JAX AIR NEWS, NAS JACKSONVILLE, Thursday, July 16, 2009 9 Area cyclists ride in memory of naval officer By Miriam S. Gallet NAS Jax Public Affairs Officer A picture perfect morning greeted hundreds of area cyclists as they rode on Highway 17, south of Green Cove Springs, to the site where fellow cyclist Lt. Cmdr. Jim Warmowski lost his life seven years ago. The former NAS Jacksonville naval officer and avid athlete was struck and killed while riding his bicycle on a beautiful Sunday morning July 14, 2002, by a driver who was under the influence of Methadone. Warmowski was training for the prestigious Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. He never got the opportunity to ride the 112 miles ride across the Hawaiian lava desert on his bicycle, nor hear the applause from the thousands of spectators that lined the streets in 2002. Instead, his remains were interred July 22 at the National Military Cemetery, Elwood, Ill. "Lt. Cmdr. Warmowski was not only an avid cyclist, but a loving family member and friend. He was also a great patriot who loved his country and was willing to offer his life in service to a cause greater than his own self-inter- est," said Lt. Buster Williams, a Navy chaplain. "A life of sacrifice for others is never a life lived in vain. Today, we not only thank God for Jim's service but for all the other great men and women who have lived sacrificial lives and left such an honorable legacy," he added. "We celebrate life together, life that is too precious to be tragically lost by careless motorists on our highways." One of the many cyclists participating was Maria Pedrosa, captain of the Orange Park Cycling Team, who said, "It is our honor to be here sharing the road with such a phenomenal group of cyclists. I'm a strong believer that actions speak louder than words. Participating in this Photos by Miriam S. Called MU3 Maxwell Garcia-Gonzales of Navy Band Southeast plays Taps as SK1 Andrew Redmond of Aviation Support Detachment Jax and Capt. Mike Vernere, chief of nursing at Naval Hospital Jax pay their respects during the July 12 memorial service. memorial ride is our way of demonstrating to drivers and cyclists the importance of sharing the road and following the rules of the road which results in safety of all." Jacksonville cycling icon and North Florida Bicycle Club (NFBC) member, Jeanne Hargrave, led the ride out of the Fleming Island Winn Dixie parking lot followed by Team Navy Jax cyclists and the rest of the peloton. The cyclists rode south on Highway 17 for 11.2 miles to the memorial marker. Williams led the group in prayers and remembrance. Team Navy Jax members, Capt. Mike Vernere, chief of nursing at Naval Hospital Jacksonville and SKI Andrew Redmond of Aviation Support Detachment Jacksonville, presented the memorial flowers. Tears rolled down many faces when Taps was played by MU3 Maxwell Garcia-Gonzales of Navy Band Southeast. Capt. Mike Vernere, chief of nursing at Naval Hospital Jacksonville, leads Team Navy Jax down Highway 17 to the memorial site during the annual Share the Road Memorial Ride in honor of Lt. Cmdr. Jim Warmowski. The event concluded with refreshments and cyclists shar- ing their memories of Warmowski. The annual Lt. Cmdr. Jim Warmowski Share the Road Memorial Ride is sponsored by the NFBC as a celebra- tion of Warmowski's contribution to cycling, but also as a reminder to the community of the need to Share the Road safely with cyclists and pedestrians. NFBC would like to remind all motorists that it's the law motorists are required stay at least three feet from cyclists. NH Jax Red Cross calling for volunteers From Naval Hospital lax Public Affairs Have you been looking for a way to support our Sailors and their families? Doing something that really makes a differ- ence? Well, here's your opportunity! The American Red Cross is in urgent need of more volunteers. Whether assisting patients and guests in the Red Cross administrative offices, the clinic front desks, driving the shuttle cart in the parking lot or delivering magazines and cookies to patients on the wards, Red Cross vol- American Red Cross unteers are highly valued members of the Naval Hospital Jacksonville fam- ily of caregivers. The American Red Cross volunteers also operate two shuttle carts which run both mornings and afternoons transporting patients and visitors to the hospital entrance. The only requirements for shuttle cart drivers are that they be outgoing, eager to help and possess a current Florida driver's license. An orienta- tion to hospital rules and procedures is required to be a Red Cross volun- teer as well as a Security background check. There are numerous other positions in which volunteers can serve hos- pital beneficiaries. These positions are located in virtually every hospi- tal department. Volunteers should be able to work at least four hours per week (single shift) and be friendly and caring. To become a volunteer, contact the American Red Cross at 542-7525. 2044 B,^=LANiG B-LVD-TABLES RECOVERED JACKSONVILLE FL. CUESTICKS&ACCESSORIESSOLD (1 Boc- Sou.- S. J..N A-.) WEEKLYTOURNAENT (904)388-6180 IINLLIAPS BEER ONLY $1 DURING HAPPY HOUR 4PM-7PM k DOMESTIC DRAFT BEERS ONLY FOOD ALWAYS SERVED OPEN 24HOURS/7 DAYS WEEK WE NEVER CLOSE! 41988 0 ST. JOHNS COUNTY 0 DUVAL COUNTY- Las Calinas MANDARIN GRAND OPENING Arbor Glade Single-family homes Single-family homes 3 to 6 bedrooms 3 to 6 bedrooms From the $290s From the $300s 904-819-5406 904-880-2562 O ST. JOHNS COUNTY 0 DUVAL COUNTY Durbin Crossing Amelia Cove at Single-family homes Amelia View 3 to 6 bedrooms FINAL OPPORTUNITY From the $280s Single-family homes 904-230-0567 3 to 6 bedrooms From the $290s 904-509-8183 0 DUVAL COUNTY- MANDARIN Verano at Bartram Park Garage townhomes s DINA 2 to 3 bedrooms DuvalstationRd. From the $130s ,A .STONVI AM ISLAND 904-886-3460 AIRPORT din R JACKSO dIL Arli ton Ex ressW tlntic Blvd. ATLAN aea Beach Blvd. |J J. T. ButlerBlvd. , RANG PARK )\ ^^^^^^^^^^^^ RacetrackSE ~ -" t sw.\ ^n