What it do with Lue

Trae Young Made Himself The Villain, And He’s Leveled Up Accordingly


By Mat Issa

You know what makes the Joker such an iconic villain? Since the day he introduced himself to Batman and the rest of Gotham City, he’s found ways to push his criminal deviancy to new heights. After spending years of wiping out countless innocent civilians, he ramped things up by making his agendas personal. He murdered Commissioner Gordon’s wife, paralyzed his daughter and viciously tortured and killed (supposedly) the second Robin, Jason Todd.

When Trae Young dropped 32 points in his pro playoff debut and followed it up by telling the fans at Madison Square Garden to [shut the front door], he firmly cemented himself as the NBA’s new villain. And in doing so, he put a big red target on his back.

To his credit, however, Young has responded to the increased scrutiny by doing what all great villains do — leveling up his game accordingly.

This season Young has improved in a handful of one-number offensive metrics (OBPM, O-LEBRON, OFF RAPTOR and OFF EPM). But even the best catch-all metrics don’t really “catch it all.” So to compensate, I dug into the film to see how Young has improved his game since his public service announcement in New York last summer.

Finishing At the Rim

A lot has been made about the new points of emphasis in officiating and how it may be mitigating the value of free-throw dependent players. Young himself has not been immune to the effects of the current standard, as his “free throws per 75 possessions” total has taken a sizable hit from 9.5 to 7.4 (per Basketball-Reference). Yet, despite his dip in the most efficient shot on the court, Young has actually managed to improve his Relative True Shooting percentage from +1.7 to +3.2 (per BREF).

One reason for his uptick in overall efficiency has been his massive improvement in the second-most efficient area on the floor — the rim. This season, Young is converting at a career-high 60.0% clip while also taking more shots from the restricted area than he did last season (per Cleaning the Glass).

Young isn’t particularly overpowering (about 180 pounds soaking wet), and while he may be quick, he doesn’t cover too much ground on a per stride basis. So to atone for his inability to naturally create separation in the paint, Young has leaned almost entirely on his craft:

Opportunistic mad dashes when no bigs are near the paint, changes in speed, wrong-footed finishes, fancy dribble moves — all of these things are now firmly ingrained in his vocabulary, and they’ve contributed to his rise as an above-average finisher.

Perimeter Shooting

Young has also laid to rest the big-brain take that he’s somehow actually “not that great of a shooter.” This year, he’s shooting more threes than he was last season and knocking them down from each region at a more efficient rate:

Young Shooting By Distance (note: mobile users scroll right to see full table)

Shot Distance     Young ’20-21     Young ’21-22

20-24 ft                    37.2%                      45.1%

25-29 ft                    33.2%                      38.0%

30-34 ft                    31.3%                      38.3%

*Data Provided by NBA.com

Young’s marketable improvement from 30-to- 34 feet (a.k.a. way downtown) is particularly significant because he’s launching shots from those lengths (1.5 attempts per game) more often than he has his entire career.

His proficiency in these spots also has a warping effect on the floor. Defenses must account for his presence at all times, even when he’s hanging around in a different continent.

In this clip, promising young Raptors rookie Scottie Barnes is relegated to bystander status on this possession because he must respect Young’s shooting prowess, which in turn effectively creates a 4-on-4 situation for the Atlanta Hawks’ offense. This defense-altering gravity allows Young to provide meaningful off-ball value in spite of being rather sedentary without the ball in his hands (similar to one Eric Gordon).

Picking Up The Pace

Young lacks the body type and playstyle that are emblematic of most transition warriors. As we mentioned, his strides are too abbreviated for him to use his speed to race past people, and his offensive philosophy comes from the slower, more probing Chris Paul-sian school of thought.

However, even with these limitations, he’s made a concerted effort to maximize his opportunities on the break. Young is averaging 1.11 points per transition possession, the highest mark of his career (per NBA.com). And he’s managing this by leveraging the skills that make him such a cool customer in the half-court: elite passing and a knack for knowing when to slow things down or speed them up.

Even after made shots, Young will ramp up the offense by making passes before he crosses the timeline to help jumpstart his team’s possessions.

Historically Excellent

Overall, Young’s subtle growth on that end of the court has been enough where he is now firmly in the mix as one of the 10 best offensive players in the world.

What’s even more impressive is his offensive production this year not only puts him in elite company for this season, but also places him in rarified air historically among all-time great, guile-based scoring/playmaking point guards.

Similar to what I did with Jokic and Embiid, I compared some of Young’s stats to other great offensive point guards of a similar playing style. The first chart shows each players’ outputs in Offensive Box Plus-Minus, Inflation-Adjusted Points per 75 possessions, relative True Shooting and Assist Percentage. The second chart shows where each player ranked in those stats compared to other “point guards” in those particular seasons.

(Note: mobile users scroll right to see full table)

Player (Year)       OBPM*      IA Pts per 75*     Relative TS%**     AST%**

Young (’21-22)         4.4                28.8                           +3.2                           46.3%

Harden (’16-17)       6.5                 29.2                           +9.1                           50.7%

Paul (’07-08)           5.3                 23                               +3.6%                       52.2%

Nash (’06-07)          5.2                 20.4                           +11.3                         50.1%

Price (’91-92)           4.6                 22.5                           +7.9                           37.9%

*Data provided by Backpicks

**Data provided by Basketball Reference

Player (Year)        OBPM*      IA Pts per 75*     Relative TS%**     AST%**

Young (’21-22).         1st                1st                          2nd                              2nd

Harden (’16-17).       1st                1st                          3rd                               4th

Paul (’07-08)            1st                2nd                          6th                                1st

Nash (’06-07).          1st                5th                           1st                               1st

Price (’91-92).          1st                 1st                          1st                              4th

*Data provided by Backpicks

**Data provided by Basketball Reference

One thing that stands out to me is that Young is the only one among these five players to be in the top-three in all these categories. Of course, this is by no means conclusive evidence that his performance this year is better than the performances of these all-timers in those seasons; however, it does illustrate the point that his blend of scoring and playmaking holds up with some of the best to ever do it.

This data also indicates that Young has followed up his grand debut on the world stage with a sequel even more impressive than the original. And to top it off, this time, he’s doing it with the hatred of the league on his shoulders.

I guess I shouldn’t be that surprised, though, because Young’s a villain now, and if he keeps leveling up the way he has, he’ll be a damn good one at that.

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Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. Encourages Volunteers to Sign up for the 2022 Point-in-Time Count (PITC)

San Bernardino, CA. – San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. is encouraging members of our community to volunteer at the 2022 Point-in-Time Count (PITC) that will take place on February 24th, 2022, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. The County of San Bernardino 2022 Point in Time Count of sheltered and unsheltered persons and families is a one-day street-based and service-based count and subpopulation survey of individuals to identify how many people in San Bernardino County are homeless and knowledge on their subpopulation characteristics on a given day.

“We must all come together and fight the problem of homelessness in our community head on. This is the first time since the pandemic occurred that this event has resumed, and the accuracy of the Point-in-Time count is crucial for district funding. Results of the Homeless Count and Subpopulation Survey will provide the County and local cities with benchmark numbers that will serve as the basis for developing local community and countywide strategies to help people exit life on the streets and by which the success of our efforts to provide effective programs serving homeless individuals and families can be measured. I will see you all bright and early on February 24th to take my part in the count!” -Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.

To sign up please go online to:

https://wp.sbcounty.gov/dbh/sbchp/community-projects/point-in-time-count/pitc-registration/

Orchestra Partners Appoints Kim Hunter to Independent Corporate Advisory Board

BIRMINGHAM, AL— Orchestra Partners announces the appointment of Kim Hunter to the Independent Corporate Advisory Board, effective immediately. Hunter brings strategic integrated marketing communications expertise, deep prior experience in growing professional services firm, as well as an entrepreneurial mindset with proven experience with innovation. Following the appointment of Mr. Hunter, the Board will comprise five directors. He will be serving a three-year term, which is subject to shareholder approval.

Hunter has extensive corporate board experience as he currently serves on CalPrivate Bank’s Community Advisory Board, a wholly owned subsidiary of Private Bancorp of America, Inc. In addition, he served close to two decades as corporate director for SCAN Health Plan, a Medicare Advantage health plan with $2 billion in annual revenue. As corporate director, Hunter served on all five committees:  Audit & Compliance, Compensation, Finance, Quality & Customer Experience, and chaired Corporate Governance for seven years after serving on the committee for 14.

Hunter is a member of the board of the chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) – Pacific Southwest chapter, where he serves as Chair of the Nominating & Governing committee. He is also a member of the Private Directors Association (PDA), the only national association dedicated to improving private companies’ growth and sustainability through governance that adds value.

“We are delighted to welcome Kim to the Orchestra Partners Board,” said Hunter Renfroe, principal of Orchestra Partners. “Kim’s strategic thinking, diverse industry expertise, and experience in sustaining growth over long periods of time is exactly we selected him for our board. His perspective and insights will be invaluable to us as we expand our business and continue to transform the urban experience. Lastly, Kim’s experience in commercial real estate and development as well as travel and tourism will undoubtedly bring value to our strategic vision.”

Hunter brings 40 years of corporate and agency experience in advertising, marketing, and public relations.  During his career, Hunter has founded three privately held enterprises:  LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS, The LAGRANT Foundation, and KLH & Associates.

 

ALLBLK’S World Premiere of Anti-Crime Documentary Beyond Ed Buck Streaming Thursday, February 24

ALLBLK, the popular streaming service for Black TV and film from AMC Networks, announced the world premiere of Beyond Ed Buck, streaming Thursday, February 24. Co-executive produced by Jayce Baron and Pose star, Hailie Sahar, Beyond Ed Buck begins by examining and analyzing the tragic deaths of Gemmel Moore (2017) and Timothy Dean (2019), two gay Black men who died at the hands of democratic political donor, Ed Buck. Buck was found guilty of several charges, including supplying fatal doses of methamphetamine to both men in July of last year.

True to its title, the anti-crime documentary goes beyond the Ed Buck case to unpack internalized homophobia, the psychological root of predatory behaviors, and to provide a deeper exploration of challenges faced by the Black and Brown LGBTQ+ community – particularly how a variety of systemic social and economic issues have led gay and trans identified people to become victims of predators looking to satisfy sexual fetishes and indulge in illicit drug use.

Beyond Ed Buck, sponsored by Gilead Sciences, features interviews with several notable figures and industry professionals including co-executive producer, Hailie Sahar, Raniyah Copeland (former President and CEO of Black Aids Institute), Dr. Gregory Canillas (LGBTQ+ psychologist), George M. Johnson (award-winning author), Shar Jossell (journalist & media personality) and many more.

Community Revitalization effort drives toward addressing homelessness

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Less than seven months after the County’s Community Revitalization effort got underway, solid progress is being made on several fronts toward addressing homelessness and creating additional affordable housing opportunities throughout the county.

“Making an impact on homelessness and ensuring the county has an adequate supply of affordable housing options is key to not only assisting those who need a helping hand but to growing our local economy and improving the quality life for all county residents,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “That’s why my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors and I are committed to investing in, and ensuring the success of, the County’s Community Revitalization effort.”

In June, working at the direction of the Board of Supervisors, County Chief Executive Officer Leonard X. Hernandez assigned an executive-level position to focus full-time on strategic and continuous efforts addressing homelessness in communities across the county. The move was intended to place a concerted focus on the Homeless Strategic Plan and align the homeless population’s health and housing needs to the services provided by the county and its partners.

The effort includes the County Community Development and Housing Department and the County Office of Homeless Services in partnership with several other County departments and offices that have a role in addressing homelessness. The emphasis is on moving quickly and taking advantage of key services while implementing new solutions.

“The team is hard at work developing a strategic plan for homelessness that identifies key metrics and outcomes,” said Deputy Executive Officer Supriya Barrows, who is leading the Community Revitalization effort following the retirement of Assistant Executive Officer CaSonya Thomas after more than 30 years of county service in numerous health and human services roles.

Barrows formerly spearheaded and currently chairs the San Bernardino County Community Vital Signs Initiative Implementation Committee. The Community Vital Signs Initiative operationalizes the Wellness Element of the Countywide Vision.

“In partnership with several community organizations and county departments – including the Sheriff, Behavioral Health, Aging and Adult Services, Public Health, and Probation – we intend to build on the successes achieved by the pandemic-inspired Project Roomkey and Project Homekey and make serious progress toward addressing homelessness throughout San Bernardino County,” Barrows said.

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion

A Lasting Legacy: Determination, Dedication, and Distinction

During the first World War Ralph Lindsey, my great grandfather, kept a journal of his service on the front. He wrote about the front, his travels, his wounds, but the thing that came up most often – the mail. Fast-forward 100 years. Even in the digital age there is something uniquely personal about a written letter – it creates a connection that digital communications simply cannot match. Anyone who has served in the military knows – no mail equals low morale.

In early 1945 as the Battle of the Bulge concluded Army officials reported that a lack mail was hurting morale. Warehouses were filled with millions of pieces of mail destined for the seven million Americans serving in the European theatre. The task of getting that mail to its intended recipients fell on the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

Except for a few smaller units of nurses, the “Six Triple Eight” was the only all women, all black unit from the Women’s Army Corps to serve overseas during WW2. In response to the attack on Pearl Harbor our entire nation was mobilized to support the war efforts. While the war largely united Americans in a common purpose – the military remained segregated with the ability to serve being restricted based on race and gender. The women of the 6888th not only served – they had to fight for their right to serve.  The unit’s commander, Major Charity Adams – became the first black women to hold a commission in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps.

The Six Triple Eight confronted warehouses stacked to the ceiling with letters and packages. These buildings were unheated and dimly lit, the windows blacked out to prevent light showing during nighttime air raids. Rats sought out packages of spoiled cakes and cookies. As it was a cold winter, they wore long johns and extra layers of clothing under their coats while working in these warehouses. The unit members were organized into three separate shifts daily, so work continued around the clock, seven days a week. They tracked individual servicemembers by maintaining about seven million locator cards including serial numbers to distinguish different individuals with the same name. They dealt with “undeliverable” mail which was sent to their location for redirection. They investigated insufficiently addressed mail for clues to determine the intended recipient, and they handled the sad duty of returning mail addressed to servicemembers who had died.

As the war concluded the legacy of the 6888th was already being formed. Three members of the 6888th are buried at Colleville-Sur-Mer Normandy American Cemetery (there are only four women buried there). Like so many of the greatest generation, the women of the 6888th returned from the war determined to make up for lost time – while some remained in the military, others used the GI Bill to further their education and create new opportunities for themselves. They became teachers, nurses, and businesswomen. One of the most important aspects of their legacy was their contributions to civil rights.  The accomplishments of the 6888th in Europe contributed to a study regarding the contributions of women to the war efforts which concluded: “[T]he national security program is the joint responsibility of all Americans irrespective of color or sex” and “the continued use of colored, along with white, female military personnel is required in such strength as is proportionately appropriate to the relative population distribution between colored and white races.”

This is not a story about the mail. This is a story about 855 black women, who found a way to serve when the nation needed them most. In 2019 a bi-partisan effort was started to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 6888th. As of the writing of this article that bill has passed the Senate and is awaiting a vote in the U.S. House of representatives.

Joseph Reagan is the Director of Military and Veterans Outreach for Wreaths Across America. He has almost 20 years’ experience working with leaders within Government, non-profit, and Fortune 500 companies to develop sustainable strategies supporting National Security, and Veterans Health. He served 8 years on active duty as an officer in the U.S. Army including two tours to Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division. He is a graduate of Norwich University, the oldest private military college in the country.

 

“Water That Has Been Begged for Does Not Quench the Thirst!” African Proverb – Soga, Ganda [Uganda]!”

By Lou Yeboah

Trust me, I’m going somewhere with this. Confining the history of an entire race of people to a twenty-eight-day period, not only does it diminishing the significance of our contributions, but it also allows the greater truth to be erased. The declaration of February as National Black History Month is but a tiny baby-step in the right direction towards understanding and wholeness in our country, but twenty-eight days is not nearly enough to celebrate and remember Black History. The celebration should continue all year round, as Black people’s achievements and successes are not limited to the twenty-eight days of February. But as the African Proverb translated says: Since you [we] do not have control over the help someone is rendering to you [us] it may [the help] not turn out exactly as you [we] expected. Ahh!

Because they have decided, “We are granted a whole twenty-eight days to remember Carter G. Woodson, Arthur A. Schomburg, Drusilla Dunjee Houston, Letitia Woods Brown, and John Hope Franklin; A whole twenty-eight days to remember Nate Turner, Colin Power, Rebecca Lee Crumpler, Lorraine A. Williams, Lorenzo Greene, John Henrik Clarke, Bill Picket, John Taylor, Alice Coachman, and Mary McLeod Bethune; A whole twenty-eight days to remember Otis Boykin, George Washington Carver, Malcolm X, Jesse Jackson, John Lewis, and W.E.B. Du Bios.”

“We get a whole twenty-eight days to remember Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Dorothy Height, Ida B. Wells, Alice Coachman, Ella Baker, and Sojourner Truth; A whole twenty-eight days to remember Langston Hughes, Robert Hayden, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Marcus Garvey, Daniel Hale Williams, Crispus Attucks, Honorable Shirley Chisholm, Fannie Lou Hamer, Thurgood Marshall, and Adam Clayton Powell; A whole twenty-eight days to remember Ella Baker, Claudette Colvin, Gordon Parks, Bayard Rustin, Robert Sengstacke Abbott, Jesse Owens, Bessie Coleman, Rebecca Lee Crumpler, and Dr. Patricia Bath.”

“We get a whole twenty-eight days to remember the 30 times Martin Luther King Jr., was arrested between 1955 and 1965; A whole twenty-eight days to remember the year Muhammad Ali lost his championship title for simply standing up for something he believed in; We get a whole twenty-eight days to remember countless people of color who fought and died in the Civil War, laying down their lives for a country who wouldn’t think twice about theirs.”

“We get a whole twenty-eight days to remember 246 Years of Slavery [1619-1865]; A whole twenty-eight days to remember 400 Years of Oppression [1619-2019]; A whole twenty-eight days to remember 99 Years of Jim Crow Laws [1865-1964]; A whole twenty-eight days to remember 86 Years of Lynching [1882-1986]; A whole twenty-eight days to remember 14 years of Fighting for Civil Rights [1954-1968].” Why? Because “Water That Has Been Begged for Does Not Quench the Thirst.”

Are we aware of the extent to which we honor our predecessors? Or are we just celebrating what and when we’re told to celebrate? Is it that plausible to fit the entire span of hundreds of years into twenty-eight days? I quote Morgan Freeman, “Black history is American history.” The relegating of our history into one single month does nothing less than undermine the great things black people have done for this country. It’s almost like a subconscious insult to the entire black race, built on the premise of the “affirmative action” concept. It’s like someone is saying, “Give them their month so they can shut up already.” We were inventors, doctors, activists, botanists, scientists, poets, authors, carpenters, dancers, actors, artists, dreamers, and believers. We were all of the things for which white people were and are remembered. Some of the most important milestones achieved in American history go without proper acclaim. Meritorious, hard-earned accolades were stripped clean from the black man’s hands before he could touch them because at one point, he was only considered three-fifths of a person. But don’t worry, there’s still a little hope: This is the one month out of twelve where everyone else gets to praise us. We have twenty-eight days to show the world just how much we matter, so let’s act fast. Isn’t it great!” [Clip of an interview between Morgan Freeman and Mike Wallace on 60 Minutes a few years ago].

Celebrate and dance to the music “Black History” for there is no more powerful force than a people steeped in their history. And there is no higher cause than honoring our struggle and ancestors by remembering.  For the progress of the Black community in spite of the terrors of Diaspora from our homelands on the continent of Africa, the brutality of slavery, the horrors of inequality, discrimination, and lynching during the Jim Crow era, the disgrace of legal racial segregation, and current struggles against racism and injustice is nothing short of phenomenal.

“Only be careful,” as Moses warns, “and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” [Joshua 4:9]. For our history as Africans and people of African descent in the Americas has been everything but comfortable, yet there is joy and hope to be shared and celebrated.

“Black History – Remember, Educate, Celebrate!”

“Lift every voice and sing, till earth and heaven ring, ring with the harmonies of liberty. Let our rejoicing rise, high as the listening skies, let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us. Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us. Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, let us march on till victory is won… May we forever stand, true to our God, true to our native land. [ The Black National Anthem…” Lift Every Voice and Sing was a hymn written as a poem by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson].

 

Obituary: Carmen Jackson

Carmen Marie Jackson departed from this world on January 31, 2022, in Fontana, California.

Carmen was born in 1959 to parents Rosemarie and William Thomas. She spent her early childhood in Newton, Kansas. After her parent’s divorce and the marriage of her mother to AME minister Charles Foster, the family moved to California. After graduating from high school in San Bernardino, Carmen attended DeVry University in Phoenix, AZ. There she met and married Robert Jackson. The couple moved back to California and produced her only child, Robert Jr.

Carmen had a distinguished career in the computer and logistics industries.  She managed and mentored diverse employees at top companies in the Silicon Valley. Later in life, she moved back to San Bernardino to focus on her health, the AME church, and mentoring small businesses. Carmen loved family, friends, softball, playing cards, politics, games of “chance”, and just having a good time!

She is survived by her beloved son, Robert Jr. and his wife Eboni; husband Robert; sisters Cynthia and Gina; nieces Aminah and Alexa; and grand-nephew Makhi.  She is loved by many and is preceded in death by her loving mother Rosemarie and father William.

There will be a service to celebrate her life on Saturday, February 19, at 2 p.m. in Atlanta, GA, at H.M. Patterson, 4550 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA 30319.  To honor her, flowers can be sent to the aforementioned address.  The service will also be available remotely. For additional details, contact Robert Jackson at (678) 216-5698 or robertjacksonl.jr@gmail.com.

Upland Native Exemplifies “Freedom at Work” Aboard U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier

By Petty Officer 1st Class Patricia Rodriguez, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Seaman Kayla Montes, a native of Upland, California, serves the U.S. Navy aboard one of the world’s largest warships, the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

Bush was commissioned in 2009 and is completing a pre-deployment work up cycle.

“Our Sailors’ hard work to return George Herbert Walker Bush to the operational fleet in 2021 was exemplary,” said Capt. Robert Aguilar, GHWB commanding officer. “They represent the best principles of service to the mission and the nation that our namesake, President George H.W. Bush, embodied.”

Montes joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Montes serves as a hospitalman.

“I have family that served in the Navy,” said Montes. “They always talked about how amazing it was and how it changed their lives. When I joined, I wanted a job that I knew would help others and hospital corpsman was a great match for me.”

Growing up in Upland, Montes attended Upland High School and graduated in 2018. Today, Montes relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Upland to succeed in the military.

“I learned respect, responsibility, how to help others and how to be part of a community from when I used to coach softball in my hometown,” said Montes.

These lessons have helped Montes while serving in the Navy.

Montes’s service aboard Bush follows the example of the ship’s namesake, the nation’s 41st President, George H.W. Bush. Bush is the only U.S. president to serve as a U.S. Navy aviator. During World War II he flew the TBF Avenger in Torpedo Squadron (VT) 51 and was stationed aboard USS San Jacinto (CVL 30). He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for a daring bombing run over the island of Chichi Jima.

The ship bearing Bush’s name is preparing for deployment amid ongoing strategic competition between the U.S. and its adversaries. In doing so, the ship and its Sailors continue the legacy of service to the nation that U.S. Navy aircraft carriers have provided for 100 years.

Since USS Langley’s (CV 1) commissioning 100 years ago this March 20th, aircraft carriers and their ability to project American power around the globe have been a consistent tool in maintaining and improving U.S. national security interest and the prosperity of the American people.

Sailors aboard USS George H.W. Bush, like Montes, continue to burnish the legacy of the aircraft carrier fleet and naval aviation by providing the national command authority a flexible, tailorable warfighting capability as the flagship of a carrier strike group that maintains maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

Serving in the Navy means Montes is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy protects the sea,” said Montes. “We do humanitarian missions to help provide aid and relief to the world. It’s a very diverse branch that has many capabilities.”

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Montes and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“In Hospital Corpsman Basic, I received the highest grade in my class,” said Montes. “I am really proud of that, I studied every night to get that award. Hopefully that leads to me getting meritoriously promoted to a petty officer third class.”

As Montes and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving means a lot to me,” added Montes. “I’m very proud that I’m able to do this and that I had the opportunity to serve. I feel accomplished. I have a sense of direction. I’m doing good. Even if I’m away for a long time, I know it’s for a good reason. I’m doing it to help others.”For recent information about USS George H.W. Bush and its sailors, head to the command’s Facebook www.facebook.com/ussgeorgehwbush and Instagram www.instagram.com/ghwbcvn77 pages. You can also visit its official webpage at www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn77

Sunday, February 27, 2022: Embracing the New in 2022

REDLANDS, CA—For the Love Me will be hosting a social event for Black women on Sunday, February 27, 2022, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Venue 38 located at 840 Tri City Drive in Redlands, California.

The cultural event is designed to promote self-care, self-love, and self-awareness among Black women. The organization is committed to holding an Exclusive Luxury Event where all vendors and partnerships are owned and operated by Black Women.

This year the discussion will focus on creating practical sleep routines to support mental health. There will be five informational vendors to provide education about their products, services, and classes.

Songbird, Annyette Royale will grace the stage throughout the event. Each participant will receive complimentary signature beverages and appetizers, as well as a Self-Love Set. The set contains a petite sage bundle, rose quartz, ceramic scented beads, eucalyptus shower bundles, body butter, and scrub.

Tickets are $45 and are limited to the first 75 women, so get yours TODAY! Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-for-the-love-of-me-tickets-259062150867.