PGA, community gives back to service members

PGA, community gives back to service members

By Pfc. Kevin T. Ferguson

Staff Writer

South Carolina’s only PGA Tour event, The Heritage, is slated for April 21 through 24 and active-duty service members and their family members, along with wounded warriors, are able to attend for free.

The Patriots’ Outpost, a tent located on the 18 fairway of the Harbour Town Golf Links at The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, is a place for military members to come together and watch the event.

One local restaurant per day will provide free food and beverages.

“It shows what a great military community Beaufort County is,” said John Cully, a public relations officer with the Hilton Head Area Chapter of Military Officers Association of America and retired Army colonel.

Cully added that the process of gaining access to the Patriot’s Outpost is similar to getting onto a military installation. Showing an active-duty military identification card will get you into the event free of charge.

According to www.theheritagegolfsc.com, the average cost-per-day for a visitor of The Heritage is $345.

Cully said in addition to service members attending, being able to connect with the service members of today is great.

This is something retired Air Force colonel Doug Johnson agreed with.

“The opportunity to enjoy the great golfing tour event but also a bit of down-time with current and former military comrades was a welcome and rare treat,” said Johnson of last year’s Patriots’ Outpost.

The Patriots’ Outpost will be available from the start and finish each day of the Tour and those who qualify can show up at any point of the day.

Motivator leads by example

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Motivator leads by example

By Cpl. Courtney C. White

Staff Writer

A Marine shows up to work early, stays several hours late, takes time to help any Marine who needs help, makes time for the gym and takes pride in serving the Marine Corps.

Master Sgt. Joseph Nelson, the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 maintenance control chief, sets the example for all of his Marines to follow.

“Master Sgt. Nelson deserves recognition because of his continuous devotion to the Marine Corps,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jeremy Brown, the VMFA-251 flight deck coordinator. “He is the Marine others should try to emulate. He believes in right and wrong, black and white with no gray areas and Marines can expect consistency from him.”

Nelson is responsible for the entire VMFA-251 maintenance department, oversees all of the maintenance production and prioritizes what needs to be done so the jets are ready to fly. He works from the beginning of the flight schedule until the end, even if it goes pass the 12-hour workday.

“I always put forth all of my effort and try to do my best at everything I do,” Nelson confessed. “When I make decisions I try to think about how much work it will create for the Marines, and I make decisions that will make the least amount of work for them. I also get as much information as I can to make sure everybody is doing everything correctly.”

Nelson joined the Marine Corps because he didn’t feel like he was going anywhere with his life and wanted to do something for a cause and not just for himself. He has been in the Marine Corps for 18 years and has no plans of getting out anytime soon.

“Master Sgt. Nelson has a lot of knowledge about the Marine Corps from his time in,” stated Cpl. David Maul, a VMFA-251 expeditor. “He helps this squadron run better and is someone that I look up to and would like to be like. He’s given me the opportunity to see how all of the maintenance shops work.”

He has a first class Physical Fitness Test and Combat Fitness Test score, expert on the rifle range and goes to the gym every day after work to relieve stress and improve himself physically while trying to motivate other Marines to go.

“I think that if Marines see their leader going to the gym then it will help motivate them to go,” Nelson stated. “I try to lead by example at work, by staying in shape and in everything that I do.”

During Nelson’s time away from work, he enjoys spending time with his family, going fishing and hunting with friends, including his fellow Marines.

“I enjoy going hunting with him because he knows so much about hunting and I’m new to it, so he is able to help me while we have a great time and are able to build camaraderie,” Brown said.

Nelson makes himself available to the Thunderbolts by being knowledgeable and ready to help mentor or assist any Marine who steps through his door -— day crew or night crew. He is a Marine that anyone can look up to and would want to follow.

“He takes very good care of his Marines,” Brown said. “He leads by example when teaching Marines and takes extra time to show the Marines the right way to do things. Sometimes I wonder if he ever sleeps because it seems like he’s always working.”

Cutlines:

Master Sgt. Joseph Nelson, the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 maintenance control chief, assists an ordnance technician in filling out paper work in the maintenance control shop aboard the USS Enterprise, March 21. Nelson makes himself available to the Thunderbolts by being knowledgeable and ready to help mentor any Marine who steps through the door.

Master Sgt. Joseph Nelson, the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 maintenance control chief, answers the phone aboard the USS Enterprise, March 21. Nelson is responsible for all of the VMFA-251 maintenance departments, oversees all of the maintenance production and prioritize what needs to be done so the jets are ready to fly.

Master Sgt. Joseph Nelson speaks into a radio to a fellow Marine on the flight deck aboard the USS Enterprise, March 21.

Master Sgt. Joseph Nelson, checks the format of a pre-phase planning sheet aboard the USS Enterprise, March 21. He works from the beginning to the end of the flight schedule.

No man should be left behind

No man should be left behind

Lance Cpl. Josh Pettway

Staff Writer

We plan for a night on the town. The designated driver has been decided, and everyone has agreed on the time, place and intent of the night.

We stress Operational Risk Management to the fullest at that point. However, when plans go awry, there has to be a backup plan in place to make sure everyone makes it out alright.

Without the right mind-set, friends, family members and even innocent bystanders get caught in the crosshairs.

No one wants to feel responsible for the consequences that come with letting someone fall. Jokes are made about being “That Guy” while others watch as he makes a fool of himself, instead of supporting and helping him out. It is everyone’s job to look out for each other.

Sure, it’s all fun and games at first, but when everyone thinks that way, they lose sight of how wrong things could go.

I have been in situations where the DD ended up drinking, which left us all stranded because there was no way I would risk losing my life just to sleep in my own bed, let alone letting someone else try it. It might be selfish, but in this case, that’s not a bad thing. When push came to shove, everyone chipped in to pay to stay in a hotel and no one was hurt.

Seeing strangers stumble to their car alone and attempt to drive is not pleasant, especially when they repeatedly try and convince the world of their sobriety by attempting, and failing, some of the DUI tests we’ve all seen or heard of.

Despite how irritating it can be to deal with a drunk, especially a random stranger, my group felt mutual concern and attempted to help.

That is something many people forget – concern for their fellow man. The first thing people do when a plan fails is think about how it could affect “them” and what should “I” do next.

A selfish person never follows the plan, and that’s what gets him and others in trouble.

If someone gets lost, have a plan to meet up at one central location; if there is car trouble or an accident, always have the proper tools ready.

There is no such thing as being too prepared, even if it’s just for one night. The unexpected is something we should always be mindful of, especially as service members.

The Corps is arguably the most noteworthy of branches that cares for its Marines and shows concern regarding anyone’s wellbeing. I don’t think less of other branches, but from my experiences I’ve witnessed firsthand Marines selflessly helping those in need.

I have seen the repercussions of poor planning countless times and whenever I look back on those situations, there has always been a way to prevent them.

It is not okay to leave someone down and out. It is worse to let them fall so  far especially when it can be avoided easily. I could never let someone willing do something that didn’t work out in the best interest of everyone.

As American citizens, we should all strive to assist each other when we need it most and as service members we have a duty to keep each other safe.

Recruiting: From court side to curb side

Recruiting:

From court side to curb side

By Cpl. R.J. Driver

The Jet Stream Staff

As the NCAA basketball season comes to a close, young men and women lucky enough to be in the tournament are fighting to bring a championship back to their campus for their fans, coaches and alumni. But not so publicized this time of year is the next generation of ballers making life-changing decisions, which may lead them to a lucrative contract playing professionally or a lifetime as a has been.

Behind the scenes, coaches from the programs that weren’t good enough to be invited to the tournament are scouring a court near you looking for that guy or girl who could push their program over the bubble next year.

Getting to the tournament and having a chance to play for a championship means more than mere bragging rights and recruiting tools —- it translates into television contracts, alumni support and ticket sales — basically, more money.

When money is on the line, things get real. Coaches being pressured to turn their little school into a big-name program and those who are trying to keep their powerhouse atop the rankings will do anything to get the best talent on their court. Whether it is by breaking NCAA rules to talk to the recruit for an extra 15 minutes or by selling them and their family a dream and hanging them out to dry if they don’t produce on the court as expected, their actions aren’t as well-intentioned as they seem.

The world of recruiting is shady and can take dreams of bright lights and attention and turn them into lonely nights in alley ways.

Since the NBA has made their ruling in 2007 to no longer accept athletes who come straight from high school to the NBA draft, college recruiting has been nastier than ever to get these one-and-done athletes.

Considering a majority of the talented hoopers come from the inner-city, where it is typically rougher, the promises, sneakers, checks and benefits are used as bait to reel in these recruits. How could they say no? As depicted in documentaries such as Hoop Dreams and The Fab Five, a lot of the time, the best players come from single parent homes and any help they can get, they take. Some even have children of their own and basketball is their big ticket.

Some coaches have been fined this year for not reporting shady actions by alumni and assistants. They put their programs in danger, suffering severe consequence and tarnishing their name, but the players know the risk as well.

Having someone do so much for you while your family struggles misleads some young players into trusting these programs. The risks coaches and alumni take to recruit the player may soon end. All it takes is a twisted ankle from a bad landing or one too many missed shots and a player can see things go from great to terrible in a flash. After all, the only reason the program did so much was for the anticipation that the player will produce, right?

Without the production, they lose the support they grew accustomed to. Left out to dry by the same people they once considered family, these players often transfer to another program, drop out because they couldn’t balance the stress and course load or never play ball again because of an unfortunate injury. Either way you cut it, these once sought after prospects might end up serving you a double cheeseburger at your local fast-food spot.

As a result, the NCAA has cracked down on more than a few programs and coaches as they continue to investigate illegal recruiting actions throughout the association. Recently, Tennessee head coach, Bruce Pearl, was sanctioned by the NCAA for turning a blind eye to the shady actions of his staff and players. After leading his team to the NCAA tournament, he was fired by the university. The program and the NCAA and the university were making a statement — this will not be tolerated.

There will be more sanctions to come as the NCAA continues to investigate players and programs, but the snooping is for the benefit of the association. As long as there is significant money involved in being a successful program, these student-athletes will only be considered investments.

Sweathog communicators defeat MCRD rappel tower

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Sweathog communicators  defeat MCRD rappel tower

By Lance Cpl. Justin M. Boling

Staff Writer

The communication platoon of Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 conducted training at the rappel tower aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island Feb. 28.

“The rappel tower was a great training opportunity. It took the Marines out of the office to have fun and train simultaneously,” said Gunnery Sgt. Vincent Harris, communications chief for MWSS-273. “It also shows us who’s afraid of heights,” he jokingly added.

For many Air Station Marines the training schedule only includes physical training and annual training qualifications. The rappel tower took Marines out of the mundane schedule to experience something a little different.

“We wanted to do something fun and out of the ordinary,” said Sgt. Joshua Brown, a Marine Corps integrated maintenance management specialist for MWSS-273. “The rappel tower pulled many Marines out of their comfort zones.”

The training also allowed the Marines to get away from the advanced gear they work with and take a breath of fresh air before getting back to the buttons, knobs, blinking lights and screens which keep the Sweathogs communicating.

“Doing training like the rappel tower is a great motivational tool,” Harris said. “Communication platoon works with very technical gear and stepping away from it allows them to get a much needed break, while receiving some unique training.

“The rappel tower takes you back to boot camp days, which was an opportunity for many of us to get back to our roots and see Parris Island again,” Harris added.

For a few communication Marines, this was a first-time dealing with the sheer height of the tower, let alone the descent.

“It was my first opportunity to do it, in boot camp it had to be cancelled for my platoon because of scheduling issues,” said Sgt. Heath Hower, a data network specialist with MWSS-273. “I hate heights, but after it was done, I felt awesome.

“It was an intense experience, which I look forward to doing again in the future,” Hower continued. “For many Marines, they had to face their fears of height and overcome it.”

Though Marines are warriors, fear is an ever-present obstacle that many have to overcome; the rappel tower presents the chance to overcome fear in a safe environment.

“Overcoming fear is very important for Marines,” said Brown. “Dealing with fears during a training exercise like the rappel tower is taking a stair step towards facing the fears many Marines face in combat.”

The Marines of the Air Station have a unique opportunity to be so close to Parris Island, which offers many training opportunities that cannot be found on other Marine Corps installations.       “Having a location to conduct this type of training close to home is something that many units should try to take advantage of,” Hower said. “As Marines, if we have the opportunity to conduct unique training, like the rappel tower, we should take it.”

Communication Marines serve as an important part of the Marine Corps. After the training at the rappel tower, they are not only capable of passing information through a wire, now they can use it to descend great heights.

VMFT- 401 arrives: Marine Corps’ only aggressor squadron comes to Fightertown

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VMFT- 401 arrives: Marine Corps’ only aggressor squadron comes to Fightertown

Lance Cpl. Justin M. Boling

Staff Writer

Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401, from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., arrived at the Air Station to conduct air-to-air tactic training Feb. 23 and will conduct training exercises through March 4.

Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401, also known as the Snipers, flew into Fightertown in their F-5N Tiger IIs ready to train with three squadrons currently aboard the Air Station.

“Usually, to do this type of training we have to organize with other squadrons on Fightertown and take shifts being the adversary,” said Lt. Col. J.E. Maybach, the commanding officer of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224. “With VMFT-401 here, we can concentrate all efforts on learning instead of having to spend time and effort organizing.”

Air Station squadrons will execute missions with the Snipers flying as enemy aggressors. Missions will have different objectives, but all involve air-to-air combat training.

“Most of the Snipers were Hornet pilots, and they know what weaknesses the aircraft possesses,” said Capt. John Schindel, an F/A-18 Hornet pilot with VMFA (AW)-224. “This training helps us learn to overcome physical and mechanical limitations with individual skill.”

The skills gained from the exercise maintain air-to-air combat prowess, which is not being utilized by pilots during current military operations.

“During the War on Terror, there was not an operational need for air-to-air combat, but we cannot guarantee future war efforts will be that way,” said Lt. Col. Timothy Golden, the commanding officer of VMFT-401. “Our squadron’s goal is to keep the porch light on and ensure, if challenged to air-to-air combat, our pilots are ready to put up a fight.”

With the Snipers being stationed at MCAS Yuma, the opportunity for the squadrons of Fightertown to receive this type of training is at most, twice a year.

The Snipers’ F-5s are chosen because of the similarities they have with the fighting aircraft many nations use today. Going one step further, VMFT-401 had their aircraft painted to resemble foreign military aircraft, even including a solitary red star on the vertical tail fin.

“We support numerous training scenarios,” Golden said. “If a squadron wants to fly a mission where they are facing Iranian pilots, we can simulate that.

“We know their tactics and how much training they receive, therefore we can emulate their style during air-to-air maneuvers against Fightertown squadrons,” Golden continued.

The F-5 aircraft presents a host of obstacles for the larger Hornets to deal with.

“They are tough enemies,” Maybach said. “The F-5s are small and extremely maneuverable; if a pilot does not pay attention, they will sneak-up and take you by surprise.”

The pilots of VMFT-401 have to swallow their pride many times and remember that the goal of their mission is to teach.

“Being a Marine Corps pilot, you always want to win, but in this squadron, we have had to learn that if we are losing, we are actually being successful because the pilots are grasping what we are teaching,” Golden said. “On occasion, the squadrons ask us to really test them. Those are the times we can fly at our best and make them earn the knowledge we teach.

“All of our pilots are ace combat instructors; many of them are Top Gun graduates and have a lot of techniques to share,” Golden concluded.

The dogfighting tactics and aircraft may have changed, but the spirit of Marines to close with and destroy the enemy remains the same. The pilots of VMFT-401 ensure that when Fightertown’s squadrons fight against other aircraft, they will destroy freedom’s enemies with ease.

Cutlines:

Description – Left facing nose of jet with three human elements.

Lance Cpl. Justin M. Boling

Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401, from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., use the small F-5 Tiger II when training the squadrons of Fightertown. These aircraft are more agile than the F/A-18 Hornet.

Description – Similar photo as ^ with one man in blue coveralls.

Photos by Lance Cpl. Justin M. Boling

Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401, from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., arrive in Fightertown to train the F/A-18 Hornet pilots in air-to-air combat.

Description – Horizontal leading lines.

Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401, from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., arrived in Fightertown Feb. 22. The squadron is the only aggressor squadron in the Marine Corps and they ensure the retention of air-to-air combat tactics in pilots.

Together through tough times

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Together through tough times

Cpl. Courtney C. White

The Jet Stream Staff

Staff Sgt. Jerrod Poppe, a flight equipment staff noncommissioned officer, and his sister, Sgt. Shannon Poppe, an administrative noncommissioned officer in charge, both with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 deployed together aboard the USS Enterprise.

Jerrod became a part of VMFA-251 in February 2009 and a year later, his sister followed.

“I thought it was funny when I found out my sister was coming to the same squadron as me because not many Marines are in the same unit as their sibling,” Jerrod said. “I’m lucky to have her in the same unit and to deploy with me; most service members aren’t fortunate enough to have the support of a family member with them.”

Jerrod joined the Marine Corps to see the world and to follow in his father and grandfather’s footsteps. Even his fourth grade yearbook stated he wanted to be a Marine when he grew up. Jerrod plans to stay in the Corps for at least 20 years.

“I’m staying in the Marine Corps until they push me out,” Jerrod boldly stated. “My next Marine Corps goal is to become a gunnery sergeant.”

Throughout Jerrod’s Marine Corps career, his father, Jerry Poppe has been a great encouragement. Jerry served 20 years and retired as a gunnery sergeant.

“My dad has been an inspiration to me while serving in the Marine Corps by giving me the guidance I needed,” Jerrod said.

Not only does Jerrod look up to his family, but his younger sister looks up to him as her big brother and leader in the Marine Corps.

“He’s always been there for me,” Shannon began. “He is like my mentor and a friend. When my father was a recruiter and busy most of the time, my brother taught me how to drive. He was always there to help me and has also been teaching me how to be a leader in the Marine Corps.”

Shannon joined the Marine Corps in June 2005, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, father and brother. She joined to get out of her hometown, get an education and earn her own paycheck. During her time in the Marine Corps, she has met many different people, experienced different cultures and has almost finished her associates’ degree in business. When she gets out of the Marine Corps, she plans to attend pastry school.

“It’s motivating to see another female Marine move up the ranks who has such respect from the command,” said Lance Cpl. Katie Konicki, a Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 seat mechanic. “She takes care of us (Marines) at work and on a mentor level.”

The Poppe family has been a part of the Marine Corpsfor three generations, with Shannon being the first female to join.

“It is always a competition with my family,” Shannon said. “We compete for most awards, better score on the rifle range and I’m even trying to catch up to my brother in rank.”

Even through the competition, both Shannon and her brother are happy to have each other while serving in the Marine Corps.

Shannon had her brother promote her in rank every time he was available to, including to the ranks of private first class and sergeant. Jerrod also had his sister promote him to the rank of Sergeant.

“I envy the fact that her brother is with her, I wish my brother was with me, but he got out soon after I joined,” Konicki stated. “I always pictured that’s how my Marine Corps career would go. I think deploying with your brother would be like deploying with a best friend.”

The Poppe siblings are fortunate enough to be able to eat at least one meal a day together, have an automatic buddy while visiting ports and have a family member to talk to without having to log into a computer or purchase a phone card at the boat’s store.