TABLE OF CONTENTS: Lynn Drucker President, Fort Lauderdale Council NLUS

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1 Vol.41 Issue 47 March Vol Issue 5 May 2008 We are all very concerned about the effect of sequestration on the sea services. Our Guest of Honor at our February Dinner Meeting was Admiral George Ballance, USN, who is the Director of Theatre of Engagement at US Southern Command. Admiral Ballance joined us with his wife Susan. He spoke to us frankly about the effects sequestration will have on the Navy. I know that Fleet Week Port Everglades has already been significantly curtailed by the cancellation of the USS Mesa Verde s visit. The combat deployments of several navy ships and one aircraft carrier from Norfolk was cancelled precipitously, and I fear that many other cancellations are to follow. It remains to be seen what wide reaching affects these cuts will have on our sea services, but one thing is certain, the support of civilian organizations like ours will be more important than ever! On a lighter note, our Navy League Day at the Races on February 10 th at Gulfstream Park was a huge hit! We had over 40 attendees, and everyone enjoyed the delicious lunch buffet and spectacular trackside seating. Many of the ladies wore exquisite hats, and everyone had a great time. We were escorted to the paddock to watch the horses parade before our sponsored race, which was quite exciting. Then we watched the race trackside, and were privileged to stand in the winner s circle with the winning horse, jockey and owner for the award presentation and photos, which was quite a treat! We all had a $2 bet to place as part of our event package, but many of us bet on several races, and at least one member, Gary Pirtle, was a winner! What a lovely afternoon! I am very excited to hear our March Dinner Meeting speaker! LT Chet Frith, USN will be attending with his service canine, Gunner. LT Frith is an Iraq war veteran whose golden retriever Gunner assists him with his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. LT Frith works with wounded servicemen at US Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida as part of Navy Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor as the Non-medical Care Manager for the southeastern United States. You can read LT Firth s bio in this issue. Lt Frith and Gunner were featured on the Katie Couric Show about dogs that fulfill special services for their owners. Read the letter LT Frith wrote to Gunner, and watch the video clip at &search=search I am really looking forward to meeting LT Frith and Gunner. I hope you will all attend! It promises to me a fascinating evening. I look forward to seeing you then. Lynn Drucker President, Fort Lauderdale Council NLUS TABLE OF CONTENTS: Guest Speaker March Meeting LT Frith, USN.... Page 2 Dear Gunner Page 3 Birthdays Page 3 View From the Bridge Page 4 USCGC TAMPA visits Ft. Lauderdale Page 5 Guest Speaker Feb. Meeting RADM Ballance, USN. Page 6 A Day at the Races Page 7-8 Spruance Division Bivouac Page 9-11 Sea Cadet of the Month Page 12 Community Affiliates Page 13

2 GUEST SPEAKER FOR OUR MARCH 20TH DINNER MEETING LT Chet Frith, USN with Gunner onboard USS WASP during Fleet Week 2012 NAVY LEAGUE NEWS 2

3 DEAR GUNNER December 13, 2011 Gunner, My Battle Buddy You entered my life at such a trying time. I just returned from Iraq. The world I had known before, my entire life, no longer existed. Life in a combat zone had become normal for me. And this great country, along with its freedoms and liberties I fought to protect, had become so foreign. I was emotionally numbed by my experiences and could not tell you what I enjoyed in life anymore. I left my beautiful wife, and two young boys, all of whom I so desperately loved, only to return unable to feel or express my deep love for them. I felt my world was falling apart around me and I didn t know why. I didn t feel safe anywhere. Going to the grocery store, my children s school even a simple walk in the neighborhood was mentally exhausting. I had recurring nightmares that bothered me long after they ended. I desperately needed help. And then you arrived and gave me hope. You have my back everywhere we go and make me feel safe in places I once avoided. You remind me every day that there is good in this world and there is love. You show me how to forgive and forget and help me relax in times of stress. Most importantly, you bring a ray of sunshine to my family and me. You mean the world to us! While words can never truly capture how important you are, I want to say thank you, Gunner, my friend. With every gentle nudge and with every attentive move, you help me realize that while combat is horrific and will always be part of my life as well as the lives of all service members who ve answered the call of duty, it does not define who we are. Chet Lieutenant, U.S. Navy Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Fla. Navy League of the United States, Fort Lauderdale Council March Birthdays Cathy Dukiet 3/1 Karen Mize 3/1 Alan Adler 3/2 Matthew Wasicsko 3/2 Lynn Atkinson Drucker 3/4 Beverley Jensen 3/4 Mack Madzinski 3/9 Bil Vasquez 3/9 Jose Blanco 3/10 Raymond Friesecke 3/12 Murray Zedeck 3/12 Virginia Montalvo 3/13 Marilyn Gari 3/17 Michael Hovart 3/23 Gary Pirtle 3/24 Simone Ramos 3/26 Dr. Fanancy Anzalone 3/29 Capt Dennis Neutze 3/30

4 VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE February, 2013 The Cadets of Spruance Division and Radford Training Ship began the month of February with a great training weekend at Snyder Park, with a Wilderness Survival Exercise. The Cadets were divided up into squads and each had their own objectives. They had to utilize skills that they had been trained for by Gunny Sanchez, who planned the whole weekend training evolution. We had 93 Cadets attend. Special thanks to our X.O. Jorge Perez for his ever watchful eye, to Randy for being our cook, to Tim for being our electrician providing lights, to Tanya Wallace for proving a light tree, and to all of the Staff members for giving up their warm beds to sleep out on the coldest weekend of the year, so far! The Cadets presented the Colors for the Winterfest Awards Banquet, held at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center. The Cadets had a day of specialized training at the Fort Lauderdale Coast Guard Station. (Once again, on the coldest morning). All of the Cadets had the opportunity to participate in training for our Annual Flag Ship Competition to be held May 4 th, at the Coast Guard Station. X.O. Jorge Perez and the Spruance Staff cooked a hearty BBQ lunch for All Hands. The Color Guard presented Colors at our Navy League Dinner, and at the Valley Forge Freedom Foundation George Washington Birthday Ball held at the Panorama room of Pier 66. Petty officer Danielle Serrano had been selected to attend the Valley Forge Encampment with Master Sergeant Abiud Montes. LCDR Starr had the opportunity to meet with the Daughters of the Confederacy, and they have agreed to increase their level of sponsorship when they present their Awards at our Annual Awards Banquet. LCDR Starr also attended the Commissioning Ceremony of the Coast Guard s newest Fast Response Cutter, Yerid, named after a Coast Guardsman who risked his life to save his shipmates during the Vietnam Conflict. The Cadets had a fantastic time at the Broward College High Ropes Course near Outdoor World. The Cadets, especially the younger ones were quite intimidated when they saw the height of the poles they would have to climb, but they all participated, and by noon time they were all over, climbing and walking tight ropes (harnessed of course), and having the time of their lives and showing the confidence they had overcome all of their fears. Respectfully submitted: LCDR Alan Starr, NSCC, Commanding Officer NAVY LEAGUE NEWS 4

5 US COAST GUARD CUTTER TAMPA VISIT TO FORT LAUDERDALE By Oscar Romano On February 7 we hosted a reception at Briny Riverfront Pub for the USCGC TAMPA (WMEC 902). The ship stopped in Fort Lauderdale en route to her homeport in Portsmouth, Virginia after a deployment in the Caribbean performing joint missions with other Coast Guard and Navy vessels. Almost the entire crew was present at the party. We enjoyed a friendly evening with the crew and members of all the local Navy League Councils and Broward Navy Days. The CO, CDR Susan Polizzotto, USCG, come to the reception with her father, Mr. Richard Polizzotto who was vacationing in the Keys. CDR Polizzotto has had a distinguished career in the USCG since her commissioning in Commander Polizzotto s degrees include a Masters in National Security and Strategic Studies, U.S. Naval War College and Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Japanese and International Relations, Brigham Young University. She is admitted to the bars of the State of New York, Third Appellate Division, the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and the United States Supreme Court. Prior to joining the Coast Guard, she practiced law for over three years in Binghamton, New York. To celebrate the visit all the organizations presented plaques and other gifts to the CO, and wished all the crew members fair winds and following seas. XO, LCDR Jose Diaz, USCG, CO, CDR Susan Polizzoto, Lynn Drucker, Fort Lauderdale Navy League President Mr. Richard Polizzotto and his daughter, CDR Susan Polizzotto, USCG NAVY LEAGUE NEWS 5

6 GUEST SPEAKER AT OUR FEBRUARY 20TH DINNER MEETING RADM GEORGE BALLANCE, USN We were honored to have RADM George Ballance, USN and his wife Susan as our Guests of Honor at our February 20 Dinner Meeting. Admiral Ballance is the new J7 Director at US Southern Command, and is therefore in charge of the South Comm Theatre of Operations. Admiral Ballance gave an informative if sobering talk on the effect that sequestration may have on our Navy and other Sea Services. Admiral Ballance s remarks were spot on and generated lively questions from the audience. It was a lovely evening with great participation from our members. We enjoyed having Admiral and Mrs. Ballance as our guests. RADM George Ballance, USN and Lynn Drucker LCDR Alan Starr, NSCC, Cadet Lorenzo Gari, Lynn Drucker, Cadet Giovanni Soto, Cadet Austin Rose and Cadet Nico Skinner NAVY LEAGUE NEWS 6

7 DAY AT THE RACES AT GULFSTREAM PARK By Oscar Romano As part of our social activities, the Council hosted a luncheon on February 10, at the Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino, with over 40 guests in attendance sharing a superb buffet overlooking the finish line of the track. The festivities include a race named for our Council (Race # 7 for fillies 3 years old). Just prior to the race, we were invited to the paddock circle area to see the mounted ceremony for all the contenders in the event. From there we were escorted to the winner s circle to watch the race in front of the finish line. After the race, we had the opportunity to meet the winning horse, number 9, Win for Kitten, the jockey, Joe Bravo and the owners, Kenneth and Sara Ramsey. It was the third win that day for the owners and Mr. Ramsey was so happy to see us because he happens to be a Navy veteran. Even though the public is usually not allowed get close to the horse for a picture, Mr. Ramsey invited all the guests present at the winner circle to pose for the picture with Win for Kitten. It was very exciting for all of us! A highlight of the afternoon was the opportunity to meet one of the fiercest and most popular figures in the history of Thoroughbred racing, jockey Angel Cordero, Jr. He has ridden 38,646 mounts and he has won 7,057 races during a career that spanned 32 years (1960 to 1992). He won all of the Triple Crown races (3 Kentucky Derby, 2 Preakness and 1 Belmont). Our Social Committee, chaired by our President Lynn Drucker, continues to organize joyful events for our members and guests. Angel Cordero, Jr. and Oscar Romano Winner horse Win for Kitten with jockey Joe Bravo, guests and the owner Mr. Ken Ramsey Jon & Anita Kotler NAVY LEAGUE NEWS 7 Abi & John Dubey

8 DAY AT THE RACES AT GULFSTREAM PARK - CONTINUED Our guests, with the jockey Joe Bravo and the owners Kenneth and Sara Ramsey at the Center Xiomara & John Denzer Joey & Alan Stotsky Hannah Zukowski, Maria Lombard, Liz Hopwood & Veronika Thorne Joann & Jim Black, Bob & Karen Mize NAVY LEAGUE NEWS 8 Terri Ettlinger & Simone Ramos

9 SPRUANCE DIVISION S ANNUAL WILDERNESS SURVIVAL BIVOUAC A CHILLY SUCCESS By John Serko With memories of the frigid temps at last year s Wilderness Survival Bivouac in the back of their minds, the Instructors and Petty Officers of the Spruance Division of the USNSCC anxiously watched the weather forecast as the February 15 th Bivouac date drew closer. Yes, there was another cold front coming through just like last year, but the temps weren t forecast to fall all that far, so it shouldn t be that bad. On a soggy Friday evening, the Officers, Instructors, and Petty Officers reported to Snyder Park and began setting up camp, looking forward to the events of the upcoming weekend. The much anticipated Wilderness Survival Bivouac was the first overnight event of the year, and the first night ever away from home for some cadets. Under the watchful eye of Gunny Edwin Sanchez, equipment was strategically placed, the firepit was prepared, and the kitchen was setup. Tents were erected, and two tents made from parachutes were setup for the first time, each to be occupied the following night by more than two dozen cadets. All of the tarps Cadets learn how to build a shelter and canopies were tightly tethered to the ground, a decision that would prove very important the following day. As the light rain continued to fall and the sun set behind the clouds, the League Cadet Petty Officers participated in a knife safety certification class. The evening meal of hot dogs and grilled chicken was served, prepared by Randy Bieszcak and his kitchen staff of able volunteers. After dinner the Sea Cadets set up the compass course to be used for land navigation training the following day. As the evening wore on the rain tapered off, but dry firewood was increasingly difficult to find and locating more became a top priority to keep the fire burning through the night. Reveille on Saturday morning came early and unexpected, as a car alarm was accidentally triggered twelve minutes before the scheduled wake up time. Yes, exactly twelve minutes early. As everyone struggled out of their dry and comfy beds, you couldn t Cadet Vinnie McDaniel receives graduation certificate from CO Alan Starr & Gunny Sanchez help but notice the skies were dark gray and it was still raining. At least it wasn t cold, was what everyone kept telling each other. Chow of cold cereal, milk and fruit was served, and a busy day was underway as cadets began arriving around This year was the first year that another Sea Cadet unit was invited to join Spruance Division at the bivouac and the Amvets Division from West Palm Beach brought several additional cadets and one instructor to add to the fun. Once through the check in process, all 93 cadets present were broken into squads and attended a mandatory safety briefing. As at all Sea Cadet functions, the safety of each cadet was the top priority, and the rules were made crystal clear to all of them at the outset of the event. The safety briefing behind them, the cadets prepared for the main event the training. To present the classes, the SERE(Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) instructors who had attended Cadet Andrew Serko continued on page 10 NAVY LEAGUE NEWS 9

10 SPRUANCE DIVISION S ANNUAL WILDERNESS SURVIVAL BIVOUAC A CHILLY SUCCESS - CONTINUED continued from page 9 Cadet Zachary Vlahovski demonstrates water purification techniques NAVY LEAGUE NEWS 10 Gunny Sanchez s training last summer had an opportunity to showcase what they had learned. Classes on shelter building, traps and snares, water purification, fire building, camouflage, evasion, and land navigation were among the subjects presented. All classes were accompanied by hands-on demonstrations of the concepts that were presented by the instructors, and many cadets got first-hand experience in the subjects they were learning. As the day wore on and the cold front pushed through, the skies cleared and the sun finally came out to dry the park grounds. Nobody paid much attention to the weather as the winds gradually picked up out of the Northwest because it was really quite comfortable dressed in our BDUs. After lunch the training continued for the cadets. Field formations, the compass course, and several other field exercises kept the cadets busy and on the move, scattered through the park for the entire afternoon. The Petty Officers did a great job keeping the cadets on the learning track, even though they were having so much fun that they wouldn t admit they were learning real world survival skills. One of the most necessary survival skills put into practice all weekend was gathering firewood. Thanks to some sharp-eyed cadets and some very generous parents, there was plenty of firewood to get through the long night ahead. They were going to Collecting firewood need it. There was one survival skill that wasn t covered in any of the classes earlier that day: Cold weather survival. As the winds continued to pick up and the temps continued to drop, someone checked the forecast and found out that a wind chill advisory had been issued for Broward County that night, with temps in the 40 s and wind chills in the 30 s. Very few were fully prepared for this, as the memories of the prior year s Bivouac came roaring back for those who were there. Late in the afternoon the gusting winds unstaked one of the parachute tents and it took a brief flight before a detail was quickly formed to get it staked back down. All available hands quickly pitched in to make certain that none of the other tents were at risk of becoming kites overnight with cadets sleeping inside. Stakes were replaced and lines doubled to make sure the Bivouac Campfire warms Cadets tents would survive the night, because winds were forecast to reach 20 to 30 mph overnight, with even higher gusts. After evening chow of cheeseburgers, the cadets prepared to set out on their night op, bundled up as well as they could against the cold and the wind. Before heading into the woods, those cadets who brought extra jackets or gloves shared with their shipmates in a true demonstration of friendship. Examples of selflessness were common as older cadets gave up jackets and sweatshirts to younger cadets who were not as well prepared, and they all headed out into the park together. Gunny Sanchez with his night vision goggles kept a close watch over the cadets along with the Petty Officers as they purcontinued on page 11

11 SPRUANCE DIVISION S ANNUAL WILDERNESS SURVIVAL BIVOUAC A CHILLY SUCCESS - CONTINUED continued from page 10 sued the OpFor through the woods. A small group of cadets continued to gather more firewood, and by the time they were ready for bed, had a formidable pile. Shortly before taps, the adult instructors who had vehicles on site moved them to form a wind break ahead of the most windward tents, hoping to help prevent a flyaway tent in the middle of the night. Everyone except the watches turned in and braced for the long, cold, windy night ahead. The night passed quickly, or at least it seemed like it. There were no apparent casualties due to the cold, but there were more than a few chattering teeth the next morning. This morning reveille was not a blaring car alarm, and it blissfully took place at the scheduled time. Who would have thought that twelve minutes Our encampment could make that much of a difference? There s something about sleeping outside that makes you appreciate every minute of shut-eye just that much more. On top of that, some wonderful soul had brought coffee for the staff, and it also was most greatly appreciated. The cadets were roused and fed at sunup, with time for a bathroom break before the Sunday morning activities began at full speed. First on the agenda was breaking down camp, and all hands pitched in and got it done quickly. Then the main event of the morning began, the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program taught by instructor Brian Green. Seeing 90 cadets on the field doing PT and marshall arts training together does tend to bring a smile to one s face, and they all participated and enjoyed it. To cap off the weekend, Commander Starr and Gunny Sanchez conducted the graduation ceremony and presentation of certificates to 90 cadets while anxious parents watched from the roadside, and temperatures climbed out of the arctic zone back to where they should be for Florida in February. Another Bivouac was in the books, and this one by all accounts, was the best ever. Learning Martial Arts Cadets leaned how to start a fire Cadet Seranno administers first aid NAVY LEAGUE NEWS 11

12 SEA CADET OF THE MONTH ISAAC STRATTAN SPRUANCE DIVISION LEAD PETTY OFFICER When I was 14, I joined the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps and went to Recruit Training in Since then, I have done Damage Control and Rescue Training, Survival Training, and have taken the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Safe Boating Course. I have trained at Resolve Fire and Hazard Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Station, and sailed on the USS Iwo Jima from Norfolk, Virginia to Fort Lauderdale. I have attended Field Operations Training in Minnesota, Master at Arms Training in Tennessee, and Petty Officer Leadership Academy in Florida. Last year I was a member of the Color Guard, participating in over a dozen community events. I have staffed USNSCC Recruit Training three times, most recently as Leading Petty Officer in Groveland, FL and as Leading Petty Officer in Belle Glade, FL, where I was responsible for the training of 100 recruits from 25 divisions across the United States. This year I am the LPO of Spruance Division. I was named Honor Cadet of Spruance Division s Mini Boot Camp in 2010, USNSCC Recruit Training in 2010, and Master at Arms Training in I have been awarded the National Sea Cadet Corps Commendation and Citation, Unit Commendation, NSCC Staff Cadet, and Physical Fitness Ribbons, as well as Expert Marksman in rifle and pistol, the Marine Corps League Medal for Esprit de Corps, the VFW Citation and Medal for Achievement and Leadership, and the Teddy Roosevelt Medal. Outside of Sea Cadets I shoot skeet, participate in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu (ninjustsu) training, I am SCUBA certified and became an Eagle Scout in These activities have been valuable to me, but the USNSCC has helped me the most in improving my leadership skills and instilling in me the highest ideals of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. The lessons and skills I have learned in Sea Cadets will be an immense help to me throughout my life, especially when I go to the United States Naval Academy as a member of the class of NAVY LEAGUE NEWS 12

13 Fort Fort Lauderdale Council 2013 OFFICERS OFFICERS 2008 President: Lynn A. Drucker 1st President. Vice President:..... Charles Oscar Romano A. Black 2nd 1st V.P.. Vice President: Gary Abiud Pirtle Montes 3rd 2nd Vice V.P. President: James Simone Black Ramos Secretary: 3rd V.P... Elaine..... Alan M. Hogg Stotsky Treasurer: Secretary. Harvey..... Lynn Kovac Drucker Asst. Treasurer. Treasurer:..... Rosemarie Mack Madzinski Dezolt Judge JAG Capt. Advocate: Edward Capt. Fink, Edward USN, R. Ret. Fink Chaplain Oscar Romano Asst. Judge Advocate: Richard Chosid EDITORIAL STAFF Hugh Lynn Kirkpatrick Drucker 2100 S. Ocean Lane, Apt Ft. Rudy Lauderdale, Oetting FL Oscar Romano EDITORIAL STAFF Chuck Black Jim Black ALL COPY DEADLINE: Please provide any photos, along with copy, prior to the 1st day of the month for publication in the next newsletter. BOARD OF OF DIRECTORS MEETING MEETING Wednesday, April June 3, 4th 2013 at at 4:00 3:30 PM SEA CADET HEADQUARTERS Located at: 300 S.W. 25th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL NEXT GENERAL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP MEETING MEETING Wednesday, March 20th, 2013 Coral Ridge Yacht Club 6-7PM Cocktails 7-9 PM Dinner Guest Speaker LT Chet Frith, USN RSVP Required! Call no later than noon, Monday prior to the meeting. --- visit us on the web at NAVY LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES Fort Lauderdale FORT Council, LAUDERDALE Inc. COUNCIL COMMUNITY AFFILIATES P.O. Box 4835, Sunrise Station Fort Lauderdale, FL Griffin Road, Suite 200 Davie, Florida Main Line: Cell: Direct Fax: Gary Pirtle, LEED AP AssistantVice President Offices located in Broward, Dade & Palm Beach CGC