NAS Jax honors IAs

NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. kicked off the event. "Thank you all for so much for coming out today to pay tribute to the men and women that I consider to be some of my personal heroes, our IAs as well as their families who supported them while they were away," said Scorby. "These military men and women answered a very tough call, headed to unknown territory, faced an unknown enemy and made all of us extremely proud. With very little notice, many of the men and women we are recognizing here today spent over a year away from their homes and families, fighting against an enemy that is clearly ruthless in its design and deadly in its capability."

"We are a nation at war and our Navy IAs are playing a critical role in the fight against terrorism. We have over 600 IAs deployed from the NAS Jax area alone and the Navy had over 12,000 IAs deployed overall," he continued. "Because our IAs deployed individually, they often left and returned with little fanfare. But today, it is our turn to stand behind them and their families and show our support and appreciation for a job well done. I salute the Navy League for sponsoring this great event."

LN1(AW Wanda Miller of Commander, Navy Region Southeast happily displays her plaque as Bill Dudley, Northeast Florida Area president, Navy League of the United States, left, and NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. look on.

Several other state and city representatives also thanked the IAs for their dedication and service to the United States during the global war on terrorism.

"The neighborhoods and people who run our city respect the military. They see the way you live your lives, deal with hardship, handle your duties and responsibilities and they see they way you protect us," said Dan McCarthy, chief of military affairs, City of Jacksonville.

"I've been to this base many times to do sent offs for the Army and Guard. I know there are Navy people over there serving mightily and we've never had the chance to stand before each of you and say thanks."

Guest speaker for the appreciation luncheon was Mike McGrath, national president of the Navy League of the United States. "Wow! What a group of heroes! It is truly an honor and a privilege to be with you today to recognize your great service to the Navy and the nation. The Navy League has been around for more than a century now, since 1902."

National President Navy League of the United States Mike McGrath presents NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. a copy of the history of the Navy League book as Northeast Florida Area President Navy League of the United States Bill Dudley talks about how the Navy League got involved with the individual augmentee luncheon.

"With more than 100 years of experience, we think we're pretty good at explaining why America needs a Navy and what Sailors are doing every day to defend our freedom and prosperity," stated McGrath.

"At least we thought we were pretty good at doing that until the global war on terror and ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan fundamentally changed the way our Sailors are employed today," he continued. "Even as a visionary and expeditionary as that old Rough Rider Teddy Roosevelt was I don't think he would ever have imagined enginemen negotiating construction contracts in Afghanistan or yeoman controlling logistics in Djibouti."

"The IA program has presented some very different challenges to that support system many of which the Navy is still grappling with. That's why the Navy League is so pleased to be able to provide financial and other support to make events like this appreciation luncheon possible," added McGrath.

"This first IA recognition is one of the most important things we are doing this year. IAs go over there alone, then they come home alone and go back to their units. When a battle group goes, there are big celebrations and the air groups have their fly-ins, but the IAs just come home and that's not right," he said. "The sacrifices they and their families give up are tremendous."

During the event, each IA was presented with a special plaque for their accomplishments while fighting the war on terror.

OS1(SW) Sandra Pastrana of Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Eleven, one of the 155 IAs at the event said, "This is really an honor to be here today. When you come home you get a nice welcome from your family but it's even better knowing that your command and the Navy supports you. The plaque I received today is really nice and will go on my 'I love me wall' when I retire in two years."

National President of the Navy League of the United States Mike McGrath thanks all of the individual augmentees and their families for their efforts in supporting the war on terrorism during a luncheon at the NAS Jax Officers' Club April 23 to honor the Sailors and their families.

"I am an operations specialist but when I volunteered for my IA assignment, I ended up working as a military police officer in Kuwait - something totally different from what I do every day," continued Pastrana.

"It was exciting and challenging and I'm so glad that I went and have such a wonderful husband supporting me. He took care of everything when I was gone including our three-year-old," she continued as her husband, Donald Acacia looked on proudly.

As the IAs gathered for the luncheon, a special slide show displayed photos of them on their IA assignments bringing back many memories as they reminisced about their time in the war zone.

"I was in Iraq with my Military Working Dog, Nnick. We did cache sweeps and detection missions. Our job is a little different when we deploy because we actually go out and search for bombs and at any given moment something could go off. We were usually given three days notice for a mission which was usually a house or vehicle that could be rigged to blow. Nnick and I were always the first ones up and then the teams went in if it was clear," said MA2 Robert Calabro, a military working dog handler with the NAS Jax Security Department.

"It was an experience that I wouldn't have traded for anything. I learned a few things that I would not have learned if I hadn't gone to Iraq and I got to see a different perspective on the war," explained AD2 Eric Thompson of VR-58 who was assigned to Navy Provisional Detainee Battalion Three at Camp Bucca in Iraq.

"I worked side-by-side with the Army on the mission and met a few new friends that I might not have ever had the chance to work with before. Working and watching each other's backs creates a bond," he stated.

Many of the IAs spouse's were also recognized during the luncheon for their support.

"I think this luncheon is fantastic and I appreciate them honoring the Sailors and their families," said Jubette Chan, wife of Lt. Michael Chan of Air Operations.

"What kept me strong was my faith, the support of my community, as well as the military family. My children were very excited about my husband serving in Iraq despite all of the negativity," she said. "It was important that they knew their father was there to not only to protect our country, but to help another nation in need. For me, I felt very proud that he was there and he was able to come home safe."