New energy savings contract expected to save millions

A new energy savings performance contract for Oceana Naval Air Station's Dam Neck Annex in Virginia Beach is expected to save about $32 million on energy bills over the course of 17 years, the Navy announced this week.

The new system, funded entirely through operational savings, includes upgrades to 36 buildings on the base with new geothermal water source heat pumps. The upgrades were completed in September, according to a news release. The heat pumps replace a central steam plant.

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Mid-Atlantic manages the energy savings programs at naval stations in the region.

Road 2 Recovery bike clinic begins

The USO is offering its first Road 2 Recovery bicycling event for wounded veterans today through Sunday at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base. The three-day clinic will feature daily rides, safety and ride briefings and bicycle seminars, according to a news release.

Road 2 Recovery is part of the USO's Operation Enduring Care program, which assists wounded service members and their families and provides support to funeral escorts, mortuary personnel, honor guards and medical personnel who care for the wounded. Information: www.uso.org.

Annual event to salute veterans

U.S. Joint Forces Command will host its annual Salute to Veterans concert at 7 p.m. Nov. 8 at Chrysler Hall, at 215 St. Paul's Blvd. in Norfolk.

Admission is free; advance tickets are encouraged to ensure seating. Send a self-addressed envelope to U.S. Joint Forces Command Public Affairs, Attention: Rebecca Coleman, 1562 Mitscher Ave., Suite 200, Norfolk, VA 23551, and indicate how many tickets are requested. Information: (757) 836-2118.

Military citizen of the year honored

Petty Officer 2nd Class Jesse Alvarado was honored this week as the Military Citizen of the Year by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Norfolk Division's Armed Forces Committee.

Alvarado, an aviation machinist's mate, works as a continuous process improvement divisional coordinator at Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic Site Norfolk, according to a news release. He volunteers with the Chesapeake Fire Department Auxiliary at Station 5 as a firefighter and an emergency medical technician. He earned the Chesapeake Fire Department Auxiliary rookie of the year award.

Alvarado also serves as assistant cubmaster and athletics director of Cub Scout Pack 42. He has coordinated field trips, taught first aid and acted as a role model for the 27 boys.

Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert, commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, presented Alvarado with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

EVENTS

Commemorative Air Force Stephan C. Brown, president and chief executive officer of the Commemorative Air Force, will speak to the Old Dominion Squadron. Vintage aircraft will be on display. 10 a.m. Saturday, Hangar D-1, Franklin Municipal Airport, 32478 John Beverly Rose Drive, Franklin.

Indianapolis forum Three survivors and a rescue officer will attend the presentation and answer questions about the sinking of the Indianapolis during World War II. 7 p.m. Nov. 11, 10 a.m. Nov. 12, Community Auditorium, College of The Albemarle, 1208 N. Road St., Elizabeth City. Free. (252) 335-0821, ext. 2233. www.ussindianapolis.org.

233rd Marine Corps Birthday Ball 6 p.m. Nov. 7, Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St. $55 per person. (757) 836-1581.

Tin Can Sailors Bull Session For all destroyer veterans. 9 a.m. Nov. 8, Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort, 39th Street and Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach. No charge for daytime activities; evening program requires registration. (757) 486-5801.

Military briefs are published on Fridays. Send submissions to military@pilotonline.com.