THE NEWSCASTER-Nature Coast News
PAGE 8 - April 20, 2016
Outstanding Sea Cadets
Open Letter to Levy
Earn Citations by local organizations and
Commissioner Mike Joyner
Several cadets of Manatee Division were recognized
their commanding officer, Lieutenant Junior Grade Scott Arnold at their April drill. The
Mr. Joyner
first was League Cadet Nicholas Sikalos, age 12 of Spring Hill, selected as the Manatee Di-
District #3 Commissioner
vision League Cadet of the Year. Throughout the year these younger cadets are evaluated
Levy County, FL
based on their attendance and performance at drills, grades in school, community service
and advancement in the program. LTJG Arnold said "Sikalos' performance was outstand-
Dear Sir:
ing over the past year and he has significantly improved his military bearing, earning him
this coveted honor." When asked what it meant to receive this honor, the cadet explained
"It means a lot. I want to follow in my older brother's footsteps and join the Navy like he
I'm writing this letter to remind you; you didn't even have the courtesy
did last year."
to respond to my inquiry regarding the flooding on and around County
The next awardee was Petty Officer Second Class Bobby Stewart of Dunnellon
Road 40 in Yankeetown, FL during the month of October 2015. At the
who is the unit's Leading Petty Officer. Bobby was recognized for his good citizenship.
time of the flooding incident we were literally wading in raw sewage
He was presented a citation medal and ribbon by Secretary Larry Dean Sturgeon from
the Sons of the American Revolution Withlacoochee Chapter. The Petty Officer stood out
not to mention our main egress route was also, flooded and impassable.
by demonstrating leadership skills, overcoming adversity and participating in community
Further, as of this date I cannot identify anything you, as our District
service. The CO noted, "I have seen this Petty Officer find his voice while leading the
#3 Commissioner, or Levy County has done to mitigate future flooding
cadets through drills and he steps up to make things happen." LTJG Arnold was especially
incidents.
proud to see his son and Chief Petty Officer Cole Arnold, resident of Pasco County earn
two distinguished awards.
The first was presented by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Regent-
Prior to reaching out for your help, I have always believed a specific
Elect Katherine Echlin, Vice Regent-Elect Kim Bennet and Member Suzanne Carvajal
"District Commissioner's" primary focus and responsibility should be to
of the Fort Cooper Chapter attended chapel call with the unit and then presented the high
protect the safety, health and welfare of their constituent's. Fast forward;
school senior with a medal and monetary award. In their presentation, Ms. Echlin noted
as I walk the streets of Yankeetown today as I do every day, I can't help
part of Chief Arnold's successes over the years stating, "he has held positions of Master
but, notice our town right of ways are littered with your campaign signs.
At Arms, Leading Petty Officer and now Chief Petty Officer. He has quite an impressive
bio." They also highlighted his good citizenship and community service.
The second achievement was the Navy League Youth Medal recognizing Chief
Sir, now is the time for me as well as others to exercise their right, not
Arnold as the unit's Sea Cadet of the Year. Chief Arnold demonstrated his "superior per-
to vote for you.
formance of duty" and "dedication and drive to serve the unit". Over the course of the year
Cole attended advanced trainings to earn his SCUBA certification, prepare for ROTC in
Best regards and good luck,
college and staffed a Sea Bee Advanced Combat nine day exercise in the Ocala National
Forest. Chief Arnold has earned the community service ribbon, putting in numerous vol-
unteer hours over the years. He spent two of his Christmas vacations attending Sea Bee
Randy Chubb, Yankeetown
training at Mary Help Christian Center where his battalion constructed exercise equip-
Paid Political Announcement, Paid for and Approved by Randy Chubb, Yankeetown
ment for autistic children and installed a fence around their garden. He has worked at the
Flora City Book fair with the unit, participated in volunteer activities through school, and
the summer before his senior year in high school worked on a milkweed recovery team
through the US Fish and Wildlife Service in north Florida. Chief Arnold has participated
in flag retirement ceremonies at the VFW and has participated in and led color guard cer-
emonies at various venues. Cole will graduate this May from Sunlake High School and
plans to attend Florida State University in the summer with his sights set on a Chemical
Engineering major. He intends on participating in ROTC while in college and then joining
the Navy where he hopes to have a lifelong career. In addition to these annual awards, the
unit recognizes cadets once a quarter for their efforts as well.
Seaman Apprentice Jared Barnes of Inglis earned the citation for the first quarter
he Newscaster
of the year. He turned in course work early, made it through recruit training and has dem-
5093 S. Orwell Pt., Homosassa, Florida 34446
onstrated good military bearing. "Seaman Apprentice Barnes has also participated in our
recentPhone: (352) 489-4588 Fax: (727) 362-4788
recruiting efforts, even being willing to play his violin for the crowd. He is quite
an impressive young man as are thenewscaster1@gmail.com Hometown News for the Nature Coast
Email, Tom Russell, Publisher:all of those that we were able to recognize. I am proud of
Emthem all", LTJG ArnoldEditor: debbienewscaster@gmail.com call the Commanding Levy, NE Citrus & SW Marion Counties
ail, Debbie Russell, said. For more informationron the program, onable Rates for S
Adve tising at Reas
Officersit us Scott Arnold at wwwTheNewscaster.com
Vi LTJG on the Web: 813-493-3305.
5093 S. Orwell Pt., Homosassa, Florida 34446
Phone: (352) 489-4588 Fax: (727) 362-4788
Easier than eBay
Email, Tom Russell, Publisher: tFromeleftctosright: LTJG ail.com
hen ws a ter1@gm Scott Arnold, Secretary Larry Dean Sturgeon, Petty Officer Bobby
Email, Debbie Russell, Editor: deStewart,wscaster@gmail.com
bbiene League Cadet Nicholas Sikalos, Seaman Apprentice Jared Barnes, Chief Petty Of-
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