RIMPAC Begins Today

RIMPAC, the world's largest maritime exercise, begins today.  More than 25,000 service members from 22 nations helped kick off the 24th Rim of the Pacific exercise.

To read Vice Adm. Kenneth Floyd's RIMPAC post, click here.

Newly Retired Veteran's Home Remodeled for Him While He Was Stationed Overseas

http://abc13.com/news/friends-and-volunteers-refurbish-combat-veterans-home/138388/

Inside Combat Rescue

Have you seen National Geographic's show "Inside Combat Rescue"?!  Wow....

We're a little late in finding this gem, but better late than never.  And thankfully, videos are available for viewing via the show's website and there's a lot of information on their Facebook page, too.

The Air Force has offered an unprecedented look behind the scenes of the elite Combat Rescue members of the U.S. Air Force, Pararescuemen, or PJs.  Their mission: to rescue American or Allied forces in extreme danger.

Nat Geo takes viewers inside the harrowing world of brave pararescue airmen on the front lines of Afghanistan.  They put their lives on the line so, as their motto states, "that others may live."

Sometimes it's easy to take what we have for granted.  Watching these two clips, we hope you'll find a reignited appreciation for those who serve and we're sure you're already a patriot, but we hope you also sense a slightly deeper appreciation for our great nation.

Show Trailer

Inside Combat Rescue Deleted Scene:  For Fallen Soldiers

WE ARE HIRING!

Join our team!

See our available opportunities posted on our website 

and feel free to share the link!

Then and Now

May 28, 2014:  On this day 97 years ago, the USS Maumee (AO 2) became the first ship to refuel another vessel at sea.  

According to a blog post from Mr. Jim George, Combat Logisitcs Force Program Manager for MSC, here are some interesting figures regarding UNREP from last year alone.  

In 2013:

• 118.8 million gallons of jet fuel delivered 
• 3,211 deliveries of fuel, food, mail, and other supplies at sea

Did you know that dry cargo/ammunition ships like the USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1) can carry 756,000 gallons of fuel (on top of their own gas tanks) and more than 8,300 tons of other cargo?!

Read the full blog post at http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/05/28/navy-underway-replenishments-past-and-present/

Memorial Day

Ahhhhhhh, Memorial Day!  Barbecues, fireworks, festivals and FUN, right?!

Well, yes, but let's not forget the true meaning of the occasion...originally called "Decoration Day" and born out of the Civil War, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance of those who have died in service of the United States of America.

Here's a link to a Memorial Day tribute that we thought you would appreciate.

And did you know the proper flag etiquette for the day?

May you and yours have a safe Memorial Day weekend!

God bless America!!!

Warrior Week

Valkyrie is a proud supporter of the inaugural Warrior Week, happening in Virginia Beach, on NOB, and in Suffolk from May 26-June1.

Bringing together physical, therapeutic, and recreational organizations from across the nation that focus on the rehabilitation of wounded service members, Warrior Week 2014 is the first event of its kind!  Each wounded service member and their family will have the opportunity to participate in various activities from adaptive water skiing and kayaking to coastal fishing, and from a horsemanship therapeutic program to surfing.  There will also be national representation from the U.S. Sailing and U.S. Cycling organizations.

The event was designed to bring all levels of skills and interest together in one location, while creating lasting memories for all to enjoy.

Volunteer opportunities are still available and duties are straightforward, typically involving collecting sign-up sheets and activity waivers.  There will also be opportunities for volunteers to participate in some of the events, pending available space.  If you are interested in volunteering for a shift or two, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Elan, at elan[at]usohrcv.org.  Shifts last anywhere from 2-7 hours; weekday and weekend opportunities are available.

What better way to commemorate the Memorial Day week than with such an opportunity?! Thanks for considering and feel free to pass this post along to anyone you think may be interested!

He's still tops in our book!

The Virginia Ship Repair Association's monthly meeting was held today, during which the nominees for the annual Junior and Senior Tradesmen of the Year awards were announced. Congratulations to Valkyrie's Chris Ruddy of our Technical Services Division on his nomination!  

Although he didn't win the overall honor, we're still proud of him for his hard work and dedication.  He's got a reputation that has customers asking for him by name.  Way to go, Chris; thank you, and keep up the great work!  BZ!

L-R: Chris Ruddy, Chuck Hillman, Shane Baker.
(Photo courtesy of Wes Foy.)

Valkyrie Ranks #29 on Virginia's Fantastic 50

Valkyrie Named to Virginia Chamber’s FANTASTIC 50 for Third Consecutive Year

Richmond, VA—The Virginia Chamber announced the names of fifty of the fastest growing Virginia companies at the nineteenth annual Virginia's FANTASTIC 50 Awards Banquet on May 1st at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly.  Nearly 500 attendees at the ceremony saluted the winners for their entrepreneurial success and contribution to Virginia's economy.  ­­Valkyrie ranked #29 on the list. 

“To be successful in the global economy, Virginia must support and encourage our entrepreneurs and the innovation they bring to our economy,” said Virginia Chamber President and CEO Barry DuVal.  “Our goal is to ensure the Commonwealth is the top place in the world in which to start and grow a business.”

President and CEO, Gary M. Lisota noted, “To be able to do the work we do in support of the American war fighter is an honor.  Being ‘fantastic’ requires having extraordinary customers, partners, and employees; it’s to these groups that we owe our success.”

ABOUT THE AWARDS  Virginia’s FANTASTIC 50 award program is a signature event of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.  The FANTASTIC 50 awards recognize leading businesses across the Commonwealth in all types of industries, and are the only statewide awards of this type in Virginia.  Nominations for the 2014 FANTASTIC 50 were sought last fall from local chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and through the sponsors’ networks.

To be eligible, a company must be privately held with headquarters in Virginia, show sales between $200,000 and $100 million, and demonstrate positive revenue growth and positive net income in its most recent fiscal year over the previous year.  Companies are judged on four-year sales revenue history.  The professional service firm Dixon Hughes Goodman verifies all award entries.

May is Electrical Safety Month

Did you know that May is Electrical Safety Month?  Here is a good newsletter from Insperity for both work and home.

One of the most important devices is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).

Do you know where your GFCIs are at home?

Do you test them monthly and after storms?

To test your GFCIs, follow this simple procedure:

•  Push the "Reset" button of the GFCI receptacle to prepare the unit for testing.
•  Plug a light into the GFCI and turn it on. The light should now be ON.
•  Push the "Test" button of the GFCI. The light should go OFF.
•  Push the "Reset" button again. The light should again turn ON.

Thank you for being safe,

Wes

Wesley Foy

Quality and Safety Manager

Valkyrie Enterprises, LLC

An ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company