VOL. 53 NO. 25 JUNE 26, 2014
SERVING NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA, DAM NECK ANNEX, AND NALF FENTRESS SSLA JOINT WOMEN’S SYMPOSIUM
JET
INSIDE
PROMOTING DEVELOPMENT OF COMMITTED LEADERS
MARINE INDUCTED INTO PENTAGON’S HALL OF HEROES
From Navy Public Affairs Support Element - East
—Page 8 NORFOLK (NNS) — Service members from the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and foreign militaries filled the Norfolk Ballroom at the Waterside Marriott in Norfolk during the 27th annual Sea Services Leadership Association (SSLA) Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium (JWLS) June 12 and 13. The JWLS offers opportunities for personal professional development and this year’s theme “Why We Serve” focused on the issues of retention, professional growth and why women serve. The guest speakers eagerly related their years of experience, lessons and advice. Speakers included Vice Adm. Bill Moran, Chief of Naval Personnel;Vice Adm. Michelle Howard, deputy CNO for Operations, Plans and Strategy; Rear Adm. Cari B.Thomas, commander, 14th Coast Guard District; retired Rear Adm. Mary E. Landry, U.S. Coast Guard director of incident management and preparedness policy; Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe; and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (AW/NAC) Mike Stevens. The opening remarks were words of wisdom from Thomas, a 34-year veteran.“I want you to do something that you probably don’t do and that’s invest in yourself. We’re very strict about investing in our time at work.We’re good at investing time in our significant others. For those of you who are moms, you make sure to invest time with your kids. But we have a very hard time investing in ourselves so that is really my challenge to you for the next couple of days. Many of us have this gene that is the “can’t say no gene” and I want you to learn how to take some time for yourself,” said Thomas. “It is in our nature to be caregivers and want to help in every way.You have to find a good work-life balance.When I take off this
— See Symposium page 3
LET TRICARE NURSE LINE HELP WITH MEDICAL QUESTIONS Photo by MC3 Laura Hoover BM3 Joy Huggins asks a question regarding women’s uniforms, June 13, during the Sea Service Leadership Association’s 27th annual Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium. This year’s theme “Why Do You Serve?” offered opportunities for personal and professional development with a focus on the issues of retention, professional growth, and reasons behind why women continue to serve in the military.
Oceana’s voting assistance officer ready to provide information BY CATHY HEIMER Jet Observer Armed Forces Voters Week takes place June 30 through July 7 and NAS Oceana has a new voting assistance officer (VAO) ready and willing to help service members, their families and DoD civilians prepare to cast their ballots in the next election. Lt. Theresa Rouse, who reported to Oceana nearly three months ago, is enthusiastic about being the installation’s VAO. “It’s a chance to help Sailors and
educate about the voting process and a chance to meet new people,” Rouse said. The voting assistance officer is “basically a liaison between election officials and Sailors. A voting assistance officer is supposed to provide assistance filling out basic voting documents such as the Federal Post Card application, which is used to request a ballot and to update addresses,” she explained. She also can walk military and their
— See Voting page 9
—Page 6
BLOOD DRIVE The Oceana Commissary, in partnership with the Armed Services Blood Program, will sponsor a blood drive, June 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All types of blood are needed, especially during the summer when blood donations are typically down. Blood collected by the ASBP supports active duty and retired military and their families around the world. The local ASBP office is located at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and blood can also be donated there. For more information about donating, visit www. militaryblood.dod.mil.