This Reserve Force Weekly, Force 14, discusses the latest news from the desk of Reserve Force Master Chief Wheeler.

1. FORCE 14 – 10 May 2013
From the Desk of the Reserve FORCE Master Chief:
Good Day Shipmates,
I hope your weekend will be productive and enjoyable. Speaking of enjoyable, I
have been traveling to some of our great NOSCs recently, NOSC Bessemer
Alabama, NOSC New York (yes New York City), and NOSC San Antonio Texas. The
major take away for me was this; we have Great Sailors everywhere! Everyone I
spoke with told me the same thing, “I just want to serve my country.” I also
learned that we all share the same problems or issues. This is important to know
because sometimes we can feel that it is just “my issue” but, we all share the
same cares and worries no matter what part of the country we come from. Thank
you to everyone who shared their problems with me, I take them back and go to
work on getting them fixed. If I have not been to your NOSC yet, just call,
together we can get to work on making our Reserve Force better. Thanks for all
you do!
10 May 2013 is Military Spouse Appreciation Day/12 May 2013 is Mother’s Day.
Please don’t forget to say Thank-You to all the Mothers and Spouses as we
celebrate Mothers Day and Spouse Appreciation Day. They provide our families
with unconditional love and support while we serve our country and Navy.
Our Sailors Out and about (May):
- 1 May: NOSC El Paso, TX Commanding Officer, Michael Newman attended Santa
Teresa High School NJROTC Annual Awards Ceremony.
- 1 May: NOSC West Palm Beach, FL Sailors attended the American Legion
reception and dinner.
- 2 May: NOSC Augusta, GA staff facilitated a Field Day at Copeland Elementary
School.
- 2 May: RCC SE Sailors volunteered at Bayview Elementary School during a play
day.
- 3-5 May: RMARCC hosted a RWW in Pittsburgh, PA.
- 3 May: RCC SE Sailors volunteered setting up for the Fleming Island Relay for
Life, to benefit cancer research.
- 3 May: NOSC Austin, TX Sailors participated in a military themed field day at
Caldwell Elementary School.
- 3 May: NOSC West Palm Beach, FL Sailors participated in the Take a Hero fishing
tournament as part of Fleet Week Port Everglades.
- 4 May: NOSC West Palm Beach, FL entered a team into Galley Wars, an annual
"Iron Chef" style cooking competition as part of Fleet Week Port Everglades.
- 4 May: NOSC Greenville, SC volunteered with the Wren High School 5K run.

2. FORCE 14 – 10 May 2013
- 4 May: Sailors from NOSC Spokane, WA Active Duty and SELRES, volunteered to
help with registration check in for the Bloomsday Run in Spokane WA.
- 4 May: Admiral Mike Mullen, USN (RET), was in Independence, MO to receive the
Truman Public Service Award. The ceremony was held at the Truman Presidential
Library. NOSC Kansas City, MO was a recipient of the award last year and
performed the color guard for the event.
- 4 May: NOSC Tulsa, OK coordinated the cleanup and beautification of the USS
Batfish, a historical warship located in the OKC area.
Keep What You’ve Earned:
This past month marked the start of Navy’s Keep What You’ve Earned campaign,
emphasizing responsible drinking to avoid jeopardizing your Navy career.
Keeping what you’ve earned extends beyond the achievements distinguished by
collar devices or khakis. It extends beyond the pride of knowing that you are a
part of a small and elite group of Americans even eligible for Naval service.
Keeping what you’ve earned applies to the friendships you’ve cultivated over the
years, the family you’ve built and nurtured, and life as you know it.
Success rarely comes without struggle—or stress. A drink after a long day’s work
may seem to ease your mind, but if excessive drinking is used as a response to
operational stress, disrupted sleep or the pressures of family life, the things that
seem like small problems may intensify. This is particularly true for those who are
working through depression or psychological issues. Using alcohol to ease stress
will inevitably add to it. For many, endangering your health and endangering your
Navy career can also mean placing a strain on the relationships with your loved
ones, and a declining focus on your responsibilities. Put those ingredients
in a martini shaker and you’ll end up with a cocktail of suicide risk factors.
According to research by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration, substance abuse is one of the biggest risk factors for suicide
related behaviors. On average, about 33% of Navy suicides involve alcohol. It
impairs judgment and increases impulsivity, leading to the perception that life’s
stressors and challenges are unconquerable. Even if a solution doesn’t seem
visible, getting help can make a difference and save a life. Sailors are some of the
most skilled problem solvers there are, and that well-deserved reputation has
been earned through dedication, strength and resilience. Seeking help is a sign of
strength, and finding effective ways to navigate stress and drink responsibly can
help you Keep What You’ve Earned. For more information, please visit:
http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-
npc/support/nadap/campaign_events/drinkresponsibly/Pages/default.aspx
Remember, You Matter, Make a positive impact in someone's life today!