Seabee Magazine Fall Issue 2011

CEC(SCW) Leonardo Calderon Named First Seabee CNO Shore Sailor of the Year

Builder Warriors Triumph at Wounded Warrior Games

Honor, Courage, Commitment: CM3 Marvin Shields, HM2 Jaime Jaenke

ALSO INSIDE:

UNITED STATES NAVY FALL 2011

Hope in Hard HatsContinuing Promise 2011

Hope in Hard Hats‘Bees Deliver

SPECIAL INSERT: 1

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ConTinUing PRomiSE 2011‘Hope’ arrives in hard hats as NMCB 28 ‘Bees provide humanitarian assistance in the Caribbean, Central and South America .......................................................5

SEAbEES SUPPoRT CARATACB 1 partners with Indonesian National Armed Forces to build classroom ...........10

TimoR-LESTE PRojECT CREATES STRong bondNMCB 133 joins with two militaries to renovate primary school ..........................11

SEAbEES ExCEL AT WoUndEd WARRioR gAmES“Men of Honor” pursue their dreams with an assist from Navy Safe Harbor .............12

SPECiAL inSERT: 1nCd TECHniCAL TRAining RESETNew Seabee development path touts more efficient training to meet mission-specific requirements.

FEATURESSEABEE MAGAZINE TEAM

Virginia BuenoDIRECTOR

James G. PinskyEDITOR-IN-CHIEFCHIEF MASS COMMuNICATION SpECIALIST(SCW/EXW/SW/AW/SG)

PuBlIc AffAIrs ANd coMMuNIcATIoNsNAVAl fAcIlITIEs ENGINEErING coMMANd

BurEAu chIEfs

scott BoyleCHIEF MASS COMMuNICATION SpECIALIST (SW/AW)25Ncr PuBlIc AffAIrs

daniel PearsonCHIEF MASS COMMuNICATION SpECIALIST30Ncr PuBlIc AffAIrs

daryl c. smithpuBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICERfIrsT NAVAl coNsTrucTIoN dIVIsIoNWWW.SEABEE.NAVY.MIL

lAYouT & dEsIGN

Qnexis, Inc.STRATEGIC MARkETING AND COMMuNICATIONSWWW.qNEXIS.COM

NAVAl fAcIlITIEs ENGINEErING coMMANd

c. J. MosseyREAR ADMIRAL, CEC, uSN COMMANDER AND CHIEF OF CIVIL ENGINEERS

ray dickeyFORCM(SCW), uSNFORCE MASTER CHIEF pETTY OFFICER OF THE SEABEES

fIrsT NAVAl coNsTrucTIoN dIVIsIoN

Mark A. handley REAR ADMIRAL, CEC, uSNCOMMANDER

Paula c. BrownREAR ADMIRAL, CEC, uSNDEpuTY COMMANDER

Wade c. howk CMDCM(SCW), uSNCOMMAND MASTER CHIEF

PUbLiSHEd bY

WinnER oF

on THE CoVERCE2 Michael Caturegli, NMCB 28, removes tin from a roof at Escuela Aldea Los Maguelles, puerto San Jose, Guatemala, during Continuing promise 2011(Cp11). Cp11 is a five-month humanitar-ian assistance mission to the Caribbean, Central and South America. Photo by MC2 Eric C. Tretter

12 Wounded Warrior GamesSeabee “Men of Honor” triumph over challenges

5 Continuing promise 2011NMCB 28 plays a key role in five-month humanitarian assistance mission

nmCb 74 ‘bEES ARoUnd THE WoRLdMCpON Rick West visits battalion in Rota, Spain ...........................................15

Detail Africa partnership Station (ApS) works with local Cameroonians to construct hospital .....................................15

WoUndEd WARRioR UniT, KAndAHAR AiRFiELdNMCB 1 renovates barracks for rehab in Afghanistan ...............................................16

bARRACKS dEdiCATEd To FALLEn SAiLoRSHM2 Jaime Jaenke, HM3 John Fralish live on at the Navy Medicine Training Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas ........................17

PURPLE HEARTThree Seabees receive award after sustaining injuries in Afghanistan ............18

AWARdSRADM Eugene J. peltier Award – NMCB 4..................................................18RADM John R. perry Award – NMCB 18 ..................................................18

HERiTAgECM3 Marvin Shields, American and Seabee Hero .................................... .19

PRoFiLESeabee First: CEC(SCW) Leonardo Calderon, 31st SRG, named CNO Shore Sailor of the Year (SOY) ...........................20

HomEFRonTJamiah Calderon, CNO SOY spouse, discusses a Seabee family first ...............22

PRoFESSionAL dEVELoPmEnTpost-9/11 GI Bill ........................................23

in oTHER nEWSNMCB 74 Junior Enlisted Leadership Organization ...................... 24Reunions ...................................................24 FinAL WoRdBuCS(SCW/EXW) J. E. Ring, 1NCD Safety Officer, emphasizes all-important “Safety First” actions and behaviors – both on and off duty.

FALL11

Look for the

Challenge Coin

award in this issue!

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SEABEE MAGAZINE ONLINE

sEABEE MAGAZINE FALL2011

20 Seabee FirstCEC(SCW) Leonardo Calderon named CNO Shore Sailor of the Year

17, 19 Honor, Courage, CommitmentLegacies of HM2 Jaime Jaenke and CM3 Marvin Shields live on

SpECIAL INSERT 1NCD Technical

Training ResetRevised program

provides greater opportunity for hands-on experience on

deployment and in home port


CAN DO!

2

EO3 Dallas Miller, NMCB 5, traverses on a rope during the 2nd Annual Vietnam-6 Memorial Super Squad Competition, port Hueneme, Calif. The event is a tribute to the six deployments NMCB 5 made during the Vietnam War, and tests squads on all aspects of administration, military tactics and physical readiness. Photo by MC2 Ace Rheaume

sEABEE MAGAZINE FALL2011 3sEABEE MAGAZINE FALL2011 33

More than ever the Seabees are teaching the world that hope wears a hard hat.

From the battlefields in Afghan-istan where Seabees hammer away

Taliban influence to villages in Central and South America where Seabees are helping America’s neighbors empower their own people, humanity has learned that having Seabees around means things are going to get a lot better.

Seabees are no strangers to humanitarian mis-sions. It’s practically in our DNA...“With compas-sion for others, we build, we fight, for peace with freedom.”

For years Seabees have actively participated in a humanitarian assistance mission to the Caribbean, Central and South America known as Continuing Promise. Together with other humanitarian-minded people from the United States and our southern neighbors, the Seabees helped USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) complete her five-month mission. Civil-military opera-tions included humanitarian civic assistance (HCA); subject matter expert exchange; and medical, dental, veterinary and engineering support and disaster response to partner nations.

Seabees bring hope because they are built from it. And we have several Seabees who are prime examples of this very fact.

Since our beginnings no Seabee has ever accomplished what Construction Electrician Chief (SCW) Leonardo Calderon did a few months back when he was selected as the 2010 Chief of Naval Operations Shore Sailor of the Year. His success is a testament to the great leadership and support within the Seabees. We not only have his story for you, but some great insight from his biggest supporter, his wife Jamiah, in our Homefront section.

As we all know, Seabee life is demanding. Still, there are Seabees who have a little more challenging road to travel to be successful. Seabee has the story of Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Aaron Heldreth, Underwater Construction Team 2; Douglas McCarron, former Builder 1st Class; and Roy “Dan” Peters, former Builder Constructionman. Each one of these Seabees took what many would consider a disability and turned it into an opportunity to succeed and inspire fellow veterans throughout our country by participating in the 2011 Wounded Warrior Games. Their exceptional story was captured by a superb team of dedicated profession-als from the Navy Safe Harbor team. Their work was selected for our Seabee Challenge Coin for Fall 2011. Congrats, Navy Safe Harbor!

Finally I would like to take a moment to give special thanks to a pair of volunteers who have made a world of difference in our cov-erage, both in the print and Facebook versions of Seabee. Ms. Andi Edwards and Ms. Stacy Molzhon, both married to recently retired Seabees, have selflessly produced numerous impactful stories for us. Andi Edwards’ endearing prose from the heart and mind of a dedi-cated former ombudsman have graced the pages of several issues. Stacy Molzhon’s around-the-clock coverage during the Japanese earthquake and tsunami contributed to the knowledge and awareness many of our Seabee faithful needed during a very traumatic time.

Can Do!

MCC (SCW/EXW/SW/AW/SG) James G. PinskyEditor-in-Chief, Seabee Magazine

BRICKS & MORTAR

4

Mcc(scW/EXW/sW/AW/sG) James G. Pinsky

When you see this icon, you’re reading a story received via Facebook!

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EDITORIALSEABEE Magazine is scheduled quarterly by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Public Affairs Office from the historic Washington Navy Yard, “the Quarterdeck of the Navy.” Our readership consists of Active and Reserve Seabees and Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) officers and their families, as well as veterans, retirees and the general public. Letters and electronic mail are welcome on all Seabee-related topics and, if published, are subject to editing for length and clar-ity. Written and photographic submissions that show Active and Reserve Seabees are strongly encouraged. We prefer to receive all written and photographic submissions by e-mail to [email protected]. Images should include captions and be unmodified; digital files should measure at least 300dpi at 5x7 inches. All submissions must include the author’s full name, rank/rate, duty contact telephone number(s) and e-mail address. Submissions by regular postal mail are strongly discouraged due to security precautions that may damage fragile contents. If neces-sary, send all postal mail to:

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Contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Department of Defense, the Navy, NAVFAC, CEC or the U.S. Navy Seabees. Inclusions of or references to any product or service in editorial content does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Navy, NAVFAC, the CEC or the Seabees. All trademarks, service marks or other symbols, names, images or logos are and remain the sole property of their respective owners. Unless otherwise noted, all photos are considered U.S. Navy photos. Military address corrections, story and photo submissions, and requests for writer’s guidelines may be sent to the magazine’s postal or e-mail address.

MILITARY RECIPIENTS


Hope ArrivesService members, including Seabees from NMCB 28, and civilians embarked aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship uSNS Comfort (T-AH 20) travel to a school near their temporary medical clinic in paita, peru, May 4, in support of Continuing promise 2011 (Cp11). Cp11 is a five-month humanitarian assistance mission to the Caribbean, Central and South America. Photo by MC2 Eric C. Tretter

sEABEE MAGAZINE FALL2011 5

IN HARD HATS

CONTINUING PROMISE

20112011

uT1 kevin Geegan, NMCB 28, hammers a nail into the window seal of a school building in La Huaca, peru, during Continuing promise 2011 (Cp11). NMCB 28 Seabees and Marines assigned to the 8th Engineer Support Battalion renovated the school during Cp11. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alesia D. Goosic


IN HARD HATS

Seabees, Marines Build Schools,

Relationships During Continuing Promise 2011

By MC2 Eric C. Tretter, Continuing Promise 2011 Public Affairs

A team of 17 Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 28 and five U.S. Marines from the 8th Engineer Battalion, Camp Lejeune, N.C., embarked aboard USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) for Continuing Promise 2011 (CP11) in April.

Continuing Promise is a humanitarian civic assistance mission to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. The intent of this annual deployment is to conduct civil-military operations including subject matter expert exchange, and medical, dental, veterinary and engineering support. During CP11, Seabees and Marines performed construction jobs in nine countries throughout the Caribbean and Central and South America.

cIVIc ENGINEErING ProJEcTsDuring their first assignment at the Trenchtown Primary and Secondary Schools, Kingston, Jamaica, Seabees and Marines con-structed and repaired a wide variety of facilities.

“The first day we got here, none of the [lavatory facilities] were working and half the electricity was out,” said Steelworker 1st Class Rex Miller, NMCB 28. “The overall mission is to revamp a lot of the area and put security lighting around both the primary and second-ary schools.”

The schools’ compound and surrounding area have a storied past. The Trenchtown area of West Kingston is well known as the birthplace of Bob Marley and reggae music; it is also notorious for poverty, crime and violence. The Seabees made it their goal to trans-form the location back to a sanctuary for the children.

Part of the project also included replacing the school gate guard’s weathered metal chair with a proper guard shack.

In addition to plumbing projects, the team built and installed cabinetry for additional storage in the cantina. Inside the classrooms, Seabees constructed partitions to separate the rooms, trouble-shot electrical feeds, and installed new light fixtures and fans throughout the facility. They welded and constructed a 60-foot security wall in the auditorium and completed several other small jobs around the compound.

Throughout the workday, Seabees and Marines were reminded of the purpose of their mission in Jamaica, and CP11 as a whole, as they interacted with school children. They played impromptu soccer matches on a playground where the grass fields adjacent to the school are shared with grazing goats.

“Some deployments you may enjoy the work, some you get to enjoy the people,” said Construction Mechanic 1st Class Allan Broussard, NMCB 28. “With the Comfort, you get to enjoy both.”


(Continued on page 8)

uT2 Michael Laylle (left), NMCB 28, welds rebar for a security wall at Trenchtown High School, kingston, Jamaica, during Continuingpromise 2011. Photo by MC2 Eric C. Tretter


rElATIoNshIPs WITh hosT NATIoNsPart of CP11’s mission is to build and sustain relationships with the various host nations.

In Paita, Peru, mothers of students helped clean up areas in and around the construction team’s worksites, and even brought snacks for the service members.

While in Ecuador, Marines who provided security for the group also received first-hand training on welding and lay-ing brick from the crew; local citizens of Colombia became fully immersed in the construction of several new classrooms. In San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, several Comfort volunteers worked closely with nurses and staff at the Centro de Salud medical clinic, one of the city’s few healthcare facilities, reor-ganizing files and medical supplies. Meanwhile, Seabees and Marines renovated rooms, replaced the roof and built addi-tional shelving.

“It’s a wonderful experience and a great opportunity,” said SW1 Miller about his perspective on working alongside host country residents during the mission. “It’s the most

rewarding job I have had as a Seabee.”Throughout the mission, Seabees and Marines have

exceeded every expectation set by the detachment’s officer-in-charge.

“What I like about these guys, they come together and get [the work] done,” said Ensign Tres Moreno, NMCB 28. “The quality of work is always high. Our guys put in that little extra something to make the work their own in each country.”

MIssIoN chAllENGEsThe unavailability of some common construction supplies presented challenges, but the Seabees and Marines overcame these difficulties throughout the mission.

In Ecuador, the team was originally given lumber supplies – ripped bamboo – that would not support the walls for the new classroom. So, the team found some available brick and finished the project on time further exemplifying the Naval Construction Force’s “Can Do” motto.

Shipboard life aboard Comfort proved to be a simple

(Continued from page 7)

IN HARD HATS

Colombian children build a house out of scrap wood as Seabees, Marines and other military personnel build new classrooms at Escuela Cilvicito, Tumaco, Colombia, during Cp11. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Courtney Richardson

Sgt. peter Swigart (left) and CM1 Allan Broussard, NMCB 28, have a bite to eat with a local child at Trenchtown primary School, kingston, Jamaica, during Cp11. Photo by MC2 Eric C. Tretter

EO3 Jessica Lovell, NMCB 28, mixes cement for a Cp11 school renovation project in Manta, Ecuador.Photo by MC2 Eric C. Tretter


adjustment for the Marines and Seabees. While typical sea time for the group is comprised of traveling from one port to the next, the team says it welcomed the breaks between ports, allowing some time to rest after 10 to 12 days of solid work in each location.

“The first few weeks it was a shock,” said Miller of ship-board life. “But it’s just like anything else – once you get in a routine, you get used to it. A place to lay your head is a place to lay your head.”

Seabees and Marines are usually dressed, fed, mustered and ready to board their vehicles by the time reveille is called at 0600 each morning.

Unlike many other personnel who rotate work schedules to break from adverse weather conditions such as dust, heat and humidity, Seabees and Marines work outside for many hours in every port.

“We leave the ship while they’re [the crew is] having breakfast,” said Construction Electrician 2nd Class Raynita Garner. “We have always been thought of as hard chargers.

To be anything less, we would not be able to call ourselves Seabees.”

MArITIME sTrATEGYImprovements the Seabees made during visits to Jamaica,

Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Nicaragua did not take long; but the relationships they built with the residents in each of these countries directly aligned with the Chief of Naval Operations’ Maritime Strategy, exemplifying partnership and stability in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.

“What other opportunity would you have to see these countries and do something for your fellow man?” said Steelworker 1st Class Terrence Ryan. “I think an experience like this will humble a lot of people who have never been out of the United States.”

Seabees from Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 1 participated in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) in Ciangsana, Bogor and West Java, Indonesia, dedicating a classroom built jointly with the Indonesian National Armed Forces.

As part of the joint military exercise, ACB 1 and Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Laut (TNI AL), the Indonesian National Armed Forces, worked together to build a spare classroom for the overpopulated Ciangsana Elementary School.

“It’s not only a building – inside the building is more important to the children of the com-munity,” said TNI Marine Cpt. Imam Fahrudin, officer-in-charge of Indonesian Marine engineers. “The classroom here is very useful. Students [were] going to school in the morning and the evening because there [was] not enough room in the old classrooms.”

Since 1995, CARAT has included on-shore civic activities such as engineering, damage control training, medical and dental attention, and local community upgrades throughout Southeast Asian countries. The exercise has provided the United States the opportunity to exchange work experi-ence and knowledge with the Armed Forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

“The number one priority of getting this Engineering Civic Action Program [ENCAP] done for CARAT is the interaction, teamwork and [overall] learning to work with the Indonesians,” said Lt. j.g. Kimberly Herm, officer-in-charge, ACB 1 Seabee detachment. “We are providing an environ-ment for the students that helps foster learning, allows them and others in the community to see that we support them, and gives them pride in their school and community knowing that people want to come in and help them.”

Seabees Dedicate

Classroom to Support CARAT in Indonesia

By CE3 Kellie D. Sandoval, ACB 1 Public Affairs

Bu1 Chris Louden, ACB 1, greets children at Ciangsana Elementary School, Jakarta, Indonesia, after a television interview about the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Indonesia 2011 Engineering Civic Action program (ENCAp). Photo by MC2 Jessica Bidwell

JOINT OPS

sEABEE MAGAZINE FALL201110 sEABEE MAGAZINE FALL201110

Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133, members of the Australian International Stabilization Force (ISF) and the Timorese military, Falantil-Forces Defense Timor-Leste (F-FDTL), completed their first joint project in Baucau, Timor-Leste, May 16.

The joint project, a much-needed renovation of Bella Vista Primary School in the remote mountain district of Baucau, brought together three militaries and created a strong bond with the local community. By sharing one common goal, the three groups overcame cultural and language barriers to learn construction techniques from each other.

“This is the first time I have been involved in a project like this, and it was really gratifying to be able to fix the school for the kids,” said Construction Electrician Constructionman Gabriel James, NMCB 133. “You could really tell how happy they were when the project was completed. I never thought I could have such an impact on people’s lives.”

Seabees painted four school buildings, patched stucco, and installed windows, doors and drop ceilings. They also installed a roof on one of the buildings, along with new steel window frames, greatly enhancing its structural integrity.

Upon completion of the work, the local community opened its arms to the group. A ribbon-cutting ceremony honored everyone who helped bring the school back to life.

Many dignitaries – including U.S. Ambassador Judith Fergin; Col. Andrew Duff, Australian Defense Attaché in East Timor; and Dr. Joao Cancio, Timorese Minister of Education – attended the ceremony to share their words of appreciation.

“This was a great opportunity for us to do something good,” said Builder 2nd Class Victoria Hughes, NMCB 133. “I could really see how appreciative the people were with all their support and always wanting to help.”

Timor-Leste Joint Project

Brings Children’s

Future Back to Life

By CE2 Justin Urban, NMCB 133

CECN Gabriel James (left), NMCB 133, receives a “Thais” from the Baucau community leader during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Baucau, Timor-Leste. The Thais is a traditional gift given to show appreciation, this one for the Seabees’ efforts restoring the Bella Vista primary School. Photo by Ensign Ryan Evans


mEnHONORSeabees Excel at Wounded Warrior Games

“It’s not a sin to get knocked down; it’s a sin to stay down.” That was the belief of the legendary Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate Carl M. Brashear (1931-2005).

Brashear’s life was portrayed by Cuba Gooding Jr. in the 2000 film “Men of Honor.” Years after proving himself as the first African American U.S. Navy diver, tragedy struck and threatened to destroy his dream of becoming a Master Diver.

During a mission to recover a downed B-52 and the nuclear bombs it was carrying from the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, a towing line broke loose. As it shot back toward the ship, it struck a pipe. The pipe was knocked loose and hit Brashear below his left knee, almost severing his leg. After persistent severe infection, he decided to avoid years of recov-ery and rehabilitation by having his lower left leg amputated.

In spite of his disability, Brashear was still determined to become a Navy Master Diver. In 1968, he became the first amputee to be certified as a diver and, in 1970, achieved his dream of becoming the Navy’s first African American Master Diver.

Forty-one years later, Master Chief Brashear’s legacy lives on in at least three Seabees. Like Brashear, these three have experienced tragedy. And all three, like Brashear, have chosen to pursue their dreams in spite of physical challenges. Here are the stories of their individual paths to the Wounded Warrior Games.

BUCN Dan PetersBuilder Constructionman Daniel “Dan” Peters joined the Navy Reserve in 2007 due to lack of work in the construction industry. He also wanted to use his construction skills to serve his country.

“After looking at all the services and weighing my options, I decided the Seabees were the best fit for me,” the 27-year-old said. “So I joined the Navy.”

But his desire to serve was sidetracked soon thereafter.While going through boot camp, BUCN Peters began having

severe headaches and sickness. The drill sergeants thought he was just trying to get out of training. But after the fourth episode, they sent him for treatment. After evaluation, he received some pain medication and was sent back to boot camp.

The medication worked for a while, but during A School he began having blurry vision.

On Christmas Eve 2008 he went to an optometrist. During the evaluation, the doctor noticed a shadow behind his eye and Peters was sent immediately for an MRI. He had a brain tumor the size of an orange.

Through Christmas Day, doctors tried to shrink the tumor without success. Emergency surgery was then performed to remove the tumor, but the damage was already done. Peters’ life was about to change.

Following surgery, Peters awakened to find that the only thing he could see was bright light.

“I could see the light of the television, but I couldn’t make out any images,” he said.

Over the next few months, wishing and praying for the return of his eyesight, the light faded to dark and his sight was complete-ly gone. He learned that the tumor had pushed his brain against the optic nerve. The pressure was so great that it permanently damaged the nerve and nothing could be done to repair it.

The tumor was sent to the Mayo Clinic for analysis. It was diagnosed as malignant, and Peters began six weeks of radiation and six months of chemotherapy. He also had to relearn how to do everything – how to read, eat and walk – without being able to see. Due to his loss of vision, Peters was medically retired from the Navy in 2009.


BU1 Douglas V. McCarron Builder 1st Class Douglas V. McCarron joined the Navy in June 2001 because he wanted to expand his understanding of con-struction and apply his existing skills in service to his country. Three months later on September 11, al Qaeda terrorists carried out the worst attack on American soil. For BU1 McCarron, he knew he would be going to war.

“I wanted to go to Afghanistan,” McCarron said, “but early on there was no need for Seabees.” However, it would not be long before he found himself in the battle.

Prior to enlisting, the 40-year-old had earned an associate’s degree and established a construction company working as a sub-contractor building decks, and installing trim and siding, as well as completing framing work. But the desire to serve and make a little more money led him to join the military as a reservist.

The sense of service was instilled in him by his family. His father served in the Army, but McCarron felt the Navy was a bet-ter match for him. Because of his background in construction, he was a natural fit for the Seabees.

Over the next seven years, McCarron was mobilized three times – Rota, Spain; Kuwait; and Iraq. During his last deployment to western Iraq in 2008, he was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED).

On August 27, he and his Al Asad-based team were tasked with cleaning and converting a nearby site into an operational security compound. After receiving the all-clear that the facility was safe, McCarron began his job by removing old equipment from some shelves. One of those items, he thought, was just an old radio. He picked it up and, while carrying it to the trash heap, dropped it. On impact, it exploded.

He awakened in the ambulance on the way back to Al Asad to find that his legs were severely damaged. Needless to say, McCarron knew he was fortunate to be alive, but he also knew life would never be the same.

The IED left him with neuropathy [nerve damage] in his lower legs. He had muscle surgically removed from his right leg and a nerve removed from his left leg. He also lost a toe and experienced hearing loss. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) left him with night terrors, as well as anger at not being able to retaliate against his attacker.

After two years of treatment and rehabilitation, McCarron was told that his injuries were too severe for him to continue to serve. In 2010, he medically retired.

CM3 Aaron Heldreth Growing up, Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Aaron Heldreth was an avid swimmer and competed at age 11 in the Southern California Junior Olympics. Unfortunately, his hometown closed its only pool. Without skipping a beat, he switched to cross coun-try and gym workouts, becoming a well-rounded athlete.

Because of his athleticism, CM3 Heldreth enlisted in the Navy at age 17, hoping to become a Navy SEAL. But he soon learned that he was partially color blind, making it impossible for him to achieve this goal. So he decided to become a Seabee.

“I didn’t know anything about the Seabees, and after every-one started telling me about them, I realized it sounded awe-some,” Heldreth said.

After finishing boot camp and Construction Mechanic A School, he completed dive school in Panama City, Fla. Then it was back to California to join his first command, NMCB 3 in Port Hueneme.

Life was going well until tragedy struck on October 13, 2008. Heldreth was in a serious car accident that left his life and career in the balance.

“My foot was crushed. I broke my back, and [I sustained] a lacerated liver. The police couldn’t pull me out of the car when they arrived on the scene because my seatbelt was inside my stom-ach,” Heldreth explained.

Over the next year, he endured three amputations of his lower left leg and surgeries to reconstruct his left knee while undergoing rehabilitation.

Today, Heldreth continues to serve on active duty with Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 2, and dives with the assistance of a buoyant prosthetic that helps him maintain his balance while working underwater.

“Sometimes it takes a bit to figure out how to get something done – the best body position, the best angle,” he said. “I had to relearn some things.”


(Continued on page 14)

A New ChapterIn June, these three men competed in the 2011 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Co., that attracted more than 220 wounded, injured or seriously ill Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen. The Games features a variety of Paralympic-style sports including track and field, shooting, archery, swim-ming, wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball and cycling.

Peters competed in 100-, 200- and 800-meter track and field events, and won the gold medal in the tandem cycling event. He uses guides to direct him along the track or course.

Heldreth was one of Team Navy/Coast Guard’s two Ultimate Champion con-tenders. In order to become the Ultimate Champion, he had to compete in the 100-meter dash, shot put, 50-meter freestyle swim, rifle shooting and 30-kilometer cycling. Points were accumulated based on the results of each competition, and the athlete who garnered the most points secured the title.

Heldreth won the gold medal in the 50-meter freestyle swim and the men’s mixed 200-meter freestyle swimming relay. He placed third among the 10 Ultimate Champion athletes.

McCarron competed in the sitting discus and the 10-meter air rifle (prone) competition. Although he didn’t receive any medals, McCarron could be found each evening of the competition leading Team Navy/Coast Guard supporters in cheers.

“I had to get the support of the people in the stands for our team,” he said. He jokingly added, “It also helps with my PTSD. I get to yell and can release emotion without getting into trouble.”

Navy Safe HarborAll three men found their way to Team Navy/Coast Guard and the Warrior Games through Navy Safe Harbor. Safe Harbor is the Navy’s lead organization for coordi-nating non-medical care of wounded, ill and injured Sailors, Coast Guardsmen and their families. The organization provides a lifetime of individually tailored assis-tance designed to optimize the success of Sailors’ and Coast Guardsmen’s recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration activities.

“Navy Safe Harbor has turned my life around,” said Peters. “I owe everything to my non-medical care manager, Capt. Linda Jacobsen. She got the ball rolling with the local VA hospital, my retired pension, and she hooked me up with nonprofit organizations that support Wounded Warriors.”

McCarron agreed. When asked his thoughts on Safe Harbor, he said, “Finally! I’m really happy [the Navy] has a program. Navy Safe Harbor wants to be there for Sailors to assist the wounded, ill and injured.”

You can call what happened to these three men a set-back or a tragedy. They have all been knocked down.

And you would not be wrong to feel compassion for them. But make no mistake about it – they have gotten back up. Using a prosthetic, cane or seeing-eye dog, these men have found a way, with a little help and assistance, to lead active lives and pursue their old dreams as well as some new ones.

Heldreth continues to serve on active duty and looks forward to finding time to compete in Paralympic sports.

“Any person is capable of any achievement with fortitude and drive,” said Heldreth.

Peters may have lost his sight, but he clearly has not lost his vision. He still loves construction, and has built a hope chest as a wedding gift for friends and a jewelry box for his grandmother. He hopes to one day have a garage with a wood shop.

He also continues to compete in Paralympic competitions. In early June, he participated in the Endeavor Games in Oklahoma, earning a gold medal in the shot put and a bronze in the discus. On June 15, he traveled to Florida to try out as a shot competitor for the National Paralympic Team.

Peters has learned an important lesson from his experiences. “It’s never over until it’s over, no matter what happens to you. Don’t let [tragedy] get in the way of what you do.”

Today, McCarron is able to walk with a cane. And he has found a way to chan-nel his emotional trauma into productive activities, including competitive sports.

“Life will knock you down,” McCarron said. “But if you fall forward, you’re that much farther ahead when you get back up.”

He credits the Seabees for instilling in him that “Can Do” attitude which he has applied to his life.

“I’ve been told many times since the attack what I can’t do,” McCarron said. “But I’m a Seabee and Seabees find a way to get the job done.”

mEnHONORSeabees Excel at Wounded Warrior Games


For outstanding contribution to the fall 2011 issue, Seabee Magazine

congratulates the Navy Safe Harbor

team: Lt. Thomas Gordy, president, Armed Forces

Marketing Council (Fairfax, Va.); patty Babb, marketing specialist, Navy Safe Harbor (Washington, D.C.); Zona Lewis, strategic communications analyst, Navy Safe Harbor (Washington, D.C.); and Capt. E. “Bernie” Carter, director, Navy Safe Harbor (Washington, D.C.).

Navy Safe Harbor team: Lt. Thomas Gordy,

(Continued from page 13)


mCPon Visits nmCb 74 in RotaMCpON(SS/SW) Rick West tries out the operating controls of a D7 bulldozer while visiting Seabees assigned to NMCB 74, Alfa Com-pany, Rota, Spain. During his visit, MCpON West toured company spaces and handed out his coin to some well-deserving ‘Bees. Photo by MC1 Ryan G. Wilber

‘bees Strengthen APS PartnershipsSeabees assigned to NMCB 74, Detail Africa partnership Station (ApS), work with local Cameroonians to construct a 200-foot concrete walkway at the Douala, Cameroon Regional Two Military Hospital. ApS is an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by Commander, u.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa. Photo by BU1 Jimmy E. Shaw

SP

AIN

CA

ME

RO

ON

‘BEES AROUND THE WORLD

(Top) Bu2 Michael High, NMCB 1, works on a wooden ramp and walkway deck for the Wounded Warrior unit on kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

A Soldier walks out of the Wounded Warrior unit on kandahar Airfield. NMCB 1 Seabees (background) work on a walkway deck for the center, making it more comfortable for service members to travel throughout the complex. U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Richard Andrade

T he Wounded Warrior Unit (WWU), located on Kandahar Airfield (KAF), held a dedication ceremony June 29 to reveal renovations to the barracks which house service members

wounded in Afghanistan. Seabees with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB)

1 built a ramp, covered roof and boardwalk-style deck around the facility, used as a transition between the NATO Role III medical hos-pital and the unit. The new walkway helps KAF’s Wounded Warriors travel throughout the facility with ease and comfort — out of the blistering Afghan sun.

The renovation idea was originally a call for volunteers at a meeting of KAF’s senior enlisted leaders. NMCB 1 jumped at the opportunity to work on the project.

Builder 2nd Class (SCW) Michael High, NMCB 1, was one of the Seabees who volunteered for the project. He was very excited for the chance to do something which Seabees have been doing for almost 70 years.

“When I was asked if I wanted to help with the project, it was a no-brainer for me,” said BU2 High. “I really like to use my skills as a builder and see the reaction of the people I’m helping.”

Originally, the project was expected to take 10 to 12 days; however, the Seabees completed it in a week. Most of the Seabees who worked on the project were part of NMCB 1’s Convoy Security Element (CSE) Team. While still planning and running their opera-tional missions, they worked on the project during their down time or after hours.

The WWU is led by four Casualty Liaison Officers (CLOs); all are combat medics. They assist with administration and the reha-bilitation phase for the wounded. Sgt. Frank Romanowski is one of the CLOs on KAF.

“The path between the three barracks was littered with rocks and made it difficult for some of our wounded service members to get around the compound.” said Sgt. Romanowski. “They were really excited about the new deck and covered rest areas, and very grateful for all the support.”

By MC1(AW/NAC) Aron Taylor, NMCB 1 Public Affairs

NMCB 1Helps Renovate Wounded Warrior Unit



New barracks honoring two fallen Navy corpsmen now stand proudly at the Navy Medicine Training Center (NMTC) aboard Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The barracks

were dedicated on April 19. Both corpsmen were killed while sup-porting contingency operations.

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Jaime Jaenke was killed June 5, 2006, by a roadside bomb in Iraq. Assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 25 out of Fort McCoy, Wis., HM2 Jaenke served as a unit medic. NMCB 25 personnel built schools, housing, airstrips and water wells, among other projects to help restore Iraq’s infrastructure. Jaenke completed 25 missions, escorting 375 personnel in convoys across the country.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class John Fralish was killed Feb. 6, 2006, by enemy fire during a fire fight with insurgents while on patrol in Afghanistan. Assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, out of Marine Corps Base, Hawaii, HM3 Fralish served as a medic to Marines supporting provincial reconstruction and stabilization efforts in that country.

Calling a corpsman “Doc” is an honor fellow service members bestow on a hospital corpsman, communicating their trust that person will care for them. In the field a service member’s life is in the Doc’s hands since immediate access to a physician is not always possible, according to Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Robert Browning. HM1 Browning assisted Seabees from San Antonio-based NMCB 22 in constructing the cement pad and raising the flagpole for the Jaenke and Fralish barracks.

“It doesn’t happen out of school, it happens when you bond with your Seabees, Sailors and Marines,” said Browning.

“I’m glad that we can honor two corpsmen – two Docs,” said

Builder 1st Class Gary Ondrej, in charge of the flagpole project.Several hundred Sailors, Airmen, Soldiers and civilians

attended the event, where former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON, ret.) Joe Campa served as guest speaker.

“All of us here know of the sacrifice these two individu-als made while serving in distant lands,” MCPON Campa said. “But the stories of these two Sailors go well beyond the sacrifice they made on the battlefield. Their stories are of a young man and young woman who had a great love for their families, their country and the meaningful work they found in being hospital corpsmen.”

Helping people and serving her country was what Jaenke loved, according to her cousin, Tifani Eisentrager. As a civilian Jaenke had volunteered as an emergency medical technician and was planning on becoming a nurse.

During the ceremony, larger-than-life portraits of each corps-man were unveiled.The Jaenke and Fralish portraits will grace the quarterdeck of the named barracks, and bronze plaques chroni-cling the circumstances under which each corpsman lost his or her life were also unveiled.

Family members then released Navy blue and gold balloons, officially opening both barracks.

“Like ships they are only living things once the crew comes aboard and brings them to life,” said Capt. R.G. Craigmiles, NMTC commanding officer, who emphasized that the buildings, like their namesakes, are of heroic proportions. “These halls are termed ‘megabuildings’ – each has more than 330,000 square feet of living space with 600 rooms housing 1,200 Sailors.”

Barracks Dedicated to Fallen Sailors

By L.A. Shively, Navy Medicine Support Command

Public Affairs

(Above) HMCM Barry Moore (left), command master chief, Navy Medicine Training Center (NMTC), unveils a portrait of HM2 Jaime Jaenke during a dedication ceremony at Jaenke Hall at NMTC, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, April 20. Jaenke Hall is a new barracks named in honor of the fallen Seabee killed by a roadside bomb in Anah, Iraq.

(Right) Members of HM2 Jaime Jaenke’s family release blue and gold balloons, officially opening NMTC’s Jaenke Hall. Jaenke served with NMCB 25.U.S. Navy photos by L.A. Shively

Seabees EnablePurpleHeartThe Purple Heart is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action.

NMCB 1, 18 Seabees Receive Purple Heart

Three Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalions (NMCBs) 1 and 18 received the Purple Heart after sustaining injuries in Afghanistan earlier this year.

Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Jarod D. Miller and Builder 1st Class Eric J. Tipler, both assigned to NMCB 18, were injured on Jan. 7 when their truck was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED) during a convoy mission. Lt. Cmdr. Richard B. Ray, commanding officer, Navy Operational Support Center, Springfield, Ore., presented the medal to CM3 Miller and BU1 Tipler during a ceremony at the 162nd Infantry Regiment Readiness Center, July 23.

Construction Electrician 3rd Class Aaron Chudley, NMCB 1, was wounded by small arms fire on Aug. 11 while barricading a strongpoint construction site. Rear Adm. Mark A. Handley, Commander, First Naval Construction Division, presented the medal to CE3 Chudley during his recuperation at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Va., Aug. 17.

NMCBs 4, 18 Receive Peltier, Perry AwardsBy NAVFAC HQ Public Affairs and Communications

The “Fabulous Four” Seabees of NMCB 4 received the Peltier Award as the most outstanding active component battalion during the previous fiscal year. The first battal-ion to respond in support of the Commander-in-Chief’s surge in Afghanistan, NMCB 4 proved vital to force expansion efforts. These Seabees completed the largest earth-moving operation undertaken by a single mobile construction battalion since World War II, achieving initial operating capability and establishing the 300-acre forward operating base Deh Dadi II. This base is capable of housing more than 2,500 personnel and serves as the logistics hub for U.S. Forces in Regional Command North.

The Peltier Award is named for RADM Eugene J. Peltier, former Chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks and Chief of Civil Engineers.

NMCB 18 received the Perry Award as the most outstanding reserve component battalion during the previous fiscal year. The men and women of this bat-talion demonstrated superior leadership and technical skill while mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, providing contingency construction and com-bat service support throughout Afghanistan. The bat-talion completed 18,000 man-days of construction support within a war zone in an extremely challenging environment, while increasing civil engineer support equipment availability to 95 percent with an aggressive $3M program and solid leadership. NMCB 18’s efforts demonstrated unparalleled competence throughout the execution of more than 80 projects valued at $34M.

The Perry Award is named for the legendary and distin-guished Civil Engineer Corps/Seabee leader, RADM John R. Perry.

CM3 Daniel Thelen (third from left), NMCB 4, supervises the re-assembly of a generator starter motor by Afghan National Army personnel.Photo by MC1 Russell Stewart

EA2 Jeni Sadler (foreground), records survey coordi-nates while EA1 Wilson Beatingo (left), both assigned to NMCB 18, shoots a line during construction of a SWA hut at kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan.Photo by UT2 Vuong Ta

Information compiled from YN2 Victor Foyain, navy.mil, and MC2 Riza Brigham, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.

On behalf of the Naval

Facilities Engineering

Command (NAVFAC),

RADM C.J. Mossey,

Commander and Chief

of Civil Engineers,

recognizes Naval Mobile

Construction Battalion

(NMCB) 4 with the 2010

RADM Eugene J. Peltier

Award and NMCB 18 with

the RADM John R. Perry

Award. Units selected

for these prestigious

awards are recognized

leaders in the Naval

Construction Force in

safety, overall performance,

readiness, construction

accomplishments,

equipment management,

logistics programs,

retention and training.


AWARDS

Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Marvin Shields joined the U.S. Navy as a Seabee in 1962. After being stationed in Georgia, California and Japan, he was sent to Vietnam in February 1965 where he served with Mobile Construction

Battalion (MCB) 11 and Seabee Team 1104, attached to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces at Dong Xoia.

CM3 Shields, along with eight other Seabees, were tasked with expanding a building complex into a mine field adjacent to the camp by the South Vietnamese. The Seabees finished removing all the mines sometime in the afternoon of June 9.

The Seabees frequently heard small arms fire and occasionally a mortar landed in the camp. But the night of June 9, the Viet Cong hit hard with more than 1,500 troops. Within seconds, four or five bombs struck the camp. The first mortar took out the first aid bunker housing the sup-plies; next the communication shack blew; finally one bomb landed in the barracks. Shields and his fellow Seabees, awak-ened by the blasts, grabbed their M-14s, assumed fighting positions and began to return fire. Shields sustained injuries to his neck and back.

For nearly an hour, the compound was pummeled by machine gun fire, grenades and indirect fire. Shields sprint-ed to a burning shed to retrieve more ammo. The trailer

exploded just after Shields retrieved 800 rounds. He moved around the perimeter as he distributed the ammunition to his fellow defenders.

Shields then assisted another Seabee as they selflessly carried men more critically wounded than themselves to safety.

Even after being wounded twice, Shields volunteered to accompany the commander to knock out an enemy machine gun placement. They were successful, but did not notice a second machine gunner lying in wait. Shields was again wounded on the way back to their post, his leg severed.

Shields crawled into a shattered building and tried tying a tourniquet around his leg before losing consciousness and later regaining it. A fellow Seabee carried Shields back to the headquarters building where a medic dressed his wounds with scarce medical supplies. Shields and his fellow service members waited for the choppers to arrive. On their way to the hospital, Shields died of his wounds – but not before thanking everyone who fought beside him.

On September 13, 1966, President Lyndon Johnson presented a posthumous Medal of Honor to Joan Elaine Shields in honor of her husband. President Johnson said that Shields was “a new kind of fighting man, forged and tempered in a new kind of war, who gave his life for his country, his comrades and a good cause.”

By Stacy Molzhon

Marvin G. ShieldsTrue AmericAn

This story came to Seabee Magazine via Facebook!

Stacy Molzhon is the wife of retired BUCS(SCW) David Molzhon.


HERITAGE



PROFILE

First Seabee Named

The 2010 Sailors of the Year, including CE1(SCW) Leonardo Calderon, 31st SRG, are honored at Nationals park before a major league baseball game between the Washington Nationals and the Florida Marlins, Washington, D.C., May 15. CE1 Calderon is the first Seabee to be named the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Shore Sailor of the Year (SOY). All four SOYs were meritoriously promoted to chief petty officers for their accomplishments. Photo by MC1 Abraham Essenmacher

By Mason Lowery, Naval Facilities Expeditionary Logistics Center (NFELC) Public Affairs

The Navy selected the first Seabee in history as the 2010 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Shore Sailor of the Year (SOY) April 22, in a ceremony in the Pentagon Courtyard after a week of selection activities in the Nation’s Capital.

Construction Electrician 1st Class (SCW) Leonardo Calderon, 31st Seabee Readiness Group (SRG), Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme, Calif., bested four other exemplary Sailors at this final and highest level of Navy-wide competition.

“This is a historic moment for the Seabees,” said Capt. John Korka, 31st SRG Commander and Naval Fac-ilities Expeditionary Logistics Center (NFELC) Commanding Officer. “We are so proud of CE1 Calderon. We sent the right Seabee to represent us and he didn’t let us down. He will represent the Navy just as well for the next year as Sailor of the Year.”

Each year, every Navy command holds a selection board to select and recognize its best enlisted Sailor. These Sailors continue to compete at higher echelons until they reach the final competition – the CNO SOY Selection Board.

Calderon, the leading petty offi-cer for the 31st SRG’s Contingency Construction Crew Training Division, described his journey from the 31st SRG to CNO SOY selection boards.

“I went through six boards, two in Port Hueneme, three in Virginia and one in D.C. After being selected as the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command [NECC] SOY, I started realizing that I belonged,” said Calderon.

“At times it was intimidating. Coming from a small communi-ty, I really had to study the rest of the Fleet’s mission and guiding principles. But I soon realized that we’re all the same, and [we] put our strongest emphasis and time in the development of our troops and the well-being of our commands,” he said.

Sustained superior performance, leadership, self-improve-ment, command and community involvement, and military appearance are the keys to selection. SOY candidates who excel in all these areas while assigned to a demanding and challenging command are given special consideration, according to the CNO SOY selection guidelines.

Calderon recently completed his Master Training Mentor Qualification and achieved a bachelor of arts degree in business management from the University of La Verne, while at the same time continuing his Seabee duties and mentoring junior Sailors.

“I remember taking college courses in the field on my phone, long hours, papers, evaluations and teaching courses, and through that I had to muster up the energy and continue to see my goal. Where there is a will there is a way, go get it,” Calderon

offered as encouragement to other Sailors pursuing a goal. His top enlisted leader at the 31st SRG, Command Master

Chief John Mulholland, said, “I was humbled and honored to have had the privilege to attend the Navy’s Sailor of the Year presenta-tion and ceremony. CE1 Calderon and his wife Jamiah, were as humble and proud. It’s totally a privilege to work with such high-caliber professionals.”

Calderon attributes much of his success to the opportunities with the Seabees. “There are so many great things about being

at the 31st, the opportunities are boundless. I could not have asked for a better command,” he said. “The 31st has been supportive in all tasking. I had many good chief petty officers come and go, and leave behind good guidance and sound leadership. I not only got to learn about weapons and tactics; I was reassigned to the Contingen-cy Construction Training Division where I continued to learn the capabilities of our force.

“The most important thing I learned from this command is that the relationship of our leaders is crucial to our success, and that we must set the example for others as professional instructors, Seabees

and, most importantly, Sailors,” he said. Calderon was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. His family moved

to Los Angeles when he was two. He grew up there and joined the Navy shortly after graduating from Eagle Rock High School in 1999. He has been a Seabee since 2000, and joined the 31st in 2007. He is a veteran of numerous deployments, including Iraq and the Philippines. Besides the 31st SRG, he has been assigned to Construction Battalion Unit (CBU) 406, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 and the Naval Construction Training Center (NCTC).

Calderon traveled to Washington, D.C., in May to be rec-ognized for his selection as the CNO Shore Sailor of the Year. Recognition includes meritorious advancement to chief petty offi-cer and awarding of the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

Calderon’s next assignment will take him to NMCB 40, where he will shape and mold future Seabee leaders. “This is my opportunity now to reciprocate the opportunities that once were afforded to me, and ensure that I continue to uphold the highest standards of personal conduct, and educate myself and others in the future of our Seabees and our Navy.

“I’m just proud and honored to represent the Seabees and I am here because of the great people who have contributed and molded me into the leader I am today. They should be proud, too,” Calderon said.

“This is a historic moment for the Seabees...We are so proud of CE1 Calderon. We sent the right Seabee to represent us and he didn’t let us down. He will repre-sent the Navy just as well for the next year as Sailor of the Year.”

– Capt. John korka, 31st SRG Commander and NFELC Commanding Officer


CNO Shore Sailor of the Year

On April 22, the U.S. Navy named Construction Electrician 1st Class (SCW) Leonardo Calderon as the

CNO Shore Sailor of the Year. Less than a month later, CE1 Calderon was meritori-ously promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer during a ceremony at the Navy Memorial, Washington, D.C. It was a his-toric moment for the Navy for several rea-sons – predominantly since CEC Calderon is the first Seabee to ever hold this honor.

From our first conversation, Mrs. Ja- miah Calderon radi-ates the happiness one would expect of a mili-tary wife with so many good things to discuss. Her excitement and pride in her husband’s accomplishment is evi-dent. She is a vivacious woman who enjoys dis-cussing her family, both personal and military.

When I ask for her reaction to her husband’s selection as Sailor of the Year, she said, “I was shocked and so proud of him, espe-cially with him being a Seabee. I never thought he would be awarded this title since it’s so ‘blue Navy.’ The Seabees always seem to be their own little Navy in my eyes! I couldn’t stop smiling and just kept thinking that our life is changing and is going to be so much more exciting.

“We have a three-year-old son Jacob, and when I called [from Washington, D.C.] to tell him [in California] that Daddy had won the “big game,” he cheered and yelled, ‘My daddy is the man!’”

Chief Leonardo Calderon is ‘the man,’ but as the saying goes, “Behind every great

man is a great woman.” The process of being selected for Sailor

of the Year is an intense one that includes long hours and exhausting amounts of travel. With so many levels of competition both inside our Seabee community and out, it is understandable that any family could be easily exhausted by the amount of activity that goes hand in hand with their Seabee

being chosen for this great honor. CEC Calderon knows that he is fortunate to have his wife by his side. “‘Miah came from a mili-tary family,” he tells me, “so she knew what to expect from this lifestyle, and I think that was a big help to her. She was able to handle everything that has happened without stress and [she] can be a support to others, too.”

Exhaustion is simply nowhere to be found in Jamiah Calderon; instead I find a woman who has the fearless, supportive heart of a military wife. Our conversation

shifts to her thoughts on the role she plays in her husband’s career.

“The spouse’s role is very important in a service member’s career,” Mrs. Calderon said. “If there is trouble on the homefront then a Sailor is not able or capable to perform at his best.” This thoughtful state-ment echoes one made by many of our most respected military members, including

Adm. Michael G. Mullen, who stated, “I am con-vinced that family readi-ness is tied directly to combat readiness.”

The ties between family and military per-formance are strong. The family’s perception of a military experi-ence no doubt shapes the service member’s memory as well. This led me to wonder how Mrs. Calderon is able to jug-gle the positive stresses of her life, such as her husband’s great success and raising their child, with those that could be perceived as more nega-tive, including long sep-arations and the issues that inevitably occur during that time.

“I focus on work-ing and friends to help

the deployments pass quicker,” she said. “I believe, as a group, spouses need to find a trustworthy inner circle where they can share their ups and downs…to relieve a lot of stress since many of us are moved to bases far from home and family.

“There are also many resources offered by the local Fleet and Family Support Center [FFSC]. For example, classes to help spouses find jobs to help allot some of their time so they are not eagerly awaiting a tired husband to come home,” Mrs. Calderon added.


HOMEFRONT

By Andi Edwards

The Day a Seabee Family

Made History

CEC(SCW) Leonardo Calderon has his chief’s anchors pinned by his wife Jamiah, during his meritorious promotion to chief petty officer during the Sailor of the Year pinning ceremony, Navy Memorial, Washington, D.C., May 19. Photo by MCC Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst

Her mention of FFSC not only warms my for-mer-ombudsman heart, but also piques my interest.

“The Fleet and Family Support Center as a whole is a great resource,” Mrs. Calderon said. “I check the calendar all the time and attend many of the fun events. They cater to the military family and there is always a great networking or informational event planned.

“I most recently went to a spouse appreciation event and they served lunch, had professional mas-seuses, hairstylists, make-up artists and an informa-tion desk with pamphlets on many Navy programs,” she continued. “Best of all it was all FREE!”

Her openness brings a smile to my face. To begin with, what military family doesn’t like the word ‘free?’ More importantly, I am thrilled for the Seabee Family Wellness community to have some-one in such a recognizable position discussing the benefits of FFSC to our ranks. Though the Center is often seen as a service for ‘big Navy,’ it continu-ally offers many benefits and perks for our Seabee families as well. The FFSC holds a valuable place all its own in our community of boots-on-the-ground families.

Aside from the subject of resources and programs, I am also interested in hearing Mrs. Calderon’s thoughts on living as a Seabee wife. As all veteran Seabee spouses are aware, we are a tough group who fearlessly meet challenge head on. At the same time, too often our newest family members are either intimidated or unaware of the advantages of the bonds we share as a community. What, then, would be Mrs. Calderon’s advice to our newest spouses?

“The best tip that I can offer to a newer spouse is to find a strong and reliable circle of spouses that you can share your life with, and that will also hold you accountable for making good choices for you and your family,” she said. “Also, new spouses, keep big purchases to a minimum when your spouse is deployed. These decisions should be made as a team when they return.

“Deployments are hard, but with a strong inner circle you can get through it. The military life is a fun and rewarding life; enjoy it to the fullest for what it has to offer,” she added.

I agree with her assessment wholeheartedly; the rewards of our lifestyle may not always come in the form of money or status, but they appear consis-tently as experience, leadership and character.

Jamiah Calderon is a woman who embodies all these things. She has been to the proverbial trenches and returns to tell about it with an attitude of wisdom from her experiences. She also radiates joy for her husband as their family relishes his new accomplishment. In short, she is the spouse so many of us strive to be each day – one full of honor, cour-age and commitment.

Andi Edwards is the wife of retired SWC(SCW) Mike Edwards and former

ombudsman for 3NCR.

THINk YOu CAN’T AFFORD COLLEGE?

THINk AGAIN!

The post-9/11 GI Bill provides:

TuITION AND FEESMONTHLY HOuSING ALLOWANCE

BOOkS AND SuppLIES

for more information,

go to www.gibill.va.gov

or call toll-free

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This story came to Seabee Magazine via Facebook!


PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

23


2012 SEAbEE REUnionS

IN OTHER NEWS

General information:Bruce [email protected]

NMcB 1peter [email protected]

NMcB 3Dave [email protected]

NMcB 10Bill Annett [email protected]

NMcB 121Billy [email protected]

NMcB 133Dennis [email protected]

A group of junior enlisted Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Con-struction Battalion (NMCB) 74

created an organization to demonstrate leadership from the ground up.

Open exclusively to Seabees in pay grades E-4 and below, NMCB 74’s Junior Enlisted Leadership Organization (JELO) is the first of its kind in NMCB 74 history.

According to JELO’s mission state-ment, one of the organization’s main goals is to help develop future Navy leaders, pro-viding guidance for individuals seeking to better themselves, both professionally and personally.

“We want to promote a better atti-tude for the E-4 and below within the command to let them know they have a voice,” said Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Zachary Cirocco, NMCB 74, and JELO Vice President. “Being the largest part of the battalion, we think we can make a contribution that will provide results.”

Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Brandon Hysong, NMCB 74, and JELO

President, said the idea for a junior enlist-ed organization occurred to him and CM3 Cirocco following a beach clean-up they organized on Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain, earlier this year.

“Both the first and second classes have associations where they can network and build camaraderie within the command,” said CM3 Hysong. “We realized that most of the E-4s and below felt their opinions were insignificant, so we developed our own forum where junior troops can make an impact.”

Since the organization was founded, JELO meets weekly to discuss current events and future activities within the bat-talion. The organization has also raised $500 for the Rota Animal Welfare League (RAWL) and a local animal shelter on NAVSTA Rota. JELO members even vol-unteered to cook and serve food for the battalion’s Memorial Day picnic.

“[JELO] is a great organization started by some motivated young leaders – future leaders of the Navy,” said Master Chief

Robert Graves, NMCB 74’s command mas-ter chief. “I think it is very positive and motivating.”

When asked what lies ahead for JELO, Hysong said they have plans to rehabilitate the 10-foot-tall Seabee monument that adorns the entrance to Camp Mitchell, the Seabee camp located on NAVSTA Rota. The bee is in need of sandblasting and painting, and Hysong is confident the group can complete it before deployment’s end.

“The bee is a symbol that represents the Seabees. The current condition of the bee is less than desirable, and we want the rehabilitation to be a direct reflection of the hard work and tireless efforts Seabees provide worldwide,” he said.

JELO leadership plans to continue meeting as a group once back home in Gulfport, Miss., for the training cycle. Through their example, they hope to make junior leadership a larger part of the Seabee community.

NMCB 74 Junior Enlisted Organize as Leaders…From the Ground UpBy EO3(SCW) Brittoni N. Brown, NMCB 74

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East coast All sEABEE reunionFEBRuARY 24-26, 2012 • HAMpTON, VAhosted by Vietnam Era seabees, Inc.

If you answered, “After a mishap occurs,” then perhaps you’re not familiar with Operational Risk Management (ORM). Step 3 in the five-step ORM process is Make risk decisions. While on duty, ORM decisions are made at the right level depending

on the mission or task. Conversely, ORM decisions while off-duty are made by the individual. Having said that, leaders E-1 to O-10 must ensure their personnel have the proper training and awareness as it applies to recreational and off-duty safety. Traffic safety, for example, is one specific area where individuals are responsible for making good risk decisions.

If you or someone you know was going to be involved in a serious traffic accident while using a cell phone, would you do something about it? We’ve all heard the dangers of distracted driving, from applying cosmetics to eating lunch, yet people still do it. You can’t commute today without seeing at least one person doing something other than paying attention to the road. Why do so many people refuse to identify the risk, (ORM Step 1: Identify hazards)? I believe it’s because folks don’t think “it” could reasonably happen to them. After all, “I’m in a vehicle surrounded by metal, so it’s pretty safe, and I think I can react to avoid any collision. I’ve been in a few close calls before and handled it just fine.” Perhaps you’re forgetting the unpredictable (ORM Step 2: Assess hazards) – “the other guy” who may be doing anything but paying attention. If you add the fact that you’re involved in activity that degrades your situational awareness, the likelihood of a mishap occurring is two-fold. Were you aware that you are four times more likely to be involved in a crash while using a portable

media device? Put the device(s) down and concentrate on the task at hand (ORM Step 4: Implement controls).

Did you know if you’re under 26 years of age and own a sport bike, you are likely to be in an accident within your first year of riding? This year we have lost four Seabees to motorcycle crashes, and 30 others incurred minor to significant injuries. Over-confidence is a sure way to find yourself intimately involved with the pavement. Completing one of the Navy’s required motorcycle courses alone doesn’t negate the likelihood of an accident, but it has proven to reduce mishap severity. Motorcycle training is still lacking in the Naval Construction Force (NCF). Riders have an obligation to fulfill their requirements and command leadership must

afford them every opportunity. I’ve heard the stories of folks out there who’ve been riding for decades and no Navy course is going to give them any more training than they already have. Okay then, the class should be relatively easy for you to complete. Set the example for the other troops who might not have the same experience and provide the much-needed mentorship for those high-risk folks in promoting risk management while they gain the necessary experience (ORM Step 5: Supervise).

Everything we do has some level of ORM. Sure, it’s inherent to our mission but to what extent do we apply it when not on duty? I’ve witnessed an underwhelming tone on many occasions when safety is mentioned and unless something happens, it’s all but an afterthought. As a matter of fact, there have been reports that eyes may start to glaze over and temporary memory loss is imminent when safety information is put out. Ladies and gentlemen, life is precious and it goes by quick enough as it is. The decisions we make daily affect the quality of our lives or the lives of others, and using a a little common sense (thinking before you act) certainly decreases the likelihood of something going wrong.

The safety professionals in your organization have the responsibility for maintaining a safe and healthy place of employment and are the go-to people for safety resources. Their job is as much prevention as it is compliance. Unfortunately, without the support of the personnel within the organization, they can be reduced to data collectors. And you can bet all lessons learned recorded become an annual series of reruns.

Bottom line: Safety is 24-7/365. Routinely exercise risk management and be the example. Pass the word! The Navy needs your leadership. Don’t get caught in hindsight. Do it for yourself, the troops you lead and the families that support them.

FINAL WORD

When is Safety First? By BUCS(SCW/EXW) J. E. Ring, COMFIRSTNCD Safety Officer

Construimus O Batuimus

BuCS(SCW/EXW) J. E. Ring

“Routinely exercise risk

management and be the example.”

Sign of the TimesTwo Seabees from NMCB 28 discuss work progress for the children and staff at Trenchtown Primary School, Kingston, Jamaica, as part of Continuing Promise 2011 (CP11). CP11 is a five-month humanitarian assistance mission to the Caribbean, Central and South America.Photo by MC2 Eric C. Tretter