1

2

Public Affairs OfficerHoward Samuelson

Assistant Public Affairs Officer

Mrs Natalie Stamey

Leading Petty Officer MC1(SWAW) Barry Riley

EditorMC3 Ryan G Greene

Skywriter StaffMC3 Jason C Bawgus MC3 Ryan G Greene

Host Nation Relations Masako TakakuraSumie Maruyama

Ikumi Tanaka

WebmasterNoriko Yamazaki

ContributorsMWR Marketing

FFSCCommissary

Public AffairsNavy Exchange Public Affairs

The Tenant Commands

Whatrsquos Inside

Lets Learn Nihongo

Martin Luther King Day

You Are Not Alone Part 2

Sailors Hard At Work

ON THE COVERAviation Machinistrsquos

Mate 3rd Class Rene Longoria tightens the screws on a MH-60R Seahawk helicopter rear roter outside the squadron hanger Photo by MC3 Ryan G Greene

What do you do during your free time

Himana tokini wa nani wo shimasu ka

I like to readHon wo yomu noga sukidesu

Me tooWatashi mo desu

I like watching moviesEiga wo miru no ga sukidesu

C A P T A I N rsquo S C A L L

In this edition of Captainrsquos Call the commanding officer and CMC visit Fleet Readiness Center Western Pacific and bring you the latest news and updates from around the base

Page 7

Page 4

Page 8

2

Public Affairs OfficerHoward Samuelson

Assistant Public Affairs Officer

Mrs Natalie Stamey

Leading Petty Officer MC1(SWAW) Barry Riley

EditorMC3 Ryan G Greene

Skywriter StaffMC3 Jason C Bawgus MC3 Ryan G Greene

Host Nation Relations Masako TakakuraSumie Maruyama

Ikumi Tanaka

WebmasterNoriko Yamazaki

ContributorsMWR Marketing

FFSCCommissary

Public AffairsNavy Exchange Public Affairs

The Tenant Commands

Whatrsquos Inside

Lets Learn Nihongo

Martin Luther King Day

You Are Not Alone Part 2

Sailors Hard At Work

ON THE COVERAviation Machinistrsquos

Mate 3rd Class Rene Longoria tightens the screws on a MH-60R Seahawk helicopter rear roter outside the squadron hanger Photo by MC3 Ryan G Greene

What do you do during your free time

Himana tokini wa nani wo shimasu ka

I like to readHon wo yomu noga sukidesu

Me tooWatashi mo desu

I like watching moviesEiga wo miru no ga sukidesu

C A P T A I N rsquo S C A L L

In this edition of Captainrsquos Call the commanding officer and CMC visit Fleet Readiness Center Western Pacific and bring you the latest news and updates from around the base

Page 7

Page 4

Page 8

3

Happy New Year 明けましておめでとうございます (Akemashite omedettou gozaimasu) Itrsquos great to welcome everyone back from the holidays rested and ready to tackle 2015 There will be a lot on our operational plates in terms of continued support to our flight line and fleet customers as well as for the health welfare and safety of our base personnel and familiesAs we embark on the new year let me quickly share my command

goals for 2015 These are the foundation for the way we will conduct our business

and ourselves as the year progresses Quality Customer Service Customer Service is more than a nod

toward providing the services our customers need when they need it Itrsquos much more It means devoting ourselves to the full and complete understanding of our customersrsquo missions and operations It means remaining flexible anticipating needs and staying ahead of the service curve And it means applying continuous internal assessments of how we provide our service to ensure we provide that service in the most effective and efficient manner possible It means taking care of Shipmates and FamiliesLong-range Planning and Communications Teamwork is essential to

ensuring we network and coordinate effectively efficiently and in a timely manner among ourselves other departments and units onboard NAF Atsugi to make sure we are sharing information appropriately It also means managing myriad events operations and occasions that happen throughout the year for a strategic long-range picture of our operations Oversight and Ownership of Facilities and Processes Be an effective

steward of the spaces buildings facilities and grounds under your charge The better we care for these resources the less time and money we need to spend on them and the more we can focus on other needy areas Ownership of ldquoprocessesrdquo means knowing and assessing your administration ndash are we doing business smartly and in the most efficient way possible If the answer is ldquonordquo then itrsquos time to reexamine the process to improve our outcome Donrsquot settle for ldquowersquove always done it that wayrdquo Know the ldquowhyrdquo and dedicate your team to improvementProfessional Development and Promotion of our Sailors and

Employees Without the professionalism and devotion of our military civilian USCS MLC and contract employees to their positions and to our customers we could not meet any of these goals Challenge yourself to ensure that all employees not only receive the recognition they deserve for the services they provide but to also ensure we provide the personal and professional opportunities to our employees that are needed to advance their careers and achieve their goalsOur success at achieving these goals is crucial to the safe and

efficient operation of everything we do onboard NAF Atsugi I canrsquot think of a better team to accomplish these goals than the personnel onboard the NAF Atsugi team Best wishes for a happy and prosperous new year

NAF Atsugi COrsquos Outlook on 2015

4

The Sailors aboard Naval Air Facility Atsugi are hard at work maintaining and repairing aircraft helping to Keep our planes and helicopters flying everyday for 63 years the united states has upheld its responsibilities and helped to safeguard the pacific while providing peace and stability in the region

55

Story by Thom SeithCenter for Information Dominance Public Affairs Office

Credentialing Available for Both Navy and Marine Corps Under DoN COOL

Photo by MCSN Shannon Heavin

With the introduction of Marine Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) to partner with the existing Navy program the vision of a joint Department of the Navy (DoN) COOL is completeDoN COOL provides a unique shared-entry portal

for Sailors and Marines to access their servicersquos credentialing programsThe COOL sites are web-based hubs that consolidate

information from numerous sources at the federal state and local levels on certifications licenses apprenticeships and growth opportunities that correspond with each Navy rating and Marine Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) as well as enlisted jobs and occupations Every Navy rating and Marine MOS has at least one associated professional credential

Col Lee Ackiss deputy branch head for personal and professional development Marine and Family Programs Division Headquarters Marnie Corps said that the addition of Marine COOL will add significant value for many MarinesldquoA credential is that symbol that certificate that

really validates and gives true value to their MOS trainingrdquo said Ackiss ldquoIt is something that a civilian employer immediately recognizes Translating the expertise and performance of our military occupational specialties COOL identifies the opportunities for that representation in a credential of what the civilian workforce desires of our well-qualified professionalsrdquoAccording to Keith Boring program manager for

the Navy Credentials Program Office professional credentialing acts as an integral part of the Servicesrsquo Enlisted Learning and Development StrategyldquoCOOL helps recruiters sell Navy and Marine Corps

careers it improves advancement opportunities and helps motivate our best Sailors and Marines to stay in-servicerdquo said Boring ldquoBy improving force readiness through initiatives like COOL wersquore presenting Sailors and Marines with another key to career success that will benefit them while theyrsquore in the service and beyondrdquoBoring added though it isnrsquot the purpose of the

Navyrsquos credentialing program to be used solely as a component of transition earning an industry recognized certification or license may provide a key factor toward a successful transition from Sailor to civilian employeeMichael Talley assistant program manager for the

Navy Credentials Program Office noted that joint development of a DoN COOL website enabled enhanced capabilities for both Navy COOL and Marine Corps COOLldquoThe COOL websites leverage data sharing reduced

developmental cost and meet Department of Defense credentialing program goals all at best cost to the government and its taxpayersrdquo said Talley ldquoThe tight integration of the Navy and Marine Corps COOL websites is the key advantage behind our partnership Both COOL sites mirror each other in styling organization and utility which provide users a consistent and familiar toolrdquoFor more information on DON COOL visit here

6

4

The Sailors aboard Naval Air Facility Atsugi are hard at work maintaining and repairing aircraft helping to Keep our planes and helicopters flying everyday for 63 years the united states has upheld its responsibilities and helped to safeguard the pacific while providing peace and stability in the region

55

Story by Thom SeithCenter for Information Dominance Public Affairs Office

Credentialing Available for Both Navy and Marine Corps Under DoN COOL

Photo by MCSN Shannon Heavin

With the introduction of Marine Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) to partner with the existing Navy program the vision of a joint Department of the Navy (DoN) COOL is completeDoN COOL provides a unique shared-entry portal

for Sailors and Marines to access their servicersquos credentialing programsThe COOL sites are web-based hubs that consolidate

information from numerous sources at the federal state and local levels on certifications licenses apprenticeships and growth opportunities that correspond with each Navy rating and Marine Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) as well as enlisted jobs and occupations Every Navy rating and Marine MOS has at least one associated professional credential

Col Lee Ackiss deputy branch head for personal and professional development Marine and Family Programs Division Headquarters Marnie Corps said that the addition of Marine COOL will add significant value for many MarinesldquoA credential is that symbol that certificate that

really validates and gives true value to their MOS trainingrdquo said Ackiss ldquoIt is something that a civilian employer immediately recognizes Translating the expertise and performance of our military occupational specialties COOL identifies the opportunities for that representation in a credential of what the civilian workforce desires of our well-qualified professionalsrdquoAccording to Keith Boring program manager for

the Navy Credentials Program Office professional credentialing acts as an integral part of the Servicesrsquo Enlisted Learning and Development StrategyldquoCOOL helps recruiters sell Navy and Marine Corps

careers it improves advancement opportunities and helps motivate our best Sailors and Marines to stay in-servicerdquo said Boring ldquoBy improving force readiness through initiatives like COOL wersquore presenting Sailors and Marines with another key to career success that will benefit them while theyrsquore in the service and beyondrdquoBoring added though it isnrsquot the purpose of the

Navyrsquos credentialing program to be used solely as a component of transition earning an industry recognized certification or license may provide a key factor toward a successful transition from Sailor to civilian employeeMichael Talley assistant program manager for the

Navy Credentials Program Office noted that joint development of a DoN COOL website enabled enhanced capabilities for both Navy COOL and Marine Corps COOLldquoThe COOL websites leverage data sharing reduced

developmental cost and meet Department of Defense credentialing program goals all at best cost to the government and its taxpayersrdquo said Talley ldquoThe tight integration of the Navy and Marine Corps COOL websites is the key advantage behind our partnership Both COOL sites mirror each other in styling organization and utility which provide users a consistent and familiar toolrdquoFor more information on DON COOL visit here

6

55

Story by Thom SeithCenter for Information Dominance Public Affairs Office

Credentialing Available for Both Navy and Marine Corps Under DoN COOL

Photo by MCSN Shannon Heavin

With the introduction of Marine Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) to partner with the existing Navy program the vision of a joint Department of the Navy (DoN) COOL is completeDoN COOL provides a unique shared-entry portal

for Sailors and Marines to access their servicersquos credentialing programsThe COOL sites are web-based hubs that consolidate

information from numerous sources at the federal state and local levels on certifications licenses apprenticeships and growth opportunities that correspond with each Navy rating and Marine Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) as well as enlisted jobs and occupations Every Navy rating and Marine MOS has at least one associated professional credential

Col Lee Ackiss deputy branch head for personal and professional development Marine and Family Programs Division Headquarters Marnie Corps said that the addition of Marine COOL will add significant value for many MarinesldquoA credential is that symbol that certificate that

really validates and gives true value to their MOS trainingrdquo said Ackiss ldquoIt is something that a civilian employer immediately recognizes Translating the expertise and performance of our military occupational specialties COOL identifies the opportunities for that representation in a credential of what the civilian workforce desires of our well-qualified professionalsrdquoAccording to Keith Boring program manager for

the Navy Credentials Program Office professional credentialing acts as an integral part of the Servicesrsquo Enlisted Learning and Development StrategyldquoCOOL helps recruiters sell Navy and Marine Corps

careers it improves advancement opportunities and helps motivate our best Sailors and Marines to stay in-servicerdquo said Boring ldquoBy improving force readiness through initiatives like COOL wersquore presenting Sailors and Marines with another key to career success that will benefit them while theyrsquore in the service and beyondrdquoBoring added though it isnrsquot the purpose of the

Navyrsquos credentialing program to be used solely as a component of transition earning an industry recognized certification or license may provide a key factor toward a successful transition from Sailor to civilian employeeMichael Talley assistant program manager for the

Navy Credentials Program Office noted that joint development of a DoN COOL website enabled enhanced capabilities for both Navy COOL and Marine Corps COOLldquoThe COOL websites leverage data sharing reduced

developmental cost and meet Department of Defense credentialing program goals all at best cost to the government and its taxpayersrdquo said Talley ldquoThe tight integration of the Navy and Marine Corps COOL websites is the key advantage behind our partnership Both COOL sites mirror each other in styling organization and utility which provide users a consistent and familiar toolrdquoFor more information on DON COOL visit here

6

Story by Thom SeithCenter for Information Dominance Public Affairs Office

Credentialing Available for Both Navy and Marine Corps Under DoN COOL

Photo by MCSN Shannon Heavin

With the introduction of Marine Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) to partner with the existing Navy program the vision of a joint Department of the Navy (DoN) COOL is completeDoN COOL provides a unique shared-entry portal

for Sailors and Marines to access their servicersquos credentialing programsThe COOL sites are web-based hubs that consolidate

information from numerous sources at the federal state and local levels on certifications licenses apprenticeships and growth opportunities that correspond with each Navy rating and Marine Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) as well as enlisted jobs and occupations Every Navy rating and Marine MOS has at least one associated professional credential

Col Lee Ackiss deputy branch head for personal and professional development Marine and Family Programs Division Headquarters Marnie Corps said that the addition of Marine COOL will add significant value for many MarinesldquoA credential is that symbol that certificate that

really validates and gives true value to their MOS trainingrdquo said Ackiss ldquoIt is something that a civilian employer immediately recognizes Translating the expertise and performance of our military occupational specialties COOL identifies the opportunities for that representation in a credential of what the civilian workforce desires of our well-qualified professionalsrdquoAccording to Keith Boring program manager for

the Navy Credentials Program Office professional credentialing acts as an integral part of the Servicesrsquo Enlisted Learning and Development StrategyldquoCOOL helps recruiters sell Navy and Marine Corps

careers it improves advancement opportunities and helps motivate our best Sailors and Marines to stay in-servicerdquo said Boring ldquoBy improving force readiness through initiatives like COOL wersquore presenting Sailors and Marines with another key to career success that will benefit them while theyrsquore in the service and beyondrdquoBoring added though it isnrsquot the purpose of the

Navyrsquos credentialing program to be used solely as a component of transition earning an industry recognized certification or license may provide a key factor toward a successful transition from Sailor to civilian employeeMichael Talley assistant program manager for the

Navy Credentials Program Office noted that joint development of a DoN COOL website enabled enhanced capabilities for both Navy COOL and Marine Corps COOLldquoThe COOL websites leverage data sharing reduced

developmental cost and meet Department of Defense credentialing program goals all at best cost to the government and its taxpayersrdquo said Talley ldquoThe tight integration of the Navy and Marine Corps COOL websites is the key advantage behind our partnership Both COOL sites mirror each other in styling organization and utility which provide users a consistent and familiar toolrdquoFor more information on DON COOL visit here

6

ldquoLifersquos most persistent and urgent question is lsquoWhat are you doing for othersrdquo said Martin Luther King Jr the chief spokesman for nonviolent activism during the civil rights movement which successfully protested racial discrimination in a federal and state lawKing said that law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and

when they fail in this purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progressFollowing in the footsteps of his father King entered the Christian ministry in

February 1948 at the age of 19 after attending Crozer Theological Seminary He was ordained at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta and in 1954 upon completion of graduate studies at Boston University he accepted a call to serve at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery Ala While there King became an instrumental leader in the Montgomery Bus Boycott made famous by the arrest of Rosa Parks The boycott lasted more than a year and led to the 1956 District Court ruling that racial segregation on buses was unconstitutionalHeavily influenced by Mahatma Gandhirsquos success with nonviolent activism

King would apply these theories to his teachings and urge others to protest without the use of violenceHe would go on to explain that man must evolve for all human conflict a method

which rejects revenge aggression and retaliation King believed the foundation of such a method is loveOver the course of his lifetime King was arrested 30 separate times for his

participation in civil rights activitiesAlthough King spent the majority of his life preaching on the issues of social

justice empowerment love and peace which won him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 his attention and efforts also included fighting economic injustice On April 4 1968 King journeyed to Memphis Tenn to help lead sanitation workers in a protest against low wages and intolerable working conditions While standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel King was shot and ultimately diedIn honor of Kingrsquos unfinished efforts Dr Martin Luther King Jr Day was

established by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 The first observance was held Jan 15 1986 the anniversary of Kingrsquos birthday In 1992 President George HW Bush proclaimed the Dr Martin Luther King Jr federal holiday would be observed every year on the third Monday of January On Aug 23 1994 Congress passed the Martin Luther King Jr Holiday and Service Act designating the Dr Martin Luther King Jr federal holiday as a day of national volunteer service

MLK The mAN The dreAm The dAyStory by MC3 Jason Bawgus

7

8

Due to emotional and physical abuse as a child Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Thompson an instructor at a joint command in Maryland grew up with suicidal ideations and attempted suicide as early as age 9 He joined the Navy in 1998 and is a mass communication specialist He has battled with his depression throughout his Navy careerWarning signs

His supervisor and mentor of 11 years said he was a superior performer but would slip up now and again

ldquoHe was always a phenomenal workerrdquo said Senior Chief Petty Officer Misty Hubbard the Navy element senior enlisted advisor at the joint command who has known Thompson for 11 years ldquoAnything that needed to be done well and quickly went to him because he could perform like a champ in a pinch He was always an incredible worker Ninety-five percent of the time he was No 1 on fire just an incredible Sailor [and] worker But you could guarantee that about once a quarter Thompson was going to do something stupidrdquo

In 2012 while Thompson was working at the same joint command as an instructor Hubbard said three events in Thompsonrsquos life were the warning signs for her he wasnrsquot selected for promotion to chief petty officer he broke up with his girlfriend and he missed a duty day

Another chief who was an instructor and the drug and alcohol prevention advisor (DAPA) at the joint command in 2012 also noticed signs

ldquoMy first impression of him was that he always displayed himself as an extremely professional intelligent charismatic guy but he started habitually coming to work laterdquo said Chief Petty Officer Herb Banks now the leading chief for USS Theodore Rooseveltrsquos media department ldquoI knew something was wrongrdquo

Banks said he pulled Thompson into his office to ask him what was going on and used his training to ask

certain questions to make an assessmentDuring this time Thompson at age 32 had every

intention of taking his lifeIntervention

After Banksrsquo conversation with Thompson and after Thompson had missed the duty day seven Navy chiefs assigned to the joint command discussed during their weekly meeting how best to handle the situation

ldquoWe were hesitant to bring him in fearing that we didnrsquot want to do anything that could negatively impact his careerrdquo he said ldquoBut at the end of the day us being chiefs we put our personal feelings to the side and we did what we had to do It wasnrsquot an easy conversation to have with each other let alone with the individual but when we say lsquoChief uprsquo we did and did what we did for the sake of the Sailor We were going to do whatever we could to keep this guy aliverdquo

ldquoWe could have handled it strictly from a discipline standpoint but we would not have resolved this issuerdquo Hubbard said ldquoWe wouldnrsquot have figured out what was causing him to behave this way if we just handled it with paperwork and consequences So we found a conference room where we could talk with him and not be interruptedrdquo

On Dec 7 2012 the seven chiefs sat on one side of a long oval-shaped wooden table and had Thompson report in on the other side to what they had called a professional development board Thompson called it an intervention

ldquoI didnrsquot want an intervention I wanted to dierdquo he said ldquoI had every intention of saying whatever I had to say to leave that room because that night I was going to kill myselfrdquo

Hubbard said the setup was intentional because ldquoThompson is ridiculously intelligent and usually the smartest person in the room One-on-one he can fool

Story by DOD News and All Hands Magazine

you If hersquos talking to two people he can still do a good job of selling you whatever he thinks you want to hear But there were seven chiefs in that roomrsquordquoBreaking through the wall

Thompson held his own in the beginning Hubbard said and started with apologies and accepting responsibility for his actions but then the chiefs broke through his wall

ldquoThe end of it happened very quicklyrdquo Hubbard said with tears running down her cheeks ldquoYou could see him starting to get frustrated One chief asked him lsquoPetty Officer Thompson is there anything you actually do care aboutrsquo and another chief asked him lsquoAre you thinking about hurting yourselfrsquo

Thompson said he cried and finally admitted he needed help

ldquoThe chiefs gave me my life back and Irsquom just now learning how to live it really live it with purpose and clarity possibility and hoperdquo he said

ldquoThe intervention didnrsquot save Thompsonrsquos liferdquo Banks said ldquoWhat saved himrdquo he added ldquowas his admission that he needed helprdquo

9

you If hersquos talking to two people he can still do a good job of selling you whatever he thinks you want to hear But there were seven chiefs in that roomrsquordquoBreaking through the wall

Thompson held his own in the beginning Hubbard said and started with apologies and accepting responsibility for his actions but then the chiefs broke through his wall

ldquoThe end of it happened very quicklyrdquo Hubbard said with tears running down her cheeks ldquoYou could see him starting to get frustrated One chief asked him lsquoPetty Officer Thompson is there anything you actually do care aboutrsquo and another chief asked him lsquoAre you thinking about hurting yourselfrsquo

Thompson said he cried and finally admitted he needed help

ldquoThe chiefs gave me my life back and Irsquom just now learning how to live it really live it with purpose and clarity possibility and hoperdquo he said

ldquoThe intervention didnrsquot save Thompsonrsquos liferdquo Banks said ldquoWhat saved himrdquo he added ldquowas his admission that he needed helprdquo

ldquoIrsquom thankful that Thompson was courageous enough on the day of that conversation that he had with us chiefs to admit that he really did have a problemrdquo Banks said ldquoThat is what saved his life It wasnrsquot what any of us did He let his wall down at that moment and said lsquoYes I need some helprsquo That was one hell of a display of courage in my opinion As sharp as he was as professional as he was as smart as he was and as squared-away as he was on the job at that moment he needed to take that wall down and ask for help and he stepped up And for that he will have my respect [forever]rdquo

Thompson agreed ldquoI saved my life that dayrdquo he said ldquoI had a ride to Bethesda and thatrsquos when it really started I was relieved There was no reason to lie to myself or anybody else anymorerdquoHelp is always available Contact the Military Crisis

Line at 1-800-273-8255 (option 1) visit here or text 838255 Itrsquos free easy and confidential and trained professionals are there for you 24 hours a day 365 days a yearFor service members and their family members

seeking non-crisis support visit Vets 4 Warriors here

Each image represents a link to an official or officially sponsored military friendly source for getting the help you or a loved one may need Please do not hesiate to reach out Support for families of service members who

have lost their lives to suicide contact the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors a 247 tragedy assistance resource at 1-800-959-8277For more information on suicide prevention and

what you can do to help please click the here and here

8

Due to emotional and physical abuse as a child Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Thompson an instructor at a joint command in Maryland grew up with suicidal ideations and attempted suicide as early as age 9 He joined the Navy in 1998 and is a mass communication specialist He has battled with his depression throughout his Navy careerWarning signs

His supervisor and mentor of 11 years said he was a superior performer but would slip up now and again

ldquoHe was always a phenomenal workerrdquo said Senior Chief Petty Officer Misty Hubbard the Navy element senior enlisted advisor at the joint command who has known Thompson for 11 years ldquoAnything that needed to be done well and quickly went to him because he could perform like a champ in a pinch He was always an incredible worker Ninety-five percent of the time he was No 1 on fire just an incredible Sailor [and] worker But you could guarantee that about once a quarter Thompson was going to do something stupidrdquo

In 2012 while Thompson was working at the same joint command as an instructor Hubbard said three events in Thompsonrsquos life were the warning signs for her he wasnrsquot selected for promotion to chief petty officer he broke up with his girlfriend and he missed a duty day

Another chief who was an instructor and the drug and alcohol prevention advisor (DAPA) at the joint command in 2012 also noticed signs

ldquoMy first impression of him was that he always displayed himself as an extremely professional intelligent charismatic guy but he started habitually coming to work laterdquo said Chief Petty Officer Herb Banks now the leading chief for USS Theodore Rooseveltrsquos media department ldquoI knew something was wrongrdquo

Banks said he pulled Thompson into his office to ask him what was going on and used his training to ask

certain questions to make an assessmentDuring this time Thompson at age 32 had every

intention of taking his lifeIntervention

After Banksrsquo conversation with Thompson and after Thompson had missed the duty day seven Navy chiefs assigned to the joint command discussed during their weekly meeting how best to handle the situation

ldquoWe were hesitant to bring him in fearing that we didnrsquot want to do anything that could negatively impact his careerrdquo he said ldquoBut at the end of the day us being chiefs we put our personal feelings to the side and we did what we had to do It wasnrsquot an easy conversation to have with each other let alone with the individual but when we say lsquoChief uprsquo we did and did what we did for the sake of the Sailor We were going to do whatever we could to keep this guy aliverdquo

ldquoWe could have handled it strictly from a discipline standpoint but we would not have resolved this issuerdquo Hubbard said ldquoWe wouldnrsquot have figured out what was causing him to behave this way if we just handled it with paperwork and consequences So we found a conference room where we could talk with him and not be interruptedrdquo

On Dec 7 2012 the seven chiefs sat on one side of a long oval-shaped wooden table and had Thompson report in on the other side to what they had called a professional development board Thompson called it an intervention

ldquoI didnrsquot want an intervention I wanted to dierdquo he said ldquoI had every intention of saying whatever I had to say to leave that room because that night I was going to kill myselfrdquo

Hubbard said the setup was intentional because ldquoThompson is ridiculously intelligent and usually the smartest person in the room One-on-one he can fool

Story by DOD News and All Hands Magazine

you If hersquos talking to two people he can still do a good job of selling you whatever he thinks you want to hear But there were seven chiefs in that roomrsquordquoBreaking through the wall

Thompson held his own in the beginning Hubbard said and started with apologies and accepting responsibility for his actions but then the chiefs broke through his wall

ldquoThe end of it happened very quicklyrdquo Hubbard said with tears running down her cheeks ldquoYou could see him starting to get frustrated One chief asked him lsquoPetty Officer Thompson is there anything you actually do care aboutrsquo and another chief asked him lsquoAre you thinking about hurting yourselfrsquo

Thompson said he cried and finally admitted he needed help

ldquoThe chiefs gave me my life back and Irsquom just now learning how to live it really live it with purpose and clarity possibility and hoperdquo he said

ldquoThe intervention didnrsquot save Thompsonrsquos liferdquo Banks said ldquoWhat saved himrdquo he added ldquowas his admission that he needed helprdquo

9

you If hersquos talking to two people he can still do a good job of selling you whatever he thinks you want to hear But there were seven chiefs in that roomrsquordquoBreaking through the wall

Thompson held his own in the beginning Hubbard said and started with apologies and accepting responsibility for his actions but then the chiefs broke through his wall

ldquoThe end of it happened very quicklyrdquo Hubbard said with tears running down her cheeks ldquoYou could see him starting to get frustrated One chief asked him lsquoPetty Officer Thompson is there anything you actually do care aboutrsquo and another chief asked him lsquoAre you thinking about hurting yourselfrsquo

Thompson said he cried and finally admitted he needed help

ldquoThe chiefs gave me my life back and Irsquom just now learning how to live it really live it with purpose and clarity possibility and hoperdquo he said

ldquoThe intervention didnrsquot save Thompsonrsquos liferdquo Banks said ldquoWhat saved himrdquo he added ldquowas his admission that he needed helprdquo

ldquoIrsquom thankful that Thompson was courageous enough on the day of that conversation that he had with us chiefs to admit that he really did have a problemrdquo Banks said ldquoThat is what saved his life It wasnrsquot what any of us did He let his wall down at that moment and said lsquoYes I need some helprsquo That was one hell of a display of courage in my opinion As sharp as he was as professional as he was as smart as he was and as squared-away as he was on the job at that moment he needed to take that wall down and ask for help and he stepped up And for that he will have my respect [forever]rdquo

Thompson agreed ldquoI saved my life that dayrdquo he said ldquoI had a ride to Bethesda and thatrsquos when it really started I was relieved There was no reason to lie to myself or anybody else anymorerdquoHelp is always available Contact the Military Crisis

Line at 1-800-273-8255 (option 1) visit here or text 838255 Itrsquos free easy and confidential and trained professionals are there for you 24 hours a day 365 days a yearFor service members and their family members

seeking non-crisis support visit Vets 4 Warriors here

Each image represents a link to an official or officially sponsored military friendly source for getting the help you or a loved one may need Please do not hesiate to reach out Support for families of service members who

have lost their lives to suicide contact the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors a 247 tragedy assistance resource at 1-800-959-8277For more information on suicide prevention and

what you can do to help please click the here and here

9

you If hersquos talking to two people he can still do a good job of selling you whatever he thinks you want to hear But there were seven chiefs in that roomrsquordquoBreaking through the wall

Thompson held his own in the beginning Hubbard said and started with apologies and accepting responsibility for his actions but then the chiefs broke through his wall

ldquoThe end of it happened very quicklyrdquo Hubbard said with tears running down her cheeks ldquoYou could see him starting to get frustrated One chief asked him lsquoPetty Officer Thompson is there anything you actually do care aboutrsquo and another chief asked him lsquoAre you thinking about hurting yourselfrsquo

Thompson said he cried and finally admitted he needed help

ldquoThe chiefs gave me my life back and Irsquom just now learning how to live it really live it with purpose and clarity possibility and hoperdquo he said

ldquoThe intervention didnrsquot save Thompsonrsquos liferdquo Banks said ldquoWhat saved himrdquo he added ldquowas his admission that he needed helprdquo

ldquoIrsquom thankful that Thompson was courageous enough on the day of that conversation that he had with us chiefs to admit that he really did have a problemrdquo Banks said ldquoThat is what saved his life It wasnrsquot what any of us did He let his wall down at that moment and said lsquoYes I need some helprsquo That was one hell of a display of courage in my opinion As sharp as he was as professional as he was as smart as he was and as squared-away as he was on the job at that moment he needed to take that wall down and ask for help and he stepped up And for that he will have my respect [forever]rdquo

Thompson agreed ldquoI saved my life that dayrdquo he said ldquoI had a ride to Bethesda and thatrsquos when it really started I was relieved There was no reason to lie to myself or anybody else anymorerdquoHelp is always available Contact the Military Crisis

Line at 1-800-273-8255 (option 1) visit here or text 838255 Itrsquos free easy and confidential and trained professionals are there for you 24 hours a day 365 days a yearFor service members and their family members

seeking non-crisis support visit Vets 4 Warriors here

Each image represents a link to an official or officially sponsored military friendly source for getting the help you or a loved one may need Please do not hesiate to reach out Support for families of service members who

have lost their lives to suicide contact the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors a 247 tragedy assistance resource at 1-800-959-8277For more information on suicide prevention and

what you can do to help please click the here and here

AIMDAT2 Bradley

AS2 Carrillo-Alvarado AS2 Carrillo

AD1 ChuaAM2 Davidson

AT3 JohnsonAT1 Keese AM2 Lee

AS2 LoaizaPR3 Paguirigan

AT2 PraterAS2 Regondola

ATAN Robinson

NAFAYN2 Beswick Capt Bushey

MA2 MackYN2 Ochoa

Mr Samuelson

NAVSUPABF2 Lumawag

PSD PS2 Cantrell

Branch Health ClinicHN Hall

HM3 Santiago

CFAF CPRFAM3 Castillo AD1 Rosales AD2 Rosario

CNATT Det AtsugiAD1 CarrilloAT1 Damm

ETC LoveATCS Rexroth

CVW-5PR1 Huricks

HSM-51Lt Lawson AZ2 Mack

VAQ - 141AME1 Bulan

AZ3 Feliz-Ramirez AM1 Mey

AZ2 Skinner

VFA - 27YN2 Allen

AME1 ArmstrongAT1 Brummerstedt

AE2 CrawfordAO1 Delacruz

AT2 FeurerAD3 Groissl

AO2 Husbands AO3 Jamilla

AOAN MitchellAZ2 Palmer

AME2 RuizeAT2 SchipperAM3 ShoamAO2 Smith

AM1 Tamayo LS2 Toure

VRC-30 Det 5AMC Clark

LS1 CruzAME1 HallLS2 Medina

AEAN Salome AZ2 York

LS2 Zagala

NAF Atsugi December and January Yamato Station Clean - Up Volunteers

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Photo by MC1 Barry A Riley

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Ranger amp Halsey Gym Hours

Sunday amp Saturday7 am - 9 pm

Monday - Friday5 am - 9 pm

Liberty CenterHours

Sunday amp Thursday11 am - 11 pm

Friday - Saturday11 am - Midnight

Come on out Sat Feb 28 at 10 am in Ranger Gym for a speed stacking challenge Sign-ups are free for ages 5-18mdashvisit the CYP Central Registration office in building 3250 or call 264-3588 with questions The event will feature 3-3-33-6-3cycle a team of four timed relay and a parent double There will be awards for three stackers and the overall tournament best time

Kanto Plain Youth Stack

Come to Skymasters Lounge on Tuesday evenings to enjoy Huddle Menu specials draft beer and Monday Night Football 6 - 9 pm

Replay Tuesdays

Be a part of a championship team Bowl six games on two of the above days to qualify as a base team member All active duty personnel are invited to participate in this fun and competitive opportunity Call 264-3790 with any questions

Join the Atsugi Bowling Team

Rosters are due Fri Jan 30 with the coachs meeting being held Tue Feb 3 1130 am at Ranger Gym All games are going to be held Sat Feb 7 at Ranger Gym Please call 264 - 3619 for any questions

Captainrsquos Cup Racquetball

Begining Thur Jan 22 at Halsey Gym BodyPump classes will start at 515 - 615 pm Followed by the BodyCombat class at 630 - 730 pmJoin us as we change things up and

continue breaking a sweat with these two great Les Mills classes Participation is free For questions or more information please call 264 - 3619

Les Mills Relaunch

Every Wednesday in January from 5 - 6 pm at the Ranger Indoor Pool Training for an event Or just need help with a certain stroke Stop by the pool for some help with one or all of your swim strokes

January Swim Clinic

NAF Atsugi Tours office is looking for enthusiastic well-experienced Japan tour guides Call 264-3786 or stop by our offices located in Bldg 978 for more info on how to sign up today

Wanted Tour Guides

Wed Jan 28 6 pm Liberty Center

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Ranger amp Halsey Gym Hours

Sunday amp Saturday7 am - 9 pm

Monday - Friday5 am - 9 pm

Liberty CenterHours

Sunday amp Thursday11 am - 11 pm

Friday - Saturday11 am - Midnight

Come on out Sat Feb 28 at 10 am in Ranger Gym for a speed stacking challenge Sign-ups are free for ages 5-18mdashvisit the CYP Central Registration office in building 3250 or call 264-3588 with questions The event will feature 3-3-33-6-3cycle a team of four timed relay and a parent double There will be awards for three stackers and the overall tournament best time

Kanto Plain Youth Stack

Come to Skymasters Lounge on Tuesday evenings to enjoy Huddle Menu specials draft beer and Monday Night Football 6 - 9 pm

Replay Tuesdays

Be a part of a championship team Bowl six games on two of the above days to qualify as a base team member All active duty personnel are invited to participate in this fun and competitive opportunity Call 264-3790 with any questions

Join the Atsugi Bowling Team

Rosters are due Fri Jan 30 with the coachs meeting being held Tue Feb 3 1130 am at Ranger Gym All games are going to be held Sat Feb 7 at Ranger Gym Please call 264 - 3619 for any questions

Captainrsquos Cup Racquetball

Begining Thur Jan 22 at Halsey Gym BodyPump classes will start at 515 - 615 pm Followed by the BodyCombat class at 630 - 730 pmJoin us as we change things up and

continue breaking a sweat with these two great Les Mills classes Participation is free For questions or more information please call 264 - 3619

Les Mills Relaunch

Every Wednesday in January from 5 - 6 pm at the Ranger Indoor Pool Training for an event Or just need help with a certain stroke Stop by the pool for some help with one or all of your swim strokes

January Swim Clinic

NAF Atsugi Tours office is looking for enthusiastic well-experienced Japan tour guides Call 264-3786 or stop by our offices located in Bldg 978 for more info on how to sign up today

Wanted Tour Guides

Wed Jan 28 6 pm Liberty Center

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