The AHEPAN - Spring 2014 - (Page 23)

CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY Ahepan, Naval Officer Promoted to Commander LCDR Jason J. Brianas, USN, received a promotion to the rank of Commander (CDR) in the United States Navy, at a ceremony held at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., Nov. 8, 2013. Family members, close friends and special guests, were in attendance. Col. Arthur Athens, USMCR (retired) served as the Senior Officer and administered the Oath of Office. Jason, one of five brothers (and one of three who have attended the United States Naval Academy), is currently serving as deputy director of the VADM James B. Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership in Annapolis. He recently transferred from the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) based out of Newport News, Va. There, Jason served as the ship's Auxiliaries Officer managing 700 pieces of critical ship service systems, including air conditioning plants, steering and anchoring gear, water distribution and aircraft elevator hydraulics and air conditioning systems. His promotion marks a milestone in his naval career, which is a move from a Junior Officer rank to one that is senior at a pay grade of O-5. Three full bars become visible and it is the first Navy rank which the officer is seen wearing an embellished cover. After beautiful opening remarks from Col. Arthur Athens, who is also TOP: CDR Jason Brianas (at right) with his brothers. MIDDLE: Proud father James looks on as Jason takes in his Commander rank. BOTTOM: Brianas takes the Oath of Office administered by Col. Arthur Athens, USMCR (ret.). of Greek descent, Jason had his brothers, mother (Lolaine), and father (James), all participated in revealing the Commander rank. Following, he took the Oath of Office which confirms, again, like at his initial commissioning, his commitment to the Constitution of the United States and service to his country. As an honorary senior officer, Dr. James George Brianas emotionally recognized Jason's accomplishments and how proud he was of him and the family. CDR Brianas concluded the ceremony by talking about the significance of being a leader. He stressed the importance of family, dedication and character in his life. Whether it was Aristotle's "Character is a habit" or his experience in the fleet, or his fight against cancer as a child, his commitment to life and family is apparent. His brothers, parents, parent-in-laws, four children, closest friends, and wife, Lea KallianesisBrianas, all play a significant role in his success as a person, father and naval officer, he said. He credits the love of family, the camaraderie of community, and the strength of his wife and children for his happiness and success in life. He credits the love of family, the camaraderie of community, and the strength of his wife and children for his happiness and success in life. www.ahepa.org Spring 2014 · THE AHEPAN | 23 http://www.ahepa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The AHEPAN - Spring 2014

President’s Message
Ahepa Family News
American Hellenic, American Jewish Groups Hail Historic Three-Country Mission
Preview: Ahepa Family Supreme Convention
The Jerusalem Patriarchate Endures
Veterans
Civic Responsibility
Athletics
Periclean
Housing
Ahepa Family Chapter News
In Memoriam

The AHEPAN - Spring 2014