Still Alive and Living in Colorado Springs

 

I am still alive and living in Colorado Springs.  I have had an eventful past few years.  I have a wonderful family.  I met my wife, Cindy, in 2004 and we have been blessed with our daughters, Claire (now 3) and Ellie (now 1 ½).  .  In my opinion, the girls are typical 3 and 1 year olds.  Their mother tells their exploits in their own blog, http://bearandbean.blogspot.com/ .  My son, Henry (now 13) lives in Texas with his mother. I get to see him in the summers.   (Picture above is a bit dated)

 

I have been working at NORAD and USNORTHCOM for what seems forever.  I went to IRR when I took the civil service position at USNORTHCOM in 2004.   I work as the Information Operations and Combat Camera Planner for both commands.  I really enjoy the mission, how to use information to our advantage.  It is a real change from being a Naval Intelligence Officer.  As an aside, there are three graduates of Tech in the office.  It really helps when the office Aggie tries to make a statement. 

 

I would have posted to the blog sooner. Between home, work and NPS master's degree program, I have been a little busy.  I just graduated from NPS in December.  My degree is in Homeland Defense and Security Leadership through NPS and Center for Homeland Defense and Security.  Got to spend 18 months online and short in-residence periods with several Homeland Security practitioners.  To make it even cooler, I graduated 20 years to the day that I joined the Navy. 

 

I hope everyone is doing well.  If you are ever in Colorado Springs, look me up.  My email is levganin@gmail.com.  

USN Red Raider Rides Again

OK, of course I can not let Kevin have the final say. I think he feels we are still in freshman study hall and he is charge. I say not! Anyway, I promised to load pictures of the family and I did. Kathleen continues to be in disbelief that I could father such handsome boys well I guess not, uh? Seriously, my boys are so much fun they remind me a lot of ME, handsome, good-looking, funny, good-looking, smart, good-looking, I know I repeated myself but when it is the truth it is easy to say. Seriously, Anthony JR. is 6 and in the first grade. Joshua is 3 and in pre-school. They are into the same things I am sure everyone else's kids are into: basketball, swimming and soccer. Believe it or not I can actually swim now. It only took me 20 years to learn. But as for soccer, I recall Derek & Trent asked me to play intramural soccer once. But for some reason they never asked me to play again. I guess my talent exceeded their expectations. I am grateful that Anthony JR wants to do track and field which is right up my alley. My lovely wife and I would have been married for 8 years come January 6, 2009. It has been fun and definitely good for me. As for me, all is well. I work for Alion Science and Technology supporting PMS 501 LCS Program Office as the Science and Technology Manager for LCS 1 and LCS 2. It is a lot of work but really rewarding to have seen LCS 1 get underway. I am still in the Navy Reserves. I am currently the Commanding Officer for COMPHIBRON 3 DET 310. We support COMPHIBRON 3 embarked on the USS Peleliu homeported in San Diego. However, I fly to Pensacola, FL once a month for my weekend drill. I still have not been able to figure that out? I was recently selected for CDR, as was my good friend Trent, which is again truly a blessing from God for me. So there is a chance something good could come out of Lubbock. Speaking of Lubbock, since the football team is doing so well I enjoy wearing all my TTU paraphernalia. With that being said we need to consider making another trip back to Lubbock? I missed the last once because my wife once due with Joshua. It would be good to see everyone again. Alright, I'll close and say I hope & pray everyone is in good health and doing well. Write back soon,by the way have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING.......Tony

From Kevin Evans:Guess everyone fell off the earth

Geesh, been a pretty quite summer on this blog. Well, my new job is a lot tougher than being XO on a FFG. I might have out grown all of the paperwork, but the mental challenge of keeping a command ship's communication systems up and running is a real pain. I guess if we had the money pot from the 80's, it would be a breeze... we live under an EXTREMELY tight budget these days. We'll just say technology isn't always the easiest thing in the world. Sailors don't get the level of training they did when I enlisted. If you want to read more about me, I have a profile on Facepage. Get the word out about the NROTC page and lets see what everyone's been up to. If anyone is in the SD area, look me up... might catch me inport. Email Kathleen, she has my email add. Don't want to post it here... I already get enough spam. Kevin

From Kevin Evans: Guess who else is a CDR

Update from Kathleen Graw

Not too much new and exciting in my world, except for a quick trip to Peru. Journal and pictures are posted at:

 www.kathleensplace.com

 

Other than that, work is keeping me out of trouble and constantly challenged.

 

Hope everyone has a fabulous summer!

 

Kathleen

 

 

 

Melissa (Martel) Short - Promotion

In case you didn't already know, my promotion ceremony is just around the corner! You are cordially invited to attend an informal ceremony on Friday, 30 May at 0900 in the Pentagon Center Courtyard (or at the Navy Annex (Rm 3630) in inclement weather). If you don't have access to the Pentagon and want to come, just let me know so I can have an escort officer arranged to meet you.

Please feel free to forward to anyone I may have inadvertently left off the list. In case you can't attend, I do want to say how much I appreciate the support and guidance from each and every one of you!

Vr/ ~Melissa

Melissa M. Short LCDR, U.S. Navy

Rick Cunningham Update

Hey Kathleen: Just a little joy ride I took last month. Rick

MS-150 Houston to Austin “The Headwinds & Hills Tour” April 12th – 13th

Day 1 Saturday started early at 5am with a last minute carb loading and checking of all the gear. Everything I needed was packed neatly in my old Navy sea-bag as we set out for Rhodes Stadium in Katy. Our neighbor drove me to the start line and I awaited the early 7am start from the organizers. It was amazing to see so many cyclists preparing for the same 150-mile trek to the State Capitol. It was estimated that nearly 9,000 people were start from Rhodes Stadium. As we mounted our pedals we were staged in groups of 500 to minimize the numbers on the road at one time. The adventure began at 7:15am as I crossed the Start line and was not to end until 31hrs later. The atmosphere and the crowds were exciting and everyone was eager to set out at their own pace. The morning was calm with a slight chill of 50deg so we all dressed in layers to shed clothes along the way. We made our first pit-stop at ~10-miles to check tire pressures and load up on more carbs and fluids. We were greeted by loud music and several Elvis impersonators which set the standard for the entire weekend.

After the rest stop around 8:30am we soon discovered what would then haunt us for the rest of our journey..…..the headwinds. We were hit by direct headwinds ranging from 15-20 mph as we left the first rest stop, and they were to never let up. Despite this everyone was in good spirits and wherever you looked all you could see were cyclists everywhere. We made our way through the crowds and stopped at a few rest-stops along the way before breaking for lunch in Belleville. Fluor had a team tent where volunteers cooked us chicken wings and burritos along with all the fluids needed to complete the ride. After about a 45-minute break we mounted up and set out for the LaGrange, still another 45 miles ahead of us. After battling the wind for the next several hours we crossed our midway point in LaGrange at 5:30pm. We stumbled into the team tent were we organized our gear and ate dinner around 7pm. Later that evening I took a bus to a local middle school where showers were available for use, and after a quick hose down it was back to base camp for a 10pm lights out cat-nap.

Day 2 Reveille was 4:30am to the sound of multiple generators firing up for lighting and cooking. It was a brisk 38deg and I wasn’t much for getting out of the sleeping bag, although the hard ground wasn’t doing me any favors either. We gathered up for breakfast and packed our gear so it could be sent to the finish line for us to retrieve later that day. Many riders started lining up at 5:30 to get ready for the 7am start. I decided to rest longer and wait until the actual start time. By 7am we were outside the team tent and waiting for the start. Because every rider was now starting from this location it took over 45-minutes to reach the starting point because we were now ~14,000 in numbers. The morning was cold and calm, and I had put on an extra layer of clothing for the morning’s ride. As we set out I quickly noticed my muscles were a little more tight than normal and I don’t want to even tell you how my backside felt. Nevertheless, we set out down Hwy 71 towards Austin. The winds started up again around 8:30 and were even stronger than the day before. This section of the journey was to consist mostly of hills and some open straight-aways through rural parts of the county. We stopped for lunch in Bastrop and everyone was excited about finishing. After a quick bite to eat I set out for Austin. The last 20-miles seemed like it took forever. We entered into Austin’s city limits around 1pm and I made one more rest stop before the final push. I kept in contact with Jay Kay at each rest stop with an estimated finish time so her and my parents could see me cross the line. As I left the rest stop we were 10 miles from finishing. We went up and down several large hills until we made a large sweeping left turn onto UT’s campus.

As I go closer I could hear and see the crowds forming ahead of me in the last 1,000yds of the ride. I made one more left hand turn and the finish line was 100yds directly in front of me. Everyone was waving and young children were reaching out their hands as to “high-five” me as I crossed the line. Although several thousand people had crossed before me and several more were to cross behind me, I felt as though I was the only rider on the road. It was amazing. My parents snapped this photo just as I crossed the line. It was an adventure I’ll never forget.

I would like to take this time to sincerely thank you for supporting me on this ride. Money raised by all the riders and sponsors is close to $14 million dollars and the MS Society is very appreciative for your donations. Please remember your donations are tax deductible as well. Thank you again, and I look forward to future adventures on the road!

By the Numbers: 15,000 - Registered Riders 14,000 - Riders that rode 155.0 - Miles ridden 15 - hours in the saddle $970.00 Raised by family and friends

THANK YOU!

---

FROM MELISSA MARTEL SHORT

Hello,

 

Kathleen, thank you for setting this up for everyone!  What a great idea and an excellent way to communicate…and the price is right.

 

Dan and I are nearing the end of our geographical separation, so we are ecstatic!  I am currently at the Navy Annex, in Washington DC, as the Head of Advanced Education.  Mostly setting policy and determining what education the officers and enlisted personnel of 2020 should have.  Dan is running his business DRS Automotive Fantomworks, www.drsfantomworks.com, down in Norfolk, VA.  He is restoring antique automobiles and loving every minute of it.  On the list is my 57 Chevy Corvette Convertible, which he has promised to restore to its original condition and red with white coves paint job.  He is also a part-time consultant (30 or more hours a week) at Fort Eustis.  There’s never a dull moment for him.  We travel each weekend to see each other.  On the one hand we are blessed to see each other every weekend; on the other hand, traveling I95 & I64 can be a curse.

 

Our four-year-old son, Zachary, is here with me in DC.  He is attending pre-school at Fort Myer, only 2 miles from our house and my office.  The commute is quite convenient, and we are blessed to have such a wonderful home (thankfully we are renting) in Arlington.  Zachary enjoys Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, and Legos.  His favorite day of the school week is Friday, because that is show-and-share day.  He will start kindergarten in the fall in Norfolk.

I have orders (hard copy forthcoming) to Center for Naval Leadership, which is merging with Center for Personal and Professional Development, to form the Center for Sailor Development.  I’ll have to drive to Dam Neck everyday, so it’s ironic that I will actually have a longer commute in Norfolk than I do in DC.  Should be leaving here at the end of July, which is none too soon as far as we are concerned.

 

I will pin on Commander June first; actually, 30 May since the first falls on a weekend.  We are looking forward to that (especially the pay increase), and I’m very excited that my family is actually thinking of making the trek from TX & NM to see it.

 

If you are ever in the big city, give me a call.  Surprising how many people you run into here!

 

Take care and best wishes to you & yours,

Melissa Martel Short

From Kevin Evans

Latest picture in NOV 07 of the family here. Kristeen (my wife), Kyle-2, and Kayla 2 months. I am almost done with my XO tour on USS CURTS (FFG 38), leaving in March. I wanted to stay in SDGO so I took another sea tour. I am going to USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as the C5I Officer (Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Combat Systems and Information... C5 and the I).

They wanted me to do another XO tour, with the new SWO CO fleet up program, they are transitioning by sending Post XO's to 0-6 Commands until the fleet up is in full order. I am not sure if anyone has done the XO job on a ship, but it wears you down... I doubt I'll be screening for command, so that was signing up for more pain when the original pain was so I could make 0-5. Made 0-5, no more pain required. I asked if I didn't screen for command what would happen, the detailer threw out the carrot of being the prime candidate for XO at a NROTC unit. LOL... If I forced shore duty, didn't screen for CO, then I would be back on sea duty before retiring. This way, I can go to sea now, find out I don't screen for Command, and find some "twilight" shore duty to retire at (probably after doing an IA).

I should be promoted to CDR in July if my math is correct (they stagger the promotion over the FY based on seniority). My next job should help a civilian resume, I earned my Masters Degree in Computer Info Management while attending the Army's Command and General Staff College at Ft Leavenworth.

I hope everyone is doing well out there... I have ran into a few of us, I think Trent is doing well, he's probably still running up the food chain for a successful career. He and I were in the same Strike Group in 2004, I was on the flag staff and he was Suppo on Mobile Bay. If anyone is in the SD area, make sure you get a hold of me... I love watching Texas Tech play football on the weekends even when they only play for one quarter and win (eg the Outback Bowl). I have already started training the next Texas Tech fan (picture attached).

Kevin

From CDR Brunson

Starting March 3 I'll be working in DC. The apartment I have - I'll walk to the DC metro.

My official job description working in Crystal City, Arlington Va, and then into the Pentagon - GS 15

I'll be over a brand new division designed for DoD wide personal finance and transition assistance. The transition assistance is for guard and reserves (and their families) to transition back to civilian life after returning for combat zone and will expand to all active duty servicemembers and their families sometime in the future.

The position is located in the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy (DUSD (MC&FP)), Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)). The position serves as a Supervisory Senior Program Analyst for MC&FP. The position advises and supports; the Principal Director of MCFP and the DUSD (MC&FP), on a broad range of policies and services that address the needs and challenges of military members and their families.

Incorporates business, social and economic trend analysis that impact program requirements for the military community into policy formulation. Recommendations are instrumental in the development or modification of DoD policies for military community and family programs.

Applies expert knowledge of military community and family policy programs and policy to develop innovative, cost effective, efficient approaches to support readiness, retention, and overall productivity for the total force. Develops, monitors and evaluates contracts related to military member and family support. Maintains a high level of awareness of requirements for regulatory guidance and regulations, management principles, program research, program requirements and the application of technology as related to military community and family support programs.

Develops policies, practices, and objectives advance the program objective of DoD in the broad range of issues affecting DoD programs supporting the needs of military members and their families.

Dr. Bruce H. Brunson Executive Director Open Campus Military Education and Government Programs Florida Community College at Jacksonville

From Mario Condit

Hello to everyone! Kathleen, thank you for all of your hard work and for your persistence. I/we appreciate all of your efforts. Karla and I are still in California. I still work for Northrop Grumman Corp, under the Unmanned Systems Division. I am a lead software engineer working on the Fire Scout (MQ-8B). It is a tactical unmanned aerial vehicle. You can check it out at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQ-8_Fire_Scout I also spend my extra time working on bonsai and am the editor of the San Diego Bonsai Club newsletter. You can see one of our older newsletters at http://www.sandiegobonsaiclub.com/ click on newsletter. Karla has taken a haitus from nursing...after 21 years, she has had enough. She now takes care of our small zoo. Two pairs of cocktatiels (Tickles/Candy, Malibu/Latte). An outdoor 90 gal tank for our spoiled goldfish (4x). Two 5 gal tanks for assorted guppies, bottom feeders and frogs and two female bettas. Lastly, the outdoor gang consists of a skunk, possum, raccoons and three neighborhood cats that have adopted us. Pics to come soon! Mario Condit

I'll start...

So… I’ve been pretty much doing the same thing that I have been doing the last 10 years, working for the same company, but with a bit of a promotion, more responsibility and a fancier title.  I’ve traveled at every possible opportunity and have been to some fun places the last few months. I took an amazing trip to Ireland last year – and I attached pictures!    Tentative plans are in the works to do a trip to Peru and possibly Galapagos in May.  Also hoping to FINALLY pull off the Marine Corps Marathon this year if I can avoid injury, work conflicts and get my b-u-t-t  in shape J

 

I still have a ‘vette and pets that keep me entertained and out of trouble.  Other than that, I am just staying busy enjoying the sunny California weather… for now!

 

I hope all is well with you and yours!

Kathleen

Start Blogging

I have been very neglectful over the last few months and haven't done much in the way of updating our TTU NROTC website... and I am sorry! Life just got away from me and I couldn't seem to get everything done that I needed to! I thought a blog would be a new, different and free (!!) way to keep in touch with each other - allowing all of you to choose when to update and what to update! When you have something that you'd like to add/share, just email: ttunrotc.update@blogger.com Your update will be posted immediately (and automatically) on this site! I look forward to hearing how everyone is doing! -Kathleen

Welcome to the NEW TTU NROTC Site