fort meade soundoff for march 22, 2012

PX uPdateConstruction on new facility to change parking

page 5

uPCOMING eVeNtStOday, 11:30 a.M.-1 P.M.: Women’s History Month Observance - McGillSaturday, 9 a.M.: Ice Breaker Golf Tournament - The CoursesfrIday-Saturday: NAF property sale - The Pavilion (details on 3)wedNeSday, 11:30 a.M.: Fort Meade National Prayer Luncheon - Club Meade

OlyMPIC GOldManor View students join first lady at mini-Olympics event

page 18

Soundoff!́vol. 64 no. 12 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community March 22, 2012

Photo by Lance cPL. Sharon D. KyLe

SPoRTS 2nD PlACE: Marine lance Cpl. Reagan lodge, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Quantico, conducts water running exercises during a physical training session on Sept. 14, 2011 in Ramer Hall, The Basic School, Marine Corps Base Quantico, va.

Some of the military’s best photographers, videographers and graphic artists were named during the Defense Information School’s 49th annual visual Information Awards program held March 12-15. For more, see Pages 14-15.

race to 1st place

Defense Information School names winners of visual arts competition

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! March 22, 2012

Enforcer of the Standards.That is one of the most important jobs I have

as Fort Meade’s garrison command sergeant major. Some of the standards I enforce include the proper wear of the uniform, maintenance of our barracks and safety during PT.

If I see something wrong, it is my job to fix it. That’s why I’m writing today.

Recently, I have witnessed numerous customs and courtesies violations throughout the Fort Meade community, particularly in regard to saluting the flag.

I know the subject has been discussed before. But in the military I’ve learned that if you have not said it in 90 days, it must be said again.

This is especially true when it comes to render-ing honors to the flag during Reveille, Retreat or Taps. I think the best rule of thumb is if our team members are conducting minor infractions when it comes to rendering honors, it may be because our community does not know what the standards are, or as I like to say, what right looks like.

The flag of the United States is the symbol of our nation. All service members stationed on Fort Meade will honor our national colors dur-ing two distinct moments: Reveille and Retreat.

Reveille occurs at 6:30 a.m. and is tradition-ally when the flag is raised. Not coincidentally, that is the same time the cannon goes off in the morning. During the playing of Reveille, service members should stand at attention and salute until the song is over.

Similarly during Retreat, which is at 5 p.m. and when the flag is taken down, individuals, regardless of where they are, need to face the flag (or the direction of the music if the flag is not visible) and render a proper hand salute at the first note of “To the Colors.”

For both Reveille and Retreat, service mem-bers normally face the flag when saluting, unless duty requires you to face a different direction. At the conclusion of the music, resume your regular duties.

When in a formation or a group, the senior service member pres-ent will call the group to “Atten-tion” and then “Parade, Rest.” At the first note of “Retreat,” the senior ser-vice member will then call the group to “Attention” and “Present, Arms” at the first note of “To the Colors” and then “Order, Arms” at the conclusion.

When in civilian clothing, the only change is to place your right hand over your heart instead of saluting. Veterans and retirees, however, may salute.

Additionally, vehicles in motion should stop. If you are in a car or on a motorcycle, dismount and salute. If you are with a group in a military vehicle or bus, remain in the vehicle. The indi-vidual in charge will dismount and salute.

These honors also apply to the national anthems of foreign countries during ceremonies or parades.

Taps is sounded at 9 p.m. daily. Once the song begins, face the music and come to the position of attention until the music is complete. Service members are required to render honors in uni-form or civilian clothes.

The garrison commander and I are here to serve the Fort Meade community and ensure that everyone is fully aware of military customs and courtesies. We believe situational awareness is the key.

If you have further questions, feel free to speak with your chain of command or visit me during the commander’s open door every Mon-day from 4 to 6 p.m.

Rendering honors to the flag Commander’s Column

Cont ent sNews............................. 3 Religion................................21

TroubleTicket............... 4 Sports..................................18

Community................. 16 Movies.................................22

Editorial StaffGarrison Commander Col. Edward C. rothsteinGarrison Command Sgt. Maj. Charles E. SmithPublic affairs officerChad t. Jones [email protected], Command informationPhilip H. Jones [email protected] Editor & Senior Writer rona S. Hirsch Staff Writer lisa r. rhodesStaff Writer Brandon Bieltzdesign Coordinator timothy davis Supplemental photography provided by Patuxent Publishing Co.

advErtiSinGGeneral inquiries 410-332-6300

allison thompson 410-332-6850 [email protected]

Michele Griesbauer 410-332-6381 [email protected]

If you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are experiencing distribution issues, call 877-886-1206 or e-mail [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Printed by offset method of reproduction as a civilian enterprise in the interest of the personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by the Patuxent Publishing Co., a subsidiary of The Baltimore Sun Media Group, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday except the last Thursday of the year in conjunction with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office. Requests for publication must reach 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, Fort Meade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-1361; DSN: 622-1361.

Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, handicap or sex of purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source.

Printed by Patuxent Publishing Co., a private firm, in no way connected with the Department of the Army. Opinions expressed by the publisher and writers herein are their own and are not to be considered an official expression by the Department of the Army. The appearance of advertisers in the publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army of the products or services advertised.

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and view the Fort Meade Blog at ftmeade.armylive.dodlive.mil.

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Monika Hiatt (left) of Odenton and Monika Reda of Severn honor the flag during Retreat at McGlachlin Parade Field on March 20.

PhoTobyJaSoNKelly

Charles e. smithGarrison Command sergeant major

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil March 22, 2012 SOUNDOFF! �

News

By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

Speeding on the installation has been a hot topic on the Fort Meade Facebook page and during Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein’s town halls.

With a few more tools in their arsenal, the Directorate of Emergency Services and Picerne Military Housing are prepared to combat speeders on installation roads.

Although there are less speeding problems on post than outside the fence line, DES has equipped more patrol cars with effective radar instruments while Picerne is operating a pilot program with eight speed humps throughout Meuse Forest.

“Our speeding problem on the installation is lower than anywhere in Anne Arundel County,” said Maj. J. Darrell Sides, operations officer at DES. “We’ll never prevent speeding; we can only reduce it.”

To curtail speeding, the DES obtained eight mobile radar units from Fort Campbell, Ky. The devices are in addition to the sev-eral already installed in traffic enforcement vehicles.

The mobile radar instruments allow driv-ing police officers to check the speed of a vehicle. The passive system remains on at all times. And with the push of a button, the officer can track the speed of a vehicle he believes is speeding.

While traffic enforcement officers have had mobile radar in their patrol cars for several years, regular patrol officers have still been using hand-held radars, which require the offi-cer to be parked to get an accurate reading.

With the addition of the eight instruments, DES can put the equipment in several, regular patrol cars to allow officers to track speeders while handling other tasks.

In addition to allowing moving police officers to obtain an accurate reading, some patrol cars will have dual mounted systems with radar in the front and back of the vehicle. With this technology, officers can track a car that drove past them.

“Somebody slows down when they see the cop car, but they have the tendency to speed back up after they pass the police officer,” Sides said. “We’ll continue to track the vehicle until it is out of sight.”

Unlike active radar, the mobile radar’s passive system can’t be picked up by a radar detector, which is illegal on the installation. The motorist will only get a reading after he has been tracked.

Drive with cautionDES, Picerne crack down on speeders

“When a person’s radar detector goes off, all that’s telling them is that their speed has just been registered by the police car,” Sides said. “It’s too late. The radar detector just lets them know when they’ve been busted.”

To further deter speeders, DES is also using radar trailers; empty, marked patrol cars; and speed tracking devices.

Fort Meade Police Lt. George Manning, DES’ traffic supervisor, sets up two to four radar trailers at all times that prominently display a vehicle’s speed.

“Most people are generally law-abiding citizens but get a little excessive with their right foot,” Sides said. “When they’re reminded of their speed, a fair amount do slow down.”

Empty patrol cars are also parked around the installation to create the illusion that more officers are patrolling the streets, then later replaced with police officers conducting radar enforcement.

Another tool that Manning uses is a small device with two hoses that lay across the street. The device registers and tracks the speed of drivers. Using this information, Manning can determine where the most speeders are.

In addition to these tools, DES determines where to focus its efforts based on complaints from the community. Most complaints, Man-ning said, come from school zones and the residential neighborhoods.

“We increase area presence when we get certain complaints in certain areas,” he said. “That’s one way we use the public’s comments and concerns as a way to try to deter speeding problems.”

Following suggestions by residents, Picerne has taken its own steps to help deter speeding in its housing areas.

As part of a larger roadwork program, eight speed humps, also known as speed cushions, will be installed in Meuse Forest

by the end of April. The speed humps will be strategically placed on straight, downhill streets — roads conducive to speeding, said Jessie Hyder, a Picerne community builder.

“[The placements are] a combination of our team knowing the streets, and some were geared from residents,” Hyder said.

Unlike narrow speed bumps, which are against Army regulations, the speed humps will not slow down emergency vehicles. Tire gaps on the humps will allow larger emer-gency vehicles to straddle the hump, instead of driving directly over it.

While Picerne is waiting to see how the speed humps work in Meuse Forest before installing them in other neighborhoods, the Directorate of Public Works has received rec-ommendations about installing speed humps beyond the housing areas.

“It will deter a majority of the popula-tion,” Sides said. “We will see a reduction.”

map courtesy picerne military housing


News

March 12, Larceny of pri-vate property: An unknown person(s) removed an unse-cured, unattended bicycle from the side of the victim’s quarters.

March 13, Traffic violations - driving in wrong direction on one-way road, driving on suspended license: A unit observed a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction on a one-way road. A traffic stop was initiated. A check with the National Crime Information Center revealed that the driver’s license was suspended.

March 14, Larceny of private prop-erty: The Directorate of Emergency Services was notified of a theft of private property at Murphy Field House. An investigation revealed that the victim placed his hooded jacket in his locker while he was in the gym. When he returned from the gym, he found the locker had been opened and the jacket was gone.

March 14, Assault - consummated by a battery: The Directorate of Emergency Services was notified of a domestic disturbance in progress. An investigation revealed that the subject assaulted her mother by striking her

in the head and right eye.

March 15, Larceny of pri-vate property: The victim stated that unknown persons removed his cell phone char-ger from his room.

March 15, Assault - consummated by a battery: The Directorate of Emergency Services was notified of a fist fight at Murphy Field House. An investigation revealed that the subject struck the victim in the face and pushed him onto the floor.

March 17, Wrongful damage of pri-vate property: Unknown persons by unknown means broke the rear win-dow of a vehicle while it was legally parked and secured.

March 17, Shoplifting, possession of marijuana: AAFES security at the Post Exchange observed the subject remove a computer game from its original package, conceal it on him-self and exit the store without render-ing proper payment. A search of the subject revealed what appeared to be a rolled marijuana cigarette. A test was conducted using a narcotics test kit, with positive results for Tetrahy-drocannabinol, or THC.

CommunityCommunityCrime Watch

Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services

Trouble Ticket

Issue: Plan: Status:

Youth Services Sports Complex is in need of

renovations

Renovate the Youth Services Sports Complex

Actual use of fields is expected to be this fall

to allow grass to mature

Community members have concerns about golf

course service availability in light of Base Closure and

Realignment

Maintain a minimum of 18 holes at current site;

restoring golf operations on a site south of the

installation is also proposed

Golf operations will continue through

May 1; The Clubhouse will remain open for catering

and conferences

Have you noticed an issue on post and wondered if anything is being done to fix it? Email concerns and

issues to [email protected]. Each week, Soundoff! will

address issues identified on post and describe what is being done to

solve them.

file photo

Play equipment near the Boundless Playground is currently undergoing repairs.

The Installation Safety Office has deemed and marked some play equipment at Burba Lake as unsafe

Repair the play equipment so that it is functional

Repairs are under way

AER updAtEThe Fort Meade Army Emergency Relief campaign has collected $7,002 as of Monday.The goal is to collect $80,000 by May 15. Each unit should have an AER representative.For more information, call Wallace Turner, AER officer, at 301-677-5768.

find fort Meade on facebook atfacebook.com/ftmeade

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil March 22, 2012 SOUNDOFF! �

News

Post, AAFES plan to mitigate parking issuesBy Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

When construction of the new Army and Air Force Exchange begins in July, the current PX will remain open. But what is now a parking lot will be trans-formed into a construction zone.

The new facility will be built on top of the current parking lot, leaving Exchange and garrison officials search-ing for an alternative parking plan for customers. The PX will lose close to 600 parking spaces while the new facil-ity is constructed.

“We have some ideas on parking,” said Jonathan Bright, general manager of the Fort Meade AAFES. “We are identifying areas that are close to the

current Exchange.”The new 167,000-square-foot PX will

provide more services than the current 130,000-square-foot facility, including a larger food court with six food ven-dors and a pharmacy.

“We’re going to be able to provide better service to our customers,” Bright said. “Everyone is very excited about the project.”

Construction plans for the $38 mil-lion project aim for the new PX, with a new parking lot, to be completed in two years. Once the facility is complete,

the current PX will be demolished and a parking lot will be paved there.

During a March 8 meeting about the new PX, parking options were discussed.

“Parking is a significant issue,” said Bert Rice, Fort Meade’s director of transformation. “For the customer, you have to think about having that reason-ably available to the current store dur-ing the entire construction phase.”

The PX averages about 1,850 trans-actions per day, with customers filling half of the 600-space parking lot daily. Based on these numbers, officials deter-mined that at least 300 to 350 spots are required to accommodate customers during the construction.

One plan includes turning the grassy area near PNC Bank at the corner of Reece and MacArthur roads into a temporary gravel parking lot to create 100 spaces. More spaces could be cre-ated by using the median at the access drive on MacArthur Road.

Officials also considered the demoli-

tion of the PXtra, which would provide an additional 100 spaces. The employee parking lot, which was initially desig-nated as a construction staging area, could also provide another 116 parking spaces.

With these possible solutions to the parking shortage during construc-tion, 342 spaces would be created for customers. Officials are working on a sketch of the proposed temporary parking plan for review.

“None of this has been firmed up yet,” Rice said. “It’s a work in prog-ress.”

Bright said he will communicate with customers throughout the construc-tion process, including updates on the changing parking situation.

A solution for the parking lot is expected to be determined and set up prior to the groundbreaking in July.

“When we start the process in July we hope to have all parking issues resolved,” Bright said. “That’s our goal.”

Construction of new PX scheduled for summer

‘We’re going to be able to provide a better service to our customers.’

Jonathan Bright Fort Meade AAFES general manager

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News

By Fort Meade Public Affairs OfficeBeginning this morning, visitors to the

installation’s Facebook page, facebook.com/ftmeade, will experience a new design and features.

The update is part of Facebook’s new timeline format for pages.

The Army’s Facebook page, facebook.com/usarmy, was one of approximately 30 organizations that introduced the new format on Feb. 29. The social network has required all pages to transition to the format by March 30.

“As soon as we learned about the require-ment, we started to plan for it,” said Jason Kelly, Fort Meade’s emerging media man-ager. “It is more than just a new look. It is a refined way for our community to connect.”

The update adds another way for com-munity members to provide feedback about Fort Meade’s services and organizations.

“We’ve always answered questions posted on our Facebook page, but sometimes we need additional information that may not be appropriate for posting on the page such as a telephone number or address,” Kelly said.

Users can now send private messages through the page to the Public Affairs Office and receive a response without leav-ing Facebook.

Other changes include milestones and a timeline, which extend far beyond Fort Meade’s first post on May 14, 2009.

“Fort Meade has a very rich history dat-ing back to training Soldiers here for World War I,” Kelly said. “Now, we’re able to share our history to better tell our story.”

Users can now explore significant mile-stones and historical photos by scrolling down the page.

The design is similar to the timeline that Facebook introduced for profiles last Sep-tember. New features on the installation’s page include a cover photo, highlighted posts and larger stories.

The update allows the Public Affairs Office to keep information at the top of the page, Kelly said.

“Now, we can showcase what’s impor-tant, regardless if it is a text-based post, photo album or a video,” he said.

It may take some time to adjust to the new design, Kelly said.

“Social media is constantly evolving,” he said. “Sometimes, those changes are beyond our control. It’s one of the reasons why we didn’t rush to transition to the new design. We wanted to make sure we got it right.”

For more information, call Jason Kelly at 301-677-1109 or email [email protected].

Facelift for Fort Meade’s Facebook page

Guide to new features on Fort Meade’s Facebook page1) The concept behind the new design is the timeline. Visitors can now click on the timeline to read past posts and learn about milestones in Fort Meade’s history. Users can also scroll down the page to view recent posts.

2) The message button is a new tool. Users who like Fort Meade’s Facebook page can now send the Public Affairs Office a private message and receive a response. The feature is similar to sending a message to a friend. It is not a real-time chat.

3) There are now four ways to view and organize content on the page: highlights, friend activity, posts by (Fort Meade) and posts by others. Highlights, which is shown above, displays Fort Meade’s posts, the user’s friends who also like the page, and recent posts that are not from PAO. Friend activity shows posts on the page by a user’s friends. Posts by Fort Meade displays only content from PAO. “Posts by others” display all posts that are not from PAO. Visitors can switch between the views by selecting the drop-down menu next to the No. 3 shown above.

1

2

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News

By Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy A. Czuba21st Signal Brigade Command

After three days and nights of compet-ing, two Fort Meade service members came out on top in the 21st Signal Brigade’s NCO and Soldier of the Year competition.

The competition was held Feb. 28 to March 2 at Camp Dawson in West Vir-ginia.

Sgt. Amber L. Lengele, a combat pro-duction/documentation specialist from 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera), 114th Signal Battalion at Fort Meade, was named NCO of the Year.

Spc. Christopher A. Ludeking, a satellite communication systems operator/maintain-er from the 327th Signal Company, 302nd Signal Battalion at Fort Meade, was named Soldier of the Year.

They will represent the 21st Signal Bri-gade at the 7th Signal Command (Theater) NCO and Soldier of the Year competition at Fort Gordon, Ga., at the end of April.

The 21st Signal Brigade is charged to provide and defend global information capabilities to enable joint and combined battle command across the full spectrum of operations from the president of the United States to the war fighter and other federal agencies.

The brigade is geographically dispersed across the United States at eight instal-lations, stationed in Central and South America, deployed to Southwest Asia, and supports national, strategic and tactical missions worldwide.

The challenging, three-day competition included five other competitors who rep-resented subordinate units within the 21st Signal Brigade. All who competed were the best from the first, second, third and fourth

NCO and Soldier of the Quarter boards.The NCO quarterly winners included

Staff Sgt. Carla A. Philpot, a chaplain assis-tant from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 21st Signal Brigade, at Fort Det-rick and Sgt. Kedrick T. Nelson, a senior satellite communication systems operator/maintainer from 298th Signal Company,

302nd Signal Battalion, at Fort Detrick.The quarterly winners in the Soldier

category included Spc. Kimberly N. Trum-bull, a combat production/documentation specialist, from 55th Combat Camera; Pfc. Carl Singleton III, an automated logistics specialist from 525th Signal Company, 56th Signal Battalion, in Miami; and Cpl. Shaun J. Lawson Jr., an information technology specialist from Headquarters and Head-quarters Detachment, 56th Signal Battal-ion, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

The winners of the NCO and Soldier of the Year competition were chosen based on their overall performance in events that included the Army Physical Fitness Test, an administrative board appearance in service dress uniform before a panel of brigade senior NCOs, a written examination, a written essay on the topic of retention, three randomly selected Army Warrior Tasks, a daytime land-navigation course, a weapons challenge using the EST 2000 simulator and a map reading event.

The competition culminated with an Army combatives tournament.

The combined challenges allowed partic-ipants to show their proficiencies and skills as “Best Warrior” by being well-rounded in all training events — not just a subject matter expert in one category.

Lengele, a native of Olympia, Wash., entered the Army in August 2007. She has deployed to Afghanistan and recently made cutoff score to be promoted to staff sergeant.

Ludeking, who was born in Sioux City, Iowa, joined the Army in March 2010.

Both Lengele and Ludeking received the Army Commendation Medal for winning the competition.

Winners named for 21st Signal Brigade NCO and Soldier of the Year

Photo By SPc. JuStin young

Sgt. Amber L. Lengele is named NCO of the Year and Spc. Christopher A. Ludeking is named Soldier of the Year in the 21st Signal Brigade competition held Feb. 28 to March 2 at Camp Dawson, W. Va. They will represent their brigade at the 7th Signal Command (Theater) NCO/Soldier of the Year competition in April at Fort Gordon, Ga.

Representation needed for cluster schools

The executive committee of the Anne Arundel County Public Schools Citizen Advisory Committee is seeking a rep-resentative for the Fort Meade cluster elementary schools.

The Citizen Advisory Committee’s executive committee is appointed by the Board of Education and provides advice to the board on specific issues that impact education policy, activities and programs.

The CAC responds to requests from the board for research

and recommendations on specific educational issues, and the committee may choose to study and report on educational issues of concern to the county.

The representative for the Fort Meade cluster elementary schools will serve for three years.

Those interested in filling the vacancy must complete an application and forward it by March 30 to Teresa Tudor, senior manager for School and Family Partnership, at [email protected].

Applications are available on the CAC page on the AACPS website at www.aacps.org. Go to “Community” on the AACPS website and click “Citizen Advisory Com-mittee.”

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Get the insider’s advantage

Join the conversation on Fort Meade’s social media platform for the latest com-munity news.

connect with more than 8,000 post community mem-bers on the installation’s Facebook page. Stay updat-ed with tweets from Fort Meade’s twitter feed. catch the latest episode of Meade Week’s video blog. Visit the installation’s website at www.ftmeade.army.mil and visit the links to add your voice to the conversation.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! March 22, 2012

News

By Maj. Sonise LumbacaAsymmetric Warfare Group Public Affairs Office

March 8 marked six years since the Asymmetric Warfare Group first unfurled it colors during an activation ceremony on Fort Meade.

Activated originally to mitigate and/or defeat asymmetric threats faced by U.S. forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan, the AWG continues to demonstrate its unique mission as a global, enduring Army capa-bility.

The AWG provides operational advisory support to Army and joint force com-manders globally to enhance Soldier sur-vivability, combat effectiveness, and enable the defeat of current and emerging threats in support of Unified Land Operations.

The unit includes about 350 Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians and contractors who are seasoned war fight-ers and functional area experts who fill the ranks of four squadrons; two opera-tional squadrons; a training, recruiting and assessment squadron; and a concepts and integration squadron.

Since its inception six years ago, AWG has provided firsthand observation of enemy tactics, techniques and procedures, and friendly capability gaps with the goal of developing solutions to exploit enemy capability gaps and to mitigate friendly vulnerabilities.

The unit is able to do this through its hand-selected operational advisors and through three key attributes:

• Proximity - its firsthand observations in combat and operational areas

• Duration - maintaining an enduring global presence

• Experience - recent and relevant com-bat and operations experience with the ability to rapidly blend capabilities across the Army

Enabling the defeat of current and emerging threats begins with AWG’s operational advisors - the Army’s “global scouts.” Operational advisors deploy glob-ally and embed with units.

AWG operational advisors are able to provide units with current enemy TTPs, along with best practices, to mitigate threats and overall atmospherics of any given region because they have firsthand experience in the region.

The combination of experience and cur-rent understanding of the operational envi-ronment gives the AWG advisory mission a unique capability to help build an adaptive force that is confronted with an enemy that

Army’s ‘global scouts’ commemorate six years

is ever-changing in its methods.Many units that are focused on the fight

are challenged with the opportunity to step back and observe the “big picture” of the battlefield. Or they may be headed to a location they are unfamiliar with.

Operational advisors are able to make these observations for deploying and deployed units, ultimately resulting in Sol-dier survivability and unit combat effec-tiveness.

In making these observations, the AWG is able to gather information and rapidly develop solutions through a reach-back capability to a robust variety of prob-lem-solvers and solution-developers. These solutions are developed in the form of nonmaterial solutions, methodologies or processes that units can use to mitigate a threat; or material solutions, which can include adapting equipment for units to operate better within their environment.

The solution can even be the dissemina-tion of a best practice that one unit on the

ground is using to thwart enemy tactics that another unit 30 miles away may not be aware of.

All of the observations made are non-attributable and do not interfere with the unit operations, but rather complement it.

In partnering with other Army organi-zations such as the Rapid Equipping Force, the Army Capabilities Integration Center and with industry, the AWG has been able, in some cases, to pull commercial off-the-shelf items and rapidly get it in the hands of Soldiers on the ground.

In other cases, the AWG and its internal team of experts have developed possible capabilities that are first tested internally, and then offered to the Army. An example of this is the Asymmetric Warfare Adap-tive Leader Program. In keeping pace with an adaptable enemy, the AWALP places Soldiers in scenarios that are ambigu-ous, with environments that have limited resources.

The program is designed to enhance

adaptability in Soldiers and teams while promoting innovative training and criti-cal thinking to prepare future leaders for decisive action.

These examples demonstrate how, over the past six years, AWG has affected imme-diate change of behavior at the tactical level, which is critical to help reduce the learning curve of current OEF rotational forces.

To complement this dissemination effort, AWG also uses current observa-tions to inform the more deliberate Army capabilities’ development processes and the associated Doctrine, Organization, Train-ing, Materiel, Leadership and Education, Personnel and Facilities changes.

Moreover, this deliberate dissemination informs senior leader decisions on policy and resourcing that assists Army Transfor-mation to Army 2020.

For more information on joining the Asymmetric Warfare Group, call AWG recruiters at 301-833-5366.

Photo courtesy u.s. Army

An Asymmetric Warfare Group Soldier provides security from an observation post overlooking the Kholbesat bazaar in Khwost province, Afghanistan, on March 13, 2011.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil March 22, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 11

News

By Capt. Michael MadsenLegal Assistance AttorneyFort Meade Tax Center

The Joint Installation Tax Center has been busy — so busy that the center has been booked solid one month in advance.

The center, located in the Legal Assis-tance Office of the Fort Meade Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, has had a hard time just keeping up with the phone calls.

Several installations in the Washing-ton, D.C., region have had to curtail their tax center operations this year. For example, Fort Belvoir, Va., has made its tax center available only to active-duty enlisted Soldiers below the rank of E-5.

Consequently, retirees, senior enlisted Soldiers and even general officers sta-tioned at other posts have been flocking to the Fort Meade Tax Center.

To accommodate the crowds, the cen-ter has recruited additional manpow-er and has opened up additional tax

preparation stations, allowing for new appointment slots.

These appointment slots are avail-able immediately, but they are filling up fast.

While the Fort Meade Tax Center strives to serve as many people as pos-sible, the services offered do have some limitations. The center can only serve active-duty personnel, military retirees and their dependents.

In addition, taxes cannot be prepared for anyone with income from a private business, two or more rental properties, or more than 10 stock transactions in 2011.

Every tax preparer at the Fort Meade Tax Center has been trained and certi-fied by the IRS. The center also has a number of civilian employees and vol-unteers who assist in ensuring that each return is as complete as possible.

To schedule an appointment, call the Fort Meade Tax Center at 301-677-9086.

Tax Center adds more appointments

By Capt. Michael MadsenLegal Assistance AttorneyFort Meade Tax Center

Several military retirees have come to the Fort Meade Tax Center seeking assistance after receiving a letter from the Comptroller of Maryland.

The letter states that the taxpayers have improperly taken a retirement exclu-sion on their 2008 taxes. The letter also reports a balance due, which is usually several thousand dollars.

If you receive such a letter, call the Comptroller of Maryland before you submit payment to verify whether or not you improperly reported your retirement income in 2008.

The letter reads:“According to our records, you either

overstated the allowable pension exclu-sion amount, or claimed a pension exclu-sion that you were not entitled to, pursu-ant to Maryland law. As a result, your total subtraction modifications have

been adjusted to eliminate or reduce the pension exclusion. The adjustment to your account resulted in a balance due as follows ... “

According to one representative at the Comptroller’s Office, many of these letters were sent to retirees who had, in fact, properly reported their retirement income on their 2008 Maryland Income Tax Return.

The representative encourages every-one who has received such a letter to call the Comptroller’s Office to have their case reviewed before submitting payment.

If you have received such a letter, call the Comptroller of Maryland at 1-800-648-9638 to contest your liability.

For further assistance, call the Fort Meade Legal Assistance Office and Fort Meade Tax Center at 301-677-9536/9762.

Do not submit payment until someone has reviewed your case.

Retirees receive erroneous letter regarding 2008 taxes


News

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

The Post Thrift Shop has been a Fort Meade institution for at least 60 years.

Kay Crawford has volunteered at the shop for half that time.

“I like to help people,” said Crawford, a Severn resident. “The staff became like my family.”

For the past eight years, Crawford’s husband, Roger, has volunteered along-side her.

“Glad we can do it,” said Roger Craw-ford, a former mail carrier for the Fort Meade Post Office.

The Enlisted Spouses Club oversees the Thrift Shop, which is located in Building 2206 at the corner of First and Chisholm avenues.

The shop sells new and secondhand items at discount prices. It is open to the general public; military identification is not necessary to make purchases.

Consignments, however, are only available by appointment to military ID cardholders.

Sixty percent of the shop’s merchan-dise is clothing for children and adults. The stock also includes military uni-forms, housewares, small electronics, sporting gear, camping gear, pet supplies and a wide variety of books.

Jennifer Scales, managing editor at The Frontline, the military newspaper at Fort Stewart, Ga., said she shops at the Thrift Shop whenever she is in the area.

“I like the style of the clothes, and the merchandise is affordable,” Scales said as she looked through a selection of blouses.

Retired 1st Sgt. Jesse Diaz, and his wife, Arosa, searched for housewares after a recent move from Arizona to Odenton.

“I think it’s nice,” Diaz said of the shop. “The prices are comparable to other thrift stores.”

All profits generated by sales are put back into the Fort Meade commu-nity through scholarships for military spouses and children, welfare grants and charitable donations.

In the past year, the club has awarded $14,000 in scholarships to military chil-dren and an additional $8,000 in schol-arships to military spouses, according to the ESC website.

The Crawfords are among the eight volunteers who help run the shop. Kay Crawford works in the clearance room organizing reduced-price items. Roger Crawford repairs and cleans merchan-

Thrift Shop features dedicated volunteers

photo by jen rynda

Kay Crawford and her husband, Roger, volunteer Tuesday at the Enlisted Spouses Club’s Post Thrift Shop. The couple, who live in Severn, have been volunteering at the shop for a combined 38 years.

dise for sale.Other volunteers help with stocking,

pricing and consignments.Trenda Quinn, president of the Thrift

Shop Council, which oversees the shop and sets its policy, said the dedication of the Crawfords is exceptional.

“They are wonderful,” Quinn said. “We can always depend on them. They take it very seriously. They’ll do anything you ask.”

This year, the Thrift Shop Coun-cil nominated the Crawfords for Fort Meade’s Volunteer of the Year award in the family category.

Kay Crawford, who is not a member of ESC, said she started volunteering when her son, Roger Crawford Jr., was a child and attended school.

“I had the time,” she said, noting that the family lived in Odenton at the time.

Kay Crawford said she likes organiz-

ing and that working in the clearance room “is just like housework.”

Roger Crawford became a volunteer when he learned that the staff “needed a guy to help.”

In addition to making repairs to items and cleaning them, Crawford also trans-ports unsold merchandise to Goodwill and the Salvation Army.

“It’s in your heart to help somebody,” he said.

Both have roots at Fort Meade.Roger Crawford’s grandfather, Charles

Reigle, owned farm land off post that the Army rented in 1917 for $15 a month.

His grandparents, Charles and Mary Reigle, and several aunts and uncles are buried in Fort Meade’s Bethel Cem-etery.

Kay Crawford’s father, Samuel Chalf-ant, worked as the assistant post trans-portation officer at Fort Meade from the

late 1950s to 1968.Roger Crawford was a staff sergeant in

the Army Reserve when he began work-ing as a mail carrier at the Fort Meade Post Office in 1960. He was recalled to active duty in 1961 and sent to Fort Eustis, Va. He returned home a year later after his unit was deactivated and resumed working at the post office before retiring in 1992.

The couple said they don’t intend to stop volunteering at the Thrift Shop any time soon.

“We’ll go as long as our health holds up,” Roger Crawford said.

Editor’s note: The Post Thrift Shop is open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with consignments from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with consignments by appointment only; and the first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.


News

PHOTO BY NOAH SCIALOM

HATS OFF!Laura Desena, of the Officers’ Spouses’ Club on Fort Meade, sports a stylish hat at the club’s first “Wedding March” luncheon on March 15 at the Courses. To get in the wedding spirit, OSC members were asked to dress in white and don their best royal wedding hat. Some of the festive hats were homemade, others borrowed or purchased. Table center-pieces featured floral “cakes” on glass cake plates.

By Rona S. HirschStaff Writer

From 16-pound bowling balls and Dell monitors to a barbecue smoker and Sea Pro boat with trailer, the Fort Meade Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recre-ation is hosting a sale of used equipment and furnishings on Friday and Saturday at the Pavilion.

Sale items have been culled from DFMWR activities including Outdoor Recreation, the Lanes, Club Meade and Child, Youth and School Services.

“We have a lot of accumulation,” said Bill Hicks, financial management officer for DFMWR. “We took a look and saw there is an excess of equipment.”

Money generated from the sale will go back to the community.

“The sale is a good stewardship of govern-ment funds,” Hicks said. “They will contribute to the continuation of DFMWR activities on Fort Meade, from CYS2 to Outdoor Rec.”

The sale schedule varies:• Today, noon to 5 p.m., viewing only• Friday, 2 to 6 p.m., for active-duty ser-

vice members and dependent ID cardholders only

• Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for the public Items for sale include: ellipticals, treadmills,

steppers, child care furniture, campers, Apple

computers, commercial-grade restaurant equipment, fishing boat, Lund with trailer, single kayak, canoes, riding mower, cartop carrier, dunk tank, DJ booth, storage shelves and a Coca-Cola soda system.

Condition of equipment and furnishings varies from slightly used to nonoperational due to missing parts.

• All items are sold “as is” with no war-ranty.

• Items must be paid for with cash or credit card.

• Items must be moved at the time of pur-chase, no holding. Moving and transporting are the responsibility of the purchaser.

• No holding of tags. If an item has been without a tag for an extended time frame, the item will be re-tagged.

• Any remaining items will be discounted 50 percent on Saturday only, from 1 to 3 p.m. The Pavilion will be cleared 10 minutes prior to the discounting and items will be re-tagged. No previous tags will be honored; first come, first served.

The Llewellyn Avenue gate will be open Saturday for public access and pick up of small items. If large items require full access, staff will coordinate entrance via the Reece Road gate.

For a full inventory, visit www.ftmeadem-wr.com.

DFMWR hosts property sale of used equipment

By Lt. Col. Sandra Keelin, Registered DietitianU.S. Army Public Health Command

March is National Nutrition Month.This annual campaign, sponsored by

the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Associa-tion), reinforces the importance of good nutrition and physical activity.

The academy also helps consumers understand how to implement the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The theme for this year, “Get Your Plate in Shape,” encourages Americans to return to the basics of healthy eating by consum-ing the recommended amounts of food essential for performance and health.

This year’s theme coincides with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate, which replaced MyPyramid in June 2011. MyPlate is the government’s primary food-group symbol and is an

easy-to-understand visual cue used to show Americans how to incorporate the recommendations of 2010 Dietary Guide-lines into every meal.

MyPlate uses the familiar image of a place setting for a meal to illustrate the five food groups. The plate is divided into four sections — fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins — and includes a glass represent-ing dairy products.

The simple key messages of MyPlate include:

• Balance your calories by managing calories in with calories out.

• Enjoy your food, but eat less.• Take the time to fully enjoy your meal

by eating slowly. Eating fast or when dis-tracted may cause you to eat more calories than you need.

• Downsize your portion sizes by using a smaller plate, bowl or cup.

• When eating out, choose smaller-sized

options, share with a buddy or save part of the meal for later.

• Include physical activity into your daily routine; this, too, helps you balance calories.

• Choose foods to eat more often. Eat foods that are nutrient-rich more often, and make them the basis for meals and snacks. These foods contain health-pro-moting nutrients such as potassium, cal-cium, vitamin D and fiber.

• Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1 per-cent) milk and dairy products.

• Fill half your plate with a variety of colorful fruits and veggies (to include beans and peas).

• Make at least half your grains whole grains by substituting whole-grain foods for refined. (Switch to whole wheat bread from white bread or brown rice instead of white rice.)

• Choose foods to eat less often. Foods

that are high in solid fats, added sugars and salt should be used as occasional treats, not everyday foods.

• Reduce salt in your diet. Use the Nutrition Facts label to compare sodium in foods, and choose lower sodium ver-sions of foods such as soup, bread, frozen and other convenient foods.

• Drink fewer sugar-sweetened bever-ages such as soda, energy drinks and sport drinks, which are a major source of added sugar and calories in the American diet.

• Drink smaller portions and substitute with water or other unsweetened bever-ages.

To help you get your plate in shape, check out the Super Tracker, an online tool where you can get a personalized nutrition and activity plan.

To find the SuperTracker or for more information about MyPlate, visit www.ChooseMyPlate.gov.

‘Get Your Plate in Shape’ focuses on healthy eating


Cover Story

EyE-catchingDINFOS names winners of visual arts competitionBy Jason KellyEmerging Media Manager

Some of the military’s best photographers, videographers and graphic artists were named during the Defense Information School’s 49th annual Visual Informa-tion Awards program held March 12-15.

Professional photographers from local and national organizations judged more than 3,000 entries from across the Department of Defense based on the entry’s storytelling ability, technical quality, originality and creativity.

Winners were named in three separate competitions: Military Graphic Artist of the Year, Military Photographer of the Year and Military Videographer of the Year.

Air Force Master Sgt. Jeremy T. Lock of the Defense Media Activity received his sixth Military Photographer of the Year honor.

Navy Mass Communications Spc. 2nd Class Andrew A. Breese of DMA was named the Military Videographer of the Year.

Marine Corps Sgt. Shawn Sales of DINFOS was selected as the Military Graphic Artist of the Year.

The accompanying photos represent some of the winners in the photography portion of the program.

Visit www.ftmeade.army.mil/soundoff/milphog to view additional winning entries.

Photo by Senior AirmAn mArcy GlASS

NEWS 1ST PLACE:A father salutes the casket of his son on March 31, 2011 at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo., honoring Lance Cpl. Christopher Mies when he arrived home.


Photo by Senior AirmAn Grovert FuenteS-contrerAS

PORTRAIT-PERSONALITY 2ND PLACE:Staff Sgt. Patrick Reynolds, Security Forces squad leader attached to Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul, fights racing water while holding onto a tow strap attached to an Afghan National Army vehicle stuck in the Lurah River in Shinkai District, Afghanistan, on Oct. 12, 2011. The ANA asked PRT Zabul for assistance because of the PRT’s vehicle recovery capabilities and the organizations’ working relationship after frequent joint operations in the Shinkai District.

Photo by SGt. SeAn hArP

COMBAT DOCUMENTATION 2ND PLACE:Staff Sgt. Angel Alvarez, assigned to the Warrior Training Center on Fort Lee, Va., cocks back to throw a pyrotechnic grenade simulator into the sky during a night fire event for the 2011 Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition on Oct. 5, 2011. During the event, warriors fired from the prone-supported and prone-unsupported firing positions while pyrotechnics exploded around them.

FEATURE 1ST PLACE:LEFT: Retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Ken Swigart stares into the Grand Canyon on Dec. 13, 2011 at the location where the Flagstaff Community Toys For Tots organization delivers toys to the children of the Havasupai tribe. Swigart and others join annually with U.S. Marines to deliver toys to the Native American tribe.Photo by SGt. A.J. PArSon

Photo by tech. SGt. bennie J. DAviS iii

PICTORIAL 1ST PLACE:An Army Ranger trainee gets “turtled” while repelling and can’t gain balance due to his 80-pound rucksack during the mountain phase of Army Ranger School at Camp Frank D. Merrill, Ga.


Community news & notes

The deadline for Soundoff! community “News and Notes” is Friday at noon. All submissions are posted at the editor’s dis-cretion and may be edited for space and grammar. Look for additional community events on the Fort Meade website at www.ftmeade.army.mil and the Meade TV Blog at http://meadetv.wordpress.com.

For more information or to submit an announcement, email Chad Jones at [email protected] or call 301-677-1301.

DHR closureThe Directorate of Human Resources

and the Military Personnel Division will close Friday at 11 a.m. for a retirement ceremony.

Normal operations will resume Monday at 7:30 a.m.

Freedom Inn changeAll Fort Meade Department of

Defense civilians and military retirees can now eat lunch Mondays to Fridays from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. at the Freedom Inn Dining Facility, 8502 Simonds St.

Cost is $4.55. Customers must present a valid military identification or approved Fort Meade ID badge.

For more information and updated daily menus, visit www.ftmeade.army.mil/freedominn.

Women’s History Month observance

Fort Meade’s annual Women’s History Month observance will be held today from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McGill Training Center.

Admission is free and open to the public. Free food samplings will be served.

The event is hosted by Army Cyber Command/2nd Army.

The keynote speaker will be Michele S. Jones, director of External Veteran/Military Affairs and Community Outreach, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, President’s Veterans Employment Initiative.

For more information, call Sgt. 1st Class Kah at 301-833-2011, Ms. Telsee at 301-833-2002 or Sgt. 1st Class Bass at 301-677-6687.

National Prayer LuncheonThe Fort Meade National Prayer

Luncheon will be held Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at Club Meade.

The event is sponsored by the Garrison Chaplain’s Office. Chief of Chaplains Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Donald L. Rutherford will be the guest speaker.

Suggested donation is $10 for civilian employees and service members with a rank of E-6 and above.

Seating is limited to 300 people. Tickets can be obtained through the unit sergeant major or noncommissioned officer in charge.

For more information on tickets, call the Garrison Chaplain’s Office at 301-677-6703 or 301-677-7842.

Blue ribbon eventThe community is invited to place

a blue ribbon on a tree at Burba Park in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month on April 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Burba Lake Cottage.

The event will include free hot dogs. A proclamation will also be signed.

For more information, call 301-677-5590.

Country dance nightClub Meade is offering Country-Top

40 Night on Friday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

No cover charge. A cash bar is available.


Military career advancement and college fair

The Fort Meade Education Center will host a military career advancement and college fair April 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at McGill Training Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave.

Topics will include Army assignments with the Army Medical Detachment, the Chaplain Corps, the Criminal Investigation Command and the Special Operations Command; a career as a warrant officer; the Army’s Green to Gold program; the Navy College Program; financial aid; and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits.

Light refreshments will be served.For more information, call the

Education Center at 301-677-6421.

Employment Readiness classes

The Employment Readiness Program helps the military community with job

readiness by providing employment consultations/coaching, career classes and assessments, and job search/interview-preparation assistance.

Advance registration is required for the free classes.

• Military & Spouse Employment Support Group, Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Potomac Place Neighborhood Center

• Employment Orientation, March 29, 9 a.m. to noon, Army Community Service, 830 Chisholm Ave. Network, improve job skills, get tips from industry professionals.

• Get Ready!, March 29, 9 a.m. to noon, Army Community Service, 830 Chisholm Ave. Learn about job readiness resources through the Employment Readiness Program, Anne Arundel Workforce Development’s Kick Start Program and Howard County’s Office of Workforce Development, including websites, classes, job listings, employment support groups and a tour of the resource center.

• Resume Writing Class, April 3, 9 a.m. to noon, Army Community Service, 830 Chisholm Ave. Get tips for creating winning resume styles and cover letters.

• Federal Employment Class, April 10, 9 a.m. to noon. Army Community Service, 830 Chisholm Ave. Learn to demystify the application process for federal employment.

• Career Exploration Class, April 17, 9 a.m. to noon, Army Community Service, 830 Chisholm Ave. Using various career/personality assessments and tools, learn to achieve personal and professional success.

• BRAC 101 Employment Training Orientation, April 11, 9:30 a.m. to noon, Soldier and Family Assistance Center, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave. Learn about new jobs coming to the Fort Meade area in 2012 and 2013, and how to enroll to qualify for them.

• Military & Spouse Employment Support Group, April 18, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Potomac Place Neighborhood Center

To register, call 301-677-5590. For more information, call Vikki Torrence or Jamesinaez James at 301-677-5590.

OSC scholarships The Fort Meade Officers’ Spouses’ Club

will award scholarships for the 2012-2013 academic school year in the spring.

Completed applications must be postmarked by April 1.

• The Etta Baker Memorial Scholarship will be awarded for academic advancement to deserving college-bound high school seniors.

• The Merit Scholarship for continued learning will be awarded for academic advancement to graduating high school seniors and students currently enrolled in college.

• The JROTC Scholarship will be awarded to highly motivated, community-minded students to further their education beyond a high school diploma.

• The Military Spouse Scholarship will be awarded for academic advancement to highly motivated, community-minded individuals to further their education.

Application forms with all eligibility requirements are available on the OSC website at www.fortmeadeosc.org and at high school guidance offices.

For more information, email Pat Hagerty at [email protected].

Company Commander/First Sergeant Course

The Military District of Washington Company Commander/First Sergeant Course will be held April 23 to 25 at the National Defense University, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., in Lincoln Hall, Room #2212.

The course acquaints new and prospective company leaders with some of the challenges of command, and most importantly, the avenues and resources available to assist them in solving or addressing Soldier issues and concerns within the National Capital Region.

MDW Regulation 350-5, Company Commanders and First Sergeants Training, requires all Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region/MDW company commanders and first sergeants to attend this training.

To participate, individuals should contact their unit S3 or the installation’s Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security.

A final list of individuals recommended to participate in this training is due to the MDW J/637 Office by April 4.

For more information, call Michael Egly at 202-685-2910 or [email protected], or call David Stone at 202-685-1923 or email [email protected].

Resiliency workshop“Building Resiliency in Children and

Teens: A Workshop for Educators and Caregivers” will be presented today from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Meade High School Media Center.

Registration will be from 2:15 to 2:30 p.m. The workshop is free, but admission is limited.

To register, call 202-650-7634 or email [email protected].

EFMP workshopA workshop for military parents of

NEWS & EVENTS

EDUCATION


Community news & notes

children with disabilities will be presented Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Meade Heights Elementary School.

The workshop will focus on children with autism, services parent can expect from the Echo program, and services from the infants and toddlers program and the Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

The workshop is sponsored by the Exceptional Family Member Program and the Anne Arundel County Public Schools Division of Special Education.

To attend, email Caraline Someck by Friday at [email protected].

Fleet Center classesThe Fleet and Family Support Center at

830 Chisholm Ave. offers free classes that are open to DoD identification cardholders. Advanced registration is required.

• Money Management: Today, 1 to 3 p.m.• Disability Transition Assistance

Program: Monday, 9 a.m. to noon• Medical Records Review: Have your

medical records reviewed by Joseph Thornton of AMVETS. An appointment is required.

To register or for more information, call 301-677-9017 or 9018.

Auto care coursesThe Automotive Skills Center at 6530

Taylor Ave. is offering the following courses from 1 to 3 p.m.

• Sunday: “How to change wheel bearings”

• April 8: “How to replace drive belts and anti-freeze”

• April 22: Proper procedures for replacing timing belts

Cost for each course is $10. For more information, call 301-677-5542.

ESC Scholarship AwardThe Enlisted Spouses Club Scholarship

Award, valued at $1,500, will be applied to the 2012-2013 school year. Multiple winners will be selected.

Scholarships may be used at any accred-ited college, university, business or vocational school for one year.

High school seniors or continuing edu-cation students born in 1989 or later may apply.

Applicants must be children of military members from any branch, active duty, retired, deceased, Reservist or National Guard. The service member must reside in the Fort Meade area.

Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student and volunteer in their school or com-

munity.To apply:• Submit official transcripts for your junior

year and first semester of your senior year if in high school.

• Submit official transcripts from your appropriate higher level of education if you are a continuing education student.

• Submit a completed application with sup-porting documentation as listed in the appli-cation package, which may be downloaded, at www.ftmeadeesc.org.

Evelyn Silva ScholarshipThe Evelyn Silva Scholarship Award of

Excellence awarded by the Enlisted Spouses Club is valued at $2,000 and will be applied to the 2012-2013 academic school year.

This scholarship will be awarded to one graduating high school senior. This year, the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Central Mary-land Chapter will contribute an additional $2,000 to this scholarship.

Scholarships may be used at any accred-ited college, university, business or voca-tional school for one year.

Only high school seniors may apply. Applicants must be the child of a service member from any branch, active duty, retired, deceased, Reservist or National Guard. The service member must reside in the Fort Meade area.

Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student.

Applicants are required to:• Demonstrate continued volunteerism

in their school or community.• Submit official transcripts for their

junior year and first semester of their senior year if in high school.

• Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.• Submit letters of recommendation.• Submit a completed application

with supporting documentation as listed in the application package, which may downloaded, at www.ftmeadeesc.org.

Easter Egg HuntOmega Psi Phi and Youth Services

will sponsor their Annual Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 13 and under on April 7 at 2 p.m. at the Youth Center.

The event is free to the military community and will feature a coloring contest, jelly bean guessing contest and door prizes.

Egg hunts will be divided by age. Children should bring their own basket.


Middle school activitiesChild, Youth and School Services is

offering several activities for grades six to eight:

• Grilling & Chilling Night, Friday, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cost is $7 for meal and includes barbecue ribs, loaded baked potatoes and salad.

• Appetizers & Movie Night, March 30, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cost is $5 for food and includes buffalo wings, cheese sticks and nachos.


StorytimeThe Medal of Honor Memorial Library

offers pre-kindergarten Storytime every Thurs-day from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and 10:30 to 11 a.m.

• Today: “Spring into a Good Book” - celebrating spring

• March 29: “Reading Makes Us Hoppy” - songs and finger plays about bunnies


Easter Bunny brunchHop over to the Courses Clubhouse

on March 31 for brunch with the Easter Bunny. Two seating times will be available: 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Cost is $7 for ages 5 to 10 and $11.50 for ages 11 and older. Children ages 4 and under attend free.

Seating is limited. Tickets are available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Youth Center, 909 Ernie Pyle St.


Out & About• Tickets to Ringling Bros. and Barnum

& Bailey Circus are available at Leisure Travel Services for $20. Show dates: Friday and March 30 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and March 31 at 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday and April 1 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. For more information, call 301-677-7354.

• The Montpelier Spring Jazz Series features pianist Dick Morgan on Friday at 8 p.m. at Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road, South Laurel. Saxophonist Ron Kearns and the Paul Wingo quartet will perform swinging rhythms March 30 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 for each concert. For more information, call 301-377-7800 or 410-792-0664.

• The Bowie Baysox will host its 13th annual Free Family FunFest on Saturday,

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, at Prince George’s Stadium, 4101 Crain Highway, Bowie. Fans can enjoy inflatables in the parking lot, music and games on the concourse, free rides in Louie’s Kids Park and activities on the field, weather permitting. Single game tickets for the Baysox 2012 season go on sale for the first time at FunFest.

Opening Night is April 5 at 7:05 p.m., against the Harrisburg Senators. For more information, visit www.baysox.com or call 301-805-6000.

• Society of Military Widows meets for brunch the fourth Sunday of the month at 11 a.m. at Club Meade. The next meeting is Sunday. For more information, call Betty Jones at 410-730-0127.

• Single Parent Support Group meets the second and fourth Monday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. at School Age Services, 1900 Reece Road. The next meeting is Monday. For more information, call Rikki Ford, Parent Support coordinator, at 301-677-3617 or email [email protected].

• Parenting With a Purpose will meet April 4, 11, 18 and 25, and May 2 and May 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Meuse Forest Neighborhood Center at 8700 91st Division Blvd. Learn what your parenting style is and the art of judo-parenting. Free child care on site. For reservations for the six-session class, call Rikki Ford, parent support coordinator, at 301-677-3617 or email [email protected].

• Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 254 meets the fourth Wednesday of the month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Roost, 9827 Love Road. The next meeting is Wednesday. For more information, call 443-534-5170 or visit www.afsa254.org.

• Retired Officers’ Wives’ Club monthly luncheon meeting will be held April 3 at 11 a.m. at Club Meade. The luncheon will feature the club’s annual Parade of Fashion Show with clothes and accessories for spring and summer provided by the Fort Meade Post Exchange and modeled by ROWC models.

Cost of luncheon is $15. Reservations must be made by March 29 at noon. Members may call their area Reservation Committee representative. All others call Betty Wade at 410-551-7082.

Bring your friends, neighbors and spouses to view the seasons’ new fashions. Guests who are eligible to join the ROWC may attend one meeting before they are required to join. Dues, normally $25 per year, are reduced to $12.50 for the remaining meetings through May.

YOUTH

RECREATION

MEETINGS


SportS

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

After leaving a meeting at Manor View Elementary School on March 8, Principal Donna O’Shea was told that she had received a phone call from the office of the first lady.

O’Shea called back and was told that the school was invited to represent Maryland at a mini-Olympic competi-tion that would be hosted by Michelle Obama on March 13.

The event was held in conjunction with the White House’s announcement that the first lady will lead the U.S. delegation to the opening ceremonies for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. The competition also was part of Obama’s “Let’s Move!” initia-tive to promote fitness and healthy eating.

O’Shea was asked to select 20 stu-dents to participate in the one-hour competition at American University in Washington, D.C.

“It was a huge deal for us,” O’Shea said.

According to an email from the White House, Manor View was selected because of its “excellent reputation.”

The school randomly selected the students and asked parents to com-plete a permission form. Nineteen are military children.

O’Shea and two staff members, Col-leen Mangan, a fifth-grade teacher, and Yolanda Lackey, a special educa-tion teacher, accompanied the students by school bus to Washington, D.C.

At the event, Obama was joined by Britain’s first lady, Samantha Cam-eron, who traveled to the United States with her husband, British Prime Min-ister David Cameron, on an official two-day visit.

Fifth-graders from MacFarland Middle School in Washington, D.C., and Arlington Science Focus Elemen-

Manor View students join first lady at mini-Olympics

photo by donna o’shea

Twenty fifth-graders from Manor View Elementary School proudly display the silver medals they won during a mini-Olympic event hosted by first lady Michelle Obama on March 13. The sports competition, held at American University in Washington, D.C., included fifth-graders from two other area schools and featured several professional athletes who led the youngsters in basketball, soccer, tennis and relay races.

tary School in Virginia also partici-pated.

“I think it was a very good experi-ence that I will remember for the rest of my life,” said Austin Slack, 11, of Manor View. “It’s a story I will tell my kids about.”

The children were divided into three teams — red, white and blue — and competed against each other in basket-ball, soccer, tennis and relay races.

A group of athletes led the children in the competitions including such Olympians as gymnast Dominique Dawes, basketball player Lisa Lesley

and former American decathlete Dan O’Brien; soccer players Lori Ann Lind-sey and Becky Sauerbrunn of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team; and Paralympians David Wagner, Kortney Clemons and April Holmes.

During the event, Obama spoke to the children about what she feels is the true meaning of the Olympic Games.

“It’s not just about who wins the medals, or which country wins the most medals. ... The Olympic Games are about commitment, about deter-mination, and most importantly, it’s about teamwork,” said the first lady,

according to the Associated Press.Later, Obama hit a few tennis balls

with the Manor View students includ-ing Seana Townes, daughter of Staff Sgt. LaShunda Rodgers.

“It was a fun experience,” the 10-year-old said. “She was very happy at the time. I was really excited.”

Manor View — the blue team — came in second place in the competi-tion. Each of the students received a hug from Obama and a silver medal.

“It was the best day of their lives,” O’Shea said. “They will never forget it.”

‘I think it was a very good experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.’

austin slack, 11 Manor View student


SportS

By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

Ashley Owens hovered over her golf ball that lay just a few feet from the hole.

As the ball tantalizingly spun around the outside of the hole and rolled out the other side down the green, Ashley’s instructor reminded the 13-year-old of the “three Rs”: Replay, relax, redo.

Calculating what she did wrong and taking a deep breath, Ashley took anoth-er whack at sinking the putt.

Perseverance in the face of frustration was one of the critical lessons taught to a dozen young golfers on Saturday after-noon at the First Tee class.

Youngsters ages 7 to 13 learn life skills while practicing golf at the annual program sponsored by the First Tee of Howard County, which instructs two free classes at the Courses.

First Tee is a national program that aims to teach golf to 10 million children by 2012. Last year, First Tee of Howard County instructed 1,100 area youths, with about 40 from Fort Meade.

“First Tee incorporates a number of life skills, as well as various levels of instruction, to introduce kids to golf,” said David Nesbitt, associate director of First Tee of Howard County. “The idea is to get an introduction to the game.”

Nationally, the program instructs young golfers ages 5 to 17. Each age group learns new aspects of the game, continuing to improve their abilities while building on life skills.

“As you get older, the golf becomes more and more a portion of the cur-riculum,” Nesbitt said. “[When] you’re younger, we’re introducing the values, the laws of the game, the rules of golf, etiquette and to take the core values and apply them to the golf course.”

The two classes taught at Fort Meade are “Player” for inexperienced golfers and “Par” for those who have completed the

Getting into the swingYouths learn golf, life skills through First Tee

Player course.Participants meet weekly for classes on

Thursday or Saturday. At the beginning of every class, instructors and players gather at the Clubhouse to talk about the life skills they will focus on that day.

Saturday’s lesson focused on the three Rs, having fun and a few basic rules of the game. Other topics discussed are being a good sport, being a team player and inter-personal skills such as greeting people.

Ashley said it is beneficial to spend the 20 to 25 minutes at each class to talk about aspects of the game they can apply elsewhere.

“It’s important in every day life,” said the Glenelg teen, whose father is Col. John Owens III.

After the discussion, players head to the course to sharpen their golfing skills on all aspects of the game - from stance and grip to swings and putting.

“I like being able to hit the ball and develop my skills,” said Terrell Strong, 13, who resides in Midway Commons.

For novices learning the basics of the game, modified clubs and balls are uti-

lized. During the swinging drills, players use a club with a large head to hit slightly bigger balls that are wrapped in Velcro.

Ashley, who has been playing for a few years, signed up for First Tee to improve her game so she can join the golf team at Glenelg High School in Howard County next year. She said the “really nice and friendly” instructors are helping her develop into a better golfer.

“[First Tee] teaches me how to control my golf club and hit more accurately,” Ashley said.

Ashley and Terrell both said they enjoy playing golf every Saturday afternoon and encourage those interested in learning to play to participate in First Tee.

“If you have free time, this is a good place to spend it,” Terrell said.

But Nesbitt is quick to say that First Tee is not a junior program, and instruc-tors aren’t focusing on building players for the Professional Golfers Association Tour.

“I want them to have fun and I want them to leave here understanding a little bit about golf,” he said.

Thirteen-year-old Ashley Owens putts on a green at the Courses during a First Tee class Saturday afternoon. The First Tee program teaches young golfers the fundamentals of the sport as well as life skills for off the course.

Gavin Wilson, 13, practices his half-swing technique under the watchful eye of instructor Don Van Deusen during the First Tee golf program at the Courses on Saturday. The First Tee of Howard County instructs two, free classes at Fort Meade for players between ages 7 and 13.

photos by brian krista


SportS

Sports ShortsNew weekend hours at Gaffney

Beginning April 1, Gaffney Fitness Center will have new weekend hours. Gaffney will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.


Sunday closure at MurphyBeginning April 1, Murphy Field House will no longer be open Sundays.For more information, call at 301-677-3867.

Golf Pro Shop closing saleThe Courses’ Pro Shop will be closing May 1.To clean out inventory, the shop will begin a close-out sale April 1, offering

discounts of up to 50 percent.For more information, call 301-677-5326.

Beat the Pro fundraiserAlumni of the Meade High School basketball program will compete against

former National Football League players during a Meade Alumni Association fundraiser on March 30 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the high school.

Ticket cost is $7 with a school ID and $10 without one. Tickets will be sold at the door.

To purchase tickets in advance or for more information, call 410-917-0096 or 443-789-7684.

Farewell Commander’s CupGarrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein will host the Farewell

Commander’s Cup golf tournament on April 29 at the Courses.Final registration will be at 11 a.m. on the day of the tournament. The

shotgun start is at noon.Cost is $75 per player or $250 per four-person team. Fee includes lunch,

cart prizes and an awards banquet.Registration is ongoing. Call 301-677-5236.

Old Joe Golf TournamentThe Fort Meade Officers’ Spouses’ Club is sponsoring the 7th Annual “Old

Joe” Golf Tournament on April 20 at the Courses.Registration costs $80 and includes green fees and cart, putting contest,

breakfast and lunch. Registration fee for OSC members and spouses is $70.Proceeds benefit scholarship and welfare programs of the Fort Meade

military community.Registration deadline is April 18.For more information or to register, email Dana O’Shea at danaoshea@

hotmai.com or visit www.fortmeadeosc.org.

Bull & Oyster RoastThe Meade High School Baseball Program is sponsoring a Bull & Oyster

Roast on March 31 from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Gambrills Athletic Club, 682 McKnew Road, Gambrills.

The menu features pit beef, pit turkey, oyster on the half shell, fried oysters, oyster stew, mash potatoes, green beans, vegetables and desserts.

Entertainment includes a disc jockey, money wheel, silent auction, door prizes and 50/50 raffle.

Tickets cost $40. Proceeds will go toward construction of Meade High’s new batting cage.

For more information, email Dave Lanham at [email protected] or call 410-672-1369.

What kind of monster would I be if I didn’t give a little space to highlight some cute kids bowling and the fantastic work Scott Marko and his team are doing with the EDGE program?

Besides, I’ve got Fantasy draft 2K12 to prepare for. I’m thinking Robinson Cano with the fifth overall pick.

And I’m also wrestling with my Meade TV/Picerne Sweet 16 Challenge picks, particularly on whether picking Ohio over UNC is truly as crazy as it sounded on the blog, http://ftmeade.armylive.dodlive.mil/?p=1048

At least you and I have until 7 tonight to make any changes and ensure things are squared away for winning the $100 gift card.

And before I go, I do need to share that I also shed some tears on Tuesday. No, not because Hines Ward retired. (Can anyone say overrated or dirty?)

I’m squirting tears because my schedule is keeping me from getting a tee time with our friend Doug Dehner at the Courses.

But if things go right, I’ll get that tee time and you’ll hear all about it next week. If not, I guess I’ll just have to talk about the irony of Tebow getting Tebowed in Denver.

Until then, if you have questions on this or anything to do with sports, contact me at [email protected].

Jibber-Less

Chad T. Jones, Public Affairs

Officer

photo courtesy scott marko

Two young bowlers don togas during the “Thunder of the Gods!” bowling event on March 10 at the Lanes. More than 20 children participated in the afternoon event that featured Greek food, decorations and giveaways.

For all your varsity and intramural sports schedules, scores and standings, visit

www.quickscores.com/ftmeadesports.


Religion

Protestant ServicesWednesday – Living Last Supper (hosted by Gospel Congregation) –

7 p.m., Chapel CenterApril 1 – Palm Sunday Episcopal Service – 8:30 a.m., Post Chapel

April 1 – Palm Sunday Traditional Protestant Service – 10:30 a.m., Post ChapelApril 1 – Palm Sunday Contemporary Protestant Service – 10:30 a.m.,

Cavalry ChapelApril 1 – Palm Sunday Gospel Protestant Service – 11 a.m., Chapel Center

April 5 – Holy Thursday Protestant Service – 11 a.m., NSAApril 6 – Good Friday Protestant Service – 11 a.m., NSA

April 8 – Easter Sunday Episcopal Service – 8:30 a.m., Post ChapelApril 8 – Easter Sunday Traditional Protestant Service – 10:30 a.m., Post ChapelApril 8 – Easter Sunday Contemporary Protestant – 10:30 a.m., Cavalry Chapel

April 8 – Easter Sunday Gospel Protestant Service – 11 a.m., Chapel Center

Catholic ServicesFriday & March 30 – Stations of the Cross & Lenten Supper –

6:30 p.m., Chapel CenterApril 1 – Palm Sunday Masses – *Regular Sunday Mass Schedule

April 5 – Maundy Thursday Service – 11 a.m., NSAApril 5 – Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper – 7 p.m., Chapel Center

April 6 – Good Friday service – 11 a.m., NSAApril 6 – Good Friday Stations of the Cross – noon, Chapel Center

April 6 – Good Friday Celebration of the Lord’s Passion – 7 p.m., Chapel CenterApril 7 – Holy Saturday Great Easter Vigil – 8 p.m., Chapel CenterApril 8 – Easter Sunday Masses – *Regular Sunday Mass Schedule

*Regular Catholic Weekend Mass Schedule: Saturday: 5 p.m. Cavalry Chapel; Sunday: 9 a.m. Chapel Center; 12:15 p.m. Post Chapel. There will be no 5 p.m. Mass at Cavalry Chapel on Holy Saturday, April 7. Regularly scheduled noon Mass will be held at the Post Chapel, except April 5 and 6.

Jewish ServicesApril 9-12 – Passover meals – 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., Chapel Center

Spring religiouS ServiceS on Fort Meade

Chaplain’s WordALWAYS THERE

“God is the sunshine that warms us, the rain that melts the

frost and waters the young plant. The presence of God is a

climate of strong and bracing love, always there.”

— Joan Arnold

Find the Fort MeadereligiouS Schedule

atwww.ftmeade.army.mil.Look for the “Community” tab then click

on “Religious Services” for schedules, events and contact information.

April 8 - Postwide

Ecumenical Easter Sunrise

Service 7 a.m.,

Chapel Center

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fort meade soundoff for march 22, 2012

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