by Chief Yeoman Ryan Arnoldussen
Navy Operational Support Center Ventura County
SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. – Sailors from Navy Operational Support Center Ventura County volunteered for an Independence Day honor event honoring veterans at the Village at Sherman Oaks retirement community.
Commanding Officer Navy Capt. Ron Oswald, chief petty officers and first class petty officers from NOSC Ventura County, participated in this event as part of the Chief Petty Officer 365 (CPO 365) training program.
"We're honoring those who have gone before us ... at the same time, this forms a connection point to our history and the next generation of service members," said Chief Personnel Specialist Miguel Alderete. "Chief petty officers are the keepers of tradition in the Navy. That is one of the main things we do, having that sense of heritage ... we have an obligation to the Navy, to the future sailors and chief petty officers, to mentor, and lead them."
The event included cake and refreshments for the residents and guests. NOSC Ventura County personnel spent time talking and sharing experiences with residents and more than 40 Army, Air Force and Navy veterans of World War II and the Gulf War.
"I enjoyed meeting several veterans from all of the different branches of the service," said Personnel 1st Class Brian Dejesus. "The highlight of my day was listening to an Air Force veteran as he discussed loading and dropping bombs during his time in the war; giving me a chance to get to know him and learning about his past while he was in the Air Force. It was an honoring and humbling feeling at the end of the event when you get a moment to thank them for their exceptional service knowing you helped brighten their day."
Chief Construction Electrician Rodney Chiles said he was honored to learn about military history from the people who lived it.
"Even though it’s been over 68 years since American’s involvement in World War II, the memories of the war are still very evident with the veterans here," Chiles said. "I'm glad to do what I can to help give these veterans an enjoyable day, while listening to their stories and letting them know that they are still very much on our minds."
CPO 365 is a three-phase training process, created by Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West. The goal of this program is to engage prospective chiefs year-round, while giving them a better insight into the responsibilities and expectations of the Navy CPO.
NOSC Ventura County assists in the execution of Navy Reserve policy and administration through indirect support of mobilization and active Navy support requirements. Its support function includes 42 reserve units and approximately 1,150 Selected Reserve members.
For more information about Naval Base Ventura County at http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrsw/installations/navbase_ventura_county.html or learn more about NOSC Ventura County’s current events at https://www.facebook.com/NOSCVenturaCounty/info.