Amos The Labradoodle Helping Pensacola Sailors Cope During Pandemic
August 7, 2020
With COVID-19 still affecting the world, Sailors have been more restricted in an effort to maintain control of the virus and keep Sailors safe. With new accession students attached to Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Corry Station, that has meant less socializing, with restrictions to fitness, spiritual services and liberty onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola Corry Station, Pensacola, Florida.
However, there are still ways that Sailors can receive in-person counseling with a chaplain. In these unique times of anxiety, loneliness and stress, the chaplains at Corry Station have incorporated a therapy dog in training to help the student population.
Animal-assisted therapy is a therapeutic intervention that incorporates animals, such as horses, dogs, cats, pigs, and birds, into the treatment plan. It is used to enhance and complement the benefits of traditional therapy. The chaplains’ therapy dog is a Labradoodle named Amos.
While under these restrictions, it is more likely for Sailors to become more reclusive and suffer from things such as loneliness, depression, anxiety and even suicidal thoughts. Studies have shown that social interaction, and counseling is a good way to combat these things, offered U.S. Navy Chaplain Cmdr. John Ismach-Eastman.
“I think with everything going on, with all the services and other ways to cope with stress limited due to COVID-19; Amos is a wonderful option for healing,” said Ismach-Eastman. “Although we offer in-person counseling, there is a major trend for most counseling to be virtual. While that option can certainly help, it only helps to an extent, especially since we were designed as social beings. The chaplains know all too well that touching screens more than hearts plays a detrimental toll on our mental and spiritual health. Amos meanwhile can offer something we can’t–namely a physical touch, a hug and the love and affection therapy dogs are known for.”
For some students onboard Corry Station, Amos has already contributed to their well-being. Information Systems Technician Seaman Apprentice Kyara West is one of those Sailors.
“It was nice and helpful being with Amos,” said West. “I have a lot of anxiety talking to people, especially people I don’t know that well. It was definitely calming to be with him while I was in the chapel; just being able to pet Amos and have him around helps me focus. The dog is so loving and being able to feel that helps me be more comfortable.”
No doubt, aside from being an alternative form of therapy, Amos does indeed provide a much needed social interaction benefit. Sailors and other military members can see him and interact with him, having a companion to be around them which is a limited availability among COVID-19 safety procedures. Amos also helps these Sailors in training, and he is learning to pick up on saddened or depressed service members while providing them with the companionship they may need.
West, having a background with dogs already, said that animals have always been a good stress relief for her, and military members can benefit greatly from the use of therapy animals. She hopes that Amos being onboard Corry Station leads to more opportunities to utilize him and that it leads to more awareness of getting help for service members.
“I think therapy animals are something Sailors and other military members would greatly benefit from being around,” added West. “Animals in general are already great, but having these animals that are specifically trained to notice when someone is down, or might just need some extra love, is super helpful. Maybe what we’re doing here will lead to more things, like forming a club, or getting other bases to start doing the same thing.”
Amos is available by appointment, and service members do not have to be referred. Contact the Chapel at (850) 452-6376 for counseling or a therapy session with Amos.
IWTC Corry Station is a part of the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT). With four schoolhouse commands, a detachment, and training sites throughout the United States and Japan, CIWT trains over 20,000 students every year, delivering trained information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services. CIWT also offers more than 200 courses for cryptologic technicians, intelligence specialists, information systems technicians, electronics technicians, and officers in the information warfare community.
Pictured: Sailors attending courses at Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Corry Station Pensacola, Pensacola, Florida, pet Amos, the in-training therapy dog, during a visit. Photo By Seaman Neo Greene for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lipscomb Elementary Counselor Named Finalist For National Magazine’s Educator Of The Year Award
August 5, 2020
A Lipscomb Elementary School counselor has been named a top four finalist for a national magazine’s Educator of the Year Award.
Patricia Swanz-Reiners was named a finalist for the award to be presented by Reinvented Magazine. She was nominated by Angela Cleveland, the director of NCWIT (National Center for Women & Information Technology) Counselors for Computing Program. The two met at the annual National Math and Science Initiative annual conference last year. Swanz-Reiners’ participation in last year’s NMSI conference built relationships that provided the opportunity to present to various groups. She became a Counselor Consultant with Counselors for Computing and has been presenting virtually in several states since the pandemic closed schools in the spring.
“Swanz-Reiners was the counselor representative on the ECSD (Escambia County School District) team last year and it was the initial year that NMSI offered a week on coding and computer science. We spent the week in sessions specific to our areas and NCWIT was the leader in the group for counselors. Pati has stayed involved with her NCWIT contacts and she traveled to speak at events and she has presented at a couple of NCWIT virtual events,” explained Lauren Thurman from ECSD’s Instructional Technology Professional Development Department.
“Part of my presentation to other school counselors includes talking about the Grant for Excellence which Lipscomb received from the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation for a program we call Google Expedition: Voyage into the Unknown,” said Swanz-Reiners. She worked with Thurman to present the Expedition to Lipscomb’s students last year.
“Google Expedition incorporates both virtual and augmented reality and challenges students to not only be consumers of technology, but also producers of technology. By introducing new opportunities that engage our students in cutting edge technology, we are leveling the educational playing field for all students. We are providing equity in the classroom regardless of the student’s socioeconomic status, race, or gender.”
“Being recognized as a finalist gives me the opportunity to highlight the importance of the work I am doing in my school, that many of us are doing in our school district, and the work I am doing with so many other school counselors,” said Swanz-Reiners when she learned to the Education of the Year Award nomination.
Reinvented Magazine has a single mission in mind, she explained. Their mission is to reinvent the general perception of women in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) while inspiring interest in STEM for young women worldwide. “The Educator of the Year award recognizes the critical role that K-12 educators have in sparking an early interest in STEM and opening opportunities for young people, especially those underrepresented in the field,” Swanz-Reiners said.
“Being selected as one of 20 finalists from around the world is an honor that elevates the role of educators who are impacting change in their sphere of influence and serving as a role model of how we can integrate inclusive strategies to engage more students in STEM with creativity, advocacy, and collaboration,” said Swanz-Reiners. ”Finding out I was in the top four finalists was so exciting! It truly is an honor to be among amazing women who are doing great things in the world and making it a better place for all of our students, especially our girls. It was thrilling.”
Reinvented Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aspires to break barriers and aid the movement to get more girls involved in STEM by creating the nation’s first print magazine for women in STEM.
Cox Recognizes Inspirational Student Heroes From Local Schools
August 4, 2020
Cox Communications once again honored a special group of Escambia and Okaloosa County students this year as Cox Inspirational Student Heroes. Combined, 84 students were celebrated for having overcome extreme hardships in their lives.
The students were chosen by a committee of leaders at their school, due to their resilience in the face of adversity. Whether they have overcome a loss of a family member, medical issue, difficult family situation or other hardship, they did so with a smile on their face and continued to encourage and inspire others around them.
Due to COVID-19, Cox was unable to recognize the students in the usual award ceremonies held at the University of West Florida in Pensacola and Northwest Florida State College in Niceville. Instead, the Heroes received their recognitions in the mail, and a special television show is available in the video above.
This year’s award recipients in Escambia and Okaloosa Counties are:
- AK Suter Elementary School – Stephen Dunn
- Antioch Elementary School – Tristan Murawski
- Baker School – David Legros III
- Bellview Elementary School – Alex Campbell
- Bellview Middle School – Kaleb Donaldson
- Beulah Academy of Science – Christian Hollingsworth
- Beulah Elementary School – Aiden Hollingsworth
- Beulah Middle School – Ja’siya Bender
- Blue Angels Elementary School – Kaitlyn Graves
- Bluewater Elementary School – Austin Smith
- Bob Sikes Elementary School – Temperance Custer
- Bratt Elementary School – Zachary Weaver
- Brentwood Elementary School – Roger Cabrera
- Brown Barge Middle School – Kylee Lovell
- Bruner Middle School – Tristin Blackman
- Byrneville Elementary School – Gabrielle Hawsey
- CA Weis Elementary School – Anthony Mack
- Camelot Academy – Joquan Williams
- Camelot Academy – Joquarise Williams
- Choctaw High School – Keone C. Corpuz
- Crestview High School – Carri Brown
- Davidson Middle School – Tyler Nesmith
- Destin Elementary School – Rickey Schaffer
- Destin Middle School – James Devarona
- Edge Elementary School – Sean Britton
- Eglin Elementary School – Giovanni Alvarado
- Elliott Point Elementary School – Andrew Guity
- Ensley Elementary School – Juan Fernando Zaldivar-Meija
- Ernest Ward Middle School – Brandon Odom
- Escambia High School – Anthony Goodwin
- Ferry Pass Elementary School – Calvin Peoples
- Ferry Pass Middle School – Jeanine Clark
- Florosa Elementary School – Haley Curry
- Fort Walton Beach High School – Sebastian Riker
- Global Learning Academy – Jacob Emrico
- Hellen Caro Elementary School – Trent Henry
- Holm Elementary School – Jaylen Phillips
- Jim Bailey Middle School – Anwyn Butler
- Kenwood Elementary School – Jeremiah Parker
- Kingfield Elementary School – Luca Bradley
- Laurel Hill School – Andrew “Moon” Wiggins
- Lincoln Park Elementary – Ja’Kayline Vickers
- Lipscomb Elementary School – Elizabeth Burdeaux
- Longwood Elementary School – Tatianna Gary
- Mary Esther Elementary School – Jayda Oleson
- McArthur Elementary School – Carlie Rushing
- McArthur Elementary School – Zoe Rushing
- Meigs Middle School – Desi Goble
- Molino Park Elementary – Jonathon Campbell
- Montclair Elementary School – Stormy Golden
- Myrtle Grove Elementary – Kamren Dixon Jr
- N.B. Cook Elementary School – Ryan Kostelnik
- Navy Point Elementary School – Demarious Anderson
- Niceville High School – Katlin Flores
- Northview High School – Tyler Wade Simmons
- Northwood Elementary School – Brenda Gonzalez
- Oakcrest Elementary School – Angela Bessent
- OJ Semmes Elementary School – Carnell Dawson
- Okaloosa STEMM Academy – Brynne Massey
- Pensacola High School – Tiffany Vo
- Pensacola High School – Genevieve Wilhelm
- Pine Forest High School – Jaylen Clausell
- Pine Meadow Elementary School – Dennis Wilson
- Pleasant Grove Elementary School – Nehemiah “Nemo” Perez
- Plew Elementary School – Kayla Norman
- Project Search – Timothy Emanuel
- Pryor Middle School – Kayden Sutton
- Ransom Middle School – Kriseya Wheeler
- Richburg School – Emaun Blackwell
- Riverside Elementary School – Angel Martinez-Rodriguez (Jojo)
- Ruckel Middle School – Joseph Jones
- Scenic Heights Elementary School – Kristina Hinton
- Shalimar Elementary School – Mason Litwiller
- Sherwood Elementary School – Brooke Holland
- Shoal River Middle School – Ahmad Thomas
- Silver Sands School – Dalton Malone
- Southside Primary School – Vincent Bloom
- Tate High School – Tyler Ramsey
- Walker Elementary School – Amanda Andujar
- Warrington Middle School – Logan Ming
- Washington High School – William “Billy” Hoover
- West Florida High School – Antoinette Heno
- West Pensacola Elementary School – Noah Jones
“Unfortunately, we were unable to recognize these great students in person, but Cox still wanted to make sure they knew what an inspiration they are to others around them,” said David Deliman, Cox Gulf Coast market vice president. “These students have overcome so much in their young lives while maintaining positive attitudes and bringing joy to others. They deserve their time in the spotlight for being such an inspiration to us all. We’re glad we were still able to tell their stories.”
In the mail, each student received a personalized engraved medallion and certificates of honor from Cox, United States Congressman Matt Gaetz and Florida State Senator Doug Broxson.
First F/A-18 Super Hornet Delivered To The Blue Angels
July 28, 2020
The latest plane for the United States Blue Angels was delivered to Pensacola Monday.
Capt. Eric Doyle, director of the Blue Angels Super Hornet Transition Team, delivered the first Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornet to Naval Air Station Pensacola.
“We would like to especially thank the teams at Boeing, Chief of Naval Air Training Command, Naval Air Systems Command, Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, and Naval Supply Systems Command Weapons Systems Support,” said Cmdr. Brian Kesselring, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. “The success of this mission was a direct reflection of their hard work.”
The Blue Angels are slated to transition to the F/A-18 Super Hornet later this year after using the F/A-18 Hornet for 34 years.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Angels Take Their New Fat Albert On A First Test Flight
July 21, 2020
The Blue Angels took their new Fat Alert for a test flight Monday.
Pilots and crew performed their first functional check flight over England. It’s not brand new; it’s a used Royal Air Force C-130J Hercules. The flight checks are in preparation for the transatlantic trip to the United States.
Blue Angels fans may notice a couple of changes to the paint scheme compared to the previous Fat Albert. The flight surfaces now have yellow tips, similar to the Blues’ F/A-18s, two stripes run down the side of the aircraft and the iconic white top has been changed to a tear drop design.
And the paint scheme also has the Blue Angels team name in gold lettering rather than blue.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rain Or Shine: Cantonment Food Giveaways Continue
July 8, 2020
For four months now, the volunteers of the Cantonment Improvement Committee have distributed food weekly to those in need. And Tuesday was no different, despite a steady rain.
Hundreds upon hundreds of families have been served, including 276 in need last week.
The CIC accepts food donations each Monday at 3 p.m. for distribution at 3 p.m. Tuesdays at Carver Park, 208 Webb Street in Cantonment.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Earns Wings Of Gold At Whiting Field
July 5, 2020
Lt.j.g. Lucas J. Zalar earned his wings of gold at Naval Air Station Whiting Field recently.
“Growing up in Pensacola definitely had an influence on me,” Zalar recalls.
“Between the Blue Angels shows, and the TH-57s that would fly low over Pensacola Beach, it would always make me think about how cool it would be to fly for a living.”
While the influence of his hometown was apparent, Zalar had even more influence at home. “My father who is still active duty was prior enlisted in the Air Force then became a Navy officer. Therefore, growing up I always had a strong affiliation and appreciation for the military.”
Being able to observe the opportunities and camaraderie that come from military service in his father all but assured his own desire to serve. While Zalar knew he wanted to serve, he went back and forth about whether naval aviation was right for him. In the end, he remarks that he was “lucky enough” to be selected as a student naval aviator (SNA) and given the chance to earn his wings of gold as a Navy pilot.
Zalar enrolled in the U.S. Naval Academy, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in quantitative economics, graduating and commissioning in 2018. His days of being a student would be far from over, however, because after commissioning Zalar went to NAS Pensacola for Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API). API is an intensive ground-school portion of flight training that takes place prior to SNA’s getting inside the cockpit of military aircraft.
Following API, Zalar began primary flight training in Training Squadron Six (VT-6), flying the T-6B Texan II onboard NAS Whiting Field. Zalar continued his training at NAS Whiting Field after being selected for helicopter advanced training, flying the TH-57 Sea Ranger in Helicopter Training Squadron Eighteen (HT-18).
“The experiences that we are able to participate in during flight school and the Navy in general are things that many people dream of doing but never will in their lifetime,” Zalar stated. 2
“Whether it be flying aerobatics in primary, using night vision goggles to fly your own route in advanced, traveling, and the friendships that I have made, these experiences are hard to find in any other occupation. Though these opportunities require a lot of training and are not just given to us, they make the hard work worth it,” he said.
Zalar is headed to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 2 (HSC-2), the “Fleet Angels,” to learn to fly the MH-60S.
“I am excited to be able to use the skills I have been developing as a pilot to actually complete the missions we train for in support of our nation’s goals,” Zalar remarked on his future in the Fleet.
Zalar plans on making a career for himself in the Navy, but one thing that he has become accustomed to in aviation training is the necessity to adapt when life throws curveballs. “Whether it be the flight schedule, a flight plan, or weekend plans, things are constantly changing on short notice and you need to be prepared and adapt.”
While some aspects of the future may be cloudy, there are some certainties for Zalar. “At the end of the day, I just hope to be the best officer and Navy pilot I can be so whenever I walk away from the service, I will leave it knowing I made a positive impact,” he commented.
LEO Wives Hang ‘Hearts For Heroes’ At Escambia, Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Offices
July 4, 2020
The Northwest Florida LEO Wives hung “hearts for heroes” at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office to show their support and appreciation. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photo Archive: Local Fireworks Shows
July 4, 2020
Happy Fourth of July!
Since most public fireworks shows in the area are canceled or postponed, we decided to share a little fireworks show of our own from the NorthEscambia.com photo archives for you to enjoy.
Here’s a look back at several local fireworks shows:
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
United Way ‘Born Learning Trail’ Opens In Jay. The Next One Will Be In Century.
July 3, 2020
The first of five Born Learning Trails was opened this week in Jay at the newly renovated Bray-Hendricks Park.. The next one will be in Century.
The Jay Born Learning Trail was made possible through a partnership between the early Learning Coalition, International Paper, the Town of Jay and the United Way of West Florida.
The Born Learning Trail, a United Way Worldwide initiative since 2005, is a series of 10 signs with activities painted on a park trail that offer fun, interactive learning activities for young children and their families. It helps parents, caregivers, and communities create quality engagement opportunities when out on a stroll or while playing at a park.
FOR A PHOTO GALLERY, CLICK HERE.
The next local Born Learning Trail will be installed at Showalter Park in Century, according to Naomi Kjer, market manager for the United Way of West Florida. She said the plans are confirmed and approved. The installation was delayed due to COVID-19, but should happen in near future.
After Century, three more trails will be announced for locations in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
