defense visual information distribution service · 2016. 5. 5. · personnel at fort george g....

!"#&$"%%!́PUBLISHED IN THE INTEREST OF THE FORT MEADE COMMUNITY THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016 | 68th Year Number 17

FTMEADE.ARMY.MIL

Students from Monarch Academy in Glen Burnie hold up Earth Day-inspired bags that could replace daily use of plastic zip-lock bags. Several area schools attendedthe four-hour event hosted by Fort Meade’s Environmental Division on April 28 at the Pavilion. For the story, see 0.

PHOTO BY NATE PESCE

SPRUCING UP FORT MEADE

ESC helps clean uparound the postPAGE 9

Today, 11 a.m.: Military Spouse Appreciation Lunch - Club Meade

Friday, 6:30 a.m.: Army Ten Miler qualifying race - Murphy Field HouseSunday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. & 2-4 p.m.: Mother’s Day Brunch - Club MeadeMay 21, 8 a.m.: Patriot Pride 5/10K - Murphy Field House

UPCOMING EVENTS ‘REAL HEROES’

Honor Flight vetsvisit Freedom InnPAGE 6

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2 NEWS THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016 | SOUNDOFF!

!"#&$"%%!́EDITORIAL STAFF

Garrison CommanderCol. Brian P. Foley

Garrison Command Sergeant MajorRodwell L. Forbes

Public Affairs OfficerChad T. Jones [email protected]

Chief, Command InformationLarry Whitley Sr. [email protected]

EditorGanesa R. Robinson [email protected]

Assistant Editor & Senior WriterRona S. Hirsch [email protected]

Staff WriterLisa R. Rhodes [email protected]

Staff WriterAlan H. Feiler [email protected]

Design CoordinatorTimothy Davis [email protected]

Supplemental photography providedby The Baltimore Sun Media Group

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Community noticesFriday, [email protected]

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personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by The Baltimore Sun Media Group, 501N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday except the last Thursday of the yearin conjunction with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office. Requests for publication mustreach the Public Affairs Office no later than Friday before the desired publication date.Mailing address: Post Public Affairs Office, Soundoff! IMME-MEA-PA, Bldg. 4409, FortMeade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-5602; DSN: 622-5602.

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W elcome to May,TeamMeade!

As the calendarkeeps marching forward, Iwould like to take a few mo-ments to step back and reflecton a very busy and productiveApril. This past month waspacked with important events,and I cannot thank our greatcommunity enough for theiroutstanding support and partic-ipation in each.

We kicked off April as Sexual AssaultAwareness and Prevention Month withourproclamation signing and installationrun onApril 8.

More than 3,000 servicemembers andcivilians turned out to run with us onwhat turned out to be a chilly morning.But we were all able to express ourcommitment to preventing the cancer ofsexual harassment and assault in ourranks.

April was also Month of the MilitaryChild.We signed a proclamation atChildDevelopment Center I to proclaim ourcommitment as a community towardraising our most precious assets, thefuture of our great nation, in the best andsafest possiblemanner.

April was also tax month. Our JointInstallationTaxCenter, staffedmainly byvolunteer service members and civiliansfrom across the installation, filed over3,000 returns. They saved our communi-ty$500Kin filing fees, and identified$4.2million in refunds.

Paying taxes is our civic duty, but wecertainly don’t need to donate moremoney than legally required to thefederal and state governments. So wecannot thank enough the tax centervolunteers for the free service theyprovided to us.

Speaking of volunteers, the CommandSergeant Major and I attended anotheroutstanding Volunteer Awards Banquetat Club Meade on April 21. Seeing theballroom filled with hundreds of dedi-cated volunteers made us so thankfulonceagain for theoutstandingcommuni-tywe are a part of.

Our installation, our community, andthe organizations and families that com-prise Fort Meade would not be assuccessful as we are without the tens ofthousands of hours volunteered by so

many. We thank you from thebottom of our hearts, on behalfof all.

OurEarthDay celebration onApril 28 was outstanding. Hun-dreds joinedus in thePavilion toparticipate in the events andbrowse the many educationaland informative displays.We allmust participate to keep ourenvironment clean and beauti-ful and safe for generations tocome. So please participate in

this vital area.The Earth Day 5K Run, Burba Lake

cleanup, Youth Fishing Rodeo ... I couldgoon forpages.Thanks to all for thehardwork and wonderful effort to make FortMeade a great place to live andwork.

And last but not least, please considerdonating toArmyEmergencyRelief. Thecampaign is in full swing and truly helpsSoldiers and service members of allbranches to recover from unforeseeneconomic hardships in their lives. Pleasemake AER a part of your personal givingplan each year.

Moving forward, May is shaping up tobe just as busy. Most notably, we arehonoring the important role our militaryspouses play with multiple events in-cluding our annual Military SpouseAppreciationDay onFriday.

Also, we recognize the significance ofCinco de Mayo and celebrate AsianPacific-American heritage this month aspart of the cultural diversity and inherentstrengths of our great nation.

The installationwill host itsMemorialDay Remembrance and 30th AnnualMassing of the Colors on May 22.Conducted in cooperation with theMilitary Order of the World Wars, theMassing brings together color guardsfrom across the region in celebration oftheAmerican flag.

Navy Adm. Michael S. Rogers —commander of U.S. Cyber Command,director of the National Security Agency,and chief of the Central Security Service—will return as guest speaker.

We also are expecting a performanceby theU.S. Army Field Band. So block offthe afternoon of May 22, beginning at2:30, and join us at the Pavilion for one ofthe installation’s best events.

Thanks for all you do, Team Meade.We’ll see you around campus!

COMMANDER’S COLUMN

We are busy!GarrisonCommanderCol. Brian P.Foley

SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016 NEWS 3

P reparing for life after the militarycanbeastressful time inaSoldier’slife, and sometimes it’s a task that

can impact more than the transitioningservicemember.

“The fact of the matter is that very fewpeople get through this life on their ownindividualmeritsandefforts,”saidCol.TimNewsome, chief of staff, First ArmyDivisionEast.

Formerly known as ArmyCareer Alum-ni Program, the Soldier for Life-TransitionAssistance Program makes the transitionprocess as smooth as possible.

Gone are the days of SFL-TAP being anoption for departing service members.SFL-TAP ismandatory for all Soldierswhowill complete at least 180 days of continu-ous active duty.

These Soldiers must participate andmeet all transitionVeteransOpportunity toWork Act requirements and Career Readi-ness Standards.

But for those higher in rank, theSFL-TAP offers an Executive TransitionAssistanceProgramcourse bimonthly.

The ETAP is open to all servicemembers in grades E-8, W-4, 0-5 andabove, regardlessofmilitarybranch,aswellas their spouses and adult children.

Fort Meade is one of 14 militaryinstallations to offer service membersETAP.

“The chief difference between ETAPand TAP is the facilitator can orienttrainingstrategies towardtheuniqueneedsofseniorseparatingmembers,”saidGeorgeMatthews, FortMeadeTransition ServicesManager. “The forum also provides aninvaluable platform for the members tonetwork among themselves to learn aboutdiverse career paths, as well as lessonslearned regarding planning for post-mil-itary life.”

The services offered by ETAP includefinancial planning, translating militaryskills into civilian language, identifyingemploymentopportunities, creatingonlinesocial media profiles for job searches,resume writing, job interview techniquesto include proper dress, and VeteransAffairs benefits briefing.

“ETAP, designed for the senior ranks,permits thefacilitator todevelopateachingplan focusedon theneedsof this particulargroup,” said Matthews. “Communicationamongparticipants ismuch easier becauseit’s not impeded by intimidation that vastdifferences in rank structure can cause.”

The transition to normal life for service

members after the military can be verystressful, especially for those who havespent nearly half of their life serving in themilitary.

“I feel that I am now armed with therequisite knowledge to make informeddecisions aboutmy future,”Newsome said.“My family and I are now actually excitedabout theprocessof transitioningoutof themilitary.

“Of course, I’m also comforted by thefact that SFL-TAP is a resource that I canreach out to for the rest of my life. That’s alifelong safety net that gives real weight tothephrase ‘Soldier forLife.’ ”

One benefit of the ETAP course is thatleaders are able to stress to their sub-ordinates the importance of a successfultransition

Members of the military, whether sepa-rating after a fewyears, or retiring, have noestablished barometer that measureswhat’s involved, saidMatthews.

“As a result of ETAP, leaders are betterable to articulate the process as well asemphasize thevalue,”he said.

A major perk for participants attendingthecourse isbuildinganetworkandsettingthemselvesupforsuccessafterthemilitary.

“Participants continuously tell us thatnetworking and the exchange of ideas andplans among members at similar stages in

life is one of the invaluable outcomes ofETAP,”Matthews said.

Newsomeagreed.“I now understand the importance of

networking and the opportunities thatcomethroughnetworking,”Newsomesaid.

Editor’s note: For questions about SFL-TAP, call 301-677-9871 or go to https://www.sfl-tap.army.mil/.

ETAP prepares leaders for civilian lifeBy Sgt. 1st Class Frank InmanFort Meade Public Affairs Office

Jayne Kaiser, Soldier for Life-Transition Assistant Program counselor, briefs jobinterview techniques to the participants attending the Executive Transition As-sistance Program on April 21. The ETAP, offered bimonthly by SFL-TAP, is a work-shop that senior service members are encouraged to attend to prepare for lifeafter the military. SFL-TAP is open to all service members.

PHOTO BY SGT. 1ST CLASS FRANK INMAN

Veterans Opportunity To Work Act has mandated previously optionalservices, including:Department of Labor Employment WorkshopVeterans Administration Briefing IVeterans Administration Briefing II

DoD-mandated additional core competencies to meet CareerReadiness Standards:• Military Occupation Series Crosswalk (translating military skills and jargon

into civilian terminology)• GAP Analysis: Designed to look at where the Soldier is currently with

reference to qualifications, and looks at where the service members wantto go post-military. The space between the two is called GAP Analysis. TheGAP may be filled by education, OJT, internship and skills training.• Twelve-month post-military budget• Job Application Package• Individual Transition Plan: Commanders are required to sign terminal ITP

validating Soldier is Career Ready.• Continuum Military Counseling mandates Soldiers are counseled about

Guard/Reserves options.• Soldiers must register online at eBenefits to ensure they can track status

of their VA benefits.

Additional changes:• Starting A Business classes, facilitated by the Small Business

Administration, were created for those interested in that path.• Accessing Higher Education classes was created for those interested in

that path.• Technical training classes were created for those interested in that path.

Upcoming workshops• Credit Repair Seminar: Today, 9

a.m. to noon McGill Training Center,8452 Zimborski Ave., Classroom 1

• Oliphant: Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.,McGill Training Center, Classroom 1

• Suits for Warriors: Monday, 9a.m. to 4 p.m., McGill TrainingCenter, Classroom 6

• TAP Workshop: Monday to May13, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., McGill TrainingCenter, Classroom 1

• TAP Workshop: May 16-20, 8 a.m.to 4 p.m., McGill Training Center,Classroom 1

• Starting a Business Franchise:May 24, 9 a.m. to noon, McGillTraining Center, Classroom 1

• Ten Steps to a Federal Job: May24, 9 a.m. to noon, Navy Fleet &Family Support Center, 2212Chisholm Ave.

• Community Job Fair: May 25, 9a.m. to 2 p.m., Club Meade

• Accessing Higher Education:May 25-26, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., McGillTraining Center, Classroom 1

• Employer Day: May 26, 1-p.m.,McGill Training Center, Classroom 6


FILE PHOTO

As part of the Y of Central Maryland in Catonsville’s community outreachevent, Soldiers from Fort Meade created an obstacle course for about 200youngsters on Saturday. Above, Gia Fields, 4, of Catonsville, lowers herselfvia rope under the guidance of Sgt. Matthew Hartwell.

PHOTOS BY NOAH SCIALOM

Overcoming obstacles

Beth Wise and her son Ethan, 7, of Catonsville, race in the Army obstaclecourse at the Y of Central Maryland in Catonsville on Saturday.

The Fort Meade Memorial Day Remembrance and 30th Annual Massing of theColors will be held May 22 at 2:30 p.m. at the Fort Meade Pavilion.The guest speaker is Navy Adm. Michael S. Rogers, commander of U.S. CyberCommand, director of the National Security Agency, and chief of the CentralSecurity Service.Dress is duty uniform for service members and business attire for civilians.Reservations are required by May 15 at 301-677-4844 or [email protected].

Defense Information School Broadcast Instructor Sgt. Susan Noga,gives a German heritage presentation to fellow classmates during EqualOpportunity Leadership training at McGill Training Center Monday.Sgt. Noga’s presentation was one of seven training demonstrationsgiven by similar groups of students during the week-long course thatteaches the fundamentals of the EO program. EO encompasses equaltreatment of Soldiers as it relates to race, religion, color, national origin,and sexual orientation. For more information, call Sgt. 1st Class DerrickChambers at 301-677-6687 or email [email protected].

PHOTO BY STEVE ELLMORE

Equal Opportunity Leadership trainingMassing of the Colors


and their accompanying guardians— familymembers and friends, some of whom arealso vets –who came to the FreedomInn onApril 25.

It was the last leg of the Honor Flight ofMiddle Tennessee’s daylong journey toWashington, D.C., and the Tennesseegroup’s fourth visit to Fort Meade — themost recent last year.

Created in 2005 and operating in 44states, the Honor Flight Network is anonprofit organization that transports vet-erans to the nation’s capital to visit warmemorials and other points of interest.

More than 159,000 veterans and 107,000guardians have participated in the HFNsince its inception. Funding for the trips israised throughprivate and corporate contri-butions.

“This is all about bringing them toWashington to visit and spend time at theirmemorials and monuments, and to meetother veterans from their era,” said Paul J.Lepage, a board member of Honor Flight ofMiddleTennessee.

This was the Tullahoma, Tenn.-based

Amid flashing lights from threeMaryland State Police escort vehi-cles and with uniformed well-

wishers on hand, David Neese stepped off acoach bus and removed a collapsiblewheel-chair from the lower storage compartment.

A resident of Shelbyville, Tenn., andveteran of the 1989 invasion of Panama,Neese eased his 97-year-old uncle ClaudeDean, a PearlHarbor survivor, into the chairand began pushing him up the walkway tothe Freedom InnDining Facility.

“We’ve had a great day, nothing tocomplain about at all,” chuckled Dean, withNeese adding, “This was our first time uphere and we really loved it. He’s ready tocome again!”

Dean and Neese were among the 55World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans

Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley (second from right) and Command Sgt.Maj. Rodwell L. Forbes (fourth from right) take a group photo with the HonorFlight veterans and their guardians.

PHOTOS BY PHIL GROUT

Honor Flight of Middle Tennessee Chairman Claude Morse (left) watches as Gar-rison Command Sgt. Maj. Rodwell L. Forbes tries on an Honor Flight cap present-ed to him by the group.

‘Real heroes’Honor Flight veterans visitFreedom InnBy Alan H. FeilerStaff Writer

In the Freedom Hall Dining Facility, Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foleygreets World War II veteran Albert Generette, who was among the 55 veteransand their accompanying guardians who participated in the Honor Flight of Mid-dle Tennessee’s daylong trip to war memorials in and around Washington, D.C.

group’s 16thHonor Flight since its foundingin 2008.

“It’s a real honor to pay tribute to ourheroes. They’re living monuments,” Lepagesaid. “I’ve done a couple of Honor Flights,and it’s always fun and moving. We havequite a group of heroes here today.”

En route to Baltimore-Washington Thur-good Marshall International Airport, thegroup stopped by the Freedom Inn fordinner after adayof touring such sites as theNational World War II Memorial, theKorean War Veterans Memorial and theVietnamVeteransMemorial.

They also toured Arlington NationalCemetery, theMarine CorpsWarMemorialand theTombof theUnknowns.

In addition, they stopped by and tookphotos at the LincolnMemorial and in frontof theWhiteHouse.

“We watched a wreath-laying ceremonyand theChanging of theGuard [at theTombof the Unknowns], and that was veryimpressive,” saidAlanWilliams,aresidentofHenderson, Tenn., who retired from theArmy in 2001 and accompanied his fatherWalter on theHonor Flight.

“I’ve never been to Washington before,and I never thought I’d ever be part ofsomething like this,” said the elderWilliams,whoserved in theArmyfrom1954to1957. “Itwas just awonderful day.”

After entering the Freedom Inn andstanding in line for their meals with currentservice members, many of the veteransexpressed their delight with the diningfacility.

“The food here is very good,” said JamesDalton, a WorldWar II veteran who foughtin theBattle of IwoJima. “It’s a great facility,and I’mhaving a very good time.”

“We tell them it’s not a chow hall likethey’re used to, but a dining facility,” Lepagesaid. “When they see the food, they’reamazed. Plus, it’s great to have the active-duty guysmeet the heroes.”

ContinuingTheLegacyGarrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley,

along with Garrison Command Sgt. Maj.Rodwell L. Forbes,welcomed theTennesse-ans to FortMeade.

“It’s our honor to have you, andwe thankeach of the veterans here this evening andthe guardians of this phenomenal program,”Foley said.

He spoke about Fort Meade’s workforceof more than 54,000 and its mission as thenation’s center for information, intelligenceand cyber operations.

“We will defend our nation and keep itsafe and strong in the years and decadesahead — on land, sea, air, space, and now incyberspace,” he said. “Thank you for every-thing you have done. We all pledge that wewill carry on your legacy of service andsacrifice.”

The group’s chairman, Claude Morse,thankedFoley.

“We appreciated the hospitality, Colonel,and it’s great to be here,” he said.

For Vietnam veteran Bryce Kutzli, diningat the Freedom Inn was a homecoming ofsorts. He worked on post at the NationalSecurity Agency in1967.

“It’s great to be back,” said the Manches-ter, Tenn., resident. “I loved living here.Maryland has the best fishing and deerhunting anywhere. Of course, the area’schanged 110 percent. The traffic flow seemsbetter, and [the post] ismuch bigger.

“For me, this is the highlight of the trip,”Kutzli said. “The memorials and monu-ments are great, but I’d seen them before. Ijust love this area. This is home tome.”

For World War II veteran ChesterBlackwelder, the trip’s highlightwas touringArlingtonandvisitingthefinal restingplacesof thosewhomade the ultimate sacrifice.

“It was very moving for me to be thereand see that,” said theMurfreesboro, Tenn.,

resident.Joining him on the trip was his daughter

Jill Parker, who flew to Tennessee fromSacramento, Calif., to be part of the visit.

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” shesaid. “My dad is 88 and I’m very proud ofhim. My mom is 89 and back home. She’sjustwaiting tohearabout theoutcomeof thetrip.”

AFinal SaluteAmong the servicemembersdiningat the

Freedom Inn were Airman 1st Class StuartBright and Airman Basic Cassidy Woody,both of Air Force Detachment 2 who arestudents at theDefense Information School.

“It’s really cool that they cameover here,”Bright said. “I’m honored to just be in theirpresence. Iwent over and shook their handsbecause they’re the reason I joined theservice. They’re real heroes.”

Woody said she saw the bus parkedoutside the Freedom Inn, but had no idea of

the identity of the visitors until Foley’swelcoming remarks.

“Just seeing themmeant a lot to me,” shesaid. “My grandfather was a veteran ofVietnam, and I lost him last year. So thiswasvery special to me. I’m really happy theywere here.”

After the Honor Flight’s bus pulled awayfrom the curb, Foley stood at attention andsaluted the departing veterans.

“It was phenomenal to hear about theirlives and listen to their concerns about thefuture,” Forbes said. “This was a greatopportunity to tell themwhatwe’redoing tosafeguard our nation today. They paved theway.”

Foley agreed.“The veterans of that time — the greatest

generation—won’t be aroundmuch longer,”he said. “Wehave topass on their legacy andnot doom ourselves by forgetting history.They’re not going to be forgotten. This wastruly an honor.”

James Dalton, a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima, shares a laugh in the dinner line with his guard-ian, Courtney Rogers, a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives.



In October 2015, the District Court ofMaryland inBaltimoreCity launched itsfirst Veterans Treatment Court, helpingveterans in the criminal justice systemget back on the right track.Having served their country honor-

ably, many veterans find the transitionfrom military to civilian life to bedifficult. One in five veterans havesymptomsof amental healthdisorderorcognitive impairment, and one in sixpost-9/11 veterans suffer from a sub-stance abuse problem.Researchers have determined that

mental health issues, accompanied withsubstance abuse, often contribute to aveteranengaging incriminalactivityandthen being referred to the criminaljustice system.Before the advent of the Veterans

Treatment Court, if a Maryland veteransuffering a mental health disorder fromcombat experience was charged with arelated nonviolent crime, the veteranwould be placed into the same systemasan ordinary criminal. Courts had nooption to access medical and other

resources available to veterans to treatthe underlyingmental health disorder.Statistics have shown that, without

treatment, a substantial portionof incar-cerated veterans continue to commitcrimes after their release fromprison. Inresponse to high rates of recidivism, thefirst Veterans Treatment Court wasestablished inBuffalo, N.Y., in 2008.Since then, Maryland is among many

other states to follow suit. In states withestablished Veterans Treatment Courts,the reappearance of repeat veterandefendants in the criminal justice sys-tem has decreased by as much as 98percent.The Baltimore City Veterans Treat-

ment Court is a court-supervised, com-prehensive, and voluntary treatment-based program for veterans chargedwith certain crimes. The court’s goal isrehabilitation over incarceration, mod-eled after a drug or mental health court.It is uniquely tailored to veterans andtheir needs.What really makes the Veterans

Treatment Court unique is that it is aone-stop shop of resources. The pro-gram provides supervision and re-sources for up to one year and uses a

Veterans Justice Outreach specialist tolink veterans to services at the Depart-ment of VeteransAffairs.The model requires regular court

appearances, which are biweekly as aminimum at the start of the program;mandatory attendance at treatment ses-sions; and frequent and random testingfor substance abuse.The theory behind the Veterans

Treatment Court is that the treatmentprogram will lower the rate of repeatoffenders as it treats the root of theproblem and provides structure for theveterans.Being used to structure from their

militaryservice,manyveteransnaturallyrespondwell to the program.The Veterans Treatment Court also

can serve veterans on its docket betterbecause a judge, who adjudicates theircases, is specifically trained to under-stand thenuances of veterans’ substanceabuse and mental health issues, and tomaximize the delivery of available re-sources.Another special feature of the Vet-

erans Treatment Court is its mentorprogram. The veteran is coupled with avolunteer mentor who not only helps

the veteran navigate the Veterans Treat-ment Court system to maximize thepotential benefits, but also providescamaraderie and in some cases long-termsupport, evenafter finaldispositionof the criminal case.These mentors are specially trained

volunteers, andmanyareveterans them-selves who are uniquely qualified tounderstand and provide needed sup-port.In addition to the District Court in

Baltimore City, the Circuit Court forPrince George’s County also offers adocket specifically for veterans.More jurisdictions in Maryland have

committees to form their own VeteransTreatmentCourts.For more information, check out the

Maryland State Bar Association’s Vet-erans’ Affairs and Military Law sectionwebsite at www.msba.org/sections/mil-itary/default.aspx.If you have a question about the

Veterans Treatment Court and are aDoD ID cardholder eligible for ArmyLegal Assistance services, schedule anappointment with an attorney at theFort Meade Legal Assistance Office at301-677-9504 or 301-677-9536.

Court helps rehabilitate veterans in criminal justice systemBy Elizabeth HaysLegal Assistance Extern


F or the eighth consecutive year, FortMeade volunteers have joined theEnlisted Spouses’ Club in giving the

installation a face-lift.On April 23, 20 ESC volunteers and 90

members of the Fort Meade communitycleaned up the area surrounding BurbaLake, as well as Fort Meade schools andneighborhoods.

“The purpose [of the cleanup] is to getour community involved in volunteeringand helping to keep our community beauti-ful,” said Kimberly McGowan, welfarechairperson for ESC.

Several Girl Scout and Cub Scout troops,including Cub Scout Pack 377 and GirlScout Troops 1916, 641, 10320, 89, 1124 and1302, participated in the four-hour event.

Students from Manor View ElementarySchoolandWestMeadeElementaryEduca-tionCenter also joined in the cleanup.

Airmen from the 70th Intelligence,Surveillance, andReconnaissanceWingandthe 34th Intelligence Squadron lent a hand,as well as Sailors from the Naval In-formationOperationsCommandMaryland.

The FortMeade Environmental Divisiondonated cleaning supplies and collected thetrash at the end of the day.

ESC offered a monetary “green grant” tothe top school, military unit, children’sorganization, and child that collected themost bags of trash.

The winning schools are required to usethe grants to purchase environmental-related items for the students.

“We sponsor this event because webelieve in giving back to a community thatdoes so much for us,” McGowan said. “Wealso think it is agreatway to teachouryouthabout the importance of volunteering.”

Chief Warrant Officer Michael Lewis (left) of Potomac Place holds a trash bag for members of Fort Meade Girl Scout Troop89 during the annual cleanup event held by the Fort Meade Enlisted Spouses’ Club on April 23.

PHOTOS BY STEVE RUARK

Melody Gillinger of Heritage Park andher 6-year-old daughter Madison joinin the cleanup.

Staff Sgt. Candice Velazquez of Potomac Place is among the volunteers to helpclean up Burba Lake and Fort Meade neighborhoods on April 23.

Enlisted Spouses’ Club spruces up postBy Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

West Meade Elementary EducationCenter was awarded a $400 grantfrom the Enlisted Spouses’ Club as thefirst-place school.Pershing Hill Elementary Schooltook second place and was awarded a$200 grant from the Officers’ Spouses’Club.The 34th IS was awarded a $100 grantas the top military unit. The money willbe donated to the unit’s booster club.Cub Scout Pack 377 was awarded a$100 grant as the top children’sorganization.The top collectors among the childrenwere Brendan Reitz, TrinityDrobnack and Nathan Velazquez.Each child received a grant of $25.

A 17-year-old red-tailed hawk cap-tured the attentionof several fourth-graders from Pershing Hill Elemen-

tary School at FortMeade’s annual EarthDaycelebration onApril 28.

“He’s actually like a real pretty bird, buthe’s also scary,” said Amelia Pulliam, 10. “Hisclaws are super sharp.”

Pershing Hill was one of the several FortMeade and area schools to attend thefour-hour event, which was hosted by FortMeade’s Environmental Division at the Pavil-ion.

Fifty-two exhibitors participated in the

event, which included a data destruction andelectronics collectionpoint, a fashion showofchildren’s clothes made from recycled prod-ucts, and presentations on organic gardeningandadisplayofFortMeade’s recyclingeffortsduringWorldWars I and II.

“The Army’s focus on building resiliencyand the work of the garrison’s communityhealth promotion teams were the inspirationfor the presentation on gardening andgrowing healthy foods,” said Mick Butler,chief of the Environmental Division. “Su-zanne Teague, our environmental Earth Dayteam leader, and Barbara Taylor of the FortMeade Museum, came up with the idea toshare the history of recycling during WorldWar I andWorldWar II to helpmotivate ourcommunity todoall theycandoreduce, reuseand recycle likewe did as a nation during thewars.”

Theactivitieswereallpartofobserving theArmy’s theme for Earth Day: “Sustain TheMission—SecureTheFuture:TheReadinessof theArmyDependsOn It.”

About 800people attended the event.Michael Uzzo, co-founder of Echoes of

Nature, a wildlife educational program thatfeatured endangered and threatened speciesof wildlife, said the red-tailed hawk is a

favorite among children and is often includedin presentations at local schools.

“We’re trying to get the word out aboutwildlife conservation and environmentalstewardship,”Uzzo said. “They [children] arethe future generation of stewards for theplanet, so it’s important to get to themearly.”

The event beganwith a presentation aboutorganic gardening by Meredith Sheperd,owner of Love & Carrots, an organic garden-ing company based in Washington, D.C.Sheperd spoke about the benefits of organicgardening compared to coventional agricul-tural farming.

Shesaidorganic foodsgrownfromgardenshave a better nutritional value, better tasteand less impact on the environment; promotehealthy lifestyles; savemoney; and cultivate asense of community.

Sheperd said her company has establishedseven demonstration gardens at Fort Belvoir,Va., and is helping residents to maintain acommunity garden.

“We’re showing the communityhow togetthe most out of your garden,” she said.“Growing your own food is better for yourbody, yourwallet and your community.”

Butler gave a brief presentationon theFortMeade’s efforts to recycle duringWorldWars

I and IIwith a display ofmilitary posters thatpromoted recycling.

Fourth-graders from Pershing Hill mod-eled their own clothes made from recyclableitems such as plastic and paper bags,newspapers, potato chip bags, brown shop-ping bags, paper plates, used CDs, aluminumfoil,magazines and trash bags.

Ten-year-old Abi Scileppi wore a weddingdressmade froma large trash bag.

“I felt kindaweird ’cause I never thought Iwould wear a wedding dress this young,” shesaid. “But I felt good because I’mnot going tohave to throwanythingaway, so Icanhelp theenvironment.”

Butler recognizedEmilia Levin andVivianJessop, twostudentsatPershingHill, for theirwinning entries in theFortMeadeRecyclableBagArt Contest.

Rachel Ellenberger, an eighth-grade socialstudies teacher atMacArthurMiddle School,came to the event with a group of studentswhodisplayed their EarthDay projects.

Ellenberger said the students researchedthe topic of sustainability andusedart, poetryand science to create their ownprojects.

Mourad Elfernani, a sixth-grader at Mac-Arthur, saidhis project onorganic agricultureemphasizes the importance of using organic

soil and fertilizer when producing crops. Hesaid goingorganic doesnot damage thewaterand that crop rotation preserves the soil.

“I think this is important because cropsand plants are what we need most,” Mouradsaid.

Other exhibitors included the NationalSecurity Agency; Fort Meade’s Public HealthCommand; EPA Environmental Center; FortMeade Energy Division from the Directorateof Public Works; Montgomery County Bee-keeper Association; The Oyster RecoveryPartnership; American Water; Square FootGardening 4U: Fort Meade’s InstallationRestoration Program; and Anne ArundelCountyRecreation andParks.

Spc. Derek Young, president of FortMeade’s Better Opportunities for SingleSoldiers, spoke about the importance ofswapping used books instead of throwingthemaway.

“With books, there’s no reason for them toend up in a landfill,” he said. “They can berecycled and donated.”

The books Young had on display will bedonated to Fort Meade’s Medal of HonorMemorial Library.

Amy Shoop, a park ranger with thePatuxent Research Refuge, said the taxider-my of a North American beaver is a popularexhibit for children.

“The beaver is native to wetlands — FortMeade included,” she said. “He [the beaver

exhibit] draws a lot of attention.”Shoop said it is important for the Patuxent

Research Refuge to participate in FortMeade’s Earth Day event to educate thepublic aboutwildlife conservation.

The refuge’s location, she said, on PowderMill Road between the Baltimore-Washing-ton Parkway and Route 197 make it aconvenient place for families to visit.

“Wealsowant toshowpeople that theycancome and enjoy the environment rightoutside the fort’s gates,” Shoop said.

Youngsters from Pershing Hill Elementary School dress in Earth Day-inspired fashions and wait to cross the stage for the recy-cled fashion show.

Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley inspects some of the Earth Day projectscreated by students from MacArthur Middle School.

PHOTOS BY NATE PESCE

Earth Day 2016 -Securing the futureEvent focuses on wildlife, gardening, recyclingBy Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

Jimmy Flanagan, 13, a seventh-grader at MacArthur Middle School, holds up his solar-powered house model built for the Earth Day celebration.

A "Fort Meade Recycles" reusable gro-cery bag is ready to be filled on a festivaltable.

Michael Uzzo, co-founder of Echoes Of Nature, holds a red-tailed hawk as he talks tovisitors about the bird of prey and its characteristics during the Earth Day celebra-tion on Saturday at the Pavilion.

Zoe Ellmore, 5, has a crown painted onher cheek at the Earth Day celebration.

(Left) Kaelan Dixon, 10, points out a beetle species with Jeremy Amaya, 10. Bothstudents attend Manor View Elementary School.

10 COVER STORY THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016 | SOUNDOFF! SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016 COVER STORY 11

12 SPORTS THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016 | SOUNDOFF!

I ’mnotgoing to showithere,but if you are reading this,you’ve probably seen the

video ofMiami Dolphins futureleft tackle Laremy Tunsil takinga bong ripwith his ProMask on.

It’s been a while since Ivisited a head shop – I’mguessing it was sometime backin themid-‘90s. Itwasahazyerabefore I found the Army, family,faith or common sense – so Iwas surprised to see how far gasmasks had come.

Now anyone expecting multiplegraphs explaining how bad Tunsil is forsmoking weed has come to the wrongplace. Plenty of great people in theworldhave sparked it up. The list includespresidents, musicians, doctors, #Middle-agedgangstas, servicemembers, humani-tarians, janitors, executives, etc. Youmayhave even dabbled in the “sticky icky”growing up; however, unlike Tunsil, youprobably didn’t losemillions of dollars orface national embarrassment when yougot caught. The massive left tackle wasprojected to go as early as the second orthird pick in the draft, but thanks to hisantics, he fell to the Dolphins at number13.

For abit of perspective, last year’s thirdoverall pick, Jacksonville’s Dexter Fowl-er, signed a 4-year, $23.5 million contractwith a $15.3 million signing bonus.Conversely, last year’s 13th pick, NewOrleans Saints’ Andrus Peat, signed a4-year, $11.39 million contract with a$6.55million signing bonus.

Tunsil could have bought a lot of“Scooby Snacks” with that extra $12million, but before you start crying, let’sbe clear, the dude deserved to lose everypenny! Sure, Tunsil getting high may notbe an indicator of his character, but thefact he recorded it, and it somehowended up on his Twitter account, doesspeak to his intellect.

Tunsil had been an NFL prospect forthe past two seasons, so he knew he wasslated to go pro before he took that video,and yet he still did it! How is that not

dumb; especially in a timewheneveryone knows nothing leavesthe cloud unless someone pullsit down, usually in an attempt toembarrass someone, which ap-pears to be the casewithTunsil.

Just ask Nick “Swaggy P”Young when his video confes-sion on how he stepped out onIggy Azalea went public. Howabout Hulk Hogan’s video run-ning wild so all Hulkamaniacscould see the “littleHulkster?”

How many service membershave found themselves at parade rest infront of their command because ofsomething they posted online?

Themen andwomen of FortMeade --the Nation’s Center for Information,Intelligence and Cyber Operations, thehomeof theDefense InformationSchool,DefenseMediaActivity, andof course thebaddest command on DoD’s block, akaU.S. Cyber Command -- know the powerof images and the reach of cyber. Andweknow how easy cyber makes it for thoseimages to go public.

In fact, the only peoplewhomayknowthesedangersmore thanour 50,000-plusworkforce are the millennials who havebeen on their iPods and taking selfiesfrom thewomb.

So when kids like Tunsil or Lakersguard (and former Ohio State Buckeye)D’Angelo Russell (he is the one whoouted Swaggy P) say they didn’t know itwas possible for their recording to gopublic, I call it BS.

It is the same as athletes saying theydidn’t know the performance-enhancingdrugtheyweretakingwas illegalor that itwould enhance their performance. It isbogus.

Be smart, Team Meade and thinkbefore you snap, Tweet or Insta. Theimage you postmay not cost youmillionsofdollars like itdidTunsil, but thenagain,it justmight.

If you have comments on this oranything to do with sports, contact me [email protected] or hit me up onTwitter@CTJibber.

JIBBER JABBER - OPINION

Tunsil’s $12M video

Chad T.JonesPUBLIC AFFAIRSOFFICER

Army Ten Miler Qualifying RaceAll active-duty runners are invited to

compete in a qualifying race on Friday at6:30 a.m. at Murphy Field House to be-come a member of the Fort Meade ArmyTen Miler team.

This race is opened to all active-dutyservice members assigned to Fort Meade.

The top seven men and top sevenwomen will be selected to represent FortMeade in the Army Ten Miler that will beheld Oct. 9 in Washington, D.C.

Team members will receive a paidregistration along with a uniform for therace. Participants also will receive astrong band and be entered in a drawingfor a T-shirt.

For more information, call 301-677-3716.

Strong B.A.N.D.S. Group FitnessChallenge

Take the Group Fitness Challenge atGaffney Fitness Center and you could wina 2016 Strong B.A.N.D.S. T-shirt.

To compete, take any of the groupfitness programs in one week.

Participants must be authorized pa-trons of Gaffney and ages 18 or older.


Strong B.A.N.D.S. IndividualFitness Challenge

Help bring in National Fitness Monthwith a track circuit fitness challenge onMay 9 from 9-11 a.m. at Gaffney FitnessCenter.

Events include max pullups, sprints,weighted spring and med-ball throws, aswell as farmers walk and kettlebellswings.

To participate, competitors must beauthorized patrons of Gaffney and ages18 or older.

Participants will be entered in a draw-ing for a T-shirt.


Wellbeats free classesExperience a lineup of Wellbeats virtual

group fitness classes every Friday in Mayat Gaffney Fitness Center.

The free classes are offered from 9a.m. to noon or 1-4 p.m.

All classes are suitable for all levels asmodified, basic and advanced variationsof movements and exercises are given.

Participants must be authorized pa-trons of Gaffney and ages 18 and older.

Participants will receive a strong bandand be entered in a drawing for a T-shirt.

For more information, call 301-677-

3716.

24-hour fitness facility opens atMurphy Field House

Murphy Field House is now offeringunmanned extended hours after normaloperating hours.

Murphy is open to authorized regis-tered patrons ages 18 and older to utilizethe cardio equipment and Nautilusweight machines.

The free weights, basketball and rac-quetball courts are NOT open duringunmanned hours.

The facility is unmanned, so exerciseresponsibility and come with a buddy.

Murphy is fully equipped with surveil-lance cameras. All users will be monitoredat all times while in the facility.

Registration is required to gain accessto the facility by fingerprint reader.

Pick up a registration form at GaffneyFitness Center or Murphy Field House andsubmit the completed form to the facilityin advance so your information is in thesystem when you come for your appoint-ment at Gaffney to enter your fingerprintfor entrance to the facility.

Schedule an appointment for regis-tration for 24/7 access.


Fort Meade Run SeriesThe 2016 Fort Meade Run Series offers

themed races through December.Each race, sponsored by Fort Meade’s

Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfareand Recreation, includes a 1-mile walk.

All runs start at 8 a.m. and are open tothe public.

• Patriot Pride: 5/10K: May 21, MurphyField House

• Army Birthday 5K: June 11, Pavilion• Football Fanfair 5K: Sept. 17, Consti-

tution Park• Ghosts, Ghouls & Goblins 5K: Oct. 22,

Pavilion• Turkey Trot 5K: Nov. 19, Murphy Field

House• Reindeer Run 5K: Dec. 10, Murphy

Field HouseRegister online at

meade.armymwr.com/us/meade/pro-grams/run-series.


Half-MarathonThe Annual Joint Base Andrews Half-

Marathon is taking place May 14.Registration is now open to all DoD ID

cardholders at the Facebook page: Face-book.com/JBAHalfMarathon.

SPORTS SHORTS

Follow us on Twitter @ ftmeademdJoin the conversation using thehashtag #soundoff

SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016 COMMUNITY 13

The deadline for Soundoff! community“News and Notes” is Friday at noon. Allsubmissions are posted at the editor’s dis-cretion and may be edited for space andgrammar. Look for additional communityevents on the Fort Meade website at ftmea-de.army.mil and the Fort Meade Facebookpage at facebook.com/ftmeade.

NEWS & EVENTS

New way to submitannouncements

Community members can advertise theirupcoming event, meeting or class on theSoundoff! community announcementspage by visiting www.ftmeade.army.mil andclicking on the Press Center tab.

Once you are in the Fort Meade PressCenter, click on PA services, story or promo-tion request and electronic inquiry form.

Inquiry forms should be submitted atleast two weeks before the date of theevent, meeting or class.

VCC hoursThe operating hours at the Demps Visi-

tor Control Center are Monday to Fridayfrom 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

All individuals who do not have a DoD-issued identification card must go to theVCC for a day pass.

Visit the VCC at least 10 business days inadvance to apply for a long-term accesspass.

Visitors who arrive on post when theVCC is closed must be escorted on post byan authorized DoD cardholder. This in-cludes weekends and federal holidays.

For more information, call the VCC at301-677-1064.

To find out how to preregister, go togoo.gl/xyTzhg.

Massing of the ColorsThe Fort Meade Memorial Day Remem-

brance and 30th Annual Massing of theColors will be held May 22 at 2:30 p.m. atthe Fort Meade Pavilion.

The guest speaker is Navy Adm. MichaelS. Rogers, commander of U.S. Cyber Com-mand, director of the National SecurityAgency, and chief of the Central SecurityService.

Dress is duty uniform for service mem-bers and business attire for civilians.

Reservations are required by May 15 at301-677-4844 or email [email protected].

Retirement luncheonA civilian retirement luncheon for retired

Col. Bert L. Rice, director of transformationat Fort Meade, will be held May 31 at 11:30a.m. at Club Meade.

The event celebrates Rice’s 40 years offederal service.

Attire is duty uniform for service mem-bers and business for civilians.

Reservations are required by May 18. Call301-677-4844 or email [email protected].

Post library updateDue to an unavoidable technological

upgrade by the Army MWR Library Program,patrons of Fort Meade’s Medal of HonorMemorial Library will experience inter-mittent interruptions in service.

That includes borrowing; updating andchanging patron record information in-cluding PINs; electronic access; and non-availability of newly released material forthe next several weeks.

The post library and the Children’s Li-brary at Kuhn Hall will maintain regularbusiness hours, but all services may not beavailable or may be limited for brief periodsof time. This does not include faxing, scan-

ning and patron computers.For more information, call the post li-

brary at 301-677-5522 or 301-677-4509.

Change in serviceat Club Meade

The Brass Lounge at Club Meade is nowopen for dinner on Thursdays, Fridays andSaturdays from 4-8 p.m.

Club Meade will remain open for lunchservice on Tuesdays, Wednesdays andThursdays from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and nowoffers a variety of international-themedbuffets that vary daily including gyros onWednesday and a Mexican buffet on May18.

Cost is $7.95 for members and $8.95 fornonmembers.


Mother’s Day BrunchClub Meade will serve a Mother’s Day

Brunch on Sunday at Club Meade.There will be two seating times: 11 a.m. to

1 p.m. or 2:30-4:30 p.m.Reservations are recommended. Mem-

bership is not required.Cost for adults is $24.95 for members

and $28.95 for nonmembers.

Cost for children ages 4-12 is $12 formembers and $14 for nonmembers.

Ages 3 and under attend free.Menu includes omelet station, waffle

station, and hand-carved meat station;shrimp and other seafood dishes; chickenand other meat dishes; assorted pasta, riceand potato.

The brunch is open the all DoD ID card-holders and their guests.

All others should visit the Fort Meadewebsite for access details.

For reservations or more information,call 301-677-6969.

Mother’s Day giftsCheck out the unique Mother’s Day gifts

at the Arts & Crafts Center at 6530-B YorkAve.

Gifts include personalized wine glasses,flower vases and wooden plaques.

All gifts are priced under $15.Hours are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m.

to 5 p.m.For more information, call 301-677-7809.

R&B NightCelebrate R&B Night at the Brass Lounge

in Club Meade on May 13 from 7 p.m. tomidnight.

There is no cover charge.The nightclub ambience will feature food

and drink specials.The event is open to all ranks and serv-

ices and civilian employees.For more information, call 301-677-6969.

Barbecue at The LanesThe Lanes at Fort Meade offers summer

Wednesday barbecue.Menu includes hot dog, sausage or ham-

burger on Wednesday and chicken or ribson May 25.

Cost is $9.For a complete menu or more informa-

tion, call 301-677-5541 or go online at mea-de.armymwr.com.

Change of commandBravo Company, 53rd Signal Battalion

(SATCON) will host a change-of-commandceremony May 13 at 10 a.m. at 8910 LoveRoad.

Capt. Jeremy D. Haines will relinquishcommand to Capt. Brandon Tuell.

For more information, call 1st Lt. AngelosKatsaitis at 301-833-9103 or email [email protected].

Community Job FairA Community Job Fair will be held May

25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Club Meade,6600 Mapes Road.

A free, frequent shuttle service will beavailable to take attendees from the

NEWS & NOTES

See NEWS & NOTES, page 14

Military Spouse Appreciation Day is formally celebrated on Friday. FortMeade is celebrating with a free lunch buffet offered today from 11 a.m. to1:30 p.m. at Club Meade.The free lunch is for spouses of active-duty and retired service memberswith valid ID.The buffet will feature baked chicken breast with lemon cream sauce, angelhair pasta with lemon infused Alfredo sauce, fresh vegetables, rice pilaf,salad bar and dessert bar.Reservations are required for groups of eight or more. Children’s pricing isavailable.Club Meade will remain open to the community for lunch.For more information, call 301-677-6969.Non-DoD ID cardholders need to preregister with the Demps Visitor ControlCenter. For more information, call the VCC at 301-677-1064.

FILE PHOTO

Military Spouse Appreciation Lunch

14 COMMUNITY THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016 | SOUNDOFF!

Demps Visitor Control Center to ClubMeade.

Individuals who do not have a Depart-ment of Defense ID card must go to theDemps Visitor Control Center at ReeceRoad and present a valid photo ID card ordriver’s license, and Social Security number.

Meet employers. Bring resumes. Dressfor success!

Arrive early and anticipate lines at theReece Road gate and job fair.

Free resume evaluation and preparationassistance service will be available.

To schedule reasonable accommoda-tions with an American Sign Languageinterpreter, email [email protected] by May 13.

The job fair is hosted by the Fort MeadeDirectorate of Family and Morale, Welfareand Recreation; DLLR/American Job Cen-ter; Anne Arundel Workforce DevelopmentCorporation; Army Community Service;Navy Fleet & Family Support Center; andSoldier For Life - Transition AssistanceProgram.

For more information, go to dllr.mary-land.gov or meade.armymwr.com, or [email protected].

Farmers’ marketThe Fort Meade Farmers’ Market will

open May 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at thePavilion.

Vendors will feature a variety of freshfruit, vegetables, flowers and breads.

The farmers’ market will be openWednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. throughOct. 12.

The farmers’ market is open to the pub-lic.

Individuals without DoD-issued ID cardsmust obtain a Fort Meade gate access passfrom the Demps Visitor Control Center, 902Reece Road.

Frequent visitors are encouraged to

preregister for a long-term pass. You willneed your driver’s license or approvedphoto ID and be asked to provide yourSocial Security number at the VCC.

For more information, call 301-677-3579or 301-252-8688.

Bike gate passTo obtain a bike gate pass for the Pepper

Road gate, call Joseph R. Shinskie, chief ofphysical security at the Directorate ofEmergency Services, at 301-677-6618 toschedule a date to pick up the pass.

Passes will be available for pickup withintwo days.

Colonial Williamsburgfree admission

This Memorial Day weekend, ColonialWilliamsburg honors service to Americawith free admission tickets for active-dutymilitary, Reservists, retirees, veterans, Na-tional Guardsmen and their dependents,made possible through a $100,000 grantfrom the Home Depot Foundation.

The free ticket includes admission tomore than 40 historic trades and sites, themilitary encampment, and the art muse-ums of Colonial Williamsburg.

The service member need not bepresent, and free Honoring Service toAmerica tickets will be provided to depend-ent family members of currently deployedtroops with appropriate identification.

Veterans who separated before retire-ment can bring a copy of their honorabledischarge paperwork, form DD 214, asidentification of service.

These weekend-long admission ticketsare available on site at the Colonial Wil-liamsburg Regional Visitor Center, LumberHouse ticket office and the MerchantsSquare ticket window.

A Memorial Day commemorative servicebegins May 30 at 10 a.m. to honor servicemembers who died serving their country. Aprocession with the Fife and Drum supportwill begin at the Governor’s Palace andproceed to Bruton Parish Church, ending atthe Capitol in Colonial Williamsburg.

Wreaths will be placed, prayers given,and volleys fired to honor Soldiers of theAmerican Revolution, the Civil War andother conflicts.

For more information, call 855-296-6627or visit colonialwilliamsburg.com.

EDUCATION

ASIST workshopApplied Suicide Intervention Skills Train-

ing will offer a workshop on suicide “firstaid” May 18-19 from 8:20 a.m. to 4 p.m. atCavalry Chapel, 8465 Simonds St. and 6thArmored Cavalry Road.

The workshop is open to service mem-bers, civilian employees and family mem-bers ages 18 and older.

There is no fee, but a two-day commit-ment is required. Civilian attire, no uni-forms.

To register, call Capt. Paul Kunnas at301-677-7778 or email [email protected].

Financial, Employment ReadinessJoint Services offers workshops and

briefings by Army Community Service atthe Community Readiness Center, 830Chisholm Ave., and the Navy Fleet andFamily Support Center at 2212 ChisholmAve., unless otherwise noted.

The free classes are open to active-dutyservice members and family members, DoDcivilian employees and retirees.

Registration is required for each class.Financial• Credit Repair Seminar: Today, 9 a.m. to

noon McGill Training Center, 8452 Zimbor-ski Ave., Classroom 1

• Banking Basics: Tuesday, 9-11 a.m. atACS

Learn to manage, balance and reconcileyour bank accounts.

Topics include: Banking and credit unionservices; and checking account manage-ment.

This class serves as refresher training forpersonnel who have abused and misusedcheck-cashing privileges.

• Car Buying: May 17, 9-11 a.m. at ACSStrategies will help you determine how

much you can afford to spend, how tonegotiate effectively and how to researchpotential vehicles.

Transition• Suits for Warriors: Monday, 9 a.m. to 4

p.m., McGill Training Center• Transition Assistance Program Work-

shop: Monday to May 13, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.,McGill Training Center

• Transition Assistance Program Work-shop: May 16-20, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., McGillTraining Center

• Starting a Business Franchise: May 24,9 a.m. to noon, McGill Training Center

• Ten Steps to a Federal Job: May 24, 9a.m. to noon, FFSC

To register, go to fortmeadeacs.checkap-pointments.com or call 301-677-5590.

For more information, call ACS at 301-677-5590 or FFSC at 301-677-9017/9018.

YOUTH

Teen skate parkThe Teen Center Skate Park is open the

first and third Friday of the month.The skate park is free to members and

$2 for nonmembers.Helmets are required.


StorytimeThe Children’s Library offers pre-kinder-

garten Storytime on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.and 10:30 a.m. at Kuhn Hall, 4415 LlewellynAve.

• Today: “Reading Grows Your Mind” —stories about gardens

• May 12: “Hooray for Mother’s Day!” —celebration of all mothers and their specialday!

• May 19: “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom to thelibrary!” — Storytime about things that “go”

• May 26: “Dogs Love Books & We DoToo!” — Stories about dogs

For more information, call 301-677-5522or 301-677-4509.

Romp ’n StompRomp ’n Stomp playgroup for children

ages 5 and younger and their parentsmeets Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.from September to June at the Youth Cen-ter gym at 909 Ernie Pyle St. and in Augustat the Boundless Playground on LlewellynAvenue.


A-Z playgroupChildren ages 4 and younger are invited

to the weekly playgroup, “A-Z Come PlayWith Me,” that is held every Monday andFriday from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Fami-ly Advocacy Center, 2462 85th MedicalBattalion Ave.

Interactive activities are designed toassist parents in learning developmentallyappropriate play techniques to help chil-dren improve their social, cognitive andmotor skills.

Space is limited. Registration is requiredfor each session.


RECREATION

Out & About• Create Mother’s Day crafts Saturday

from 1-4 p.m. at the Odenton RegionalLibrary, 1325 Annapolis Road, Odenton.

For more information, call 410-222-6277or go to aacpl.net.

• Comic Con, hosted by the Anne Arun-del County Public Library, will be held May14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the OdentonRegional Library, 1325 Annapolis Road,Odenton.

Participants include cartoonists KofiSimmons, Jordan Clark and Keir Lyles; “StarTrek” writers/artists Dave Galanter, RobertGreenberger, Howard Weinstein and SteveWilson; comic book authors and creators;and comic book enthusiasts.

The free, family-friendly event will fea-

NEWS & NOTES, From page 13

FILE PHOTO

SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016 COMMUNITY 15

ture:• Workshops on how to create your own

comic and draw characters• Panel discussions on creating a fantas-

tic costume on a budget• Insights from “Star Trek” writers• A Super Art Fight: the greatest live art

competition in the known universe• Free crafts, artist gallery and costume

contestFive AACPL libraries also will offer free

comic books on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4p.m., while supplies last: Eastport-Annapo-lis Neck, Edgewater, Glen Burnie, RivieraBeach and Severna Park libraries.

For more information, call 410-222-6277or go to aacpl.net.

• Leisure Travel Services will offer itsnext monthly bus trip to New York City onMay 14. Cost is $60. Discounted tickets to avariety of attractions will be provided. Enjoythe day at your leisure. For more informa-tion, call 301-677-7354.

• Better Opportunities for SingleSoldiers is sponsoring a trip to BuschGardens on June 11 in Williamsburg, Va.

The trip is open to all single servicemembers. Registration is required by May25.

Cost is $30 and includes admission andtransportation.

To register or for more information, seeyour BOSS representative, call 301-915-5389 or email [email protected].

• BOSS Rehoboth Beach Weekend inDelaware for all single service members willbe held July 22-24. Only 30 spaces areavailable. Register early. Cost is $75 andincludes transportation and lodging.

To register or for more information, seeyour BOSS rep, call 301-915-5389 or [email protected].

MEETINGS• Monthly Prayer Breakfast, hosted by

the Religious Support Office, is held thefirst Thursday of every month at 7 a.m. atClub Meade. The next prayer breakfast istoday. There is no cost for the buffet. Dona-tions are optional.

Menu features eggs, bacon, sausage,biscuits, gravy, grits, Danish pastries andfruit.

All Fort Meade employees, civilian andmilitary personnel, and family members areinvited. For more information, call 301-677-6703.

• Fort Meade First Class Petty OfficerAssociation meets the first Thursday ofevery month at 3 p.m. at The Lanes. Thenext meeting is today. All first class pettyofficers are invited. For more information,call PO1 Jennifer Wonch at 410-854-2763.

• Moms of Multiples Group meetsevery first and third Thursday of the monthfrom 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Family AdvocacyProgram, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave.

The next meeting is today. For more in-formation, call 301-677-7823.

• Exceptional Family Member Programhosts “Sip and Share” on the first Thursdayof every month from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at theExchange coffee shop in the food court.The next get-together is today.

The event is designed to allow partici-pants to share their stories to encourageand inform one another about resourcesavailable in the local community. For moreinformation or to register, call 301-677-4779.

• Meade Rod and Gun Club meets thefirst Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. atPerry’s Restaurant and Odie’s Pub at 1210Annapolis Road, Odenton, in the banquethall in back of the building. The next meet-ing is today. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. Formore information, call Charisma Wooten at240-568-6055.

• National Alliance on Mental Illnessof Anne Arundel County offers a freesupport group for families with a loved onesuffering from mental illness on the firstThursday of every month at 7 p.m. at theOdenton (West County) Library, 1325 An-napolis Road. The next meeting is today.For more information, visit namiaac.org.

• Marriage Enrichment Group, spon-sored by Army Community Service, meetsthe second and fourth Monday of everymonth from 3-4 p.m. at the CommunityReadiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. Thenext meeting is Monday. For more informa-tion, call Celena Flowers or Jessica Hob-good at 301-677-5590.

• Single Parent Support Group meetsevery second and fourth Monday of themonth from 5:30-7 p.m. at School AgeServices, 1900 Reece Road. Children wel-come. The next meeting is Monday. Formore information, call 301-677-7823.

• Kritikos Toastmasters Club meets onthe first three Mondays of every month at6:15 p.m. at Perry’s Restaurant, 1210 Annap-olis Road, Odenton. The next meeting isMonday.

The club offers an opportunity to servicemembers and civilian residents in the FortMeade community to improve their publicspeaking skills in a supportive environment.

For more information, go to 1686.toast-mastersclubs.org or call 410-305-9190.

• Glen Burnie NARFE Chapter 1519 willmeet Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Holy TrinityParish Hall, 7436 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd.,Glen Burnie. The speaker is Sharon New ofthe Anne Arundel County Fire Departmentwho will discuss fire safety.

All federal employees, retirees, familiesand members of NARFE are welcome. Formore information, call Don Bender at 410-787-0390.

• Fort Meade E9 Association meetsthe second Friday of every month at 7 a.m.in the Pin Deck Cafe at the Lanes. The nextmeeting is May 13.

The association is open to active, retired,Reserve and National Guard E9s of anyuniformed service. All E9s in this area areinvited to attend a breakfast and meet themembership. For more information, go toe9association.org.

• Meade Branch 212 of the Fleet Re-serve Association meets the secondSaturday of each month at 10 a.m. at VFWPost 160, 2597 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie.The next meeting is May 14. Active-duty,Reserve and retired members of the U.S.Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard areinvited. For more information, call 443-604-2474 or 410-768-6288.

• Families Dealing with Deploymentmeets the first and third Monday of everymonth from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the FamilyAdvocacy Program, 2462 85th MedicalBattalion Ave. Children welcome. The nextmeeting is May 16.

The group is for families experiencing anupcoming or current deployment, or theservice members who have recently re-turned from deployment. For more in-formation, call 301-677-7823.

• Daddy & Me interactive playgroup forfathers with children ages 2-4 meets thefirst and third Monday of every month from5-6 p.m. at the Family Advocacy Program,2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave. The nextmeeting is May 16.

Children and their dads engage in activ-ities conducive to improving social interac-tion, and cognitive and motor skills.

Space is limited. Registration is requiredfor each session. For more information, call301-677-4118.

• The Retired Enlisted Associationmeets the third Tuesday of the month from7:30-8:30 p.m. at Perry’s Restaurant, 1210Annapolis Road, Odenton. The next meet-ing is May 17.

For more information, visit trea.org orcall Elliott Phillips, local president, at 443-790-3805; Charles M. Green, local presi-dent at 443-610-4252; or Arthur R. Cooper,past national president, at 443-336-1230.

For more information about becoming aTREA member, go to trea.org or call CharlesGreen, the local chapter president, at 443-610-4252 or email [email protected].

• Society of Military Widows meets forbrunch the third Tuesday of the month at 11a.m. at Club Meade. The next meeting isMay 17. For more information, call BettyJones at 410-992-1123.

• Military District of Washington Ser-geant Audie Murphy Club meets the thirdWednesday of each month from noon to 1p.m. at the Joint Base Myer-Henderson HallDining Facility in Virginia. The next meetingis May 18.

All members and those interested injoining the club are welcome. For moreinformation, contact Master Sgt. EricaLehmkuhl at [email protected] or301-833-8415.

The movie schedule is subject to change.For a recorded announcement of showings,call 301-677-5324. Further listings areavailable on the Army and Air ForceExchange Service website at www.aa-fes.com.

Movies start Fridays at 6:30 p.m,Saturdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.PRICES: Tickets are $6 for adults (12 andolder) and$3.50 for children. 3DMovies: $8adults, $5.50 children.

Today throughMay 15

Friday &May 14: “My Big Fat GreekWedding 2” (PG-13).A Portokalos familysecret brings the beloved characters backtogether for an even bigger and Greekerwedding. With Nia Vardalos, John Cor-bett,Michael Constantine.

Saturday: “Batman v Superman:Dawn of Justice” (PG-13). Fearing thatthe actions of Superman are left un-checked, Batman takes on the Man ofSteel, while the world wrestles with whatkind of a hero it really needs.With HenryCavill, BenAffleck, AmyAdams.

Sunday: “TheDivergentSeries:Alle-giant” (PG-13).After the earth-shatteringrevelations of “Insurgent,” Tris mustescape with Four beyond the wall thatencircles Chicago, to finally discover theshocking truth of the world around them.With ShaileneWoodley, Theo James, JeffDaniels.

May13&15: “TheBoss” (R).A titan ofindustry is sent toprisonafter she’s caughtinsider trading. With Melissa McCarthy,KristenBell, PeterDinklage.

MOVIES

GEORGE KRAYCHYK/AP

AP

defense visual information distribution service · 2016. 5. 5. · personnel at fort george g....

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