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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.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- On Friday, March 4, 2022, the Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire will be hosting the First Friday’s Business and Social Mixer at 6:30 p.m. at Fourth Sector Innovations located at 404 N. Euclid Avenue in Ontario. There will be appetizers, raffles, and the admission is FREE. Business sponsors include: Fourth Sector Innovations, EVOLV, San Bernardino County, and Startempire WIRE. For more information, please visit www.bccinlandempire.com.

RIVERSIDE, CA— The Society of Extraordinary Women [SOEW] is hosting their Second Annual Leadership Awards Gala.  This spectacular event will recognize and honor community members who have displayed stellar leadership and excellence within the community of Riverside.

Through years of philanthropic and humanitarian advocacy, Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds, Ph.D will receive the Humanitarian of the Year award.   Recipients of the Community Involvement award will be given to Rose Mays, Esther Portillo, Yvette Hickman Wilkerson, who will also receive the Entrepreneurship award.  Additionally, April Sanders is the recipient of both Community Involvement and the Technology award.

Other recipients include, Michael Moore, Fire Chief of Riverside, who will receive the Community Leadership award along with Dr. Deborah Deas, who will also receive the Education award.  Special Guest, Gigi Coleman, who is the great-niece of Bessie Coleman, the first African American aviator.  Coleman will be presenting a special presentation and reenactment of the Bessie Coleman Experience.

The Keynote speaker for this special event is Dr. Tim Gramling, Dean of the School of Business and Assistant Professor at California Baptist University.  Recording artists Terri Mayes will be featured as the Entertainment for the event.

Shirley Coates, founder of Society Of Extraordinary Women, is committed to mentoring young women and girls, helping them to achieve their goals in every aspect of their lives.

SOEW’s premier program is the Ignite Leadership & STEM Academy for girls and young women. This program provides specific skills that support personal and academic success. The skills taught in the program enhances the development of the total person. Their leadership module focuses on esteem building, team building, goal setting, social and cyber etiquette, financial literacy, community engagement, and preparation for college and careers. Through a collaboration with the Mapping Black California Initiative, and Esri, (a leader in GIS technology worldwide), the Ignite Leadership & Stem Academy, are able to provide a comprehensive program in coding, community mapping and spatial analytics. Extra curriculum activities include performing arts, film, and aviation. This comprehensive curriculum is designed to encourage and ignite the passion for lifelong learning and personal growth.

The theme is Achievement, Empowerment, and Giving Back. The event will take place at the Victoria Country Club, located at 2521 Arroyo Drive, Riverside, California, 92506, on Sunday, March 6th, 2022, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Register for the event or to make a donation at www.soew.org.

Society of Extraordinary Women, a non-profit organization, is a group of dedicated professionals committed to making a difference in the lives of young girls and making a positive impact in our community.

PASADENA, CA— The Pasadena Sports Hall of Fame (PASHOF) inducted Former NFL San Francisco 49er Ed Blount into the 2018-2019 Induction Class, “The Champions Heart” for his work as a Quarterback at Blair High School class of 1982 and Washington State University class of 1986, before going free agent with the 49ers.

The ceremony took place on Friday, February 25, 2022 at the prestigious 1922 Locker Room – Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. Additional inductees included Chris Kinard (PHS/Badminton), Kenny Edwards (Community), Chris McAlister (PHS/Football), Stacy L. Harvey (PHS/Football), Tom Hamilton (PHS/Coaching), Arthur Large (PHS/Coaching), Mel Clipper (MUIR/TNF), Reed Olmstead (BLAIR/Baseball), George Tucker (PHS/Basketball), Toi McCoy (Community), and Vaughn Simmons (PHS/Football).

Blount is a Washington State University Sports Management graduate. He is Founder & CEO of FAST5 USA Inc. a sports-tech, media and entertainment crowdfund platform designed to aggregate fans, investors and influencers for the purpose of investing in pro football franchise teams. FAST5 USA will soon premier their 5v5 Pro Football League Tryout Auditions. For more details about the organization visit www.fast5.us.

San Bernardino, CA. – San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. is encouraging members of our community to volunteer at the 2022 Point-in-Time Count (PITC) that will take place on February 24th, 2022, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. The County of San Bernardino 2022 Point in Time Count of sheltered and unsheltered persons and families is a one-day street-based and service-based count and subpopulation survey of individuals to identify how many people in San Bernardino County are homeless and knowledge on their subpopulation characteristics on a given day.

“We must all come together and fight the problem of homelessness in our community head on. This is the first time since the pandemic occurred that this event has resumed, and the accuracy of the Point-in-Time count is crucial for district funding. Results of the Homeless Count and Subpopulation Survey will provide the County and local cities with benchmark numbers that will serve as the basis for developing local community and countywide strategies to help people exit life on the streets and by which the success of our efforts to provide effective programs serving homeless individuals and families can be measured. I will see you all bright and early on February 24th to take my part in the count!” -Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.

To sign up please go online to:

https://wp.sbcounty.gov/dbh/sbchp/community-projects/point-in-time-count/pitc-registration/

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Less than seven months after the County’s Community Revitalization effort got underway, solid progress is being made on several fronts toward addressing homelessness and creating additional affordable housing opportunities throughout the county.

“Making an impact on homelessness and ensuring the county has an adequate supply of affordable housing options is key to not only assisting those who need a helping hand but to growing our local economy and improving the quality life for all county residents,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “That’s why my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors and I are committed to investing in, and ensuring the success of, the County’s Community Revitalization effort.”

In June, working at the direction of the Board of Supervisors, County Chief Executive Officer Leonard X. Hernandez assigned an executive-level position to focus full-time on strategic and continuous efforts addressing homelessness in communities across the county. The move was intended to place a concerted focus on the Homeless Strategic Plan and align the homeless population’s health and housing needs to the services provided by the county and its partners.

The effort includes the County Community Development and Housing Department and the County Office of Homeless Services in partnership with several other County departments and offices that have a role in addressing homelessness. The emphasis is on moving quickly and taking advantage of key services while implementing new solutions.

“The team is hard at work developing a strategic plan for homelessness that identifies key metrics and outcomes,” said Deputy Executive Officer Supriya Barrows, who is leading the Community Revitalization effort following the retirement of Assistant Executive Officer CaSonya Thomas after more than 30 years of county service in numerous health and human services roles.

Barrows formerly spearheaded and currently chairs the San Bernardino County Community Vital Signs Initiative Implementation Committee. The Community Vital Signs Initiative operationalizes the Wellness Element of the Countywide Vision.

“In partnership with several community organizations and county departments – including the Sheriff, Behavioral Health, Aging and Adult Services, Public Health, and Probation – we intend to build on the successes achieved by the pandemic-inspired Project Roomkey and Project Homekey and make serious progress toward addressing homelessness throughout San Bernardino County,” Barrows said.

Carmen Marie Jackson departed from this world on January 31, 2022, in Fontana, California.

Carmen was born in 1959 to parents Rosemarie and William Thomas. She spent her early childhood in Newton, Kansas. After her parent’s divorce and the marriage of her mother to AME minister Charles Foster, the family moved to California. After graduating from high school in San Bernardino, Carmen attended DeVry University in Phoenix, AZ. There she met and married Robert Jackson. The couple moved back to California and produced her only child, Robert Jr.

Carmen had a distinguished career in the computer and logistics industries.  She managed and mentored diverse employees at top companies in the Silicon Valley. Later in life, she moved back to San Bernardino to focus on her health, the AME church, and mentoring small businesses. Carmen loved family, friends, softball, playing cards, politics, games of “chance”, and just having a good time!

She is survived by her beloved son, Robert Jr. and his wife Eboni; husband Robert; sisters Cynthia and Gina; nieces Aminah and Alexa; and grand-nephew Makhi.  She is loved by many and is preceded in death by her loving mother Rosemarie and father William.

There will be a service to celebrate her life on Saturday, February 19, at 2 p.m. in Atlanta, GA, at H.M. Patterson, 4550 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA 30319.  To honor her, flowers can be sent to the aforementioned address.  The service will also be available remotely. For additional details, contact Robert Jackson at (678) 216-5698 or robertjacksonl.jr@gmail.com.

By Petty Officer 1st Class Patricia Rodriguez, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Seaman Kayla Montes, a native of Upland, California, serves the U.S. Navy aboard one of the world’s largest warships, the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

Bush was commissioned in 2009 and is completing a pre-deployment work up cycle.

“Our Sailors’ hard work to return George Herbert Walker Bush to the operational fleet in 2021 was exemplary,” said Capt. Robert Aguilar, GHWB commanding officer. “They represent the best principles of service to the mission and the nation that our namesake, President George H.W. Bush, embodied.”

Montes joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Montes serves as a hospitalman.

“I have family that served in the Navy,” said Montes. “They always talked about how amazing it was and how it changed their lives. When I joined, I wanted a job that I knew would help others and hospital corpsman was a great match for me.”

Growing up in Upland, Montes attended Upland High School and graduated in 2018. Today, Montes relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Upland to succeed in the military.

“I learned respect, responsibility, how to help others and how to be part of a community from when I used to coach softball in my hometown,” said Montes.

These lessons have helped Montes while serving in the Navy.

Montes’s service aboard Bush follows the example of the ship’s namesake, the nation’s 41st President, George H.W. Bush. Bush is the only U.S. president to serve as a U.S. Navy aviator. During World War II he flew the TBF Avenger in Torpedo Squadron (VT) 51 and was stationed aboard USS San Jacinto (CVL 30). He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for a daring bombing run over the island of Chichi Jima.

The ship bearing Bush’s name is preparing for deployment amid ongoing strategic competition between the U.S. and its adversaries. In doing so, the ship and its Sailors continue the legacy of service to the nation that U.S. Navy aircraft carriers have provided for 100 years.

Since USS Langley’s (CV 1) commissioning 100 years ago this March 20th, aircraft carriers and their ability to project American power around the globe have been a consistent tool in maintaining and improving U.S. national security interest and the prosperity of the American people.

Sailors aboard USS George H.W. Bush, like Montes, continue to burnish the legacy of the aircraft carrier fleet and naval aviation by providing the national command authority a flexible, tailorable warfighting capability as the flagship of a carrier strike group that maintains maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

Serving in the Navy means Montes is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy protects the sea,” said Montes. “We do humanitarian missions to help provide aid and relief to the world. It’s a very diverse branch that has many capabilities.”

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Montes and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“In Hospital Corpsman Basic, I received the highest grade in my class,” said Montes. “I am really proud of that, I studied every night to get that award. Hopefully that leads to me getting meritoriously promoted to a petty officer third class.”

As Montes and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving means a lot to me,” added Montes. “I’m very proud that I’m able to do this and that I had the opportunity to serve. I feel accomplished. I have a sense of direction. I’m doing good. Even if I’m away for a long time, I know it’s for a good reason. I’m doing it to help others.”For recent information about USS George H.W. Bush and its sailors, head to the command’s Facebook www.facebook.com/ussgeorgehwbush and Instagram www.instagram.com/ghwbcvn77 pages. You can also visit its official webpage at www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn77

REDLANDS, CA—For the Love Me will be hosting a social event for Black women on Sunday, February 27, 2022, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Venue 38 located at 840 Tri City Drive in Redlands, California.

The cultural event is designed to promote self-care, self-love, and self-awareness among Black women. The organization is committed to holding an Exclusive Luxury Event where all vendors and partnerships are owned and operated by Black Women.

This year the discussion will focus on creating practical sleep routines to support mental health. There will be five informational vendors to provide education about their products, services, and classes.

Songbird, Annyette Royale will grace the stage throughout the event. Each participant will receive complimentary signature beverages and appetizers, as well as a Self-Love Set. The set contains a petite sage bundle, rose quartz, ceramic scented beads, eucalyptus shower bundles, body butter, and scrub.

Tickets are $45 and are limited to the first 75 women, so get yours TODAY! Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-for-the-love-of-me-tickets-259062150867.

In the latest NTA BLOG, National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins explains how qualified former foster youth and qualified homeless youth may now be eligible to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

The changes are a provision of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and are only in effect for tax year 2001. The National Foster Youth Institute notes that many children who were in foster care instantly become homeless when they turn 18 and “age out” of the foster care system.

“When foster youth ‘age out’ of the system, they are legally emancipated and are no longer eligible to receive state assistance with housing, food, and medical care under the foster care system,” says Collins.

The NTA has recommended in her 2022 Purple Book of legislative recommendation that Congress permanently expand the age eligibility for EITC to qualified former foster youth or qualified homeless youth that are 18 years old.

Additionally, the NTA warns about potential issues qualified youth may face when claiming the credit, such as a former foster parent claiming the EITC or other tax benefits and cautions about filing paper returns.

Read the full NTA Blog for more important details.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service invites you to share this vital tax information with your audience.