The best of all worlds

Transcription

1 A Publication of GateHouse Media Delaware The best of all worlds Master Sgt. Stephanie Miller fills roles as mom, volunteer and military reservist C-5M loadmaster Master Sgt. Stephanie Miller instructs a flight engineer on how to tie down a vehicle. SUBMITTED PHOTO/709 AS By Jeff Brown Felton s Stephanie Miller wears a lot of hats: wife, mother, student, teacher, volunteer, military reservist. Each fits her well. Miller is a master sergeant with the Air Force Reserve s 709th Airlift Squadron at Dover Air Force Base, and like most traditional reservists, she s used to juggling a lot of responsibilities. In addition to her military duties and those requiring her attention at home, Miller donates much of her free time to helping others inside and outside the military community. I think she really has a heart for people, said Miller s friend, Misdee Stallings. I think that if she s in a position to help people, she wants to do that. Miller joined the Air Force after high school as a way to get out and see the world. Following training as a finance and accounting specialist, she made it as far as dry and dusty Dyess AFB, outside Abilene, Texas. That was a real culture shock, I guess I could say, she revealed. They were very nice people, but it was just a lot slower than what I was used to. I was away from home and that was really hard. But it gave Miller her first taste of what it was like to help others. She started working with other airmen at Dyess to help the elderly, an experience that proved invaluable when her father himself required hospice care. She received a special assignment to Dover to help her family deal with the crisis. At Dover she took the opportunity to retrain as a C-5 loadmaster after having had the chance to go on a special Africa SEE MILLER, PAGE 11

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3 MILITARY APPRECIATION Our nation s military members are selfless in their service to our country. As a retired Navy captain who served for 23 years, I understand the sacrifice that both the soldiers and their families make during a deployment. When I was stationed in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, the best day of the week was the day we got mail from our loved ones, or better yet, got a chance to talk to them. Before or Skype, we would have to take our calls from home through those old ham radios and correspondence through letters. Feeling the support from our loved ones and the community can help make the most dangerous missions seem that much easier. I was proud to serve my country then, and I am proud to have the unique opportunity now to help protect the benefits these service men and women receive when they return home. Whether it s defending the best G.I. Bill our nation has ever had, to strengthening the VA health care system, I will never stop working for those who dedicate their life to protecting our country. -Sen. Tom Carper The men and women of our military carry an incredible burden for us each and every day. Serving them is one of my biggest responsibilities and my greatest point of pride. I am eternally grateful for their sacrifice and patriotism. - Rep. John Carney I am honored to recognize our brave men and women who currently serve on active duty, and in the Reserve and National Guard, as they continue to focus on the single goal of safeguarding the United States on her citizens. I encourage all Delawareans to recognize these brave men and women who continue to make these sacrifices. Whether it be time away from their homes, their loved ones or careers, they put the safety and security of our nation first and foremost and for that, I say thank you. National Military Appreciation Month is a time to support our military and our veterans by displaying flags on your home or business, sending a care package to a soldier and when you see a person in military uniform, shaking their hand and thanking them for their service. These are simple, but meaningful gestures. It is my honor as a member of Delaware s congressional delegation to continue to advocate the Dover Air Force Base and for our Delaware National Guard and to keep fighting for veterans health care and employment opportunities. If you or someone you know is a veteran in need, I urge you to contact our constituent relations department at Sen. Chris Coons

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5 MILITARY APPRECIATION Flag etiquette Never... n dip the flag for any person or thing, (even though state flags, regimental colors and other flags may be as a mark of honor). n display the flag with the union down, except as a signal of distress. n let the flag touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, floor or water. n carry the flag horizontally. n fasten or display the flag in a way that will permit it to be damaged or soiled. n place anything on the flag, including letters, insignia or designs of any kind. n use the flag for holding anything. n use the as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery. It should not be used on a costume or athletic uniform. A flag patch may be attached to the uniform of patriotic organizations, military personnel, police officers and firefighters. n use the flag for advertising or promotion purposes or print it on paper napkins, boxes or any thing else intended for temporary use. n the flag should never be draped or drawn back in folds. Draped red, white and blue bunting should be used for decoration, with the blue at the top and red at the bottom. n when the flag is displayed other than from a staff, it should be displayed flat, or suspended so that its folds fall free. When displayed over a street, place the union s faces north or east, depending upon the direction of the street. Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Flag height/size ratios The size of the flag is determined by the exposed height of the flagpole from which it is flying, with the flag in proper proportion to its pole. Flagpole height (in feet) Flag Size (in feet) 20 4 x x x x x x x x x x 50 Flags on homes flying from angled poles and those displayed on standing poles in offices and other indoor displays are usually either 3 feet by 5 or 4 feet by 6 feet. Flags carried by color guards are usually 4 feet by 6 feet. Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Correct way to fold the U.S. flag STEP 1: Begin by holding it waist-high with another person so that its surface is parallel to the ground. STEP 2: Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom and top edges securely. Step 3: Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside. Step 4: Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open (top) edge of the flag. Step 5: Turn the outer (end) point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle. Step 6: The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner. Step 7: When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible. Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs DID YOU KNOW? Most people know that the stars on the flag represent individual states and the stripes represent the original 13 colonies, but do you know what state the last star was for? Flag care A flag s life depends on its care. Dirt can cut fabrics, dull colors, and cause wear. Most outdoor flags can be washed in mild detergent and thoroughly rinsed. Indoor and parade flags should be drycleaned. Some dry cleaners offer free cleaning of U.S. flags during the months of June and July. Damaged flags can be repaired and utilized as long as the overall dimensions are not noticeably altered. American Legion Posts and local governments often have facilities to dispose of unserviceable flags. The flag should not be subject to weather damage, so it should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind storms unless it is an all-weather flag. Store flags in a well ventilated area away from any harsh chemicals or cleaning compounds. If your flag gets wet, never store it until it is completely dry. Wet folds cause permanent creases. Dampness ruins fabric and causes mildew. Pole care is also related to flag care. Rust and scale cause permanent stains and some metallic oxides actually eat holes in fabric. Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs DID YOU KNOW? The colors represent: Red: valor and bravery White: purity and innocence Blue: vigilance, perseverance, and justice Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs The answer is the last star added was for Hawaii and it was added in 1960.

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7 MILITARY APPRECIATION Paul Davis and Dave Skocik: True brothers in arms Politics never gets in the way when these two fight for veterans By Jeff Brown Dave Skocik and Paul Davis probably could give America s politicians a lesson in harmonious relationships. Davis is a diehard Democrat, and Skocik a dyed-in-the-wool Republican. When it comes to military veterans, ideological differences immediately melt away. As cofounders and registered lobbyists for the nonprofit Delaware Veterans Coalition, the pair are a familiar sight in the General Assembly. It s a rare state legislator who hasn t been talked up by Davis or Skocik on behalf of former servicemen and servicewomen. That thing never comes up, Skocik said of the political angle to their association. Legislators know why we re there, he said. We can talk to our elected representatives on both sides of the aisle when we need to get something done. It s an interesting connection, Davis said. But Dave and I are very, very close friends. We re both Vietnam veterans, we re both in contact with a lot of vets and we do a lot together. That s a great team as far as I m concerned. The result of their association has been a resurgence in bringing veterans to the fore, from publicizing business opportunities for veterans to bringing up military-related health issues to building the Kent County Veterans Memorial Park in Dover. Skocik and Davis are president and vice president of the executive committee for the Friends of Delaware Veterans, which provides emergency funding for veterans in need. No regrets A native of Mt. Carmel, Pa., Skocik, 68, comes from a family of military veterans. His father survived two airplane crashes during World War II and three of his five brothers, and his son, are veterans. He joined the Air Force out of high school at age 17, serving from 1965 until 1976, including a tour in Vietnam. After leaving the military, he worked as an air traffic controller until 1981 when he and thousands of others were fired by President Ronald Reagan. Skocik became an unpaid spokesman for the union, getting his first taste of public affairs work. He used his veterans benefits to earn a degree and a teaching job at Wesley College, where he also directed the school s public affairs programs. He hosted a televised academic quiz show, and when that ended, worked as an insurance agent and later moved into public relations. But military service beckoned and he enlisted in the Delaware National Guard at age 50 for three years, and then in the U.S. Navy Reserve, from which he retired in While assigned to the Pentagon after 9/11, Skocik worked as a public affairs representative with wounded U.S. Marines, a job that affected him deeply and helped cement his desire to work on behalf of veterans. What moved me was, at the end of each interview, they d be asked if they had any regrets, Skocik said. To a man they said they regretted leaving their fellow Marines behind. These were guys that had been shot, crushed and blown up. More than ever, that made me want to get involved. Two tours Davis, 74, was born in Wilmington. He lived in 13 foster homes by the age of 4. He was 29 years old by the time he learned the identity of his birth mother, and 50 when a DNA test identified his father. I ve been asked to write a book about that, but I don t have the time, he said. Raised on a farm in southern Kent County, Davis joined the Army after graduating from Milford High School in I thought by going into the military I could better myself and do something for my country, he said. As a communications specialist, Davis found himself in South Vietnam for a year. He returned to the United States and discovered he disliked the spit and polish of the stateside Army, so he volunteered for a second tour, this time for a little more than a year. Afterward he returned to Delaware, SEE BROTHERS, PAGE 10

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10 10 MILITARY APPRECIATION 2016 BROTHERS FROM PAGE 7 joining the Milford and the Dover police departments. He continued his law enforcement career with the Delaware Drug Enforcement Agency, retiring as chief agent in He has been a member of the Frederica Fire Department for more than 50 years and served on Kent County Levy Court. No plans to slow down Although both men are well past the age where they could be taking it easy and reflecting on a life full of accomplishments, neither plans to do so. I wouldn t know what to do with myself, Skocik said. It gives me something to look forward to everyday. That s what life is all about, having a daily challenge. I have no plans to slow down, Davis said. I m in good health. I get s and phone calls every day. I love doing this and I think I m doing something good. If I can help one person, then that s made my day. Both say they will continue to fight for veterans -- together -- whether through the Delaware Veterans Coalition or by talking to legislators in the halls of the General Assembly. Sometimes when people work together, you have disagreements, or you feel strongly about something. I can say we ve never had that problem, Davis said. We know what our mission is, what we want to get done and so it s really easy for us. For more about the nonprofit, nonpartisan Delaware Veterans Coalition, visit delawareveteranscoalition.com. Dave Skocik and Paul Davis at the Kent Follow Reporter Jeff

11 MILITARY APPRECIATION MILLER FROM COVER mission. The camaraderie of the crew, I felt like they really were a family. That attracted me, she said. It was a whole different world than finance. As soon as I got back, I put in my paperwork. After retraining, Miller returned to Dover, then went to Oklahoma and later was again assigned to Dover. Soon after returning to Delaware, she married fellow reservist Jay Miller. The couple and his children soon were joined by sons Noah, now 6, and Jude, now 5. The new family situation meant Miller had to decide whether to stay on active duty or transfer to the reserves. I decided I could not give up the job I loved so much, but I also loved my family, she said. This was a good compromise. We decided I d stay at home, raise the kids and homeschool them. That decision made it harder to continue her volunteer work, but Miller said she was determined to find a way. This winter she volunteered to spend some overnights at a women s shelter, an experience that touched her deeply, she said. I met a really nice girl who was pregnant. We just talked about what it was like to live on the street, Miller said. In a way it made me feel helpless, she said. But I m glad I was able to give some time because I don t have much else to give. Miller has worked with the children of military personnel to help them learn what their parents do and why they do it. It helps the kids understand what the military does and gives them an appreciation of it, especially when they re living in a military community, she said. All of her obligations means Miller must carefully budget her time. I burn the midnight oil a lot, she admits. Stephanie is just selfless, Stallings said. She rolls with things really well and if something pops up, she s very flexible. She doesn t let herself get stuck. Working with their church group, Stallings said Miller has helped put on birthday celebrations for shelter children, raised cash for women s crisis clinics and volunteers in the church nursery. Miller tries to sync her flying duties she must go on a mission at least once every eight weeks with Noah and Jude s schooling. She must spend a week or two on occasional flights to the Middle East. She works in time to study she s five classes away from a psychology degree and time for her required squadron duties. It s a tremendous workload that she juggles, and I think she does it more successfully than most, noted Lt. Col. Mike DeSantis, commander of the 512th Operations Group, of which her unit is a part. Miller volunteers extensively on base and trains new loadmasters, DeSantis said. I consider her the backbone of our traditional reservist force, he said. It s people like her that really do the important work of the reserves, and we re lucky to have her. Miller herself is buoyed in all this activity by her strong faith. I do feel that something God has given us is a spirit of love, she said. If I can give a little bit of time, if it helps someone, then I m spreading the light so to speak, giving hope to the hopeless. That girl I talked to in the shelter, she didn t have a lot of hope, but that night she had a warm shelter and a meal. That was fulfilling. As for the future, every day I ask myself what I want to do, Miller said. I love psychology and I love the thought of helping people, she said. I was on the way to getting a nursing degree and I d love to finish that. But I do know I ll still be flying. Other than that, I m not quite sure. Wherever it is, it will be where God leads me. Master Sgt. Stephanie Miller and children Noah, 6, and Jude, 5. SUBMITTED PHOTO/STEPHANIE MILLER Stephanie Miller is honored at the senior noncommissioned officer induction ceremony upon her promotion to master sergeant SUBMITTED PHOTO/STEPHANIE MILLER

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