All posts by Jeff Cavanagh

About Jeff Cavanagh

Jeff Cavanagh spent his freshman year at St. Petersburg Junior College back in the early 70s before enlisting in the United States Navy. Soon after, he attended Jacksonville University on a Navy ROTC scholarship. After college, he was commissioned and became a qualified Surface Warfare Officer spending the next 22 years honing his skills as a ship-handler and expert recruiter before retiring in 1994. Jeff expresses a deep sense of pride in St. Petersburg College due to connections that go back many years. His father, Tom Cavanagh, was a career Air Force fighter pilot and combat veteran who taught Geography and Western Civilization at St. Petersburg Junior College in the 60’s and 70’s.

Raytheon plus SPC Veteran Students equals Ride 2 Recovery

General News, Student Stories

What do Raytheon and four student veterans working in a cycling center have in common?  They are all linked to St Petersburg College, the Veterans Administration and Ride 2 Recovery (a national non-profit dedicated to the recovery and rehabilitation of injured veterans through cycling).

In 2016, Raytheon funded a grant to help establish a cycling center at St Petersburg College’s (SPC) Clearwater campus to help students and veterans in the community.  The center was provided bicycles by the VA and was partially staffed by an employee of Ride 2 Recovery. 

As the center became more popular and demand increased, it became clear that the operating hours of the center needed to expand.  This is where Raytheon, one of its employees (Kelly McDonald) and a Raytheon retiree (Mitch Lee) came to the rescue.  All three contributed financially to fund a scholarship for three student veterans to work in the center while continuing their pursuit of a college degree.  Additionally, SPC funded another student veteran.

The result was a cycling center open six days a week, including three nights and Saturday mornings.  The center is located in Building SS, Room 105 on SPC’s Clearwater campus.

The Raytheon employee and retiree believed so strongly in this cause that they contributed their own funds to support the scholarship – a creative solution that linked Raytheon, the college and four student veterans together.  This novel approach is now available to any Raytheon employee wishing to help.  The SPC scholarship is an approved donation option for employees.  It is also matched by Raytheon funding.  Non-Raytheon donors can also give to this scholarship fund by contacting Frances Neu of the SPC Foundation.

So who are these student veterans?  Meet Andrew, Will, Taylor and John (shown below – also shown is Kelly McDonald of Raytheon. All four student veterans are pursuing bachelor degrees. Check out their bios below.  Want to meet these hard working student veterans?  Simple.  Just stop by the cycling center at SPC (Clearwater Campus).  While there, check out the bikes and services offered by the center to all students.

Andrew Bang: A Coast Guard veteran of 10 years.  Served as a helicopter technician.  Also tutors high school students 12 hours a week, in addition to maintaining a 3.5 GPA at SPC in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

John Danczyk: An Army veteran of 9 years.  Served in the Air Defense Branch of the US Army.   Worked with Raytheon while serving with a Theater Area Air Defense (THAAD) battery.  Still serves as an active member of the Army National Guard while maintaining a 3.0 GPA in pursuit of a bachelors degree in sustainability. 

Taylor Remmington: A Navy veteran of 5 years.  Served as an engineering technician on board a nuclear submarine, USS Charlotte (SSN766). Performed and supervised navigation, electromechanical, sensing and alarming electronics systems maintenance.  Was awarded the Navy Achievement medal.  Maintains a 3.7 GPA while pursuing a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering.

William Curley: A Navy veteran of 24 years.  Last served as a Chief Petty Officer on board the USS New York, an amphibious landing assault ship for helicopters, in charge of all aviation fuels.  Maintains a 3.1 GPA while pursuing a bachelors degree in education.  Works 20 hours in the cycling center.

Left to right: Jeff Cavanagh (Veteran Services), Taylor Remmington, William Curley, Kelly McDonald, Mitch Lee and Andrew Bang.

 

Congressman Bilirakis Accepting U.S. Service Academy Nomination Applications

General News, Scholarships

 U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) announced today he is currently accepting applications for nomination to the prestigious U.S. service academies. Each year, Bilirakis has the opportunity to nominate high school students from Florida’s 12th District to be accepted to the U.S. Military Academy, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, or the Merchant Marine Academy.     “Students who have the honor of attending a U.S. service academy will receive a first-rate education, lifelong leadership skills, and the chance to serve our nation,” said Bilirakis. “I encourage all interested students who are willing to work hard and serve their fellow Americans to submit an application through my office.”   The office will be accepting submissions through September 29, 2017, and applicants will be interviewed starting in late October. For more details and to download the application, please visit: https://bilirakis.house.gov/us-service-academy-nominations.

Fighting for the Right to Fight

Events, General News

Please see the attached flyer and share the following announcement:

The event Fighting for the Right to Fight, reception and panel of veterans is sponsored by the African American Heritage Assoc., Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum and Gallery 909 in collaboration with the St. Petersburg Museum of History.

The regular admission fee of $15.00 is being reduced to $6.00 for this event and through the generosity of several sponsors we are inviting 40 veterans to attend as our guests.

FMI and to reserve a veteran invitation please call Gwendolyn Reese at 727-418-2881.

 

 

 

A letter regarding MyVA Access

General News

Dear Veterans:

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is undergoing one of the largest transformations in its history.  An important component of this transformation is an initiative called MyVA Access.  You may recall our MyVA Access Declaration signing ceremony that occurred in 2016.  If not, you can view a short video about the event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLJDynKHGOo

Central to MyVA Access is the commitment to providing you, the Veterans we serve, with enhanced options to access health care services and a consistent set of expectations when you engage the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System for routine care.  These expectations include:

  • Timely care including same day services in primary care, and
  • Timely mental health care, including same day services, as needed.

Since the date of our declaration signing ceremony, we have made dramatic progress regarding same-day services.  In fact, we now offer same-day access in both primary care and mental health across our healthcare system.  If you require a routine primary care or mental health care right away, during regular business hours, you will be able to receive some level of care the same day, or if after hours, by the next day at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center, Lee County Healthcare Center, or one of our community based outpatient clinics.  These enhanced health care access options build upon the same-day services that we have already been providing to you through our emergency department, urgent care clinics, My HealtheVet and several specialty services like cardiology and audiology. You can watch a short video about same-day audiology services here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrKVYM6JP6I.

I thank you for your service to our Nation and making the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System your health care provider of choice.

Should you have additional questions about same-day access to primary care and mental health care services, please contact your Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT).

Sincerely,

SUZANNE M. KLINKER

Director, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System

SPC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Final Home Games

Events, General News, Student Stories

Many of you have said “I have to get out and see an SPC basketball game.”  Well, this is your last chance for the 2016-2017 Basketball Seasons. 

For the men, a win will secure the Conference Title and a spot at the NJCAA FCSAA Region 8 State Tournament!

Come out and celebrate our SPC Sophomores from our Men and Women’s Basketball teams as they play their last home games at St. Petersburg College!  On Wednesday, February 22nd at 7pm the Men’s Basketball team will take on Polk State College.  A win for the Titan’s and they will claim back to back Suncoast Conference Championships.  Additionally, a win will guarantee SPC an automatic bid to the State Tournament in Ocala March 8-11th.  We need as many students, faculty and staff out as possible as Polk State College travels well.

Check out this interview with 6ft. 9 sophomore from Senegal, Africa- Pape Ngom…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cJc2rNZJMM&t=139s

Great comeback year for Coach D and the Lady Titans!

On Saturday, February 25th, the Lady Titan’s Basketball team will take on the Sante Fe Saints at 2pm and celebrate our Sophomores last game as Lady Titan’s.  Our ladies had a great season but fell a little short of post season play. 

Also, our Titans Baseball, Softball and Tennis teams are in full swing!  For more information about athletics at SPC, visit our website at athletics.spcollege.edu.

 

 

 

Organic Earth Tech to Unleash Campaign to Hire 3,450 Veterans in US

Events, General News, Jobs

Companies today, are looking for employees who know and are skilled at leadership, who enjoy working as a team, who have the experience to perform under pressure, who are well trained and educated, who understand diversity, who can grasp the big picture, who live and work ethically, who effectively utilize policy and procedures and who care about the present condition and future of our country.

An international agricultural company, Organic Earth Tech, understands the values veterans can bring and this company is coordinating large-scale plans on hiring 3,450 veterans nationwide as liaisons to service the Agriculture and horticulture industries by working directly with farmers in every county in the U.S.A.

To learn all about the Organic Earth Tech, its organizational structure, business structure, and its strategic plan of supporting America’s finest with purposeful and lucrative gainful employment, as the CEO Frank Arlia Jr. will deliver a presentation to cover all the bases and answer all your questions.

____________________________________________________________________

Location: Jan Kaminis Plat Regional Library at 3910 South Manhattan Ave in South Tampa

Date and Time: Thursday March 2nd from 3-5 PM

What to bring: Bring yourself and other veterans.

RSVP by this date:  March 1st 2017

RSVP by email to: john@ubaldireports.com

For more information on Organic Earth Tech, go to www.organicearthtech.com or download our APP at any APP store by searching Organic Earth Tech.

Thank you.

The Organic Earth Tech National Liaison Team

Bay Pines Women Veterans Program Sponsors Healthy Heart Fair

Benefits, Events, General News

The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System (VAHCS) Women Veterans Program is sponsoring a Healthy Heart Health Fair to raise awareness of heart disease in women and to highlight the comprehensive care available to eligible Veterans through the Women Veterans Program.  The program will highlight the major components of comprehensive women’s health care and will emphasize Wellness and Health Promotion Services.  Comprehensive Women’s Health Services include state of the art mammography, gender-specific primary care, women’s health pharmacy consultation, cardiovascular preventive care, gynecological care, maternity care coordination, women’s health specific mental health services, specialty care referral and health promotion programs such as smoking cessation and weight management.              

Featured activities include a yoga demonstration, healthy heart conversations with women’s Health pharmacist and nutritionist; heart healthy teaching kitchen demonstration, blood pressure readings, fitness assessment (% body fat and BMI), wellness wheel health quiz, wellness information and prizes.  Please join us for this fun and informative event.

When: Friday, February 17th, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Where: C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center, Building 100, 4th Floor – Room 4A-106 (View driving directions at: www.baypines.va.gov/locations/directions.asp)

Who: Sponsored by the Bay Pines VAHCS Women Veterans Program

For questions, contact Julia Adams, Women Veterans Program Manager, at 727-398-6661, extension 14312.

 

Student Veterans of America Brief

Benefits, Jobs

The SVA Brief is a digest of resources designed to empower yesterday’s warriors and today’s scholars to become tomorrow’s leaders. Here’s what you need to know:  Want to work at SVA National HQ? SVA is proud to announce that we are becoming a host site for The Mission Continues Fellowship Program. This fantastic program can provide you the opportunity to hone your professional skills and receive a cost of living stipend as you serve 20 hours per week for 26 weeks at SVA’s National HQ in Washington. D.C. Apply before April 17th How does a 10-week paid internship sound? The Washington Center’s new VET Initiative is seeking qualified candidates. Read more here. Qualified student veterans from around the country will participate from May 24th-August 5th, 2017. Housing facilities for you and your dependent(s) are provided.  Apply before February 15th Become a Tillman Scholar. The Tillman Scholars program unites the best talent and leadership from the military, investing in those who will become our country’s next leaders. Each scholarship award is based on the applicant’s unique financial need. Apply before March 1st

Bay Pines VA, Bay Area Legal Services, Gulf Coast Legal Services, Stetson University Partner to Provide Legal Assistance to Veterans

Benefits, General News

The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System (VAHCS), in collaboration with Bay Area Legal Services, Gulfcoast Legal Services, and Stetson University College of Law’s Veterans Law Institute, now offers legal representation/consultation for Veterans at no cost through a new service called the Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) program. The program officially became available to Veterans on Feb.1.

The program is designed specifically for qualifying, low-income Veterans enrolled for care with the Bay Pines VAHCS (some expectations may apply) who are in need of legal assistance for non-criminal offenses. Services are provided by MLP attorneys, at no cost to eligible Veterans. The local partnership and MLP program is one of only 13 similar programs available for Veterans across the nation.

To officially mark and celebrate the local partnership and implementation of the MLP program, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony will be conducted at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center on Feb. 15. Details are included below.

  • WHO: Leaders of the Bay Pines VAHCS, Bay Area Legal Services, Gulfcoast Legal Services, and Stetson University College of Law.
  • WHAT: Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)/partnership agreement signing ceremony.
  • WHERE: Auditorium, Building 20, C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines, Florida (Click here to access a campus map and driving directions). General parking will be available in parking lots 11, 13 and 15. Please reference the campus map regarding locations of designated parking lots. .
  • WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 3-4 p.m.
  • WHY: The event is being held to mark and celebrate the local partnership and implementation of the MLP program – one of only 13 similar programs available for Veterans across the nation.
  • ADDITIONAL DETAILS: This event is open for media coverage. For advance information about the ceremony or general questions about the Bay Pines VAHCS, please contact Jason Dangel, Public Affairs Officer, Bay Pines VAHCS, at 727-398-9531 or email vhabaypublicaffairs@va.gov.

About the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System The Bay Pines VAHCS is one of the nation’s leading VA healthcare systems, employing more than 4,000 medical professionals and support staff dedicated to providing the very best care to Veterans residing in southwest Florida. The organization is the fifth busiest VA health care system in the country in terms of patients served and is accredited by The Joint Commission, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and several other nationally recognized accrediting organizations.  The Bay Pines VAHCS operates nine facilities to include the main medical center located in Bay Pines and outpatient clinics located in Bradenton, Cape Coral, Naples, Palm Harbor, Port Charlotte, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Sebring.

About Stetson University College of Law Stetson University College of Law, Florida’s first law school, has prepared lawyers and leaders since 1900. Today, Stetson leads the nation in blending legal doctrine with practical training, evidenced by its top-ranked programs in advocacy and legal writing. Through our academically rigorous curriculum and commitment to social responsibility, Stetson lawyers are ethical advocates ready to succeed in the legal profession.

About Bay Area Legal Services Bay Area Legal Services is a nonprofit, public interest law firm that has provided civil legal assistance to low-income residents in the Tampa Bay region since 1967. Bay Area aims to eliminate barriers to justice through high quality legal services, education, and community partnerships.  Bay Area was recognized as a Tampa Bay Times Top Workplace in 2016.

About Gulfcoast Legal Services Gulfcoast Legal Services (GLS) , is a nonprofit legal aid provider, which has served vulnerable individuals and families in Pinellas, Pasco, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties since 1978. GLS provides superior comprehensive legal services while treating clients with respect and empathy. GLS exists to ensure equal access to justice … for all.