ONR Cultivates Next Generation of Talent at Hispanic Engineering Conference

These talented young engineers are the cream of the military leadership crop.  Check out these military leadership books to become like these heroes!

From Office of Naval Research Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- Students will gain new insights about science and technology opportunities with the Department of the Navy at the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Corporation's (HENAAC) 2011 Career Conference, Oct. 6-8, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) will exhibit with displays and information to support the Navy's push to stimulate interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and careers.

"HENAAC affords ONR the chance to make meaningful connections with the Hispanic community. We want to establish long-term relationships that produce the unique technical talent the Navy will need in the future," said Dr. Anthony Junior, ONR's education programs manager.

The ONR booth also will highlight professional research opportunities at Navy laboratories for university faculty members who may be considering interim pursuits during summer breaks and sabbaticals.

"We are contributing to the STEM literacy of the nation with the expectation that some of these students will come to work for the Department of the Navy, whether on active-duty or as a civilian," said Junior.

The 23rd annual HENAAC event is expected to bring 5,000 visitors to this year's venue located at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. It will feature exhibits, seminars and activities, including a career fair, technical poster competition and the HENAAC College Bowl, a competition where students apply their technical knowledge and skills to compete for scholarship prizes.

The conference is hosted by Great Minds in STEM, the Los Angeles-based organization formally known as HENAAC-the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Corporation. Established in 1989, the nonprofit organization is promoting STEM careers in underserved communities to help bolster the nation's technological strength.

ONR provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.

Sailors Honor Life and Legacy of First Female CPO

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katrina Parker, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Reserve Component Command Public Affairs

BLAKELY, Penn. (NNS) -- Sailors and distinguished guests honored the life and legacy of the Navy's first female chief petty officer (CPO) during a wreath laying and rededication ceremony at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Blakely, Penn., April 2.

Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Avoca hosted the ceremony to pay tribute to Loretta Perfectus Walsh who was also the first woman to enlist on active duty in the U.S. Navy. She was the first Yeoman F, or "Yeomanette," to enlist in World War I.

"We couldn't pick a better day to honor Chief Walsh's contributions," said Lt. Ronald Fauntleroy, NOSC Avoca commanding officer. "Last month was Women's History Month and yesterday was the 118th birthday for Navy Chiefs. Almost 94 years ago, on March 17, 1917, Loretta Walsh became the first woman to enlist in the Navy. In addition, she was the first female chief. Please take a moment to consider the historic gravity of her enlisted service. She volunteered to serve her country at a time when she wasn't even allowed to vote."

Walsh, like many Americans, had hopes and aspirations to achieve her highest potential. When a fair chance to enlist was presented, she was the first in line.

Now, almost a century after her historic enlistment, there are more than 62,000 women serving in the Navy. Today, nearly every Naval community is open to women, who make vital contributions ashore and afloat. Although long and arduous, the progress for women in the Navy has been persistent and progressive.

Twenty five years after Walsh's enlistment, the Navy commissioned its first female officer; by 1974, the first Navy woman earned her gold wings in Naval Aviation. In 1980, the first class of women graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. By 1990, the first female commanding officer was assigned to command a ship. In 2010, Rear Adm. Nora W. Tyson became the first female to command a carrier strike group.

"This is the legacy that Loretta Perfectus Walsh leaves behind," Fauntleroy said. "She was a pioneer who led the way for many generations of women to follow. It is both a privilege and an honor to recognize her service and the high standards of the Navy that she's lived up to."

Following Fauntleroy's comments, Navy Reservist Lt. Cmdr. Jeanette Bederman laid three roses on the gravesite of Walsh. Each rose represented a Navy core value; honor, courage and commitment.

The keynote speaker for the ceremony was Senior Chief Yeoman (EXW) Joann Barnes, assigned to the Third Navy Expeditionary Logistics Regiment, Fort Dix, N.J.

"Loretta is a role model," Barnes said. "She was the first. She paved the way for the Yeomanettes. She paved the way for women in the Navy. Loretta is the prime example of what you can do when you set your mind."

Tina Conti-Donovan, the great-grand-niece of Walsh, thanked the members of NOSC Avoca for organizing the ceremony. She said she was overwhelmed by the hospitality shown to her and her family by the Navy.

"It is hard to express how grateful we are to all those within the Navy who have worked to ensure that Loretta's achievements are not forgotten," Conti-Donovan said.

She spoke on behalf of her family, saying they wish for Walsh to always be a person that men and women will look to as a source of pride and strength. She also commented on a dream catcher that was put on Walsh's grave. No one is certain where the memento came from, but it will remain on the grave.

"When we arrived here this morning, my father and I had approached her grave, and I was overtaken by seeing a dream catcher on her gravestone," she said. "I don't know who brought that here, but to me it is a striking symbol and metaphor for Loretta. I think she would be so proud to know that she is someone that women look to with their dreams."

Prior to the ceremony, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SS/SW) Rick D. West sent a letter to the NOSC Avoca CPO mess to thank them for their unwavering support to keep the memory of Walsh alive.

"I am impressed by the efforts of the chief petty officers of NOSC Avoca to commemorate Loretta's accomplishments," West's letter read. "They are a dedicated group of senior enlisted leaders and are committed to incorporating her inspirational example of leadership and dedication into their program for developing future chiefs. Again, thank you for supporting Loretta's achievements, and your efforts to keep them invigorated for future generations of Sailors. You can be justifiably proud of her and her remarkable accomplishments."

NOSC Avoca Sailors, Walsh family members, the Olyphant and Dickson City American Legion and Friends of the Forgotten participated in the ceremony. The ceremony consisted of the laying of a ceremonial wreath, the playing of taps, a rifle salute by the American Legion and the presentation of the National Ensign to the Walsh Family. The NOSC Avoca CPO mess has committed themselves to continually up keep and maintain the memorial to preserve Walsh's memory.

Military Books

Military-Writers.com is a website committed to listing military personnel who have authored books. The website added three authors: David Hatch, Thomas Russo; and, Richard L. Allen.

Detective David E. Hatch spent more than 27 years with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. David Hatch joined the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in 1969 after discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps. In 1980, as a detective, he joined the homicide section. During his time with homicide, he investigated over 400 homicides and 125 officer-involved shootings.

After retirement in 1997, David Hatch has concentrated on law enforcement related writing and teaching. He is the author of Officer-Involved Shootings and Use of Force: Practical Investigative Techniques, Second Edition (Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations).

David Hatch’s book, now in its second edition, “continues to provide sound and sober models, protocols, and procedures to handle the highly charged fall-out from officer involved shootings. Written by cops for cops, it is designed to address the needs of the agency, the rights of the employee, and the concerns of the public, and give law enforcement the policies and tools to properly investigate and document this high profile area.”

In 1956, Thomas J. Russo joined the United States Navy. He served in the Mediterranean on the minesweeper USS Dash. He was honorably discharged in 1958. In 1960, Thomas Russo joined the Montclair Police Department (New Jersey). Thomas Russo served through the ranks of the Montclair Police Department, ultimately becoming the chief of police in 1993. He retired in 2001.

Thomas J. Russo is a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy and the Secret Service Dignitary Protection School in Washington, D.C. He is the recipient of a Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia and a graduate of the Certified Public Manager Course of the State of New Jersey. Thomas Russo is published his autobiography Street Kid to Top Cop in 2005.

Richard L. Allen was born in Gary, Indiana and raised in Newark, New Jersey. He served four years as an aircraft mechanic in the U.S. Air Force, including six months in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. After 24 years in the Air Force Reserves, Allen joined the Newark Police Department where he served until his retirement in 2001. Richard Allen is the author of Lock and Key; Poetic Police Food for Thought; and, A New Ark Police Officer's View of Poetic Just Ice/Justice.

According to the book description of Lock and Key, “with enough episodes to fill a season of televised police dramas, author and former police officer Richard Allen provides readers with a candid look into the nature of police work and the daily challenges an officer must face. In his memoir, "Lock and Key," Allen recalls some of the most unforgettable incidents and individuals of his experience. He depicts the humanity, compassion, and courage of those who serve their community as officers of the peace while revealing his deepest gratitude and appreciation for his fellow police officers”

Military-Writers.com currently lists 31 current or former military members and their 64 books.