Recruiters and Future Sailors from Zone 5 paint over graffiti on a overpass in Tucson, Ariz. The volunteers spent the day picking up trash, clearing brush and painting over graffiti in order to help keep their city clean. U.S. Navy Photo

TUCSON, Ariz. - Zone 5 conducted their Zone DEP meeting by volunteering for a Community Service Project with Tucson Clean and Beautiful and Taking Action Against Graffiti (TAAG) Program. In the 100 degree heat, Zone 5 got out trash pickers, shovels, rakes, paint brushes and paint. They picked up a lot of trash and painted over tons graffiti. “First Pima County would like to thank you for helping keep Tucson clean and beautiful,” said Julie Simon, the Program Coordinator for Pima County’s TAAG Program. “Your willingness to undertake this worthwhile endeavor is greatly appreciated and is invaluable to this community.” Three local businesses, Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, and Graffiti Protective Coatings (GPC), generously made donations to

this event. Chick-fil-A, at El Con on Broadway, provided a 100 breakfast entrees and Coca-Cola donated a variety of beverages. GPC was responsible for donating several buckets of paint. GPC has been instrumental in helping to keep the city of Tucson graffiti free. “This was another perfect opportunity for Tucson future Sailors to reach out and show the community what the Navy family is all about. These Sailors are learning that devotion to duty goes well beyond just showing up to work on-time, this is a 24 hour lifestyle with the community’s well being always in mind.” said Chief

Cryptologic Technician Technical (SW) Michael Perno, Recruiter in Charge at Navy Recruiting Station Tucson. The future sailors and Recruiters enjoyed the food and drinks provided during the clean-up. It kept them energized to keep working to get the task done. They really enjoy the hard work to help keep the community looking beautiful. “Thanks again for your assistance! We greatly appreciate the support of your group!” B.J. Cordova, Director of Programs Tucson Clean & Beautiful.

Zone 5 Helps Keep Tucson Clean and Beautiful By LS2(SW/AW) Camilla Hill

More Photos On Page 6

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Volume 13, Issue 6 30 June 2010

Road Runner Staff

Cmdr. Darryl ToppinCommanding Officer

Cmdr. Derek WessmanExecutive Officer

CMDCM(SS) Jerry PittmanCommand Master Chief

MC1(AW) Adrian MelendezPublic Affairs Officer

Editor/Layout and Design

NC1 Steven PowellAssistant Public Affairs Officer

John BeringAssiatant Editor

The Road Runner is a monthlynewslet-ter produced by the U.S. Navy Recruit-ing District Phoenix Public Affairs. It is intended primarily, but not exclusivly, for the use, information and entertain-ment of it’s active duty and reserve members, civilian employees and their families. Any views exspressed herin are not necessarily the official postions of the U.S. Navy. The Road Runner staff encourages feedbacl from it’s readers. Please submit all articles, suggestions, ideas, comments, photos, compliments or complaints to MC1(AW) Adrian Melendez at adrian.b. melendez@navy.mil, NC1 Steven Powell at steven.powell1@navy.mil, or John Bering at john.bering@navy.mil

Inside This Issue

Page 4 EthosPage 6 Zone 5Page 7 Hike of the MonthPage 8 USS MidwayPage 9 G.I. Bill

COMMAND CORNER

NRD Phoenix hosted educators from across the district on a visit to the San Diego area 7-11 June 2010. The Executive Officer, YNC(AW) Wong and our Education Specialists Duane Sowers and Cynthia Valdez-Mora escorted the group on a series of visits to ships, squadrons and Naval Training Facilities. This important group of educators was given this opportunity

under the Navy’s Educator Orientation Visit (EOV) program because of their continued support to the Navy Recruiting mission. The EOV program is designed to give influential community members a glimpse of Navy life so that they are better prepared to discuss Navy career opportunities and to increase their knowledge of the Navy’s wide range of operational capabilities. The tour also serves as a Navy awareness tool, ensuring that community leaders see first-hand the training, equipment and facilities available to those in the Navy.

Building strong, professional working relationships with community influencers is essential to our mission and the future of America’s Navy. The importance of the EOV program is evident in RDML Faller’s comment: “A very big part of Navy Recruiting success

District Educators Visit San Diego Naval FacilitiesBy Cmdr. Derek WessmanNRD Phoenix Executive Officer

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is due to the support we receive from citizens who influence young Americans, for example, educators, youth workers, and various Friends of the Navy. This support is not taken for granted and greatly appreciated.” This particular EOV was a tremendous success.

All of the briefs and tours were outstanding and the educators walked away with a greater understanding of the opportunities available to their students within the Navy, from education, world travel and life experience to the myriad of Navy operational capabilities.

The highlights were the tour of the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) (speaking to an HM2 who served at Operation Unified Response in Haiti), the Naval Special Warfare Center’s Basic Underwater Demolition School (BUDS) and the Naval School of Health Sciences at Balboa. Additionally, the educators enjoyed a boat ride with Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 1 and an up close look at the inner workings of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS)

6 and the Ticonderoga Class cruiser USS Mobile Bay, (CG-53). Outside of the structured tours, the participants also had the opportunity to experience some of the San Diego culture, lifestyle and cuisine. The true value of this trip however was realized in the interaction that educators had with the Sailors they encounted. For certain, they were impressed with the professionalism, discipline and unparalleled scope of responsibility that is afforded to Sailors at a young age, but the most significant

impact came from the enthusiasm, positive attitude and dutiful spirit in which each Sailor talked about their job, experiences and the satisfaction of being part of our Navy Family. That’s exactly why we invest so much in these EOVs. At the end of the visit, each educator left with an understanding that when a student joins the Navy, they join an environment that builds on their educational foundation by enhancing their unique talents and challenging them to excel morally, mentally and physically yet encouraging them to maintain their identity, humanity and self-esteem. The EOV program is both an opportunity to say “Thank You” to those educators that have made a positive impact on the Navy Recruiting Mission and lay the groundwork for future success. All the participants in this EOV were thankful for the chance to see the Navy from the inside and each of them expressed a sense of astonishment at the wide range of opportunities available within the Navy. If any of the participants EOV Continued OnPage 4

EOV Continued FromPage 2

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was from a school in your area, please follow up with them as the school year begins. This contact is critical to realizing the return on this investment. For a list of the participants and schools, please contact YNC Wong, Mr. Sowers or Ms. Valdez-Mora. NRD Phoenix traditionally hosts an EOV each summer, but availability is limited and nominations are typically due in January. As you continue recruiting the best a brightest for our next generation of Sailors, keep this program in mind for those essential community influencers.

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I wanted to talk to you about one of my recent visits to my favorite watering hole, Starbucks. After waiting in line and giving my order the sales rep asked me if I wanted a fresh ethos? What, I said! I thought to myself, my Navy Ethos is just over a year old and it says it all. Why is she bad mouthing my ethos? She explained the water we sell, it is called ethos. I told her, that makes sense, an ethos is what you are and we are 80% water. I told her, the name works for your

water but the United States Navy Ethos serves as a guiding set of principles and beliefs that all navy personnel - active, reserve, civilian - should embrace in their daily activities, both at work and on liberty. A Sailor has to embody his ethos 100%. If not, then that Sailor is not a true United States Sailor. The Navy’s Ethos underscores the Navy’s Core Values of honor, courage and commitment, while stressing our professionalism and discipline

as members of a team focused on mission accomplishment and unwavering in dedication to our institutions, shipmates, and families. It embodies the mind set, ship – shipmate – self, when dealing with any issue and the moral compass check regarding fundamental behavior expected of all Navy personnel. Each member of the U.S. Navy, is a steward of the heritage and high standards represented in our ethos. I say each member vice

The Navy EthosBy Command Master Chief(SS) Jerry PittmanNRD Phoenix Connand Master Chief

The Navy Ethos:

-- We are the United States Navy, our Nation’s sea power – ready guardians of peace, victorious in war.-- We are professional Sailors and Civilians – a diverse and agile force exemplifying the highest standards of service to our Nation, at home and abroad, at sea and ashore.-- Integrity is the foundation of our conduct; respect for others is fundamental to our character; decisive leadership is crucial to our success.-- We are a team, disciplined and well-prepared, committed to mission accomplishment. We do not waver in our dedication and accountability to our shipmates and families.-- We are patriots, forged by the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. In times of war and peace, our actions reflect our proud heritage and tradition. -- We defend our Nation and prevail in the face of adversity with strength, determination, and dignity.-- We are the United States Navy.

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Sailor because the Navy Ethos communicates the beliefs that are at the core of who we are – and we are more than 400,000 military and 180,000 civilians who share this common bond of service, regardless of background, personal experience, or position. It is our Navy’s overarching set of beliefs, embracing Navy Core Values and complementing the Sailor’s Creed, community-specific creeds, and the civilian oath of office – it applies to all of us and all we do.

I reached into my pocket and gave her my ethos card. It could have been her finest day ever at Starbucks and I know she would be calling one of you recruiters but she was over qualified in age. I encourage each of you to re-read our ethos and perform a “wake check”. Ensure you are fully prepared to support its spirit in both your actions and words. Leadership by example is a foundation of our ethos. Having inherited a tremendous legacy of service, leadership and integrity, we are expected to exemplify that legacy as role models.

NRD Phoenix Ombudsman

(nrdphxombuds1@gmail.com)Sandra Roberts

(Phoenix Lead Ombudsman)(602)621-1922

Sandra.roberts@q.com

Megan Kenney (Phoenix)(760)505-5479

nvychk@aol.com

Lety Spaulding (Phoenix)(602)432-6692

ladybug85021@yahoo.com

Sharla Boykin (Phoenix)(623)792-0770

Elizabeth Garciasalas (El Paso)(505)554-8685

ekg05@yahoo.com

Aimee White (Tucson)(520)461-9201

navy-wife@hotmail.com

FRG PresidentMegan Kenney (Phoenix)

(760)505-5479nvychk@aol.com

Dial-a-ChaplinPhoenix Area

Chaplin Terry Pletkovich(480)586-8728

Chaplin Dean Johansen(602)828-7773

Davis-Monthan AFB(520)228-4511

Fort Bliss(915)568-8728

Kirtland AFB(505)846-5691

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Chief Special Warefare Operator (SEAL) Nick Adams gives a speech to Phoenix Rotary Club Mem-bers, June 4. Adams was the keynote speaker and talked about Special War-fare history and the job of a Special Warfare recruiter.

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This month’s hike is actual-ly a very popular bike too. Sedona is a beautiful town to visit any time of year and is known worldwide for its beautiful red rock vistas in every direction. The Bell Rock Path in Sedona is a well maintained and remarkably fun trail for both hikers and bikers. The path is wide and smooth connecting Oak Creek Vil-lage to Sedona alongside Highway 179. At a total length of around 6.5 miles the path connects with Courthouse Loop or you can stay on the path as a straight shot be-tween two parking areas. There are plenty of trail markers and tons of scenery anyway you decide to go. There is even trail access to climb up Bell Rock for the more adven-

turous hiker. To get there take I-17 to Hwy 179 and head west through the village of Oak Creek. You’ll see Bell Rock on the right and a great bike shop called The Bike and Bean on the left. Bike and Bean has bikes for rent and is directly across the road from the parking lot at the Bell Rock Path. You must, however, obtain a Red Rock Park-

ing Pass (any Circle K for $5 per day) prior to parking in any of the multiple trail access parking lots in Sedona. Plan a day trip or a week-end trip to do some hiking and/or biking in Sedona and discover for yourself why it is a destination for travelers around the globe.

Hike of the Month:Bell Rock PathBy John Bering

Barely 20 minutes northwest of Phoenix lays a very exciting place to hike, camp, picnic, fish, ski, kayak, well you get the idea. Lake Pleasant is a terrific water destination, and respite from the doldrums of urban dwelling. Scorpion Bay Marina has slips for your boat and also rents boats, skis, tubes and kayaks. There is also a restaurant and bar located at the marina. Around the lake there are several picnic areas with covered tables and very nice restrooms. There are also a few different

camping areas that host primitive

lake side tent camp sites and other areas with electric and water hook-ups for the bigger rigs. Make sure and stop by the Lake Pleasant Visitors Center for a

great view of the lake and talk to a Ranger there about the lake’s his-tory and what all it has to offer for a fun and quick getaway.

Get Out and See Lake Pleasant By John Bering

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SAN DIEGO - Military service members from 51 countries became U.S. citizens during a swearing-in ceremony aboard the USS Midway Memorial Museum July 2. In celebration of Independence Day, the flight deck of the USS Midway was transformed into an official courtroom for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), where 300 service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps became American Citizens. “It is humbling and an absolute honor to be apart of this ceremony with so many of our past decorated veterans in our audience today,” said Capt. Collin Green, a decorated U.S. Navy Seal and guest speaker for the event. “And to the promise of the future represented by you the 300 men and women in uniform we welcome today citizens of the United States of America.” USCIS officials announced that this was the largest all-military naturalization ceremony in history, focusing on Citizenship

and Service, honoring those who have and those who continue to guarantee our freedom. During the ceremony, USCIS honored Medal of Honor recipient Tibor “Ted” Ruben, a Hungarian-born Korean War veteran, by awarding him the American by Choice Award. In

an unexpected but welcomed interruption, Sailors aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4) manned the rails in honor of their shipmates as the ship passed the Midway upon returning to homeport. Six ballerinas with the San Diego Ballet performed to

Service members recite the oath of citizenship during a naturalization ceremony on the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum. Three hundred service members from 51 countries became U.S. citizens during the ceremony sponsored by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans

USS Midway Museum Hosts Largest All-Military Naturalization Ceremony By EM3 Lori BentNavy Public Affairs Support Element West

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“Victory at Sea,” and the Sounds of Freedom Choir sang the national anthem as well as a rendition of Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to be an American.” U.S. Army Wounded Warrior, Sgt. Carlos Martinez-Negrete, led the Pledge of Allegiance as veterans of World War II through the Global War on Terrorism observed. Many of the service members sworn in during the even have been deployed overseas and are veterans

themselves. “This was a process that I needed to do, and I am very happy to be a United States citizen. After all the paperwork and time I can now say I am proud to be an American,” said Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Bettina-Angeline Bautista, originally from the Philippines. Service members who are interested in becoming a U.S. citizen are now eligible to apply for citizenship under special provisions provided for in the Immigration

and Nationality Act (INA). All non-citizen service members who apply for citizenship must complete one year or more of service, be able to demonstrate good moral character, have no criminal record, speak English, demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. government and history, and take the oath of allegiance to the U.S. Constitution before they are eligible.

MILLINGTON, Tenn. - For those Sailors with children approaching college age, about to start higher learning or with spouses with college aspirations, now is the time to ensure your Post-9/11 GI Bill transferability is properly set up. Qualified active duty and Reserve Sailors may elect to transfer benefits to a spouse or children, with some or all benefits allocated to those named. “We still have a lot of Sailors whose transferability requests are being rejected because they don’t have the four years of obligated service remaining,” said Kathy Wardlaw, the Navy’s GI Bill program manager. The Navy announced the transferability process in NAVADMIN 203/09. Basically, it states that transferability requires two additional years for Sailors eligible for retirement between Aug. 1, 2010, and July 31, 2011, or three additional years for those with 20 years service between Aug. 1, 2011, and July 31, 2012. Otherwise, Sailors generally must have served at least six years in the Armed Forces and agree to

an additional four years. See the NAVADMIN for exceptions. “Before submitting their transferability requests, their obligation requirement must be reflected in their electronic service record (ESR) or the request will be rejected until corrected,” said Wardlaw. Sailors can review their ESR at https://nsips.nmci.navy.mil/. In addition to the ESR, the Defense Eligibility Enrollment System (DEERS) is used to validate a family member’s eligibility for transfer. For enlisted personnel that means having sufficient obligated service prior to their end of active obligated service. For officers, it means they must have an administrative remarks entry (Page 13) in their ESR agreeing to serve four more years from the date their transferability request is submitted. After obligating service, Sailors must elect the transferability option

while still serving. “Sailors can allocate any percentage of their benefit to their spouse and children and change it any time, but if they don’t elect the benefit while serving, they won’t be able to go back and do it,” said Wardlaw. Family members must be in DEERS and eligible for benefits in DEERS before a Sailor can request transferability. This means those dual-military members whose children are reflecting under only one sponsor’s record, must be reflected under both sponsors. For example, to establish a child as a family member under both military parents, the child should be enrolled in DEERS under one parent for benefits and under the other parent as a child drawing benefits from another military sponsor. Navy career counselors are a valuable source of information and an important piece in the service obligation requirement.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Transferability Requires Obligated ServiceBy Wm. Cullen James, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

“We still have a lot of Sailors whose transferability requests are being rejected because they don’t have the four years of obligated service remaining,” -Kathy Wardlaw

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