BY AMANDA VELA VIRGINIA BEACH — Lessons — where would we be without them? Where would I be without them? Throughout my life, I have found that lessons come from many places and are learned from many different experiences. I went… Continue Reading
BY JAMES ALLEN VIRGINIA BEACH — I write this as we approach another Memorial Day, when service men and women are putting their lives on the line for all of us, and I am reminded of one thing that stays… Continue Reading
BY MARK THOMAS MAHMOD NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA — One important lesson I’ve learned through my short time of military service is to never quit. Occasionally, I find myself thinking, “I don’t know where I’d be today if it wasn’t for… Continue Reading
BY CHAD VINCELETTE NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA — During a counseling session when I was a young naval officer, my commanding officer told me that in order to lead a successful organization you have to have a “servant’s mindset.” At first… Continue Reading
BY LINDA KUEHN If you had to do it all over again, would you still have joined the Navy? That is a question I have answered numerous times over the years, and the answer always is a resounding yes. I… Continue Reading
BY JACOB RICHARDSON Many thoughts, feelings and habits have stayed with me throughout my time in the Navy. The most profound and impactful for me is the idea and importance of camaraderie found within the Navy and between service members. … Continue Reading
BY TODD BARNES You don’t realize the long-term benefits of military service until well after it has ended. Mine had started after having been gleaned out of college and then having my dinner plate ceremoniously broken on the steps… Continue Reading
BY CHARLIE BAKER VIRGINIA BEACH — In 1966, I graduated high school in California. There was a draft going on at the time, and I did not care for the idea of jungles and foxholes. I wished to see the world. So… Continue Reading
BY BOBBY DYER VIRGINIA BEACH — It is my honor and privilege to serve as Mayor of Virginia Beach, the largest city by population in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Much of the preparation to take on this awesome responsibility goes back… Continue Reading