The Libertarian: USDF Summer Edition (June 2025)

Main Cover by: S1LAS

Banner by: secondpeterfive

Banner by: Clo3 / Article by: .ItsBen.

☀️What people think about summer?

So as we’re heading into the best season of the year, we’ve decided to go around HQ to see what YOUR thoughts on summer are. Tune in to hear what the rest of USDF has to say about the sunny season!

Let’s get into it.

We asked our soldiers what summer is usually like where they’re from. Does it get really warm? Is it just right? Humidity is too much to even step out the house?

Here’s what WO1 maackie had to say:

“Summers are typically in the 30s now so it’s HOT and the humidity is just crazy. The air feels so thick it’s like you’re walking through a cloud. It’s always the humidity that’ll get ya.” It is the humidity that will get ya ma’am!

When we asked her what her favorite activities are during summer, she said: “My favourite activity to do in the summer is definitely swimming. Every year my family spends most of the summer on the lake, we all love to swim.”

Swimming gold medal when ma’am? 😊

Now, we decided to hit them with an interesting question. We asked them to name 1 thing they would take from summer into the rest of the seasons, and 1 thing they would take from winter into summer. Here’s what CWO4 9Ten had to say:

“One summer thing I would love to carry over to the winter, is the grilling experience. During the summer it’s often (easy) to find people grilling their food. For the winter I would bring the holiday spirit. People are usually kind hearted during the holiday seasons.”

Christmas in June! No, Max is not Australian!

Following that question, we asked what’s one thing they would want to remove from summer (why would they even want to remove something? Who wrote these questions???)

Anyways, here’s what Major Kahterine had in mind:

“I love summer and being out there actually it’s just I DONT LIKE GETTING SUNBURNED! So please take that sun effect away and let us enjoy being under the sun without needing all the UV jacket protections & umbrellas”

We’re talking to the CEO of the sun as we speak ma’am! No worries.

(Edit from kimmy!: Do you know that sunscreen is one of the best anti-aging product?! Put it on now!!)

For the last question, we wanted to see what the people of USDF had planned for the summer season. Here’s what they told us:

WO1 maackie: “My plans for this Summer are to go swimming a bunch, enjoy good food, spend time with my family, and make sure that I get 25 SoW a week”

CWO4 9Ten: “I plan on actually enjoying my career working with athletes as this is prime season, and grow my USDF career.”

MAJ Kahterine: “I’m currently in China for summer as I type this — and just looking to explore more places and specifically find me a cute monkey jelly cat, blaming fellow soldiers aqualuvsyou and kimmy! for introducing me to it!”

Shout out to our hard working personnel! However I do suggest you go outside, at least for a little bit. You can still do shifts on mobile!

To conclude, seems like our people are going to enjoy this summer to the maximum, and so should you!

Remember to hydrate properly, put on sun-screen, and complete your weekly quotas.

Have a fun and safe summer! 🎉

Banner by: Sylrose / Article by: secondpeterfive

*Seas* the Day: How to Help the Ocean in Your Own Small Way

Imagine how beautiful the ocean is. It is full of life and wonder. Every wave crashing on the shore reminds us of how connected we are as humans to our nature. The ocean gives us so much: the food that we eat, fresh air, and the fun of bathing near the sands and surfing in the waves. For some even, the ocean comprises their entire livelihood and their entire character.

We fail to state entirely how much the ocean is important to us humans. However that might be, the sad reality is that, because of our everyday actions, we have caused so much damage to the ocean which gave us an equal amount of benefit. Our daily habits like using plastic and littering trash, many of which end up in the ocean, hurt the cleanliness of the water and the health of the fish and other creatures living there.

The good news is, we can make a difference to stop the damage already made to our ocean, or even reverse it. We do not have to do anything on a large scale because small changes in our habits or actions or routines can already do the trick.

Here are just some of the many things you, as a normal person, may choose to do to help the ocean in your own small way:

Pick up trash when you are at the beach, in the park, while walking down the street, or going home. Who knows? That trash might possibly end up in the water if you do not pick it up.

Clean as you go if you cannot pick up trash like before. Even cleaning up your own mess can make a difference.

Say no to using plastic straws, cups, plates, bags, or bottles. Always aim for biodegradable or reusable options like paper plates, eco-bag, metal straws, and others.

Save water. Turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth helps save potable and clean water. Every drop counts!

Use ocean-safe products: some soaps and sunscreens have chemicals that hurt marine life. Always choose ocean-friendly labels when you can.

Those are just a few of the many options you can take. But, the best course of action in every advocacy is spreading the word. Tell your friends and family how they can help too. The more people there are to protect and save our oceans, the better! You do not need to be near an ocean or a beach to protect it. Every conscious decision that we take may make the difference in saving our oceans and helping the fish and other creatures in it to cope up. 

The ocean may be big, but the smallest of our actions can make the biggest of the change. As long as we care, the ocean lives. Let us go and seas the day–for us and for every creature calling it home.

Banner by: secondpeterfive / Article by: q-thunder-q

Born in June? You’re either a curious Gemini or cozy Cancer! Whether you’re the life of the party or the keeper of everyone’s secrets, this piece will blow you off your feet.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Element: Air
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Symbol: The Twins

Geminis are the life of the party. They’re quick witted, curious, and can converse with anyone about anything. They make the most interesting friends: debating heavy philosophy or sharing the funniest memes! Some traits include: extremely curious, always multitasking, enjoys a good debate, spontaneous, playful and even indecisive! 

Here’s some fun facts:

• Known as the “thinkers” of the zodiac
• They change their mind more times than they change their socks
• Their brains are 100 mph – they’re seldom bored, but often distracted
• Sometimes indecisive (as in, should I get tacos or pizza? BOTH)

Some Gemini celebrities include Angelina Jolie, Kanye West, Natalie Portman, Johnny Depp, Venus Williams and Paul McCartney.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Element: Water
Ruling Planet: Moon
Symbol: The Crab

vibes or even other people’s moods. If you need a warm hug, someone to bake you cookies, or just a shoulder to cry on, you can always count on a Cancer. They thrive at home, in comfort and around people they trust. Some traits include: deeply emotional, loyal and protective, very intuitive, creative, dream, and a bit moody!

Here’s some fun facts:

• They’re the “mommies” of the friend groups (even the guys)
• They have a strong attachment to their childhood or homeland
• Sentimental – guilt as charged, still keeping a box of old birthday cards?
• Moons control Cancers, so their mood swings like the tides

Some cancer celebrities include Prince William, Lana Del Rey, Ariana Grande, Elon Musk, Khloé Kardashian and Missy Elliot!

Banner by: ILove0LIVIA / Article by: Cloudiii

Summer Wellness: Fun Activities and Tips to Stay Hydrated

For many of us, June ushers in a new season: summer! It is the perfect time for us to soak up the sunshine, stay active, maintain our health, and give our bodies the care it deserves. As the rising temperatures and sweltering heat give way to longer days, our top priority should be our health. Some of us may prefer the great outdoors while others simply want to look for small ways to stay refreshed. Whatever the case, here is your guide for summer wellness activities and essential hydration tips.

Summer Activities to Choose from:

1. Take advantage of the cooler early hours of the day to start doing morning walks or jogs. Even jogging or brisk-walking for half an hour can improve health, boost your mood, burn calories, and make you more motivated to start your day.
2. There is always a good shaded place to do some yoga or stretching as warm-up to engage your body muscles early on. It can be in the backyard or on a local park. Basic stretching helps reduce stress and keeps your body flexible without experiencing overheating.
3. When its hot, one of the best things to do is to swim. Why not combine workout and swimming by doing water-based exercises like aqua aerobics or playing pool games? They are great full-body workouts that help beat the heat while also building bodily endurance.
4. Summer does not mean we have to avoid being outdoors. We can still enjoy a nature hike or riding your bike in the morning or the late afternoon when the temperature is cooler. Just do not forget to bring your sunscreen and water bottle in hand.
5. Summer is always a great time to bond with your loved ones. You can play tag or hide and seek, fly kites, kick a ball, or try simple backyard games.

Hydration Tips for the Hottest of Days:

1. Do not just wait until you are thirsty, because by the time you feel thirsty, you are already starting to experience dehydration. Instead, continually sip water at regular intervals throughout the day.
2. If plain water tastes too bland for you, you can always add natural fruity or citrusy flavors like lime, lemon, cucumber, berries, or mint to make your water more exciting and refreshing.
3. We are used to drinking water, but why not eat your water? Many foods like watermelon, cucumber, oranges, and lettuce are perfect for summer meals because they naturally contain high amounts of water in them.
4. Make it a habit to carry a refillable water bottle everywhere you go. You can choose to bring with you those water bottles that have time markers so you can keep your intake on track.
5. Dehydration is very common during the summer. When you are experiencing dry mouth, headache, fatigue, and dark urine, they may be red flags for dehydration. Always drink water and take adequate rest if needed.

Summertime is a season meant to be enjoyed. We can make the most out of it by choosing smart wellness choices. Always keep moving, listen to your body, take enough sleep or rest, and chugga that water bottle! Toss by for a weekend adventure or lounge beside the pool, it does not matter as long as you balance fun with care and health with enjoyment.

Banner by: S1LAS / Article by: Wahankethegreat

Hello June readers! While we all know that school is out and that we are just springing into Summer, we thought we’d give your brain a tease and see how much you know about June and Summer! Some of these questions even relate to other things you may have read in this edition of the Libertarian, so if you haven’t already read the rest of the articles you may want to take a look!

So, are you going to be ready for the Summer or do you need to go to trivia Summer school? Go ahead and get your pencils and start answering:

1. What is the newest United States Federal Holiday that is celebrated in June?
2. In what month does Summer start in the Southern Hemisphere?
3. What is the longest day of the year called?
4. Los Angeles will host the 2028 edition of what Summer international sporting event?
5. What year was called the Year Without a Summer?
6. What are the two zodiac signs that fall in June?
7. The Month of June is named after what Roman Goddess?
8. What is another name for the summer time storms called hurricanes? 
9. Nathan’s in New York holds an eating contest for what tubular food every 4th of July?
10. What ice cream related receptacle was supposedly invented at the 1904 World’s Fair?

OPAparazzi Corner

Summer Showdown UN x USDF

USDF Wide Expedition

OPA Talent Show – Building

OPA Talent Show – Fashion Show

Navy monthly meeting

AFxMC Pride OPs

OPA Sponsors!

Special thanks to the following for sponsoring prizes towards OPA Events (USDF-Wide). Truly appreciate the kind gesture and putting them to good use by giving back to USDF. OPA will strive to continue building great events for everyone, knowing your support means a lot of us.

Thank you to our sponsors for OPA Talent Show 2025
⭐ Present
⭐ nathan96
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