AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINTMILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS,MD.DCMILITARY.COM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013 | VOL. 2 NO. 47

11th SecurityForces Squadronprotects IntramuralChampionship

6VA MedicalCenter’s Ladies’Night 2013honors womenveterans

5 Midshipman As-dal wins FulbrightGrant, FitzGeraldScholarship

7

BY STAFF SGT. KATIE SPENCER459TH AIR REFUELING WING

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Team Andrews hosted its an-nual Pilot for a Day ProgramNov.22.Ne’Veah Littleton, eight years

old, was diagnosed with stagefour Diffuse Intrinsic PontineGlioma, a tumor on the brainstem in April 2013. The averagelength of survival of children di-agnosed with DIPG is approxi-mately nine months. The one-year survival rate is about 30percent and the two-year rate isless than 10 percent, accordingto a website for DIPG patients,www.riahsrainbow.org.Members from JBA, along

with partners from the com-munity, joined together to treatLittleton like a world-class pi-

lot and made him a pilot for lifethrough the Pilot for the Dayprogram.The program started in the

1990s at Randolph Air ForceBase, Texas and came to JBA in2005. Known as P4D, the Pilotfor the Day program is designedto give terminally ill childrenthe opportunity to live out theirdreams for a day and for theirfamilies to enjoy time outsidethe challenges of everyday liv-ing. The staff from Children’sNational Medical Center, Wash-ington D.C., chooses children toparticipate in the program.“The Pilot for a Day program

has grown into a joint effort withall units on base and outside or-ganizations,” said Lt. Col. RobBalzano, 201st Operations Sup-port Flight commander and P4D

lead coordinator. “It gives us, asmilitary members, a chance togive back to the community andshow our appreciation for theirsupport.”Ne’Veah’s day began with a

special initiation as the P4D bytaking an oath of office in frontof a crowd standing at attentionat the 459th Aeromedical Evacu-ation Squadron’s auditorium. Hewas issued a flight suit, a flightbag and the proper insignia toensure he was within uniformregulations.“An oath symbolizes personal

beliefs and faith,” said Maj. Ka-ra Sandifur, 459th OperationsGroup executive officer and P4Dcoordinator. “Promising to smile,have fun, and ask questionsshows his belief that his disease

TeamAndrews fulfills 8-year-old’s dream

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/STAFF SGT. KATIE SPENCER

Ne’Veah Littleton takes his Pilot for a Day Oath of Office from his wing-man, Capt. Brad Lampel, a 201st Airlift Squadron mission pilot, duringa day in which Ne’Veah was appointed a pilot for the Pilot for a Dayprogram Joint Base Andrews, Md., Nov. 22. Ne’Veah is a terminallyill child diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, which is atumor on the brain stem. see DREAM, page 5

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

Prince George’s County is celebrating its 27th Winter Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park inUpper Marlboro through Jan. 1, 2014. The holiday drive-through event features more than one milliontwinkling lights located throughout the park grounds. More photos on page 3.

27TH WINTER FESTIVALOF LIGHTS GLOWS

BY STAFF SGT. KATIE SPENCER459TH AIR REFUELING WING

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Reservists from the 459th AirRefueling Wing at Joint Base An-drews and 512th Airlift Wing, Do-ver Air Force Base, Del., assistedNASA for a special mission Nov.24.The reservists loaded a 57,000-

pound Global Precipitation Mea-surement Satellite into a C-5MSuper Galaxy for delivery to Kita-kyushu Airport in Japan. NASAcreated the GPS Satellite tohelp meteorologists better trackstorms in North America.Jean Manall, a former chief of

the 69th Aerial Port Squadron atthe 459 ARW, and NASA projectsupport transportation manager,asked the 69 APS to ask for helploading the cargo.The NASA team worked hand-

in-hand with the 69 APS and per-formed four fit tests prior to theactual load mission. The 69 APScoordinated everything from get-ting the equipment onto base toensuring proper authorizationletters were signed due to the

height requirements.The aerial port Airmen con-

ducted a joint inspection of theNASA container each time itarrived on base for the fit tests.Once the cargo was loaded ontothe C-5M Super Galaxy from Do-ver AFB, the 69 APS tied down

and secured the massive piece ofequipment.While the fit tests seemed to go

smoothly, there was one instancewhere the equipment did not fit.“The ramp on our flight line

69 APS works withNASA to load satellite

see NASA, page 8

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/TECH. SGT. JEREMY LARLEE

A C-5M Super Galaxy is flooded with lights prior to the load of aGlobal Precipitation Measurement Satellite Nov. 20, 2013, at JointBase Andrews, Md. The satellite, its container and support equip-ment was loaded on the aircraft at the base en route to its final des-tination in Japan.

BY CHRIS BASHAMSTAFF WRITER

The body of Airman 1st ClassEvan Curbeam, who went missingin the early hours of Nov. 23 afteran evening out with friends in theFells Point area of Baltimore, wasfound Nov. 27 in the harbor nearFells Point, after searches con-ducted by the Baltimore City andBaltimore County police depart-ments. Curbeam was 29 years oldand had served in the MunitionsFlight of the 113th MaintenanceSquadron of the D.C. NationalGuard at Joint Base Andrews fortwo years at the time of his death.“Evan exemplified everything

that you’d want to see in an Air-man. He embraced all the corevalues; he wanted to be given big-ger and broader challenges,” saidCurbeam’s flight chief, Sr. Mas-ter Sgt. Joseph Brown. “Oddlyenough, as an A1C he was wayabove his peers. I could assigntasks to him that I would nor-mally reserve for Senior Airmenor staff sergeants.”Brown called Curbeam a man

of, “great character. He was obvi-ously a future leader of the Guard,and of the Air Force as a whole.”Curbeam was an avid base-

ball fan, a passion he shared withyouth organizations in Baltimoreand Washington, D.C., where hetaught young people about thehistory and importance of the Ne-gro Leagues. He also was knownfor volunteering to provide traf-fic control and other support forevents held in Washington, in-cluding the presidential inaugu-ration and Martin Luther KingDay ceremonies.A1C Curbeam’s death has

brought together the ammunitioncommunity far beyond JBA.“We’ve received calls from

across the ammo community ex-pressing condolences even thoughthey didn’t know Evan,” saidBrown. “There’s a special bondamong the ammo community, be-cause we’re separated from theWing, out of sight, out of mind.Not to say we are ignored, but weare separate.”

“This country losta great citizen”Body of A1C Evan Curbeamfound after Baltimore search

see CURBEAM, page 4

BY CHRIS BASHAMSTAFF WRITER

When Mary Johns first sawthe historic St. Mary’s Rectoryin Aquasco, Md., she told herhusband she “wouldn’t want anyother house, if I could have thishouse.” The newlyweds had beenliving in a townhouse in Wood-bridge, Va., and were looking fora place to start a family. In 2006the couple purchased the GreekRevival home, which had servedas the rectory for St. Paul’s Par-ish Episcopal Church until 1977,and began extensive restorationefforts.“It had the old style radia-

tors. We spent a summer comingout on the weekends, starting torenovate it, and quickly realized

that although the previous own-ers said the summers were bear-able without central air, well...they weren’t.We installed centralheating and air, which allowedus to get rid of the radiators, anda side-benefit of that was that itgave us more room for furniture.”They added a screened porch, a

feature the house had in the past.Jane Young lived in the house forfour years in the 1950s, when herfather was Rector of St. Pauls’Parish, and remembers the houseas an interesting place surround-ed by shrubs, berry bushes, flow-ers and wild birds. She also couldhave warned the Johns aboutthose hot, Southern Marylandsummers.

Historic St. Mary’sRectory returnsRestored 1849 home is on the market

see RECTORY, page 4

2 Friday, December 6, 2013Andrews Gazette

HOTTICKETSAround Town

Andrews Gazette is published by Comprint Military Publications,9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md., a private firm in no wayconnected with the U.S. Air Force or any branch of the UnitedStates military. The appearance of advertising in these publications,including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement

by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the prod-ucts and services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase,use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin,age, martial status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchases, user or patron.

COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS

Maxine Minar, presidentmminar@dcmilitary.com

John Rives, publisherjrives@dcmilitary.com

Chris Basham, editorcbasham@dcmilitary.com

Deirdre Parry, page designdparry@gazette.net

Bobby Jones, photographerbjones@dcmilitary.com

December 6 - 8Play Lab: The American Football ProjectCenter Stage, 700 North Calvert Street, Baltimore, Md.Showtimes varyA play explores the research, issues and impact sur-

rounding head injuries in the NFL and the military. Forinformation visit www.centerstage.org.

December 7Holiday HayridesWatkins Regional Park, 301Watkins Park Drive, Upper

Marlboro, Md.7 p.m. Saturdays and SundaysRide through the Festival of Lights and visit the Nature

Center. Enjoy refreshments by the fire and see live ani-mals. For information and reservations call 301-218-6770.

December 8A Winter AerialJoe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Road,

Mount Rainier, Md.4 p.m.Arachne Aerial Arts shows the many ways to fly, choreo-

graphed by local performers. For information visit www.joesmovement.org.

Through December 29Septime Webre’s The NutcrackerWarner Theater, 513 13th Street, N.W., Washington,

D.C.Showtimes varyThe Washington Ballet performs The Nutcracker, set

in historic Washington, D.C. For information visit www.washingtonballet.org.

BY CHRIS BASHAMSTAFF WRITER

Since 1955, children have trackedSanta’s flight to make sure they got tobed on time using the North Ameri-can Aerospace Defense Commandsystem. It’s a valuable service provid-ed for children of all nations, whetheror not they’re on the naughty list, al-though of course American and Cana-dian children have traditionally beenmore connected to a North Americantracking system than children grow-ing up in other nations.Always at the front of the latest

technology, NORAD has in recentyears moved their Santa Tracker tothe Internet, adding information onhis preparations for Christmas, vid-eos, games and other fun activitieseach day of December before Christ-mas Eve, when the system shifts tofollowing the sleigh in real time untilall presents are delivered and Santa’sjob is done for the year. The move toan online tracking site was createdin large part, an anonymous NORAD

official explained, to ensure thatmilitary children stationed overseascould have an easier time accessingthe Santa Tracker than they other-wise might. Like many innovationsoriginally designed for military use,this development quickly spread tohelp civilian children as well.There has been some confusion

this year, about the role of the jetfighters which provide an escort forSanta over American air space. Somepeople thought that the jets might bearmed. This possibility caused someconcern. Obviously, however, it is notthe case. What look like missiles onthose jets are actually fuel tanks,added to the planes to ensure thatthe military pilots have enough fuelto fly fast enough to keep up with thesleigh.Santa doesn’t need a military es-

cort. He’s a peaceful man dedicatedto the happiness of children, and es-pecially at this time of the year ev-eryone is on board with that mission,cheering him on and wishing himwell. An armed escort would be un-

necessary and redundant, in the pres-ence of such universal goodwill.The service members who volun-

teer to fly alongside Santa do it notout of concern so much as the excite-ment of being able to contribute to theefforts of a jolly old elf who helped tomake their own childhood Christmas-es more fun. It’s also an opportunityto fly alongside, and learn from, a leg-endary pilot.Though exempt from regular

physical fitness assessments, outof uniform and grounded for mostof the year so he can lead the elvesand care for his tiny reindeer, on onenight each year Santa is capable, ac-cording to NORAD’s own web site, offlying around the world and makingnumerous stops to deliver toys andother gifts for children, faster thanany military jet. It’s an honor, really,for any pilot to accompany Santa foreven a brief portion of that annualjourney.Want to learn more, and keep an

eye on Santa’s progress? Visit www.noradsanta.org.

CommentarySanta won’t need armed jets this year

COURTESY OF THE RETIREEACTIVITIES OFFICE

Same-sex spouseseligible for SBPSurvivor Benefit Plan program

enrollment is available for eligibleretirees in same-sex marriages. Theprogram provides a monthly incometo survivors of retired Airmen uponthe retiree’s death when retired paystops. Survivors of Airmen recalledto active duty from retirement whodie while on active duty may also beprotected by the SBP. Enrollmenteligibility began June 26, 2013 forsame-sex couples who were legallymarried on or after that date.. NoSBP premiums for coverage will becharged, nor will any annuity pay-ments be paid for deaths before thatdate. Retirees married to a same-sexpartner on or before June 26, 2013,must apply for SBP coverage by

June 25. If a retiree originally elect-ed child coverage at the time of re-tirement, a same sex spouse may beadded at the same level of coverage.If a retiree originally elected SBPcoverage for an insurable interestperson at the time of retirement, heor she may terminate this coverageand elect spouse coverage. Retireesshould seek the assistance of a SBPcounselor when making an election.For more information or help withcompleting SBP application forms,call 877-353-6807 or base casualtyassistance representative.

RAO closes for holidaysThe 11th Wing Retiree Activities

Offices at Joint base Andrews andJoint Base Anacostia-Bolling willbe closed for the holidays, Dec. 21through Jan. 5. Retired Col. JohnMoser, RAO director, said phonecalls to the offices during this time

will be monitored for possible assis-tance that cannot await resumptionof office hours on Jan. 6. The An-drews RAO is located at 1604 Cali-fornia Avenue, phone 301 981-2726.At Bolling, the office is in the head-quarters building, just inside themain gate, phone 202 767-5244. Of-fices are staffed by volunteers, Mon-day through Friday from 10 a.m. to3 p.m.

Backlog is on front burnerThe Department of Veterans Af-

fairs has joined with the DisabledAmerican Veterans and the Ameri-can Legion to help reduce the com-pensation claims backlog for veter-ans. The Fully Developed ClaimsCommunity of Practice is a key partof a VA plan to end the backlog in2015 and process claims within 125

Retiree Corner

see RETIREE, page 7

1036316B

3Friday, December 6, 2013 Andrews Gazette

Prince George’s County is celebrating its 27th WinterFestival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park in UpperMarlboro through Jan. 1, 2014. The holiday drive-throughevent features more than one million twinkling lights lo-cated throughout the park grounds. The Winter Festival ofLights is open 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for carsand vans; $15 for mini-buses and limos; $25 for buses; $10for multi-visit passes for cars & vans. Please bring cannedgoods to support local food banks. The festival is FREE onDec. 25. For more information call 301-699-2456; TTY 301-699-2544; Linea en Español: 301-445-4509.

27TH WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS GLOWS

PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

1021877B

1036312B

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4 Friday, December 6, 2013Andrews Gazette

Airman First Class Evan L. Curbeam II was born inBaltimore, Maryland on March 8, 1984. He graduated fromBaltimore Polytechnic Institute in 2002 and later earneda bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technologyfrom the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York.His passion for engineering eventually led him to pursuea master’s degree in systems engineering and engineer-ing management from George Washington University inWashington, D.C.. Although these educational accomplish-ments and pursuits were substantial by any measure, itwas Airman Curbeam’s decision to serve his country in thearmed forces that brought his many professional talents tothe forefront.Airman Curbeam’s all-too-brief, but stellar military ca-

reer began when he enlisted in the District of ColumbiaAir National Guard – the “Capital Guardians” – in June2011. Like all his endeavors, Airman Curbeam approachedservice to his country with drive, integrity, and a determi-nation to excel by supporting the mission and his fellowairmen. A noted standout in Air Force basic training atLackland AFB, Texas and later at technical school in Shep-pard AFB, Texas, Airman Curbeam earned recognition andpraise for his leadership as a “Yellow Rope” Military Train-ing Leader.In October 2011, upon joining the 113th Wing on Joint

Base Andrews, Maryland as a munitions systems spe-cialist, Airman Curbeam wasted no time in gaining therespect and admiration of his superiors and peers alike.He rapidly pursued his military upgrade training and ac-complished numerous benchmarks in the demanding mu-nitions career field well ahead of schedule. In July of 2012,these efforts were on full display when Airman Curbeamhelped support the unit’s deployment to Alpena, Michigan.His willingness to work long hours and take on leadershiproles that exceeded his rank were instrumental in the suc-cess of the deployment and earned him “Ammo Troop ofthe Quarter” honors. Later, over the first half of 2013, hishard work as a munitions line delivery driver helped theWing achieve success in several key readiness inspections.Airman Curbeam’s dedication to service also extended

beyond his unit’s immediate mission of maintaining readi-ness and protecting the airspace over the Nation’s Capi-tol. He was always the first to step forward and volunteerfor events in support of both the military and local civil-ian communities. In addition to activities such as WingDiversity Day and Air National Guard recruiting events,Airman Curbeam also volunteered to provide traffic andcrowd control support for both the 50th Anniversary of theMartin Luther King’s March on Washington and the 2013Presidential Inauguration.Perhaps no incident better exemplifies Airman Cur-

beam’s commitment to training and safety than one thatoccurred on June 20, 2013. By then a full-time technician,Airman Curbeam was tasked with delivering munitionsto the flightline in support of daily operations. While enroute, he was alerted to serious problem with the trailerbrakes. Acting instinctively, Airman Curbeam radioed mu-nitions control while he and a fellow airman quickly andefficiently resolved the problem using all appropriate safe-ty procedures. His conspicuous and selfless actions helpedprevent any adverse effect on the Wing’s ability to accom-plish its critical mission and earned him a Wing WeaponsSafety Achievement Award.Because of his exemplary performance throughout the

year, the 113th Wing bestowed on Airman Curbeam thecoveted and highly competitive award of the 2013 D.C. AirNational Guard Airman of the Year. In addition to thishonor, Airman Curbeam’s military decorations include theBasic Military Training Ribbon, the National Defense Ser-vice Medal, the War on Terrorism Service Medal and theAir Force Achievement Medal.With his untimely passing on Nov. 23, 2013, Airman

Curbeam leaves behind countless friends and a loving fam-ily that includes his grandparents, Ray and Sheila Banks;his parents David and Tonya Thomas; his father, EvanCurbeam, Sr; and his 4 year-old daughter, Julia, whom heloved and cherished with all his heart. Airman Curbeam’sfellow airmen also share in the family’s loss and will al-ways remember him as the very epitome of the Air ForceCore Values of “Integrity First, Service before Self, and Ex-cellence in All We Do.” The entire Wing mourns the pass-ing of this honorable serviceman, loving son and grandson,devoted father, and extraordinary American.

Airman First ClassEvan L. Curbeam II

The 113th Wing assigned a family liaison to assist Cur-beam’s family when he went missing. The liaison will workclosely with the family as they prepare for his memorialservice, to be held tomorrow.“I don’t k now what, really, to say, other than this coun-

try lost a great citizen,” said Brown. “He’s going to be deep-ly missed.”A1C Curbeam was recently selected to receive the Air-

man of the Year Award. Curbeam’s parents will accept theaward on his behalf. He is survived by a daughter.A funeral service is planned for 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7,

at Chapel One on Joint Base Andrews.

CURBEAM, from page 1

“It was so sweltering hot, we were allowed to drag ourmattresses down to the screened in porch,” said Young.The Johns also cleared overgrowth on the five-acre

property.“The hedge had grown so that you could barely see

the house; we took that down. We used our hands toyank down stuff.We even discovered an old, metal bath-tub out there,” said Johns. “That first summer was justlots of blood, sweat and tears, and very delicately takinga Dremel tool to the original hardware on doors thathad been painted over probably 10 times, in differentcolors of paint. It was like discovering treasure every-where we went.”They were determined to make Historic St. Mary’s

Rectory “the best new old house we could,” and investedapproximately $200,000 in the restoration. They alsoreceived a $60,000 grant from the Maryland NationalCapital Park and Planning Commission to restore theoriginal cedar and yellow pine siding.“That enabled us to restore the exterior. We did all

the interior work, but the exterior we would not havebeen able to do, without the grant,” Johns said.The house, when the Johns’ bought it, was covered in

asbestos siding from the 1940s or 1950s.“We did not know what was under it. We could just

see little glimpses of it near the cellar doors,” Johnssaid. Annapolis-based Tower Companies handled therestoration of the home’s exterior.“There’s a pretty clear record of what had been there

and different bits and pieces remaining. It was guidedreconstruction, guided by the existing material,” saidJohn Tower.The siding was made mostly of cypress and yellow

pine, old-growth hardwoods that were most likely lo-cally sourced in the original construction.“It was incredible stuff. It did not go to waste.What it

had on it was layers of paint, going back to the originalpaint. I don’t think it had ever been stripped,” Towersaid. “The cypress that we used was definitely not local.The reason for that is that the northernmost cypressswamp is (Battle Creek Cypress Swamp in CalvertCounty, Md.), and is a protected area, but back in theday no one really thought about it.”Tower’s crew spent the summer of 2011 restoring the

siding and stabilizing and restoring the front porch ofthe home. Shortcuts by previous renovators made thejob a little easier.“Different remodeling had occurred, but most of the

original material had been left in place. I don’t know ifthat was for economic reasons, or if they were trying todo as little work as possible,” Tower said.Because the house has been on the National Regis-

ter of Historic Places since 1987, “everything we did,we had to pass muster with the Prince George’s CountyPlanning Board preservationist,” said Tower, who alsonoted that the stairs, “when you go up them, they were

designed for people who were slightly shorter than themodern adult. There’s less head room than you’d nor-mally see.”The Johns’ neighbor Tom Moore milled the wood used

for siding and trim work for the restoration. Becausethe house was built before the use of electric tools, “eachcarpenter had his own tools, so different parts of thehouse depended on what carpenter, and what tools hehad,” Moore said. “They may have had several carpen-ters working at the same time, or over time.”Moore used samples from the original siding as tem-

plates to grind the knives needed to create the siding,for an authentic look.“If there’s a defect, I will grind that into the knives

so that all the pieces will have the same defect,” Mooreexplained, “So it doesn’t look like Wal-Mart. Having allthis really old industrial equipment (as part of his Ster-ling Millworks shop in Aquasco) really helps.”After seven years in the home, the Johns have put

it on the market, in the hopes of moving their growingfamily closer to her husband’s job in Tysons Corner, Va.“I would absolutely want to buy another historic

home, but as the mother of three young children I’d waituntil the renovations are complete,” Johns said. “I don’tthink we’d ever have the energy to do what we did.”

RECTORY, from page 1

PHOTO BY GARY GESTSON

A plaque above the front door marks the building as aregistered historic home.

PHOTO BY GARY GESTSON

Outbuildings show their age more than the main house.

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5Friday, December 6, 2013 Andrews Gazette

JBA BuzzWhat gets you in the holiday spirit?

Kara Buwolda,Joint Base An-drews Librarycirculationtechnician

Airman 1stClass AnthonyHiser, 779thSurgical Opera-tions Squadronradiology tech-nician

Master Sgt.Margery Martin,11th SecuritySupport Squad-ron CombatArms instructor

Mary Gilbert,11th Force Sup-port SquadronFreedom HallDining Facility1st Cook

“I listen to music,start baking and putup Christmas decora-tions with my family.”

“I go to my girlfriend’shouse with about 30people and I make my‘down home’ special,collard greens andbanana nut cake.”

“I get into the holidayspirit spending timewith my family. I’mthankful for this time,because I could beSkyping from some-where in the desert.”

“Spending time withmy family and friends,especially, aroundThanksgiving, anddecorating the houseand Christmas treewith my mom anddad.”

CAPTION THIS

Send your silly captions for this week’s photo to cbasham@dcmilitary.com. The funniestones will be used in a future edition of The Andrews Gazette.

COURTESY OFWASHINGTON DC VAMEDICAL CENTER

WASHINGTON, DC –On Nov. 22, the Washing-ton DC Veterans AffairsMedical Center’s Atriumwas transformed into afestive ballroom and miniconcert hall. The hallwaysbecame an oasis of reju-venation and relaxationwith facials, AuricularAcupuncture, Reiki, seatedmassage and a labyrinthas more than 275 womenveterans of all eras werehonored for their serviceat Ladies’ Night 2013.Grammy -nom ina t ed

artist Carolyn Malachiperformed a musical trib-ute to women veterans.Malachi’s grandfather, aMarine, was nursed backto health at the D.C. VAMedical Center after suf-fering a stroke.Veteran Jacqueline

Young said, “We had awonderful time. The fun,the health and wellnessinformation, the food andmusic can’t get any better.”Medical Center employ-

ees and volunteers, with

the generous support ofcommunity partners suchas the Daughters of theAmerican Revolution andVeteran Service Organi-zations like the AmericanLegion and the Women’sMarine Association helpedmake the event a success.Brigadier General LindaSingh, Commander of theMaryland Army NationalGuard met personally withthe women Veterans.Medical Center Direc-

tor Brian A. Hawkins said,

“We have a commitment tocaring for veterans. Wom-en veterans are our fastest

growing population andit’s important for them tocome to the Medical Cen-

ter and experience our cul-tural transformation.”For more information

on VA women’s health pro-grams and services, con-tact 202-745-8582.

VAMedical Center’s Ladies’ Night 2013 honors women veterans

Washington D.C. VA Medical Center Director Brian A. Hawkins poses with Brig. GeneralLinda Singh, Commander, Maryland Army National Guard and Gloria Hairston, PublicAffairs Officer at the Medical Center’s Ladies’ Night.

Grammy-Nominated artist Carolyn Malachi performsNov. 22 at the Washington DC VA Medical Center.

A special Ladies’ Nightcake was donated by oneof the Washington D.C. VAMedical Center’s commu-nity partners.

doesn’t control his life. He is still an 8-year-old boywho likes to have a good time.”Capt. Brad Lampel, a 201st Airlift Squadron mis-

sion pilot, was Ne’Veah’s wingman, and took him toexperience all the different JBA units. With Lampel,Ne’Veah rode in an F-16 fighter jet simulator and satin a parachute harness at the 121st Fighter Squad-ron, toured a KC-135 at the 459th ARW, reveiwed amilitary working dog demonstration by the 11th WingSecurity Forces Squadron, ate lunch on a C-40 aircraftused to transport the first lady of the United States,shot water out of water cannons off the fire truck, andhe even called the tower to request clearance as theytaxied onto the runway in a C-38 aircraft operated bythe 201st AS. In addition, the team was able to sit in ahelicopter from the Maryland State Police.“I am his wingman for life, so we will always be in

contact,” said Lampel. “This is all very memorable. It’sthe greatest thing to happen to me this year- a high-light for sure.”When asked what his favorite part of the day was,

Ne’Veah said he liked the dogs, and all the patches hereceived.“I liked the dogs -- I liked the bad guy part. My fa-

vorite part was throwing the bone for him,” he said. Igot a lot of patches too. I don’t even remember whereI got all of them.”After all the stops of the day and many sugary

snacks later, Ne’veah and his family headed back tothe 459th ARW for a special ceremony.Commanders and other representatives from all

units attended the ceremony where they saw a slide-show of Ne’Veah’s special day and presented him withcoins, T-shirts, model aircraft, a firefighter helmet, andother items from the units he visited. He received asigned shirt from the first lady, a signed helmet from

the Washington Redksins, a signed photo from RobertGriffin III, Redskins quarterback, tickets to a Redk-skins football game and a night at the Gaylord Na-tional Resort, National Harbor, Md.“I am beyond speechless,” said Matti Littleton,

mother of Ne’Veah. “Everything you all have done isbeyond memorable. Watching him smile has been myfavorite part -- watching everything he wishes for real-ly come true; everything is priceless. Any chance theygive us to come back, we will.”In addition to the gifts from the units, the Littleton

family was informed that two months of their mort-gage would be paid for by the Check 6 Foundation.The Check 6 Foundation is a non-profit organization

started by Balzano to help raise funds and awarenessfor the P4D program as well as the Veterans Wingmanprogram. Funds are used to aid terminally ill childrenand their families by helping with bills or other hard-ships. For more information on the Check 6 Founda-tion, visit www.check6.org“Check six is a pilot term which means check your

six o’clock, or, check behind you,” said Balzano. “It is aterm with an underlying meaning of ‘I got your back’and the foundation does exactly that- we support thesekids and families and try to help them.”Each year the program has a P4D reunion at the

Joint Service Open House and all the previous kidswho are able to attend are invited with their familiesand re-unite with their wingmen. Despite JSOH be-ing cancelled this year, there are still plans to have areunion with the pilots.The P4D program occurs twice a year- once in the

spring and once in the fall. Ne’Veah is the 14th pilotto take the oath. As the program is focused on childrenwho are terminally ill, it has lost three pilots due totheir illnesses.

DREAM, from page 1

BY CAPT. LARA STYLES-SMITHFLIGHT COMMANDER, PASSENGER SERVICES

Starting Dec. 15, the Joint Base Andrews PassengerTerminal will be closed between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4a.m. daily. The terminal will open three hours prior to de-partures and thirty minutes prior to arrivals for missionsscheduled between these hours.Check the JBA Passenger Terminal Facebook page or

call the Flight Recording line, 301-981-3527/5851, for spe-cial hours of operation.

JBA Passenger Terminaloperating hours change delayed

Happy Holidays! Please take a moment to review thismonth’s SHARE packages at http://www.catholicchari-tiesdc.org/SHAREmenus. To order one for yourself or forsomeone you know, please email jbashareprogram@yahoo.com by Dec.9, 2013 with the following information:NamePersonal E-mailMobile NumberPackage(s) TypesTotal CostPay for the packages no later than 4:30 p.m. December

18, atJoint Base Andrews Military and Family Support Cen-

ter1191 Menoher DriveJoint Base Andrews, Md.Distribution of Food Packages will be Dec. 20 between 3

p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Military and Family Support Center.Thank you for your support!

Order your SHAREpackage by Dec. 9

6 Friday, December 6, 2013Andrews Gazette

The11th Security Forces Squadron defended the covetedIntramural Championship title against the 89th Commu-nications Squadron. The 11 SFS won the first game 19 to13 and the second game 20 to 14, solidifying their legacyas a great Intramural Flag Football team.

11TH SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON PROTECTS INTRAMURAL

CHAMPIONSHIP DYNASTY WITH FOURTH WIN

PHOTOS BY BOBBY JONES

Matthew Miller, center, 89th Communications Squadron quarterback, is swarmed by 11th Security Forces Squadrondefense during a quarterback keep play.

Caleb Stanton, 89th Communications Squadron speed-ster, maneuvers past a 11th Security Forces Squadroncornerback for a ten-yard reception.

The 11th Security Forces Squadron team flashes fourfingers, signifying winning the Intramural Flag FootballChampionship for four consecutive seasons.

Col. Eric Goepner, 11th Security Forces Group command-er, joins in the celebration as Josh Jewel, 11th SecurityForces Squadron wide receiver, center, lifts the 2013Intramural Flag Football Championship trophy.

Sports fans wrapped in blankets to keep warm during the2013 Intramural Flag Football Championship game.

INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL

SEASON KICKS OFF

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

Rodrick Martin, left, 779th Communications Squadron point guard, glides in for a two-point lay up against 779th Medical Operation Squadron teammembers during the sec-ond half of a closely contested Intramural Basketball season opener Dec. 2 at the WestFitness Center. The 779 CS won the contest, 37 to 35.

BY REBECCA GRAPSY

Adm. Robert J. Papp Jr., U.S. CoastGuard commandant, will discuss “TheCoast Guard and Maritime Governance”at the Navy League’s next Special TopicBreakfast 7 a.m. Dec. 9, at the Ritz-Carl-ton, 1250 South Hayes Street, Arlington,Va.Papp, who became commandant of the

Coast Guard in 2010, is a 1975 graduateof the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He hasserved on six cutters, commanding four ofthem. He holds the title of the 13th GoldAncient Mariner of the Coast Guard, anhonor given to the Coast Guardsman who

has held the qualification of cuttermanthe longest.The Navy League of the United

States is a nonprofit, nonpartisan or-ganization dedicated to informing theAmerican people and their governmentthat the United States of America is amaritime nation, and that its nationaldefense and economic well-being aredependent upon strong sea services —U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guardand U.S.-flag Merchant Marine. It of-fers the Special Topic Breakfast seriesto provide up-to-the-minute informationon programs and issues that matter tothe defense community.

Coast Guard Commandant tospeak at Navy League breakfast

BY RENEE M. CARTERARMY AND AIR FORCEEXCHANGE SERVICEPUBLIC AFFAIRS

Customers started theirholiday shopping early asthe Joint Base Andrews Ex-change doors opened at 4 a.m.on Black Friday.“As a part of the military

community, the Exchangeunderstands that time withfamily, for both customersand associates, is a priority,”said the Joint Base AndrewsExchange’s General Manager, Tony Pares.“The early opening at the Joint Base An-drews Exchange on ‘Black Friday’ gave

shoppers an opportunity to partake in agreater selection of ideas for holiday giftsand stocking stuffers at lower prices thanthe local retail markets.”

Shoppers wake early for BlackFriday at Andrews Exchange

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE NUZZO

7Friday, December 6, 2013 Andrews Gazette

New in 2014, The Andrews Gazette will no lon-ger be delivered to residential customers. The lastdelivery to on-base housing will be Dec. 20, 2013.Starting with the first issue of January 2014, findThe Andrews Gazette on racks and displays aroundJoint Base Andrews and at the Andrews FederalCredit Union Allentown Road branch just outsidethe main gate.Liberty Park at Andrews wants feedback on this

change. If you have suggestions, comments or com-plaints about the shift away from home delivery ofThe Andrews Gazette, please contact Liberty Parkat Andrews Marketing Coordinator Jessica Aikin at301-736-8082 or jaikin@themichaelsorg.com.

The Andrews Gazetteto end home delivery

BY LT. TENG K. OOIUS NAVAL ACADEMY ANDCAPT. LINDA J. BELTRA,MEDICAL CORPS, USN

The U.S. Naval Acad-emy’s Languages and Cul-tures Department honorsMidshipman First ClassKirsten Anna Asdal, winnerof two significant scholar-ships: The 2013 FulbrightGrant and the FitzGeraldScholarship.Asdal graduated in the

top two percent of her classwith a Bachelor of Sciencedegree in Chinese. She wasan accomplished memberof the International PistolTeam and served as theFirst Company Command-er in the spring of this year.The Fulbright Program

was established in 1946under legislation intro-duced by Senator J.WilliamFulbright of Arkansas, whobelieved the program couldplay an important rolein building lasting worldpeace in the aftermath ofWorld War II. The purposeof the program is to enablethe government of the Unit-ed States to increase mutu-al understanding betweenthe people of the United

States and the people ofother countries.The Fulbright Grant

recognizes Asdal’s high aca-demic achievement, a com-pelling project proposal,and demonstrated leader-ship potential. As the recip-ient of the 2013 FulbrightGrant, Asdal will travel toTaiwan to participate inan individually designedstudy and research project,which will combine con-tinued Chinese languagestudies with research onregional maritime conflict.She will be based at Na-tional Chengchi Universityin Taipei, Taiwan.The W.H.G. FitzGerald

Scholarship was estab-lished in 1987 by WilliamH. G. FitzGerald, a memberof the Class of 1931 andformer U.S. Ambassador toIreland, to allow one or twoNaval Academy graduatesevery year to attend OxfordUniversity with full fund-ing for two years of study.The FitzGerald Scholarshiprecognizes scholarly attain-ment, leadership ability,and capacity for devotion toa cause beyond self. It willprovide full funding for As-dal’s pursuit of a master’s

degree in ContemporaryChinese Studies at OxfordUniversity in the UnitedKingdom.After completing her

graduate degree she willenter the surface war-fare community and serveaboard the USS MICHAELMURPHY (DDG 112) atPearl Harbor, Hawaii.“It is such an honor to

receive these scholarshipsand to join the ranks ofthe many distinguishedformer recipients,” said As-dal. “These opportunitiesto study in Taiwan and theUK will provide invaluableacademic experiences andcross-cultural exchangeswhich I know will be ofgreat benefit to both theNavy and myself in the fu-ture. I’d like to thank themany professors, advis-ers, and mentors who havehelped me get to this point.”

Midshipman Asdal wins Fulbright Grant, FitzGerald Scholarship

PHOTO COURTESY OF BILL ASDAL

Part of the Asdal family after the graduation and commissioning ceremonies. From leftto right: Marcia Asdal (Mom), LTJG Lindsey Asdal, ENS Kirsten Asdal, MIDN CharlotteAsdal, and LT Ashley Asdal. The Asdal family, which also includes Annie Asdal, Duke ’11,and Bill Asdal (Dad), set a record for having four sisters attend the U.S. Naval Academy.

Landover, MD – Those ages 16 and older are invited toattend the M-NCPPC Aquatics Job Fair between 10 a.m.and 2 p.m. Jan. 4, 2014 at Prince George’s Sports & Learn-ing Complex, 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover, Md.Learn about summer aquatics positions at M-NCPPC

swimming pools throughout Prince George’s County thatpay up to $17.06/hour, including: Lifeguards, Pool Manag-ers, Shallow Water Lifeguards, Swim Lesson Aides, WaterFitness Instructors, Water Safety Instructors, Custodians,and Customer Service Representatives.Bring at least 6 copies of your resume. Dress to impress

and be ready to interview!The first 100 candidates to RSVP in advance will receive

a special gift at check-in. (Registration is recommendedbut not required.) To RSVP and to apply for a job in ad-vance, visit www.pgparks.com/Aquatics.htm. For more in-formation, please call 301-446-6833; TTY 301-446-6802.

M-NCPPC hostsAquatics Job Fair

days at 98 percent accuracy. Claims are considered to be“fully developed” when veterans submit all available sup-porting evidence, such as private treatment records andnotice of federal treatment records, with their first claimand certify they have no more evidence to submit. Veteranservice organizations have long played an integral role insubmitting veterans’ claims -- often with their representa-tives working within VA regional offices. VA has mandatedovertime for claims processors in its 56 regional benefitsoffices to help eliminate the backlog. Emphasis is placedon claims from homeless veterans, those claiming finan-cial hardship, the terminally ill, former prisoners of war,Medal of Honor recipients and veterans filing fully devel-oped claims. Claims for wounded warriors separating fromthe military for medical reasons are handled separately.On average, they receive VA compensation benefits twomonths following separation.

The Retiree Activities Office is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,Monday through Friday. Visit the office in Building 1604at California and Colorado Avenues or call us at 301-981-2726. Our e-mail address is rao@andrews.af.mil. Call theoffice before your visit to ensure a volunteer is on duty. TheRAO has a website at www.andrews.af.mil; Under “HelpfulLinks” click on “Retirees Activity Office” for information onretiree subjects, including past copies of “Retiree Corner.”

RETIREE, from page 2

For more news from other bases

around the Washington, D.C. area,

visit www.dcmilitary.com.01040895B

8 Friday, December 6, 2013Andrews Gazette

BY JASON ALDERMAN

With final holiday preparationslooming, the last thing anyone wantsto think about is next April’s tax bill.But if you’re over 70 ½ and have anytax-deferred retirement accounts (likean IRA), put down the wrapping paperand listen up: IRS rules say that, withfew exceptions, you must take requiredminimum distributions from your ac-counts by Dec. 31 of each year – and paytaxes on them – or face severe financialpenalties.Here’s what you need to know about

RMDs:Congress devised IRAs, 401(k) plans

and other tax-deferred retirement ac-counts to encourage people to save fortheir own retirement. Aside from Rothplans, people generally contribute “pre-tax” dollars to these accounts, whichmeans the contributions and their in-vestment earnings aren’t taxed untilwithdrawn after retirement.In exchange for allowing your ac-

count to grow tax-free for decades,Congress also decreed that minimumamounts must be withdrawn – andtaxed – each year after you reach 70 ½.To ensure these rules are followed, un-less you meet certain narrowly definedconditions, you’ll have to pay an excessaccumulation tax equal to 50 percent ofthe RMD you should have taken; plusyou’ll still have to take the distributionand pay regular income tax on it.You can delay or avoid paying an

RMD in certain cases, including:• If you’re still employed at 70 ½,

you may delay starting RMDs from yourwork-based accounts until you actuallyretire, without penalty; however, regularIRAs are subject to the rule, regardlessof work status.• Roth IRAs are exempt from the

RMD rule; however, Roth 401(k) plansare not.• You can also transfer up to $100,000

directly from your IRA to an IRS-ap-proved charity. Although the RMD itself

isn’t tax-deductible, it won’t be includedin your taxable income and lowers youroverall IRA balance, thus reducing thesize of future RMDs.Another way to avoid future RMDs

is to convert your tax-deferred accountsinto a Roth IRA. You’ll still have topay taxes on all pretax contributionsand earnings that have accrued; and,if you’re over age 70 ½, you must firsttake your minimum distribution (andpay taxes on it) before the conversioncan take place.Ordinarily, RMDs must be taken by

Dec. 31 to avoid the excess accumulationtax. However, if it’s your first distribu-tion you may wait until April 1 the yearafter turning 70 ½ – although you stillmust take a second distribution by Dec.31 that same year.Generally, you must calculate an

RMD for each IRA or other tax-deferredretirement account you own by dividingits balance at the end of the previousyear by a life expectancy factor found inone of the three tables in Appendix C ofIRS Publication 590:• Uniform Lifetime Table if your

spouse isn’t more than 10 years youngerthan you, your spouse isn’t the sole ben-eficiary or you’re unmarried.• Joint and Last Survivor Table when

your spouse is the sole beneficiary andhe/she is more than 10 years youngerthan you.• Single Life Expectancy Table is for

beneficiaries of accounts whose ownerhas died.Although you must calculate the

RMD separately for each IRA you own,you may withdraw the combined amountof all RMDs from one or more of them.The same goes for owners of 403(b) ac-counts. However, RMDs required fromother types of retirement plans must betaken separately from each account.To learn more about RMDs, read IRS

Publication 590 at www.irs.gov.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s finan-cial education programs.

Over 70 1/2?Remember mandatory IRA withdrawals

is not level in certain parts,” said MasterSgt. Lois Mosley, 69 APS. “During oneof the fit tests, the plane was in a littledip on the ramp and the container wasnot able to fit. We had to reposition theplane and try again.”Through all their efforts, Manall said

it was no easy task but the Air Force Re-serve Airmen performed admirably. Sheadded that everything went smoothlyand the professional work of the Airmenmade the mission a success.“Every last one of them down, to the

newest Airman, are highly capable,”said Manall.After the 69 APS loaded and secured

the cargo, the 512 AW team took overand flew the satellite to Japan.In addition to being heavy and large,

the satellite also required the aircraftto be powered at all times, because thecargo compartment had to be climate-controlled.After being diverted to Joint Base El-

mendorf-Richardson, Alaska, the flying

crew chiefs were required to stay withthe aircraft for 12-hour shifts to keepthe aircraft powered while the missionwas delayed two days due to weather.The Global Precipitation Measure-

ment, or GPM, mission is an interna-tional network of satellites that providenext-generation global observations ofrain and snow. Through improved mea-surements of precipitation globally, themission will help to advance our under-standing of Earth’s water and energy cy-cle and improve forecasting of extremeevents that cause natural hazards anddisasters.“The Air Force assists with air, space

and cyberspace,” said Mosley. “This is aprime example of how we supported thespace aspect of our mission. It’s prettyexciting that we helped move somethingthat will be in space.”The satellite is scheduled to be

launched in late February.

Editors note: Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Larlee,436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, contrib-uted to this story.

NASA, from page 1

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1040932B

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