors and Marines, including reservists while on active duty over 30 days, for full-time undergraduate studies. Deadline: March 1st www.nmcrs.org/travers.html Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation- provides scholarships to children of: • Active-duty or reserve Marines • Marines who have received an honorable discharge, medical discharge or died while serving in the Marine Corps • Active-duty or reserve Navy corpsmen who are serving or have served with a Marine unit • Navy corpsmen who have served with a Marine unit and received an honorable discharge, medical discharge, or died while serving in the Navy • Or grandchildren of a Marine who served with the 4th or 6th Marine Division during World War II and 531 Gray Ghost Squadron, and was a member of their association • Maximum family adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less and grade point average of at least 2.0. www.mcsf.com DeCA launches ’07 Children’s Scholarship Program LANCE CPL. KAITLYN M. SCARBORO MCAS Miramar Combat Correspondent The nation’s Defense Commissary Agency plans to ease the costs of tuition for military dependants through the Scholarships for Military Children Program for the sixth consecutive year. Applications for scholarships of up to $1,500 are now available at 264 commissaries worldwide or online at www.commissaries.com, www.militaryscholar.org, and www.dodea.edu. All applications must be submitted to the commissary by close of business Feb. 21. At least one qualified applicant from each commissary location will receive a $1,500 scholarship. This year’s application includes an essay on how and why the applicant would change an event in history. “With college costs soaring, our DoD students and their parents appreciate every available scholar- ship to help defray the cost,” said Joseph Tafoya, director of the Department of Defense Education Activity. “The scholarships enable many of our families to better afford the tuition and provide an incentive for students to work hard. They also demonstrate that the military communities are committed to education and increased opportunities for all students.” The Scholarships for Military Children Program was created in recognition of the contributions of military families and to celebrate the role of the commissary in the military family community, according to the program’s Web site. To qualify, the applicant must be an unmarried child of an activeduty, reserve, guard or retired service member, and a qualified identification-card holder, enrolled in DEERS and meet other scholarship criteria. Applicants must be under the age of 21, or 23 if currently enrolled in school. The applicant must plan to attend an accredited college or university full-time in the 2007 fall term or be enrolled in a program of study that can transfer directly into a four-year program. The Fisher House Foundation searched for a way to expand their service to military families and has volunteered to underwrite administration of the Scholarship for Military Children Program, according to the Web site. The Fisher House Foundation provides a “Home Away from Home” near military medical centers for families experiencing a personal med- ical crisis. “We’re excited to see this worthwhile program gaining recognition and funding from the community at large,” said Jim Weiskopf, vice president of communications at the Fisher House Foundation. “Commissary industry support has been amazing and increased public support can only help ensure that the Scholarships for Military Children program continues to benefit the military community for many years to come.” To make donations visit the official program Web site at www.militaryscholar.org. Page 8 Flight Jacket February 9, 2007 www.miramar.usmc.mil spotlight V i d e o g a m e s n o l o n g e r f o r t h e av e r a g e n e r d LANCE CPL. SCOTT T. MCADAM JR. MCAS Miramar Combat Correspondent Lost Sleep Club The Lost Sleep Club recently opened for business Dec. 8. The club features 39 PCs for online gaming, six Xbox 360s with gaming chairs, two GTR 2 racing simulators, one flight simulator, a lounge with a TV and a private room for rent. “I wanted to create a really relaxed atmosphere where people can come hang out and enjoy themselves,” said Tom Giangreco Jr., owner of LSC The LSC is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mon. – Thurs., 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. Fri. – Sat. and 1 to 10 p.m. on Sundays. The cost is $5 per hour or $4.50 per hour with a military I.D. The LSC is located at 4428 Convoy St, Suite 310 San Diego, 92111. For more information call (619) 849-8715. TOP 5 INDUSTRY FACTS 1. U.S. computer and video game software sales grew six percent in 2006 to $7.4 billion – almost tripling industry software sales since 1996. 2. The average game player is 33 years old and has been playing games for 12 years. 3. The average age of the most frequent game buyer is 40 years old. In 2006, 93 percent of computer game buyers and 83 percent of console game buyers were over the age of 18. 4. 85 percent of all games sold in 2005 were rated “E” for Everyone, “T” for Teen, or “E10+” for Everyone 10+. For more information on ratings, please see www.esrb.org. 5. In 2005, 25 percent of Americans over the age of 50 played video games, an increase from nine percent in 1999. Information from: www.theesa.com/facts/ The video game community has long had the stigma of belonging to “nerds.” However, that point of view eroded over the years due to the growing popularity of video games and massively multiplayer online games or MMO. It may raise a few eyebrows to hear that friends and fellow Marines choose to stay at home and play the popular World of Warcraft (WoW) game on a Saturday night instead of going out in town to socialize with their friends. Nowadays it is not uncommon to hear of a Marine in San Diego playing an MMO alongside a college student in Japan. “What I enjoy most about playing MMOs is playing with other people around the world,” said Cpl. Eric House, network administrator, MCAS Miramar. “I play with a group of friends that span from Europe, the United States and Australia.” Gaming may be economically advantageous encouraging Marines to buy video games rather than spend their hard-earned money at the pub. “Buying a $60 video game is definitely cheaper than paying for a night out on the town,” said Cpl. Daniel Kemp, an adjutant clerk at MCAS Miramar. “Paying for cover charge, drinks, a cab ride and buying food can be very costly.” Many things can attribute to the Cpl. Eric House sits in the GTR 2 racing simulator at the Lost Sleep Club in San Diego. The LSC has two GTR 2 racing simulators and one flight simulator. Lance Cpl. Scott T. McAdam Jr. rise in popularity of video games amongst today’s society. According to House, overcoming downtime and boredom, the entertainment and challenge found in gaming, interacting with people worldwide and the economics of buying the occasional video game as opposed to partying every night contribute to the popularity of gaming. “The best thing about online games is that you can continue to enjoy them for months or even years,” said House. “Unlike the computers you play them on, these games are not obsolete after six months to a year.” Kemp has a slightly different take on the subject. “In my mind it’s what people now do to pass the time,” said Kemp. “First it was the newspaper, then the radio, then TV and now computers. It's just the natural progression of entertainment mediums with the advancement of technology.” According to www.answers.com, the popularity of computer and video games as a whole has been increasing steadily. The average age of the video game player is now 33, belying the myth that video games are largely a diversion for teenagers. Whatever the cause, the video game industry is steadily growing and showing no signs of slowing in the near future and it is taking a number of Marines along for the ride. Women over the age of 18 represent a significantly greater portion of the gameplaying population (30%) than boys age 17 or younger (23%). www.miramar.usmc.mil February 9, 2007 Flight Jacket Page 9 community announcements CALENDAR OF EVENTS Now – Feb. 14 Fri, Feb. 9 Sat, Feb. 10 Mon, Feb. 12 Feb. 13 & 15 Tues, Feb. 13 Sweetheart Gifts Sale, Exchange $18.99 Special, One Dozen Rose Bouquet, Cash & Carry Only, MCX Flower Shop. “Mini” Career Fair, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Transition Classroom, Room 103, (858) 577-6710. Whale Watching by Kayak, Outdoor Adventure Center, $40 per person, (858) 577-4150. Deployment Support Group for Grades K – 2, 3:15 – 4 p.m., (858) 437-7841. Deployment Support Group for Middle Schoolers, 4:15 – 5 p.m., (858) 437-7841. Spouse’s Leadership Skills Workshop, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., (858) 577-4810. Spouse’s Leadership Skills Workshop, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., (858) 577-4810. Foosball Tournament, 11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m., The Great Escape, (858) 577-6171. Deployment Support Group for Preschoolers, 2 – 2:45 p.m., (858) 437-7841. Deployment Support Group for Grades 3 – 5, 3:15 – 4 p.m., (858) 437-7841. President's Day Sale, Exchange February Furniture Event, MCX Home Center Black Thursday, Max Push-Ups, 12 p.m. Miramar Sports Complex, (858) 577-4129. 8-Ball Pool Tournament, 7:30 p.m., The Great Escape, (858) 577-6171. Swap Meet, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Youth Sports Complex, (858) 577-4142. Parents Night Out, 4:30 – 11:30 p.m., Youth Center, (858) 577-4136. Key Volunteer Network Basic Training, 6 – 9 p.m., (858) 577-1322. Intramural 6 vs. 6 Soccer Coaches Meeting, 11:30 a.m., Semper Fit Ctr, (858) 577-1202. Miramar Runner’s Club Meeting, 11:30 a.m., Semper Fit Center, (858) 577-4127. Key Volunteer Coordinator Training, 6 – 9 p.m., (858) 577-1322. 8-Ball Pool Tournament, 7:30 p.m., The Great Escape, (858) 577-6171. *FREE Fishing Trip for Military Children, Outdoor Adventure Center, (858) 577-4150. MCX NEWS Until the completion of construction, the Main Food Court and Starbucks are closing at 5 p.m. For that special someone on Valentine’s Day order your Valentine’s Day bouquet today. You can also buy a one dozen rose bouquet for $18.99 until Feb. 14. Visit the Flower Shop, located in the Garden Center. Electronics, the Cellular Center, Sporting Goods, Luggage, GNC and Laundry/Dry Cleaners are moving to the MCX Main Store. Check us out at our new location. Your MCX Main Store will match the price of any identical in-stock item sold in any local store within a 50-mile radius. We will match a difference up to $5 on the spot, greater price differences requires model verification by a supervisor. Some exceptions do apply. See the Customer Service department for details. Come check out the MCX Main Store! - Barber Shop/Beauty Salon are NOW OPEN in the Main Exchange Promenade - Flower Shop is now in the Garden Center - Watch/Jewelry Repair and Optical Shop/Optometrist are now located in the Promenade Feb. 14–20 Feb. 14–25 Thurs, Feb. 15 Fri, Feb. 16 Sat, Feb. 17 Feb. 20 & 21 Wed, Feb. 21 Thurs, Feb. 22 Fri, Feb. 23 Sun, Feb. 25 *More information on this special event is available below. WE’RE HERE TO SERVE YOU Free Fishing Trip For Military Children The Outdoor Adventure Center will be hosting a 1/2 Day Deep Sea Fishing Trip for children of active-duty military. The trip will be held on Sun., Feb. 25 from 12 – 6 p.m., aboard the “Seawatch.” Trip participants will meet at the Seaforth Sportfishing Marina. Special Note: This event is for children only. There will only be room for six adults to attend (ratio 1:6, one adult for every six children). Six captains and six crew members have been scheduled for this trip. All bait, tackle, BBQ and fun are included. Licenses will be provided for ages up to 16 years. First come, first served sign-ups can be made by calling (858) 577-4150. Fri. Feb. 9 Are You Looking To Talk To Somebody? The MCCS Counseling Center, located in building 2274 and open Mon. – Fri. from 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., offers many programs that can help. The counseling available includes: Substance Abuse Prevention & Treatment, Drug Demand Reduction/Prevention, Exceptional Family Member Program, Family Violence/Family Advocacy, Individual & Marriage Counseling, Information and Referral Services, Personal Financial Management and Victim Advocacy-Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault. The Counseling Center can be reached for appointments or questions by calling (858) 577-6585. Children of Men (R) 6:30 p.m. The Good Shepherd (R) 9:00 p.m. Night at the Museum (PG) 6:30 p.m. *We Are Marshall (PG) 9:00 p.m. Charlotte’s Web (G) 1:00 p.m. *Pursuit of Happyness (PG-13) 6:30 p.m. Closed for Special Event Sat. Feb. 10 Free Golf For Active Duty FREE golf every Tuesday. Two hours after twilight start time at the Miramar Memorial Golf Course for active-duty MCAS Miramar Marines and sailors only. Call (858) 577-4155 for more information. Sun. Feb. 11 MCCS Recreation Featured Facility: Auto Skills Center If you’re looking to repair, restore or soup up your auto, the Auto Skills Center offers everything you need. The Center, located in building 6673, is open Tues. – Fri. from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sat. – Sun. from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Patrons have access to their extensive collection of tools as well as welding equipment, battery chargers, a brake center, steam cleaners, a CD-ROM engine analyzer, and electronic testing equipment. They also provide plenty of space to work on your car, truck or motorcycle in both indoor and outdoor stalls. Knowledgeable ASE certified mechanics are available for advice and assistance. Lock and Leave Storage - Lock and Leave storage offers four sizes of lockers, up to 8 x 8 x 8 ft., with monthly rental rates starting at just $20. Lockers are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Storage is limited to household goods only, and you supply your own lock. Lockers are located in the Auto Skills Center parking lot. The Auto Skills Center can be reached by calling (858) 577-1215. Wed. Feb. 14 Thurs. Feb. 15 Night at the Museum (PG) 2:00 p.m. Children of Men (R) 6:30 p.m. *Indicates Last Showing ANNOUNCEMENTS Thrift Shop Volunteers active-duty ID to the Special Tickets office. For more information visit www.Squaw.com/winter/deals.html. Service members and as many as three direct dependents get free admission one time this year to any one of Anheuser-Busch's SeaWorld, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place parks. For more information visit www.herosalute.com. The American Red Cross wants to hear from WIC recipients who shop at military commis- The Miramar Thrift Shop is in need of new volunteers. All volunteers receive reimbursement for mileage and daycare expenses related to volunteering along with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. For more information call the shop at (858) 271-4633 or contact Roberta at garvin@san.rr.com. Free Admission to SeaWorld saries. Opinions will be used to determine to shoppers’ current level of satisfaction and how the Red Cross can improve the delivery of WIC items through military commissaries. The survey is available at www.surveyshare.com/survey/take/?sid=47646. Squaw Valley ski resort near Lake Tahoe is offering active-duty military free lift tickets (except during holiday blackouts.) Take your Page 10 Flight Jacket February 9, 2007 Free Squaw Valley Lift Tickets American Red Cross WIC survey Active-duty military with a valid ID get free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park. (Discount tickets for dependents are available on base.) For more information visit www.sandiegozoo.org or call (619) 231-1515. Free Admission to the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park Come play golf with the Luck of the Irish on March 16. Proceeds go to scholarships for military spouses and children. The 2007 OWC Charity Golf Tournament registration form is now available. The field is limited, so please register early. Access the registration form online at: http://www.miramarowc.org/index_files/Page505.htm. Please print and mail completed entry forms with payment to Christi White, 3274 Corporal Dr, San Diego, CA 92124. Any questions, contact Christi at golf@miramarowc.org. www.miramar.usmc.mil 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament