2015 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN
Running now through December 15! Read stories from local CFC organizations inside!
2 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2015
2015 – COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 3
UNITED WAY OF SOUTH HAMPTON ROADS
CFC# 28927
Supporting our active duty, veterans, families We’re delighted to announce the launch of Mission United, supporting and solving problems for our active-duty military, veterans, and their families. Powered by United Way of South Hampton Roads, we’re building partnerships throughout our community to bring together all of the resources available to you, including: Services for children struggling with a deployed or returning parent, a new school, or friends left behind after a transfer Educational opportunities to leverage current skills or learn new ones for a successful life after the military Support for wounded or disabled veterans. Opportunities with companies actively recruiting military-connected employees Volunteer opportunities across the community Basics like food, housing, financial assistance, physical and mental health care Last year, we served 11,000 military, veterans, and their families through community donations, but with more than 300,000 military living in Hampton Roads, we know we’re just scratching the surface. Contact Tanya Canty, director of Mission United, at tcanty@unitedwayshr.org for more information and please consider supporting Mission United and United Way of South Hampton Roads. Together, we will make good things happen in our military community. Sincerely,
Carol McCormack, President & CEO United Way of South Hampton Roads
Publisher: Laura Baxter Editor/Designer: Rebecca S. Hastings | (757) 322-2865 Creative Director: Tricia Lieurance Designers: Susan Cofer | Allyson Garner | Kyle Raymer Advertising: (757) 222-3990 | sales@militarynews.com
Navy veteran, civil servant utilizes talents to serve KEMPSVILLE VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD
By Ashley Martin | Rubin Communications Group The Kempsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, also known as Station 9, in Virginia Beach, has been servicing local residents for 65 years. A group of Kempsville residents chartered the Kempsville Volunteer Fire Department in 1950, and by 1967, rescue calls were outnumbering fire calls, so a charter was drawn up for the Kempsville Rescue Squad. After a 30-year partnership, the rescue squad absorbed the Volunteer Fire Department and focused its mission on emergency medical services (EMS), rescue and support services. Ever since, the squad has been a prominent leader in Virginia Beach’s volunteer EMS system, which is the largest of its kind in the country. The Kempsville Rescue Squad, along with the other nine Virginia Beach squads, is solely volunteer-based, and each new member commits to at least four 12-hour duty shifts per month, while consistently maintaining the required certifications through regular classroom and drill time. Tim Crawford, one of Kempsville Volunteer Rescue Squad’s many military-affiliated members, moved to the area in
CFC# 62662
2007 and learned about the volunteer EMS system through a donation solicitation. “Growing up, my parents were always involved in the community and encouraged us to be as well,” said Crawford. “I hadn’t realized it was a volunteerbased system, and it seemed like a great way to give back.” With no medical background, but experience as a supply officer for the Navy, and his current role as a civil service financial management analyst at Naval Station Norfolk, Crawford joined Kempsville Volunteer Rescue as an administrative member and soon became its treasurer. His responsibility is to make the squad’s funds work efficiently. Because the squad is a nonprofit that relies on donations, Crawford is always mindful of getting the best value for the lowest cost, all while focusing on improving patient care. “Our squad has always prided itself on its fiscal management,” said Kevin Lipscomb, president of the Kempsville Volunteer Rescue Squad. “We take every precaution to carefully control our finances, but with Tim’s expertise, we’ve been able to take things a step further. Tim has been able to institute a cash flow ‘phasing plan’ that gives an unprecedented awareness of how the available
Tim Crawford, a military veteran and civil servant, is Kempsville Volunteer Rescue Squad’s Treasurer and is also training to become an EMT.
money ebbs and flows.” After nearly four years as an administrative member, Crawford is now completing his training to become an emergency medical technician (EMT). “Being an administrative member first gave me the opportunity to learn more about the system before becoming an EMT,” he said. “My first shifts on the ambulance were eyeopening. It’s amazing to see the relief on a patient’s face when help arrives.” Crawford also enjoys the variety of people who volunteer and the different talents they bring to the EMS system. “I contribute to the financial management of the squad while my fellow volunteers help in many other ways,” he said. “Without everyone pitching in, the squad simply wouldn’t operate as efficiently as it does. We’re lucky to have so many committed volunteers, and I’m happy to be part of it.”
The contents of this special section are not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the U.S. government, the DoD, the DoT or the U.S. Coast Guard. Opinions of contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Military Newspapers of Virginia or The Flagship®. The availability of these newspapers and the appearance of advertising in these publications, including any inserts and supplements, do not constitute endorsement by the federal government, the DoD, the DoT, the U.S. Coast Guard or Military Newspapers of Virginia of products or services advertised. Military Newspapers of Virginia is a private firm and is in no way connected to the DoD, the DoT or the U.S. Coast Guard. Published by Military Newspapers of Virginia | 150 W. Brambleton Ave. Norfolk, VA 23510 | Phone: (757) 222-3990 | Fax: (757) 853-1634
4 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2015
St. Matthew’s “Toys for Tots” tradition By Elizabeth Allen | Development Director, St. Matthew’s Catholic School
7 Navy SEALs complete a reverse triathlon on July 30th to Benefit Camp Sunshine On the morning of Thursday, July 30, seven active-duty Navy SEALs embarked on the Summit to Sunshine Challenge, a reverse triathlon for an exceptional cause. The goal of this ambitious, courageous and selfless mission is to raise $100,000 to send military and special operations families who have a child who has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness to Camp Sunshine. The Summit to Sunshine Challenge will begin with a 7.6 mile run down the tallest peak in the Northeast, Mt. Washington. The SEALs will then bike 83.4 miles from New Hampshire through Western Maine to Camp Mataponi on scenic Sebago Lake. During their ride, the SEALs will stop at the Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris to shake hands and pay tribute to some of the brave heroes of the last generation. When the SEALs arrive at Camp Mataponi, the swim portion of their challenge begins. When the SEALs have completed their 3.9 mile swim and have landed on the beach at Point Sebago Resort, they will be greeted by an awe-inspired crowd, completely enamored with
CAMP SUNSHINE AT SEBAGO LAKE
CFC# 63635
their athleticism, as well as their commitment to the cause. This is a true mission of passion and determination. The founder of SEALS for Sunshine, Cmdr. Mike W., makes this point clear: “For this SEALs team and for Camp Sunshine’s families – failure is not an option.” With all the challenges that military families face already, it is hard to imagine finding out your child has been diagnosed with leukemia, a brain tumor, retinoblastoma, renal disease, lupus, or any of the other diseases that Camp Sunshine faithfully serves. Since Camp Sunshine offers one of the only programs in the nation designed to serve the entire family of a child who is battling a lifethreatening illness, the organization is continually striving to expand the reach of its services. Donations to the SEAL Team’s mission can be mailed directly to Camp Sunshine at 35 Acadia Rd., Casco, Maine 04015, Attn: SEALs for Sunshine Hampton Roads. All funds raised through this publi-
cation will go directly to sending military families from the Hampton Roads region and the surrounding area to Camp Sunshine. The impact of Camp Sunshine is best expressed in the words of one of their campers: “I came away from camp renewed and ready to face the challenges that await me … Thanks to our time at camp I have an appreciation for life again and am ready to face these challenges. This generous gift of a week at Camp Sunshine has lifted the spirit of our entire family.” Camp Sunshine provides respite, support, joy and hope to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families from around the world through the various stages of their journeys. The year-round program is free of charge to all families and includes 24-hour onsite medical and psychosocial support. Camp Sunshine also provides bereavement sessions for families who have lost a child to a supported illness. Over the years, Camp Sunshine has offered services to many families from the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. For more about Camp Sunshine, visit http://www.campsunshine.org.
For more than 15 years, the students at St. Matthew’s Catholic School have supported the Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” campaign. Partnering with the Marine Corps enables us to emphasize the importance of stewardship to all of our students, which range in age from 3 to 14. At this time of year, our students are reminded of how blessed they are by helping the Marines help Santa Claus make sure the less fortunate children in our community receive a present. Marine Corps Capt. Brian C. Singh said of the December 2014 collection: “Another hugely successful Toys for Tots collection year due to the wonderful young scholars, parents, teachers, and staff at St. Matthew’s. All 496 unwrapped toys will be distributed as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in our community, which is sure to put smiles on their faces and love in their hearts. Please pass on our sincere thanks for continuing to support Toys for Tots and our community. Have a blessed day.” With more than 20 percent of our families being active duty, we take great pride in our students supporting the Marine Corps’ efforts in spreading smiles and peace during the holidays. ST. MATTHEW’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL
CFC# 76595
2015 – COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 5
Choosing CHKD can save a child. It saved Audrey. Please choose CHKD for your workplace giving campaign.
A
routine ultrasound at the end of Beth Dembitz’s pregnancy revealed something completely unexpected –a cancerous
tumor in the abdomen of her unborn daughter, Audrey. As soon as she was born, Audrey was taken to CHKD where pediatric surgeons removed the tumor when she was just 6 days old. Audrey was treated at CHKD’s cancer center – the largest of its kind in the region. Today, thanks to CHKD and donors like you, Audrey is cancer free.
Make a difference in the lives of local children by designating CHKD during your workplace giving campaign using the CFC code
#68517 For more information, please contact CHKD Office of Development at 757-668-7070 or visit CHKD.org
6 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2015
FOOD FOR THE POOR
CFC# 10328
The impact of Food For The Poor By Joseph Hamaty | Program Specialist
The comfort of a VBSPCA pet therapy visit By Amanda Panuline Dunlap | Director of Volunteers & Community Relations Everyone faces difficult life circumstances. Struggles are a part of life. However, some people’s struggles seem unimaginable. But the comfort of a soft, calm, floppy-eared, non-judgmental being can help someone begin to take the proper steps toward healing. That is exactly why the Virginia Beach Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (VBSPCA) began working so closely with the Navy Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP) at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center six years ago. The VBSPCA has offered pet-assisted therapy for nearly a half-decade. When the program started, pet therapy animals predominately visited retirement communities and nursing homes. On these visits, the VBSPCA takes a loveable, fuzzy creature from room-to-room to interact with the patients. As the organization thought about other populations in need of this kind of affection and attention, it decided that the Navy’s SARP was right in line with the VBSPCA’s mission. At that time, VBSPCA reached out to the Navy’s SARP to try this more-specialized type of therapy. After the first few visits, VBSPCA volunteers and pet therapy dogs became a huge hit with the rotating population of Navy SARP attendees. According to its official website, Navy SARP aims to help “… active duty personnel from various services as well as civilian employees, retired personnel, and military family members,” by providing, “… outreach training to commands
and organizations within the Hampton Roads Area, substance abuse or gambling screenings, and to conduct Early Intervention Alcohol Treatment as needed.” “Some of these guys really ‘play it cool’ during the treatment program, but as soon as a sweet, fluffy face walks through our door you can see how soft and compassionate these guys are,” said Ashley Parker, Navy SARP coordinator and the VBSPCA’s lead point-of-contact for Pet Therapy visits. “Most of the time, the animal visits just allow the guys a mental escape from their current circumstances.” Parker continued: “Every once in a while the comfort of an animal allows the attendees to talk about the dark parts of their past.” Parker says she notices a huge difference when the pet therapy animals are present in the facility, so much so that attendees have been comfortable enough to talk about their more difficult run-ins with past molestation, physical or verbal abuse, or various accidents they endured, which in-turn led them to abuse various substances for comfort. She says it seems to be so empowering for them to have such an unprejudiced, warm, tolerant body [referring to the pet therapy animals] present to help the attendees move forward in the path of healing. Plain and simple, that is what the VBSPCA is all about – creating communities with an increased capacity for compassion and a decreased tolerance for cruelty, one step at a time. Please consider a gift to the VBSPCA. VIRGINIA BEACH SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
CFC# 18191
For the last 33 years, Food For The Poor (CFC #10328) has been helping the poorest of the poor throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. We are committed to providing life’s essentials for the needy in countries like Guyana, because we believe in the great potential within every human being. Food For The Poor has been serving the destitute in Guyana since 1991, building more than 3,180 housing units and feeding thousands of people each year. Due to the number of people we serve, it can be easy to lose sight of how our work impacts people at the individual level. However, during the 2014 Combined Federal Campaign, I was reminded of how charitable interventions can have lasting effects on the lives of real individuals. While I was interacting with Navy personnel at Naval Air Station Pensacola, I met a seaman fresh out of boot camp. As she approached the Food For The Poor table, she looked at me and pointed to Guyana on a map of the countries we serve and said, “That’s my country.” She looked at me in the eye and said, “Food For The Poor helped me when I was a child in Guyana.” It made me proud to be a part of Food For The Poor, knowing that our work made some kind of positive impact on her life. I was encouraged by the thought that a little child born into poverty in Guyana could grow up to serve as a U.S. Navy seaman. Who knows how many future doctors, teachers, engineers, naval officers and community leaders are out there, just waiting for a hand-up out of poverty? Working to uplift the poor never comes back void.
“My injury taught me what’s important about life.â€? By Craig Peters The Semper Fi Fund, now in its second decade, believes that as much as our military heroes and their families have sacriďŹ ced, they deserve the best care and support available. The highly rated nonproďŹ t commits to assisting service members at the time of injury or illness – and for a lifetime, if needed. To date the Fund has raised more than $113 million to assist more than 14,400 service members. Read on and meet one of them. “My wife was an expert in all things Semper Fi Fund before I even gained consciousness,â€? said Master Sgt. John Hayes, referring to his recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. “The Semper Fi Fund has done more
for me than anyone else.â€? John arrived in Bethesda in January 2011, after losing both legs to an IED (improvised explosive device) blast in Afghanistan on his fourth deployment. An EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) expert, he was in his 11th year as a Marine. “This whole experience, it’s matured my marriage to my wife Janelle,â€? said John, who ofďŹ cially retired from the Marine Corps in October 2013. “It’s taught me what’s important about life. I want to spend time and have fun with my family. I pull in all the positive people I can. You talk about support networks – Semper Fi Fund is a huge part of that.â€? The Semper Fi Fund provided a wide range of support to John and his family, including an Action Trackchair
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2015 – COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 7
READ JOHN’S ENTIRE STORY AT:WWW. GOO.GL/ A4FW5C
that provides him with freedom and mobility he wouldn’t otherwise have, supported the purchase of an adaptive minivan – “I was up and driving before I was even a year out. That was huge for my independence!� – and travel assistance so family could be by his side. With assistance from the Home Depot Foundation, John also received a special attic lift in his home so he could access a storage area that runs the length of his home. John can now
SEMPER FI FUND
CFC# 11459
easily organize his house and garage on his own. “Marines by nature are a very strong-willed, proud and conďŹ dent bunch,â€? he said. “I embody all those traits and before the injury I could do anything easily. After the blast, though, I have to ask for help daily, and that’s tough for me to do. Semper Fi Fund doesn’t make me ask.â€? “I know of no other organization that does what Semper Fi Fund does. I feel like they’re my own family.â€?
8 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2015
Keeping a promise By Marcy Germanotta | Communications Director
GIRL SCOUTS OF THE COLONIAL COAST
CFC# 59158
On my honor, I will try to serve God, my country and to help people at all times. The essence of the Girl Scout Promise hasn’t changed since Lt. Cmdr. Carolyn Engler joined the Girl Scouts as a Brownie. She says she still gets a “quiet in her heart” when she recites the Promise with her Girl Scouts today. Engler leads Troop 759 in Chesapeake and gives a hand outside the troop as well, like coordinating the opening Pledge for Girl Scouts when they are asked to be presenters at City Council meetings. That beautifully describes this dedicated volunteer – always there to give a hand. And that’s how her Navy colleagues describe her, too. Since joining the Navy 15 years ago, Lt. Cmdr. Engler has moved all over the country and traveled around the world. Wherever she ends up serving duty, she meets friends and gets involved in Girl Scouts. She says it is one thing that is constant in her life. With each move, Girl Scouts has helped her get involved with her new community outside of the military life. “I enjoy assisting Girl Scout leaders and giving them courage to build new skills as they work with girls,” Engler said. “Girl Scouts offers adults vast opportunities to work with other adults, learn new skills and develop communication in a safe environment.” As a Girl Scout volunteer, Engler sees her role as a mentor – someone who encourages girls to step up and make decisions and engage themselves in a girl-led program. She wants to empower them to lead. Over the past year, Troop 759 has held a food drive, conducted the flag ceremony for a Chesapeake City Council meeting, sang Christmas carols at a local nursing home and planted flowers at Northwest River Park, just to name a few community service projects the girls agreed as a group to support. Under Engler’s guidance, the girls have earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award, the highest award earned by Girl Scouts in elementary school. In her 30 years as a Girl Scout, Engler credits her experiences with the organization for making her who she is today. Girl Scouts is also a place where Engler gets to spend quality time with her daughter, Elizabeth, who is a Girl Scout Brownie in Troop 759 and says it is a great place to learn where moms and daughters can build strong relationships and learn unique things about each other. “I have the confidence to engage in challenging jobs and the skills I need in my professional environment because of Girl Scouts,” Engler said. “My involvement with Girl Scouts has also lead me to meet my best friends!” For more information about volunteering with Girl Scouts, visit www.gsccc.org.
Military lends many hands to help save the bay By Christy Everett | Chesapeake Bay Foundation Acting Virginia Executive Director Over the years, members of the U.S. armed forces stationed in Virginia have generously volunteered to assist the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) in its many Bay restoration activities. Personnel from the Coast Guard and Air Force often have volunteered at CBF’s Virginia Oyster Restoration Center in Gloucester County. There they’ve helped wash and bag oyster shells, make concrete reef balls, unload oyster seed, and spread baby oysters on reefs in the York River. Others have helped construct floating oyster cages for use in CBF’s “oyster gardening” project with citizen volunteers. Thanks to the military’s help, today there are more oysters in the Chesapeake Bay providing food and shelter for fish and crabs and clearing the water of algae and plankton. One adult oyster can filter 50 gallons of water a day, helping improve water clarity needed by important underwater Bay grasses. CBF’s annual Clean the Bay Day, a massive one-day stream cleanup on the first weekend in June, also regularly draws hundreds of military volunteers to help pull litter and debris from Hampton Roads waterways. Event manager Tanner Council observes that nearby Navy, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard bases typically provide the greatest number of volunteers for the event, more than any single business or community group. This past June, an estimated 6,000 volunteers across Virginia removed 110,000 pounds of litter and debris along some 450 miles of shoreline. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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“Clean the Bay Day just would not be as successful without the generous assistance of our partners in the armed services,” Council says. Another Bay cleanup initiative with which the U.S. military is increasingly engaged is the management of polluted runoff, the rain and storm water that washes off streets, parking lots, buildings, and lawns. This runoff often sweeps dirt, grease, pet waste, fertilizers, and other chemicals directly into nearby waterways. Polluted runoff is a growing problem for Chesapeake Bay waters, and reducing it is one of the key goals of the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint, the regional plan to restore the Bay. Like cities, towns, college campuses, and other large institutions across the Bay watershed, many federal facilities, including military bases, are required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Commonwealth of Virginia to have five-year stormwater permits that comply with the Clean Water Blueprint. These facilities are now preparing action plans detailing how they will achieve compliance with their permits. Given the number and size of military installations in the Bay region, the military’s efforts to manage stormwater could have a significant impact on the health of the Bay and its many creeks and rivers. CBF remains grateful for the military’s ongoing support of Bay restoration, and we look forward to continuing our partnerships in the months and years to come. CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION
CFC# 11325
Guardsmen in Mathews, Va., help load oyster shells laden with “spat” (baby oysters) for placement on oyster reefs in the nearby Piankatank River.
Veteran volunteer has personal connection to St. Mary’s Home
2015 – COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 9
By Katie McCarthy | St. Mary’s Home Marketing Communications Intern It’s a rarity to meet genuinely kind people who not only give 100 percent to their family, but also to others. Two of those people are retired Navy Capt. Emmett Smith and Randy Smith, the grandfather and father of Aidan, a 14-year-old who lives at St. Mary’s Home in Norfolk, which cares for children and young adults from throughout Virginia who have severe intellectual and physical disabilities. The love they have for Aidan and gratitude they have for St. Mary’s radiates from them. They frequently offer to help with even the most menial tasks around the Home, urging staff to let them know whatever the Home needs. But their involvement with St. Mary’s goes way back, before Aidan even came to live at St. Mary’s. After attending Auburn University in Alabama on a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship, Emmett served 28 years in the Navy. The Smith family is full of active and retired military, including Aidan’s great-grandfather, who was an Army airman in World War II; Randy’s uncle, a Navy captain; and Randy’s cousin, who today serves as a commander in the Navy. The Army vs. Navy football game is always very competitive in their family. In 1975, while Emmett was stationed in San Diego, he met fellow officer Gary Lisota, who later retired as a lieutenant commander in the Navy Reserve. Today, Lisota, as chief executive officer of defense contractor Valkyrie Enterprises, LLC, in Virginia Beach, is a generous donor to St. Mary’s Home. When Emmett retired from the Navy, he began working with Lisota at naval contractor AMSEC LLC, where he also met Carl Albero, a member of St. Mary’s board of directors and the main benefactor of The Albero House, which St. Mary’s opened on its campus in 2013 to care for adults with disabilities. Through them, Emmett’s involvement with St. Mary’s began, donating Christmas gifts for the kids and other items, such as clothing. Since Aidan came to St. Mary’s in June 2013, Emmett has been even more involved with the Home. Almost every Tuesday, he drives up from his home in the Outer Banks to volunteer with the maintenance staff. He chose that job because he wanted to do the work that may be difficult to fill by the typical volunteer. Emmett said, “I can’t imagine a better place to do it – Aidan’s home.”
That home has made Aidan, as Randy put it, “happy as a clam.” Randy visits his son regularly, even dropping by during his lunch breaks from his longshoreman’s job at Norfolk International Terminals. He also attends many events in which his son participates, such as a trip to iFLY Virginia Beach, an indoor skydiving facility at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Aidan was among six kids from the Home who got out of their wheelchairs and were able to fly inside a vertical wind tunnel this spring. For the events that Randy can’t attend, he graciously donated to the Home a GoPro camera for action videography. He wanted to be able to see the expressions on his son’s face when Aidan runs in races with Team Hoyt VB, a local running group that helps people with disabilities become active members of the community. Randy also wanted to give parents who don’t live near St. Mary’s the opportunity to see the great things their kids are doing. The GoPro had its first big test run during the iFLY event. Emmett and Randy said they feel love at St. Mary’s and that it’s impossible not to form relationships with all the kids at St. Mary’s – they’re Aidan’s buddies. Emmett said he wished even more families knew about St. Mary’s and had the opportunity to be there. He and Randy believe St. Mary’s is the best place for Aidan because the staff can do things for Aidan that they can’t do for him at home. Aidan, like many of the children and young adults who live at St. Mary’s Home, is unable to speak and needs a wheelchair for mobility. Randy said, “Aidan has skyrocketed educationally here.” Emmett elaborated, saying, “Aidan has excelled educationally, socially, functionally, everything.” Not only do they believe the Home takes good care of Aidan, but they said, “They treat us like family here,” which is really how it feels to be at St. Mary’s. Feeling at home means being surrounded by people who love you. Emmett and Randy are able to give Aidan a home at St. Mary’s and still be a big part of that home. With many years of service to the military and volunteering at Aidan’s home, the family’s legacy of doing for others continues with Aidan’s twin sister, Kassidy, who wants to start volunteering at St. Mary’s. ST. MARY’S HOME
CFC# 10064
10 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2015
Naval physician finds fulfillment in giving back to his community By Deanie Eldridge | Virginia Area Executive Director Dr. Mack Bonner, MD, MPH, was a commissioned as Ensign in the Navy Reserve in 1962 and interned at the Naval Hospital in Philadelphia. From there, he was a general medical officer assigned to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, South Carolina, from 1966 through 1969. While there, he was promoted to lieutenant commander and was honorably discharged in 1969. He also served as commander of the Navy Reserve Medical Corps, from 1988 – 1992. In addition to his honorable military service, Bonner has also held a variety of distinguished positions, including medical director at Harlem Hospital in New York City; chief of medicine at Provident Hospital in Baltimore; and deputy secretary for Public Health at the Maryland Deptartment of Health and Mental Hygiene. Perhaps Bonner’s greatest challenge and reward came from serving in a medical director capacity within state and federal departments of corrections. At retirement, he served as regional medical director with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He has had extensive experience in establishing and overseeing programs to combat diabetes, particularly in the correctional setting. He established a multi-disciplinary diabetes initiative to target the most at-risk individuals with diabetes in the inmate population, to give them both comprehensive care and self-management tools. Bonner received national recognition and honors for this comprehensive program. Fast forward a few years, Bonner and his wife, Dr. Nira Bonner, chose to move to the Hampton Roads area, to be closer to their adult daughter and her family. Within months of arriving in the area, in the fall of 2014, Bonner contacted the American Diabetes Association to ask if he could be of service. He had volunteered at a vari-
Dr. Mack Bonner (center) is out in the community regularly, providing diabetes education and information about overall health/wellness. AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION
CFC# 11235
ety of organizations over the years, but felt his particular medical knowledge and background regarding diabetes could be useful to the Association. And he was right! It was immediately apparent that Bonner’s vast knowledge of the disease, coupled with his incredible dedication to helping people in need, made him a perfect fit. He has joined the Association’s Community Leadership Board and currently serves as the Chair of the Community Outreach Committee. He is also an active participant and champion fundraiser for both the Association’s key community initiatives, the Tour de Cure cycling event and Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes. Where Bonner truly shines though, is interacting with those living with diabetes or at time of diagnosis. “Diabetes continues to be a major personal and public health problem in our society. The burden of diabetes is particularly high in Virginia and even higher in portions of Hampton Roads. I am delighted to have the opportunity to be of service in combating this disease and its consequences. I am grateful to work with the talented and committed staff and volunteers of the Hampton Roads American Diabetes Association. Together we will continue to make inroads against diabetes in our community,” said Bonner.
2015 – COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 11
Routine haircut leads to college scholarship for student veteran For most, a visit to the barber doesn’t lead to being awarded a hand up in life, but that’s exactly what happened to Marine Corps veteran Kristofer Poole. Poole visits his local Sport Clips at least once a month for a haircut. After making a donation to Sport Clips’ “Help A Hero” campaign, Poole went home and decided to find out more about the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars’ (VFW) “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship.” Realizing he was eligible to apply, he gathered the small amount of required paperwork, and quickly completed the application online. Poole soon became one of 70 student veterans to be awarded a 2015 spring semester scholarship. “I am so blessed that I was chosen … this is the first scholarship that I have ever received,” Poole said. After a successful 8-year military career, two deployments to Iraq and one deployment to Afghanistan, he separated from the military and made the
decision to completely change his career path. The Help A Hero scholarship will help Poole attain his future career goals as he works toward a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Southern University. “Many people told me it was too hard and that I should start working right away. I am proving them all wrong. The [Help A Hero Scholarship] is the reason I am able to go to college,” he said. Student veterans can face different types of challenges than their traditional counterparts. Poole explains, “As a husband and father of Kristofer Poole and his wife attend a Marine Corps Ball. three young children, I can’t afford to do what many traditional college students do. Each to prevent the need for unnecessary student loan day is a struggle between dropping kids off … debt. Applications for the spring 2016 semester driving an hour … studying all day, driving an are currently being accepted. Deadline to apply is hour back and getting everybody again. It is so Nov. 15. For more information and to apply, visit relieving to have [the Help A Hero Scholarship] www.vfw.org/scholarship. to make it all work.” The VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” program awards service members and veter- VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS FOUNDATION CFC# 10511 ans with individual scholarships of up to $5,000
TIMES CHANGE THE MISSION DOESN’T VBVRS.ORG
12 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2015
Local USO launches new Transition 360 Alliance for troops exiting military The United Service Organizations (USO) of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia (HRCV), well known for providing entertainment and other support activities for our military families, launches a new program specifically for troops transitioning out of the military. The new program, dubbed Transition 360 Alliance will soon open their east coast hub at the USO center in Naval Station Norfolk this fall. With 11 centers located throughout Hampton Roads and Central Virginia, USOHRCV has provided various services to service members and their families since 1984. The organization operates welcome centers located at the area’s three major airports including Norfolk International, Newport News/Williamsburg International and Richmond International, as well as major area bases including Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Fort Eustis and Fort Lee. These centers have hosted programs such as United Through Reading, offered complimentary meeting space for Family Readiness groups, and host holiday celebrations including Thanksgiving luncheons and
USO OF HAMPTON ROADS AND CENTRAL VIRGINIA
CFC# 29471
Christmas dinners. In addition, they provide a home away from home atmosphere for service members who need a quiet break during their day, or are traveling due to orders or permanent change of station. The new Transition 360 Alliance program is partnering with Hire Heroes USA, The Comfort Crew for Military Kids, Stronger Families and newcomer RallyPoint/6 (RP/6) to form a comprehensive menu of programming for everyone from new and pending veterans seeking new careers, to young children of military families facing yet another move. Many of these programs are already familiar to families who have previously used the USOHRCV’s programs and offerings. “The USO has brought these groups together to combine the very best of what each of us has to offer America’s transitioning military families, on a scale that no single organization could have achieved alone,” said USO Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and
For more information, visit cbf.org or call 888/SAVEBAY.
The Bay you Love is in Trouble. Join us in our efforts to fight pollution and save the Bay and its rivers and streams for current and future generations.
President J.D. Crouch II, in a press release. The addition of RP/6 to USOHRCV’s already robust programming adds a concierge style mentorship program to service members ending their active service. The east coast hub of the program, which will be centered at NAVSTA Norfolk, has already hired a program director and several scouts to assist with the program’s inaugural cases. “Rally Point 6 helps our service members develop a comprehensive plan to enable a successful transition,” said Paula Moran, president and CEO of USOHRCV. “It consolidates a number of existing resources across multiple factors including employment, education, family programs and housing into a one-stop shop. Not only can a service member work with these scouts to create a plan, but the scout will be there with them for up to a year even after their initial transition to ensure success in the program.” Service members who are nearing the end of their active service can register for the program well in advance of their estimated termination of service (ETS) date. Once registered, he or she will be assigned to a scout who will act as his or her case worker during this period of transition. “The program isn’t just specific to the Hampton Roads area,” added Paula Moran. “The modern day military is a diverse group with individuals coming from every nook and cranny of the United States.”
CFC#11325
Photo: Corbis
2015 – COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 13
©2015 ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (21673)
Because of you, we never received a bill.
St. Jude patient Andrew with his father Herman, United States Navy Commander
Proud member of the Combined Federal Campaign #10560
800-822-6344 • stjude.org/cfc
14 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2015
An ordinary life is an extraordinaray gift There are few opportunities to make a positive impact on someone else’s life that we can see with our very own eyes. This is often the case when it comes to donating to a charitable organization. Sometimes, actions like stroking a check or dropping pocket change into a jar may not carry with them that sense of, “yes, I’m making a difference,” that one might hope for. A donation to Hope House Foundation is not one of those sorts of actions. Making the choice to donate to Hope House is fulfilling because you know you are directly assisting in improving someone’s life. Donating to Hope House is also satisfying, because, since we support people in their own homes and therefore they live in the community, you have the opportunity to see your valuable donation at work every single day. You can see someone we support taking their dog for a walk. Sure, it may seem like a small feat, but there are many people with disabilities who cannot have pets of their own because they live in a congregate setting that doesn’t permit animals. Or maybe you’ll join someone we support for a cup of coffee or a slice of pizza. This, too, is not an option for some individuals who may not have the freedom to dine wherever they wish out in the community, but instead are limited to a dining hall. So, you see, it’s the small things in life that make it worth living. When people with disabilties are provided with respect, care, and the resources necessary to be independent, they can enjoy the small things, and the big ones, too, in life that many of us take for granted. And when all those small things come together it paints a picture of what Hope House and you, as a donor, can do for our community. But perhaps you still don’t quite understand Hope House Foundation’s mission or our role in the community. So, please allow me to introduce you to Jessie, one of the women we support. Jessie is a vibrant young woman with a quick smile, great sense of humor, and contagious laugh. She lives in a cozy apartment within walking distance of her favorite shops and entertainment venues. Jessie loves having her own apartment where she can relax after work,
HOPE HOUSE CFC# FOUNDATION 14719
cook dinner, or watch movies with her boyfriend. But Jessie’s life was not always this way. Before coming to Hope House Foundation eight years ago, Jessie’s life was not one of her own choosing. Instead, her life was one full of schedules made according to other people’s agendas. Others made decisions for her regarding where she went and when, what she ate, what she wore, and who her friends were. All of these choices – these little liberties that everyone deserves to enjoy – were not her own. Now, thanks to Hope House, Jessie has control over her life. She decides what she wants to do, who she wants to spend her time with, and how she wants to represent her individuality. Jessie is living life on her own terms, just like we all should. This is where Hope House Foundation comes in. We support Jessie in her own apartment and provide her with the level of support that is just right for her. Jessie, like everyone at Hope House, receives support in her own apartment and, also like the other people served by Hope House, her plan of care was tailor-made to suit her individual needs in a safe and empowering manner. While all of this still may not seem remarkable, consider that Hope House Foundation is the only organization in Virginia that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities exclusively in their own homes. We support approximately 120 adults with disabilities in neighborhoods in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. Your gift to Hope House Foundation guarantees that people with disabilities, like Jessie, will continue receiving support in their own homes as valued members of our community. Most importantly, we will support them in living life on their own terms, just like you and I. Jessie now has her own apartment that she has decorated with posters of her favorite bands, pictures of friends, and her artwork. She spends her days doing what she wants, has a job she loves, plans outings with her friends, and enjoys the quiet, safe comfort of her own apartment. In short, she has an ordinary life, just like you. Please give. Your gift means the world to the people we serve.
A sense of security When Steve was seven, he went with his mother to Baltimore for his grandmother’s funeral. She left him there. Thinking she would be back for him, he was worried that he would be home in time to give her the birthday card he had made her, but she never came back and he never got over it. His grandfather, who Steve thought was his father, re-married – his new wife didn’t want to keep him. “She told me ‘your mother left because she didn’t want you.’ I cried and cried for the longest time.” They sent him to live with his real father (a man he had never known) and stepmother. She abused him verbally and his father beat him. “He was a big man and as soon as I got there the beatings started. They were real bad. I still suffer from some of the head shots I took.” In high school Steve played football and was recruited by several colleges. “I didn’t really like football, but it got me away from my home situation.” When he was a senior the school system shut down for three months due to a teacher strike, so he dropped out. One snowy night he met a girl whose family asked him to stay the night because of the bad weather. When he called his dad to tell him where he was, he told him not to come home. At seventeen Steve forged his birth certificate and joined the Army. When he was discharged he wandered from place to place and job to job. Eventually he returned to high school to earn a degree and enrolled in college, but only lasted a year. He was troubled and didn’t know where to turn, so he turned to alcohol and drugs. “It was an escape, but the drugs almost killed me. I had two heart attacks and a stroke.” Steve married three times and has a 28-year-old son that he hasn’t seen in several years. With nowhere else to go, he turned to the Union Mission. “I was terrified when I first came. When you hear about homeless shelters, it scares you, but Eric, a staff member, saw how messed up I was and pulled a book off the shelf and told me to read it. It was a Bible. Now I can’t put it down. This is the last place you could have told me where I would feel a sense of security, but now I’m happy every day. I’m not mad anymore. This place has transformed me. People here really care about me.” Recently Eric’s neighbor’s child gave him a Bible “to take to the place where you work and give it to one of the men.” Eric immediately thought of Steve and gave him the Bible. He carries it everywhere. THE UNION MISSION MINISTRIES
CFC# 61126
FREED TO SUCCEED
2015 – COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 15
Youth are giving back after serving time Tré Goins-Phillips | On behalf of Orphan Helpers Oscar and Saúl faced tremendous trials growing up in Honduras. Neither one knew their fathers. They both experienced extreme poverty, living in a small shack with cardboard walls. The odds were stacked against them. Growing up in a dysfunctional culture with single mothers scratching the bottom of the barrel, hoping for just enough for everyone to eat, Oscar and Saúl sought comfort in all the wrong places. They got caught up in the wrong crowd, running in the wrong direction, making all the wrong decisions. By the time Oscar was 15 and Saúl was 16, they were both living behind bars. The struggles these young men faced and the hardships they endured are common in Central America. The way their lives were transformed, though, is uncommon. Saúl was in a juvenile detention center in Honduras for nearly a year and Oscar was in two detention centers for more than two and a half years. In the detention center, Hareld, a teacher serving with the nonprofit Orphan Helpers, approached them. He taught them the importance of education, work ethics, healthy relationships and the development of faith. Hareld mentored them, encour-
aged them, and taught them to see life differently. “Even though I was going through difficult times, God was forming in me a new creation,” Saúl said. “I originally thought my life was over, but then I realized that I was offered new life.” Today, Oscar and Saúl work alongside Hareld in the detention center, teaching and mentoring other young men. They are leading the same program that changed the course of their lives not too many years ago. “I believe this is just the beginning of great things to come,” Oscar said. The challenges Oscar and Saúl encountered growing up in Honduras and El Salvador are not unique. There are many barriers keeping youth from getting an education, finding work, feeling safe, and enjoying a family support structure. They face a harsh reality. In Honduras, there are more than 91 murders per 100,000 people and in El Salvador there are more than 70 per 100,000. In addition, the average student in Honduras has only five years of schooling and only six in El Salvador. Orphan Helpers works to help more than 1,000 vulnerable youth living in government-run detention centers and protection centers in Honduras and El Salvador. The Virginia-based nonprofit provides these young men and women with education, vocational training,
On my honor, I will try to serve God and my country... Building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. GSCCC CFC #59158
www.gsccc.org
counseling, mentoring and faithbased studies. Regardless of their past, each youth is offered a second chance at a future. Orphan Helpers was started 15 years ago by Hampton Roads realtor Greg Garrett. Through the years, Orphan Helpers has partnered with Central American governments, other nonprofits, churches and individuals, to empower today’s orphans to become tomorrow’s helpers. Recently, Orphan Helpers worked with USNS Comfort (T-AH-20) on its humanitarian mission, Continuing Promise. When the ship arrived in
Acajulta, El Salvador, it was greeted by hundreds of Salvadorans in need of medical attention. Many of those people were children, and Orphan Helpers was there to help. While the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) medical mission ship’s doctors did their work and Salvadorans awaited medical attention, Orphan Helpers provided childcare for more than 100 children. “Partnerships are key to Orphan Helpers, whether it’s with government agencies, the business community or churches,” Edward Rivera, Orphan Helpers’ director of Central American partnerships, said. “Continuing Promise helped meet one of El Salvador’s greatest needs – health care. Without operations like these, many would never see a doctor, so the impact from SOUTHCOM’s visit is long-lasting.” To learn more about the organization or to make a donation, call 757-7226940 or visit www.orphanhelpers.org. ORPHAN HELPERS, INC.
CFC# 22010
16 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2015
Habitat for Humanity SHR ReStores: Leveraging retail to eradicate poverty housing By Joshua Dove IV | Director of ReStore Operations For many families in our community and around the globe, Habitat for Humanity is a household name – particularly as it relates to the organization’s building programs. The South Hampton Roads (SHR) affiliate, founded in 1988, has built and sold more than 200 affordable homes to qualified, hardworking families in the local community through the support of volunteers and donations. However, Habitat SHR’s ReStores also serve as an integral component of the affiliate’s mission to eradicate poverty housing, as they help to fund new construction and renovation projects. Habitat SHR currently operates three ReStores – two in Virginia Beach and one in Downtown Norfolk – that sell new and gently used (donated) building materials, furniture, appliances, and home goods to the general public at a fraction of retail costs. The “discount home improvement stores” receive donations daily, providing a variety of rapidly changing inventory for shoppers looking to renovate, furnish,
or simply decorate their home or office. In 2011, Habitat SHR implemented the Habitat for Heroes program to provide veteran and activeduty military families with access to simple, decent and affordable housing. Despite programs and assistance, such as Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans available to military personnel, staggering statistics reveal that nearly one million veteran homeowners are severely cost burdened and approximately 1.4 million veterans live in poverty. According to Military.com, active-duty military families move, on average, once every three years, spending approximately $1,725 in non-reimbursable costs each time they receive a permanent change of station (PCS) order. With a continued commitment to assisting military families, Habitat SHR ReStores recently extended additional discounts and cost advantages to those who have served. On the third Saturday of each month, all Habitat SHR ReStores will participate in Military Double Discount Day. Veteran and active-duty military personnel with a valid military ID, will receive a 10
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF SOUTH HAMPTON ROADS
CFC# 45426
percent discount on top of the daily 10 percent military markdown – a 20 percent savings on new and gently used items priced well below retail value. “Military families make up a vast portion of Hampton Roads, and it is important that we create initiatives to show our appreciation for their service and sacrifice,” said Brad Kirkpatrick, interim executive director of Habitat SHR. “In addition to our building programs, our ReStores provide another opportunity for us to extend a hand up to our military families, and assist with their transition to and from the region.” As important, Habitat SHR’s ReStores encourage military families to consider donating furniture, appliances, and other household items to any of the three stores. The ReStore transportation team will dispatch a driver to pick up any large items, which helps to ease the relocation process, while supporting the mission of Habitat and its commitment to environmental preservation. All donations are accepted during regular business hours. To schedule a pick-up, please contact our transportation department at 757-640-0594 or donationpickups@shrhabitat.org. For more about Habitat SHR ReStores, visit www.shrhabitat.org.
For a child or young adult with special needs, time moves at a different pace. But when you watch closely, as we do, you see the signs of change. In a child’s smile. His sigh of comfort. The slightest movement of his head or eyes. Recognizing these milestones takes practice. And we have trained ourselves, through learning and listening and patience, to note their passage. Because it
is in the process, as much as the progress, that we measure each journey.
S
t. Mary’s Home is a residence for children and young adults with severe disabilities. We are proud to serve military families.
Andthroughthequiet,constantjoys,gatheredmomentbymoment,daybyday,wecelebratesuccess. Get in touch to refer a child or young adult, arrange a tour of our residence and school, or request information.
6171 Kempsville Circle, Norfolk, Virginia 23502 • (800) 237-6555, ext. 321 • SaintMarysHome.org
Choose St. Mary’s: CFC Designation #10064
Military volunteers are a true blessing
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF EASTERN VIRGINIA
CFC# 50253
For more on Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia’s programs and services, please call 757-4562366 or visit: www.cceva.org
2015 – COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 17
By Tracy Fick | Director of Development & Marketing Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia (CCEVA) works to strengthen families throughout eastern Virginia by providing programs and services such as pregnancy support and free baby supplies for families in need, ďŹ nancial assistance, mental health counseling, and services designed to help seniors remain in their own homes. Each year, CCEVA serves more than 6,500 families, most of whom are the poor or working poor who struggle to get by each day. It is especially heartbreaking knowing that many seniors want to maintain their independence, but can no longer drive and struggle to complete daily tasks that were once simply achieved. Mowing the grass, maintaining their yard, or even changing lightbulbs were always routine tasks, but with age and inďŹ rmity, they cannot safely do these things now and most live on a ďŹ xed income with little left over to hire help. This is where Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia’s CARES (Community Assistance and Resources for Seniors) program comes in. The CARES program matches seniors with community volunteers to provide free transportation to medical appointments, the grocery store and other errands. The program also matches volunteers with seniors to provide minor home repair and yard work. Finding volunteers to help with yard work for these older adults had proved to be very difďŹ cult – until CCEVA was introduced to Volunteers from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, based at Joint Expedition-
ary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. ACU-2, led by Commanding OfďŹ cer Michael O’Driscoll, has been encouraging volunteerism among the unit’s Sailors. This summer, many volunteers from the command have put in long hours mowing grass, cleaning gutters and making small repairs to fences and porch railings, which has been a major blessing to the seniors in CCEVA’s CARES program. Mr. James Howell, Jr., an older adult who has been the beneďŹ ciary of help from the volunteers of ACU-2, has been thrilled by the work the volunteers have done at his home. Howell’s mobility is limited and he must use a walker for assistance. The volunteers from ACU-2 have made a huge difference in his life, allowing him to stay in his own home with their assistance. “They are awesome, reliable and the nicest bunch of people I have ever met. They all help with my walker, go to the store for me and always with a smile on their face. I am so grateful for their help,â€? stressed Howell. Volunteer, Chief Yeoman Justin H. McKaye, states that, “I enjoy volunteering with Catholic Charities, because it gives me a chance to give back to the community and help those that could use the extra help. It has also given me the opportunity to meet some really great people that I otherwise would not have had the chance to meet.â€? Catholic Charities is grateful to ACU-2 for all of their time and dedication to helping those in most need in our community. CCEVA would not be successful in its work without their help and support.
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18 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2015
CHKD NICU deploys special care for Corwin By Heather Kent | Communications Manager Corwin Whitaker’s mother, Octavia, was only 27 weeks into her pregnancy when a routine checkup revealed her blood pressure had become high enough to kill her and her unborn son. She was immediately admitted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where it soon became clear that in order to give mother and son the best chance of survival, doctors would have to deliver Octavia’s baby three months early. “It was so frightening,” said Octavia. “And when I realized I would have to go through it all alone, panic set in.” Corwin’s father, Interior Communications Electrician 2nd Class Corey Whitaker, was halfway around the world in Japan, deployed with the
Navy. Octavia had no other family close by. “I was so grateful when Dr. Jamil Khan, a neonatologist from Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters (CHKD), came to my bedside and explained how they would be ready and waiting to care for my baby as soon as he was born.” On July 4, 2013, 13 weeks ahead of schedule, Corwin was born by emergency cesarean. He weighed just 1 pound, 3 ounces, barely more than a baseball. Within minutes, the team from CHKD’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) rushed him to CHKD through an adjoining corridor. Their most critical concerns were Corwin’s severely underdeveloped lungs, a heart defect, and a perforation in his intestine that developed soon after birth, requiring immediate surgery. But he
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF THE KING’S DAUGHTERS
CFC# 68517
was alive and so was Octavia. In addition to neonatologists, nurses, nurse practitioners and many other pediatric specialists, the CHKD NICU staff is comprised of professionals, whose roles go far beyond the medical care of premature and sick babies and whose services are often provided at no cost to patients. Chaplains, social workers, lactation consultants, parent support coordinators, case managers, parent educators and child life specialists provide a comprehensive support system for the entire family. Corwin’s NICU support team immediately mobilized to bring his father home on leave from Japan, something they coordinate with the Red Cross on a regular basis for deployed parents of critically ill children. It would take three days for Corey to complete the 7,000 mile trek to see his newborn son. He and Octavia spent every day of his week-long leave together by Corwin’s bedside, holding each other, but unable to hold their tiny baby. “It was completely overwhelming for us both,” said Corey. After Corey returned to Japan, Octa-
via was alone once again. “It was hard. I cried a lot, but the people at CHKD were there for me. They became my family,” Octavia said. As time passed, Corwin began to make steady progress. But after her difficult pregnancy, Octavia’s health was still faltering. “Our CHKD social worker told us about the Navy’s Exceptional Family Member program,” said Octavia. The program could allow Corey, who was four months into a two-year deployment in Japan, to be reassigned based on his family’s critical medical circumstances. “The social workers got all the paperwork together, and the doctors wrote letters,” Octavia said. “Everyone at CHKD was very involved in getting Corey back home.” In December, almost five months after Corwin’s birth, Corey received a humanitarian reassignment from the Navy and arrived home to finish his tour of duty in Norfolk. “I met my son for the second time. Now he could see me, hear my voice, and best of all, I could hold him,” Corey said. Corwin’s heart defect healed on its own. His lungs progressively got bigger and stronger. He began laughing and playing. But his intestinal issues and feeding intolerance continued to be a major challenge. Exactly one month shy of his first birthday, Corwin was finally able to leave the hospital for the very first time. “I can’t imagine being cared for better than we were at CHKD,” said Octavia, who is now a member of CHKD’s NICU Family Advisory Council and provides support and guidance to other NICU parents. “CHKD is a family we will always be a part of.”
FOR EVERY PERSON, A PERSONAL APPROACH. Supporting adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities exclusively in their own homes.
757.625.6161 | www.Hope-House.org | CFC#14719 |
2015 – COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 19
®
CFC# 29471 www.USOHRCV.COM
Hampton Roads Central Virginia
757.337.4447
20 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 2015