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Making Marines page 18
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Volume 94 Number 11 1 Featured FRA TODAY
18 MAKING MARINES NOVEMBER 2015 Transforming civilians into Marines is no small feat, but Marine Corps Drill Instructors do just that in an intense 12-week period of induction, more commonly known as recruit training. These exceptional Marines are the epitome of fitness and discipline and, by their own example, cultivate esprit de corps and extreme pride in the recruits they train and mentor. Departments 18 2 COMMUNICATIONS 12
4 FROM THE FANTAIL Drill Instructors and Company Commanders: Mentoring Future Leaders
6 SHIPMATE FORUM
8 ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL High Stakes Legislative Poker
16 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS Profiles in Outreach
17 FRA NEW LIFE MEMBERS
28 TAPS
29 LOOKING FOR… / REUNIONS
30 NEWS FROM THE BRANCHES
32 NEWS FROM THE AUXILIARY OF THE FRA A Year in Photos
LOYALTY, PROTECTION AND SERVICE ON THE COVER FRA IS A CONGRESSIONALLY CHARTERED, NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION Drill Instructor Sgt Jonathan B. Reeves inspects ADVOCATING FOR CURRENT AND FORMER ENLISTED MEMBERS OF THE and disciplines recruits with Platoon 1085, Charlie U.S. NAVY, MARINE CORPS AND COAST GUARD ON CAPITOL HILL. FOR Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, at Marine MORE INFORMATION ON THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP, PLEASE VISIT Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. WWW.FRA.ORG OR CALL 800-FRA-1924. Photo by PFC Aaron Bolser. COMMUNICATIONS
2 NATIONAL OFFICERS/BOARD OF DIRECTORS National President John D. Ippert, Honolulu Branch 46 National Vice President Virgil P. Courneya, High Sierra Branch 274 National Executive Dir. Thomas J. Snee, Navy Department Branch 181 Honoring Shipmates, Finance Officer Stephen R. Cox NOVEMBER 2015 Veterans and Marines Lauren Armstrong Junior PNP Mark Kilgore, Pensacola Branch 22 National Parliamentarian PNP J. C. “Jim” Eblen, Imperial Beach NOVEMBER IS AN AUSPICIOUS month in the FRA universe. For starters, Branch 289
FRA TODAY the Association will mark its 91st birthday on November 11th, com- National Chaplain William H. Hall, GEM State Branch 382 memorating the date that our founding fathers established the Fleet REGIONAL PRESIDENTS Reserve Association in Philadelphia. George Carlin and Bob White had a vision to give the enlisted community a voice on Capitol Hill and I Northeast / New England Floyd G. Hunt, Iroquois Branch 214 think they’d be pleased to know the work they started back in 1924 con- East Coast John J. Willis, Ocean View Branch 60 Southeast Larry L. Cox, Low Country Branch 269 tinues to pay dividends for enlisted personnel and their families today. North Central Curry Sanders, Mo Kan Branch 161 That date is also the day our nation pays tribute to its veterans — all South Central Michael D. Oliver, Old Naval Home who served in uniform. Veterans’ Day is a day to honor their service Branch 307 and sacrifice, and FRA will host and/or be represented at a variety of Southwest Agustive A. Hermes, Jr., Chula Vista Branch 61 ceremonies and services around the country, including the national West Coast Larry S. Briggs, Jr., Silver Dollar Branch 192 Veterans’ Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. Many mili- Northwest Michael H. Archer, Cheyenne Branch 59 tary retirees don’t see themselves as veterans , but everyone who served and was honorably separated from service can proudly claim the title, ACTIVE DUTY ADVISORY COUNCIL as well as a variety of benefits available through the Department of Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Michael Stevens Veterans Affairs (VA). FRA’s involvement with veterans isn’t limited to Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Ronald Green parades and speaking engagements on November 11th. Our legislative Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Steven Cantrell advocacy includes work to protect and enhance the VA benefits our RESERVE ADVISORY COUNCIL members earned through their service to our nation. Force Master Chief of the Navy Reserve Clarence “CJ” Mitchell November also includes the Marine Corps’ birthday and many FRA USMC Reserve Force Sergeant Major Anthony Spadaro shipmates will celebrate the Corps’ 240th year of existence on November Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force 10th. In honor of this important occasion, we’ve chosen to highlight an Eric Johnson icon of the Corps — USMC Drill Instructors — as the subject of this month’s feature story. I had the privilege of interviewing some of the FRA TODAY MAGAZINE senior leadership of the Drill Instructor School at Marine Corps Recruit The monthly membership publication of the Fleet Reserve Association Depot San Diego. By coincidence, I happened to be there on a recruit Publisher Fleet Reserve Association training graduation day and it was truly awe-inspiring to see hundreds National Executive Director Thomas J. Snee of newly-minted Marines, all sinew and pride, walking around the base. Communications Director Lauren Armstrong Most were accompanied by parents, grandparents, siblings and girl- Managing Editor William Kohudic friends who all wore obvious signs of pride in their Marine — smiles, Contributing Photographer Paul Gunther adoring looks and t-shirts emblazoned with messages such as “My son Design and Art Direction is a Marine.” FIREBRAND, Alexandria, VA www.firebrandstudios.com Design Director Scott Rodgerson As part of my research for the story, I asked Marine Private Cole Production Manager Sandy Jones Forbey, a new graduate from Bravo Company, what he’d learned from
his DI that he thought would serve him well during his USMC career. FRA TODAY (ISSN 1935-7192) IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY FRA, 125 N. WEST ST., “Discipline, ma’am,” he replied, without hesitation. “When your par- ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314-2754. A MEMBER’S SUBSCRIPTION IS COVERED BY THE MEMBER’S ANNUAL DUES. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ALEXANDRIA, VA AND ADDITIONAL ents tell you to clean your room or do something, you can blow it off. OFFICES. PUBLICATION OF NON-SPONSORED ADVERTISING IN FRA TODAY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT BY THE FRA OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES. POSTMASTER: But there’s no slacking here. And that discipline becomes a habit.” SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: MEMBER SERVICES, FRA, 125 N. WEST ST., ALEXANDRIA, Forbey’s response illuminated several points. His military bearing, VA 22314-2754. FRA TODAY IS PUBLISHED IN THE INTERESTS OF ALL CURRENT AND FORMER ENLISTED PERSONNEL OF THE U.S. NAVY, MARINE CORPS, AND COAST GUARD. manners and confidence were those of a Marine, one who had earned ELIGIBLE NON-MEMBERS ARE NOT ENTITLED TO SUBSCRIPTION RATES. ESTABLISHED the title and would represent the Corps well. His reference to the 1 NOVEMBER 1923. TITLE REGISTERED WITH U.S. PATENT OFFICE. household tasks he’d “slacked” on before recruit training spoke volumes FRA ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS: 125 N. WEST ST., ALEXANDRIA, about how young he truly was. And his immediate and direct answer VA 22314-2754 • PHONE: 703-683-1400, 800-FRA-1924 • FAX: 703-549-6610 • E-MAIL: [email protected] • WWW.FRA.ORG confirmed that his DI had, indeed, taught him the primary lesson he’d need during his USMC career. Well done, Private Forbey. You and your VOLUME 94 NUMBER 11 DI should be very proud!
Lauren Armstrong is FRA’s Director of Communications and serves as the Managing Editor of FRA Today. Please contact her at [email protected]. EEN248-02_7.75x10_Layout 1 10/8/15 9:57 AM Page 1
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Drill Instructors and Company Commanders: NOVEMBER 2015 Mentoring Future Leaders Tom Snee THIS MONTH’S FRA TODAY feature sto- and shaping of over 100 young men essentials of training and develop-
FRA TODAY ry highlights the Drill Instructors into a cohesive unit of rapid response, ment are little changed in terms of (DIs) of the Marine Corps, and I’d self-motivated individuals, with the discipline and personal development. also like to acknowledge Company correct moral stance to do what was The methods and technology used for Commanders (CCs) of the Navy and expected when we were called upon. delivering the message have changed Coast Guard boot camp, all of whom We came from all walks of life and all dramatically, but the tenets of our ‘ini- are mentors and role models for each parts of the country, and after six short tial training’ still prevail. new generation of service members. Boot camp has a mission to break This duty requires a lot of patience, down paradigms and develop new understanding, and dedication to the Boot camp has a abilities. It is the foundation on which development of the sea services’ future leadership skills are built — skills that leaders. These men and women give mission to break down extend through military careers and of themselves far beyond a 40-hour beyond. As veterans and retirees, we work week, dedicating themselves to paradigms and develop carry on that attitude and respect well this unique and demanding type of after our military service and find that duty, molding raw recruits into proud new abilities. It is the we have incorporated those early les- sailors, Marines and Coast Guard sons from boot camp into our daily personnel. foundation on which lives. Who can ever forget those early We can help those nervous and days of our careers when we entered leadership skills are impressionable recruits by help- boot camp? We might have expected it ing our recruiters. Give those Career to be a kinder and gentler form of in- built — skills that Centers/Recruiting Stations a call and troduction to military life than it was. ask, “How can I help?” Who knows? We might have envisioned being wel- extend through military You may even be assigned a “pen pal” comed with open arms as we walked to encourage through his or her boot through the gates, but that vision was camp experience. This is the true quickly replaced with the very real, careers and beyond. meaning of being a veteran: “A sea- yelling-and-screaming, in-your-face soned master from the past, engaged environment we would experience ev- to mentor others for the future.” This ery minute for the next several weeks. weeks, we were sent out to our initial is what shipmates do to show our Whether it was at Paris Island, Great training commands or our first duty continuing interest in and support of Lakes, San Diego, Orlando, or Cape stations. We were pumped, charged up those who served and are now serving. May, those early days in our careers and physically and mentally prepared PRESS ON…and Happy Veterans’ formed the very people we are today. to be sent to the fleet; we were READY! Day, shipmates! My “CC” was MM1 Gary Muzingo, a For me, boot camp was over 50 young, vibrant First Class Petty Officer years ago, but many of the lessons I Tom Snee is FRA’s National Executive Director and who was responsible for the molding learned there are with me still. The can be reached at [email protected].
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6 Why? FRA Response: Thank you for your feedback on the calendar. Do you really expect us to read the Your suggestion to include a photo representing the submarine “USPS Statement of Ownership” [fea- service in next year’s edition will absolutely be considered, but tured on page 26 of the October issue of our first priority is to make sure that the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are represented in equal measure.
NOVEMBER 2015 FRA Today]??? If you did, those articles would be full pages. And how come I We go to great lengths to find four colorful, interesting photos never see those statements in other ser- for each service and, given this restriction, there is no way we vice magazines? can represent every rate and specialty in each service in just FRA TODAY Donald G. Frazier four photos.
FRA Response: Great question! The USPS Statement of I noticed that the 2016 calendar I just received has Fire Ownership is published each year to meet postal regulations. Prevention Week (FPW) starting on October 9. FPW week We can’t speak for other organizations or the postal policy always includes October 8, the anniversary of the Chicago under which they mail their publications, but we publish the fire of 1871 and the Peshtigo, Wisc., fire the same day. As a statement annually to maintain our authorization to mail retired firefighter, I just wanted to set the record straight, FRA Today at the most cost-effective postal rate. even though it is too late to correct the error. Ron Larsen More Details on Special Tax Credits FRA Response: Thank you for sharing this interesting fact Approximately one month ago, FRA issued information about Fire Prevention Week. According to the National about extra Social Security tax credits for military service. Fire Protection Association’s website (www.nfpa.org), “Fire Subject credits were effective starting in 1940 through 1957. Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great This sounded like I might receive some extra income as Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration that killed more I have 25 years of service starting in February 1941. Social than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than Security informed me that personnel who are receiving 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire a federal benefit are not eligible based on same years of began on October 8, but continued into and did most of its service. damage on October 9, 1871 … There is one exception. Personnel on active duty after Since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on 1956 can still get the special earnings for 1951 through the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 1956 even if receiving a federal retirement. Social Security falls.” In 2016, that will be October 9 through 15. informed me that the special tax credits for this six-year pe- Thanks for helping us better understand this important riod were automatically figured in when I applied for Social tribute to firefighters. Your military service and your fire- Security. fighting service are sincerely appreciated. Jim Downer
FRA Response: Shipmate, thank you for your response to our CALENDAR ADDITIONS article on special tax credits, and for your insights into the The following information was not included on the 2016 FRA details of how the system actually works. The article has gen- Calendar that was included with last month’s issue of FRA Today. erated a lot of questions and this is exactly the type of infor- Please add the following pen-and-ink addition: mation our shipmates need! 2016 Northwest Regional Convention, hosted by Sub-par Force Representation Wyoming Branch & Unit 59 Today I received the October issue of August 12-13, 2016 FRA Today and the 2016 FRA Calendar. Little America Resort & Hotel Out of the 12 photos in the calen- Cheyenne, Wyoming dar, there are three of Coasties, two of Airdales, several of Surface Skimmers and Marines, but there is not a single Submissions Send Shipmate Forum letters to Editor, FRA Today, 125 N. West St. photo of a major component of to- Alexandria, VA 22314. E-mail submissions may be sent to [email protected]. Please day’s Navy—the “Silent Service,” the include “Shipmate Forum” in the subject line. FRA reserves the right to select and edit Submarine Force. I hope that the 2017 letters for publication. Letters published in Shipmate Forum reflect the opinions and calendar will correct this deficiency. views of FRA members. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of FRA as Raymond Zujus a whole. FRA is not responsible for the accuracy of letter content. MBD233-01_7.75x10_Layout 1 10/8/15 10:03 AM Page 1
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8 NOVEMBER 2015 High Stakes Legislative Poker John Davis AS YOU READ THIS issue of FRA Today, it’s a good bet that ceiling needs to be increased before a November deadline.
FRA TODAY congressional leaders and the president have not been The last time Congress voted to increase the debt ceiling, able to agree on a spending plan for the fiscal year that they also passed the Budget Control Act (BCA) of 2011 started more than a month ago (October 1, 2015). At press — the law that created sequestration and required $1.2 time, not one of the 12 appropriations (spending) bills has trillion in budget cuts over 10 years, half of which were passed the Senate and, as a result, the House and Senate required to come from the Department of Defense (DoD). passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the govern- FRA believes it’s time for politicians to stop playing ment open until December 11, 2015. (See page __ for fur- games with national defense. Legislators from both parties ther details.) The real “wild card” in this game is how to and the president should exclude DoD from sequestra- deal with sequestration. The president wants to eliminate tion and increase the debt ceiling to keep the government it altogether and the House and Senate leadership just functioning. Members are strongly urged to use the FRA want to exclude Defense. Action Center (action.fra.org/action-center) to tell their If that were the only issue, there could be a compro- legislators to exclude Defense from sequestration. mise. Before the CR terminates in December, the debt
Please support the FRA Education Foundation
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www.fra.org/foundation @FRAHQ ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL
9 RETIREE ISSUES FRA TODAY Senate Passes NDAA FRA on the Air After some delays, the House and Senate passed the final version of the FY 2016 National FRA’s Director of Legislative Programs John
Defense Authorization Act (NDAA, H.R. 1735) in early October and it awaits final approval as Davis was interviewed on the air by Kenny NOVEMBER 2015 this issue of FRA Today goes to print. The bill includes: Golden from 1110 AM radio, Hampton • The creation of a new “blended” military retirement system for those who join the military Roads Defense. The discussion focused on after January 1, 2018; pending NDAA provisions, extending the Agent Orange Act and other Blue Water Navy • Increased pharmacy co-pays for family members and retirees for prescriptions filled off Vietnam veterans’ issues. Listen to the full in- base or by mail. These increases will range from $2 to $4 depending on whether drugs terview here (interview begins at 1:22): are brand-name or filled at retail outlets; http://www.fra.org/HamptonRoadsDefense • An active duty pay increase of 1.3 percent, which is lower than the civilian wage increase of 2.3 percent; • Authorizing Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) benefits for a second spouse, when first divorced Beware of TRICARE Mail Scam spouse is deceased; The Defense Health Agency (DHA) has issued • Reducing BAH rates by one percent a year until 2019; an alert to TRICARE beneficiaries about an in- tricate mail scam from “Tricare Survey Inc.,” • Continued dual Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) payments to service members married a counterfeit business offering beneficiaries to other service members; a chance to be “secret shoppers.” The letter • The establishment of victim’s rights for sexual assault and domestic abuse; and asks TRICARE beneficiaries to cash enclosed • Rejecting the Administration’s request to reduce stateside commissary funding. checks for $3,775 at their banks, keep a per- FRA is deeply disappointed that the FY 2016 NDAA did not make any improves in concurrent centage of the money for themselves and use receipt, the Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA), the offset experi- enced by SBP annuitant who are also eligible for Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) offset, and many other programs.
The Association is opposed to the “blended” retirement system for those who joined the ser- Your Name Here 3,775.00 vice after January 1, 2018, which will reduce the current 20-year retirement benefit from 50 Three thousand seven hundred seventy-five and no percent of base pay to 40 percent, provide a continuation bonus after 12 years of service if the Fake Name member agrees to remain on active duty for an additional four years, and authorizes a manda- tory Thrift Savings Program with a one-percent employer contribution and additional employer match of up to four percent of employee contributions. FRA believes that shifting benefits from future retirees who served a 20-year career to service members who serve as little as two the rest to buy six $500 shopping cards to years, and providing a portable benefit, will lay the groundwork for serious retention problem. be used at retail stores for “secret shopping” Legislators ignored the fact that the current retirement system was established to ensure a excursions. But when beneficiaries report the strong and top-quality career force despite arduous service conditions. card numbers to the company, as instructed The bill now goes to the President to be signed into law or be vetoed. President Obama has in the letters, the fraudsters use the numbers issued a veto threat for the legislation because it sidesteps sequestration spending caps. The to transfer the amount to their own accounts. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) Chairman Senator John McCain (Ariz.) argued that In the DHA alert, it states that “Tricare will the funding level authorized in the bill is the same funding level requested in the President’s identify the checks as counterfeit… and re- FY 2016 budget request and reducing Defense spending to sequestration levels could endan- turn them to the bank from which they were ger the lives of service members overseas. The president is not opposed to Defense spending drawn as non-cashable. Potential exists for exceeding the spending caps, but only if other non-defense related spending subject to se- the beneficiary to be personally liable for the questration caps is also allowed to do the same. Should Obama choose to veto the measure, it entire $3775.00.” would be only the fifth time in the 53-year history of the consolidated annual defense authori- zation that a president has sent the bill back to Congress. ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL
10 VETERANS ISSUES
Gender-Neutral Gold Star Hiring Agent Orange Act Extension Stalls Preference Congressman Tim Walz (Minn.) introduced the FRA-supported “Agent Orange Extension Act” Legislation that would extend the same fed- NOVEMBER 2015 (H.R. 3423), which would extend the original sunset of the Agent Orange Act of 1991 by two eral hiring preference to fathers that is avail- years. The extension would ensure that Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange receive able to mothers of service members killed or just compensation and care. The 1991 Act expired on September 30, 2015; the legislation was permanently and totally disabled in action aimed at extending the Act to September 30, 2017. FRA warned the House and Senate Veterans FRA TODAY passed the House and was sent on to the Affairs Committees about the expiring legislation during its March 18, 2015 testimony. president to be signed into law. The FRA- The Agent Orange Act of 1991 (AOA) established a presumption of service connection for supported the “Gold Star Fathers Act” (S. 136), which passed the Senate in May and diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure, relieving Vietnam veterans from the burden takes its name from the symbol of parents of providing evidence that their illness was a result of military service. This law directs the whose children are killed in action. Such par- National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to periodically research and review diseases that might ents are referred to as “Gold Star parents” be associated with Agent Orange exposure. The VA is required to add diseases the NAS finds to because they traditionally display a Gold Star have a positive association with Agent Orange exposure to the VA’s list of presumptive service- flag as a symbol of their loss and sacrifice. connected diseases. Since the enactment of the AOA, the NAS has issued reports that have led to the presumption of service connection for diseases such as Parkinson’s, B-cell leukemia and The federal government has long recognized the sacrifice of Gold Star families by granting early onset peripheral neuropathy. Without these studies, thousands of Vietnam era veterans unmarried and separated Gold Star mothers would have gone without the benefits they richly deserve. — and unmarried and separated mothers of Congress could still renew the AOA, but there may be a gap in the legislation’s coverage. If not totally and permanently disabled veterans — extended by the end of this Congress, the VA will no longer be obligated to review the NAS a 10-point hiring preference when they apply report or add any new diseases to the presumption list, which could result in denying thou- for federal jobs. sands of veterans their right to compensation. The bill has stalled in the House Veterans Affairs This legislation will make this hiring prefer- Committee Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee. Members are urged to ence gender-neutral, extending it to un- use the FRA Action Center (www.fra.org/action-center) to ask their Representative to support married or separated fathers of totally and this bill. permanently disabled service members or those killed in action. Reconsideration of Claim for Affected Vietnam Veterans SVAC Reviews Veteran Toxic As reported in the May 1, 2015 issue of NewsBytes, the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Exposure has ruled that veterans who served aboard ships in the harbors of Vietnam more than 40 years ago should not be arbitrarily excluded from disability claims related to Agent Orange exposure National Executive Director (NED) Thomas — a significant step forward for these veterans. Former Navy veteran Robert Gray has been Snee attended a recent Senate Veterans denied multiple disability claims by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) based on the fact Affairs Committee (SVAC) hearing on con- that he was aboard a ship — not on land — during the Vietnam War, when the herbicide cerns about toxic exposure impact on veter- Agent Orange was liberally sprayed by American forces to remove foliage and eliminate enemy ans and their children. The hearing focused primarily on the Department of Veterans cover. The chemical was later found to cause numerous health problems for service members Affairs (VA) response to the “Toxic Exposure who were exposed, but the VA has denied disability claims to U.S. Navy sailors under the argu- Research Act” (S. 901), the “Blue Water Navy ment that the seamen were offshore and were not directly exposed. Veterans who served on Vietnam Veterans Act” and toxic exposure at ships off the coast of Vietnam who later developed specific health problems tied to exposure Marine Corps Base Camp LeJeune, N.C. to Agent Orange should consider filing a claim for VA benefits or filing for re-consideration of previously denied claims. After the hearing, SVAC Chairman Johnny Isakson (Ga.) spoke with NED Snee and re- FRA is supporting the “Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act,” (H.R. 969/S. 681) which would quested input from FRA on the overarching clarify a presumption for filing disability claims with the VA for ailments associated with expo- issue of toxic exposure. Snee dispatched a sure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. Congress should recognize that so-called “Blue follow-up letter to the Chairman and Ranking Water” veterans who served off the coast of Vietnam were exposed to Agent Orange herbicide. Member Richard Blumenthal (Conn.) ex- The bill authorizes presumptive status for VA disability claims associated with this exposure pressing the views of the Association. A copy for this group of veterans. Members can weigh in on these proposals through the FRA Action of the letter is available on the FRA website. Center (action.fra.org/action-center). Perfect Choice HD™ is simple to use, hard to see and easy to afford… Invention of the Year PERSONAL SOUND AMPLIFICATION PRODUCTS (PSAPs) THEY’RE NOT HEARING AIDS Perfect Choice HD is only you’ll know you have NEW NOT a hearing aid. It it on. It’s comfortable and Now with more is a Personal Sound won’t make you feel like power and Amplification Product you have something stuck clarity! (PSAP). Hearing aids in your ear. 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12 ACTIVE DUTY/RESERVE ISSUES
CR Passes to Keep Change of Command for Chairman JCS and USMC Government Open Marine Corps General and former Commandant Joe Dunford took over as chairman of the Joint The House and Senate passed a Continuing Chiefs in a change-of-command ceremony on October 1st at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. NOVEMBER 2015 Resolution (CR) to keep the government open Dunford succeeds outgoing Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey, USA. A full honors and operating at 2015 spending levels until retirement ceremony was held for Dempsey after a 41-year military career. Both President December 11, 2015. The CR was required Obama and SecDef Carter were in attendance. FRA TODAY because none of the appropriations bills had General Robert Neller assumed command of the Marine Corps, becoming the 37th Commandant been signed into law prior to the start of FY during a two-hour change of command ceremony. 2016 on October 1, 2015. A week earlier, the Senate failed to pass SJR 61, a similar TMC Awards measure that included a provision to defund Planned Parenthood. That CR initiative failed FRA is a member of The Military Coalition (TMC), a group of 31 military, uniformed service, to garner the required 60 votes (47-52) on a and veterans’ groups that represent approximately 5.5 million individuals who serve or have motion to stop debate (cloture motion). served in our country’s military and uniformed services. The TMC recently presented its highest leadership awards to two U.S. Senators, one member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and one congressional staffer. Senators recognized James Inhofe (Okla.) and Barbara Mikulski (Md.), senators who led the fight against privatization of the military commissary system. They were praised for introducing a bipartisan amendment to the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act that prevented the Pentagon from privatizing five commissaries at major installations during the coming year. Instead, it requires the Defense Department to first conduct an assessment of the privatization effort and report the potential costs and benefits of commissary privatization to Congress. In addition, Senator Mikulski used her clout as Ranking Member on the Senate Appropriations Committee to reject a $322 million proposed cut to commissary funding. Rep. Joe Heck (Nev.) was also honored for his work in fending off Pentagon cost-cutting pro- posals that would have eroded pay and benefits for those in uniform. Specifically, Heck led the fight to prevent a reduction in the commissary benefit and halt an increase in health care fees. Heck is a physician and brigadier general in the Army Reserve, and served in Iraq in support of There is the real possibility, however, that Operation Iraqi Freedom. there will be no budget agreement, resulting The Coalition also honored the work of Anthony J. “Lazer” Lazarski, a retired Air Force colonel in a year-long CR keeping Pentagon spend- and senior advisor to Senator Inhofe. Lazarski worked with TMC members to gather support ing at FY 2015 levels for the duration of FY for the Inhofe-Mikulski amendment to stop commissary privatization. He was presented with 2016. Defense budget experts indicate that the 2015 Freedom Award by TMC. a long-term CR would exacerbate an already poor budget situation for the Pentagon. FRA Military Families Must Verify Info with DEERS or Pay IRS Fine believes that FY 2016 sequestration (au- tomatic, across the board budget cuts) for Since August 13, the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) has been notify- Defense would be disastrous for national ing more than 430,000 service members that DEERS needs their Social Security numbers and security and would adversely impact pay and those of their dependents by January 1, 2016, or they will be subject to fines imposed by the benefits. Members are urged to use the FRA Internal Revenue System (IRS). Action Center (action.fra.org/action-center) The Defense Department (DoD) is required to report healthcare services provided to service to ask their legislators to exclude Defense members and their dependents as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) beginning this year. from sequestration. But in order to do so, the letter said, they need to have each dependent’s SSN verified in the system.
The FRA Legislative Team is National Executive The notification letter states: “The IRS will collect fees from individuals who don’t have mini- Director Tom Snee, Director of Legislative Programs mum essential coverage… status [is] based on DEERS records.” Social Security numbers are John Davis, Assistant Director of Legislative Programs not required for DEERS registration. For example, military child dependents often do not have Stephen Tassin, Assistant Director of Veterans’ their Social Security numbers in DEERS because their parents register them in the system as Programs Ben Young and National Veterans Service infants before the card is issued. Parents must return to DEERS later with the Social Security Director Chris Slawinski. number to update the system—a chore that is frequently ignored. AIR129-01_7.75x10_Layout 1 10/8/15 9:45 AM Page 1
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,03257$17&21680(5,1)250$7,21 :(M7$/.RIIHUYDOLGRQPLQXWHSODQDQGDSSOLHVWRQHZ*UHDW&DOOFXVWRPHUVRQO\2IIHUYDOLGXQWLOSODQLVFKDQJHGRUFDQFHOOHG-LWWHUEXJLVRZQHGE\*UHDW&DOO ,QF 16 NOVEMBER 2015 Profiles in Outreach Penny Collins AT THE BEGINNING OF the recruiting year history when they became the first who were exposed to Agent Orange FRA TODAY (April 1, 2015), we announced two enlisted service members to address a while serving off-shore in Vietnam, new recruiting incentives that are part congressional committee. After their pay and allowances for active duty of our strategy to strengthen member- testimony, Congress authorized a con- members, in-state tuition rates for vet- ship. To date, 44 shipmates have quali- siderable increase in enlisted pay – the erans and eligible dependents using fied for these incentives by recruiting first of many FRA legislative successes. the Post-9/11 GI Bill and benefits for or reinstating shipmates into our ranks. spouses of service members who died These rewards include a one-year ex- in the line of duty since September tension of their current membership 11, 2001. This is only a handful of the or, if they are a life member, they re- Cultivating and legislative initiatives with which FRA ceive a comparable gift—compliments engages to stand up for our members. of FRA. These shipmates have recruited maintaining a mutually- You, as an FRA Shipmate, have a or reinstated 340 new or lapsed mem- tremendous opportunity to show off bers to strengthen the Association’s beneficial relationship our Association. Take advantage of voice. There is another incentive for participating in community activities dynamic recruiters who want to really with fellow members for the benefit of veterans and to sup- make a difference in FRA’s numbers. A port military families. Sponsor socials shipmate who recruits 32 new or rein- in the Association is to attract potential members who may stated members receives life member- be curious about FRA and want to see ship in FRA; if already a life member, always a good thing. and find out what we are all about. The they will receive a cash award of $200. opportunities are endless; building Over the last several years, 43 top re- homes for disabled veterans, spon- cruiters have taken achieved this re- You won’t regret it! soring youth activities, promoting ward. Strengthening our membership the FRA Education Foundation and base is our top priority. Let’s take a look Americanism Essay Contest, serving at what you can do to strengthen FRA’s as a keynote speaker to talk about the growth and development. The chiefs’ success proved the value of FRA, developing a message along with The number one thing you can do direct, personal, enlisted representa- pictures of activities to post on social is talk about how FRA’s work directly tion, which became the foundation media—all for the good of promoting benefits potential members and ex- of FRA’s legislative advocacy. The fact our image and attracting members. plain that we have always been a grass- that FRA has been a strong supporter Most importantly, engage with all roots advocacy organization. Did you of sea service personnel’s military and shipmates, tell them what FRA is all know when two sailors testified before veterans benefits for the past 91 years about. Whether a shipmate is new to Congress in 1919, they set the stage is a testament to the dedication and the organization or been a member for the birth of the FRA? Though nei- hard work of our membership. for many years, it’s critical to foster a ther may have realized it at the time, Fast forward to 2015 — we are still relationship that supports him/her in they were planting the seeds for an voicing our members’ concerns about all ways possible. Engaged shipmates enduring institution that continues a variety of military- and veteran- renew their memberships and encour- to lead the fight in protecting and en- related issues, particularly when pay age others to become part of our FRA hancing the quality of life for service and benefits are being threatened. We family. Cultivating and maintaining a members and their families. Chief take a stand on a variety of other is- mutually-beneficial relationship with Yeoman Robert White and Chief sues, too, such as disability compensa- fellow members in the Association is Gunners Mate Carl McDonald made tion for “blue water” service members always a good thing. You won’t regret it! Penny Collins is FRA’s Director of Membership Development and a member of FRA Branch 24 in Annapolis, Md. She can be reached at [email protected]. FRA NEW LIFE MEMBERS 17 FRA CONGRATULATES THE FOLLOWING shipmates who have become Life Members during the third quarter of 2015, includ- ing their branch number or their designation as a Member-at-Large (MAL). Call 1-800-FRA-1924 to learn how you can FRA TODAY become a Life Member of FRA. JULY NOVEMBER 2015 Terriel Sublett MAL Donald W Katzenberger 020 Robert J. Parks 070 G Pat Beamer 024 Curt H Koschwitz 147 Leon Austin 290 Oscar C Avenido 171 Jouay P Koppari 188 Duane M Tolman 185 Keppel G Wood 024 John J Myette MAL Russell H Jenkins MAL Karen E Ford MAL William S Johnson MAL Kenneth L. Weeks, III 024 Richard H. Ham 130 Charles W. Vandiver 040 Edward E Goodman, Sr. 328 Donald Keith Kaider 182 Frank M Hart MAL T M. Whalen 275 Gilbert D Clapper 172 Kenneth G. Sawdey 258 Donnie G Moose MAL Michael D Allett 159 Cleve E Steed 011 James M. Kavanaugh MAL Paul N Belue 041 Carl V Rexrode 162 Joseph R Milner 161 Wendell S Wiley 067 Floyd B Goldy 070 Terrence Bonnstetter MAL Dennis A. Brown 024 Gary T. Snyder MAL Ignacio S Babauta 073 Gregory M. Karl 287 David E Stover MAL Gerald C Millard, Sr. MAL Ronald D Hasse MAL Dwayne Snook MAL Leroy T Telkamp 147 Mario O. Manalac 154 Purdy Laferriere 071 John G Sterzinar MAL James M Cummins MAL Tomas Galicia MAL Virginia L Swayne 316 Lawrence J Dorsey 162 Kevin Michael Haywood 047 Dick N Eleyet MAL Paul A. Smurawski 014 Norman L Williams 046 Freddie Scott 105 William F Graeter MAL Avelino B. Molintas 154 Max E Amrine MAL Leon Fafara 263 Bruce A Aiton 136 Clarence M Templeton, III 024 Mary Ann Burgert 298 Barry K Gordon 269 James M Ferry MAL Robert L Zuern MAL Paul N. Johnson 136 Lauren Pananen MAL David L Gordon 021 Gerard B. Lawson MAL Albert C Madsen 136 Robert S Heitz 216 Steven C Benz 029 Robert Raesemann MAL Everett R. Walter MAL Theodore A Wiggins 005 AUGUST Victor L. Howard 060 Kevin E Thievin 094 James W Ewald MAL Wayne Dean 188 Russell L Cain MAL Harold Feltman MAL Richard K Boslaugh MAL LaDonna M Walsh 179 John Moench MAL Jason S. Gregg 024 John C Lamb MAL Frank L Stowell 024 Kenneth R Mielke 097 Donald M Chapman 289 Donald G Mead MAL John R Walsh, Jr. 029 Stephen B Loop 382 Charles C. Trisko 136 Charles R Kooken MAL David J. Hayes 061 Levy Y Pineda MAL Michael G Papenfoth 046 Gordon Stufflebeam 251 Gerald A McSpadden 212 Valerie Toulotte 024 Charles D Hatfield MAL Robert E Swanson, Jr. 099 William E. Thompson, Jr. 175 Donald C Richard 029 Donald E Reinmuth 120 John H Weitz 289 Ronald K Gurley 371 Clarence Joseph Sampay 067 David E Wheeler 070 Lanny G Worel 008 Marvin R Seaman 037 Karen Nappi 229 Joseph P. DeJohn 024 Charles E. Anderson 278 Timothy P. Lang 060 George L Hollowell MAL David Fallen 024 Paul J. Vereeke 091 Mary Sizemore 997 Doyle W Hensley MAL Jerry W Cole 099 Randy Martin 091 Robert T Waters 024 Charles C Russell, Jr. 201 Norma E Schrader MAL Hugh T. Crawford 089 Bennie W Hinkle MAL SEPTEMBER Ralph R Roggow 210 Albert Buchanan 053 William B. Hankins, III 024 Gerald C Curtis 136 Julian J Gartner MAL Felipe C. Juan 247 Walter H Carter 187 Anthony L Kaisler MAL Dennie D Whittaker MAL Robert P Walker 324 M A. Atwell MAL Daniel W Priest MAL Richard C Phillips 118 James P. Morton MAL William E Shahan 156 Ronald D Jones 136 Kenneth C Semmier 163 Marion M Wike 292 Thomas Parker 060 F. Dale Brannen 269 Gary P Vocks MAL Azzie J Poteat 074 Douglas Cabarle MAL John B King MAL Alexander M Tucker 103 Jay W. Jernigan 201 Thurman C Carpenter MAL Harry Barry 024 Eran Buck 103 James E Hines MAL Jean L Allen MAL Roger G Gagnon 156 Thomas Riggins MAL Darrell T Hebert MAL Allen W Morouse 101 Craig Collins MAL Thomas M Greene 103 Milton Newman MAL Making Marines It takes a special breed to transform mere mortals into Marines and Marine Corps Drill Instructors are just that. Drill Instructors, or DIs, exemplify the highest standards of fitness, personal appearance and military bearing, and serve as role models for young recruits who aspire to wear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor. 19 FRA TODAY NOVEMBER 2015 Job of a DI One of the reasons this tough reputation prevails is because Marine Drill Instructors are tough. The image of a fit Marine When young men and women elect to join the Marine Corps, Corps DI, standing at attention, in their perfectly-pressed they attend recruit training at one of the Corps’ two Recruit uniform and distinctive “four-dent” campaign cover, is the Depots. If a recruit lives east of the Mississippi River, he will quintessential persona of the Marine Corps. They’re portrayed attend recruit training at Parris Island, S.C. If he resides west in movies as motivated and motivating, and that image isn’t just of the Mississippi, he will train at Recruit Depot San Diego, Hollywood fluff. Lives will depend on the training these DIs Calif. All female recruits train at Parris Island, regardless of their dispense and they take that responsibility very seriously. geographic origin. “There’s a poster that shows a stern-looking DI and the caption Marine Corps recruit training is considered the toughest of all reads: Let no man’s ghost ever say, ‘If only you had trained me U.S. military boot camps and with good reason. The Marine better.’ It’s a vivid reminder that our responsibility isn’t just Corps’ website describes the experience as a journey, calling about training recruits. As those recruits advance through their it “12 weeks of trial and triumph … where the ‘recruit’ label USMC careers, we’re asking them to take on more and larger is shed, and the Eagle, Globe and Anchor is earned. Marine responsibilities,” explains FRA Shipmate George Kesselring Corps Recruit Training is a challenge few experience—and (Branch 24, Annapolis, Md.), who served as a DI at Recruit even fewer complete.” The site prepares prospective recruits Depot Parris Island from 1996 to 1998. “The leadership examples for “the toughest 12 weeks [they’ll] ever experience.” DIs exhibit in recruit training … and that the recruits later exhibit as Marines … will get everyone home.” 20 George Kesselring (Branch 24, Annapolis, Md.) Becoming a DI NOVEMBER 2015 About 90 percent of all Marine Corps DIs are volunteers and the reasons they pursue this path are as varied as the Marines who request this special duty. FRA TODAY “Being a DI gives individual Marines an opportunity to give back to the Marine Corps in a way other than combat opera- tions,” explains First Sergeant Roberto Alviso, who served on the drill field from 2001 to 2004 and as the First Sergeant at the Marine Corps’ Drill Instructor School in San Diego until his transfer earlier this year. “Special duty, which includes assign- ment as a DI, is an opportunity for Marines to break out and distinguish themselves from their peers. Marines become DIs between their fourth and 12th year of service … often at about the eight-year point in their career. It’s the first time they’ve become eligible for special duty, which also includes recruit- ing duty, Marine Security Guard duty, or becoming a Marine try to instill in them a desire to learn something new every day. Combat Instructor at a School of Infantry. By that time, many The Corps is an ongoing learning environment and boot camp feel they have something to contribute to future Marines. is just the beginning.” “It’s also a gut check,” Alviso continues. “We all like to think of ourselves as big, bad, lean, mean Marines, but working DI duty The Recruit Experience is an chance to prove to ourselves that we have what it takes. It’s one of the biggest challenges outside of combat. Combat is The reputation of Marine Corps recruit training precedes virtu- the most fulfilling [responsibility for a Marine], but DI duty is ally every recruit that stands on the painted yellow footprints to very rewarding, too.” begin their Marine Corps experience. But it doesn’t start with the intensity most recruits expect. “I think most Marines think about being a DI or doing recruit- ing duty at some point in their career,” adds Kesselring. “I was “Most recruits have watched movies like Full Metal Jacket or TV one of many who used to complain about the quality of the shows like Gomer Pyle. They’ve also heard their buddies who young Marines who joined our units right out of boot camp or went through recruit training tell stories and, since humans A School. They might have a year in the Corps by that time and tend to embellish things, the 9.4 mile hike – the longest of we’d wonder, ‘How in the world did THIS guy get through re- recruit training – gets embellished to be a 20-mile hike with cruit training?’ I figured I shouldn’t complain about it; I should a 100-pound pack. There’s a R. Lee Ermey [the actor who do something to make a positive change.” portrayed Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Stanley Kubrick’s Vietnam-era film,Full Metal Jacket] expectation and the recruits During his DI tour, Kesselring realized that recruit training are a little thrown back when the level of stress isn’t immedi- wasn’t the source of the problem. “When I became a DI, I’d ate,” explains Alviso. meet young recruits and wonder how some of these guys made it past the recruiter. When I’d talk with my buddies on recruit- “A lot of the initial stress for recruits is simply facing the ing duty, they’d explain what a tough life many of these young unknown,” says Major Edward Solis, former director of DI men had and the blame would roll down to the parents. Even School in San Diego. “The first few days of recruit training are though these young men were 18 years old and should be about going through the basics, getting their inoculations, accountable for and to themselves, it really opened my eyes to marching to and from chow. At that point, the DIs are firm and the fact that we aren’t going to change 18 years of experience in professional, but not particularly intimidating. Things change 90 days. A DIs job is to change the recruits’ lifestyle; to reverse when PT (physical training) begins on the first Friday of recruit their thinking that they should work from 9 to 5 and help them training. That’s when the stress starts to mount. Recruits must understand what it means to work 5 to 9 — that’s AM to PM! be willing to accept orders without explanation and learn the We teach them to get up early, follow orders immediately and basics of how to respond. DIs are professional, loud, strict and without question. We teach them discipline and team work. We firm. They’re demanding. Recruits can’t really prepare for that.” are teaching them a way of life and we help them understand Solis, who was an enlisted Marine and experienced the rigors of that training doesn’t end. There will be leadership courses and recruit training first hand, goes on to explain how the recruits’ follow-on training throughout their Marine Corps career. We attitudes toward their DI evolve from fear to respect over their RGB111-01_7.75x10_Layout 1 10/8/15 10:11 AM Page 1 ROMAN GLADIATORS FROZEN IN TIME FOR OVER 1,600 YEARS Found: 1,600-Year-Old Roman Gladiator Coins Hold the Glory of Rome In the Palm of Your Hand hen your famous father appoints important military Wyou Caesar at age 7, you’re battles against the foes stepping into some very big sandals. of Rome. 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They were the and fall of empires, your coin in your home or office— coins used for daily purchases, as well as earthquakes, floods and two with the confidence of our 30-day for the payment of wages. Elite Roman world wars. The relatively few Roman Satisfaction Guarantee. Gladiators—paid to do battle before bronze coins that have survived to cheering crowds in the Colosseum— this day were often part of buried treas- Reserve Your Coin Today! often received their monthly ‘paycheck’ ure hoards, hidden away centuries ago These Roman Gladiator Bronze Coins in the form of Roman bronze coins. until rediscovered and brought to light. are not available in stores. Call now to reserve yours. Orders will be accepted But this particular Roman bronze has a These authentic Roman coins can on a strict first-call, first-served basis. gladiator pedigree like no other! Minted be found in major museums around Sold-out orders will be promptly re- between 348 to 361 AD, the Emperor’s the world. But today, thanks to funded. portrait appears on one side of this coin. GovMint.com, you can find them The other side depicts a literal clash of a little closer to home: your home! Roman Gladiator Bronze $39.95 +s/h the gladiators. One warrior raises his spear menacingly at a second warrior Claim your very own genuine Roman FREE SHIPPING on 4 or More! Limited time only. Product total over $150 before on horseback. Frozen in bronze for over Gladiator Bronze Coin for less than $40 taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only. 1,600 years, the drama of this moment (plus s/h). Each coin is protected in a Not valid on previous purchases. can still be felt when you hold the coin. clear acrylic holder for preservation and Surrounding this dramatic scene is a display. A Certificate of Authenticity For fastest service, call today toll-free Latin inscription—a phrase you would accompanies your coin. never expect in a million years! 1-800-558-6468 Unfortunately, quantities are extremely Offer Code RGB111-01 Happy Days are Here Again limited. Less than 2,000 coins are Please mention this code when you call. The Latin inscription surrounding the currently available. Demand is certain gladiators reads: “Happy Days are Here to be overwhelming so call now for your Again” (Fel Temp Reparatio). You see, best chance at obtaining this authentic at the time these coins were designed, piece of the Roman Empire. the Emperor had just won several GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W. Dept. RGB111-01 • Burnsville, Minnesota55337 Prices and availability subject to change without notice. Facts and figures deemed accurate as of September 2015. NOTE: GovMint.com® is a private distributor of worldwide government coin and currency issues and privately issued and licensed collectibles, and is not affiliated with the United States government. GovMint.com is not an investment company and does not offer financial advice or sell items as an investment. The collectible coin market is speculative, and coin values may rise or fall over time. All rights reserved. © 2015 GovMint.com. THE BEST SOURCE FOR COINS WORLDWIDE™ 22 U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kenneth K. Trotter Jr. Sergeant Rafael Garnica, a Company M, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Marine NOVEMBER 2015 Corps Recruit Depot San Diego drill instructor, hustles poolees to their FRA TODAY next location. 12-week period of indoctrination. “Every facet of a DI’s outward Alviso echoes the need for unity and equality. “The motto is appearance and performance is at the very top level. Recruits equal treatment for all, and that applies to both the good and are expected to perform at that standard, so the DIs must be intrusive elements of recruit training. As DIs, we cannot play fa- their role models.” vorites. In high school, kids often have a sports coach or teacher who singles them out for some particular skill or problem. When asked if the recruits see their DIs as gods, Alviso smiles None of that matters once they arrive here.” and says, “Not at first. But fair doesn’t equal soft. “We owe it to the recruits … and But by the end of recruit training, recruits look at their DIs their parents, the Corps and their fellow Marines … to be tough with a high level of respect. The DIs demonstrate, by their own on these recruits. It would be easy to be sympathetic,” smiles example, the very highest standards of fitness, confidence, Kesselring. “They’re far from home, they’re scared, they’re tired. hygiene and wear of the uniform.” But in the long run, we’d be doing them a real disservice if we “Recruits are under the overwhelming and unrelenting influ- coddled them. We make it hard at boot camp so they’ll be better ence of everything Marine Corps,” adds Solis. “They are exposed prepared to face the hard stuff they’ll experience in the field.” to a meticulous level of detail they may never have experienced “That said,” adds Alviso, “I think many folks would be surprised in their lives. Everything, down to the way they lace their boots, at how much mentoring and talking DIs do with recruits. It’s is mandated and, at first, they are not given a reason for it. They also our job to sand the edges of recruit training and tie the are just expected to follow orders. As their training progresses training into what will be required of Marines throughout their and they begin to see their DIs as mentors, the reasons for careers. We demand this of recruits here so that in combat certain things become clearer and the recruits start to see why they’ll have the tools to survive and be successful. Recruit train- they’re being taught those things.” ing is about more than drill marks and PT. We work to weave Developing individual Marines requires developing a team the esprit de corps into the entire curriculum.” mentality. DIs must be fully aware of cultivating the harmony of his team as they progress through the training cycle. Making Drill Instructors Marc Ayalin, who went through recruit training in 1991 and is now a public relations specialist at Recruit Depot San Diego, It’s not surprising that the Marine Corps chooses only the very emphasizes the challenge of building a unified platoon from best Marines to become DIs. Marines ages 22 to 37, with the young people who might have had little in common before rank of sergeant through gunnery sergeant, can request DI joining the Corps. “Recruits come here from a wide variety of duty. They must be in top physical condition and demonstrate backgrounds and cultures. They’re brought up differently and a strong commitment to the Corps’ values of honor, cour- come from all walks of life. The DI works to bring the recruits age and commitment. To be considered for this special duty, in his platoon together as a team. He treats everyone equally. Marines must also have scored a 90 or higher on the general When the DI ‘turns it on,’ the recruits are exposed to a level of and technical portions of the Armed Forces Vocational Battery structure they’ve never seen before,” he continues. “It’s a real cul- test and have a clean personnel record, i.e., no alcohol-related ture shock and probably the hardest challenge for 18- to 24-year incidents in the last three years, no courts-martial in the last olds who are used to doing their own thing. It’s a whole new five years and no non-judicial punishments within the last two organization, new structure, short indoctrination, all coming at years. Because a DI must be totally focused on his duties, his/ them full bore to mold the platoon into a unified team.” her financial situation must be stable and he/she can’t have divorce or separation proceedings pending prior to reporting “The focus is on value-based training, which isn’t shown in the for DI School. movies,” explains Captain Roger Hollenbeck, former assistant director of DI School at San Diego. “It’s about teaching recruits The 12-week Drill Instructor course prepares the future DIs to make good decisions and understand why. It’s about making by emphasizing leadership, judgement, professionalism, time ethical decisions that reflect our core values.” management and physical fitness. Much will be demanded of FSP116-01_7.75x10_Layout 1 10/8/15 10:00 AM Page 1 Limited Mintage Striking... 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For fastest service call today toll-free 99.9% Silver Best of all, this stunning Silver Proof is even NOTE TO COLLECTORS: When you place your 1-888-395-3001 more beautiful than the original, because it’s order for the $100 silver proof, it will be processed Offer Code FSP116-01 struck in precious silver! immediately, and the earliest orders will receive the Please mention this code when you call. coveted lowest registration numbers. GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W. Dept. FSP116-01 • Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 Prices and availability subject to change without notice. Facts and figures deemed accurate as of September 2015. NOTE: GovMint.com® is a private distributor of worldwide government coin and currency issues and privately issued and licensed collectibles, and is not affiliated with the United States government. GovMint.com is not an investment company and does not offer financial advice or sell items as an investment. The collectible coin market is speculative, and coin values may rise or fall over time. All rights reserved. © 2015 GovMint.com. FREE SHIPPING: Limited time only. Product total over $150 before taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases. THE BEST SOURCE FOR COINS WORLDWIDE™ 24 Left: Marines preparing to retire the guidon to their drill instruc- U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. John-Paul Imbody tors during graduation aboard Parris Island, S.C. Right: Staff Sgt. Antoine Griffith, NOVEMBER 2015 senior drill instructor, Platoon 1031, Company B, gives some pointers to his recruits prior to a series commander inspection FRA TODAY aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. them as they are demanding much from their assigned recruits. stressful environment,” explains Solis. “I recently met a retired DIs must remain focused on the training mission at all times Marine who had been a platoon commander in Vietnam. He and be able to operate on minimal sleep. They are up before said his duty as a DI and the things he learned here at DI the recruits and usually “hit the rack” long after the recruits are School provided the best transferable skills; skills that were ap- asleep. And they must be highly self-motivated. plicable in subsequent duty assignments and contributed to his military and civilian success. He learned about managing time, “A good DI challenges himself and his recruits. He takes the people, resources; all transferable to battle management.” tools learned here at DI School and the skills he’s learned from being a good Marine and fuses them together to create “I recently had a similar conversation with a retiree who’d been the proper model for new recruits,” says Hollenbeck. “As he a Recon Marine in Vietnam. He said he learned to lead recruits, ascends the ranks, he’s seen the world, he’s seen the Corps, he’s lead his peers and handle stress during his tour as a DI,” echoed interviewed and screened other Marines. There are standard Hollenbeck. operating procedures, rules and regulations for the lateral limits of that purpose-driven training, and it’s up to each DI to The pressures of DI duty are very different from combat stress, exercise the moral courage required for this duty. That means but taxing, nonetheless, says Alviso. “In combat, the unknowns making a moral decision that’s task- and mission-focused, are what create the stress,” he explains. “DI stress is different without concern for the consequences, regardless of whether in that there are long hours and the expectation of perfection. they’re making a correction to a peer or a recruit. They have to Being separated from my family during a deployment is dif- be comfortable in their own skin.” ficult, but it’s also hard for me to know that my wife and family are just across the base, but I have very limited time to spend This is particularly important when a sergeant might be with them. They’re close, but yet so far.” supervising another sergeant who has more years in service, says Alviso “Humility is one of the most important character- “The life-work balance is difficult to achieve here,” agrees Solis. istics of a good DI. They often have to work with their peers in “When you’re deployed, you can shelve those [family] demands a position of seniority. For example, the Senior DI is just that a bit because of the distance and communication limits. Not so — senior! during your tour as a DI.” “I also think it’s important for a DI to have compassion for the recruits,” continues Alviso. “In the movies DIs are often depicted Recruit Qualities as scowling and are never satisfied. But many of our recruits All of the Marines interviewed for this article praised the Corps’ come to us from some adverse conditions, broken homes, etc. recruiting force for bringing in high quality recruits. “We also It’s not uncommon for a DI to have had similar experiences, so benefit from the great efforts of our recruiters. They find good he can relate to those recruits. Every recruit joined as a volun- candidates and then, through the delayed-entry program teer and those who joined in the last decade or so have joined, (DEP), these candidates are groomed for up to a year before voluntarily, during a period of war.” they actually arrive here for recruit training. The transformation “DIs also have to be adaptable,” adds Solis. “There have been a often begins before they get here,” says Hollenbeck. “Today’s lot of changes in American youth over the past few years and recruits are far more educated than their predecessors. We have DIs have to be ready, willing and able to adapt to the charac- very few [less than one percent] with GEDs and anywhere teristics of the recruits. They have to be flexible as they shape from two to 22 out of any given class will be a college gradu- America’s modern youth into Marines.” ate. Today’s recruits are smarter and more able because of that education.” And DIs must also be able to handle the stresses that come with this special duty. “DIs come here to make themselves “The expectations of recruits have changed, too. Sixty or 70 better Marines. It teaches them skills to help them operate in a years ago, young people were different, we were fighting a 25 FRA TODAY NOVEMBER 2015 U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Walter D. Marino II different war than the one we’re fighting today. So of course, sharp. DIs work to develop habit patterns so the recruits don’t our expectations have to be different, too,” says Solis. “Today’s have to remember to turn it on and off … it’s always on … and youth ask more questions and are more tech-savvy, and as becomes a habit.” they’ve evolved, DIs have evolved with them. We have to train The culmination of recruit training is graduation day, when them differently than projected in cinema.” recruits proudly march across the parade deck. However, they “Back in the 1970s and 80s, a lot of kids in trouble were of- became a Marine one week prior after completing the Crucible fered the option: Jail or the Marine Corps. That’s not the case and received their Eagle, Globe and Anchor. This is a private anymore,” says Alviso who went through recruit training in 1994. ceremony and is an intimate moment between the DIs and their “In the mid-1990s, we’d have kids show up who were 20 or 30 recruits. They are the FIRST to call their recruits MARINE! pounds overweight. Today they need a commanding general’s “When you see these new Marines march out on the parade waiver to be five pounds over the limit. Just because you make deck, it’s a thrill to see the transformation they’ve undergone. weight standards doesn’t mean you may start training. Those It’s equally thrilling to look at the parents and loved ones that fail to meet Initial Strength Test (IST) requirements start assembled in the stands and know how proud they must be. off behind the curve and will be sent to Physical Conditioning Lots of parents have come up to me and said, ‘I can’t believe he Platoon [where they will train to meet standards].” enlisted. I can’t believe he graduated. Thank you for whatever you did!’ I was always quick to say that I could take about 10 Transformation percent of the credit, but the other 90 percent of the credit belonged to the recruit. He didn’t know he had it in him, and Regardless of their backgrounds, DIs will help mold recruits the DI just helped him find it.” into Marines. The Marine Corps website calls it a “transforma- tion of the willing into the able, of purpose-driven recruits into Marines who make a difference.” The site goes on to explain Honoring the Past While Creating the Future that “Those who prevail after 12 demanding weeks will emerge completely transformed, prepared to defend our country and A big part of the recruits’ training curriculum is classroom study, each other.” which includes a healthy dose of Marine Corps history. DIs are committed to upholding the traditions of the Corps and “Our goal in recruit training is to replace old habits with new ensuring the foundations on which they stand remain strong ones and it’s pretty amazing to see the transformation that for future generations of Marines. happens in 90 days,” muses Kesselring. “We’d see this ragtag group of recruits come in and we were pretty sure they were One of the biggest challenges, according to Kesselring, is assur- the worst 70 prospects the nation had to offer. I was a 30-year- ing the older Marines who tour the training depots that today’s old staff sergeant with about 12 years in service when I was Marines are being trained to their “old Corps” standards. San on DI duty, and I guess I’d been in the Corps long enough to Diego is the oldest USMC base on west coast, performing the forget what was reality for most 18 year-olds. We’d start to see same mission since 1923, and some of these retired Marines a difference in about 30 days and before it was over, we’d even came through recruit training when the depot was being be marveling at how we’d been able to make such positive constructed. changes in 90 days. “They legitimately claim, ‘We built this place,’” smiles “Part of our jobs is to change their mindset to pay attention to Kesselring. “Many of these retirees recall the hardest parts of even the smallest details because in the world beyond recruit recruit training and they’ll tell you how tough it was back then, training, those details matter and lives depend on those details,” how training was crammed into only seven weeks. If you get he continues. “DIs are adamant about making your rack, them off by themselves, they almost all say they can’t believe keeping your boots polished and your uniform pressed and how young these recruits are. Most are amazed at what we’re 26 teaching now and how well prepared today’s recruits are to go the young Marine I’d met in my youth. His mission was to to the fleet.” mold 75 teenagers into Marines. Yes, 75 want-to-be Marines came face-to-face with in-your-face Wesley L. Fox, Marine Corps Drill Instructor,” recalls Burke. “He was like an Arkansas Consistency and Change thunderstorm mixed with an Oklahoma thunderstorm when NOVEMBER 2015 Even though it had been 12 years between Kesselring’s days he took charge. Twelve weeks of misery and one emotional mo- as a recruit and his tour as a DI, he was surprised at how ment later, SSgt Fox told me I’d earned the title of United States consistent things were. “The weapons had changed and the Marine. He must have thought well of me, because he wrote FRA TODAY curriculum was different, but the essential structure of recruit ‘the redheaded Burke from Arkansas became good at sounding training was very much as it had been when I was a recruit.” like a rooster’ in his book, Marine Rifleman.” Burke completed his Marine Corps enlistment and later joined the Army Reserve, Retired Marines and civilians alike are often surprised to learn but he credits his successes in life to his Marine brothers. ”I how things have changed, too. “I’m sometimes asked … usually wear my full Army uniform for Memorial Day parades, but I am by civilians … why I stayed in the Corps or why we were so still a Marine.” hard on recruits,” continues Kesselring, who retired in 2004 after a 20-year career. “The Corps does have a rich and proud When asked about his most memorable DI, Shipmate history, but the conversation would usually make reference to Kesselring shared rich and respectful memories of Senior DI an uncle who was a Marine in World War II. The Corps’ legacy Sgt Jorge Verdugo. “He was six-foot-six, a runner, Hispanic, is close, hand-to-hand combat and they were gauging today’s squared away … everything you’d expect from a Senior DI. I (1990s at that point) Marines by WWII standards. I’d tell them was terrified of him at first, but you could see the pride he took that I was a jet mechanic and that we don’t storm beaches in being a Marine. He demonstrated courage and pride and anymore. Many are surprised to hear that we have Marines instilled in us that it was our duty to carry on that tradition. I who are IT geeks. But it’s important that we ensure today’s and wanted to be just like him. I think about him often and he’s tomorrow’s Marines are living up to that legacy. It’s the DI’s what made me want to be a DI. responsibility to uphold what our predecessors fought and died “When I left basic and went to aviation school, I heard Sgt for. The Chosin Reservoir survivors, Vietnam and Korea war vets Verdugo’s voice down the hall. As I got closer, I realized it was … they lost buddies, sometimes due to poor training … and some Marines who’d been in his platoon doing an imitation — they want to see that we’re training for survival. Graduation a good one — of him. I guess imitation is the most sincere form from recruit training isn’t the end of training; it’s just the begin- of flattery,” Kesselring laughs and then gets serious. “I heard his ning. And it’s the DI’s job to ensure his team is worthy to take voice many times after that; not someone imitating him, but his on the next phase of that training.” example resonating in my head. “I spent 20 years in the Corps, most of it far removed from Lasting Impact on Marines & Corps frontline ground fighting. But there are lots of infantry Marines who probably owe their lives to the training they received from When a Marine reminisces about his period of indoctrination, Sgt. Verdugo. I never had the opportunity to thank him for his he’ll surely share some vivid memories about his DI. Alviso is example. He was killed in a CH-46 crash over Korea in 1988 or no exception. “Recruits will remember their DIs for a long time 1989. I like to think he knows how much influence he had on and, in hindsight, will come to know that they truly cared. I me and hundreds of other Marines — not only directly through still stay in touch with my Senior Drill Instructor,” he smiles. his training, but indirectly through my efforts to follow his “My Senior DI laid the foundation for my Marine Corps career example.” and my life. I was a wayward youth who was looking for an approach on life that I didn’t have. My mom was fantastic, but Sgt. Verdugo’s influence hasn’t been limited to Marines, either. I needed a greater sense of structure. From my DI’s efforts, Kesselring applies his DI experience to his two sons, ages 10 I learned there are so many hours in the day and I came to and 11. “I take great pride in being able to have been on the understand what I could accomplish in a day. I came to realize I drill field and to say I was a DI. The principles I applied on the had an equal opportunity to be successful or average. I became drill field are still a big part of my life. I ask my sons if they want better prepared than ever to tackle personal and professional to win easy or cheat to win, and I remind them it’s better to challenges.” win the hard way and work hard to be the best. Working hard now will make the hard stuff easier down the road,” Kesselring Shipmate Joe Willie Burke (Branch 90, Las Vegas, Nev. ) went smiles. “Another DI lesson for parents: Yelling doesn’t work.” through USMC recruit training in 1955 and claims he’ll never forget his DI. “He was a Staff Sergeant then, but he went on to become a Marine Corps colonel and earned the Medal of Honor for his actions in Vietnam. I was a 19-year-old hillbilly from Arkansas and he was the second Marine I’d ever met. Lauren Armstrong is the Contributing Editor and Member It was a shock to learn his purpose was very different from of the FRA Auxiliary. She can be reached at [email protected]. TAPS In Memoriam 28 NAME BRANCH Arnold, Clyde, USN MAL Baker, Edmond Cortez, USN 386 NOVEMBER 2015 Bauer, Robert E, MRCS, USN 072 Baum, Robert R, MGYSGT, USMC 208 Bewley, Robert M, AD, USN 186 FRA TODAY Blaylock, Floyd E, EN1(SS), USN MAL Blegen, Dennis L, PH1, USN 091 Bonnell, John C., AME1, USN MAL Bower, James M, PHC, USN 227 Butcher, Leonard E, ABF1, USN 006 NAME BRANCH Cannon, Tony F, ADR1, USN 060 Meaders, Jimmy F, BMC, USN 282 Murphy, William F., USN 091 Carrasco, Hector P, PC2, USN 298 Cathell, Richard G, HMC, USN 040 Childress, Joe W, AO1, USN MAL Norton, Francis R, DK1, USN MAL Coulter, Herbert J, MMCM, USN 163 Cox, Donald L, AOCS, USN 091 Osborne, James R, PO2, USN 010 Deschaine, Robert J., TMCM(SS), USN 269 Palermo, Carmine A, HMCM, USN 099 Dodge, James V, CTCS, USN 024 Parrott, Paul, CPO, USN 284 Peck, Gerald E, DPC, USN MAL Egbert, John, YNC, USN MAL Powell, James O, SDCS, USN MAL Engle, Robert E, YNC(SS), USN 091 Prazak, Elden, AMHC, USN 289 Ferree, David R, BUC, USNR 276 Raether, Irving G, ADRC, USN MAL Rhodes, Walter B, USN MAL Gabay, Mansueto G, MSCS, USN 175 Ripley, James, BMC, USN 060 Glasgow, John, POCS, USN 070 Sailors, Harold D, HMC, USN 070 Greer, Warren, QMCS, USN 178 Shavce, William P, RMC, USN MAL Harshman, Robert F, EMCS(SS), USN 334 Stearns, Dick E., ET2, USN 118 Himes, Ira, ETC, USN 008 Smith, Earl W, EMCM, USN 371 Hinds, Robert, ADJ1, USN MAL Smith, Lorvale, USN 126 Hinds, Robert B, CDR, USN 159 Smith, Alwyn J, DM1, USN 289 Hoberg, Norman J, ATC, USN 124 Stewart, Irvin, ADCS, USN 067 Hoisington, Clinton W, ADJC, USN 055 Stuckert, Thomas, SKC, USN MAL Hurlburt, Edwin G, ADJC, USN 091 Treibel, George M, RMC, USN MAL Jenkins, Donald P, ACC, USN 264 Truskoski, Benjamin A, ENC, USN 060 Kendall, John B, MRC, USN 163 Vanaman, Diane K, AZ1, USN 093 Kennedy, Paul L, SKC, USN 382 Klein, Donald J, DCC, USN 175 Wenzlaff, George H, OSCS, USN 289 Wickham, James G, GMTCM, USN MAL Kramer, Carl F, ADRC, USN 091 Wilson, Arthur, HTC, USN 089 Lenczewski, Leo L, SHC, USN 091 Wise, Robert, EN1, USN 091 Loudenslarger, Edward G, OSCS, USN 022 Names in red indicate 50 year continuous members. LOOKING FOR… 29 Capt. Walter (Bud) Kraus (SC), USN PRCM Bill Horn ComCruDesLant Supply Officer We were stationed together at NAS FRA TODAY 1959–1961 (approximate dates). He Whidbey Paraloft, 1980–83. Please was my old boss and shipmate; a true contact AMCS Larry Mahoney, USN, sailor. Please help me before I cash in! (Ret.) at 840 Quail Ln., Oak Harbor, WA Contact Ray Souza, 33 Eleanor St., N 98277, [email protected], 360- NOVEMBER 2015 Dartmouth, MA 02747-1924. 675 4668. Softball Teammates RMC Robert (Bob) Russell Anyone from NAS Norfolk, Va., We were stationed together in softball team, 1961–1962, or NAF Barbados, WI, (63–64) and Keflavik, Naples, Italy 1963 to 1967. Please Iceland, (67–69). His wife’s name is contact Roy Fore, [email protected] or Myke. He worked for Dunhill Corp. (a 423-921-7410. corporate head-hunter) and then oper- ated two airlines in Barbados—Carib YN2 Bob Procter West and Calypso. The last time we EM Charles W. Rogers We were stationed together at met was in Barbados in 1971 and I lost We served together on the USS Cook CINCNELM HQ in London, England track of him after that. Contact Werner (APD-130) on the 1954–1955 cruise to from 1953–1955. Please contact Hal Miller OTCM (Ret.) at 757-705-7403, Haiphong, N. Vietnam. Please contact Sager at [email protected] MME Ronald E. Staton, USN (Ret.) [email protected]. at 1012 Jefferson St., High Point, NC Shipmates Henry D. Jones, Glen D. 27240, 336-491-7384. Pace, Murray J. Coleman, Peter J. Ramsden, Harry Langford, Vernon William G. Lang ADR1 (Ret.) Hobson and Auxiliary member Jean- All Looking For … notices must be submitted in 1967, last duty station VAW11 1965–67. nette Weaver writing. Members can submit requests via e-mail to NAS Anacostia, Washington, D.C. Please contact Dave Capozzi (FRA [email protected] or in writing to FRA Looking For, 125 1952–1955. Please contact Ken “Doc” Branch 124, Lakehurst N.J.) at 402 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Questions Strange, PO Box 25, Dongola, IL 62926; Poplar Street, Lakehurst NJ 08733- regarding Looking For… submissions should be 618-203-3937; [email protected]. 2522 or 732-657-6983. directed to 1-800-FRA-1924, ext. 126. REUNIONS USS Harry E. Yarnell (DLG/CG-17) All reunion notices must be submitted in writing. November 13–15, 2015, Virginia Members can post reunions online at www.fra.org, Beach, VA. Contact Glen Hunsberger, submitted via e-mail to [email protected] or in 212 Webb St., Hertford , NC 27944, writing to FRA Reunions, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, 757-428-8935 or glenn_hunsberger@ VA 22314. Please include your FRA member number yahoo.com and a daytime phone number. Questions regarding reunion submissions should be directed to 1-800-FRA-1924, ext. 108. Reunions are a Great Recruiting Opportunity! IF YOU’RE HOSTING OR attending a re- and offer NewsBytes or one of the FRA You can request these brochures or union, please consider how many pro- guides, provided by filling out the in- other items for your reunion from spective FRA members will also be formation card. Penny Collins at 1-800-372-1924 (ext. there! FRA has published a prospec- These work great for one-to-one 123) or [email protected]. Reunions are tive member brochure with an infor- conversations with someone who you great places to recruit. If you’d like ad- mation request form. You can easily know is eligible for membership (at ditional information or ideas for your talk through benefits of membership least one day of enlisted service in the reunion, please contact Penny! with the prospect using this brochure Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard). NEWS FROM THE BRANCHES 30 BRANCH 163 PHOENIX, ARIZ. PRPSW James Katzenberger, Branch President NOVEMBER 2015 David Willis and Past Branch President Joe Bland presented a 60-year pin membership certificate and a plaque to Shipmate Sam Little. This is the first time a member of Branch 163 has been FRA TODAY acknowledged for six decades of FRA membership. BRANCH 22 PENSACOLA, FLA. BRANCH 127 BICOL, P.I. At a recent branch meeting, Branch President Jim Richmond (right) pres- Shipmate Ulpiano M. Fulgueras receives ents Shipmate Will Lynch (left) a pin his 40-year continuous membership pin, and certificate to recognize his 45 years the second Branch 127 shipmate to do of continuous FRA membership. so. Pictured (l to r) are Mrs. Fulgueras, Shipmate Fulgueras, Branch President Herminio L. Ballester and Branch Secretary Ely P. Barachina. BRANCH 1 PHILADELPHIA, PA. Branch President and PRPNE Charles E. Rainey BRANCH 182 GERMANTOWN, MD. presents Shipmate Lindsie R. Whitted his Branch President Keith Kaider presents second recruiting pin for his outstanding work in charter member John Rash with his bringing new shipmates into the FRA. (Photo by 60-year continuous membership pin at Shipmate Patrick LaRose) the branch’s 60th birthday event. NEWS FROM THE BRANCHES 31 FRA TODAY NOVEMBER 2015 BRANCH 287 LIVERMORE, CALIF. Branch President George Mancuso and BRANCH 298 GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. Branch Secretary Roy Warner present the Branch President Rosemary Posekany 11th Grade National Second Place winner presents checks, certificates and a plaque award for the FRA Americanism Essay to Allegan High School student Christopher Contest to Michelle Duan. Also present Hitchcock. He placed third nationally in were Branch Vice President Greg Karl, FRA’s Americanism Essay Contest in the 9th Floyd Richards and Chaplin Cecil Reyes. grade category. Branch HW&R Chairman Dick Priest (right) observes the presentation. BRANCH 166 VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. Branch President S.D. Martin congratu- lates Shipmate Kenneth Golden for his five years of continuous FRA membership. BRANCH 53 GREAT LAKES, ILL. Shipmate Robert Adams received his 55-year continuous membership pin and certificate from Branch President Robert BRANCH 124 LAKEHURST, N.J. E. Campbell. The branch sponsored a Department of Veterans Affairs Mobile Outreach program on August 22, To submit a photo for News From the Branches, please e-mail a photo as an 2015. Pictured (l to r) are Branch Vice President attachment in jpeg format to [email protected] or mail a high-quality photograph Charles Seidel, LAFRA member Bobbie Seidel, to FRA Today, 125 N. West Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Please include a brief and VA representatives Margaret Wilson and description of the photograph and include the names of those pictured. Laser David Brimmer. prints and scanned copies of photographs cannot be accepted. NEWS FROM THE AUXILIARY OF THE FRA 32 THE AUXILIARY HAS HAD a great year, making a difference in their communities, supporting one another and enjoying the camaraderie of their fellow members and shipmates. Here are a few photos from the past 12 months: NOVEMBER 2015 FRA TODAY Unit 302 celebrates 117th Philippines Independence Day at Veterans Park, Carson, California,in June. Pictured (l to r): Cristina Almazan, Cathy Diamonon, Constancia Poquiz, Zeny Sabino, Lyn Transfiguracion, Laura Lopes, Minnie Labao, Cerelina Pajarillo, Nellie Galeon and Esperanza Batucal. Cadet Jessie Richardson accepts her award as the CGA’s Most Outstanding Senior Female Athlete from PNP Cindy Rodham-Tuck at the Many FRA shipmates join the Auxiliary as they make their annual Pilgrimage to Arlington Coast Guard Academy sports awards in May. National Cemetery. Members from the Auxiliary gathered at Arlington National Cemetery Unit 154 ladies in action at the first Feeding Program for undernourished in April for their annual Pilgrimage to pay respects at the Mast of the students at the Aguinaldo Elementary School, Baguio City, Philippines. 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