JOANN’s newest store in Rancho Cucamonga, California recently celebrated its Grand Opening weekend! The new, 35,000-square-foot store showcases the latest JOANN branding, broadest category assortment, and experience for customers – the team couldn’t be more thrilled to open the doors of creativity to this community.

Customers couldn’t wait to get inside and shop the new JOANN, and more than 125 waited patiently for the 9am official opening on Friday, 8/9. Those in attendance enjoyed special offers, gift cards, and swag for joining the celebration.

The Rancho JOANN location will be partnered with a local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital and Kids in Need Foundation organization, who will enjoy monetary and product donations throughout the year.

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerry Jimenez, Navy Office of Community Outreach
YOKOSUKA, JAPAN – Petty Officer 3rd Class Marisol Arreola, a native of Rancho Cucamonga, California, serves the U.S. Navy in Japan.

Arreola graduated from Rancho Cucamonga High School in 2007.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are like those found in Rancho Cucamonga.

“My hometown has a small-town feel, and I learned the importance of being good to people,” said Arreola. “This has helped me in the Navy because the Navy’s values reflect small-town America. It’s very family minded.”

Arreola joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Arreola serves as a musician.

“During COVID times, I was teaching music online and working on my master’s degree in voice pedagogy online,” said Arreola. “I joined the Navy because I was motivated to get out there and travel and perform outside the U.S.”

According to Navy officials, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka empowers forward-deployed U.S. and Allied Forces while providing superior support to military members and their families.

Arreola serves in Japan as part of the forward-deployed naval forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Arreola has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am proud of being selected as Blue Jacket of the Year,” said Arreola.

Arreola can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means performing the same show as I would for a vice admiral as I would for a kid in Thailand,” said Arreola. “It’s giving the best American show we can give because they deserve the best equally.”

Arreola is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my sister who is a dentist in the Navy,” added Arreola. “She was also stationed in Japan and she encouraged me to explore the option of being a Navy musician.”

By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, TN. – A native of Rancho Cucamonga, California, recently completed an intensive 10-week training program to become a member of the elite U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.

Seaman Vicktor Flores, a 2013 Chaffey High School graduate, joined the Navy six months ago. Today, Flores serves as a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman.

“I joined the Navy to serve my country after being influenced by my family’s commitment of service,” said Flores.

Established in 1931, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard is the official honor guard of the U.S. Navy and is based at Naval District Washington Anacostia Annex in Washington, D.C.

According to Navy officials, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard’s primary mission is to represent the service in Presidential, Joint Armed Forces, Navy, and public ceremonies in and around the nation’s capital. Members of the Navy Ceremonial Guard participate in some of our nation’s most prestigious ceremonies, including Presidential inaugurations and arrival ceremonies for foreign officials.

“The biggest thing I’ve learned from being in the Navy is leadership,” said Flores.

Sailors of the Ceremonial Guard are hand selected while they are attending boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. Strict military order and discipline, combined with teamwork, allow the Ceremonial Guard to fulfill their responsibilities with pride and determination. They are experts in the art of close order drill, coordination and timing.

The Ceremonial Guard is comprised of the drill team, color guard, casket bearers and firing party.

“I enjoy serving at my current command because I am able to execute ceremonies and missions that very few are fortunate to do in the Navy,” said Flores.

There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers.

“I am proud of taking the first step of joining the military, and proud of the fact that I was chosen to be a Ceremonial Guardsman,” said Flores.

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Flores, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“Serving in the Navy means protecting my family, loved ones and the people that came before me to serve and defend our Constitution,” added Flores.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece—Angela Buenrostro, a native of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., is a program assistant for the Fleet & Family Support Center at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece. . Prior to joining Team Souda in January 2021, Buenrostro was a developmental specialist where she worked with children, aged newborn to 3 years old, and supervised a team of other developmental specialists. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology.

What do you do at NSA Souda Bay? 

At NSA Souda Bay I am the Program Assistant for Fleet & Family Support Center. In this role I work alongside the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate where I provide training to our Sailors and base community and assist with scheduling appointments for counseling.

Why do you feel your work is important to the mission?

Fleet & Family Support Center is essential for mission readiness to assist and meet the obligations and challenges of our Navy Sailors, families and civilians. Our services help with family readiness that may affect job satisfaction, job performance and personnel retention.

Why did you want to work at NSA Souda Bay? 

My husband and I moved to Greece when he got a job as a base firefighter. In doing so, I’ve had to put my own career on hold in support of his. When the opportunity arose, however, I wanted to challenge myself by working with a different type of community. Even though I’m not prior military I enjoy helping people, and I wanted to learn about the military lifestyle and assist in helping our active-duty military and their families with my skills.

When not at work, what are you doing? 

On my off days, I enjoy hanging out with my husband and two dogs. I have a Golden Retriever named Ollie who is obsessed with the ball and all he wants to do is play fetch. I also have a Dalmatian named Halligan, who loves to play tug-o-war. In addition, I enjoy crocheting blankets, outfits and stuffed animals. Lastly, I spend my free time exploring the island and reading books.

What is something you have enjoyed about living in Greece? 

Something I enjoy about living in Greece is the friendly culture of Crete, the nature and the amazing food the island has to offer. It is my first time living overseas and the people I have met have made me feel welcomed and part of the community.

What is something you have found interesting about Greece since living here? 

Something I have found surprising about Greece is that their language has some similarities to my Mexican culture. Certain words and pronunciations are alike. Another interesting thing is that on Sundays it is family day and most of the stores are closed to honor that.

What would you like Team Souda to know about your work?

I am the first face you will encounter when walking in to Fleet & Family Support Center and I am always willing to help in any way that I can. Everyone is welcomed to come in, we are never the wrong door. We currently a two-team crew, but we try our hardest to ensure every Team Souda member who requires our services receives the best support for mission readiness. We are located on the ground floor of Building 11 and you can also reach us at 314-266-1688. We always have our doors open for you and your family.

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA—A little more than a year ago, in August 2021, 11 United States Marines, a Fleet Marine Force Navy corpsman and a United States Army soldier, and more than 90 Afghans lost their lives during a suicide bombing attack at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan as people tried to flee the Taliban takeover. One of the U.S. troops who lost their lives in performance of their duty was 21-year-old Lance Cpl. Merola, who grew up in Rancho Cucamonga and attended Los Osos High School. Reports of his burial stated that speakers remembered him as “larger than life, a man who was mature beyond his years” and a young man with a huge smile.

On Friday, October 28, family members, friends, and Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-Highland) gathered together to remember the young Marine’s life and celebrate passage of ACR 139 which will honor his sacrifice by renaming the Haven Avenue overcrossing on Interstate 210 in San Bernardino County in his memory. It is an overcrossing his family frequently travels.

Merola joined the Marines after graduation in 2019 although he officially committed to joining the service branch in 2018. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division Expeditionary Force out of Camp Pendleton. Merola was deployed in Kabul for less than two weeks before the tragic attack that took his life at the Hamid Karazai International Airport. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA—-Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Temani Wallace, left, from Houston, and Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Marvin Barrett, from Rancho Cucamonga, California, move food in the hangar bay of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), during a replenishment-at-sea with USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) and USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5), June 17, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

By Darwin Lam, Officer Training Command Newport Public Affairs

NEWPORT, R.I. – The first woman warrant officer to complete Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Officer Training Command, Newport (OTCN) was selected to be part of the Navy’s first Aerial Vehicle Operators (AVO) with designator 737X, Feb. 18.

Warrant Officer 1 Josia Pagler, a native Rancho Cucamonga, California, enlisted in the Navy in 2019 and previously served as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida.

“I was originally interested in being an aviation electrician’s mate for the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS) during A-school,” said Pagler. “Lt. Daniel Robinson, my division officer and assistant maintenance officer at HSM 70, really pushed me to apply for the AVO program when he knew I already had a college degree.”

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration from California State University Long Beach in 2016.

In December 2020, the Navy announced a new warrant officer specialty designator whose job will be to operate carrier-based MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial vehicles, which are expected to start appearing in fleet carrier air wings in 2024, according to a Navy news release.

In order for warrant officers to operate the MQ-25 Stingray, the first carrier based unmanned aerial vehicle in the Navy, the Secretary of the Navy approved the establishment of the AVO warrant officer designator in NAVADMIN 315/20.

“It’s awesome any time a woman can blaze a new trail in any new program or community,” said Lt. Kyrie Slade, MH-60S Seahawk pilot and the OCS lead class officer. “It proves that we can be as resilient, smart, and tough as our men counterparts.”

Slade said she was the only female during her primary selection class out of 22 students.

“My last squadron was 30 pilots and we had anywhere from two-six female pilots onboard during my three years there,” said Slade.

The gravity of being the first woman warrant officer to complete OCS is still solidifying for Pagler.

“I honestly haven’t wrapped my mind around being the first of anything, however, I want to tell others to not hold yourselves back for going for something you want. Don’t be intimidated in a community where the majority are men,” emphasized Pagler.

Headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island, OTCN oversees Officer Candidate School, Officer Development School and the Limited Duty Officer/Chief Warrant Officer Academy.

OTCN morally, mentally and physically develops future leaders of character and competence – imbuing them with the highest ideals of honor, courage and commitment in order to serve as professional naval officers worthy of special trust and confidence.

For more information about OTCN, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/NSTC/OTCN.

EAST CHINA SEA (Oct. 27, 2021) Sonar Technician Seaman Triniti Vild, from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., writes an entry in the sonar control log aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105). Dewey is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin Stack)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Maxwell Higgins, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) – A Rancho Cucamonga, California, Sailor was serving as an aviation maintenance technician aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) on Aviation Maintenance Technician Day, May 24.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Julia Carrasco reported to the “Knighthawks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136’s airframes division in August 2018 as an Aviation Structural Mechanic.

Aircraft carrier flight operations would not be possible without the aircraft maintainers that work around the clock to make sure the aircraft are mission ready.

“My job means not only maintaining the aircraft itself but the pilot’s and crew’s life,” said Carrasco.

A maintainer must be properly qualified due to the complexity and safety-of-flight related equipment they work on. Each maintainer undergoes specific technical training that pertains to their assigned rating before they are allowed to start working on aircraft or equipment.

“I maintain all hydraulic and structural components of F/A-18s, including the landing gear, tires and tale hooks,” said Carrasco.

Within the Navy, maintainers can work in a variety of different places and with a wide range of people.

“Seeing how we as team are constantly improving and getting better is really amazing,” said Carrasco. I really enjoy swapping out tires. For the most part, it’s like changing a tire on a car. A car that that flies through air at hundreds of miles per hour.”

The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) remains at sea in the Atlantic as a certified carrier strike group force ready for tasking in order to protect the crew from the risks posed by COVID-19, following their successful deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. Keeping HSTCSG at sea in U.S. 2nd Fleet, in the sustainment phase of OFRP, allows the ship to maintain a high level of readiness during the global COVID-19 pandemic

For more news from Truman, visit www.navy.mil/local.cvn75/, www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

By Renea Wickman

Last Tuesday, the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches held a community forum with the San Bernardino County Public Defender and District Attorney’s office. The topic of discussion was the diversion program for non-violent misdemeanor offenders. It was implemented as an effort to reduce the case loads of misdemeanors by upwards as 25 percent.

The diversion programs is a four month program at a cost of $400 run by the private company Corrective Solutions. To qualify for the program you must be charged with a misdemeanor, have no prior record, live in Rancho Cucamonga, pay $400 for the Corrective Solutions program and volunteer for the program.  The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved the program last month.

The issue that concerned the African American community included a number of things. The issues at hand are the program’s cost of $400 run by a private corporation; other possible costs could be incurred for drug testing, alcohol and drug classes, anger management classes and other classes if suggested by the Judge, DA or Public Defender to complete the program.  The DA says the cost of $400 to low income families is on a sliding scale, but not the additional classes that may be required. In addition, concerns that the program only applies to Rancho Cucamonga residents and those who have no prior criminal record were also raised because the African American community has a disproportionate number of community members with prior convictions. The DA also mentioned that it is at the discretion of the DA and Public Defender if a person with a non violent record can be allowed to voluntarily enter the program. For this reason the concern was that fair discretion is rarely given to an African American in the criminal court system. Lastly, the concern was that the community members of the City of San Bernardino would best benefit from such a program. However, the DA stated that Rancho Cucamonga had the most misdemeanors of any city in San Bernardino County. The IECAAC asked the Public Defender and District Attorney’s representatives to include racial stats of all qualified cited individuals weather they volunteered for the program or not.

If the program is completed the individual would not have any record of the charge what so ever on their record. The DA added that the program is a pilot program and reviewed every six months and will last 3 years. If you have more questions or concerns about the Diversion Program you can contact the San Bernardino County Public Defender and District Attorney’s Offices.