Whidbey Island, 22nd MEU Strive for Smoke-Free Lifestyle

USS WHIDBEY ISLAND, At Sea (NNS) -- Deployed Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) are preparing to quit smoking as well as many other things, starting Dec. 28, and continuing through the ship's return to home port.

The ship's medical department hosted an 'end of deployment, end of smoking' seminar for the crew in an effort to assist in quitting smoking before returning home to their loved ones.

"I am trying to quit," said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (FMF/SW/AW) Kellie Hamilton, smoking cessation program coordinator and guest speaker. "I figured if I am trying to quit, why not try and help the entire ship quit before we get home."

The seminar provided the crew with informational pamphlets, stress balls, and pens donated from the Quit Tobacco company.

Hamilton encouraged participants to set a quit date, get rid of cigarettes and wash all of their clothes. She also stressed the importance of setting goals and regular exercise.

"The emotional, spiritual and psychological effects of exercise will make a huge difference," said Hamilton. "These are the things that will get you through. It won't be easy, but this is my New Year's resolution, and I have faith that we can all do it."

Many crew members agree there is no better time than now, after almost completing such a long deployment.

"I really want to quit," said Cpl. Evan Westpfahl, attached to the 22 Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). "One of the main reasons that I want to quit smoking is so that I can be there for my children later on in life. At this point in deployment, stress levels are lower as we get ready to head home, so it's perfect timing."

Crew members also appreciated the medical department's efforts to guide them to a healthier lifestyle.

"The seminar was amazing," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jody-Ann Miller. "I had no idea that it would take 15 years after quitting to decrease my risk of heart disease. That really made me question what I am doing to myself. I am very thankful that the medical department went out of their way to coordinate this for the crew. It's a good cause."

In addition to providing medication, nicotine patches and gum, the ship plans to create a support group that meets every evening to discuss how they are handling the stressors associated with quitting.

"I am taking full advantage of the meetings," said Miller. "I am really excited and a bit nervous about not being able to do it, but every time I start to think like that I remember that saying, 'Don't worry about tomorrow because tomorrow will worry about itself'."

The Whidbey Island is deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

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For more news from USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), visit www.navy.mil/local/lsd41/.