in any wars, Sgt. Billups dutifully served hiscountry within its borders. Many of the yearshe served were spent training and preparingsoldiers to go to war. His favorite part of thejob was recruiting and his favorite place to livewas Fort Lauderdale, Florida.“The weather and the clear blue ocean wereunbeatable,” he said. “Having access to NFLand NBA teams like the Miami Dolphins andthe Miami Heat didn’t hurt either.”“When I was recruiting I was literally able tochange people’s lives,” he says. “I saw peoplego from one extreme to the next. When I metsome of them, they had no direction, and didnot expect to acquire much out of life. ThenI saw them come back with a pocket full ofmoney and a big smile on their face; that iswhat really makes the job worth it.”Of course, there were challenging career aspectsas well. For instance, Sgt. Billups servedfor many years as an Army trainer. He explainedhow difficult it was to train soldiers and getthem to the point where they were ready forwar, knowing all the while that he would seesome off who would not be coming home.“Members of our armed forces all want thesame thing as everyone else, to make a decentliving and be able to provide for themselvesCommunityAPPRECIATION FARESand their families,” Sgt. Billups says. “Soldiersenlist and go to war. Going into this business,you know what you are getting into. It is strictlyvoluntary, and it is your job, period. Somemake the ultimate sacrifice.”After a long and distinguished career, Sgt.Billups retired from one career to embark on anew one. Exploring his softer side, he is divinginto the fragrance business.“I hope to get my business - called Martin’sFamous Oils - up and running soon. I’ll beselling incense, natural oils and scented lotionsas well,” Billups says.It’s an endeavor made possible by trainingat a different kind of boot camp: The EntrepreneurshipBoot Camp for Veterans (EBV),developed in 2007 at Syracuse University, anddesigned to help disabled veterans with a drive,determination, and passion for business ownershiptake the first steps toward that goal.Geared toward post-9/11 veterans who suffereddisabilities as a result of their service, theprogram (which bears no cost to these veterans)can be found on seven college campuses: SyracuseUniversity, Florida State University, TexasA&M University, UCLA, Purdue University,University of Connecticut and Louisiana StateUniversity.Savings for Teachers,EMTs, Firefighters,Police Officers &Active MilitaryThe program is split into three differentphases. During Phase One, veterans take anonline course in which they work on developingtheir own business concepts. Phase Two includesa nine-day residency at one of the sevenEBV universities. During those nine days, theveterans complete workshops and take lessonsfrom entrepreneurial faculty from nationallyranked programs all over the world. In PhaseThree, the veterans are able to gain ongoingtechnical assistance from the faculty experts atEBV universities as well as EBV partners.“Once a soldier is a veteran and cannot serve,they need a way to provide for their families,”said Martin. “This program is an excellent wayto give them opportunities to provide, especiallyin this economy.”Martin says that his new passion lies in beingan entrepreneur – and the best part aboutbeing retired is having the freedom to networkwith congressmen and other business ownersas he launches his new endeavor. Over time,he plans to mentor others – soldiers and veteransalike – about the Entrepreneurship Bootcampfor Veterans and the many doors it canopen as they enter new and exciting phases oftheir lives. NDNLet’s give back to those who gave us our Independence!hi-hoFor every Bracelet Sold,Hi-Ho Silver contributes$25 to Homes forOur TroopsS I L V E R7 DayWestern Caribbean Excursion!Round-trip from TampaAboard the Ryndam!Departing 11/27/11240 McLaws Circle 10858 Warwick Blvd.Williamsburg Newport News757-229-7854 757-599-3011warwicktravel.comwarwicktravel@warwicktravel.com*Terms & Conditions: Fuel supplement has been suspended. Holland America Line reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for allguests at up to $9 per person per day should the price of light sweet crude oil according to the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index)increase above $70 per barrel. Please consult our website for current information. Fares are based on Promo(s) YC. Featured fares are perperson based on double occupancy, cruise only. Upgrade offers are valid on select sailings and in select categories only. Fares are in U.S. dollarsand include non-discountable amounts. Taxes are additional and and vary according to itinerary. Subject to availability. Offers are capacitycontrolled, and may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice. Restrictions may apply. Must show proof of employment as a teacher bysupplying Teacher’s Certification, union card or letter from principal on school letterhead with deposit. EMTs, Firefighters, Police Officers, andall branches of active duty military (including US Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, National Guard, Reservists & US Merchant Marine) must showproof of eligibility by faxing a copy of badge, or official ID. Please black out Social Security # prior to faxing military ID. Must be able to showID at pier upon request. To be sent via fax to: 206-281-0352 or by mail to Holland America Line, attn: Res Leads. For more information aboutour stateroom categories and suite descriptions, and to view deck plans, please refer to www.hollandamerica.com or the appropriate HollandAmerica brochure. Please refer to the appropriate Holland America brochure for full terms and conditions. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands.8 NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORSAUGUST2011From $549 per person,double occupancy. Regular sale rate from$599 per person, double occupancy.SURVIVALFRIENDSHIPCOMMITTMENTFROM SOLDIER TO SOLDIER BRACELETSNew Town | Williamsburg | 903-4941City Center | Newport News | 591-8912Hilltop West | Virginia Beach | 425-0043 Palace Shops in Ghent | Norfolk | 622-9900
Major General (Ret.)Frank FaykesPerseveranceandPatriotismBy Alison JohnsonAs a young boy, Frank Faykes dreamed offlying planes in the Air Force – just like his father,a first generation immigrant and WorldWar II pilot who eagerly volunteered to fightfor his adopted country.That dream didn’t come true; due to timingand history, he never became a militarypilot. He did, however, rise to become a twostarGeneral, and for years he helped shape themulti-billion dollar Air Force budget at thehighest levels of government.The James City County resident, now 56,briefed Congressmen and staff for the Secretaryof Defense on Air Force priorities, includingthe importance of developing unmannedaircraft. He met two United States presidents,presided over press conferences and traveled allover the world.“I feel lucky that I had lots of opportunitiesto impact the future of the Air Force,” MajorGeneral Faykes says. “America has the greatestSummerSale!40% Offall gift merchandisemilitary in the entire world, which means theonus is on us to always be ready to play a leadershiprole around the world. I wish I could doit all over again.”Originally from Mount Laurel, New Jersey,General Faykes lived near Air Force basesLisa W. Cumming Photographythroughout his childhood. His parents hademigrated from the Czech Republic; his father,also named Frank, worked in retail at a Chicagoshoe store before heading to flight schoolas many American planes were falling prey toenemy fire during World War II. With just a6596 Richmond Rd. • (757) 229-1665 • www.schmidtsflowers.netPromo code: 10% Mil. Disc.NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORSAUGUST2011 9
Change language