first alertPost leaders rely on system to make bad-weather calls

page 3

UPCOMiNG eVeNtstOday, 10 a.M.-2:30 P.M.: Cooking Matters Commissary Tour - Commissaryfriday: Registration ends for 7th Annual Dump Your Plump - Gaffney Fitness CenterMONday, 9 a.M.: Post Exchange Pharmacy opens - Post ExchangewedNesday, 11:30 a.M.: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observance - McGill Training CenterJaN. 26: Fort Meade Tax Center opening - 4217 Roberts Ave.

Oh deer!Garrison outlines plans to reduce deer population on Meade

page 11

Soundoff!́vol. 67 no. 1 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community January 8, 2015

photo by philip h. jones

Ian Manor, 10, Jasmine Jones, 11, and several other Fort Meade youths organize a “snow sled train” on a small hill near Roberts Road in the Heritage Park neighborhood Tuesday afternoon after the first winter storm of 2015. The storm system dropped more than 3 inches of snow. Get the latest weather updates by calling Fort Meade’s Adverse Weather System at 301-677-6323 or by texting “follow ftmeade” to the number 40404. For more, see Page 3.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! January 8, 2015

Commander’s Column

Cont ent sNews............................. 3 Sports..................................12

CrimeWatch................. 9 Movies.................................15

Community................. 13 Classified.............................17

Editorial StaffGarrison Commander Col. Brian P. foleyGarrison Command Sgt. Maj. rodwell l. forbesPublic affairs officerChad t. Jones Chad.T.Jones.civ@mail.milChief, Command informationPhilip H. Jones Philip.H.Jones.civ@mail.milEditor dijon rolleDijon.N.Rolle.civ@mail.milassistant Editor & Senior Writer rona S. Hirsch Staff Writer lisa r. rhodesStaff Writer Shari rosendesign Coordinator timothy davis Supplemental photography provided by the Baltimore Sun Media Group

advErtiSinGGeneral inquiries 410-332-6300or email advertise@baltsun.com

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

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Printed by The Baltimore Sun Co., LLC, 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

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Happy New Year to all!It’s hard to believe the year 2015 is upon us. I

hope everyone in our Team Meade community had a restful, safe and enjoyable holiday break.

We are now plunging into what will be another eventful year filled with challenges and accom-plishments. We will capitalize on awareness of massive installation growth raised in 2014, and seek Army support of our military construction requirements to widen Mapes and Reece roads and access control points.

We will hope for the best (a permanent end to sequestration), and plan for the worst (a severe or complete limitation of sustainment and renovation funding in 2016 if sequestration is not ended), by accomplishing as much work in 2015 as possible.

As one of a tiny number of Army installations growing in direct contrast to DoD downsizing, we will assist Installation Management Command in rebalancing Army resources to ensure the garrison has enough to provide minimum acceptable levels of service in all our functional tasks.

Fort Meade is our nation’s pre-eminent cen-ter for information and intelligence, and our nation’s primary platform for joint cyber opera-tions. Cyberspace is arguably the primary domain of 21st-century global conflict and competition. We see evidence of this in the news every day.

Fort Meade — as home of U.S. Cyber Com-mand, the National Security Agency/Central Secu-rity Service, the Defense Information Systems Agency, Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Com-mand and U.S. Fleet Cyber Command — is the primary operational platform from which our nation defends itself in this domain every day.

U.S. Cyber Command, Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command and U.S. Fleet Cyber Command’s missions are operational and persis-tent, and will continue to grow on Fort Meade in 2015.

Each needs the ability to command and control operations in a global domain 24 hours a day. To enable their ability to execute this functional mis-sion, we will seek to increase Army understanding and resourcing of Fort Meade as the nation’s pri-mary cyber operational platform.

We began the year with IMCOM approving our temporary requirement for nine additional gar-rison employees needed to support growth. These employees will conduct badly needed strategic planning, master planning and security functions and give us time to permanently update personnel requirements and authorizations.

Next up later this month is a briefing on cyber installation support requirements by the Army

staff to Gen. Raymond Odi-erno, the Army chief of staff. It is my goal to follow that up by inviting the general to Fort Meade for a tour and briefing on our growth.

We are also scheduled to host Governor-elect Larry Hogan on Jan. 30, and new Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh later this month.

The garrison’s job is to enable the operational missions of all 117 partner organizations assigned here and provide high-quality services to the entire Team Meade community. To do this we need help from all to quantify the needs of this installation — your needs. We will work together with all to ensure these needs are coordinated and voiced by the senior leaders who live and work here.

Thank you all again for your hard work and dedication to our great nation. As we move through the winter, please continue to be safe. Plan extra time to get to your destinations, walk care-fully to avoid slipping on wet and frozen surfaces, and take a few moments to enjoy the beauty of Fort Meade after a fresh snowfall.

As we begin the new year also remember to cherish life and the ones you love. Recent losses in our garrison family have reminded us how fragile life can be, and that we should prioritize spending time each and every day with those we love most.

So here’s to a great 2015 ahead!Many big events are just around the corner and

the Foley family looks forward to sharing them with you. We’ll see you around campus!

Nation’s platform for joint cyber operations

COL. Brian P. FOLeyGarrison Commander

Commander’s Open DoorGarrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley

hasanopendoorpolicy.Allservicemembers,retirees,government

employees, family members or communitymembersage18orolderareinvitedtoaddressissuesorconcernstothecommanderdirectlybyvisitingFoley’sofficeonMondays from4to6p.m.atgarrisonheadquartersinHodgesHall,Bldg.4551,LlewellynAvenue.

Visitors are seen on a first-come, first-servedbasis.Noappointmentisnecessary.

Formoreinformation,call301-677-4844.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil January 8, 2015 SOUNDOFF! �

News

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

As the first snow of winter fell across the state Tuesday morning, the garrison kept abreast of weather conditions on and off post and conferred with several directorates to decide whether to close the installation, delay its opening or allow unscheduled leave.

Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley follows recommendations from the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobili-zation and Security; the Directorate of Public Works; and the Directorate of Emergency Services.

The directorates are in communication with the Anne Arundel County Police, Anne Arundel County Public Schools and the National Security Agency. The direc-torates also monitor on- and off-post road conditions, parking lot clearing operations and the status of the federal government in order to give Foley the best guidance.

“Weather calls are made as expedi-tiously as possible with the best informa-tion we have in the interest of safety,” said Mary Staab, director of DPTMS. “The goal is to make the decision before 5 a.m. to best allow notice to our community population.”

Once Foley has made the decision about the status of the installation, the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office uses three primary outlets to get the word out to the

community: Facebook, Twitter and the Fort Meade website.

The Fort Meade media relations team contacts local radio and television outlets in both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., to update them on the installation’s operat-ing status.

“Our primary message is one of safety,” said Steve Ellmore, New Media man-ager at PAO. “We announce the instal-lation’s operating status and post any safety announcements addressed by the National Weather Service in regard to freezing roads or bridges or to stay clear of certain areas.”

Fort Meade does consider the status of the federal government in regard to closing the installation. However, the post does not always close when the federal govern-ment closes.

In addition, the operating status announcements only apply to garrison organizations. Partner and tenant organi-zations make their own decisions in regard to the status of their personnel.

However, most partner organizations mirror the decisions of the garrison, said Ellmore.

During adverse weather, DPW is respon-sible for providing oversight to Melwood, the installation’s base operations contrac-tor, in the removal of snow and ice from roads and walkways on post.

Daniel Spicer, director of DPW, said

Many factors determine garrison closing during adverse weather

file photo

that Melwood works around the clock dur-ing snowfall and icy conditions to provide a continuously safe means for emergency vehicles to respond at all times.

The installation’s primary roads and emergency access areas are cleared first, followed by secondary roads, parking areas, walkways and building entrances, which are to be cleared within six hours after the end of precipitation.

Federal employees have the option for unscheduled leave or unscheduled telework pending the permission of their supervisor

during adverse weather.On the Fort Meade website, a document

details the garrison’s adverse weather sta-tus. The document explains definitions for early release, delayed arrival and delayed opening. For more information, go to the Fort Meade website.

DPTMS provides a recorded message on the Fort Meade Adverse Weather Sys-tem at 301-677-6323.

The Fort Meade community can also receive text alerts with regard to adverse weather. Text “follow ftmeade” to 40404.

By Shari RosenStaff Writer

Fort Meade’s Veterinary Treatment Facility offers veterinary and preventa-tive care to military families and their pets at a reduced cost.

However, if community members choose not to take advantage of the facility, it will begin to cut its services.

“We will be forced to cut back on the services we provide and we will be less able to meet our growing community’s needs in the future,” said Capt. Emily Corbin, chief of Fort Meade Branch Veterinary Services. “We will have less appointments available.”

The facility’s services, which are avail-able to active-duty, Reservist and retired service members, range from minor sick examinations to vaccinations.

The treatment facility is also respon-sible for providing health certificates

for the pets of service members with permanent change-of-station overseas. According to the Army website, these certificates must be completed by a vet-erinarian and are generally valid for no more than 10 days from the date they are issued.

“We are absolutely irreplaceable for writing health certificates for pets of our permanent change-of-station fami-lies because we are official government veterinarians,” Corbin said. “Without us, service members with permanent changes-of-station overseas would have to travel to Richmond, Va., for their health certificate to be endorsed by the U.S.D.A. [Department of Agriculture] veterinarian.”

The facility, which opened in its cur-rent location at 2018 Annapolis Road in 1995 and was last renovated in 2012, supports Fort Meade’s military work-

ing dogs by offering full-spectrum vet-erinary care. It conducts special events such as extra slots for canine dental cleanings in February in observance of National Pet Dental Health Month.

“Think of us ahead of time when you are PCSing and need a health certificate for your pet,” Corbin said. “The winter season is our slow season and you will be able to get an appointment right away.”

Editor’s note: For more information on the Fort Meade Veterinary Treatment Facility, call 301-677-1300. The facility is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Veterinary facility to cut back services if unused

Capt. Emily Corbin, chief of Fort Meade Branch Veterinary Services, uses a

stethoscope to listen to Capone’s heart at the Veterinary Treatment Facility.

submitted photo

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! January 8, 2015

News

PHOTO BY MARINE CAPT. ANDREW T. HOWARD

marines move into cpacJoseph Brown, site supervisor for QSS International, is presented a certificate of appreciation from the Marines of the Fort Meade Con-solidated Personnel Administration Center. The Marines moved into the CPAC on Dec. 8. This new facility will serve personnel administrative needs for all Marines at Fort Meade including the Defense Information Systems Agency, Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command, Defense Information School, Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion, and U.S. Cyber Command.

Copies of the 2015 Fort Meade Welcome Guide are available now. Please call 301-677-5602 or email philip.h.jones.civ@mail.mil to request guides for your organization.

By DoD NewsMost Soldiers received a one-percent

increase in basic pay in January, along with a 2.9-percent increase in their basic allowance for subsistence.

The new rates for basic pay, basic allowance for housing, basic allowance for subsistence, and the cost of living allowance rates for the contiguous Unit-ed States were announced last month by the Department of Defense, and took effect on New Year’s Day.

Basic pay for service members will increase 1 percent, except for general and flag officers who will not see an increase in 2015. For example, a spe-cialist or corporal with three years of service will see an increase in basic pay of $22.20 per month, while an Army captain with six years of service will receive a basic pay increase of $54.30 per month in 2015.

Basic allowance for housing (or BAH) rates for service members in 2015 will increase on average $17 per month, or

half a percent. Rates are calculated using median current market rent and average utilities (including electricity, heat and water/sewer) for each pay grade, both with and without dependents.

Two changes were made to BAH rate computations for 2015. Renter’s insur-ance, which contributed an average of 1 percent to rates, was eliminated, and the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act reduced housing rates, on average, 1 percent for service members.

However, individual rate protection for service members remains an inte-gral part of the BAH program, officials said. This means that even if BAH rates decline — including through the elimination of renter’s insurance and the reduction in the calculated rate — a service member who maintains uninter-rupted BAH eligibility in a given loca-tion will not see a rate decrease.

This ensures that service members who have made long-term commitments

in the form of a lease or contract are not penalized if local housing costs decrease.

Service members can calculate their BAH payment by using the basic allow-ance for housing calculator at http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/bah-Calc.cfm.

The 2015 basic allowance for subsis-tence rates for military members will increase by 2.9 percent over last year. The new rates are:

• $367.92 per month for enlisted members

• $253.38 per month for officersThe annual adjustments to basic

allowance for subsistence, or BAS — a monthly nontaxable cash payment to military members intended to be used to buy food — are linked to changes in food prices as measured by the annual change in the U.S. Department of Agri-culture Cost of Food at Home Index.

From the beginning of October 2013 through the end of September 2014,

the index rose by 2.9 percent, forming the basis for the increased BAS rates, officials explained.

The Defense Department also released its 2015 contiguous United States cost of living allowance rates, or CONUS COLA. Roughly 12,000 members will see a decrease in their CONUS COLA payments, while some 7,000 members will see an increase or no change, and 4,000 members will no longer receive a CONUS COLA payment.

CONUS COLA is a taxable supple-mental allowance designed to help off-set higher prices in high-cost locations. Rates vary based on location, pay grade, years of service and dependent status. Rates can increase or decrease depend-ing on the prices in a specific duty loca-tion compared to prices in an average CONUS location.

Service members can calculate their CONUS COLA rate at: http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/conusCalc.cfm.

select soldiers see one-percent pay raise in new year

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! January 8, 2015

News

By Army Public AffairsSecretary of the Army John McHugh

and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray-mond Odierno announced that Com-mand Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey will become the 15th sergeant major of the Army on Jan. 30.

“We have the utmost confidence in Command Sergeant Major Dailey and look forward to having him join our leadership team,” McHugh said. “His experience, leadership, devotion to Sol-diers and commitment to our Army make him especially suited to assume this important duty, one that Sergeant Major of the Army Chandler has mas-terfully performed for the last four years.”

Dailey is currently the command ser-geant major for U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command.

Dailey, who hails from Palmerton, Penn., is a combat veteran with four deployments to Operation Iraqi Free-dom and one in support of Operation Desert Storm. He was a command sergeant major for most of those tours, responsible for training, leading, men-toring and developing Soldiers into leaders.

Dailey will succeed Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III, who has served in that position since March 2011.

“Command Sergeant Major Dailey

epitomizes the competence, character and commitment we require of our Soldiers and leaders,” Odierno. “I have every confidence in his ability as a visionary leader to help guide our Army through this time of great complexity and rapid change. He is a trusted Army professional.”

Chandler will remain in his post until Jan. 30. Dailey will then be sworn in during a ceremony at the Pentagon.

As the TRADOC command sergeant major, Dailey played a key role in shap-ing the Army’s plans for leader develop-ment and Soldier 2020.

“I’m passionate about the Army, and I’m passionate about taking care of Soldiers,” Dailey said. “This is truly a humbling opportunity.”

The 15th sergeant major of the Army will serve as the Army chief of staff ’s personal adviser on matters affecting the enlisted force. The exact duties vary depending on the chief of staff, though much of the sergeant major of the Army’s time is spent traveling through-out the Army to observe training and talk to Soldiers and their families.

The sergeant major of the Army rec-ommends quality-of-life improvements to Army leadership and sits on councils that make decisions affecting enlisted Soldiers and their families. The sergeant major of the Army also routinely testi-fies before Congress on these issues.

Dailey will be the public face of the U.S. Army’s NCO Corps, representing the corps to the American people in the media and through business and com-munity engagements.

“I’m confident Command Sergeant Major Dailey will provide good counsel to the secretary and chief as he has a track record of being a steadfast advo-cate for Soldiers and families,” Chandler said. “Throughout my tenure, I have counted on his support and advice, especially in the areas of leader develop-ment and the Army profession.”

Dailey earned a Bachelor of Science degree (summa cum laude) from Excel-sior University.

His awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Bronze Star Medal (third award), Meri-torious Service Medal (third award), Army Commendation Medal (seventh award), Army Achievement Medal (10th award), Good Conduct Medal (seventh award), National Defense Ser-vice Medal (second award), South West Asia Service Medal (one Bronze Ser-vice star), Iraq Campaign Medal (five Bronze Service Stars), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, NCO Profes-sional Development Ribbon (fourth award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (third award), Kuwait

Army leaders select next sergeant major of the Army

By Rebecca SilvasIMCOM Human Resources

With critical installation manage-ment vacancies in deployed locations open now, U.S. Army Installation Management Command employees have additional career development opportunities at their fingertips.

“No one knows installation man-agement better than IMCOM,” said Maj. Gen. Lawarren Patterson, IMCOM deputy commanding general for operations and chief of staff. “It’s the willingness of our employees to provide and manage support to Sol-diers in deployed locations that sets this command apart as an enabler of readiness and premier support orga-nization.”

According to IMCOM leaders, there’s an immediate need to fill about

23 vacancies that include positions in public works, administration, hous-ing, construction, plumbing and oper-ating forklifts.

In the long term, the command plans to develop a pool of applicants ready to serve at any location.

The deployment experience allows civilians to use their capabilities, expe-rience and knowledge to support cru-cial Department of Defense missions abroad. Deployable civilians are need-ed to serve as qualified volunteers to fill critical functions in Afghanistan and other locations across the globe — everything from humanitarian aid and disaster relief to support infra-structure and contract management.

Volunteering to deploy gives civilian employees an extraordinary opportu-nity to broaden skills and expertise

while directly supporting operations of national interest.

As a deployee, you will live and serve on a variety of American bases and compounds with your military and government colleagues. Some of the locations will be quite austere and remote and unlike any community in the United States, contributing to the overall experience.

You will receive training to help you prepare for living in-theater.

In addition to the experience you will gain from your deployment, you may be also eligible for a 35 percent post differential pay, 35 percent haz-ardous duty differential pay, and sig-nificant overtime compensation — in addition to base salary.

The application process begins with filling out an Army Civilian Volunteer

Request for Deployment form, found at http://cpol.army.mil/library/mobil/webforms/index-Army.html.

Submit the completed form and resume to the HQ IMCOM deploy-ment coordinator email address: usarmy.imcom-hq.mbx.g1-civper@mail.mil.

Incomplete forms will not be con-sidered.

Application Instructions:• Section 1: Completed by the

employee• Section 2: Supervisor signature• Section 3: Garrison commander,

region director (region employees), director (HQ employees)

For more information, email usarmy.imcom-hq.mbx.g1-civper@mail.mil or go to http://www.cpms.osd.mil/expeditionary/.

Vacancies open for civilian expeditionary workforce

Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Driv-ers Badge (wheel), Ranger Tab, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Combat Infan-tryman’s Badge and The Order of Saint Maurice (Centurion).

Dailey is a member of the Distin-guished Audie Murphy Club.

Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! January 8, 2015

News

By Tanesha Matthews PettyAttorney Advisor, Legal Assistance Division

Generally, the military views divorce as a private legal matter to be addressed in a civilian court.

The Office of the Staff Judge Advocate cannot grant a divorce, and commanders are expected to minimize their involvement in a service member’s personal domestic affairs so long as it doesn’t impact their duty performance, safety or well-being.

Nonetheless, there are a handful of military-specific rights and responsibilities that apply to service members and/or their spouses when divorcing.

Service members in all branches of the military have a duty to provide immediate financial support to their civilian spouses and children when the spouses stop living together. Failure to pay support could result in administrative and/or United States Code of Military Justice action against the offending service member.

The amount of support the service member is required to pay varies from branch to branch and is impacted by

whether either spouse has obligations (also impacted by rank) to support children from the marriage or prior relationships. Under some limited circumstances, however, the interim support obligation can sometimes be waived by a commander.

In the event that a service member fails to provide adequate support, the civilian family member can contact the service member’s commander to file a non-support complaint.

Additionally, a service member cannot drop his or her spouse from Tricare until a divorce decree is issued. There are times when a civilian spouse is entitled to Tricare benefits even after the divorce has been finalized.

Pursuant to the “20/20/20 Rule,” civil-ian spouses are entitled to Tricare for life (unless they remarry) if the couple has been married for 20 years, the service member has at least 20 years of creditable service toward military retirement, and the civilian spouse was married to the service member during at least 20 years of the service member’s retirement-creditable service.

Also, the “20/20/15 Rule” states that civilian spouses are entitled to one year of transitional Tricare if the couple has been married for 20 years, the service member has at least 20 years of service that is cred-itable in determining eligibility for retired pay, and the civilian spouse was married to the service member during at least 15 years of the service member’s retirement-creditable service.

Children of service members will con-tinue to be eligible for Tricare and other military benefits post-divorce so long as the service member is eligible for those same services.

If a civilian court has awarded the civilian spouse a portion of the service-member’s retirement, the “10/10 Rule” may apply. The 10/10 Rule requires a couple to have been married for at least 10 years and requires the service member to have served at least 10 years of service creditable toward retirement during the marriage.

If both of these conditions are met, Defense Finance and Accounting Services may directly pay a civilian spouse his or her

share of the service member’s retired pay. If the 10-year rule is not met, then the service member must deliver the military pension award directly to the civilian former spouse, which can be done by mailing a check, set-ting up an allotment, automatic payment or some similar method.

One final thing for divorcing military couples to consider is the Survivor Benefit Plan, or SBP. When a retired service mem-ber dies, his or her military pension will no longer be paid.

Fortunately, if a service member is enrolled in the SBP at retirement, his or her listed beneficiary will receive a monthly annuity payment to make up for the lost retired pay until the death of the benefi-ciary.

This is only a brief summary of some of the issues affecting divorces involving one or two service members.

For personalized advice and assistance, call the Fort Meade Legal Assistance Office to schedule an appointment with an attorney at 301-677-9504 or 301-677-9536.

Military-specific divorce considerations for separating couples

By Amy CowellProgram EvaluatorPublic Health Command

Nearly 30 million children and adults in the United States are living with dia-betes, and another 86 million are pre-dia-betic. They have a blood sugar level higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.

These individuals are at risk for devel-oping Type 2 diabetes. That means that nearly one in three Americans have pre-diabetes, yet the vast majority of people with pre-diabetes do not even know they have it.

This is particularly troubling because without lifestyle changes to improve their health, 15 to 30 percent of people with pre-diabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes within five years.

Women who have had diabetes while

pregnant and people of African-Ameri-can, Hispanic/Latino, American-Indian, Asian-American or Pacific-Islander back-ground are at increased risk.

It is important to find out early if you have pre-diabetes, because early treatment can prevent serious problems that diabe-tes can cause such as loss of eyesight or kidney damage.

Several risk factors increase a person’s risk for pre-diabetes. Take the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention test in the box to see if you are at risk.

If your score is 3 to 8 points, your risk is probably low for having pre-diabetes now. Keep your risk low. If you are overweight, lose weight. Be active most days, and don’t use tobacco. Eat low-fat meals with fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods.

If you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, talk to your health care

provider about your risk for Type 2 dia-betes.

If your score is 9 or more points, your risk is high for having pre-diabetes now. It is recommended that you make an appointment with your health care pro-vider soon.

The good news is that those who are pre-diabetic can avoid becoming diabetic and even reverse their pre-diabetic status through lifestyle changes.

Research shows that modest weight loss and regular physical activity can help pre-vent or delay Type 2 diabetes by up to 58 percent in people with pre-diabetes.

Modest weight loss means 5 percent to 7 percent of body weight, which is 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person. Getting at least 150 minutes each week of physi-cal activity, such as brisk walking, also is important for prevention.

Are you at risk for pre-diabetes? Answer these seven questions:• Are you a woman who has had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth? (Yes: 1 point; No: 0 points)• Do you have a sister or brother with diabetes? (Yes: 1 point; No: 0 points)• Do you have a parent with diabetes? (Yes: 1 point; No: 0 points)Are you younger than age 65 and get little or no exercise in a typical day? (Yes: 5 points; No: 0 points)• Are you between age 45 and 64 years? (Yes: 5 points; No: 0 points)• Are you age 65 or older? (Yes: 9 points; No: 0 points)• Do you weigh as much or more than the weight listed for your height? (Yes: 5 points; No: 0 points)

For each “Yes” answer, add the number of points listed. All “No” answers are 0 points.

Better Opportunities for Single Service Members is the voice for the single Soldier, Marine, Seaman and Airman. For more information, contact the Fort Meade Garrison BOSS Representative Cpl. Victoria M. Johnson at 301-677-6868.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil January 8, 2015 SOUNDOFF! �

News

Dec. 18, Driving while impaired by alcohol, driving under influence of alcohol, failure to obey traffic control device: The Directorate of Emergency Services was notified that a vehicle had sped through a security gate without stopping. Gate security personnel initiated a pursuit and stopped the vehicle. Police arrived on the scene and detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from the driver. Standardized field sobriety tests were terminated for the driver’s safety. The driver agreed to provide a sample of his breath, with a result of .27 percent blood alcohol content.

Dec. 20, Negligent driving, driving while impaired by alcohol: The Directorate of Emergency Services was notified that a vehicle had driven through the Reece Road gate without stopping. Later, the vehicle was reported as driving erratically. Police located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Upon contact with the driver, police smelled a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from the vehicle. The driver admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages and refused to perform standardized field sobriety tests to check her ability to drive. The driver refused to submit to a breathalyzer.

Dec. 24, Larceny of private property: Unknown person(s) removed a bag of purchased items from the rear compartment of the victim’s vehicle, which was possibly unsecured, and unattended.

Dec. 26, Shoplifting: According to Exchange secu-rity personnel, the subject took a discount tag from one piece of merchandise and placed it on a T-shirt, then proceeded to the register where she paid the discounted price. The subject was also observed placing two bottles of bath and body works lotion, a set of sterling silver moon earrings and a sterling silver paw ring in her purse and exit the store with-out rendering proper payment.

Dec. 27, Wrongful destruction of private property: An unknown person cut the Christmas light wires in an individual’s front yard.

Jan. 1, Failure to obey properly placed traffic-control device instructions, driving while under the influence, driving while impaired by alcohol: Gate security guards notified the Directorate of Emergency Ser-vices of a vehicle driving through the gate without stopping. Police responded and stopped the vehicle. The driver had trouble retrieving his license. He was asked if he was under the influence of alcohol, to which he replied, “Yes.” The field sobriety tests were terminated for the safety of the driver. The driver provided a breath sample, with a result of .23 percent blood alcohol content.

CommunityCommunityCrime Watch

Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services

For week of Dec. 15-21:• Moving violations: 31• Nonmoving violations: 3• Verbal warnings for traffic stops: 10• Traffic accidents: 9• Driving on suspended license: 3• Driving on suspended registration: 1• Driving without a license: 2

For week of Dec. 22-28:• Moving violations: 17• Nonmoving violations: 1• Verbal warnings for traffic stops: 5• Traffic accidents: 9• Driving on suspended license: 0• Driving on suspended registration: 0• Driving without a license: 1

For week of Dec. 29-Jan. 4:• Moving violations: 12• Nonmoving violations: 1• Verbal warnings for traffic stops: 6• Traffic accidents: 5• Driving on suspended license: 0• Driving on suspended registration: 0• Driving without a license: 0

MECHATRONICSEngineering TechnologyCertificate and Degree Programs

• Electronics, Mechanics and Robotics.• Hands-on training.• Siemens Solidworks certification

preparation.

For details, contactKat Schorr 410-777-7219or kschorr@aacc.edu

ANNE ARUNDEL COMMUNITY COLLEGECenter for Applied Learning and Technology101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012www.aacc.edu/mechatronics

Make a New Year's Resolution that will last a lifetime.

The New Year is a great time to get started on educational goals.Anne Arundel Community College can prepare you for transfer toa four-year university or for immediate employment. Explore yourcareer options with AACC!

AACC’s flexible spring termmakes taking a class moreconvenient than ever. Many classes can be completed onlineand in as little as eight weeks.

Get comprehensive resources and financial benefitsspecifically for our veterans, active duty membersand their dependents.

LEARN ABOUT:

• How to earn college credit for military experience.

• Opportunities for spouses and dependents toreceive up to $4,000 in financial assistance.

• Scholarship programs and interest-freetuition payments.

• Transfer options that allow you to complete afour-year degree.

• Active military and civilians with DODclearance are welcome.

Fort Meade Army Education Center8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Thursday8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Friday

Advising hours:9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesdayor call 410-672-2117

Claudia Velazquez, Coordinator of College Services

START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT!

www.aacc.edu/military

SPRING SESSIONS BEGIN JAN. 21, FEB. 2 ANDMARCH 23

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! January 8, 2015

News

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

Since Nov. 1, about 40 Fort Meade ser-vice members and DoD civilians have been on the road to wellness by participating in the garrison’s Holiday Challenge.

“This is the first annual Holiday Chal-lenge to encourage the Fort Meade com-munity to consider making the decision to improve or maintain their wellness over the holiday season,” said Jamie Valis, director of the Army Wellness Center.

“We know that the holidays can be a difficult time to exercise, get enough sleep, manage stress or eat some healthy food options. The Army Wellness Center is here to support goal setting to allow us to enjoy the holiday season with wellness in mind.”

The challenge, which ends Jan. 30, was open to active-duty service members, retir-ees and DoD civilian employees.

Participants were required to schedule an appointment with AWC to meet with a health educator and set a wellness goal to focus on during the holidays.

Depending on their wellness goal, partic-ipants could undergo a body composition, fitness or metabolic assessment to establish their present condition. The health educa-tors then helped participants put together a wellness program to meet their goal.

A month after their first appointment, participants were encouraged to meet with their health educator to discuss their prog-ress toward their individual goals.

“People are enjoying it,” Valis said of the challenge. “The holidays are such a challenging time for most people to set and keep a goal.”

In addition, participants were entered into a raffle after their first and second visits to AWC. Two winners will be selected randomly from the raffle at the end of the challenge. The winners will receive promo-tional coffee mugs and umbrellas.

Editor’s note: To schedule an appoint-ment at the Army Wellness Center, call 301-677-2006, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Holiday Challenge still going strong

file photo

dump your plump“Dump Your Plump,” a post-holiday, weight-loss competition, begins Monday and ends March 4. Competitors can participate in teams of four, or as individuals. Each week, competitors are required to weigh in once, Mon-day through Wednesday. Winners will be determined by the highest percentage of weight loss.Prizes will be awarded throughout the competition and for overall team and individual winners. The competition is free for anyone eligible to use the Gaffney Fitness Center, which includes DoD cardholders: active-duty service members, dependents, Reservists, retirees, DoD civilian employees, and contractors. For more information, call Katie Harrington at 301-677-7344.

party on!A group of young par-tygoers enjoy a round

of soft drinks and pizza during the New

Year’s Eve Cosmic Bowling Celebration held Dec. 31 at The

Lanes. The event was designed to provide

community members with a family-friendly option for New Year’s fun. Revelers enjoyed pizza, popcorn, soda,

party favors and games. The Lanes

also hosted an adult New Year’s party later

that evening.

photo by dijon rolle

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil January 8, 2015 SOUNDOFF! 11

News

The new pharmacy at the Post Exchange is scheduled to open Monday near the GameStop video game store.

The new Post Exchange Pharmacy is a full-service pharmacy capable of filling prescriptions written by providers from Military Treatment Facilities (including Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center) and off-post providers.

The facility will be the sole location for pick up of refill prescriptions on Fort Meade. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The phar-macy will be closed weekends and federal holidays.

PX Pharmacy to open Monday

Mike Quillen, a pharmacy tech for Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center’s pharmacy, places labels on shelved medications in the new Post Exchange Pharmacy. The pharmacy is scheduled to officially open Monday.

Photo by Navy Mass CoMMuNiCatioN sPC. 2Nd Class ZaCh allaN

With the opening of the new PX Phar-macy, the refill pharmacy at Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center will no longer be operational.

All refill prescriptions that have not been picked up by close of business on Friday will need to be picked up at the new PX Pharmacy.

The Kimbrough Main Pharmacy will continue to provide the same prescription-filling services it currently provides, but there will be no refill function available on the Kimbrough campus.

All refill prescriptions will be processed and dispensed at the new PX Pharmacy.

The process for calling in refill prescrip-tions will remain the same. All refills are required to be called in through the auto-mated pharmacy refill line.

The phone number for the automated pharmacy refill line remains the same: 1-800-377-1723.

Follow the appropriate prompts to ensure refills are filled and ready for pickup. Allow 72 hours for refills to be processed.

ate of Emergency Services and will remain in contact with the police desk.

Restrictions may be in place on certain roadways and fields.

The hours of the deer cull will be Mon-day through Thursday, after dark and after rush hour until 1 a.m.

Wildlife Services has a deer cull record of zero accidents and a 100 percent drop rate.

The deer will be removed with a shot to the head and neck. All deer will be deliv-ered to a deer processor and prepared for donation as meat to the Maryland Food Bank.

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

An overabundance of white-tailed deer on Fort Meade has led the garrison to initiate a deer culling project to reduce the animals’ numbers on post.

The project is scheduled to begin Jan. 26 and will run through March.

The goal for this year is to remove up to 200 deer, including antlered and unantlered deer, with the objective of reaching a popu-lation of less than 20 deer per square mile. According to deer surveys, the deer popula-tion on post is estimated to be 152 deer per square mile.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Ser-vice, Wildlife Services is authorized to conduct deer management in Maryland through a permit issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Wildlife Services will conduct the deer cull using suppressed-sound firearms.

Deer culling is considered a humane solution to the overpopulation of deer, which can cause their natural habitat to

degrade and, in the long run, cause the deer to become malnourished, unhealthy and susceptible to disease, according to a Mary-land Department of Natural Resources website.

A major consequence of the deer over-population on post has been deer-related vehicle collisions, which have increased from six incidents in 2005 to 16 incidents in 2012. The collisions have occurred despite relatively low speed limits on post, accord-ing to the project memorandum.

Fort Meade’s Environmental Division has noted that deer damage is apparent in the garrison’s landscaping and forest. The amount of habitat on post that is available to wildlife, specifically deer, is decreasing as the installation develops new facilities.

The shooting zones for the deer cull-ing will be directed away from buildings, structures, vehicles, equipment and bodies of water and will be defined as areas where there are more than one deer.

Two marksmen will target the deer using strict safety guidelines. The teams will include a representative from the Director-

Garrison set to cull deer population

file Photo

The Fort Meade garrison will start a deer cull project from Jan. 26 until the end of March. The project’s aim is to reduce the overpopulation of white-tailed deer on the installation in order to preserve the health of the herd, improve the post’s natural habitat and prevent deer-related vehicle collisions.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil12 SOUNDOFF! January 8, 2015

SportS

Longtime ESPN “SportsCenter” person-ality and icon Stuart Scott died Sunday at the age of 49. Boy, cancer sucks.

When Stuart first came on “SportsCen-ter” 20 years ago, I was a huge fan. His catchphrases, like “Cool as the other side of the pillow” or “He must be butter because he’s on a roll,” were funny and in step with my love of hip-hop.

Stuart was the first person on TV — out-side Cypress Hill — to use the word booyah properly. bit.ly/1xBJAz

I couldn’t get enough of Scott’s style; nobody could. But then folks not nearly as talented as Stuart started trying to be Stu-art, and the things he was saying started to become cliché and lame, like Gangnam Style, after you heard it for the zillionth time.

Additionally, in my opinion Stuart was trying a little too hard to be Stuart as well, and soon his words and phrases and wax-ing poetic about sports became one of the reasons I started to despise “SportsCenter,” a show I grew up on.

Then Sunday’s news came. And as the tributes to Stuart rolled in, it became clear that Scott’s phrases and style might have become cliché, but the man was anything but. I realized me despising Stuart because of how others bit on his style would be akin to disliking Eminem because of Mackl-emore, or Quentin Tarentino because of the dude who directed “Lucky Number Slevin,” or anyone else who failed to copy the master.

Before Stuart, sports coverage was done mostly by white dudes for the stereotypical white dude. It was a mix of Joe Friday’s “just the facts” and corny jokes slightly better than what you’d get from a weatherman.

Stuart, to bite on one of his phrases, showed us how cool the other side of the cultural pillow could be when it came to

sports and how it was described, watched and dis-cussed.

For white kids in the suburbs, Scott’s appearance on “SportsCenter” was our first glimpse into a part of black culture. (That, and of course, “Yo! MTV Raps.” bit.ly/1tJjfdK ) Our parents hated it, so we loved it. Not to mention, Scott improved the trash talk on our local basketball courts and playgrounds.

However, unlike “Yo! MTV Raps,” which was immersed and originated in hip-hop culture, Stu did his work in a suit and tie. He was a news anchor who had the audacity to break the mold and do things his way, while oftentimes being held to higher standards and dealing with the nastiness that accom-panied several minorities who broke into the “white man’s world.”

There is another aspect to Scott’s death that shook me. My generation has lost sever-al of its icons, but most of them fell to some kind of tragic tabloid death like a shooting or ski accident. Scott died of cancer. For years, that’s what older people died of. So when I heard about Stuart’s passing, I couldn’t help but take a look at my own mortality.

Thanks to ESPN’s outstanding job of honoring Stuart by carrying on his legacy, I didn’t dwell on my death too long. But in the tributes to Stuart, I heard one last catch-phrase from the man that put me at ease:

“When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.”

If you have comments on this or anything to do with sports, contact me at chad.t.jones.civ@mail.mil or by hitting me up on Twitter @CTJibber.

The other side of the pillow

Chad T. Jones, Public Affairs

Officer

Jibber Jabber - OpiniOn Sports Shorts2015 Run Series Schedule

The Fort Meade Run Series will resume in April.There will be a total of seven 5K runs and 1-mile walks throughout the

year with a variety of themes:

• Earth Day 5K and 1-Mile Walk: April 18, 8 a.m., Burba Lake Park

• Patriot Pride 5K/10K: May 16, 8 a.m., Murphy Field House

• Army Birthday Summer Sizzler 5K: June 13, 8 a.m., The Pavilion

• Football Fanfare 5K: Sept. 19, 8 a.m., Constitution Park• Ghost, Ghouls & Ghoblins 5K: Oct. 24, 8 a.m., The Pavilion• Turkey Trot 5K: Nov. 21, 8 a.m., Murphy Field House• Reindeer Run 5K: Dec. 19, 8 a.m., Murphy Field House

Dump Your PlumpThe 7th Annual Dump Your Plump weight-loss challenge begins Monday

and runs until March 4 at Gaffney Fitness Center.Registration is being held through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.The competition is free and open to all Fort Meade/National Security

Agency service members and their families, DoD civilians and Fort Meade contractors.

Registration forms to compete as an individual or in a team of four are due Friday and can be found online at ftmeademwr.com.

Participants must weigh in once each week Monday through Wednesday at Gaffney Fitness Center.

Weigh-ins will be conducted in private.Winners will be determined by overall total percentage of weight loss

determined at the final weigh-in.Prizes will be awarded to the first- and second-place teams, and the first-

and second-place male and female individual competitors.For more information, call Gaffney Fitness Center at 301-677-7344.

Youth spring sportsRegistration for spring sports is underway.Spring sports include baseball, softball, tennis, lacrosse, basketball, track,

NFL flag football and soccer.To register online, go to ftmeademwr.com.For more information, call 301-677-1179.

Dollar DaysDollar Days at the Lanes are offered every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11

p.m.Bowlers receive a game of bowling, shoe rental, a hot dog, hamburger,

small fries, pizza slice or small soda for $1 each.For more information, call 301-677-5541.

For more Fort Meade sports, visit quickscores.com/ftmeadesports.

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

www.quickscores.com/ftmeadesports

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil January 8, 2015 SOUNDOFF! 13

Community news & notes

The deadline for Soundoff! community “News and Notes” is Friday at noon. All submissions are posted at the editor’s discretion 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 ftmeademedia@gmail.com or call Editor Dijon Rolle at 301-677-6806.

Pepper Road gate openThe Pepper Road gate is now open for

pedestrians and cyclists Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pepper Road is located toward the southeast corner of Fort Meade near Range Control and Route 32.

Cars and other motorized vehicles are not authorized through the gate.

Kimbrough holiday closures

Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center will be closed Jan. 16 for a training holiday and Jan. 19 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

To reach Nurse Advice or Urgent Care during closures, call 301-677-8800.

Job search workshopA free workshop, “10 Steps to

a Federal Job,” will be offered Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McGill Training Center.

Learn to understand job vacancy announcements, write a federal and electronic resume, and track applications.

Transitioning service members must register through Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program at 301-677-9871.

All others may register online at fortmeadeacs.checkappointments.com or call 301-677-5590.

Car buying classArmy Community Service is offering

a class on buying a car on Jan. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon at 830 Chisholm Ave.

NEWS & EVENTS

Public NoticeFort Meade will conduct a Restoration Advisory Board meeting on Jan. 15

at 7 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriott, 2700 Hercules Road, Annapolis Junction.RAB meetings are held to keep the public informed and involved in Fort

Meade’s environmental cleanup and restoration program and to provide opportunities for public involvement.

Major topics for this meeting include updates on several areas of interest, BRAC Range 17 and the Nevada Avenue area.

Members of the public and the media are invited to attend. In order to foster communication and open discussion, video recording devices are prohibited from the meeting room.

Those interested in learning more about the restoration program or becoming a RAB member are encouraged to attend the meeting.

For more information, call 301-677-7999 or go to http://www.ftmeade.army.mil/environment/ (Click on RAB link).

file photo

Martin luther king jr. day observanceThe 780th Military Intelligence Brigade and the garrison command are hosting Fort Meade’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McGill Training Center, 8542 Zimborski Ave.The annual event will feature stories of the civil rights struggle as told by Bill Grimmette, a history interpreter, actor, storyteller, motivational speaker and author.Col. William J. Hartman, commanding officer of the 780th MI, will give opening remarks.Admission is free and open to the public.All Fort Meade service members and civilian employees are encouraged to attend with supervisory approval and without charge to annual leave. Administrative leave is authorized.For more information, call Sgt. 1st Class Andrea Williams, Equal Opportunity advisor for the 789th MI, at 301-677-4474 or Sgt. 1st Class Torey Palmore, Fort Meade’s Equal Opportunity advisor, at 301-677-6687.

Learn tips to help you get through this complex process and make a wise purchase.

To register or for more information, call 301-677-5590.

Resume writing workshopThe Navy Fleet and Family Support

Center is offering a resume writing workshop on Jan. 20 from 9 a.m to noon at its facility at 2212 Chisholm Ave.

This workshop will provide tips on resume styles, the importance of cover letters and tips on follow-up.

To register or for more information, call 301-677-9014.

EDUCATION

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil14 SOUNDOFF! January 8, 2015

Community news & notes

StorytimeThe Children’s Library offers pre-

kindergarten Storytime on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at Kuhn Hall, 4415 Llewellyn Ave.

• Today: “Welcoming in the New Year” - stories about babies

• Jan. 15: “Snow Happy!” - songs and finger plays about winter

For more information, call 301-677-5677.

Open houseYouths in grades five to eight and

their parents are invited to a free open house at the Youth Center on Friday from 5:30-7 p.m.

Club leaders and members will present a slideshow highlighting the various activities the Youth Center has to offer.

For more information, call 301-677-1437.

Cuisine from around the world

Youths in grades six to eight may sample a variety of spicy foods from India, Asia and Latin America on Jan. 18 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Youth Center.

This event is free.For more information or to register,

call 301-677-1437.

Weekly playgroupChildren ages 4 and under are invited

to a weekly playgroup held every Friday from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Soldier and Family Assistance Center, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave.

The playgroup features a variety of engaging activities to build strong parent-child relationships.

Space is limited. Registration is required for each session.

For more information, call 301-677-5590.

Out & About• BOSS is offering a ski trip for single

service members Jan. 16-19 at Smugglers Notch in Vermont.

Cost is $175 and includes transportation, lodging, lift tickets,

equipment rental, T-shirt and a hooded sweatshirt. Payment plans are available.

For more information, email your BOSS rep or Sgt. McKenzie at mamcke5@cybercom.mil.

• BOSS is offering a sightseeing day trip to Washington, D.C., for single service members on Jan. 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $10 and includes transportation

For more information, email your BOSS rep or victoria.m.johnson.mil@mail.mil.

• Leisure Travel Services is offering its next monthly bus trip to New York City on Saturday, with discounts to attractions. Bus cost is $60. For more information, call 301-677-7354 or visit ftmeademwr.com.

• The Maryland Horse World Expo will be held Jan. 16 from noon to 8 p.m.; Jan. 17 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Jan. 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Maryland State Fairgounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium.

General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Cash only at door. No pets allowed.

The event will feature seminars and clinics, mounted demonstrations, a musical equine variety show, a Young Rider Learning Center, pony rides, a children’s activity area, and venders selling horse products and services.

For more information, call 301-916-0852 or go to http://www.horseworldexpo.com.

• The 19th Annual Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Maryland will be held Jan. 24 at Sandy Point State Park, 1100 E. College Parkway, Annapolis.

Registration is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Minimum of $75 in donations required. For more information, go to plungemd.com.

• The 14th Annual World of Pets Expo & Educational Experience will be held Jan. 23 from 2-8 p.m.; Jan. 24 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium.

General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12.

The event will feature pet products and services, interactive pet exhibits, free seminars by national experts on pet care and training, a petting zoo, Parade of Breeds, American Kennel Club Dog Agility Trials, American Association of Cat Fanciers Cat Show, workshops, reptiles and fish.

For more information, call 800-882-9894 or go to http://www.worldofpets.org/MDmain.shtml.

• Fort Meade E9 Association meets the second Friday of every month at 7 a.m. in the Pin Deck Cafe at the Lanes. The next meeting is Friday.

The association is open to active, retired, Reserve and National Guard E9s of any uniformed service. All E9s in this area are invited to attend a breakfast and meet the membership. For more information, go to e9association.org.

• Meade Branch 212 of the Fleet Reserve Association meets the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at VFW Post 160, 2597 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie. The next meeting is Saturday. Active-duty, Reserve and retired members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are invited.

For more information, call 443-604-2474 or 410-768-6288.

• New Spouse Connection meets the second Monday of every month from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next meeting is Monday. The program provides an opportunity for all spouses new to the military or to Fort Meade to meet and get connected. For more information, contact Pia Morales at pia.s.morales.civ@mail.mil or 301-677-4110.

• Marriage Enrichment Group, sponsored by Army Community Service, meets the second and fourth Monday of every month from 3-4 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next meeting is Monday. For more information, call Celena Flowers or Jessica Hobgood at 301-677-5590.

• Calling All Dads meets the second and fourth Monday of every month from 4-5 p.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center, 4998 2nd Corps Blvd. The next meeting is Monday.

The group is for expecting fathers, and fathers with children of all ages. Children welcome. For more information, call 301-677-5590 or email colaina.townsend.ctr@mail.mil.

• AARP Chapter 606 will meet Monday at noon in the Glen Burnie Improvement Association Hall.

The board will meet at 10:30 a.m. The business meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. with desserts and drinks.

The speaker is Deborah Van Orden, a registered nurse at Baltimore Washington Medical Center, who will give a presentation on strokes. Chapter dues are due January through March at sign-in at $4 per person or $6 per couple. Bring food for the North County Emergency

Outreach Network information, box tops for schools, loose change for charities, and used toner cartridges to be reconditioned.

For more information, call Judy Litke, at 410-760-6253.

• NARFE Chapter 1519 will meet Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Holy Trinity Church Hall, 3436 Baltimore-Annapolis Road, Glen Burnie.

Deborah Van Orden, a registered nurse at Baltimore Washington Medical Center, will speak about sleep deprivation and studies. Betsy Koerner, a registered nurse, will discuss the Stroke Club at BWMC.

Those interested in joining this chapter or finding out more information concerning the National Active and Retired Federal Employee Association, should attend this meeting. Personnel are needed to become active members of the chapter and attend meetings.

For more information, call Diane Shreves, publicity chairman, at 410-760-3750.

• Fort Meade TOP III Association meets the second Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m. at the Courses. The next meeting is Wednesday. The association is open to all Air Force active-duty and retired senior noncommissioned officers. For more information, call Master Sgt. Jonathan Jacob at 443-479-0616 or email jajacob@nsa.gov.

• Prostate Cancer Support Group meets at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda on the third Thursday of every month. The next meeting is Jan. 15 from 1-2 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the America Building, River Conference Room (next to the Prostate Center), third floor.

Spouses/partners are invited. Military ID is required for base access. Men without a military ID should call the Prostate Center at 301-319-2900 at least two days prior to the event for base access.

For more information, call retired Col. Jane Hudak at 301-319-2918 or email jane.l.hudak.ctr@health.mil.

• Meade Area Garden Club’s next monthly meeting is Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. at the Jessup Community Hall on the corner of Route 175 and Wigley Avenue.

Samuel Droege, wildlife biologist at the Patuxent Wildlife Center in Beltsville, will present the program “Native Bees in Our Gardens and Yards.”

This meeting also will be a surprise 100th birthday celebration for one of its members, Marion Jordan, who also is a member of the Fort Meade Retired Officers’ Wives’ Club. Jordan’s 100th

YOUTH

RECREATION

MEETINGS

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil January 8, 2015 SOUNDOFF! 15

movies

birthday is Jan. 15.The program is open to everyone.

Refreshments will be served. No reservations are necessary.

If you attend one meeting as a guest or drop-in, and want to continue to come to the programs, you must join the garden club for the annual membership fee of $20.

For more information, call Jenny Garcia, membership chairman, at 443-949-8348, or Sharon Durney, club president, at 410-761-5019.

• Swinging Squares Square Dance Club dances the first and third Saturday of the month from 7:30-10 p.m. through May at Meade Middle School. The next dance is Jan. 17. Admission is $6. Square dance attire is optional.

Dance classes are offered Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m. at Meade Middle School. Each class costs $6.

For more information, call Darlene at 410-519-2536 or Carl at 410-271-8776.

• Families Dealing with Deployment meets the first and third Monday of every month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Meuse Forest Neighborhood Center. Children welcome. The next meeting is Jan. 19. For more information, call 301-677-5590 or email colaina.townsend.ctr@mail.mil.

• Retired Enlisted Association meets the third Tuesday of the month from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Perry’s Restaurant, 1210 Annapolis Road, Odenton. The next meeting is Jan. 20. For more information, visit trea.org or call Elliott Phillips, the local president, at 443-790-3805 or Arthur R. Cooper, past national president, at 443-336-1230.

• Military District of Washington Ser-geant Audie Murphy Club meets the third Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Dining Facility in Virginia. The next meeting is Jan. 21. All members and those interested in joining the club are welcome. For more information, contact Master Sgt. Erica Lehmkuhl at erica.lehmkuhl@us.army.mil or 301-833-8415.

• Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 254 meets the third Wednesday of every month from 3-4 p.m. in the auditorium of the Airman Leadership School, 8470 Zimborski Ave. The next meeting is Jan. 21. For more information, call 831-521-9251 or go to AFSA254.org.

• Society of Military Widows meets for brunch the fourth Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Lanes. The next meeting is Jan. 25. For more information, call Betty Jones at 410-992-1123.

• Women’s Empowerment Group meets Wednesdays from 2-3:30 p.m. to provide

a safe, confidential arena for the support, education and empowerment of women who have experienced past or present family violence.

Location is only disclosed to participants. To register, call Samantha Herring, victim advocate, at 301-677-4124 or Katherine Lamourt, victim advocate, at 301-677-4117.

• Moms Walking Group, sponsored by Parent Support, meets Thursdays from 8:30-9:15 a.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center. To register, call Colaina Townsend or Michelle Pineda at 301-677-5590.

• Project Healing Waters meets Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at the Soldiers and Family Assistance Center, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave.

The project is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of wounded warriors and veterans through fly fishing, fly tying and outings.

For more information, call Larry Vawter, program leader, at 443-535-5074 or email thecarptman@msn.com.

• Dancing with the Heroes, free ballroom dance lessons for the Warrior Transition Unit, meets Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center in the seminar room.

Participants should wear loose clothing, comfortable shoes with leather soles. No super high heels or flip-flops.

• Spanish Christian Service is conducted Sundays at 1 p.m. at the Cavalry Chapel located at 8465 Simonds St. and 6th Armored Cavalry Road.

For more information, call Elias Mendez at 301-677-7314 or 407-350-8749.

• Couples Communication Group, sponsored by Army Community Services, meets every Monday from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.

For more information, call Celena Flowers or Katherine Lamourt at 301-677-5590.

• 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 Christopher Lassiter at pack377_cm@yahoo.com or Committee Chairperson Marco Cilibert at pack377_cc@yahoo.com.

• Boy Scout Troop 379 meets Mondays at 7 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center on Rockenbach Road. The troop is actively recruiting boys ages 11 to 18. For more information, email Lisa Yetman, at lisayetman@verizon.net or Wendall Lawrence, Scoutmaster, at

lawrencewendall@juno.com.• Catholic Women of the Chapel

meets every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. for prayer and Bible study in the Main Post Chapel, 4419 Llewellyn Ave. Monthly programs are held Mondays at 6:30 p.m. The group is open to all women in the community ages 18 and older — active duty, retiree and civilian — for prayer, faith fellowship, and service. For more information, email Mariana Yinh at themariana@yahoo.com.

• American Legion Post 276 is open to veterans and active-duty service members at 8068 Quarterfield Rd. in Severn. Breakfast may be purchased beginning at 9 a.m. Lunches may be purchased from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Happy Hour is 4-6 p.m. Dinner may be purchased at 6 p.m. on Fridays and the fourth Sunday of every month.

Membership discounts are offered for active-duty military. For more information, call 410-969-8028 or visit americanlegionpost276.org.

• Odenton Masonic Center, located at 1206 Stehlik Drive, invites the community, local military, fire/emergency services and local businesses to enjoy its breakfast and specialty dinners.

The center offers a fundraising “all-you-can-eat” breakfast every second Sunday from 7-11 a.m. Fundraising specialty dinners are held the third Friday of the month from 5-7 p.m.

Menus vary and are listed on the center’s website at odentonlodge209.net.

• 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 Feb. 5.There is no cost for the buffet;

donations are optional. All Fort Meade employees, family members, and civilian and military personnel are invited.

For more information, call 301-677-6703.

• 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, in the banquet hall in back of the building. The next meeting is Feb. 5. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. For more information, call 410-674-4000.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness of Anne Arundel County offers a free sup-port 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 Feb. 5. For more information, visit namiaac.org.

Community news & notes

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 Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

PRICES: Tickets are $5.50 for adults (12 and older) and $3 for children. 3D Movies: $7.50 adults, $5 children.

Today through Jan. 25

Friday & Sunday: “The Hunger Games: Mock-ingjay Part 1” (PG-13). When Katniss destroys the games, she goes to District 13 after District 12 is destroyed. She meets President Coin who convinces her to be the symbol of rebellion, while trying to save Peeta from the Capitol. With Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth.

Saturday & Jan. 17: “Penguins of Madagascar” (PG). Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private join forces with undercover organization The North Wind to stop the villainous Dr. Octavius Brine from destroying the world as we know it. With the voices of Tom McGrath, Chris Miller, Chris-topher Knights.

Jan. 16 & 18: “The Pyramid” (R). An archaeo-logical team attempts to unlock the secrets of a lost pyramid only to find themselves hunted by an insidious creature. With Ashley Hinshaw, James Buckley, Denis O’Hare.

Jan. 23 & 25: “Wild” (R). A chronicle of one woman’s 1,100-mile solo hike undertaken as a way to recover from a recent catastrophe. With Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Gaby Hoff-mann.

Jan. 24: “Top Five” (R). A comedian tries to make it as a serious actor when his reality-TV star fian-cée talks him into broadcasting their wedding on her TV show. With Chris Rock, Rosario Dawson, Gabrielle Union.