by khurst2@gmail.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Memoriam, News
Memorial Notice
Phillipa Howard (Lipa)
Mother of Admiral Michelle Howard (Retired)
The National Naval Officers Association mourns the loss of Phillipa Howard (Lipa), the beloved mother of Admiral Michelle Howard (Retired). Lipa passed peacefully on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the age of 91.
Lipa will be remembered as a radiant soul whose presence brought joy to all who knew her. She spent the last seven years of Admiral Howard’s career living with her daughter and Wayne, considering it her final adventure. The Navy spouses who embraced Lipa as their own made her an integral part of the Navy family.
Lipa’s memory will live on in the hearts of her loved ones and the countless individuals who were fortunate enough to have known her.
by khurst2@gmail.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Chaplain, News
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though you may stumble, you will not fall, for the Lord upholds you with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24
I’m tired. I’m more than tired. I’m worn out. I don’t drink or smoke, but I have strongly considered taking up both vices these past few days because I feel burdened, like a heavy weight is on my shoulders.
It feels like when you do back squats. The weight sits on your shoulders and pushes you down, and it is a struggle to stand up. To do it correctly, you can’t rely on momentum to get up. You must control the weight, which means your legs, core, and back must be strong. If you want to make it a full-body workout, then you do an overhead squat, which entails holding the barbell over your head and then going into the squat. That means your arms must become stronger. Typically, you do a couple of rounds, gradually increasing the weight of each round until you reach your max. When you reach your max, your next goal is to surpass that.
This workout hurts. You wake up the next day thinking you need to be in traction. But the interesting thing is, if you consistently work out, it only hurts for a few days. The pain is a sign that you are getting stronger. And the stronger you get, the easier it becomes to get up.
The same is true for tests and trials. They come to make us stronger. But the only way we can get stronger is to keep getting up. Each time we pass a level, we become stronger. When we feel stuck on a level that requires more training to build up our muscles. The more you train at that level, the stronger you become until you can stand back up without straining.
Keep standing up because that’s the only way to get that weight off your shoulders.
by khurst2@gmail.com | Sep 7, 2024 | Chaplain, News
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)
The year is 1992, and I am in the car headed to school, listening to the radio. Mary J. Blige’s “Real Love” comes on, and I sing my little elementary school heart out as if I could relate to what Mary was talking about. I could not. Thirty-two years later, it seems Mary still hasn’t found that real love she sang about.
What is real love?
Despite the countless songs, movies, books, and TV shows about love, the current divorce rate in the United States, which hovers around 42%, suggests we aren’t getting any better at it.
What is real love?
Recently, my father was hospitalized and had to undergo surgery. While visiting home, I watched my mother faithfully tend to him. She only leaves his side when my sister or I are with him. Now that he is home from the hospital, she continues to work tirelessly caring for him. Years earlier, after my mom had surgery, he did the same for her. This past June, they celebrated 54 years of marriage, having known each other since elementary school. This is real love.
Real love is the way my grandfather cared for my grandmother while she battled cancer. Even after she passed away, he gave instructions on how she should be dressed at her funeral.
Real love is the way my uncle cares for my aunt, who is currently battling cancer. I watch him sort her pills and ensure she stays on schedule with her medications. He makes sure she eats right and rests as necessary.
Real love is the spouses of our wounded warriors who faithfully stand by their partners, even when they may not physically be who or what they used to be when they met.
This is real love. It’s not “that Jada and that Will love.” It isn’t lust confused for love. It’s not sunshine and roses every day.
Real love is “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part.” Real love is loyal.
Looks and limbs may fade. But real love never fails.
by khurst2@gmail.com | Sep 1, 2024 | Memoriam, News
Captain Brenda Bradley-Davila, NNOA Lifetime Member and dedicated Navy chaplain, passed away on August 28, 2024.
Born to serve, Bradley-Davila began her military journey as a hospital corpsman in the Navy Reserve. Following a call to ministry, she attended Chaplain School in Newport, Rhode Island, and was commissioned as a lieutenant (j.g.) in 1990. With a strong educational foundation in special education, divinity, and strategic studies, she served with distinction on various ships, including the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS George Washington, and USS John F. Kennedy.
Bradley-Davila’s ministry was characterized by her commitment to meeting people where they were and her emphasis on open-mindedness and availability. She leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and unwavering faith.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 5th, 2024, at 2 PM at Eden Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church in Loveland, Colorado. Interment will follow at Eden Valley Resthaven Cemetery. A Repast will be held for those who wish to share in a meal and fellowship.
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed on the Eden Valley SDA Church Facebook page.
by khurst2@gmail.com | Aug 19, 2024 | Memoriam, News
Arthur James Johnson, Sr., father of NNOA STEM Coordinator RADM Arthur Johnson, Jr. (USN, Ret.), passed away on August 14. He was a beloved family man and respected member of his community.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 20th, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM at Berry & Gardner Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life funeral service will follow on Wednesday, August 21st, at 11:00 AM, at West Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Scholarship Fund at West Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in honor of Arthur James Johnson, Sr. Checks can be mailed to 10530 Woods Rd, Meridian, MS.
by khurst2@gmail.com | Aug 9, 2024 | Memoriam, News
Memorial Service Information:
Date: August 30, 2024
Location: Reid Temple A.M.E Church, 11400 Glenn Dale Blvd, Glenn Dale, MD 20769
The Wake/Visitation will start at 10:00 am and Service will start at 11:00am,
Following the service, the reception will be held at 3614 Bonhoeffer Drive, Bowie, MD 20721
CAPT Joel Louise Parker, a dedicated nurse, accomplished leader, and NNOA member passed away on August 1, 2024.
A 1977 graduate of Texas Christian University’s Harris College of Nursing, CAPT Parker furthered her education with a Master’s in Human Resources Management from Golden Gate University and a Master of Science in Nursing Informatics from the University of Maryland Baltimore. Her academic excellence earned her induction into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
With a distinguished military career spanning decades, CAPT Parker served in various capacities, including Intensive Care Nurse, Perioperative Charge Nurse, Department Head, Informatics Officer, and Director of Nursing. Her service took her across the globe, from the United States to Okinawa, Japan, and Iraq, where she played critical roles in supporting military operations.
CAPT Parker’s contributions extended beyond direct patient care. She was instrumental in developing and implementing innovative nursing policies and systems, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the field of nursing.
Her legacy as a compassionate caregiver, skilled leader, and dedicated public servant will be cherished by all who knew her.
