pentagram 120613

Yule buddiesMarines makefast friendspage 6

ReenlistmentSoldier continues

servicepage 10

Published for Joint Base Myer-Henderson HallVol. 60, no. 47 December 6, 2013

IndexCommunity Spotlight p.2Safety tip p.3Community p.4News Notes p.4Feature p.7Classifieds p.11

Part of the Army familyJBM-HH staff honoredPg. 9

Advent seasonChapel holiday servicesPg. 3

PentagramARMY PROFESSION

By Staff Sgt. Luisito Brooks3d Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)

Public Affairs

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F.Chandler III, and his wife, Jeanne, visitedwith servicemembers, Department ofDefense civilians and families on Joint BaseMyer-Henderson Hall Dec. 3.During his visit, Chandler held an interac-

tive discussion about Army policies, profes-sionalism and character; and answered a fewquestions at Conmy Hall. He also addressedmajor issues facing the Army today, likesuicide, hazing and sexual assault.“The first line in the Creed of the Non-

Commissioned Officer says ‘No one is more

professional than I,’” said Chandler. “It isone of the most important lines, and weneed to live up to it.”He explained if Soldiers would help one

another and keep each other accountable,many problems that Soldiers face could beavoided.Chandler spoke to the crowd about poli-

cies that affect all Soldiers; he even talkedabout individual goals and progression asthe Army continues to downsize.With the ongoing Army-wide drawdown,

promotions are an important topic andSoldiers can still distinguish themselves inmany ways, said Chandler. Gaining a civil-

SMA Chandler visits JBM-HH

see SMA, page 9

PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. LUISITO BROOKS

The 14th Sergeant Major of the Army, Raymond F. Chandler III, visits servicemembers, Department ofDefense civilians and families Dec. 3 at Conmy Hall on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

By Claudette RouloAmerican Forces Press Service

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announcedDec. 3 that President Barack Obama has nomi-nated Christine H. Fox to serve as acting deputydefense secretary.Fox is a “brilliant defense thinker and proven

manager,” Hagel said.Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter depart-

ed Dec. 4, and Fox is scheduled to assume herduties the following day, making her the high-est-ranking woman ever to serve in the DefenseDepartment. Until June, she served as thedirector of DoD’s cost assessment and programevaluation.“Over the last five years, Christine has played

a key role in helping shape solutions to the corechallenges facing the Department of Defense,” asenior defense official said.Hagel relied on Fox’s judgment and deep

analytical expertise during the strategic choicesand management review earlier this year, theofficial said.“As a key leader of the strategic choices and

management review, she helped identify thechallenges, choices and opportunities for reformfacing the department during this period ofunprecedented budget uncertainty,” Hagel said.Fox’s appointment enables Hagel to add a

senior manager to his leadership team at apivotal moment for the department and permitsthe existing senior management team to remainin place and continue their critical leadership ofthe military services and DoD components, theofficial said.“She will be able to help me shape our priori-

ties from day one because she knows the intrica-cies of the department’s budget, programs andglobal operations better than anyone,” Hagelsaid.

Fox namedacting deputydefensesecretary

By Julia LeDouxPentagram Staff Writer

The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall commu-nity kicked off the holidayseason Dec. 4 with itsannual tree lighting cer-emony in front of Bldg. 59on the Fort Myer portionof the joint base.Dozens of servicemem-

bers, civilians and theirfamilies gathered forthe event, which includ-ed a holiday sing-a-longwith music provided by

The U.S. Army Band“Pershing’s Own” and avisit from a certain JollyOld Elf.Joint base Commander

Col. Fern O. Sumpterasked attendees toremember the nation’sservicemembers whoare deployed around theworld during this specialtime of year.“During this time of

the holidays, regardlessof what holiday you cel-ebrate in your individ-ual home, [I ask that]

you remember all of ourdeployed forces aroundthe world. We heara lot right now aboutAfghanistan; but frankly,the military is deployedin over 150 locationsnow,” she said.Sumpter was joined

in lighting the tree byJoint Force NationalCapital Region/MilitaryDistrict of WashingtonCommander Maj. Gen.Jeffrey S. Buchanan, and

JBM-HH shines bright during annual tree lighting

PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE

JBM-HH community members attend the annual tree lighting festivaloutside of Bldg. 59 Dec. 4.

see TREE, page 8

2 Friday, December 6, 2013 PENTAGRAM

The Pentagram is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents ofthe Pentagram are not necessarily the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense,the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, or Joint BaseMyer-Henderson Hall.

The content of this publication is the responsibility of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall PublicAffairs Office. Pictures not otherwise credited are U.S. Army photographs. News items should besubmitted to the Pentagram, 204 Lee Ave., Bldg. 59, Fort Myer, VA 22211-1199. They may also befaxed to (703) 696-0055 or e-mailed to [email protected].

Circulation of 24,000 is printed by offset every Friday as a civilian enterprise newspaper by ComprintMilitary Publications. ComprintMilitary Publications is located at 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg,MD20877. Telephone (301) 921-2800. Commercial advertising should be placedwith the printer.

Comprint Military Publications is a private firm in no way connected with the Department of theArmy or Department of the Navy.

The appearance of advertisements in this publication, to include all inserts and supplements,does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy ofthe products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made avail-able for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age,marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser,user or patron. A confirmed violation of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser shall resultin the refusal to print advertising from that source.

Printed on recycled paper

http://www.army.mil/jbmhh

Editorial staff

Commander Col. Fern O. Sumpter

Command Sergeant Major Earlene Y. Lavender

Director of Public Affairs Mary Ann Hodges

Command Information Officer Sharon Walker

Pentagram staff

Editor Courtney Dock (703) 696-5401

Staff Writer Rhonda Apple (703) 696-1363

Staff Writer Julia LeDoux (703) 696-7605

Staff Writer Jim Dresbach (703) 696-5488

Staff Photographer Rachel Larue (703) 696-7606

Pentagram

Caption This #45If you’ve ever looked at a photo, read the caption underneath and thoughtyou could do better, now is your chance. Each week, “Caption This” willhave a photo taken from around the base. It’s up to you to figure out thebest, funniest or craziest caption that describes what’s going on in the pic-ture. The only rule is you have to KEEP IT CLEAN!“Caption This” submissions can be sent either by emailing them to [email protected], commenting on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/jbmhh or just stopping by Headquarters Bldg. 59, suite 116 and drop-ping it off. Don’t forget to add the “Caption This” number, your name, rankor position and where you work.Every week the Pentagram staff will pick their favorite. The winner’sname, caption along with the photo, will be printed in the newspaper. Com-pete with your friends and coworkers and see who can come up with thebest one. And if you have a photo you think would make a great “CaptionThis,” send it in.

Caption This

Caption This #44“I hope they aren’t going to just leaveme like this... This isn’t a carrot... Gotto straighten this out as soon as I geta mouth!”

DeMian Peters

PHOTO BY MARINE SGT. ALVIN WILLIAMS JR.

Commander, Joint Base Myer-Henderson HallCol. Fern O. Sumpter’s vision and philosophy:

With a team of resource management savvy and technically competentDoD professionals, establish JBM–HH as DoD’s premier provider of consis-tent, quality services that enhance readiness and the overall well-being ofour customers.We must be ...- Experts at what we do … constantly improving our skills and knowledge.- Focused … set priorities and complete the mission.- Committed … to the mission and each other, fostering a community of

excellence.- Professional/respectful … remain calm, even when others are not…

count on each other at all times, treating everyone with dignityand respect.

• Name? Lance Cpl. Kody Sparge• Job title/where do you work?

Motor Transport, Henderson Hall.• Military service? USMC.• Favorite sports team? Minnesota

Vikings.• Favorite food? Steak.• Favorite band/music artist? Kenny

Chesney.• Favorite movie? “Tommy Boy.”• Favorite place you’ve ever trav-eled to or been stationed? Destin,Fla.

• What do you like most aboutworking on JBM-HH? Friends.

• What are your goals for the year?Hit the lottery.

• What do you like most about living in the NationalCapital Region? Sports atmosphere.

• What’s your favorite attraction to see in the NCR?Georgetown.

• What is the best advice you’ve ever received? You’ve hadenough, go to bed.

• If you won the lottery, what would you do? Own anisland.

• What advice do you have for someone getting stationedat JBM-HH? Be aware of your surroundings.

Community Spotlight


Happy holidaysOrnaments hang on a tree in the Fort Myer Gymnasium lobby on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Dec. 4. See page 7 in this edition of the Pentagram or www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh for photos of the joint base tree lighting ceremony.

PENTAGRAM Friday, December 6, 2013 3

The safety shoe tie-inYou probably do not think about your feet very much,

unless they are hurting. As long as they are free of injury, youjust take it for granted your feet will get you where you wantto go. What you should not take for granted is safety foot-wear. The right protective boots or shoes can save you from apainful and disabling injury.Here are some of the common kinds of foot injuries

at work:• Struck by a falling object. Even a lightweight object can

cause a painful injury to a foot.• Run over by moving equipment such as a handcart or

pallet jack.• Stepping on a sharp object. Nails sticking out of boards

and broken glass are common examples.• Struck by a tool such as a power saw.Follow these suggestions for avoiding foot injury:• Wear the correct footwear. Boots with toecaps and

puncture proof soles are required in many industrialwork settings. Other jobs may call for non-slip soles,chemical-resistant materials, insulation and other pro-tective qualities. Talk to your supervisor about whatkind you should be wearing, and make sure the shoesmeet the required national safety standards.

• Practice good jobsite housekeeping. Keep the area freeof clutter that can cause falls and foot injuries. Storetools and materials safely so they will not fall off worksurfaces or shelves. Clean up any spills promptly.

• Pay attention to what you are doing. Accidents causingfoot injuries tend to happenwhen aworker is distractedor in a hurry.

• Handle chemicals with care to avoid accidental contact.• Keep your feet, socks and safety shoes clean and dry.• Take care of your feet off the job, too. Use safety foot-

wear when working in the yard or shop.Things to know about safety footwear:• Proper protective footwear is an essential tool in pre-

venting serious foot injuries.Special types of footwear include:• Puncture-resistant soles andmid-foot protection needed

for work such as construction and warehousing.• Shoes made of chemical-resistant material that pro-

vides protection from chemical hazards. The material- rubber or a synthetic - depends on the type of chemicalinvolved.

• Steel-toed shoes that provide extra protection to yourtoes from falling or rolling objects.

• Traction footwear used to prevent slips. Chains, studs,bolts, spike or gritty soles are incorporated into thesetypes of safety boots or shoes.

Keeping your feet free from injuries requires paying atten-tion to your work, following safe work practices and keepingyour work area clean and orderly. Just in case one of thesemeasures does not work the way it should – wear your safetyfootwear.(IMCOM Safety Gram)

Safety tip Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hallholiday services 2013community events

• Dec. 7: 9 a.m. Hanging of the Green at Memorial Chapel.• Dec. 12: 11 a.m. Advent concert; noon luncheon and 12:25 p.m. devotional at

Memorial Chapel. Alvin Gustin, organ.• Dec. 19: 11:30 a.m. Advent concert; noon luncheon and 12:25 p.m. devotional at

Memorial Chapel. Gordon Frank, organ.• Jan. 5: 4 p.m., Epiphany concert at Old Post Chapel.JBM-HH Protestant Chapel Community(All worship services at Memorial Chapel unless otherwise noted.)• Dec. 24: Christmas Eve candlelight service (combined Protestant congregations.)• Dec. 24 and 31: No Joshua Generation worship service.JBM-HH Catholic Community(All worship services at Memorial Chapel unless otherwise noted.)• Dec. 7: 5 p.m. Vigil Mass for the Second Sunday of Advent.• Dec. 8: 9 a.m. Mass for the Second Sunday of Advent.• Dec. 14: 5 p.m. Vigil Mass for the Third Sunday of Advent.• Dec. 15: 9 a.m. Mass for the Third Sunday of Advent with children’s Christmas

pageant during Mass.• Dec. 21: 5 p.m. Vigil Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.• Dec. 22: 9 a.m. Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.• Dec. 24: 4:30 p.m. choral prelude – chapel and handbell choir.• Dec. 24: 5 p.m. Solemn Christmas Mass.• Dec. 28: 5 p.m. Vigil Mass for the Feast of the Holy Family.• Dec. 29: 9 a.m. Mass for the Feast of the Holy Family.• Dec. 31: 5 p.m. Vigil for the Feast of Mary Mother of God.• Jan. 4: 5 p.m. Vigil Mass of the Epiphany.• Jan. 5: 9 a.m. Mass for the Feast of the Epiphany.• Jan. 11: 5 p.m. Vigil Mass for the Baptism of the Lord.• Jan. 12: 9 a.m. Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (end of Christmas season.)JBM-HH Gospel Community• Dec. 14: 7 p.m. Christmas Cantata at the Officers Club.• Dec. 31: 10 p.m. Watch Night Service at Memorial Chapel. Breakfast served in

the Memorial Chapel Fellowship hall immediately following Watch Night Service.

PHOTO BY COURTNEY DOCK

Thanksgiving cruiseMarines from Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps,Henderson Hall take to the dance floor and get the party started on the annualThanksgiving luncheon cruise Nov. 26.

As part of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s community outreach program, 350servicemembers, veterans and retirees attended the cruise onboard EntertainmentCruises of Washington’s Odyssey Cruise. Guests included Wounded Warriors fromthe Warrior in Transition Unit at Fort Belvoir, single servicemembers and geo-graphical bachelor/bachelorettes from throughout the National Capital Region,and veterans from the Armed Forces Retirement Home and Disabled AmericanVeterans of Washington D.C., and from the Virginia Honor Flight.

“Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall is so very fortunate to have such great commu-nity partners in Southwest Washington, D.C., such as the Washington WaterfrontAssociation and Entertainment Cruises who annually support our servicemembersand veterans through events such as the Thanksgiving luncheon cruise,” saidLeah Rubalcaba JBM-HH Community Relations officer. “This marks the twelfthyear for this event honoring our servicemembers, wounded warriors and veteransfor their service.”

JBM-HH’s Deputy Joint Base Commander Lt. Col. John Orille and Command Sgt.Maj. Earlene Y. Lavender attended and welcomed the troops on the cruise.The event was a tremendous success and well received by all who attended,Entertainment Cruises’ Operations Manager David Johnson commented, addingthat this was the “best cruise” they have hosted.

Gate closureHenderson Hall Annex Gate on the

Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall will be closed from Dec. 19through Jan. 6, 2014. HendersonHall’s Gate1 is open 24/7 to Department of Defense IDcard holders and visitors. For more informa-tion, call 703-588-2801 or 703-524-7000.

Flu campaign updateCheck the Andrew Rader U.S. Army

Medical Clinic flu hotline at 703-696-2994 ifyou were not able to get a flu shot during theRader flu clinic.

Winter weather newsIn the event of weather-related closures,

JointBaseMyer-HendersonHall (FortMyer,Fort McNair, Henderson Hall) personnelfollow the guidance of theOffice of PersonnelManagement (OPM). OPM determines the

“open” or “closed” status for all governmentagencies and installations located insidethe Washington, D.C., beltway. If you havea question about your duty status, speakwith your supervisor. Partner organizationpersonnel should inquire within the chain ofcommand.For OPM guidance, see www.opm.gov/

status. You can also call 202-606-1900around the clock.JBM-HH will also have this information

available as follows:JBM-HH Facebook at www.facebook.com/

jbmhh.Commander’s Information Hotline at 703-

696-6906. This line is updated often in anemergency situation.Check the JBM-HH Webpage at www.

jbmhh.army.mil for the Winter Weatherlink. Get national weather by logging ontowww.weather.gov/.

News you can use


Death noticesAnyonewith debts owed to or by the estate ofMaj.

David R. Osborne must contact Capt. Sherry L.Hamilton, the summary court officer for the Soldier.Osborne passed away Nov. 15. Call Hamiltonat 301-400-0271 or email [email protected].

Anyone with debts owed to or by the estateof Sgt. Seth T. Kirkland, WTB, Walter ReedNational Military Medical Center, must contactCapt. Mathiew N. Ngati, the summary court officerfor the Soldier. Kirkland passed away Nov. 29. CallNgati at 202-456-7890.

Marshall Drive pavement workNote: Road closure schedule subject to change

due to weather conditions. Permanent pavementrestoration is set to be done on the eastboundland of Marshall Drive from near the Access Roadto the Iwo Jima Marine Memorial on Route 110beginning Dec. 9 through Dec. 13 and again Dec.16-18. The work is being done in association withDominion Virginia Power’s underground transmis-sion project on the Fort Myer portion of Joint BaseMyer-Henderson Hall. Two-way traffic will bemaintained using a temporary flagging operation.Depending on weather conditions, the work will

be done as follows: Close: The eastbound lane ofMarsh Drive from East Meade Street to Route 110,Dec. 9-13.Detour: A temporary detour will be in place

for traffic leaving Fort Myer at the Wright Gate(Memorial Drive) for those wanting to go to Route110 proceeding south on Route 110. In addition,residents or other travelling public in the immedi-ate area who usually want to go southbound onRoute 110 from North Meade Street would alsohave to use this detour.Detour route: The route involves travelling west-

bound on North Meade Street to westbound LynnStreet to southboundWilson Boulevard and back tosouthbound Route 110.Marshall Drive westbound one way access: The

westbound lane of Marshall Drive will be main-tained one way to the Iwo Jima Memorial accessroad and on to Fort Myer and to westbound NorthMeade Street.Marshall Drive from Iwo Jima Memorial: Traffic

leaving the Iwo Jima Memorial would have to turnright on Marshall Drive and then continue on fromthere using the detour.Asphalt work: The asphalt portion work on the

eastbound lane of Marshall Drive will be completedDec. 16-18.Normal work hours of 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. will be in

effect during the operation. For more information,contact Lt. Ron Foster at 703-614-4700.

South Queen Street temporarily closedVirginia Department of Transportation workers

have closed South Queen Street at Columbia Pikein order for sanitary sewer relocation work toproceed across South Queen Street.A portion of South Queen Street near its inter-

section with Columbia Pike will remain closed forabout two weeks. Traffic entering and exiting theArlington View and Carrington Village communi-ties will be detoured to South Quinn Street.

Temporary change atoccupational health clinic

For the time being, the occupational health clinicof the Andrew Rader U.S. Army Medical Clinic willnot be able to accommodate any walk-in patients.All occupational health support will be by appoint-ment only. To make an appointment, call 703-696-0068.

MCX price point programThe Marine Corps Exchange is committed to

offering the best price every day. If a customerfinds a lower price in a local competitor’s store, ador on certain major online sites, the Exchange willmatch the price. Some exclusions apply. The MCXwill match the price on the online sites of walmart.com, target.com, amazon.com, bestbuy.com, sears.com, toysrus.com or babiesrus.com only. Prices ofthird parties doing business on these websites willnot be matched. The qualifying competitive onlineprice may be presented on a mobile device such asa tablet computer or smart phone. Printed copiesof a website are not acceptable. For more infor-mation, visit http://mymcx.com/index.cfm/support/price-match-guarantee.

Save your own lifeTake your life seriously. Make a plan, register at

www.ucanquit2.org and use the tools available tokick the tobacco habit.Tobacco kills. Inhaling or ingesting tobacco

releases harmful chemicals into your lungs andblood stream, sending toxins to every organ inyour body. Smoking and tobacco use cause cancer,heart disease, strokes, emphysema, bronchitis andairway obstructions.Talk to the Andrew Rader U.S. Army Medical

Clinic personnel who have resources to help mili-tary personnel and their family members. Get

News Notes

Continued on next page

Community

By Jim DresbachPentagram Staff Writer

Before announcing theMilitary District of Washingtoncareer counselor of the year,selection board member andMDW Command Sgt. MajorDavid Turnbull stood beforethe four candidates: Staff Sgts.Christopher McCuiston, PaulMelendez, Shaun Holman and

Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Burnish.Following PT tests, written

exams and oral board ques-tions, answers and recitations

at Fort McNair, the decisionhad been made. That selec-tion by the five-member boardwas not an easy one to make.Turnbull then told the fourhow close of a competition ithad been.“We could have thrown a

dart and picked any of you,”Turnbull candidly told thegroup.But after the Nov. 22 tabu-

lations, the CCOY dart bullseyed Fort Belvoir InstallationCareer Counselor Holman.“I was completely surprised,”

Holman said minutes after theannouncement. “We’ve beenstudying together, spendingnumerous, numerous hours asa team doing mock boards, andto tell you the truth, I didn’t seethis coming. You never knowwhose day it is going to be.“Since we’ve been study-

ing together for so long, weall know the same things,”Holman continued. “We allhave areas where one personis better than the others. Oneperson is better in the counsel-ing area, one person’s knowl-edge is better in regulations.When it basically comes downto it, we’re all pretty much thesame.”Holman’s quest for the CCOY

award started at 3:45 thatmorning and he rememberedthe work, memorization andpreparation invested in becom-

ing the MDW CCOY choice.“I locked myself in the base-

ment,” he said of his individ-ual study sessions. “I havean 11-month-old [daughter],and she’s only awake so long.I’d take some breaks and goupstairs and play with her, andthat put me in the mood [formore studying].”Holman is a native of

Lexington, Ky., and a 2012graduate of Excelsior College,where he earned an associ-ate’s degree in AdministrativeManagement. Following highschool, he enlisted in the Army.Basic training was complet-ed at Fort Sill, Okla., and hedeployed for Operation IraqiFreedom in May, 2003.Following a second stint at

Fort Sill, he was selected toattend the Army recruitingcourse at Fort Jackson, S.C., inDecember, 2003. In October,2008, he completed the careercounselor basic course andreported to the 159th CombatAviation Brigade, FortCampbell, Ky., as a careercounselor.Holman followed that with

deployment to Afghanistan forOperation Enduring Freedom9-10 and 11-12. He has beenassigned to the MilitaryDistrict of Washington sinceOctober 2012.Holman and his wife,

Victoria, have two daughters.

Tight competition yieldsHolman as CCOY for MDW


Staff Sgt. Shaun Holman assistswith a reenlistment ceremony atthe Lincoln Memorial Plaza Nov.25.

By Rhonda ApplePentagram Staff Writer

With the holiday season in full swing, CliffHolcomb, facility manager at Cpl. Terry L. SmithGymnasium on the Henderson Hall portion ofJoint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, is alreadyplanning new, fun-filled fitness events for 2014.“These are all new programs we’re incorporat-

ing here. When people start those New Year’sresolutions in January, instead of coming to thegym, lifting weights and working out on cardio,[cardiovascular exercises], I wanted to give [gympatrons] something different to do,” Holcombsaid. “These activities are fun and free as wellas healthy alternatives to playing video gamesor watching TV in the barracks.”A bench press competition is the first event

planned for 2014. The competition will be Jan.10, at 5:30 p.m. at Smith Gym. Holcomb saidregistration, which is required, starts Dec. 7 andends Jan. 7.“Trophies will be awarded to the first, second

and third place finishers in each weight class,”said Holcomb. “This event and all monthlyprogram offerings are open to all servicemem-bers from any branch of service, dependentsages 18 and older and all Department of Defenseand non-appropriated fund civilians.”Holcomb explained there will be a men’s com-

petition and another for women. Weight classesfor men are: lightweight (up to and including169 lbs.); middleweight (170-184 lbs.); welter-weight (185-195 lbs.) and heavyweight (196 lbs.and over). Weight classes for women include:lightweight (up to and including 130 lbs.) andheavyweight (131 lbs. and over). There alsowill be a master’s bench press for both men andwomen for entrants over 40 years of age (oneclass for each gender).For anyone wanting to participate in the

bench press competition and needs help prepar-ing, Holcomb said they can schedule an appoint-ment to “increase your bench press” with him onDec. 13, 20, or 27 and Jan. 3 from 11:30 a.m. to12:30 p.m.February’s event at Smith Gym is a basket-

ball freethrow contest on Valentine’s Day, Feb.14 at 12:30 p.m. Registration begins Jan. 28,and ends Feb. 11. Prizes will be awarded to thetop three finishers.“Participants will have one minute to shoot 15

basketballs from the free throw line. The contes-tant who makes the most shots will be declaredthe champion,” said Holcomb. “If there is a tie,the contestant who makes the most consecutiveshots will be declared the champion.”Dodge-ball players will look forward to the

six-on-six single elimination dodge ball tourna-ment March 14, at 12:30 p.m. Registration will

start Feb. 25 and end on March 11.“The object of the game is to eliminate all

opposing players by getting them ‘out.’ This maybe done by hitting an opposing player with alive thrown ball below the shoulders or, catch-ing a live ball thrown by your opponent before ittouches the ground,” Holcomb explained.He said teams will consist of six to 10 players,

with six players competing on a side and othersavailable as substitutes. Substitutes may enterthe game only during timeouts, or in the case ofinjury.Those who have shooting skills like NBA free

throw percentage leaders Ray Allen, ReggieMiller and Jason Kidd, can test their abilityin the three-point-shootout contest April 11, at12:30 p.m. Registration begins March 25 andruns until April 8. Prizes will be awarded to thetop three finishers.“Participants will have one minute to shoot

15 basketballs from behind the three-point lineat three different locations,” said Holcomb. “Thefirst four baskets on each rack are worth onepoint, with the last ball on the rack worth twopoints. The contestant who has the most pointswill be declared the champion. In case of a tie,there will be a shootout with all contestants inthe tie-breaker.”May 15, a 300-pound bench press club will take

place at Smith Gym at 12:30 p.m. Participantsmust successfully bench press 300 pounds twoconsecutive times.“T-shirts will be awarded to the first 20 par-

ticipants that register in advance and success-fully complete their lifts,” Holcomb said.Registration for the event begins April 29 and

ends May 13.For questions or more information about

these program offerings, phone Smith Gym at703-614-7214 or email: [email protected].

Smith Gym events planned for 2014

COURTESY PHOTO

Marines play dodge ball at Company Battalion physicaltraining at the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium on JointBase Myer-Henderson Hall Nov. 6, 2012.


an appointment for tobacco cessa-tion counseling by calling the Raderappointment line at 1-855-227-6331.Those not eligible to use Rader, checkin at www.ucanquit2.org.

Army wants feedbackIn support of the Army’s ready

and resilient campaign, the office ofthe chief of public affairs is request-ing feedback from across the Armyin order to determine better wayswe can communicate to Soldiers andcivilians about health of the forceissues.Take a few minutes to provide

your input through a survey on AKO(CAC log-in required) at https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/687440.We encourage your feedback regard-less of whether or not you are famil-iar with these topics. Note thissurvey is only for Army Soldiers andDepartment of Army civilians. Directany additional questions about thissurvey to [email protected].

Scholarship applicationsavailable at commissary

Applications for the 2014 scholar-ships program are available at thecommissary on the Fort Myer portionof the joint base and online at www.militaryscholar.org. Applicationsmust be turned in to a commissaryby the close of business Feb. 28,2014. Packages must be hand-deliv-ered or shipped via the U.S. PostalService or other delivery methods,not emailed or faxed.This year’s awardamounthas risen

to $2,000, and the program awardsat least one scholarship at each com-missary with qualified applicants.Applicants should ensure that theyand their sponsor are enrolled in theDefense Eligibility Reporting System(DEERS) database and have a mili-tary ID card. For more informa-tion, students or sponsors should callscholarship managers at 1-856-616-9311 or email them at [email protected].

AOWCGWA offersscholarships

The Army Officers Wives Club ofthe Greater Washington Area pro-vides scholarships for high schooland college students and spousesof U.S. Army personnel. Funds forthe scholarships are from the FortMyer Thrift Shop. Applications forthe three programs must be mailedto the thrift shop by March 28, 2014.Details on eligibility requirements

and applications for the programsare at www.aowcgwa.or/index.cfm?action=scholarships. Questionsabout the scholarship program maybe emailed to [email protected].

Zembiec Pool closedindefinitely

Due to damage as a result of apower outage, the Maj. Douglas A.Zembiec Pool is closed indefinite-ly. We regret the loss of a popularworkout venue and will be working

diligently to reopen as soon as pos-sible.

Personal financialmanagement

The Marine Corps CommunityService financial managementprogram holds classes on financialmanagement topics each month.December’s topics include homebuying, investing, planning for retire-ment and personal credit. For moreinformation, visit www.mccsHH.com/finance.html or call 703-614-6950.

Winter intramural basketballMCCS Semper Fit winter intra-

mural basketball signup is under-way. Play begins Jan. 13 and runsthrough March. Register by Dec. 19.For details, call Jody McBride at 703-697-2706.

American holidayfestival concerts

All tickets have been distributedto The U.S. Army Band’s Americanholiday festival in Brucker Hall onthe Fort Myer portion of the jointbase Dec. 7, 8 and 15. Walk-ins arewelcome 15 minutes prior to starttime if space is available. See www.usarmyband.com for details.

Federal benefits open seasonunderway

Federal benefits open season isunderway through Dec. 9, withchanges effective the first full payperiod in January.Open season is the time to think

about health, dental, vision and tax-saving needs. During open season,eligible employees can: Enroll in orchange federal employees healthbenefits program covering throughthe Army Benefits Center-Civilianwebsite at www.abc.army.mil or bycalling 1-877-276-9287.Enroll in dental and/or vision cov-

erage through the federal employeesdental and vision insurance programor change your existing enrollmentthrough the BENEFEDS websiteat https://benefeds.com/Portal/jsp/Loginpage.asp or by calling 1-877-888-3337.Sign up for flexible spending

accounts through the flexible spend-ing account program at www.fsafeds.com/fsafeds/index.asp or by calling1-877-372-3337.The Office of Personnel

Management’s open season websiteat www.opm.gov/healthcareinsur-ance/open-season contains detailedinformation regarding plan changes,available plans and premiums. Allemployees are encouraged to reviewtheir current enrollment coverageand premiums to make sure it willcontinue to meet their needs in 2014.Changes may not be made outsideof the open enrollment season datesunless an employee has a qualifyinglife event.For information regarding local

health fairs, employees shouldcontact their servicing civilian per-sonnel advisory center specialist at703-704-3009.Employees planning on retiring

prior to the first full pay period in

January and who wish to make anopen season election should contactan ABC-C counselor for guidance onwhether a hard copy enrollment formis required.

Welcome aboardMCCS holds a welcome aboard

orientation Dec. 10 starting at 8a.m. in the Marine Club on theHenderson Hall portion of the jointbase. Briefers from MCCS and thejoint base will welcome newcomersand provide information on theirprograms. All newcomers and theirfamilies are welcome to attend. Thebrief includes an optional walkingtour of the Henderson Hall portionof the joint base, break for lunch anda bus tour of the local area. Eachsponsor receives a coupon for lunchat the club or the Java Café. Registerin advance by calling 703-614-7202.

Headquarters Battalionholiday social

Headquarters Battalion will beclosed Dec. 11 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.for a holiday social.

Rader Clinic staff to celebrateholidays

Andrew Rader U.S. Army MedicalClinic staff will celebrate the holi-days with a party Dec. 12 beginningat noon through the end of the day.So that everyone can participate, theclinic, including the pharmacy, willclose at noon. For more information,call 703-696-7957.

EFMP December classesThe Exceptional Family Member

Program offers an EFMP basics classDec. 10 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at theIndian Head, Maryland USO Center.On Dec. 16 and 19 from 11 a.m.-1p.m., advocacy skills will be present-ed at Marine Barracks Washingtonand on the Henderson Hall portion ofthe joint base, respectively. On Dec.26 from noon- 1 p.m., learn aboutthe EFMP reimbursement programat an orientation on the HendersonHall portion of the joint base. The ori-entation is available throughWebEx.All classes require registration. Call703-693-5353 for more information.

Stress managementParticipants will be given infor-

mation on identifying stressors intheir lives and how to create theirown stress management plans. Classwill be held Dec. 11 from 9-11 a.m.in the ACS classroom, Bldg. 201 onthe Fort Myer portion of the jointbase. Pre-registration is requested.For more information and to pre-register, call 703-696-3512 or [email protected].

VA claims assistanceA representative from AMVETS

will be at the MCCS career resourcemanagement center Dec. 12 from7:30 a.m.-2 p.m., to review service-member medical records and provideassistance with the Department ofVeterans Affairs disability compen-sation claims process. Schedule anappointment with the CRMC at 703-614-6828.

Real ColorsMarine Corps Family Team

Building holds a communicationstrategy class, Real Colors, Dec. 13from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Bldg. 29 onthe Henderson Hall portion of thejoint base. Real Colors, a personalityinstrument, teaches you about yourpersonality temperament, commu-nication style and how to work withothers. Register by calling 703-693-8906.

Anger managementIndividuals will receive informa-

tion on the basic principles of emo-tions management, specific informa-tion about the impact of unmanagedanger, and receive resources on howto recognize and manage the angertriggers in their own lives. Classwill be held Dec. 18 from 9-11 a.m.in the ACS classroom, Bldg. 201, onthe Fort Myer portion of the jointbase. Pre-registration is requested.For more information and to pre-register, call 703-696-3512 or [email protected].

Welcome 2014 at the JBM-HHClubs

Ring in 2014 at the Fort MyerOfficers Club or Spates CommunityClub on the Fort Myer side of thejoint base. Make reservations forTuesday, Dec. 31 for the OfficersClub from 6 p.m.-1 a.m. in the Fifeand Drum Room or Koran Ballroom.For more information and to makereservations, call 703-696-5147 or703-524-3037. Or, opt for the eveningat Spates Community Club from 8p.m.-1 a.m. Get more informationor make reservations at 703-527-1300/1302 and see www.jbmhhmwr.com for more information.

Monster Jam ticketsWitness the excitement of Monster

Jam trucks at Verizon Center inJanuary. The MCX Henderson HallITT office has tickets available forsale for the following dates: Jan. 24at 7 p.m. and Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. and7:30 p.m. The price is $16.25 perperson. Call 571-483-1963 for avail-ability.

Please send your news notesto the Pentagram at

[email protected].

From previous page

01040144B1036315B

News Notes


By Rhonda ApplePentagram Staff Writer

Holiday shopping and renovations are going onsimultaneously at the Fort Myer Army and AirForce Exchange Service main exchange on theFort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-HendersonHall. However, the total store upgrade will notbe complete until early 2014.“There has been a slight delay [in completing

renovation work] primarily due to the chal-lenges of renovation within the store, and takingsmaller areas as they were navigating throughthe store, so that actually slowed us down a littlebit,” said Nildy Eiley, general manager of FortBelvoir/JBM-HH Army and Air Force ExchangeService. “With the building being dated, it hasposed challenges for us.”Eiley said completion of work at the store’s

main entrance is expected about mid-January,2014.“The delay is because of the pillars and dif-

ferent steel bars required to hold up the front ofthe store. The outdoor living area, which we areextending, is delayed due to structural issues.That’s when you run into challenges, dealingwith a building’s structural issues and youoften don’t know if there’s a problem until the[workers] get to those areas. That area probablywon’t be done until right near Christmas,” shesaid.Eiley said the government furlough did not

impact completion of the $4.8 million upgrade.“Moving along, the mall-area is coming along

really well,” Eiley said in a Thanksgiving-weekinterview with the Pentagram. She said thestore’s vendors relocated, with the exception ofthe alteration shop, which is not moving untilearly 2014. “The military clothing store will bedelayed until possibly mid-February, 2014, andthe reason for that is this store will be at the

back area by outdoor living and until that areais completed, we’re using their space.”“Although the food court area will be set up,

Subway won’t be relocated [from the expressstore] until the end of December,” said Eiley.“The [old] food court area has actually tripled insize and customers have a ‘mall’ they can walk.”The food court will include a customer diningarea.The optical shop, barber shop, flower shop and

GNC shop are all back in their permanent loca-tions at the main store.She said although there is work to be com-

pleted, the store is organized and the on-goingwork would not impact the customer shoppingexperience.Main Store Manager Stacy Firemoon-

Saulsberry said the customer count has increasedby about 30 percent since they re-opened thefront entrance. “This is not the main entrance,but the front entrance,” she said. “We’ve addedmore prestige brand concept shops to the storeand customers see these brands, for example, incosmetics and hand bags, when they first enterthe store.“The electronics area is in a nice location and

is drawing the business, as well. When custom-ers come in the store, they can see the TV wall.”Firemoon-Saulsberry said other improve-

ments to the store included upgraded registerswith turnstiles and conveyor belts at the check-out area; a convenient location in a corner nearthe front of the store for customer service andWestern Union cash transfers and an overallimprovement in the appearance of the salesfloor. They also plan to carry more year-rounditems in the outdoor living area as opposed toseasonal items.The Exchange will host a customer appre-

ciation day Dec. 23. Eiley said customers areinvited to come to the event and take advantage

of some give-away items and tastings. “We wantto show our appreciation to our customers fortheir patience during this renovation project.”Once the entire project is complete, the

Exchange will host a grand reopening. “We’reprojecting about February or March, 2014 asthe completion date,” said Eiley. “We’ll also havecentral air conditioning installed for summer.“On behalf of the entire Exchange team, we

want to thank our customers for being patientand supportive [during this renovation project],”she added. “They’ve also been very excited aboutwhat they’re seeing so far, and we want to inviteour customers to shop here this holiday season.”

Fort Myer Exchange renovations near completion

According to ABC News, recipi-ents of gifts returned as many as 37percent of holiday purchases lastyear. But shoppers can rest easyknowing the Fort Myer Exchangemakes holiday returns as easy aspossible.“We know it’s hard to please

everyone on your list,” said FortMyer Exchange’s General Manager,Nildy Eiley. “There’s enough stressduring the holidays, so we haveindustry-leading return policies tomake it simple to transform anunwanted gift into a replacementitem, refund or Exchange gift cardcredit.”The Exchange’s standard policy

allows returns anywhere from 15

to 90 days of purchase with a salesreceipt, but the holiday return/exchange policy extends theseterms through Jan. 31, 2014 for allitems purchased between Nov. 1and Dec. 24, 2013.As is the case throughout the

year, refund requests with salesreceipts are processed accordingto the original forms of payment(cash for cash, credit for creditcard). Customers returning itemswithout sales receipts will receiveExchange gift cards for the refundamount.Also as a convenience toExchange

online shoppers, shopmyexchange.com orders can be returned to thenearest Army, Air Force, Marine

Corps, Navy or Coast GuardExchange. Customer online returnsdue to an error on the Exchange’spart are reimbursed standard ship-ping charges as well.“We take our commitment to

serving those who serve seriously,”said Eiley. “On the rare occasionan online return is necessary, weknow it’s extremely important theyhave a hassle-free experience.”To make a return or get more

information on exchanges and giftcard credits, be sure to stop bythe Fort Myer Exchange’s customerservice area or visit www.shopmy-exchange.com.(From a Fort Myer Exchange

press release.)

Exchange’s return policy gives shoppers what they want

By Julia LeDouxPentagram Staff Writer

What do you get when you put togetherMarines and Soldiers from Joint BaseMyer-Henderson Hall and a group of first

graders from Barcroft Elementary Schoolwho are all eager to celebrate the holidays?Maybe just the best Partners in

Education holiday celebration ever, asthe school’s entire first grade “invaded”Headquarters & Service Battalion,Headquarters Marine Corps, HendersonHall for the annual event Dec. 2.“This is awesome,” said a beaming H&S

Battalion Commanding Officer Col. AnthonyS. Barnes who along with Battalion Sgt.Maj. Craig Cressman, donned Santa hatswhile greeting the students and handingout treats. “Anytime you get to spend timewith kids is great.”During the celebration, which was held

in Bldg. 29’s classrooms from about 12:30to 2 p.m., students had the opportunity toput frosting and sprinkles on cookies anddecorate snowflakes, gingerbread men andpicture frames.“They’re really excited,” teacher Gina

Samara said as she watched her studentstransform plain sugar cookies into works ofart. “They didn’t really know much aboutit before coming, but they’re having a greattime.”Also on hand was a certain jolly old elf

in a red suit. Santa Claus posed for photo-graphs with the kids and listened to theirholiday gift wish lists, even while admittingto having some pretty pressing work await-ing him back at his North Pole headquar-ters.“This is part of my job,” Santa said of

spending time with youngsters in therun-up to Christmas Day. “That’s what Ido.”First grader Alejandro Calros shared

that he asked Santa for a certain electronicracing game. And what did Santa tell himabout the toy?“He said he’d do his best [to bring it],”

confided Calros with a wide smile.

Marine Capt. Anna Antoine of H&SBattalion volunteered at the event and saidshe was having just as much fun as theyoungsters.“I love working with the kids,” she said.

“It’s fun. It feels good to help them out, andI know they appreciate it.”The Exceptional Family Member Program

held a similar party Dec. 1 at the MarineClub for special needs children and theirfamilies.

Barcroft students ring in holidays with Henderson Hall Marines


Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Exchange is openwhile renovations continue Dec. 3.


Headquarters and Service Battalion, HeadquartersMarine Corps, Henderson Hall Commanding OfficerCol. Anthony S. Barnes, left, and H&S Bn., HQMC, HHBattalion Sgt. Maj. Craig D. Cressman pass out candyto students from Barcroft Elementary School during aChristmas Party held on the Henderson Hall portion ofJoint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Dec. 2.

PHOTO BY MARINE SGT. ALVIN WILLIAMS JR.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Arlene Cordova, apersonnel clerk attached to Headquarters MarineCorps Henderson Hall assists a student from BarcroftElementary during a holiday party. The Partners inEducation program hosted a holiday event for 80 stu-dents of Barcroft Elementary School on the HendersonHall portion of JBM-HH Dec 2.


Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hallannual tree lighting ceremony

Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and Military District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan and Joint Base Myer-Henderson HallCommander Col. Fern O. Sumpter, along with Cody Child Development Center students Theodore Henderson, Margaret Leighton and Hampton McNeil, light the tree outsideof Bldg. 59 Dec. 4. To see more photos from the annual tree lighting event, log onto www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh.


Two Dec. 13 weekend events will conclude Joint Base Myer-HendersonHall’s Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation annualtoy drive.Kicked off by Dec. 6’s 5K Reindeer Run, the 2013 Operation Santa

Holiday Toy Drive concludes with the senior fitness assessment day Dec.13 and the annual Operation Santa Basketball Tournament, which runsDec. 13-15.The fitness assessment is scheduled from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. in the Fort

Myer Fitness Center gymnasium. All participating are asked to donate anunwrapped toy as an entry fee.The three-day basketball tournament will be played at the Myer and

Fort McNair Fitness Centers, and 10 men’s teams are registered, and awomen’s bracket will also be played. A fan donation of an unwrapped toyis being asked to gain admission to the tournament.For additional information on Operation Santa Toy Drive events, call

703-696-7867.

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2013 Operation Santa Toy Drive

three students from theCody Child DevelopmentCen t e r , Theodo r eHenderson, MargaretLeighton and HamptonMcNeil.“On the count of three,

we’re going to flip theswitch and magic isgoing to happen,” saidSumpter, who then letthe crowd in on a littlesecret.“Earlier today, when I

was in my office, I got atext,” she continued. “Ihave a special relation-ship with the big guy,Santa, who said that heis going to try to make ithere tonight to visit all ofthe special kids at JointBase Myer-HendersonHall. Let’s hope he showsup. I hope he does.”True to his text to

Sumpter, Santa joinedthe celebration immedi-ately after the tree waslit. Leaving his sleighand eight reindeer at hisNorth Pole headquar-ters, Santa was insteadescorted to the ceremony

by members of the jointbase police department,

who heralded Mr. Claus’arrival with blue lights

and sirens.Staff Sgt. Benjamin

Pattison of The U.S. ArmyBand “Pershing’s Own”led the crowd in singingseveral carols, includ-ing “O Christmas Tree,”“Frosty the Snowman”and “Jingle Bells.”Santa Claus posed for

photos and listened tothe holiday dreams ofthe kids inside The U.S.Army Band’s headquar-ters at Brucker Hall,which was festively deco-rated for the celebration.Air Force Majors Dylanand Deborah Newman,who are stationed at thePentagon, were amongthose who brought theirchildren Magnus, 4,Maliah, 2, and Ella, onemonth, to the event.“It’s really neat. We’ve

been to it the pasttwo years,” said DylanNewman. “We think it’sa neat little family gettogether, we get to seeSanta and the tree light-ing.”To see more photos

from the annual treelighting event, log ontowww.f l ickr .com/photos /jbm-hh or turn to page 7.

Tree, from page 1


Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and Military District of Washington Commander Maj.Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan and Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Commander Col. Fern O. Sumpter alongwith Cody Child Development Center students Theodore Henderson, Margaret Leighton and HamptonMcNeil light the tree outside of Bldg. 59 Dec. 4. For more photos, turn to page 7 or log onto www.flickr.com/photos/JBM-HH.

By Terri Moon CronkAmerican Forces Press Service

First Lady Michelle Obama Dec. 4 hosted agroup of military spouses and children duringa preview tour of this year’s festive Christmasholiday decorations adorning the rooms of theWhite House.Tributes to U.S. servicemembers and their

families are abundant in White House holidaydécor, the first lady noted when she greetedmilitary family members in the East Room.“Your sacrifice and service to this country

[and] your families’ stories are such an impor-tant part of our great American story — storiesthat remind us of the true meaning of theholiday season,” she said.In that holiday spirit, children in the audience

got a chance to go with Obama to an adjoiningroom, where they made crafts and holiday giftswith her help, in addition to volunteers andWhite House chefs, bakers and florists.And decorating the White House for the holi-

days was no easy undertaking.Obama said more than 80 volunteers from

around the country — including military spouses— began decorating the White House the dayafter Thanksgiving.Military families give a lot of their time vol-

unteering in addition to taking care of businessat home while their loved ones are deployed, thefirst lady said.“You are serving our nation, volunteering in

your communities every day,” Obama told thefamilies. She said a survey shows 81 percent ofmilitary family members volunteered in the pastyear.While thinking of servicemembers who will

be deployed this holiday season, Obama saidshe’s reminded of the thousands who will awakein the middle of the night in a remote part ofthe world to use Skype to call home and read aspecial holiday story to their children, and willbe on screen Christmas day to see their kidsopen presents from Santa.She commended military families for spend-

ing hours filling holiday care packages for theirservicemembers to help them experience theholidays while deployed.And deployed troops who can’t be home for the

holidays find ways “to make the season bright”by banding together with others to create specialmilitary celebrations and traditions, Obamanoted.“No matter what challenges you all face

during the holidays or any other time during theyear, you … find ways to make it work and youdo it with such strength and humor and grace,”she told the families.Obama said she hopes Americans keep U.S.

servicemembers and their families in theirthoughts during this holiday season.“As we gather with our loved ones, I’d ask

every American to remember what our militaryfamilies and servicemembers often experienceduring this time of year,” she said. “Let us all

remember the sacrifices they make to proudlyserve all of us.”Some of this year’s White House holiday high-

lights include:•Nearly 15 rooms and passageways displaying24 large Christmas trees;•A tree decorated in tribute to servicemembers, decorated with Gold Star Families’ornaments for those who made the ultimatesacrifice;•The oval Blue Room, home to the officialWhite House Christmas tree, an 18 1/2-feettall, 11-feet wide Pennsylvania Douglas fir,covered in 2,000 ornaments of holiday cardsmade by servicemembers’ children, photos ofdeployment homecomings and fabric orna-ments with each state and territory’s silhou-ette on them;•The East Garden Room trees made fromstacks of books;•Cross Hall, where trees reflect gatheringaround the nation’s heritage, decorated withornaments representing great American sitessuch as the Statue of Liberty and MountRushmore;•The “First Dog” display, a mechanical Bo andSunny dog duo -- made from 1,000 yards ofsatin ribbon -- engaged in play; and•A 300-pound gingerbread White House thatsits atop the State Dining Room fireplacemantel, surrounded by trees made of sugar.The White House expects about 70,000 visi-

tors for the holidays this year, Obama said.

First Lady, military families preview holiday decorations


01040887B

ian education or going to drill sergeant schoolor being a recruiter are all ways to take thatnext step.At the end of the discussion period, Chandler

took time to recognize 12 Soldiers and threeDepartment of thte Army civilians for excep-tional duty.One of the Soldiers, Spc. Cameron Southhall,

illustrator, Headquarters and HeadquartersCompany, said the discussion was short butvery impactful.“Everything he said was right on target,”

said Southhall. “I am glad to serve my countrywhen I know that our leaders have our bestinterests in mind.”

Southhall added how approachable and eagerChandler was to share his knowledge.“He has been in the Army longer than I’ve

been alive,” said Southhall. “His experience isreally priceless.”Chandler stayed after for photos before

making a trip to the Tomb of the Unknown inArlington National Cemetery.“Seeing these men and women make me

proud,” said Chandler. “They are the future ofthis Army.”

SMA, from page 1

PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. LUISITO BROOKS

The 14th Sergeant Major of the Army, Raymond F.Chandler III, speaks to servicemembers, Department ofDefense civilians and families at Conmy Hall on JointBase Myer-Henderson Hall.

By Courtney DockPentagram Editor

Sergeant Major of the Army,Sgt. Maj. Raymond F. Chandler,III addressed a crowd of Soldiersand civilians Dec. 3 in ConmyHall on the Fort Myer portionof Joint Base Myer-HendersonHall and discussed the Armyprofession as well as recognizedmore than a dozen outstandingSoldiers and civilians for theirservice.During the recognition cer-

emony, three Department of theArmy Civilians working for JointBase Myer-Henderson Hall werepresented with challenge coinsfrom the SMA.“They’re a part of the Army

team,” said Chandler. “Every oneof us, whether you’re a familymember, a Department of theArmy civilian or a Soldier con-tributes to the Army’s success.”Director of Human Resources,

K enn e t h Wash i n g t o n ;Operations and MaintenanceChief, Denise Faldowski; andDirector of Family and Morale,Welfare and Recreation, Denise

James represented their depart-ments during the recognitionceremony.“I’m accepting this on behalf

of the O&M Division,” saidFaldowski. “They’re the reasonI’m successful. They provideyou guys with heat and cooling.

They’re the reason I’m here withyou today.”“Having been a garrison ser-

geant major, the professionalsthat work in operations or main-tenance and DPW work extreme-ly hard,” said Chandler. “It’sa thankless job. Nobody comesby to say ‘thanks, my air con-ditioner is working,’ they onlycome over to say that it’s notworking. So when you see oneof those guys or gals that areworking at DPW that are tryingto keep your stuff going, it’s notlike they want you to be freezingor hot, just tell them thanks.”Chandler also emphasized

to the crowd of Soldiers thatDepartment of the Army civil-ians are an important part ofthe total Army team.“When you see a Department

of the Army civilian performinga service to the nation and you,how about telling them thanks,”he said. “Their contributions toyour success are immeasurable.So just say thanks. They do a lotfor each and every one of us andour Army and the nation thankyou.”

SMA thanks civilians for job well done


From the left, Director of Human Resources, Kenneth Washington; Operations andMaintenance Chief, Denise Faldowski; and Director of Family and Morale, Welfareand Recreation, Denise James are presented with challenge coins from the SergeantMajor of the Army, Sgt. Maj. Raymond F. Chandler, III Dec. 3 on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. Chandler recognized the Department of the Army civilians for playingan important role in the success of the Army during a town hall with Soldiers on thejoint base.

Traffic alert

The Arlington County Police Department will close South Joyce Streetand sections of Army Navy Drive for the Jingle Bell 5K run/walk Dec. 7.The affected streets are listed below:

•South Joyce Street between South 15th Street and Army-Navy Drivewill be closed from 5:30 a.m. until 11 a.m.•Army Navy Drive between South Joyce Street and South 25th Street

will be closed from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m.Race attendees are encouraged to use Metro, however; if driving as a

participant or spectator please utilize the parking garage at the PentagonCity Mall.

Street parking in the area will be restricted. Motorists should be on thelookout for temporary no parking signs. Illegally parked vehicles may beticketed or towed. If your vehicle is towed from a public street, call 703-228-4252.


Blood driveFirst-time blood donor Spc. Jacob Jones, a member of the 529th Regimental SupportCompany, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), is prepped by Navy HospitalCorpsman Terra Walker during the Dec. 4 segment of the Army-Navy Blood DonorChallenge held at the Fort Myer Fitness Center gymnasium. A total of 200 Soldierspreregistered to give blood during the third annual plasma faceoff. FourteenWashington metro military locations collected blood during the challenge. Thewinner of the competition will be announced Dec. 14 during the Army-Navy footballgame in Philadelphia.


By Kelly SmithArmy Community Service

Many military families throughout thiscountry have shown remarkable resiliencyto natural, economic and social challenges.Strong families are able to react to suchchallenges in the same way a tennis ballresponds when hitting the ground: It goesdown, but it also bounces back.Families show resiliency in unique ways;

there are no universal rules for success.Resiliency involves not only the ability tocope with everyday stress, but also requireshard work, cooperation and forgiveness.A family’s ability to recover from crisis isinfluenced by life stressors and by familyperceptions. Families who use crises to learnnew coping skills reduce the financial andemotional costs of repeated crises.The Army recognizes that the strength of

the Army is, in part, because of the supportSoldiers receive from their families. Bybuilding the resilience of the total Armyfamily, Army family members gain the skillsto overcome hardships and adverse events,so they are better able to cope with adversityand continue to be the pillar of support forSoldiers.The U.S. Army Installation Management

Command has joined forces with theComprehensive Soldier and Family Fitnessprogram to provide family resilience trainingthrough Army Community Service centers.The program is designed to provide familymembers with the skills and coping strate-gies needed to take care of themselves andtheir Soldier. Master resilience trainerssupport CSF2 and goals by training specificresilience techniques to family members(and Department of the Army civilians) thatincrease emotional, social, spiritual andfamily strengths.Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall strives

to have a ready and resilient communitythat operates as a team to accomplish themission. Master resiliency training is cur-rently being offered and is open to everyone.For more information or to register, call 703-696-3510.Editor’s note: Kelly Smith is Family

Advocacy Program Manager and ArmyCommunity Service Comprehensive Soldierand Family.

By Jim DresbachPentagram Staff Writer

In the shadow of one of Abraham Lincoln’s mostfamous likenesses, the family of Sgt. 1st ClassFaustino Becerra witnessed the Operation IraqiFreedom and Enduring Freedom veteran indefi-nitely reenlist in the United States Army.During the final week of Military Family Month,

the Becerra family made the two-day drive fromSan Antonio, Texas, to the reenlistment ceremonyheld Nov. 25 at the Lincoln Memorial Plaza.Becerra is a Fort Belvoir 12th Aviation Battalion

Bravo Company Platoon Sergeant and a 13-yearcareer Soldier. He wished for his reenlistment tobe witnessed by his immediate family members,in-laws and nephews.“I’m excited to be able to do it here,” Becerra said

of the memorial area venue. “The first few reenlist-ments I did were overseas – once in Iraq and oncein Afghanistan. My family was never able to bethere, so I’m happy to be here in D.C. and to be in aplace where they can also participate.”

While the Becerra family logged mileage througha large chunk of Texas, through 300 miles ofTennessee and over the Blue Ridge to Washington,D.C., the face of Military District of Washington

retention was in full view for travelers and tour-ists as many asked to be photographed with the 20Soldiers present before and after the event.“I believe the ceremony was both beneficial to

Sergeant 1st Class Becerra and [his] family, theArmy Retention Program and all the spectatorsin attendance,” Fort Belvoir Installation CareerCounselor Staff Sgt. Shaun Holman said. Sergeant1st Class Becerra and family were in high spiritsand will have a lifelong memory; this publicizes theArmy Retention Program and lets the Americanpeople know that Soldiers reenlisting today arecontinuing to make the commitment to defend ourgreat nation.”From 2003 through 2011, Becerra deployed on

four separate occasions to the Middle East. Healso has been stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., andSchofield Barracks, Hawaii.“Coming into the military, I didn’t have much

so, the Army has been able to provide for me,” hesaid on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. “This is alittle way to say thanks and to continue giving backto a service that has already given to me.”

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01040896B

MDW Soldier reenlists at Lincoln Memorial


Sgt. 1st Class Faustino Becerra Jr. (right) takes theoath of reenlistment from Capt. Russell Zayas duringa reenlistment ceremony held at the Lincoln MemorialPlaza in Washington, D.C. Nov. 25, 2013. Becerra hasserved for more than 13 years in the U.S. Army.

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This beautiful Anne Arundel County house has 4 bedroomswith 3 full baths. It features 5 acres of land, a full housegenerator, and no maintenance fencing and decking! Ifinterested in the property please contact my office Monday-Friday from 6:30am to 2:30pm; I will be available onweekends and evenings to show the property.

Judith H. MullenAttorney at Law

410-286-3750-Office

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ADOPTION:A Creative, FinanciallySecure Couple, LOVE,Laughter, Travel, Sports

awaits baby.Expenses Paid.

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M1-800-557-9529

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2338

Lisa & Kenny

YES WE CAN ACHIEVE DAYCAREDaycare Educational Program is on a Pre-K &

Kindergarten Level, Ages 3 - 5Contact Mrs. Brunson 301-605-4864

Email: [email protected] more information please visitwww.yeswecanachievedaycare.com

HOUSEKEEPER /NANNY: Looking fora Live-in Position as acare-aid, housekeeper,cooking, driver/nanny.Call 240-271-7481

Pharmacy/PhlebotomyTech TraineesNeeded NowPharmacies/ hospi-tals now hiring.No experience?Job Training& Placement

Assistance Available1-877-240-4524

CTO SCHEV

Dental/MedicalAssistantTrainees

Needed NowDental/Medical

Offices now hiring.No experience?Job Training& Placement

Assistance Available1-877-234-7706

CTO SCHEV



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