The White Falcon - 20.08.1993, Blaðsíða 5

‘Future leaders’ meet with RADM Haskins
it. ^
-'jy.

Af a recent E4/E5 luncheon, RADM Haskins and his wife field questions.
Story and photo by
J02 Carlos Bongioanni
Members of the E4/E5 association recently
met with RADM Michael D. Haskins, Com-
mander, Iceland Defense Force, to discuss
issues related to the enlisted community.
■Haskins, along with his wife Joanne, spent
Bie afternoon getting acquainted with the
organization’s members, while listening to
their concerns and comments.
“I’m proud of the E4/E5 association,”
remarked Haskins. “When I look at the group ’ s
members, I see the future leaders of our
military. The organization is worthwhile
because the members are getting involved in
the community. They’re working to make
life here better, thus improving morale. Noth-
ing pleases me more than to be with the
troops and talk about their concerns.”
The association is now in its fourth month
of existence and is looking forward to a
productive future. SrA. Peggi Gehling has
been a part of the group since its beginning
and say s, “It behooves the E4 and E5 commu-
nity to get involved because it only adds to
their professional development.
“The group also enhances relations be-
tween the different services. This is my first
time on a base with Navy personnel, so I need
to know how the Navy does things. The
members from the other services have taught
me a lot about Navy policies.” Gehling added
that the building of camaraderie has been an
important aspect of the group as well.
The E4/E5 association meets every first
and third Wednesday of each month. They
are currently planning a dance for the return-
ing A. T. Mahan High School students.
Anyone interested in joining can call QM2
Marion at ext. 2538 for more information.
NAVCAD program brings quick results for
aviation officers
By J02 Carlos Bongioanni
^^By
^^^Kcad
It’s not often an officer with the rank of lieutenant junior grade
becomes a designated plane commander. But then, LTJG Chuck
Taylor of Patrol Squadron FORTY -NINE is an officer cut from a dif-
ferent mold.
Coming into the Navy as a Naval Aviation Cadet (NAVCAD),
Taylor was able to accomplish as an 0-2 what normally is done at the
0-3 level.
In March of 1989, T ay lor began his NAVCAD program by entering
the 14-week Aviation Officer Candidate School (AOCS) which he
said was designed to weed out the majority of the class. (Only 100
NAVCADs a year are selected when the program is open. 60 percent
fail out of the AOCS.) After successfully making it through AOCS,
he started a one and a half year flight program.
By having his flight training completed first, Taylor advanced
elf ahead of his aviation peers who had joined the Naval
.cademy, because they were first working on their degrees.
At the completion of the flight program in November 1990, Taylor
became an ensign in the U.S. Navy. He completed all his require-
ments for plane commander as an Ensign, and after picking up LTJG
in November of last year, he was
subsequently designated as a Patrol
Plane Commander.
During his stay in Keflavfk, Taylor
further distinquished himself by
completing the rest of his college
requirements for a bachelor’s degree.
Ironically, Taylor was not always
the successful person he is now. At a
crucial point in his life, while in col-
lege before becoming a NAVCAD,
Taylor found himself on academic
probation. His chances of earning a
college degree looked pretty slim. Taylor poised on the run-
“At that point,” recalled Taylor, “I way. (Photo by PH2 David
gave my life to the Lord and became Difuntorum, VP-49)
a Christian. Suddenly, my whole per-
spective on life changed. Instead of following the destructive lifestyle
I was on, I had a new desire to do the best I could in every aspect of
my life.”
Taylor also added he was highly appreciative of VP-49 for making
it possible for him to earn his degree.
August 20,1993
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