By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Charles White, Navy Region Southeast Reserve Component Command Public Affairs

HOUSTON (NNS) -- Former President George H.W. Bush congratulated a Sailor from Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Houston, for his selection as Navy Region Southeast Reserve Component Command's Reserve Sailor of the Year (SOY).

Bush, a World War II veteran who was at one point the youngest naval aviator in the U.S. Navy, was on hand for the dedication of the Navy and Marine Corps wing of the Joint Forces Reserve Center at Ellington Field. The wing was named in honor of Bush. The former president also set aside time to personally recognize Legalman 1st Class Harrold Henck for the milestone achievement in his career.

"You're a true example of the citizen Sailor who gives freely of his time to serve our great nation," said Bush to Henck. "This award really shows your dedication. Keep up the good work."

"It was an honor to meet the president… but I felt like I should be thanking him… He's a real war hero," Henck said.

Henck, leading petty officer of Operational Support Unit 0823, was named NOSC SOY in a command of 1,100 selected Reservists before being selected as SOY in the U.S. Navy's largest Reserve region. The region encompasses seven states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. He will now compete with four other regional SOYs for the title of Commander, Navy Reserve Force SOY.

For more news from Commander, Navy Reserve Force, visit www.navy.mil/local/nrf/.

NOSC Houston Family Day 2009

Navy reservists attached to Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) at Ellington Field in Houston proudly showed off their new reserve center to their spouses and children at Family Readiness Day which was held Dec. 12.
NOSC Houston hosted the Family Readiness to help reservists and family members live up to the motto of “Mission Readiness through Family Readiness.” Visitors and their sponsors heard over and over throughout the day that it is imperative that reservists properly prepare their spouse and children for potential mobilization so that their family is taken care of while the military member strives to complete his or her mission.
Following welcoming remarks from CAPT Cliff Pish, NOSC commanding officer, reservists and their families visited information tables set up by invited organizations, including USO, the Ombudsman, Military One Source, Returning Warrior Workshop, American Legion, Military Family Counsel, U.S. Family Health Plan, Tricare, Operation Military Kids, American Red Cross, Veteran’s Administration, Navy & Marine Corps Relief Society, USAA, Navy Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), and Legal Services.
Many of these organizations also conducted informative seminars throughout the day for reservists and family members.
BettyLynn Ulrich, wife of EO1 Christopher Ulrich, said she was very thankful for the information provided during the Readiness Conference. “Family Day was a good refresher on what is available to military families,” Mrs. Ulrich said.
Mrs. Ulrich and her husband have two young sons.
She said her husband has just begun a deployment. “The speakers made me aware of the changes that have taken place since the last time I attended a Family Readiness Conference.”
Mrs. Ulrich said the legal and financial briefings were the most helpful to her.
A blood mobile was also stationed at the center for those wanting to give blood during Family Day.
While reservists and their spouses learned how to be prepared for mobilization, their children were able to stay in the children’s room where they played games, watched movies, and made gingerbread houses.
For lunch, reservists and their families were treated to a catered meal while YN1 “Santa” Thomas made his rounds.

Story by MC1 Jerry Mullins / Photos by SK2 (SCW) John Stone