YYY E L L O W RRR I B B O N MMM INISTRY

FEBRUARY 2020 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 2

CAVU Colonel Steve Martin Inside this Issue: Sitting by the sea, an old man lic service and he wanted to do thinks back over the course of his part for his country. At 18 Military Terms, Abbrevia- 1 his life – one unique in the years old, much to his parent’s tions, and Acronyms annals of history. He has chagrin, Bush became the young- lived a full life – loved and est naval aviator and was sent to CAVU 1-4 respected by many. He the Pacific. His parents thought Proposed New Dental Benefit 2, 4 watches the rhythm of the he was too young, and though sea with seagulls floating by tall, very skinny. He entered Winter Safety Tips (part 1) 2 on the ocean breeze. This is flight training to be a carrier pilot Valentine’s Day Military his favorite place in the specializing as a . 3 Tribute world, out by the ocean. It’s peaceful and scenic and he CAVU – perfect flying conditions. Did You Know: Origins of Navy That was the note on the mission 3 thinks back over his life. He Terms, part 8 notices a small plaque he had board as the pilots had been briefed about their upcoming mis- This Month in Military History 4 placed at this very spot years ago. Once it was a motiva- sion on the morning of September tional symbol, pointing to 2, 1944. At 7:15 am, Lieutenant

future possibilities; now it’s mostly a reminder Junior Grade (LTJG) George Bush was sitting of achievement gained, and a life well lived. in the cockpit of his TBM-1C Avenger waiting CAVU are the lone letters on this plaque and it to lift off the deck of the USS San Jacinto . stands for Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited - Also occupying his aircraft was LTJG Ted perfect flying conditions. He thinks back to White and Radioman Second Class John years ago and his time as a Navy pilot and how Delaney. White, a good friend to Bush, volun- CAVU seemed to be a common link between teered and was approved to join the mission his military training and the long life he has in Bush’s plane as the tail gunner. Their mis- lived in the years since. He is almost never sion would take them to the Japanese held alone these days; it goes with the territory of island of Chichi Jima to bomb a critical Japa- being a former President of the United States; nese communications site. Chichi Jima was a but CAVU brings back one strong memory of key strategic stronghold of the Bonin Islands being completely and desperately alone. (30 islands) 540 nautical miles from , George Herbert Walker Bush, Forty-One as he . The island provided support for the is known, thinks back to a morning many, other Bonin Islands and its two communica- many years ago. CAVU…. tions sites atop two mountains were key sur- veillance points for the Japanese Navy. Bush George H.W. Bush ( pictured above, center ) and his fellow aviators were a part of Admiral joined the shortly after his ’s Task Force 58 responsible for 18th birthday. Following the Japanese attack eliminating Japanese resistance in preparation on Pearl Harbor, millions of young men volun- for the invasion of in February 1945. teered for military service. Bush had been born into a family that had a tradition of pub- CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 marking: To maintain con- tact on a target from such a position that the marking unit has an immediate of- Pray for our Military Family: fensive capability.  Chaplain Brian Palmer and Family - US master: The commanding Army, serving the Lord in Fort Hood, TX officer of a US Naval Ship, a  Merry Dare Goodwin - US Navy, serving aboard the USS Decatur commercial ship, or a gov-  Justin & Kimberly Reece - US Air Force, ernment-owned general stationed at Pensacola NAS agency agreement ship op-  Timothy & Hope Robinson - USMC, sta- tioned at Camp LeJeune, NC erated for the Military  Sgt Aaron David de Serres - USMC, deployed Sealift Command to in the Middle East transport DOD cargo. PAGE 2 Volume 12, Issue 2 THE PATRIOT NEWS

CAVU (Continued from page 1) At 8:00 am, Bush, along with three TBM-1C After a moment, his “Avengers” ( depicted at right ) from the parachute untangled USS Jacinto and four F6F-3 “Hellcats” from from the tail of the air- gun- the USS Enterprise , began their bombing craft and he parachuted boat run on the communications facilities at to the ocean, although at until it Chichi Jima. As then President Bush re- a higher speed than nor- left the sce- called many years later, they encountered mal due to the missing ne. Commander heavy flak. Just as Bush was releasing his panels. Melvin radioed a four 500 lb. bombs, his plane was hit by pre-arranged dis- flak. He then saw flames on the wing of his When Bush hit the water, he tress call that he had a pilot in the aircraft; he turned the plane back toward swam to the raft that had also ejected water and the pilots stayed overhead until the ocean hoping to be able to get it back from the plane. As he entered the raft, he they were getting low on fuel. to the San Jacinto. Once out over the noticed that the raft paddles had become ocean he noticed that the flames were detached in the fall and were not with the Once the planes had to depart, Bush was nearing his fuel tank and he knew that raft. He would later find that his fresh now completely alone in the ocean. Bush they only had a few moments before the water supply also became detached and later recalled that he was “sick to his fuel ignited. He radioed back to White and was lost. He immediately began his search stomach, injured, concerned about his Delaney, “hit the silk” for White and Delaney. Later he would crewmen and scared.” He said he thought meaning parachute from learn that only one was able to of his parents, prayed and looked for his the plane. He turned the leave the plane and that para- lost crewmen. The tides were pushing the plane so that the wind chute did not open before hit- raft toward Chichi Jima and the Japanese wouldn’t hinder White and ting the water. Both crewmen who would be merciless to a pilot that had Delaney from egressing were killed. just bombed them. He sat in the raft, at from the rear of the plane. the mercy of the sea - with no friends, no Flying overhead were three of supplies, and hopelessly alone. At 11:56 He then ejected the canopy Bush’s wingmen, Lieutenant and stepped out on the am, Bush saw a periscope come up out of Doug West, Lieutenant Milt the water. He was afraid that he was wing. He pulled his ripcord Moore, and Commander Don as he was leaving the plane about to be captured by a Japanese sub- Melvin. West spotted Bush in marine. A few minutes later, the subma- (too early) and the para- the raft and noticed that he was CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 chute caught on the tail of rine USS Finback pulled alongside Bush and bleeding. One of his crewmen pulled him from the water. He had been the plane ripping out some dropped a medical kit that Bush of the panels in the para- in the water for well over three hours retrieved. LT Moore noticed when rescued. chute. In the process his that a Japanese gunboat had also head hit one of the rear elevators of the spotted Bush and was heading toward his plane causing a nasty gash in his head. position. Both West and Moore strafed the CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Proposed New VA Dental Benefit by military.com author Jim Absher A proposed Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pilot offer a reduced rate on dental insurance through their program would help all veterans access free or dis- VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP). VADIP, how- counted dental services in their local communities. ever, is scheduled to end in 2021 and is only available Currently, VA only provides dental care to veterans to veterans enrolled in VA healthcare or families en- who have a service -related dental problem, are for- rolled in CHAMPVA. mer POWs or are rated as totally disabled as a result As of late 2019, according to a notice published in the of their military service. Under this current law, only Federal Register, VA wants to begin an at least five about 8% of veterans are eligible for dental care from year long pilot program that would connect veterans the VA. with dentists in their area who offer free or discount- In 2014, in an effort to help offer more dental care for ed dental care to all veterans -- not just those with a veterans, the VA partnered with private insurers to service -connected disability. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Winter Safety Tips (part 1) Article by health.mil staff Winter can be a hazardous time of year. Frigid tempera- your kit should include a full list of your prescrip- tures and slick roads can be dangerous. Being prepared tion and over-the-counter medications with dosing and knowing your TRICARE health care options will instructions. Don’t forget to include contact infor- help you and your family remain safe this winter. The mation for TRICARE, your primary care provider, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and an extra supply of drugs and supplies. provide a number of winter safety tips to help you If you need medical care after a weather-related prepare for freezing temperatures, and prevent illness or injury, TRICARE covers urgent and injuries and illness. When it comes to preparing emergency care. But be sure to follow the rules your home, car, and family during the winter for your plan for getting care. If you’re not sure months, follow these tips. of the type of care you need, the Military Health Prepare with TRICARE System Nurse Advice Line is available 24/7 to pro- It’s a good idea to have a health emergency kit with all vide health advice. your TRICARE essentials. If you have chronic conditions, CONTINUED NEXT MONTH PAGE 3 Valentine’s Day Military Tribute Article by freelance writer Meg Barone Hundreds of local military veterans were Most of the students used red, pink and "This is a really special thing you're doing," set to celebrate Valentine's Day with mes- lavender hearts to decorate their cards. Himes told the children. "It reminds them sages of thanks from the students of Kings Others drew their hearts and penned mes- that you're thinking of them." He said it is Highway Elementary School in Westport, sages inside them. "I can't help but say especially important to think of them as CT. They used their artistic talents to thank you for all various conflicts wind create Valentine cards with lots of con- you do," one down. "When we had struction paper hearts and heart-filled fourth-grader hundreds of thousands words of thanks for the veterans' bravery wrote on her card. of people deployed in and sacrifice. "Thank you for Iraq and Afghanistan it risking your life was top of mind," U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-4, visited the for ours," wrote Himes said. There is school to talk with students in several Charlotte Foege, a less attention on them classrooms about the role of the military fourth-grader. now, he said. and to help make the cards for his third One enterprising annual Valentines for Veterans project. He fourth-grader, Himes asked the stu- left the school with two large boxes of Peter Alaimo, dents to remember about 200 Valentine's Day cards, which he drew an American veterans throughout was scheduled to deliver Tuesday to veter- flag on his Valen- the year, not just on ans at the VFW Post 399 in the Saugatuck tine and pasted Valentine's Day. "When section of town and the Veterans Admin- pink hearts in the place of the stars. they get care packages -- magazines, can- istration Hospital in West Haven. Fourth-grader Lia Chen placed rows of dy, shampoo, it really means a lot to them," Himes said. "They're a pretty special group of people," pink hearts in the stripes of her flag. Himes told fourth-graders and the kinder- Fifth-grader Ethan Parker, 11, escorted gartners who had been paired with them Himes from classroom to classroom and for the art project. "They take risks and collected the heart-laden cards from fel- they are proud to serve the country and low students. wear the uniform," he said. CAVU (Continued from Page 2) The USS Finback had been on life-guard some extent. You could see puffs of down. There were nine crewmen who duty to pick up anyone who had to bail smoke coming at you, and you knew what initially survived being shot down in the out over the ocean. They had picked up the problem was. But there, under wa- attack on Chichi Jima. Only Bush ulti- the call from Commander Melvin and im- ter, all you could do was hope that the mately survived. The other eight were mediately proceeded to his location. The enemy wouldn’t put an explosive on top captured by the Japanese - tortured, exe- waters around Chichi Jima of you. The real submariners cuted and their bodies cannibalized. were heavily mined, so the weren’t worried about it; Throughout the war, Bush flew 58 combat Finback had to proceed with they’d been through it all be- missions and was awarded the Distin- caution. Because they were fore. But for me, there was a guished Flying Cross. The remainder of on combat patrols, Bush had certain helplessness. Having his life was unparalleled, having served as to stay with them for 30 no assigned duty made it even a Texas congressman, Ambassador to the days. He soon found out that worse – waiting for one explo- United Nations, U.S. Liaison to China, he was not out of the woods sion and then the next. There Director of the CIA, Vice-President to yet. During that time the were times when it felt as Ronald Reagan, and finally, as the forty- USS Finback endured two though the sub would shake first President of the United States. separate depth chargings by apart. I felt trapped and Japanese destroyers. Later scared - far more scared than I One can only guess what our history would Bush recalled; “I just had to was being shot at in my have looked like had he not survived the sit there and be still. That plane .” bombing run on Chichi Jima. His near- experience was far scarier death experience profoundly shaped the than an airplane bombing run. At least in LTJG Bush returned to the USS rest of his life. San Jacinto eight weeks after being shot a plane you controlled your destiny to CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Did You Know: Origins of Navy Terminology (Part 8) www.navy.mil Editor’s Note: Continuing with part 8 rigging (also known as lines- but never Starboard "rope"!). Examples of lines include braces The Vikings called the side of their ship its S.O.S. (lines that adjust the angle at which a sail board, and they placed the steering oar, Contrary to popular notion, the letters is set in relation to the wind) and stays the "star" on the right side of the ship, S.O.S. do not stand for "Save Our Ship" or (lines supporting the masts). thus that side became known as the "star "Save Our Souls". They were selected to The mainbrace was the principal line con- board." It's been that way ever since. And, indicate a distress because, in trolling the rotation of the because the oar was in the right side, the Morse code, these letters and main sail. Splicing this line ship was tied to the dock at the left side. their combination create an was one of the most diffi- This was known as the loading side or unmistakable sound pattern. cult chores aboard ship, "larboard". Later, it was decided that Splice the Mainbrace and one on which the ship's "larboard" and "starboard" were too simi- In the age of sail, ship's rig- safety depended. It was the lar, especially when trying to be heard ging was a favorite target custom, after the main over the roar of a heavy sea, so the during sea battles because brace was properly spliced, phrase became the "side at which you tied destroying the opponent's to serve grog to the entire up to in port" or the "port" side. crew. Thus, today, after a ability to maneuver or get away would put you at obvious advantage. hard day (or, not so hard TO BE CONCLUDED Therefore, the first and most important day), the phrase has become an invitation NEXT MONTH task after a battle was to repair damaged to have a drink. CHURCH CONTACT THIS MONTH IN MILITARY HISTORY: PAGE 4 INFORMATION Friendship Bapst Church 1 Feb 1915 - The government of blockade of Great Britain to begin landing party from the USS Monti- 5510 Falls of Neuse Road Germany agrees to permit an un- on the 18th. All vessels bound for cello to Smithville, NC, in an at- restricted submarine warfare cam- Britain are deemed legitimate tempt to capture Confederate Raleigh, NC 27609 paign. Ships, even those of neutral targets. Brig. Gen. Louis Hebert, only to

Phone: (919) 876 -0585 countries, can now be sunk with- 29 Feb 1864 - Lt. William B. discover that Hebert and his men Web Site: friendshipraleigh.org out warning. On 4 February the Cushing of the Union Army led a had already moved on Wilmington. Germans announce a submarine COLONEL STEVE AND DEBORAH MARTIN Phone : (919) 571 -4378 CAVU (continued from page 3) stevedebmar[email protected] He later related in an interview that he Editor -in -Chief: often wondered why he was saved, and the God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; Joe Perez ([email protected]) others died. He said, “the Lord moves in Contribung Author: mysterious ways and we don’t know why He plants His footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm. Don King ([email protected]) He acts as He does. We must have faith and move on with our lives. CAVU (ceiling Deep in unfathomable mines of never failing skill F B: and visibility unlimited) became the motto He treasures up His bright designs and  Robert Carver - 3 of his life and the way he approached each works His sov’sov ’reignreign will.  Rose Wilson - 6 day. works His sov ’’reign will.  Vickie Salerno - 14 In Romans chapter 11, the Apostle Paul Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;  Redgie Chambers - 15 tells us: “O the depth of the riches both of The clouds ye so much dread  Andrew Folz - 27 the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His Are big with mercy and shall break in blessings on your head. ways past finding out! For who hath known F the mind of the Lord? or who hath been Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace; A- his counsellor? or who hath first given to : Him, and it shall be recompensed unto Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.  Albert & Him again? For of Him, and through Him, His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour; Becky Watkins - 14 and to Him are all things: to whom be glory for ever .” God has a plan for each The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the low’low ’’’r.r.r.r. of us even though it is often impossible to understand. Much like a puzzle being put Blind unbelief is sure to err and scan His work in vain; together, we see only the pieces, God sees . the whole picture. God is His own interpreter, and He will make it plain. I close with a poem written by William Cowper in 1774 – “God Moves in a Mysteri- ous Way”:

Proposed New VA Dental Benefit (continued from page 2) The VA says it would create a website where veter- Dental care isn't cheap, and VA says they spent ans can find participating dentists. The veteran over $1.1 billion offering dental care would then make an appointment and be responsi- to veterans in 2018. This new pro- ble for any charges. The VA may coordinate care gram wouldn't end all VA dental and make recommendations for civilian dentists care, just make it easier for all under the proposed plan, but they would not pro- veterans to find affordable vide any additional dental services or expand exist- dental care in their com- ing eligibility for dental care. munities.

Prayer Notes, Event Announcements Please pray for Missionaries Brian and Please keep Don Small, Bob Perry, and Ivey Palmer at Fort Hood, TX (Albert & Redgie Chambers in your prayers. Becky Watkins’ son-in-law & daughter). Each are recovering from recent ill- They will soon be moving back to Alaska nesses. where Brian will be stepping into a posi- If you know of anyone who is a Veter- tion of greater authority. Congratula- an that I’ve missed in the Prayer tions!!! Remember Merry Dare Price- Notes, please let me know so that I Goodwin (Dale & Dixie Ulmer’s grand- can add them to our prayer list. daughter; Rachel Vradenburgh’s niece) serving aboard the USS Decatur . ~ Colonel Martin Congratulations on her recent Coming Up Next Month: marriage to Noah Price. Pray for  Winter Safety Tips (part 2) Justin & Kimberly Reece (Dan & Becky Reece’s son & daughter-  Origins of Navy Terminology (concl) in-law) stationed at Pensacola.  Should you borrow from your 401K? The Brian Palmer Family