by Chief Yeoman Ryan Arnoldussen
Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC), Ventura County
PORT HUENEME, Calif. -- Selected Reserve (SELRES) sailors and their families from 39 local Reserve units located in the southwest region, attended a Deployment Readiness Training (DRT) event, August 10 at Navy Base Ventura County.
Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC), Ventura County hosted the DRT, a requirement for imminent and voluntary Navy Reservists prior to deployment.
The event included guest speakers Vice Adm. Robin Braun, Chief of Navy Reserve, Capt. Lawrence Vasquez, commanding officer of Naval Base Ventura County, and Ellis Green, Mayor of Port Hueneme, Calif.
Braun welcomed home the 70 returning warriors and expressed her appreciation to all of the families for their enduring support. She spoke about the changing force structure and the strong capabilities that Navy Reserve sailors bring to emerging global challenges, and emphasized the need for every Reserve sailor to be fully ready to mobilize at all times.
The returning sailors and their families shook hands with veterans before ascending the steps onto the stage where they were greeted and honored by the guest speakers. The six WWII, Korean and Vietnam veterans are from local hospice assisted living residences.
"It was really nice to see the whole Reserve family here, and especially the Veterans who have served and gone before me" said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class (SW) Rafael Venegas, a Reservist assigned to NOSC Ventura County.
Attendees were introduced to local representatives from military support agencies, programs and charities including the Veteran's Administration, Military One Source, American Red Cross, Tricare, Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and the Navy Base Ventura County Fleet and Family Support Center.
"I was so impressed to have all of the resources available for me, all in one place was very, very helpful" said Navy spouse, Amy Venegas. "Back in 2012, when my husband left on his deployment, it was a challenge to understand all of Navy acronyms and resources available to me. Now I understand more and not left trying to find answers.”
The event began at the Needham Theater and transitioned to the NOSC where the families were fed a luncheon of chicken, ribs and Filipino side dishes. Afterwards, they were free to roam around the provider booths, gathering additional service and support information.
"It was one of the best events that I have attended. The Reserve Sailors and families of Ventura County stand ready to answer the call to duty, to serve their Navy and the nation, wherever needed around the world," said Capt. Ronald Oswald, commanding officer of NOSC Ventura County. "It is heartwarming to see sailors and families obtain crucial information about military programs that directly help them meet everyday challenges. The interaction between our WWII, Korean and Vietnam Veterans, our sailors, and the providers of the services helped bridge generations of those who have served and those who still serve."
DRT is a component of the DoD Yellow Ribbon Program that consists of proactive education on all phases of deployment and the challenges associated with them. The goal of DRTs is to arm Reservists and their families with access to the various resources and support programs available to them before, during and after deployment.
NOSC Ventura County assists in the execution of Navy Reserve policy and administration through indirect support of mobilization and active Navy support requirements. Their support function includes approximately 1,150 selected reservists representing 39 Reserve units.