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October 13, 2017 SSOUTHOUTH PPOTOMACOTOMAC PPILOTILOT NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUTH POTOMAC DEFENSE COMMUNITY Diversity in the Military: ‘Inspire those who follow us’ to Shape America’s Future By JOHN J. JOYCE, NSWC Dahlgren Division Corporate Communications Link directly to the NSASP Facebook Jose Lugo looked out over a packed page on your theater and thanked God for enabling smart phone him to work and share with everyone he served with in the Navy. The senior engineer spoke to mili- tary, government civilians and defense INSIDE: contractors celebrating Hispanic Her- itage Month while reflecting on the Students 2017 theme: “Shaping the Bright Fu- ture of America.” Explore Safety First, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Com- Aboard NSF manding Officer Capt. Godfrey “Gus” Weekes presented a certificate to Lugo Dahlgren recognizing his 30 years of government service. Page 3 “I want to thank all those who served as mentors throughout the years be- U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY DAN EBERLY Isha Renta, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration meteorologist, dances to Bomba music played by Semilla Cultural (Cultural Seed) volunteers at the See Diversity, Page 2 NSWCDD sponsored Hispanic Heritage Observance. NSASP Represented at Colonial Beach Bike Fest By BARBARA WAGNER Sgt. Beau Dicken, also of 18th SPCS Detachment South Potomac Pilot One, headed up the ride. Both riders were extremely pleased with the increased numbers of riders and feel For the second year in a row, riders from the that those numbers will continue to grow each year. Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) The AEGIS Training and Readiness Center (ATRC) PRSRT STD PRSRT PERMIT #90 PERMIT EASTON, MD EASTON, PAID U.S. POSTAGE — many of whom are Naval Support Facility (NSF) Color Guard presented the colors for the day at the Dahlgren and NSF Indian Head employees — con- opening of the three-day event. verged on the fourth annual Colonial Beach Bike Fest Cary Geddes, president of the Colonial Beach and took part in the Colonial Beach Bike Fest Defend- Chamber of Commerce opened the weekend’s ers of Freedom Ride. The Defenders of Freedom Ride events and welcomed attendees to the event and pre- group rallied at the National Museum of the Marine sented the color guard. Corps on Oct. 6 in Quantico, Va. and finished at the Naval Support Activity South Potomac (NSASP) event in Colonial Beach, Va. Command Master Chief Jacob Bristow was the key- The 55-mile ride helps the local chapter of CVMA note speaker for the festivities with words of support collect donations for its primary recipient, Virginia from the base for the riders and their cause and for U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY BARBARA WAGNER Naval Support Activity South Poto- the community of Colonial Beach. Veteran and Family Support (VVFS). VVFS provides mac Command Master Chief Jacob support, and monitors and coordinates behavioral “Service members and veterans love our country Bristow stands with Tech Sgt. Beau health, rehabilitative, and supportive services for vet- and we love each other,” Bristow said. “If anyone ever Dicken from the Combat Veterans erans and their families and caregivers with an em- doubts that point, I urge them to watch a group of mo- Motorcycle Association. The two phasis on those affected by stress-related conditions torcycles escort a fallen Sailor, Marine, Soldier or Air- were a part of the Colonial Beach or traumatic brain injuries resulting from military man to their final resting place. It’s hard to describe Bike Fest. Dicken also works aboard NSF Dahlgren with 18th SPCS De- service. viewing a procession with words… they just don’t do tachement One. “Last year we had a little more than 50 riders and it justice. It’s mournful, respectful… but powerful and this year we were 70 plus,” Master Sgt. Jeremy Canne- deeply moving.” going to say that the uniform of the day is riding gear dy said. Cannedy was previously assigned to the “It’s been said that Dahlgren produces the sounds and the sounds of freedom are the sounds of the en- 18th Space Control Squadron (SPCS) Detachment of freedom as we rocket off the weapons we test ev- gines and bikes that you ride today. Ride safe and One and organized last year’s ride. This year, Tech. ery day,” Bristow said. “I think though, today we are God bless.” 2 The South Potomac Pilot Friday, October 13, 2017 30 years I’ve seen it grow,” said Lugo. “As we celebrate this Heri- Diversity tage Month, I want you all to remember that in order to shape the bright future of America, each one of us has to be a point of light. Continued from page 1 We have to brighten the day of everybody around us and we have to inspire those who follow us, and in doing so we will improve cause without them I wouldn’t be who I am here today,” Lugo our future. I don’t believe in 80 percent. I believe in doing the best told the audience as he continued expressing his appreciation at that we can as a friend, as a co-worker, as a community member the Sept. 28 event. “I would also like to point out that the Hispan- and as a Hispanic. The next time you see a Hispanic around you, ic Association means a lot to me personally, and the organiza- you can shake a hand and say you welcome diversity.” tion means a lot to many people because it’s a tool for retention.” Weekes, in his remarks, spoke about the impact of Hispanics Lugo – who served in a myriad of leadership positions and is cur- upon the Navy and its diversity, citing Lugo’s work at Dahlgren rently the command’s Combat Systems Enterprise Test and Eval- and Adm. David Farragut’s impact as the Hispanic Sailor who de- uation Division’s special projects officer – was one of the founding voted a remarkable 59 years of his life to naval service. leaders of NSWCDD’s Hispanic Association and continues to be The NSWCDD commanding officer reflected on how Farra- a resource for those seeking a mentor or simply a word of advice. gut’s naval career and immortal words – “Damn the torpedoes, “Be open to the possibilities, seek support, be a life-long learn- full speed ahead!” – has been important to his own naval career. er, unleash your potential, be a change master, build coalitions, “Admiral David Farragut – whose father was a native of Spain – and don’t be afraid of taking risks to achieve your goals,” are top was the very first person to achieve the rank of Admiral in 1864,” level words of advice from Lugo. “Take time to re-charge your- said Weekes. “He confronted the last Confederate stronghold in self, celebrate your achievements, and never forget to give back the Gulf of Mexico, Mobile Bay, leading the armada to a decisive to those that make them possible, your family, your co-workers, victory.” your friends, and your community.” Farragut went on to support the Union campaign at Vicksburg Lugo has been a mentor to many at Dahlgren, including His- and was instrumental in the success of securing the Mississippi panics traveling long distance in their transition to Dahlgren. U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY DAN EBERLY “There are many challenges as Hispanics come to this part of NSWCDD Hispanic Heritage Observance key- the country where we are so isolated, even though in the past See Diversity, Page 3 note speaker Lance Carrington Friday, October 13, 2017 The South Potomac Pilot 3 Dahlgren Students Explore Safety Aboard NSF Dahlgren By BARBARA WAGNER Following their trip to the front gate and tak- South Potomac Pilot ing a moment to write down what they learned from the experience, the students walked to the Students from Dahlgren School aboard Na- Aquatics Center where they spoke with Becca val Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren spent the Cloud, a lifeguard at the facility. morning of Oct. 5 on a walking field trip, learn- Cloud demonstrated the Guard Float — the ing about the many facets of security found on red foam safety device that lifeguards use in the base that houses the school and their fam- rescue scenarios. Prior to the demonstration, ilies. the children had listed this as one of their ques- Three groups of Kindergarten through third tions: what is the “thingy” called? graders pursued answers for questions that The other two groups of students visited the they had formulated previously during a collab- Pass and I.D. office, the fire department, the orative effort with other students and teachers. police department and the base environmental The idea was to figure out what makes the NSF office to learn about the importance of keeping Dahlgren housing community a good place to the local environment at NSF Dahlgren in a live, work and play. healthy state. “This started a conversation about safety and At the end of the day’s exploration, the chil- the people in the community that keep us safe,” dren would put together a presentation to dis- teacher Beth Hankins said. cuss what they discovered during their field Through the new Project Based Learning trip. One group will create a PowerPoint pre- (PBL) forum, the four grades of students div- sentation, one will author a brochure and the vied up the different safety facilities and first U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY BARBARA WAGNER third group will produce a mural. responders located on the base and began to Teacher Patricia Phillips and students from Dahlgren School discuss The catalyst for the day’s analysis and driv- draft the questions they had for their respective what they learned from Cpl.

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