fort meade soundoff nov. 21, 2012

UPCOMING EVENTS ThUrSday, NOON-2 P.M & 3-5 P.M.:Thanksgiving Day Buffet - Club Meade

ThUrSday, 11 a.M.-2 P.M. & 3-4:30 P.M.:Thanksgiving Day Meals - Freedom Inn Dining Facility

NOV. 28, 11 a.M.-4 P.M.:Army Vs. Navy Blood Drive - McGill

dEC. 5, 4 P.M.:Army-Navy Game Free Tailgate -

Mullins Field

dEC. 7, 5 P.M.:Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

Ceremony - McGlachlin Parade Field

TUrkEy TrOTAnnual 5K, 1-mile walk

provides runners chance to compete for turkey dinner

page 14

rEMEMbraNCEWreath-laying ceremony pays homage to German,

Italian POWs buried on postpage 8

Sound ff!́vol. 64 no. 47 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community november 21, 2012

photo by lt. col. SoniSe lumbaca

adapt and overcomeSoldiers from the 197th Infantry Brigade participate in an adaptability practical exercise using an obstacle course during the Asymmetric Warfare Group’s Asymmetric Warfare Adaptive leader Program hosted at Fort Benning, Ga. The program provides Soldiers with a set of core competencies that are essential to being fully prepared to operate in complex and ambiguous environments. AWG is headquartered at Fort Meade. For the story, see 2.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! November 21, 2012

Commander’s Column

Cont ent sNews............................. 3 Sports..................................14

TroubleTicket............... 4 Movies.................................18

Community................. 16 Classified.............................20

Editorial StaffGarrison Commander Col. Edward C. rothsteinGarrison Command Sgt. Maj. thomas J. latterPublic 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: 301-677-5602; DSN: 622-5602.

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.

www.ftmeade.army.milYou can also keep track of Fort Meade on Twitter at twitter.com/ftmeademd

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

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Thursday is Thanksgiving.It is an American holiday which, unlike New

Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July when people may go out to celebrate, is commonly celebrated at home, with family and friends.

As we prepare to give thanks for our bless-ings over the past year, let’s keep in mind that everyone may not be able to spend the holidays at home.

Wherever you are Thursday, whether you’re deployed or eating in a dining facility or at home, know you are an important part of our military family.

Thank you for your service to our nation. You make a difference every day.

Be mindful that as we begin our winter holiday celebrations, plan your holiday time with safety in mind.

Don’t drink and drive. Just as important, don’t text and drive.

I can’t think of a text message or cell phone call important enough to risk a vehicle acci-dent.

We have all heard about the dangers of distracted driving; let’s make sure none of us become a statistic during the holiday season.

Let’s also keep in mind that some people have a difficult time during the holidays. Not everyone is bursting with holiday spirit.

We also should be concerned about people suffering with depression or those who may have been depressed in the past. It may take a conscious effort on your part, but please try to find a way to help someone reduce stress and maybe discover some holiday joy.

Remember, everything doesn’t have to be perfect; don’t worry about things that are out of your control.

One more reminder, we have some fun activi-

ties on the horizon as we return from our Thanksgiving holiday break.

On Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. at Mul-lins Field, we will host the 13th annual flag football game and tailgate party leading up to the annual Army vs. Navy game.

On Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., the U.S. Army Field Band will host its annual Concert Band & Soldiers’ Chorus at Meade High School.

On Dec. 7, the garrison command will host the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at McGlachin Parade Field. Music will be provided by the U.S. Army Field Band’s Brass Quartet and a sing-along with the Fort Meade community’s Cub, Boy and Girl Scouts.

All of these events are free and open to public. I hope you will come out and join the fun.

Remember, if you have a good idea, an issue or concern you would like to discuss with me or Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Latter, my door is open to you.

I have a standing invitation to meet with mem-bers of the Fort Meade community on Mondays, from 4 to 6 p.m., at garrison headquarters in Hodges Hall, Bldg. 4551, Llewellyn Avenue.

For more information call, 301-677-4844.Have a great week!Editor’s note: Tickets are required for the U.S.

Army Field Band holiday concert. Call 301-677-6586, see ad on Page 5.

Thanksgiving ushers in holiday celebrations on post

COL. Edward C. rOthstEin

Garrison Commander

Commander’s Open DoorGarrisonCommanderCol.EdwardC.Rothsteinhasanopendoorpolicy.All service members, retirees, government employees, family members

andcommunitymembersage18orolder are invited toaddress issuesorconcerns to thecommanderdirectlybyvisitingRothstein’sofficeonMon-daysfrom4to6p.m.atgarrisonheadquartersinHodgesHall,Bldg.4551,LlewellynAvenue.

Visitors are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment isnecessary.

Formoreinformation,call301-677-4844.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil November 21, 2012 SOUNDOFF! �

News

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

The installation’s annual talent show has won first place in the 2012 Army Fes-tival of the Arts and Recreation Program competition.

“Fort Meade’s Got Talent” took the prize in the Variety Entertainment and Talent Show category, beating out talent shows from Fort Knox, Ky., and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

The Fort Meade Directorate of Fam-ily and Morale, Welfare and Recreation was notified of the win on Nov. 1.

Francisco Jamison, administrator for Child, Youth and School Services who produced, directed and hosted the annual show, said he is “ecstatic” about the win.

“Truly, this was a labor of love and a team effort,” Jamison said. “So being recognized for our efforts feels really good.”

The show, performed Sept. 6, won a total of 16 awards in the festival’s indi-vidual categories, including Outstanding Production, Outstanding Producer, Out-standing Artistic Director, Outstanding Set Design, Outstanding Female Vocal Soloist, Outstanding Comedy Perfor-mance and Outstanding Spoken Word Performance.

Performers were evaluated by a panel of judges from the Army’s Festival of the Arts and Recreation Program, as well as judges from the U.S. Army Field Band.

“Fort Meade’s Got Talent” has com-peted in the Army competition for four years.

The 2012 production, said Jamison, “was much improved because we start-ed planning the show five months in advance and enlisted the help of more community members.”

Awards will be presented at an invita-tion-only ceremony Tuesday at 3 p.m. at the Youth Center. Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein will attend the event.

“The Festival of the Arts is a wonder-ful outlet for our Soldiers and their fami-lies to both showcase their talents and enjoy the talents, sometimes unknown and untapped, that exist in our commu-nities,” Jamison said.

The goal of the Army program is to “provide opportunities for Soldiers and their family members and other autho-rized FMWR patrons to participate in garrison community recreation programs and special events that promote skill

‘Fort Meade’s Got Talent’ wins 16 awards

photo by noah scialom

Performers from “Fort Meade’s Got Talent” show dance and sing together onstage at the end of the production on Sept. 6 at McGill Training Center. The talent show won first place in the Variety Entertainment and Talent Show category of the 2012 Army Festival of the Arts and Recreation Program competition.

development, the fine arts, performing arts and general recreation,” according to the festival’s brochure.

In September, 16 youths and eight adults performed in “Fort Meade’s Got Talent” at McGill Training Center. A record number of about 450 people attended, the biggest crowd since the show’s inception in 2008.

The production featured a stirring solo of “Someone Like You,” a song from the Broadway musical “Jekyll and Hyde”; a solo of the contemporary gospel song “Rain On Us”; a rendition of “Movin’ On Up,” the theme from the 1970s TV sitcom “The Jeffersons”; and a magic show.

Jamison said the “expertise and assis-tance” from the Fort Meade community helped to make “Fort Meade’s Got Tal-ent” a “top-notch event.”

Thanksgiving at Freedom InnJoin the Fort Meade community in celebrating the annual Thanksgiving Day meal at the Freedom Inn Dining Facility on Thursday.The Thanksgiving meal will be celebrated formally at lunchtime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. An informal dinner will be served from 3 to 4:30 p.m.Both lunch and dinner menus feature turkey, Cornish hens, dressing, candied yams and seasoned green beans.Traditionally, the lunch meal is served by senior enlisted and officers of the participating tenant activities.Meal cardholders may dine at both meals. Non-cardholders who choose to partake at both meals must pay at each.


News

Nov. 17, Possession of controlled substance (marijuana), possession of drug paraphernalia: Units were notified that the guards at Reece Road directed a vehicle to the inspection area due to the strong odor of marijuana emanating from the passenger side. Units were given consent from the subject to search the car. During the search, the following property was recovered: one baggie containing approximately 10.87 grams of marijuana stems; 16 baggies containing marijuana residue; one 6-ounce Mason jar containing residue; and two homemade marijuana pipes contain-ing residue.

Nov. 14, Assault with a danger-ous weapon: The Directorate of Emergency Services was noti-fied of an assault with a knife. An investigation revealed that the victim and his wife had an argument that turned physical

when she assaulted him with a steak knife.

Nov. 14, Larceny of private property: An unknown individual picked up the victim’s bag, which was unsecured and unattended in the parking lot of the Five Hats Dining Facility, and left the area.

CommunityCommunityCrime Watch

Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services

on the base,” Singh said.Although the building requires mul-

tiple projects to prepare it for use again, Hale Hall is a historic landmark and cannot be completely demolished.

After renovations, there will not be a noticeable difference in the facility’s appearance.

“The exterior will still be the way that you see it because we can’t change the exterior for its historic signifi-cance,” Singh said.

The facility is named for the Revolutionary War sol-dier who volunteered for

an intelligence-gathering mission in 1776 that resulted in his capture and death. Before his hanging, the 21-year-old Hale is said to have declared: “I regret I have but one life to give for my country.”

The first step in preparing the build-ing for use is constructing a new roof after the top floor is cleaned out. Architects can then begin designing a new roof. Once a roof is up, the rest of the work is possible, said Singh.

“Without the roof, the interior of the building is exposed to the elements,” he said. “With that there is further deterioration, so I want to ensure the building doesn’t further deteriorate. ... It’s been open for the last six years with snow, rain and everything.”

While the building is structurally sound, the interior will be demolished and rebuilt to current building codes.

It is anticipated that the total reno-vation will cost an estimated $25 mil-lion, but only the top-floor cleanup has been funded at this point. Singh said without a lump-sum fund, which DPW has not received, the restoration will be done in a gradual process.

Nathan Hale Hall, the former headquarters of the 902nd Military Intelligence Group, has been vacant since a 2006 fire which severely damaged the building’s roof. The Directorate of Public Works has started the process of clearing out the top floor of the building to make way for repairs.

‘The exterior will still be the way that you see it because we can’t change the exterior for its historic significance.’

T.J. Singh, director Directorate of Public Works

Connect with Fort Meade atFacebook.com/ftmeade

Story and photo by Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

More than six years after a six-alarm fire burned through the roof at Nathan Hale Hall, the Directorate of Public Works has begun the process of repairing the vacant building that had served as the headquarters for the 902nd Military Intelligence Group.

Last month, workers started clear-ing the top floor of the building located off Llewellyn Avenue near McGlachlin Parade Field. They are expected to complete the cleanup in December.

The cleanup is the first step to even-tually repair and restore the World War II-era building.

“We have started at the top floor to clean up,” said T.J. Singh, director of DPW. “All the furniture and every-thing that was damaged over there is still sitting over there and needs to be cleaned out before any work can be done.”

On Oct. 20, 2006, the six-alarm fire

broke out late in the afternoon in the brick and mortar facility. More than 100 firefighters responded to contain the blaze, which wasn’t extinguished until the following morning.

While the interior of the building remains mostly intact, the roof was severely damaged by the fire.

“Only the roof has burned, but struc-turally everything is in good shape,” he said. “It is in decent shape and it can be renovated and reused.”

Once complete, the 65,000-square-foot facility will be used as administra-tive space.

With the additions of the Defense Media Activity, Defense Information Systems Agency and Defense Adjudi-cation Activities during Base Realign-ment and Closure, and growth of the National Security Agency, space is at a premium on Fort Meade. Preparing Hale Hall for a new tenant would pro-vide needed space.

“It is a high priority because we have a deficit of administrative space

Crews begin cleaning out Hale Hall after 2006 blaze


News


Thanks to the efforts of Marine Navajo code talkers in World War II, the United States was able to capture the Japanese-held island of Iwo Jima.

“We would not have taken this island if it had not been for the Navajo code talkers protecting our communica-tions,” said David Hatch, senior histo-rian at the National Security Agency’s Center for Cryptologic History, quot-ing the chief signals officer for the Marines at Iwo Jima.

Hatch shared this, and many other little-known facts about the contribu-tions of Native American code talkers in World War I and World War II, during his lecture for the installation’s annual observance of Native American Heritage Month on Nov. 15.

The 90-minute event, held at McGill Training Center, was hosted by the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade and the Fort Meade Equal Opportunity Office.

Col. Jennifer Buckner, commander of the 780th MI, said the observance was held “to honor a small band of warriors who created an unbreakable code in the ancient language of their people and really changed the course of modern history.”

Hatch, who earned a doctorate in international relations from American University in Washington, D.C., called the contributions of Native American code talkers “a story of sacrifice, a story of victory that everyone ought to know.”

The first Native American code talk-ers served in World War I after Ameri-ca’s first infantry unit was unexpectedly thrown into combat when a French line collapsed, Hatch said.

The unit was under constant shell fire and feared that its communications could be intercepted at the frontline by the Germans. By chance, an offi-cer in the unit heard several National Guardsmen from the Choctaw nation conversing.

The men were “talking in a language he did not recognize,” Hatch said.

The officer came up with the idea to use the Choctaws as communicators in defense against the Germans.

“The communications were abso-lutely secure, and the regiment was able to take the Germans by surprise,” Hatch said.

Historian shares story of Native American code talkers

photo by sarah pastrana

Dr. David Hatch, senior historian at the National Security Agency’s Center for Cryptologic History, discusses the role of the Native American code talkers in World War I and World War II. Hatch’s presentation was part of the installation’s annual Native American Heritage Month observance on Nov. 15.

In the period between the world wars, Hatch said, the Germans heard stories of the Choctaw communica-tors and sent language professors and sociologists to the United States to “study” the Plains Indians. But the FBI discovered the plan and “ran them off,” Hatch said.

As the U.S. prepared for World War II, the Marines were persuad-ed to recruit Navajos as code talkers after several Navajos in Los Angeles conducted a demonstration of their skills for senior Marine leaders in San Diego.

A Marine commander recommended a Navajo code talker program to mili-tary leaders in Washington, D.C., and the Marines were authorized to recruit the Native Americans.

The Army recruited Comanche code talkers at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Hatch said because there were many dialects among the Comanche tribes, the Native American Soldiers had to agree to use words that were common in regional dialects.

All the Native American code talkers

underwent signal training and learned how to use Morse code, string commu-nications wire and to operate radios. They performed regular communica-tion duties and also served as code talkers.

All of the Native Americans were assigned to regular combat units.

Hatch said that in addition to the Navajo and Comanche peoples, the Cherokee, Lakota Sioux, Hopi and Wenebego also served as code talkers in World War II.

The first code talkers to serve in actual combat were the Sauk and Fox peoples who fought against the Ger-mans and Italians in North Africa.

The Navajo Marines served through-out the Pacific, particularly at Guadal-canal. Hatch said the commanding offi-cer at Guadalcanal praised their work, calling it “the best communications security” the commander ever had.

The Comanche Soldiers went into combat on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Hatch said the first message out of Utah Beach was in Comanche.

The code talkers provided military

leaders with “security, speed and self-authentication,” Hatch said.

Despite the federal government’s history of oppression against Native American peoples, Hatch said many Native Americans enlisted to serve in World War II because they were “angry at Japan for Pearl Harbor” and angry “about the atrocities in Nazi-occupied Europe.”

Hatch said although the Navajos were defeated by the Army in the late 19th century and were forced to walk several hundred miles to a prison where they were held for many years, their descendants still served in the military.

“These people had every right to have a grudge against the U.S. govern-ment,” Hatch said.

The fact that Native Americans enlisted — and in large numbers — “is a testimony to the depth of their feeling for the country,” he said.

Among the many falsehoods about the code talkers is that Native Amer-icans experienced racial indignities. Hatch said although America was “a deeply racist” society during World War II, the code talkers “were not affected quite so much” by racial prejudice.

“By and large there was no wholesale or institutional racial episodes in terms of the code talkers,” he said.

The service of the Native American code talkers was an official military secret until the 1960s. As a result, Hatch said they were not recognized for their contributions while they served.

In 2002, Congress authorized a gold medal for the code talkers, but Hatch said that many had died before they could be honored. When it comes to the code talkers, the recognition of their efforts came “too little, too late,” he said.

In addition to the lecture, last week’s observance featured photographic dis-plays of Native American code talkers and various Native American peoples, as well as displays of Native American pottery and dolls, and books about native peoples.

Col. Deitra Trotter, commander of the 781 MI Battalion who is of Black-foot ancestry, said the presentation was “wonderful, enlightening and very educational.”

Trotter said she knew the code talk-ers were important in the war effort, “but I didn’t know senior leaders came to value them so much,” she said.


News

By MacArthur Middle SchoolStudents from MacArthur Middle

School participated in the 28th annual Maryland MATHALON held Nov. 3 at Meade Middle School.

The MATHALON was sponsored by the Maryland State Department of Education, the Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the National Security Agency and Anne Arundel County Public Schools to “encourage experiences in healthy and challenging mathematics and cooperation among middle school students, to encourage creativity in problem solving, and to foster enjoyment of mathematics as a rich and rewarding subject.”

Participating students included Will-mary Anderson, Jonathan Amao, Alex-ander Bansbach, Alexander Chu, Trent Dietrich, Emanuel Guy, Daniel Hansen, Arkeem Harkless, Esha Kashmiri and Christina Toler.

The teacher who coached the team for the MATHALON is Stephanie Rodriguez.

During the MATHALON, students individually answered questions on a written test. Students also worked with their school team to answer questions on another written test of challenging problem-solving questions.

The second part of the contest involved mixed teams of math students from various school systems in the state. They were given engineering problems to solve in 20 minutes with limited sup-plies such as straws, cards, paper clips and paper.

Many MacArthur Middle School stu-dents received ribbons as a result of their successful teamwork in this inven-tion round. They include Trent Dietrich and Daniel Hansen with a third-place ribbon, and Jonathan Amao and Alex-ander Chu with a fourth-place ribbon.

MATHALON challenges middle school students

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For a second consecutive year, the installation held a joint wreath-laying ceremony to remember the World War II German and Italian prisoners buried in the Post Cemetery.

Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein welcomed Capt. Karl Michael Setzer, naval attaché and defense attaché of the Federal Republic of Germany, and Brig. Gen. Pietro Tornabene, mili-tary attaché from the Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C., along with service members, veterans and civilians.

Rothstein said the ceremony was an opportunity to “pay remembrance, a moment of homage and silence for those that lie in our cemetery.”

In September 1943, 1,632 Italian and 58 German prisoners of war arrived at the installation, according to the Fort Meade Museum website. They worked on farmland in the surrounding areas and built bridges on the post.

Two Italian POWs and 33 German POWs died on Fort Meade and were buried in the Post Cemetery on Rock Avenue. Among them is German subma-rine commander Werner Henke, who was shot while trying to escape from a secret interrogation center at Fort Hunt, Va.

In his remarks at the beginning of the ceremony, Rothstein cited Psalm 30:5.

“Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”

Rothstein said the rejoicing is symbolic of partnership.

“The strength of our country is our Soldiers,” he said. “The strength of our world is our Soldiers and our partner-ships. The strength of our Soldiering is our community, and that is what today brings.”

Rothstein said the United States, Italy and Germany have come a long way since the POWs were laid to rest.

During his service in the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan, said Rothstein, he wit-nessed the partnership between the U.S., Italy, Germany and more than 40 other nations that served in harm’s way.

“That solidarity is very important,” he said. “That solidarity has come through commitment … that commitment to world peace, that commitment and part-nership to make things happen for the good.”

During his speech, Tornabene said his own remarks emanated “very deep from my heart” and called the ceremony “a

WWII POWs recognized at annual ceremony

Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein shakes hands with Capt. Karl Michael Seltzer (left), naval attaché and assistant defense attaché of the Federal Republic of Germany, as Brig. Gen. Pietro Tornabene, military attaché for the Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C., looks on during Sunday’s joint wreath-laying ceremony for World War II German and Italian prisoners buried on Fort Meade.

LEFT: Thirty-three World War II German prisoners are buried in the Post Cemetery on Rock Avenue, along with two Italian POWs. Members from the German Women’s Club placed flags and flowers on the German gravesites. Flags and flowers were also placed on the Italian graves.

photos by nate pesce


News

moment of remembrance and friend-ship.”

The countries represented at the event “at one time were enemies; today they are friends,” said Tornabene who praised the generosity of the U.S. for its ability to “transform enemies into friends.”

The American, Italian and German service members who serve together in other countries are “shaping a better world and fighting for a better world,” he said.

Tornabene acknowledged Agostine Maffies and Pasquino Savigini, the two Italian POWs buried on Fort Meade, as well as the German POWS.

In his remarks, Seltzer said those in attendance are too young to have “wit-nessed the drama” of World War II.

“But loss remains long and lasting — not only for the generation that expe-

rienced the war, but also for grandchil-dren,” he said. “Some of us might have experienced mourning the Jews; some might have heard eyewitness accounts; others might have investigated their fam-ily histories and reasons to mourn.

“We all remember the images of bombed cities, endless rows of soldier graves, and refugees in search of food and shelter,” he said. “People who have suffered and died, die for a second time when we forget them. We have to remem-ber them, remember their sacrifice, not only because we feel sadness, but also because their death has a meaning to us, too.

“Their death testifies to the inhuman-ity and cruelty that humans are capable of. They serve as a symbol and a warn-ing.”

The memory of that grim period, said

Seltzer, might ensure that “tragedies like those horrific wars will never happen again.”

Seltzer also acknowledged the Ameri-can, Italian and German service members who “stand side-by-side in different areas of the world” and “deserve our gratitude and our solidarity.”

Seltzer also spoke of the German National Day of Mourning, which was initiated in 1919 after World War I and was re-introduced in Germany in 1952.

After the key remarks, Rothstein, Tor-nabene and Seltzer saluted both German and Italian wreaths while Master Sgt. Christopher Roussey of the U.S. Army Band’s “Pershing’s Own” played “Taps.”

The ceremony was followed by a brunch at Club Meade.

The day before, members of the Fort Meade German Women’s Club placed

bouquets of red and yellow flowers tied with black ribbons and miniature Ger-man flags at each of the 33 grave sites.

Two Italian flags and flowers were dis-played at the Italian gravesites as well.

“Nobody else would do what we do,” said Isolde Fletcher, president of the club. “We kind of feel it’s our obligation and privilege to put flowers down for fallen soldiers.”

Airman 1st Class Alexander Riedel, a public affairs writer and editor with the Air Force production team at the Defense Media Activity, attended the ceremony with his wife, Ashley.

“I never knew there were Germans buried here,” said Riedel, who was born and raised in Germany. “[The ceremo-ny] is an interesting gesture to still pay homage and respect to honor those who never made it home.”

photo by nate pesce

German and Italian military personnel stand beside their respective country’s wreath during the installation’s second consecutive joint wreath-laying ceremony on Sunday at the Post Cemetery on Rock Avenue.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! November 21, 2012

News

By Jane M. WinandChief, Legal Assistance Division

In these tough economic times, you may be attempting to pay down your credit card balance to eliminate debt and reduce high monthly interest charges.

Perhaps you’ve considered buying things through a layaway program rather than charging the purchase on your credit card. A layaway is an arrangement in which you agree to purchase an item by making a down payment and then fol-low-up payments until the item is paid in full.

The merchant agrees to hold the spe-cific item or an identical item for you until you’ve made all the payments.

The Maryland Layaway Sales Act requires the merchant to provide you with a written layaway contract that speci-fies all of your rights and obligations. If the merchant fails to provide you with an agreement or fails to follow all of the requirements of the law, you may cancel the agreement and receive a full refund of all the monies paid.

The agreement must state the store’s name and address, your name and address, a complete description of the item being placed on layaway, the price of the merchandise, the amount of the initial deposit and the balance still owed, the number of payments you must make, and the date that each payment is due.

The agreement must state that you have a 15-day grace period in which you may still make a payment after it is due.

In a layaway situation, the merchant must hold either the specific item that you selected (or an identical item), and deliver the merchandise to you on a specific date after you have paid for the item in full. The merchant also must give you a receipt each time you make a payment.

The merchant must sell you the item at the price set in the agreement, even if the price goes up during the layaway arrangement. A benefit to the buyer is that, if the price goes down within the 10-day period after signing the layaway agreement, the merchant has to sell it to you at the lower price and adjust the bal-ance owed accordingly.

If you request it, within 10 days of the date of the request the merchant must give you a written statement clearly showing the price of the merchandise on

layaway and the balance owed.If you decide to cancel the layaway

arrangement, you may do so within seven days of making the layaway agreement with the merchant and you will receive back all the money you’ve already paid.

If you cancel the agreement eight days or more after making the layaway agree-ment, or if you don’t make a payment within 15 days of a due date, the mer-chant is allowed to keep the lesser of the money you’ve already paid or 10 percent of the full price of the item.

These refund provisions must be speci-fied in the written layaway contract.

If the merchant refuses to give you a refund, he or she is in violation of the Maryland Layaway Sales Act, which will overrule the store’s own refund policy.

If you have a problem with a layaway arrangement, you should first contact the business and give them a chance to solve the problem. If that doesn’t resolve the problem, contact the Maryland Consum-er Protection Division at 410-528-8662 for assistance in resolving the complaint.

You also may schedule an appoint-ment to meet with a Fort Meade Legal Assistance attorney at 301-677-9504 or 301-677-9536.

Layaway purchases protected by state law

Legal Assistance Office hours The hours of operation for the Fort Meade Legal Assistance Office are:• Monday: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.• Tuesday: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.• Wednesday: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m.• Thursday: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.• Friday: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

The office is closed for lunch each day from noon to 1 p.m. The office also closes for training every Wednesday at 2 p.m.Power of Attorney drafting and notaries services are available on a walk-in basis during normal hours of operation. Attorney counseling is provided by appointment only.For more information, call the Legal Assistance Division at 301-677-9504 or 301-677-9536.

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Cover Story

ers. However, there are additional unique commander requirements that the AWG attempts to meet with bringing the training to the unit.

“Whereas on the one hand, for the tradi-tional AWALP hosted at Fort A.P. Hill, the outcome is they understand how to apply adaptability as an outcome to training for Soldiers and teams in combat environ-ments,” Cornell-d’Echert said. “In the case of the 197th Infantry, our outcome is to ensure that instructors know how to promote adaptability and develop lesson plans that create the learning environment that develop outcomes for Soldiers under-going training.”

The AWG incorporated an example of this into the program by giving members of the 197th Infantry Brigade the opportu-nity to meet with various training enablers on Fort Benning.

The AWG has identified that some Soldiers coming from operational units, now assigned to institutional units, tend to focus on training and resources only within

their immediate area and, therefore, isolate themselves from the various untapped resources on the installation as a whole.

Here they were given the chance to engage with key people in training develop-ment, range operations, simulations, and the training support center among others.

“For us, that was an epiphany moment,” Cornell-d’Echert said. “Here’s a great opportunity to not only demonstrate to these instructors a different approach to training, but at the same time broaden their horizon and make them aware that there are many different training enablers resident on an installation that they can take advantage of.”

“It allows us to see behind the scenes,” Harrell said. “We are constantly told, ‘This is the standard, meet it.’ I had no idea how the standard was created, I just knew that I was supposed to follow it. [For example], to actually see how a POI and non-POI training was created, how we have an effect on it. I had no idea that we could have at the lowest level an effect

Story and photos by Lt. Col. Sonise LumbacaAsymmetric Warfare GroupPublic Affairs

The Asymmetric Warfare Adaptive Leader Program is a 10-day program host-ed by the U.S. Army Asymmetric Warfare Group.

The program, which focuses on build-ing an adaptive force, is an example of the Army’s larger initiative of instituting the 21st Century Soldier Competencies. The ultimate goal is to provide Soldiers with a set of core competencies that are essential to being fully prepared to operate in com-plex and ambiguous environments.

The program, which embodies all nine of the competencies including adaptability and initiative, critical thinking and prob-lem solving, has historically operated out of Fort A.P. Hill, Va. However, the AWG has taken this program on the road in order to rapidly affect a change in Army culture.

“What the AWG is trying to do is support Army initiatives in developing a capability at all levels of the Army where there is an understanding of what adapt-ability is, how to leverage its attributes, and how it ultimately contributes to the Army’s concept of operational adapt-ability,” said Master Sgt. Michael Crosby III, the AWALP noncommissioned officer in charge and an operational advisor for the AWG.

In working with units, the AWG has found that there is not only an advan-tage to maintaining the traditional 10-day resident AWALP, but also by bringing a two- to five-day shortened version to the units. This option maximizes the number of Soldiers participating, and more impor-tantly, shapes the program to meet their needs and requirements.

The AWG is also working with the Com-mand and General Staff College to devel-op an instructional design course modeled after the principles within AWALP to assist the Centers of Excellence of the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command in incor-porating the Army Learning Model into its curriculum.

“When it comes to bringing AWALP to units, versus units sending Soldiers to attend it, in some cases, it’s better for the unit just in terms of time spent away from the unit and the overall cost to the Army,”

said Blaise Cornell-d’Echert, an AWALP cadre member and retired infantry colonel who works for the unit. “In other cases, the Soldiers have an opportunity to recog-nize an immediate relevance to their needs when they are on the same installation they are operating at.”

Such was the case when the AWG recently launched a mobile training team for the 197th Infantry Brigade at Fort Benning, Ga. In bringing AWALP to a brigade of instructors and those who oversee training, the AWG is able to hit the Army “schoolhouse” where military learning begins for Soldiers.

“There is this expectation to take the training where the training is needed; but also, to some extent, it’s an opportunity for us to identify the exact needs that exist for individual units,” Cornell-d’Echert said.

“If all we ever did was conduct our training at Fort A.P. Hill, we would be guilty of some of the things that we’re helping the schoolhouse instructors recog-nize [with regard to] limiting themselves in the type of training they can conduct.”

Traveling to a unit’s home station pro-vides an opportunity for AWG to keep their finger on the “training pulse,” and witness the challenges and constraints that instructors and trainers are operating under, Cornell-d’Echert said.

“The effects are immediate, and we are able to better evaluate our expectations and better understand what the capabilities of the instructors truly are at the school-house,” Crosby said.

“Part of my job is to conduct company-wide training and to conduct training for mobilization and demobilization Soldiers,” said 2nd Lt. David Harrell, an AWALP participant and member of Company D, Demobilization Continental Replacement Center. “[What we are learning in AWALP] is good because it gives us a way to look at training outside of the normal ‘check the box’ before [Soldiers] leave the country. It allows us to look at [training] from a dif-ferent angle.”

While there is a significant difference in the way the traditional 10-day AWALP is conducted at home station versus the shortened version brought to units and installations, the main outcome is only slightly different.

Both outcomes of the training con-tinue to focus on building adaptive lead-

AWG’s adaptive leader program takes to road

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil November 21, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 13

on POI training, how it’s created, how it’s approved. ... That’s very good for us to know as trainers.”

This is an aspect that cannot be accom-plished at the 10-day AWALP at Fort A.P. Hill because not all installations have the same training facilities and support ele-ments resident to them, Crosby said.

Another example the AWG used was incorporating resident training facilities that are common on most installations to accomplish multiple training objectives.

“One of the 21st Century Soldier Com-petencies is problem solving; it also hap-pens to be an enabler that we’ve identified that enhances adaptability in an individ-ual Soldier,” Cornell-d’Echert said. “The Army has created a number of training facilities that on the surface have a par-ticular purpose. An obstacle course is a perfect example.”

Without any creative thinking or imagi-nation, most would look at an obstacle course as a one-dimensional event, said Crosby.

“This is a training facility that already exists, so we look at how can we promote adaptability while simultaneously invoking initiative, creative and critical thinking, and also build a Soldier’s confidence,” he said.

“If problem solving is one of the com-petencies we want to develop, sometimes we have to demonstrate through practical application using something as funda-mental as an obstacle course, that there is another way to do it,” Cornell-d’Echert said.

“Here is a tool, here is an asset that already exists, and by the mere application of a couple of other training aids such as a stretcher, water cans, ropes, and creating a scenario for each obstacle, you not only turn it into a team building event, you now have a problem solving activity at the same time.”

AWALP participants agreed with this

element of the training.“There was no order to [completing the

obstacle course]. All we had was limited conditions and standards: you have to do this and you cannot do this, and you have this time, go,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Park, an AWALP participant who is a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 29th Regi-ment, 197th Infantry Brigade.

“So, it was very out of the box, very unordinary for us and it definitely put us in a situation where we had a little heightened stress. So, it was very much a different take on an obstacle course.”

Through the AWG’s adaptability pro-gram and various other initiatives, the Army is trying to help units recognize that there are different ways to train, and that a variety of effects can be created when training differently.

“We know that not every unit can send

their Soldiers to AWALP, and some of the training scenarios that we conduct at other installations cannot be accomplished at Fort A.P. Hill, because no two installations are the same,” Crosby said.

“But what’s relevant in all of this is that with the methodology behind the 21st Century Soldier Competencies, AWALP being one of its vehicles, we are able to affect change by helping to incorporate adaptability into unit training regimens.”

“[This was] a good opportunity in a safe environment to try things and not be afraid to try an idea,” Park said. “And if it failed, we have an idea of what doesn’t work and we had a good (After Actions Review) to think about other things we could have done.”

This method, said Park, would be a good way for any leader to evaluate the unit’s strengths and weaknesses.

Soldiers from the 197th Infantry Brigade participate in an adaptability practical exercise during the Asymmetric Warfare Group’s Asymmetric Warfare Adaptive Leader Program at Fort Benning, Ga. Since obstacle courses are resident to most Army installations, AWG members used this training facility to demonstrate how adaptability can be incorporated into training, while simultaneously invoking intangible attributes such as critical thinking and confidence building.

LEFT: Blaise Cornell-d’Echert (standing), an AWG Asymmetric Warfare Adaptive Leader Program cadre member and retired infantry colonel, guides Soldiers from the 197th Infantry Brigade through problem solving during an adaptability practical exercise. The condensed AWALP program is an example of the Army’s larger initiative of instituting the 21st Century Soldier Competencies.


SportS

By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

With a free turkey dinner in their grasp, nearly 400 runners darted off the starting line outside Murphy Field House.

After a 3.2-mile fast-paced tour through the installation, the top finishers in each group was rewarded with the centerpiece for their Thanksgiving dinner.

“That’s what I was gunning for,” Sarah Fisher said.

The annual Turkey Trot 5K and 1-Mile Walk on Saturday was the sixth event in the installation’s seven-run 2012 Run Series. More than 350 people pre-regis-tered for the event.

Fisher and Paul Coover finished in the top positions for their gender categories. Coover’s 16:31.4 time sealed his second consecutive victory after beating out 15-year-old Alexander Buchholz by more than a minute.

“I’m really impressed with these races,” said Coover, who has run in two races this year. “They’re fun, and it gives people a chance to do something that they might not ordinarily do on a Saturday.”

When the runners and walkers approached the starting line Saturday morning, temperatures hovered in the low 40s. But several participants said the brisk temperature didn’t affect their run.

“It’s a little chilly,” Fisher said. “I can’t feel my toes, but other than that, it’s all good.”

While most runners geared up in warm clothes to run comfortably, Erica and Chris Harkins dressed up like a Native American and Pilgrim for the event. Their Chihuahua, Chewy, also was dressed as a Native American.

“We wanted to make it fun,” Erica said.

At the start of the race, Alexander and Coover pulled away from the pack early. Shortly into the route, the two were only a few steps apart. But a half-mile into the race, Coover separated from Alexander.

By the one-mile mark, there was a large gap between the first two runners, with the rest of the pack even further behind. Once Coover hit the two-mile mark, Alexander was more than a quarter-mile behind.

Coover finished the race at 16.31.4 for first place, while Alexander crossed the

For the birdsTurkey Trot 5K, 1-mile walk gives runners chance to compete

finish line in second at 17:49.1. Fifteen-year-old Zach Brecheen rounded out the top three with a final time of 19.34.4.

“I feel really good; I pushed my hardest and got my fastest time ever,” Alexander said. “I’m quite happy about that.”

Alexander’s second-place finish was the second consecutive time that he finished behind Coover, who also won the Ghost, Ghouls and Goblins 5K on Oct. 27.

The teen from Gambrills said it was a challenge to keep his pace without any runners around him.

“It’s really difficult,” Alexander said. “You just want to quit, but you can’t. You have to keep pushing the pace.”

Coover agreed but has learned to chal-lenge himself when nobody else is around him.

“By nature, being competitive, you’re going to slow down if there’s not some-body running with you,” he said. “After enough years of doing it, you learn to push yourself.”

Much like the men, the top three women finished minutes apart.

Fisher led the women with a final time of 21:20.2, while Lynda Layson finished at 22:55.1 for second. Victoria Reed took third place at 24:42.6.

Next month’s Reindeer 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk will wrap up the fourth annual series. Coover hopes to compete in the race and extend his streak to three Run Series wins.

“Three in a row has a nice ring to it,” he said.

photos by noah scialom

Erica Harkins pins a race number onto her husband, Chris, before the Turkey Trot 5K and 1-Mile Walk on Saturday. The couple and their dog Chewy dressed in the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Dana Blizzard runs with her daughter Rachel during the Turkey Trot 5K and 1-Mile Walk on Saturday morning. Nearly 400 runners competed in the event, which was the sixth of seven runs in the 2012 Run Series.

LEFT: Paul Coover crosses the finish line on Saturday morning’s run. Coover’s final time of 16:31.4 sealed his second consecutive victory in the Run Series. Turkeys were awarded to the top finishers in each age group.


SportS

Hey, hey, what can I say? There’s nothing as good as Thanksgiving Day.

Seriously, those Pilgrims and the Wam-panoag had to know they were on to some-thing good when they decided to celebrate the harvest in 1621 by sitting around a table and partying like it was 1699.

But I can’t believe even they knew Turkey Day would be this great.

Let’s run down the list:You’ve got pies, potatoes (sweet and

mashed), green-bean casserole, Grandma’s roast beef, turkey, stuffing, gravy and naps.

You’ve got uncles who drink too much, grandmas who pass gas, and little kids play-ing with their kin. Oh, yeah, it’s all being done while the Dallas Cowboys are on the tube.

So with all that, I think it is only fair that this year’s list of what I’m thankful for begins with a much-deserved plug for Thanksgiving.

I guess I should get the boilerplate — I’m thankful for my family, friends, and staff — out of the way.

I need to give a special shout-out to our Emerging Media Manager Jason Kelly.

After spending the better part of two years ensuring that Fort Meade lived up to its claim of being the pre-eminent center for information, Mr. Kelly is pulling up his anchor to run the Navy’s social media department in December.

Jason is absolutely the best at what he does and will be missed, though technically, he’ll also be dead to the PAO since there is no place in our heart for individuals who have the audacity to move ahead in their career.

Now on to the important stuff.I am thankful for Michigan having

Denard “Shoelace” Robinson as its starting quarterback for four years. bit.ly/URct3l He may throw off his back foot too much and miss more than a few open receivers, but you name me a more exciting football player in the last decade. Plus, he’s been a great ambassador for the team. That’s why my daughter wears his jersey every Saturday.

Next, I’m thankful Denard had a minor injury in the Nebraska game. Now Devin Gardner gets to finish the season as QB. And unlike Denard, Devin does plant his feet when throwing and, therefore, doesn’t miss nearly as many open receivers. That will be evident when Michigan beats Ohio on Saturday.

Speaking of Ohio, I’m thankful such

a state was cre-ated so that all Americans can be thankful they are not from Ohio, or at least get a good laugh at those who are from that forsaken land.

Bringing it back home, I’m thank-ful Meade High is playing in the 4A State semifinals on Sat-urday against Henry A. Wise High School. The game is at 1 p.m. at Henry’s Stadium in Upper Marlboro. Go Mustangs!

And I’m glad Maryland is joining the Big Ten. I’m not a fan of conference mergers, but if it’s going to happen, I might as well get to watch Michigan when they come to town.

I’m thankful I never contracted Bieber Fever. youtube.com/watch?v=a5XaBETf4Ic OR youtube.com/watch?v=fTTTMxqFo_4

Regarding the second Bieber clip, if a grown man caught something like Kate Uptonitis, he’d be considered creepy. But I’m going to go ahead and say I’m thankful for her anyway — and not just because she’s the SI swimsuit model. bit.ly/UeRwRl

More importantly, she’s also Justin Ver-lander’s girlfriend, and you all know I think his 12-to-6 curves are better than anything she’s got going. Plus, neither she nor JB have ever thrown a no-no. bit.ly/Te4xMc

And since I’m getting close to my 600-word limit, let me close by saying I’m thank-ful for my crew at DPTMS: Doug Wise, Bobby J, B-Riff and Ms. Mary Staab. You always keep me laughing with your insight, as misguided as it may be. And as long as you guys keep feeding my ego with your comments, I’ll keep thinking I have more readers than I actually do.

And, of course, I am thankful for the entire Team Meade community. What you do for our country is beyond heroic. The fact that you all are keeping us safe lets me sleep easy at night and continually restores my faith in the fact that we do live in the great-est country in the world — even with Ohio, Notre Dame and those stinking Washington Redskins.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.If you have comments on this or anything

to do with sports, contact me at [email protected].

I Thanksgiving

Chad T. Jones, Public Affairs

Officer

Jibber Jabber - OpiniOn

Sports ShortsReindeer 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk

The installation’s annual Run Series will conclude with the Reindeer 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk on Dec. 15 at 8 a.m. at Murphy Field House.

The pre-registration cost for individuals is $15. Cost on the day of the run is $25.

The pre-registration cost for groups of seven to 10 is $85.The pre-registration cost is $40 for a family of three to six people. On the

day of the event, the cost is $60 per family.All pre-registered runners will receive a T-shirt.For more information, call 301-677-7916.

Dump Your PlumpRegistration for the 5th annual Dump Your Plump weight-loss competition

will be held Dec. 10 to Jan. 4 at Gaffney Fitness Center.Participants can compete as an individual or a team.The free competition runs from Jan. 7 through Feb. 28.For more information, call 301-677-7916.

Ski clubThe Sun, Snow, Surf Ski Club at Fort Meade is seeking new members for

its 2013 trips.The club, which organizes a variety of athletic activities including ski trips,

bicycling, hiking and social activities, travels across the country and Europe.The club also sponsors activities in the area.For more information or to join, call Bill Bishop at 301-604-2113 or email

[email protected].

photo by staff sgt. sean harp

ON THE RUNMalcolm Terry of the Fort Meade Cougars 100-pound team runs from three South River Youth Athletics Seahawks tacklers during the Anne Arundel Youth Football semifinals on Nov. 10 at Annapolis High School. Both the Cougars’ 90-pound and 100-pound teams advanced from the quarterfinals but fell short in their semifinal games.

@


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 Fort Meade Facebook page at facebook.com/ftmeade.

For more information or to submit an announcement, email Philip Jones at [email protected] or call 301-677-5602.

VCC holiday closureThe Fort Meade Visitor Control

Center on Reece Road will be closed Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Normal business hours will resume Monday.

Commissary holiday closings

The Fort Meade Commissary will close Thursday for Thanksgiving.

The commissary will reopen Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

On Saturday, the commissary will open at 7 a.m. for early-bird shopping and at 9 a.m. for regular store hours.

Commissary hours on Dec. 24 will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The store will be closed Christmas. It will reopen Dec. 26 at 7 a.m. for early-bird shopping and at 9 a.m. for regular store hours.

For more information, call the commissary at 301-677-7465.

Health benefits fairA DoD health benefits fair will be

held Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McGill Training Center, 8542 Zimborski Ave.

Stop by and pick up the new plan brochures and talk to health representatives.

Open season ends Dec. 10. The new premiums and brochures are posted online at opm.gov under “Investigate Health Insurance.”

If you are not planning on changing coverage for health, dental or vision, check the new rates in case they change.

If you are enrolled in Flexible Spending Account and/or TSP Catch-Up, you must re-enroll.

For more information, call 301-677-6526.

file photo

Army Vs. NAVy BLOOD DrIVECome out and support the 2nd Annual Army vs. Navy Blood Donor Chal-lenge on Nov. 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McGill Training Center.To schedule an appointment online, visit militarydonor.com.

Soldier’s Christmas DinnerSalute The Veterans Inc. is sponsoring

its 6th Annual Soldier’s Christmas Dinner on Dec. 16 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the American Legion Post 175 at 832 Manhattan Beach Road, Severna Park.

The free event for service members and their family or guest is held to give thanks to those who are serving our country. The dinner will feature Italian foods, desserts and gifts.

Seating is limited. Registration is required by Nov. 30.

Santa may visit, so he needs the names, ages, gender, rank and branch of service of those attending.

For more information, email [email protected] or call 443-255-6690.

Tree lightingFort Meade’s annual Holiday Tree

Lighting Ceremony will be held Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. at McGlachlin Parade Field, near the gazebo.

The event will feature the U.S. Army Field Band Brass Quartet; a sing-along with the Fort Meade community’s Cub, Boy and Girl Scouts; a visit by Santa; and refreshments.

Crafters neededCrafters and local artisans are needed

for a Christmas bazaar that will be held Dec. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Dec.

8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Seven Oaks Elementary School.

Cost is $35 for a 6-foot table.For more information, call 337-718-

1776 and leave a message.

Pershing Hill bazaarThe Winter Bazaar at Pershing Hill

Elementary School will be held Dec. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The school, located at 7600 29th Division Road, is sponsoring the fundraiser for the fifth grade’s field trip to Philadelphia.

The bazaar will feature games, crafts, vendors, food, a silent auction and photos with Santa,

For more information, call Pershing Hill at 410-222-6519.

Tax Center volunteers needed

The Fort Meade Tax Center at 4217 Roberts Ave. is in need of volunteers to help provide free tax assistance and electronic filing for Soldiers, retirees and their families.

Both tax preparer and administrative assistance positions are currently available.

No tax experience is required. All training and certifications are provided.

Training starts in January. The tax center is open until the end of April.

To volunteer or for more information,

call Capt. William Biggers at 301-677-9086.

ROWC seeking new members

The Retired Officers’ Wives’ Club of Fort Meade is seeking new members.

The group meets at Club Meade for a luncheon and program on the first Tuesday of each month, from September through December and February through May.

Annual membership dues are $25. Members may bring guests to the luncheons.

For more information, call Lianne Roberts, ROWC president, at 301-464-5498.

Solution-focused counseling

The Military and Family Life Counselor provides nonmedical, solution-focused counseling to service members and their families.

For more information, call MFLC at 410-916-7350.

Karaoke NightThe next Karaoke Night will be Dec.

15 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the 11th Frame Lounge at the Lanes.

The event is held the third Thursday of the month.

For more information, call 301-677-5541 or visit ftmeademwr.com.

Retirement planning workshop

The Army Career and Alumni Pro-gram will host a “Retirement Planning Today” workshop to teach military and civilian personnel how to retire success-fully on Tuesday from noon to 3:30 p.m. in Room 004.

The workshop is designed for military, civilian personnel and retirees.

Topics include: Life Planning for Retire-ment, Retirement Needs and Expenses, Roadblocks and Mistakes, Retirement Income Sources, Retirement Plan Distri-butions, Investments, Risk Management and Asset Protection, and Estate Plan-ning.

Registration is required. Spouses and guests are invited.

To register, visit acap.meade@serco-

NEWS & EVENTS

EDUCATION


Community news & notes

na.com or call 301-677-9871.

Bible studyA Bible study program is held

Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.

Remaining sessions will be Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and Dec. 13.

Find hope and inspiration as the class studies “Living Victoriously in Difficult Times” by Kay Arthur.

To register, call 301-677-3785.

Couples evening studyProtestant Women of the Chapel is

offering to couples a free evening study of the book, “The Marriage You’ve Always Wanted,” on Thursdays at 6:45 p.m. through Dec. 20 at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.

Free child care is provided.For more information, call 301-677-

6035 or email [email protected] or visit ftmeadepwoc.org.

Auto care coursesThe Automotive Skills Center at 6530

Taylor Ave. offers monthly courses from 1 to 3 p.m.

An FMWR card is required to use the center. New patrons must first view a 20-minute safety video, then attend a 10-minute briefing.

The following courses are offered:• Dec. 2: Proper procedures for replacing

timing belts• Dec. 16: Basic Welding 101For more information, call 301-677-5542.

Romp ‘n StompRomp ‘n Stomp playgroup meets

Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Youth Center gym.

The playgroup is for parents and their children up to 5 years old.

For more information, call Rikki Ford, Parent Support coordinator, at 301-677-3617 or e-mail [email protected].

Story TimeThe Medal of Honor Memorial

Library offers pre-kindergarten Story Time on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10 a.m. or 10:30 to 11 a.m.

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

Out & About• Harbor Holiday Festival will be held

Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the National Harbor, 6710 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill.

The family festival features more than 200 specialty boutiques in a holiday village setting and handmade crafts, holiday decor, entertainment, wines and foods, and children’s activities.

Admission for adults is $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Children attend free. Weekend passes are available. For more information, visit mdholidayshow.com/ or call 800-830-3976.

• The Patuxent Research Refuge’s Hollingsworth Gallery is featuring the work of local photographer Gloria D. Hynes, a master gardener, in November and the nature exhibit of photographer Joseph G. Giitter in December. For more information, call 301-497-5763 or visit fws.gov/northeast/patuxent/.

• Symphony of Lights Military Appreciation Night will be held Nov. 28 and Dec. 13 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Symphony Woods in Columbia.

Service members with military identification receive $10 off admission.

Drive through a 1.4-mile display of 70 larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday light displays.

The display, benefiting Howard County General Hospital, is open nightly through Jan. 6 from 6 to 10 p.m., but is closed Dec. 31 for the “Midnight at 7” event.

Admission is $20 per car or van (up to eight passengers) and $45 for commercial vans and minibuses seating 9 to 24. Tickets can be purchased at the main gate. Private walk-throughs are available for groups.

Coupons for $5 off are available at hcgh.org/symphonyoflights and facebook.com/symphonyoflightsfestivities.

For more information, call 410-740-7840 or visit hcgh.org/symphonyoflights.

• Friends of Patuxent Wildlife Holiday Bazaar will be held Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the National Wildlife Visitor Center of the Patuxent Research Refuge 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel.

The bazaar will feature wild and not-so-wild new and gently used treasures for purchase, and a bake sale. Participants also can take a photo

with the holiday polar bear and create origami ornaments and hand-crafted cards. Find unique gifts from local crafters.

For more information, call 301-497-5763 or visit fws.gov/northeast/patuxent/.

• Indoor auto racing will be held Dec. 8 from 6 to 10 p.m. at 1st Mariner Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore. Doors open at 6 p.m. Racing begins at 7 p.m.

Each class will compete against the clock in time trials that will determine starting positions in a series of qualifying heat races.

Tickets are $25 and $35. Cost for children 12 and younger is $10. For more information, visit baltimorearena.com.

• Society of Military Widows meets for brunch the fourth Sunday of the month at 11 a.m. at the Lanes. 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. Free child care will be provided on site.

For more information, 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 afsa254.org.

• Retired Officers’ Wives’ Club will sponsors a holiday buffet luncheon on Dec. 4 at 11 a.m. at Club Meade. The event will feature the Retro-Rockets. Cost is $20.

Invite your family and friends to share in this program as the ROWC ushers in the holiday spirit with music, gifts and prizes.

Reservations for members and guests must be made by calling your area representative or Betty Wade at 410-551-7082 by Nov. 29. For more information, call Lianne Roberts, president of the ROWC, at 301-464-5498.

• Families Dealing with Deployment meets the first and third Monday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Meuse Forest Neighborhood Center. The next meeting is Dec. 3. For more information, call Rikki Ford, Parent Support coordinator, at 301-677-3617 or email [email protected].

• Monthly Prayer Breakfast, hosted by the Garrison Chaplain’s Office, is held the first Thursday of every month at 7 a.m. at Club Meade. The next prayer breakfast is Dec. 6.

All Fort Meade employees, family members, and civilian and military personnel are invited. There is no cost for the buffet; donations are optional. For more information, call 301-677-6703 or email [email protected].

• Meade Rod and Gun Club meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at Perry’s Restaurant and Odie’s Pub at 1210 Annapolis Road, Odenton. The next meeting is Dec. 6 in the banquet hall in back of the building. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. For more information, call 410-674-4000.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness of Anne Arundel County conducts a free support group for families with a loved one suffering from mental illness on the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Odenton (West County) Library, 1325 Annapolis Road. The next meeting is Dec. 6. For more information, visit namiaac.org.

• Enlisted Spouses Club meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center. The next meeting is Dec. 10. For more information, visit ftmeadeesc.org or email [email protected].

• Protestant Women of the Chapel meets Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center. There are eight different Bible studies to choose from. This year’s theme is Generation 2 Generation. Free child care is provided. For more information, call 301-677-6035 or email [email protected] or visit ftmeadepwoc.org.

• Military Council for Catholic Women is open to all women ages 18 and older for prayer, faith, fellowship and service at the Main Post Chapel.

Mother’s Prayer & Apologetics meets Tues-days from 9:45 a.m. to noon when Anne Arundel County schools are in session. Monthly programs are held Mondays from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

For more information, email Beth Wright, president, at [email protected] or call 305-240-1559.

• Fort Meade Homeschool Co-op meets Fridays at 9:30 a.m. at 1900 Reece Road. For more information, call Kelli Stricker at 410-674-0297 or email [email protected].

• Cub Scout Pack 377 invites boys in first through fifth grades,, or ages 7 to 10, to attend its weekly Monday meetings at 6 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.

For more information, email Cubmaster Tom Johnston at [email protected] or Committee Chairperson Elizabeth Johnston at [email protected].

YOUTH

RECREATION

MEETINGS


Movies

The movie schedule is subject to change. For a recorded announcement of showings, call 301-677-5324. Further listings are available on the Army and Air Force Exchange Service website at www.aafes.com.

Movies start Wednesdays to Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. NEW PRICES: Tickets are $5 for adults (12 and older) and $2.50 for children.

Today through Dec. 15

Today: “Won’t Back Down” (PG-13). Two women who are dissatisfied with their children’s school try to make a difference. With Maggie Gyllen-haal, Viola Davis and Holly Hunter.

Friday, Wednesday & Nov. 30: “End of Watch” (R). Police partners form a close bond, and also share a challenging life on the street. With Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Peña.

Saturday, Sunday, Nov. 29 & Dec. 1: “House at the End of the Street” (PG-13). A mother and daughter move next to a house with a deadly past. With Jennifer Lawrence, Max Thieriot, Elisabeth Shue.

Dec. 2, 5, 6, 7: “Argo” (R). In 1979, after Ira-nian revolutionaries storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, a CIA “exfiltration” specialist concocts a risky plan to free six Americans trapped. With Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston and Alan Arkin.

Dec. 8, 12, 14: “The Man with the Iron Fists” (R). On the hunt for a fabled treasure of gold, a band of warriors, assassins and a rogue British soldier descend upon a village in feudal China, where a humble blacksmith looks to defend himself and his fellow villagers. With RZA, Lucy Liu, Russell Crowe.

Dec. 9, 13, 15: “Cloud Atlas” (R). In this science fiction drama adapted from the book of the same name, six different stories become intricately related over generations as one person’s action influences the next, and the next and the next. With Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Bae Doo-na, James D’Arcy, Zhou Xun, Keith David, Susan Saran-don and Hugh Grant.

Get to work on time. Know the hours of operation for

Access Gates on Fort MeadeDemps Visitor Control Center,

Bldg. 902 Reece Road7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,

Monday through Friday

Gate 1: Mapes Road and Route 32

5 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week

Gate 2: Mapes Road and Maryland Route 175

5 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday;

closed weekends and holidays

Gate 3: Rockenbach Road5 a.m. to 9 p.m.,

7 days a week

Gate 6: Llewellyn Avenue and Maryland Route 175

6 to 8 a.m., Monday through Friday for inbound traffic;

3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday for outbound traffic

Gate 7: Reece Road and Maryland Route 175

(Demps Visitor Control Center gate) 24-hour access

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Religion

Fort Meade 2012 Holiday Religious services, activitiesDATE SERVICE TIME LOCATIONNov. 22 Thanksgiving Day Mass 10 a.m. Post ChapelDec. 2-6 Reconciliation Services (Catholic) 5:30-6:30 p.m. Post ChapelDec. 2-6 Advent Retreat (Catholic) 7-9 p.m. Post ChapelDec. 9 Episcopal Service of Lessons & Carols 4 p.m. Post ChapelDec. 11 Hanukkah Luncheon Celebration 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Chapel CenterDec. 12 Fort Meade Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony 5 p.m. Parade Field (near gazebo)Dec. 24 “Happy Birthday Jesus” Mass (for children) 5 p.m. Chapel CenterDec. 24 Christmas Eve Midnight Mass 10 p.m. Chapel CenterDec. 24 Episcopal Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7 p.m. Post ChapelDec. 24 Episcopal Christmas Eve Carols/Service 10:30/11 p.m. Post ChapelDec. 25 Christmas Day Mass 12:15 p.m. Post ChapelDec. 31 New Year’s Vigil Adoration 4-4:45 p.m. Post ChapelDec. 31 New Year’s Vigil Mass 5 p.m. Post ChapelDec. 31 Gospel Watch-Night Service 10 p.m. Chapel CenterJan. 1 Mary, Mother of God 12:15 p.m. Post Chapel

Times of the regular weekend Protestant and Catholic services during the day will remain the same (if not noted).

For more information about religious services, call the Garrison Chaplain’s Office at 301-677-6703.

Chaplain’s WordGRATITUDE

“Maybe we could spend a moment at the end of each day

and decide to remember that day — whatever may have

happened — as a day to be grateful for. In so doing, we

increase our heart’s capacity to choose joy.”

— Henri J.M. Nouwen

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.

Thursday, December 6th 7:00 PM

Concert Band & Soldiers’ Chorus

1. Clip and send this coupon with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to:

2. Provide a phone number in the event we need to contact you regarding tickets: Phone: _____________________________

Circle number of tickets requested: 1 2 3 4 (Limit four tickets per coupon)

(301) 677-6586

Visit us online for more holiday concerts in your area.

fort meade soundoff nov. 21, 2012

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