Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Defense Department agency, is accepting nominations for the 2010 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.
National Guard and Reserve members and their families may nominate employers who have provided exceptional support of military employees. Nominations will be accepted at www.FreedomAward.mil through Jan. 18. Recipients will be announced in the spring.
Coast Guard
Three men recognized for work on investigations
Three local men were recently honored with the Congressman James Sener Award for Excellence in Marine Investigations.
Winner Jerry Crooks was recognized for leading the investigation into the explosion and sinking of the chemical tanker Bow Mariner in February 2004.
Honorable mentions went to Lt. Cmdr. Ellis Moose for a case involving the towing vessel Chesapeake's loss of rudder, and Paul Ledoux for a death investigation aboard the merchant vessel London Express.
Navy
Vessels honored for community Service
The amphibious transport dock Mesa Verde and aircraft carrier Enterprise have received the 2009
Navy Environmental Stewardship Flagship Award.
The honor, given by the Navy, recognizes outstanding community service by shore, sea and overseas commands, including service that promotes good stewardship in environmental resources.
Financial aid: Officers' fund calls for scholarship applicants
The Military Officers Association of America's Scholarship Fund is accepting applications for loans and grants. Students may apply online through noon March 1 at www.moaa.org/education.
Students younger than 24 who are children of former, currently serving or retired commissioned or warrant officers (regular, reserve or guard) and children of currently serving or retired enlisted military personnel (regular, reserve or guard) are eligible to apply.
Veterans
Web site launched to address health matters
A Web site has been launched to inform veterans and their families about health issues confronting those who have served in the military.
The AMVETS Veterans Health Center is a free online service providing information on issues including Gulf War syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder and Agent Orange. The site, www.veteranshealthcenter.org, also covers diabetes and heart disease.
Outward Bound: Veterans sought to take part in program
Outward Bound is seeking Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to participate in five- to seven-day wilderness adventures. There is no charge; travel and all course costs are covered.
The treks aim to build self-confidence, pride, trust and communication skills. Activities could include backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, dogsledding, sailing, sea kayaking and whitewater rafting. They take place in various states.
Funding is provided by the Military Family Outdoor Initiative Project, a joint project of the Sierra Club and The Sierra Club Foundation. To enroll, call (866) 669-2362, ext. 8387, or visit www.outwardbound.org/veterans.
Military briefs run every Friday in The Virginian-Pilot. Send submissions to military@pilotonline.com.
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