[Read the rest of this article...]

[Read the rest of this article...]

[Read the rest of this article...]

All four of them were also on board the troop transport ship USAT Dorchester en route to various assignments in the European theater of World War II when their ship was attacked by a German U-boat in the North Atlantic and sank quickly.  The ship was equipped with an inadequate supply of life jackets, so they calmly and uniformly gave up their own to other soldiers and helped them board lifeboats. In an attempt to succor the remaining crew left aboard, witnesses say the four chaplains joined arms, sang hymns and prayed as the ship sank underwater.

At the time, their story was a model of interfaith cooperation and a shining testament to the American religious experience.  A war bond campaign was launched and inspired a country to give – as a posthumous tribute to these men and the unusual story of their bonding and mutual sacrifice.  The story has motivated subsequent generations of military chaplains who strive to support the voluntary free exercise of religion, model interfaith cooperation and help others keep “faith” – regardless of their specific religious beliefs.

But, at a February 3 event the Navy Memorial co-hosted with the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project, Vietnam veteran and retired military chaplain Rabbi Arnold Resnicoff asserts that the story of the Four Chaplains is not as well known among the ranks of the military – nor is it often taught in history classes.  “I think more organizations – both religious and secular – should consider joining together for special programs on February 3 – ‘Four Chaplains Day,’ using it as a day to honor all chaplains: military, police, prison, hospital, campus, etc. – all chaplains who regularly work in areas of interfaith cooperation.  Today, when it is so easy to find stories of religious hostility and hatred, it is more important than ever to tell stories like this one.”  

The Library of Congress is hosting two more commemorative events – one on February 15 with retired military chaplains and one on February 16 with military chaplains serving today.

[Read the rest of this article...]

For a future sailor, the first face of the Navy is the recruiter they visit at job fairs, at their school or in the mall. For a recruiter, it isn’t about bodies to fill a slot, it’s finding that one of four applicants who are able to join the Navy, who are suited for the life of a sailor.

The top recruiters for 2010 were at the Navy Memorial last week, for a ceremony honoring them, their families and their commitment to duty. The awards ceremony was held on a snowy evening, that shut down most of Washington DC, but couldn’t stop the Navy from honoring these men and women.

At the ceremony, Vice Adm. Mark E. Ferguson III, Chief of Naval Personnel, spoke to them, thanking them and their families for their dedication. Fifteen Navy Recruiters from around the world spent a week in Washington DC,  meeting with Navy leadership and receiving awards for their recruiting efforts as part of the Navy's Recruiters of the Year celebration.  

Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, in his remarks, said, "We have 5,300 Recruiters out there in 26 districts, and here we have the best of the best. What you - spouses, mothers, fathers, and families - do for these award winners is amazing. You are the wind beneath our wings, and I thank you greatly. What they [recruiters] are doing is planting the seed so that we will reap that and become the Navy of tomorrow. It was your predecessors who made us the great Navy we are today ... and you're going to decide the great Navy of tomorrow.”

The Navy Memorial joins the rest of the Navy in saluting these 15 men and women, who so ably represent the 5,300 recruiters in 26 districts of the Navy Recruiting Command.

[Read the rest of this article...]

Dual military family, it's not that unusual anymore.  Except when there are two different services involved.  In this scenario the Navy uniform belongs to Petty Officer 1st Class Chat Rice, the Marine uniform belongs to Marine Staff Sergeant Jeff Rice. These two dedicated service members are also the proud parents of a 2 year old little boy. 

  The photo, courtesy of the U.S. Marine Corps, Corporal Shannon McMillan shows Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chat Rice (center), leading petty officer of patient tracker, Health Services Support Element, G-3, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), with her husband, Marine Staff Sergeant Jeff Rice (left), radio chief and spectrum manager, G-6, 1st MLG (FWD), and Marine Brigadier General Charles L. Hudson, commanding general of 1st MLG (FWD)

 

Petty Officer Rice recently re-enlisted, with her spouse next to her.  Why is that unusual? Because they are both deployed in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom! This is the first time that they have been deployed together, even though they met in the service while in Okinawa and have been married 7 years. SSgt Rice has been deployed five times in that 7 years. 

They are also on the same compound, with very different job responsibilities, but are able to spend time together. They especially enjoy the once a week Skype call with their son Seth, who is living with his grandparents while his parents are downrange. They will even be spending their wedding anniversary together this time, albeit in the mess hall, not a nice restaurant with candlelight! We all wish them a very happy anniversary, and congratulate Petty Officer Rice for recently winning the Regional Command (Southwest) Sailor of the Quarter. 

Dedication to their services, to their country, to their family – Petty Officer and SSgt Rice are superb examples of dedication and service.

[Read the rest of this article...]

[Read the rest of this article...]

[Read the rest of this article...]

[Read the rest of this article...]