Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas May 4, 2017Vol. 23, No. 9

2015-2016 Russell Egnor Navy Media Award winning newspaper

Bravo Zulu! pg. 6Clinic lets the ‘dog out’ pg. 3

Driving onto the rubble and wreckage, the excavator, operated by Luis Trevino, continues making headway, demolishing through the west wing. April 24 marked the beginning of the Building 1 west wing demolition. The demolition is part of a restoration project to return the building to its original state. (Photo by Ensign Kimberly McLaughlin, CNATRA Public Affairs)

Building 1 continues to go through restorationby Ensign Kimberly McLaughlinCNATRA Public Affairs

The area surrounding Building 1 aboard NAS Corpus Christi became a demolition zone April 24 as the World War II era building underwent a historical restoration in order to reestablish the building as it was initially constructed in 1941.

“I am honored to lead my team on the modernization of CNATRA Building 1. The efforts, dedication and teamwork of my staff will result in a safe completion with a focus on quality workmanship,” said Mark Garcia, president of GFP-Yates, A Joint Venture.

Many months of planning proceeded the moment when the excavator, operated by Luis Trevino, ripped into the walls of the west wing. In August 2016, the CNATRA staff temporarily relocated to Hangar 42 as the project to refurbish Building 1 began.

The west wing was added shortly after the building was completed.

“We have been working together with Naval Facilities Engineering Command to ensure the building maintains its historical significance. It will be a facility to be proud of,” Jon Moore, project manager, said.

The building was the first one built aboard the air station and throughout the years, the halls of Bldg. 1 have been walked by many notable people training as students including former President George H. W. Bush, Neil Armstong, and the late John Glenn. The history and memories made inside the building will be honored as the project aims to reinstate the integrity of the building’s maiden plans.

“The intent is to not only modernize the building but to ensure it reflects the design aboard the installation. The interior will be brand new while still maintaining the look of the building from 1941,” said Lt. j.g. Natalie King, Public Works construction manager. “The project will meet current life, health, safety, and environmental codes and is slated to be complete by Summer 2018.”

75 years after Pearl Harbor, Midway, veteran going strongby Jason Kucera

This past December, WWII, Pearl Harbor, and Battle of Midway veteran Marvin Alexander, attended the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, an experience he says he really enjoyed.

Alexander, a Louisiana native by birth, is 93 years old and has lived in Corpus Christi since the early 1950s.

He married in 1940. He had gone to visit his sister in Tyler, Texas, and that is when someone from the Navy called him to ask if he was still interested in signing up. Alexander told him he was but he really wanted aviation. He was worried that having gotten married, he would no longer qualify.

He was commissioned in the Navy at age 17

“The Navy told me they were not accepting pilots then, so I was accepted into the Navy as a flight captain,” Alexander said. “My initial training was in San Diego where I was assigned to a squadron and then we were shipped off to Pearl Harbor later in 1941.”

Alexander was assigned to the “Black Cat” Squadron, VP-12, re-designated to VP-24 on Aug. 1, 1941.

. On Dec. 7, 1941, he was 18 years old “hunkered down” at Pearl Harbor while enemy rounds buzzed by his head.

Alexander says that during the attack on Pearl Harbor, he recalls men in the water swimming for shore.

“The men stayed underwater as long as they could. When they would come up for air, they were shot at. The guys I was Marvin Alexander in 1940.

(Courtesy photo)See WWII cont. on pg. 7

Wingspan The Wingspan is published every other week by The Port Lavaca Wave, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Navy, under ex-clusive written contract with Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. The Wingspan is an au-thorized publication for members of the mili-tary services and their families. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Navy, Naval Air Station Cor-pus Christi, or The Port Lavaca Wave, of the products and services advertised herein. Ev-erything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal oppor-tunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher may refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is cor-rected. All editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi Public Affairs Office. Comments, let-ters, or suggestions should be sent via e-mail to: nascc-pao@navy.mil. To advertise in the Wingspan, contact The Port Lavaca Wave at afrench@plwave.com or call (361) 746-4341.

Capt. Steve BantaCommanding Officer

Fifi KieschnickPublic Affairs Officer

Jason KuceraEditor

NAS Corpus Christi Wingspan2 May 4, 2017W

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WORSHIP SERVICES ABOARD NASCC:

CATHOLIC WORSHIP SERVICEBase Catholic Chapel

Daily Mass Mon, Wed - Fri: 11:30 a.m.Sunday Mass: 9 & 11 a.m.

PROTESTANT WORSHIP SERVICEBase Protestant ChapelSunday Service: 10 a.m.

This paper is published for people like Morgan Gasser, a recreation aide with Navy Fitness. She recently relocated to Corpus Christi from Canton, Ohio.

Chaplain’s Word

Captain’s Column

Capt. Steve BantaCommanding Officer

Journeys

Father John Vidal

This last Sunday the readings from scripture in Catholic and many Protestant churches that follow the “common lection-ary” told the story of Jesus’ appearance Easter Sunday afternoon to a couple of people going from Jerusalem to Emmaus, about seven miles away.

Along the way they were talking about the events that had just happened in Jerusalem during what we now call “Holy Week.” The story is commonly referred to as the “Road to Emmaus” and can certainly remind us that our lives are a journey with ups and downs, successes and failures, joy and sadness.

For those in the military these ebbs and flows in life are compounded by constant change, long separations from family and friends, and stressful situations for all when in harm’s way. That is why the Navy is so intent on building resiliency for its members.

From my perspective I believe that there is only one real way to walk the journey through life in a healthy manner that helps us along the way.

You guessed it; we all have to depend on our spiritual beliefs.

For Christians, who are the only group I feel competent to speak for, it is allowing the Lord to show us the way. We lean on the love of God when things are difficult and we rejoice with God when things are going well. The trick is to remember that God is with us all the time and not just remember him when things are difficult. When we do this even the most difficult times can also be times of hope.

That is why it is so important to go to church, or synagogue, or temple, etc., so we can be grounded in our faith and can constantly learn about God’s sacrificial love for us.

This practice will spread out into all aspects of our life and will give us strong faith-based friendships and also encourage us to remember those who are in need or distress of any kind, and will help us to positively engage in our society.

The result is that we are rewarded with a sense of hope and direction for our lives and we are continuously sharing the many gifts that each is given.

Small things we do can have major impact on others and can help them bounce back when times are tough, and celebrate when they are good.

The great thing about this is that when we are in the need of support, it will be there for us also.

So why not try it?

If you are not joining those of your faith on a regular basis, make a commitment to do so. There is no downside, and the upside is spectacular.

Aboard this base we have Catholic Mass on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 11:30 a.m. and on Sundays at 9 and 11 a.m.

You can also attend Protestant services on Sundays at 10 a.m.

We also have Bible studies on Tuesdays and Fridays during lunch.

For those of you who are looking for other faith groups and traditions, you can contact the chaplain’s office. We have a list of places of worship for many faith groups. Chances are very high that we can help you find a home for your spiritual development.

If you want to find out more, call us at (361) 961-3751.

We’re at the beginning of May, enjoying the beautiful South Texas spring weather and thinking about the upcoming end of the school year, and family vacations.

But, we should also be thinking about what comes next -- Hurricane Season!

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with the peak oc-curring between mid-August and late October. However, it’s never too early to start your preparations for potential destructive weather. If a hurricane is ever forecast to hit the South Texas area, that time is too late to start planning.

Weather events can be weak enough not to be considered a tropical storm or hurricane,

but could still contain enough energy to cause considerable damage.

Tropical storms are anything that has sustained winds of more than 45 miles per hour. Once winds hit 74 miles per hour, the storm will be considered a hurricane.

First, you need to think about the safety of you and your family. While you’ve got your chain of command dictating how and when to evacuate, it’s your responsibility to make sure you’re ready to do so when given that order.

Know your evacuation routes, make sure your transportation is ready, identify a place to stay, and create an emergency contact plan. Even if not told to evacuate, be prepared for potential loss of power due to storm damage.

Make a good emergency “go bag” that includes three days of water – one gallon per person per day – and non-perishable food; a clean change of clothes and shoes; cash and credit card; a flashlight with extra batteries; a battery or hand-operated weather radio; your medications; a first aid kit; and a blanket or sleeping bag per person.

You must also prepare for whatever special needs your family may have – includ-ing your pets.

Pay particular attention to any special requirements you might need to consider for infants, the elderly, or if you have anyone in the exceptional family member program.

Include your children as you construct the emergency “go bag” and develop your evacuation plans. This will provide them an opportunity to be part of the process and not just a recipient of the stress associated with when you actually have to evacuate.

Also, take a look at your insurance for provisions or limitations during times of “acts of nature.” Insurance companies won’t sell policies when a tropical storm or hurricane has entered the Gulf of Mexico. Check your policies now. Flood insurance is specific to the results of flooding and once purchased doesn’t typically go into effect for 30 days after.

Thinking about what needs to be done now will enable you and your family to be prepared for anything. Additional resources are available online: www.nhc.noaa.gov; www.redcross.org; www.ready.gov/hur-ricane. Further information will be coming in future Wingspan issues.

3NAS Corpus Christi Wingspan May 4, 2017

by Bill LoveNHCCC Public Affairs

Finley Lewis is the youngest Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi team member sporting lieutenant bars. Most Navy lieutenants are in their mid-to-late 20s. And although their hair isn’t generally gray, remarkably, Finley’s is completely silver!

So, just how young is Finley? Hint, he was born in March 2012.But Finley’s birthday is not what really

sets him apart from the other staff. Honorary Lt. Finley Lewis is, in fact,

an expertly trained Silver Labrador Re-triever skilled at enhancing the quality of life, education and morale of patients as well as NHCCC staff.

As the official NHCCC facility dog, Finley reports to work each weekday, except Tuesdays and Thursdays when he enjoys Special Liberty. His purposeful gait while patrolling the facility’s hallways demonstrates his pride in the job, as well as his Navy Working Uniform vest complete with lieutenant bars, Command I.D. badge and call sign, “Happy Maker.”

Finley’s handler, Pamela Lewis, explains that he was originally the family dog.

“While stationed in Washington we decided on a Labrador Retriever and the breeder let us have pick of the litter,” said Lewis. “I was kneeling down looking at all

of the 6-week-old puppies and all of a sudden he just pushes past all of them, gets right in front of me and throws himself on his back, paws in the air. My husband looks over and says, ‘Well, hello Finley!’ So he picked me and he came home with us.”

And with that surprise beginning, Finley joined the Lewis household. He enjoyed life as a pet, and the Lewis’ looked after all of his puppy and obedience training as well as the completion of the Canine Good Citizen program that earned him the prestige as a well-mannered dog.

In the summer of 2014, however, circum-stances presented Finley with a new purpose.

In August, Lewis and her husband, a flight instructor, transferred to VT-35 at NASCC.

“Shortly after arriving here Finley and I underwent six months of service dog training together because of a disability I had previ-ously learned that I had,” said Lewis.

Service dogs are individually trained to perform specific tasks relative to varying disabilities.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, an individual with a disability is entitled to a service dog to help them live their lives normally. The ADA protects disabled individuals by allowing them to bring their service dog with them to most places that the public is permitted, including restaurants, hotels, housing complexes, and even in air travel.

Lewis explained that she and Finley trained at “In Dog We Trust,” an organiza-tion in San Antonio rescuing trainable dogs for the disabled, Wounded Warriors and other individuals.

She underscores the importance for the handler and dog to train as a team in or-der to bond with each other and build trust, as well as practice commands uniquely structured for each particular disability. For example, service dogs paired with dia-betics or individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder learn completely different instructions.

Service dog train-ing was a ‘snap’ for Finley -- he was a perfect student -- and Lewis says that he

Well mannered staff member serves dual role, sniffs out smiles

Honorary Lt. Finley Lewis, NHCCC facility dog, with a young admirer in the pharmacy waiting area. Finley is an expertly trained, well-mannered Silver Labrador Retriever skilled at enhancing the quality of life, education and morale of patients as well as staff.

See Clinic Dog on pg. 9

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BM3 Jordan Jones stands-by ready to “pipe ashore” ACCS Robert Lupo, wife Dawn, and his family for the final time at the end of his retirement ceremony April 21. “Piping ashore” is a tradition that began in the 1700s. (Photo by Jason Kucera)

Fair Winds and Following Seas ACCS Robert Lupo retired from the

U.S. Navy during a ceremony held aboard NAS Corpus Christi April 21.

Lupo was joined by his family, including his wife Dawn, their sons Nicholas and Bobby, and daughters Nila and Layla.

The ceremony brought to a close in Lupo’s 27 years of service in the U.S. Navy, his final assignment with Air Operations aboard the base.

A native of New Orleans, he entered the Navy in December 1990, attending boot camp in May 1991 at Recruit Train-ing Command Orlando. He then went to Meridian, Mississippi, for Disbursing Clerk “A” School.

Before reporting to his first assign-ment at Personnel Support Detachment, Charleston, South Carolina, he asked his high school sweetheart to marry him.

In 1994, he was named Junior Sailor of the Year by Personnel Support Activ-ity Jacksonville. He was also approved to attend Air Traffic Control “A” School that year.

Upon graduation from ATC School in 1995, and waiting for his next school to begin, the Lupo’s welcomed their first born Nicholas.

Lupo was then assigned to USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) in Mayport, Florida. There he qualified as air operations supervi-sor, was promoted to petty officer 2nd class, and deployed to the Persian Gulf.

In May 2002, he took a tour with USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3), in San Diego, California. During this assignment he deployed in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, and qualified as amphibious air traffic control center watch officer.

During his following assignment to Naval Air Technical Training Center at Pensacola, Florida, he was promoted to chief petty officer. Serv-ing as an instructor for new air traffic controllers, he earned his master training specialist designation and served as amphibious air traffic control leading chief petty officer.

In November 2009, Lupo and his family were assigned to Joint Readi-ness Base New Orleans, where he served as “air boss” for the N’awlins Air Show in 2011, in addition to serving as the air traffic control training chief.

His next tour put him aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4) where he completed a deployment to the Middle East while serving as the operations leading chief petty of-ficer. The family was able to stay put in New Orleans throughout the duration of Lupo’s tour.

His final assignment here at NASCC began in March 2015 as the air traffic control

leading chief.Along his 27 years of service, he has

received many awards including the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement

Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Campaign Medals, National Defense Service Medal, among many other awards and decorations.

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5 May 4, 2017NAS Corpus Christi Wingspan

Personnel from Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville-Corpus Christi Detachment, participated in “Denim Day” on April 26. Team members wore denim as a sign of solidarity against sexual assault during Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month observed in April.Bottom from left, Lupe Burns, personal property counselor; Melissa Brooks, personal property counselor; Laura Martinez, NAVFAC purchase cardholder; James Dunn, inventory accuracy/physical security officer. 2nd row from left, Peter Lutz, personal property counselor; Mariana Bocanegra, HAZMAT supervisor; Laura McLaughlin, deputy site director; Patty McGee, mail clerk; Max Perez, HAZMAT supply tech. 3rd row from left, Lt. Cmdr. Michael Uhl, site director; Fred Wruck, fuels officer; BJ Evans lead personal property counselor; Tony Woods, purchase cardholder; Bryan Saucedo, warehouse/supply tech; ABFC David LandiVittori, assistant fuels officer. 4th row from left, Donna Mireles, management analyst; Andrew Sanchez, warehouse/supply tech; Liz Pritchard, purchasing agent; LS2 Cory Brumley, transportation asst. (Photo by Jason Kucera)

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May 4, 2017 NAS Corpus Christi Wingspan6

Bravo Zulu

Re-enlistment! MA1 Logan Barton stands with his family following his re-enlistment, April 25. Barton is assigned to Security Dept. aboard NASCC.

Fair Winds and Following Seas! Capt. Steve Banta, commanding officer, NASCC, presents ABH3 Tremaine Jelks with the Navy Achievement Medal April 28. Jelks is leaving the Navy and entering the civilian life.

Stay Navy! ET2 Basil Kane-Evans is presented with his certificate of re-enlistment after taking his oath to continue service to the Navy. Lt. Scott Beck was the re-enlisting officer.

Congratulations! NASCC Security Dept. graduated YN1 Almondo Sanchez, AO2 Christopher Parra, Spc. Mikue Cela, ET3 Justin Hughes, HN Caleb Duncan, ACAN Damian Dunn, ACAA Brandon Ensweiler graduated from the Auxiliary Security Forces course April 28. They are joined by Capt. Steve Banta, commanding officer, Cmdr. David Cisneros, executive officer, Lt. Dave Copping, security officer, Kevin Gillam, operations and training instructor, MACS Lewis Thorp, security senior chief, MAC Roger Mundy, MAC Brett Hinson, ASF instructor, MA1 John Hoffman, ASF instructor, MA2 Keisha Ferguson, ASF instructor, and MA3 Monique Watson, ASF instructor. (Photos by Jason Kucera)

7 May 4, 2017

Honoring Our Veterans Editor’s Note: This is one part in a series highlighting veterans in our community.

hunkered d o w n

ashore with would run out onto the beach to pull as many to safety as we could.”

Throughout his time assigned to units fighting in the Pacific, Alexander saw many things happen he does not speak about. He does find some memories fonder than others.

“We would do search and rescue missions for our downed pilots,” Alexander said. “We rode in the PBY Catalina and would land them on the surface of the ocean once a pilot was spotted.

“We were able to rescue one particular fellow who had been floating in the water for six days. The seas were really rough so we could not take off after retrieving him,” he continues. “We ended up sitting on the water in place for a couple of days until the waves subsided. That was one of the dangers during rescue; it was easy to attract the enemy when we were sitting afloat like that.”

Alexander said he also participated in the Battle of Midway and the Battle of Guadalcanal.

It was two long years of war in the Pacific for him while his wife Mary waited in San Diego for his eventual return.

“We could write home but we couldn’t say much about anything,” Alexander said. “She was a very patient woman.”

The Navy brought him back from war to San Francisco. He says the first thing he did was call Mary letting her know he was alive and on his way home.

He received orders shortly after returning to the mainland assigning him to NAS Cor-

pus Christi. He and Mary also celebrated the birth of their sec-ond son, Marvin Jr., in San Diego before moving to Texas.

“I had our plane tickets ready to go for that trip to Texas but when we got to the airport, they would not let my wife fly because she had given birth so recently,” Alexander explained. “I had to put her, our first son Charles, and the baby on a train, all the way from San Diego to San Antonio.”

Mary passed away two years ago. They were married for 74 years.

“She never raised her voice at me, she never got mad at me,” he said.

Alexander tells two different stories as to how he and Mary met. One is factual and one is in jest.

“I used to tell people that I met Mary in a laundromat,” joked Alexander, “because I was looking for someone to do my laundry.”

In truth, they met in Illinois when Alexander was working in the oil fields for his brother prior to his Navy service. Mary was a dental technician for a dentist he had

work done.Once Alexander and his

family were living in Corpus Christi, assigned to NASCC, their third son, Michael, was born at the Navy hospital aboard the base.

It would be a few years later when Alexander decided to leave the Navy. Mary had grown ill and he felt he needed to be with her in order to take care of the children and her.

“I had received orders to go back overseas and I just didn’t want to do that to her again,” Alexander said. “I decided it was time to leave the Navy, so I resigned my commission in 1955.”

Following Navy service, Alexander began to create a foothold for himself within the Corpus Christi business scene by opening up an A & W Root Beer soda shop.

“I remember really well having to work in that place,” says his son, Michael Alexan-der. “Dad used to put all three of us (sons) to work during the summers and after school.”

Alexander also began man-aging a tourist business venture in nearby Port Aransas that had

A group shot of personnel, including Alexander (second row, fifth from left) assigned to VP-24 following battle near the Guadalcanal. Alexander says the building in the background was temporarily used as an air tower by Allied Forces to guide in PBY aircraft and other aircraft during the campaign. (Courtesy photos)

Alexander, prior to boarding his flight from Los Angeles to Hawaii, stands with two of the three “Andrews Sisters.” The entertainers were performing the 1940s trio’s hits that were familiar to veterans of that time, including “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”

become quite successful until Hurricane Beulah hit the Texas Coastal Bend in 1968. The large “Category 3” hurricane was the second-costliest storm in terms of damage –in-dollars at that time, leaving roughly $1 billion of destruction.

His was destroyed along with many other properties in Port Aransas.

“I remember that it felt like the house was going to come off of the ground and right across the street from us an apartment building’s entire roof blew away,” recalls Alexander. “Some of the buildings, by the way they were built, were lifted off of the ground by the wind and landed right back where they were.”

Alexander Enterprises was a theatrical booking agency he owned and operated that for 55 years until he retired.

Mike and his wife Carol, were able to take Alexander to the 75th anniversary com-memoration of the Battle of Pearl Harbor. Mike says he will never forget that trip as it opened his eyes to the stories and memories so many veterans from that era quietly share, even the ones his father tries not to.

*If you would like to nominate a military veteran to be featured in the Wingspan, e-mail the editor at jason.kucera@navy.mil or call (361) 961-3420.

WWII cont. from pg. 1

8 May 4, 2017 NAS Corpus Christi Wingspan

Sailors assigned to NASCC rope their calf during the calf scramble competition at the Buc Days Rodeo Military Appreciation Night at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, April 28. The annual Buccaneer Days features the pro rodeo, a parade, and carnival, and is one of Corpus Christi’s premier community events. (Photos by Ervey Martinez, CCAD Public Affairs)

Service members from the Coast Guard, Army, Marines, and Navy compete in a calf scramble during Buc Days Rodeo Military Appreciation Night at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, April 28.

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by PO3 Edward WargoU.S. Coast Guard District 8 Public Affairs

Coast Guard helicopter crews hoisted four people from their capsized boat near Red Fish Bay Apr. 30.

At approximately 3:30 a.m., Station Padre Island watchstanders notified Sector Corpus Christi watchstanders that an 18-foot boat with four people aboard had capsized in water six miles north of Red Fish Bay.

Due to the water depth, small boat crews were unable to assist.

Air Station Corpus Christi MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crews arrived on scene at 5:38 a.m. and hoisted two of the people to Port Isabel-Cameron County airport, then returned and hoisted the remaining two to the same location.

There were no injuries and the four people involved were met by a family member.

Coast Guard rescues four from local watersCoast Guard aircrew members take a photo with four people whose vessel capsized 15 miles north of Port Mansfield, Texas, on Apr. 30, 2017. (U.S. Coast Guard Photo)

was eager to begin his new role.But after pairing up with Lewis as her

service dog for nearly a year and a half, Finley’s life took another unexpected turn.

Lewis says that she and Finley suddenly landed a brand new job as a result of a seem-ingly insignificant conversation she had one day with NHCCC’s Dr. J. Sandra Leonard.

“I was in Medical Home Port chatting with Dr. Leonard about Finley and she sug-gested visiting the commanding officer to make a pitch for having a facility dog, and to demonstrate what a well-trained service dog could do,” said Lewis.

“I thought that’s all it would be, that he would say, ‘Hey, this is a well-trained service dog, wouldn’t it be great to have one at the clinic.’ They were very open to the idea and then suddenly Capt. Guido Valdes said, ‘Welcome to the team!’ I had no idea that Finley and I were interviewing for a job.”

Facility dogs may be used in educational settings, physical therapy, and behavioral health to provide assistance with reha-bilitation, emotional support, and suicide prevention.

In Finley’s case, his superb manners are a plus for getting people to feel at ease no matter which area he visits.

“What’s really neat is that when you go into a place like the pharmacy where people have been waiting and some are frustrated and annoyed, in walks Finley and all of a sudden everyone lights up,” said Lewis. “I’ve had patients tell me that they prefer to pick up their medication on the days that Finley works just so that they can see him. When

they see Finley they get off their phones and all of a sudden they are not so annoyed. Or a lot of times after they have pet Finley they start telling me about the dog they used to have and then they’ll start talking to each other. So by the time I leave, strangers that weren’t even looking at each other are now interacting with one another.”

Besides being an ideal handler, Lewis takes pride in her self-appointed role as a service dog ambassador. While she and Finley make their clinic rounds, every chance she gets she promotes the benefits of owning a service dog, and how to begin the process for obtaining one.

“I want to get as many service dogs for our military veterans as I can, and our military families for that matter. We’ve got a lot of wives and kids as well as our Wounded Warriors who need service dogs and they’re just so helpful,” said Lewis. “Finley is my little super hero in so many ways. And I see what he does every day not just for me but for all the people here. I can’t thank him enough.”

Lewis says that six Wounded Warriors and military families at NHCCC have already applied for a service dog as the result of a direct encounter with Finley.

“Doing this has healed me more than therapy. You know, trying to get out and help, and being a military wife for over 18 years has been an amazing experience. But what you guys did being in the military, if this can help at all – what I do – then this is my ‘thank you.’”

Clinic Dog cont. from pg. 3

by Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

The Navy announced on April 24 it is conducting a comprehensive review of the facts, circumstances and processes sur-rounding the recent physiological episodes involving T-45 aircrew, to include how these issues have been addressed.

On April 21, Vice Chief of Naval Opera-tions Adm. Bill Moran directed Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. Scott Swift to lead the review and determine the composition of the review team. It is expected that at the completion of the review, Swift will be able to validate current actions and recommend additional actions, if any, that need to be taken.

In the tasking memo Moran wrote, "The seriousness in which I view these incidents is reflected in the seniority of those leading this review. They will provide a full and open accounting to our aviation community, their families and the public."

Physiological episodes occur when air-crew experience a decrease in performance due to the cabin pressure fluctuations, con-tamination of breathing air, or other factors in the flight environment. The Naval Aviation Enterprise and Navy leadership view PEs as the number one aviation safety priority and are taking an "unconstrained resource" approach to finding solutions.

Swift will provide the results of the review to Moran within 30 days.

Navy reviews physiological episodesA T-45 Goshawk training aircraft approaches landing aboard an aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy Photo)

10 May 4, 2017 NAS Corpus Christi Wingspan

Taking Liberty Field trips for teens sponsored by

MWR.Must have a registration packet completed

to participate. Open to teens ages 13-18 years.

All trips depart and return from/to the Youth Activities Center.

Deadline for each event is the Tuesday May 13: Schlitterbahn Water Park

$25 per teen. Youth Activities Center 961-2355

Attention commissary patrons! May 11-13 the commissary aboard

NASCC will host a case lot sale. Take advantage of this opportunity and save!

The 2017 Gulf Winds Golf Course Players Tournament

is May 14. Registration is open at the Pro Shop or by calling 961-3250.

The Counseling and Training Clinic at Texas A&M University-Corpus

Christi. Free and confidential support for the

military, including active duty, Reserve, National Guard and veterans. They help participants with post-

traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, sexual assault and traumatic

experiences. The group meets from 6-7 p.m.

Tuesdays Rm. 2014 of the Natural Resource Center.

Information: (361) 825-3995

Downtown Farmers Market, 5-8 p.m. every Wednesday

at the Corpus Christi Art Center. Free admission.

visit www.growlocalstx.com

Captain’s Cup events are open for registration at MWR Racquetball tournament is May 10-12 at the E-Street Gym, Bldg. 102.Registration is due May 8. To register, visit the gym or call 961-2401. The format will be double elimination.Seeding will be determined by draw.

The upcoming soccer league registration is due May 31 at the E-Street Gym.League begins play June 5.

The league is free for military; civilians and contractors must pay $25 to participate.For more information on Captain’s Cup events call MWR at 961-2401.

Capt. Romuel Nafarrete, sexual assault prevention and response officer, U.S. Pacific Fleet, speaks with hundreds of personnel during “Change the Culture” training April 25. The training is an approach by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, at eliminating destructive behaviors and maintaining a resilient workforce. About 850 personnel attended training during two different sessions throughout the day as part of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

Training the Force

Upcoming Community Events

To have your evenT included in This secTion, email afrench@plwave.com. The deadline To submiT evenTs is 10 a.m. The friday before publicaTion. upcoming evenTs are published as space permiTs There

are no guaranTees as To how many Times an evenT will run. QuesTions regarding evenTs should be direcTed To ashley aT 361-746-4341.

Al Amin Shrine EventsAll events to be held at Al Amin Shrine 2001 Suntide Road Corpus Christi, Texas

Bingo- 2nd Wednesday of each month 6:00 pm Kitchen Opens.South Texas Opry- 3rd Thursday of each month 6:00 pm Kitchen Opens, 7:00 Country Western

Music StartsCalallen Market Days - Last Saturday of each month - 11:00 - 3:00 pm Live Music & Outdoor

Shopping from local vendors. Free to the public.

NAMI General MeetingThe National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also holds it’s General Meeting on May 18th at Bayview Behavioral Health Gymnasium 6629 Wooldridge Rd. Free. Open to the Public. Walk-ins Welcome. Food. Literature and Speaker. May’s speaker, Pam Greene, PhD, RN, will be discussing

“Turn Stress into De-stressed: 60 Second Strategies that Work!”

May 4, 2017NAS Corpus Christi Wingspan 11

NJROTC students from North Forest High School, Houston, Texas, spend time looking over a T-6 Texan II on the flightline aboard NASCC April 21. CPO (retired) Linard Feaster, senior military science instructor, says that taking the students on this trip is important to them to give the students a chance to see what Navy aviation is about and broaden their horizons. He also said it serves as a reward for their hard work and good behavior throughout the school year. (Photo by Jason Kucera)

Visiting NAS Corpus Christi

Public NoticeRoad Closure for weekend

Ocean Drive will be closed between 4th Street and Midway Street, May 6-7.

This will disrupt traffic flow during the weekend in order to enable an emplacement of a water line.

During closure, traffic signs will be in place indicating “road closed ahead” at 100 feet, detour and road closed traffic signs will be placed in vicinity of Ocean Drive, 4th Street and Midway Street. There will be a “Road closed” and “Parking only beyond this point” sign at Midway Street and Ocean Drive to Hanger 45 and Building 1880.

Contact Adrian Rodriguez at (361) 961-5067 or John Suttle (361) 961-2800.

• 3 bed/ 2 bath, Approx. 1680 sq. ft. • All brick home. • New tile floors in den, living room, kitchen and bath. • Lennox high-efficiency A/C and heating unit with preventative maintenance included.• Range, microwave, disposal and dishwasher.Rent: $1495.00/month

• 3 bed/ 2 bath, Approx. 1600 sq. ft. • All brick home. • Two family areas (den and seperate living)• Bathrooms remodeled- tile floors and walls, new tub, commodes and shower• Granite countertops in kitchen and baths• Lennox high-efficiency A/C and heating unit with preventative maintenance included.• New stainless steel Whirpool Range, microwave, disposal and dishwasher.• Rent: $1700/month

For more information, contact: Metro Properties

Deb Walter, Realtor(361) 813-8398

Debwalter1@hotmail.com

Homes For Rent in Corpus Christi

12 May 4, 2017 NAS Corpus Christi Wingspan