soundoff july 3, 2013

Top copFort Meade bids fond farewell to chief of police

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UpcoMING EVENTSJUly 11, 7 a.M.: Monthly Prayer Breakfast - The Conference CenterJUly 11, 7 p.M.: The Volunteers “A Night of Country” Concert - Constitution ParkJUly 18, 7 p.M.: The U.S. Army Blues Summer Concert - Constitution ParkJUly 18, 7-10 p.M.: Karaoke Night - The LanesJUly 25, 7 p.M.: U.S. Navy Next Wave Jazz Ensemble Concert - Constitution Park

coNSTrUcTIoNExchange, Express projects in early stages for on-time completion

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Soundoff!́vol. 65 no. 26 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community July 3, 2013

Red, White, Blue,

and YOu

The Budweiser-Fort Meade Red, White and Blue Celebration is today from 4 to 10 p.m. at McGlachlin Parade Field. The free public event will feature fireworks, a Budweiser Clydesdales procession, a barbecue cook-off, children’s inflatables, two nASCAR simulators, food vendors, and corn hole games. Country music artists Jerrod niemann, Chelsea Bain and Brett Eldredge will perform. The U.S. Army Field Band’s Jazz Ambassadors will perform at 7 p.m. at Constitution Park.

TODAY, 4-10 p.m., McGlachlin Parade Field Rain or Shine

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! July 3, 2013

Commander’s Column

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

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

Community................. 14 Classified.............................16

Editorial StaffGarrison Commander Col. Edward C. rothsteinGarrison Command Sgt. Maj. thomas J. latterPublic affairs officerChad t. Jones [email protected], Command informationPhilip H. Jones [email protected] Editor & Senior Writer rona S. Hirsch Staff Writer lisa r. rhodesStaff Writer Brandon Bieltzdesign Coordinator timothy davis Supplemental photography provided by the Baltimore Sun Media Group

advErtiSinGGeneral inquiries 410-332-6300

allison thompson 410-332-6850 [email protected]

Michele Griesbauer 410-332-6381 [email protected]

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

Printed by offset method of reproduction as a civilian enterprise in the interest of the personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by The Baltimore Sun Media Group, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday except the last Thursday of the year in conjunction with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office. Requests for publication must reach the Public Affairs Office no later than Friday before the desired publication date. Mailing address: Post Public Affairs Office, Soundoff! IMME-MEA-PA, Bldg. 4409, Fort Meade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-5602; DSN: 622-5602.

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

Printed by 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

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

Soundoff!́Guaranteed circulation:

11,285

It’s hard to believe that tomorrow the coun-try will be celebrating Independence Day. It was not that long ago when we were dealing with decisions regarding delayed openings at the installation due to ice and snow.

As the seasons have changed from winter to spring and now summer, we continue to have issues related to the weather.

Lately we have been dealing with summer thunderstorms and tornado warnings. We have had a lot of great weather in between the storms, but the weather over the past month has made it difficult to host some of our favor-ite summer events.

Case in point: the U.S. Army Field Band has only been able to perform one of four scheduled concerts this summer.

I’ve got to believe the tide (excuse the weather pun) is turning our way for the bet-ter. At the very least, let’s all hope that the weather will cooperate with our plans today and Thursday.

As most of you know, later this afternoon we will kick off the Budweiser-Fort Meade Red, White and Blue celebration at McGlach-lin Parade Field.

The event, which starts at 4 p.m., will feature a procession by the Budweiser Clydesdales, a barbecue cook-off contest, children’s inflata-bles, two NASCAR simulators, games, and of course, food.

And like past Fourth of July events, the celebration also will feature fireworks. There will be three country music performances by Chelsea Bain, Brett Eldredge and Jerrod Niemann.

Bain is an up-and-coming country per-former from Arizona. She’s been described as a combination of country, pop and Southern rock. If you enjoy hearing someone sing who puts her heart and soul in song, then I’m sure you’ll find her to be a real crowd-pleaser.

Eldredge, like Bain, is a country newcomer with more talent than fame. He released his first single in 2010 to good reviews, but it has been his third single, “Don’t Ya,” that has a lot of people talking about his sure-to-come fame as a country singer.

Jerrod Niemann is also a fairly new country singer. After watching and listening to him perform, I’m sure many of you will leave the parade field believing he will be on the music scene for a long time. He’s a Kansas native who released his first album in 2010. What separates him from other country singers is that he has already penned songs for Garth Brooks, Chris LeDoux and Zona Jones.

And while these three bands are sure to give us a great show, our own U.S. Army Field

Band knows a thing or two about crowd-pleasing music.

At 7 p.m., the Field Band’s Jazz Ambassa-dors will per-form at Consti-tution Park.

I’ve never been to a Field Band concert I didn’t enjoy and I can tell you now, ahead of tonight’s performance, they are “good to go!” The walk across the parade field will be worth your time. It will definitely be a night of music we will all enjoy.

We are so fortunate to have a community partner and sponsor like Anheuser-Busch. Other sponsors include BGE for fireworks and NSA Civlian Welfare Fund. Otherwise, Fort Meade would be joining a host of other military bases across the United States that will not be hosting a traditional Fourth of July celebration and fireworks display.

The continuing military budget cutbacks related to the sequester has forced installations at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp LeJeune, Forts Bragg, Joint Base McGuire, Dix and Lakehurst, and Shaw U.S. Air Force Base as well as other installations to forego this year’s celebration of our nation’s Indepen-dence Day.

And while Fort Meade is having its Indepen-dence Day celebration one day early, I promise it will be an event we will all remember for a long time.

Don’t forget that while you’re having a great time today, tomorrow and this weekend, to think safety first.

Have a great week. Be safe.

An event to remember

COL. Edward C. rOthstEin

Garrison Commander

Commander’s Open DoorGarrison Commander Col. Edward C.

Rothsteinhasanopendoorpolicy.All service members, retirees, govern-

ment employees, family members or com-munitymembersage18orolderare invitedto address issues or concerns to the com-mander directly by visiting Rothstein’s officeon Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m. at garrisonheadquarters in Hodges Hall, Bldg. 4551,LlewellynAvenue.

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

Formoreinformation,call301-677-4844.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil July 3, 2013 SOUNDOFF! �

News

Story and photos by Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

Construction crews are on track to com-plete the Army and Air Force Exchange Service’s Exchange and Express shoppette on time.

The new 167,000-square-foot Exchange is scheduled to open in the summer of 2014, while the Express is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Mangers at both construction sites said the projects are going as planned and are meeting the initial timelines.

“I’m very happy right now with how every-thing is going,” said Jonathan Bright, gen-eral manager of Fort Meade Consolidated Exchange. “We’re still in the early stages, but both projects are still on schedule with no delays.”

The $37 million Exchange will replace the current 130,000-square-foot facility and will feature a gun shop, pharmacy and larger food court with six food vendors. While not all food vendors have been announced, Bright said the new food court will include a Starbucks, Dominos Pizza, Subway and Charley’s.

Work on the Exchange began in December with the removal of nonfriable asbestos from the old PXtra, which was demolished to cre-ate new parking. The new Exchange is being constructed on the former parking lot.

The temporary lot of roughly 208 spots will soon be upgraded as well, Bright said.

“Pretty soon we’re going to be starting on maintenance,” he said. “We’re going to do more striping and filling up the potholes. We’re working on the temporary parking right now.”

Mike Hunter, construction superintendent at the Exchange site, said all the construction steel is set and crews are preparing for the roofing with metal decking.

“The building shape has been defined,” he said. “Right now we’re in the rough stages of getting ready for concrete pourers. We have those scheduled for the middle of July and beyond.”

Bright said the facility is on schedule to be turned over to AAFES next summer. Once the new building is ready, the current Exchange will be demolished and a parking lot will be constructed on the land. The entire project is expected to be finished in the winter of 2014.

The Express is a shorter-term project that began in March and is scheduled to be finished by the end of this year. The 8,420-square-foot facility is being constructed on the former soft-ball field on Mapes Road near the Route 32 gate and will feature six gas pumps, a Burger King with a drive-through, mini-mart and

AAFES projects on schedule for completion

The Express construction crew digs a large hole for the oil tanks that will be installed next week near the Route 32 gate on Mapes Road. The $5.6 million project is scheduled to be finished by the end of this year.

pizza restaurant with delivery.Once the $5.6 million project is completed,

the Trading Post store across from the Defense Information School will close, but the Express on MacArthur Road will remain open as a 24-hour store. The new site will mirror the hours of the nearby gate.

Project manager Sebastian Cianciolo said work is on schedule and all utilities are in place, except for water.

“We’re doing ground work on the building right now,” he said. “Right now the entire site is 80 percent done.”

Currently, the construction crew is prepar-ing to install the oil tanks for the gas pumps. Cianciolo said the hole will be 16-feet deep and roughly 60 feet by 80 feet to fit the large tanks.

After the tanks are placed, construction can begin on the buildings.

“The only thing we have right now is a huge hole for the oil tank,” Cianciolo said. “Once we get them in, we’ll get the instructions, back-fill it all up and start working on the canopy footings and foundation.”

Construction workers inspect the metal decking for the roofing of the new Exchange, which is expected to open next summer. Officials said construction on the 130,000-square-foot facility is on schedule.


News

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

There is a good chance that if you are buying marijuana in Baltimore, your money is going to a Mexican drug cartel.

Charles Hedrick, group supervisor for the Baltimore Intelligence Group of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, shared this and many other important facts during Drug-Free Workforce Train-ing sessions at the Post Theater.

The mandatory training, held June 24 and 25, was targeted to garrison man-agers, supervisors and employees. Fort Meade’s Army Substance Abuse Program hosted the sessions.

Samson Robinson, ASAP prevention coordinator, said that the training is an opportunity to educate supervisors about the signs and symptoms of drug use among employees and to inform them of the resources available.

“We also have the opportunity to keep civilians abreast of the different drugs that are available in the community and to educate them about drug use by their co-workers and their children,” Robinson said.

On the morning of June 25, Hedrick gave a nearly three-hour slide presentation on the dangers of marijuana, cocaine, her-oin and synthetic drugs to public health, and spoke about how these illegal drugs are transported to the Baltimore-metro area by criminal drug cartels.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Adminis-tration is the lead agency for the domestic enforcement of federal drug laws, and for coordinating and pursuing U.S. drug investigations abroad, according to the agency’s website.

In his presentation, Hedrick said drugs are dangerous because they harm the brain’s central cortex, which is responsible for judgment. He said this part of the brain grows until a person is about 25 years old.

As a result, people under age 25 should not use any kind of illegal drug or any legal drug without a doctor’s prescription because it can cause irreparable damage to the central cortex.

If one stops using drugs, the damage can subside. However, no type of medical intervention can reverse the damage that has been done.

“People do drugs because they want to reach a euphoric state,” Hedrick said. “But you can have a bad trip.”

The consequences of drug use include addiction, arrest and even death.

Training highlights dangers of drugs

photo by noah scialom

Charles W. Hedrick, group supervisor of the Baltimore Intelligence Group of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, gives a presentation at a mandatory Drug-Free Workplace Training session for garrison supervisors, managers and civilian employees at the Post Theatre. Hedrick spoke at the sessions, held June 24 and 25, about the dangers of substance abuse and the criminal cartels that transport drugs to the U.S.

The drugs that pose the most danger include cocaine, crack, heroin, pharma-ceuticals, marijuana and synthetic drugs.

Some of these drugs are transported illegally from South America and South-west Asia and arrive through U.S. ports, airports and highways.

“Drugs make so much money that at their source, they are controlled by terror-ists and criminals,” Hedrick said.

Terrorist groups and organized drug cartels operated by criminals are the pri-mary source of the illegal drug trade worldwide.

The rise in the use of synthetic drugs among youth is a top priority for the DEA, Hedrick said.

Drugs such as Spice (synthetic mari-juana), and bath salts (synthetic metham-phetamine, cocaine or heroin) are manu-factured in a laboratory by criminals to duplicate the effects of the real drug.

“This is a growing problem [for] law

enforcement and medical professionals,” Hedrick said.

The criminals who produce the drugs often devise new chemical combinations to substitute synthetic drugs that have been categorized as illegal by drug authorities.

Hedrick said medical professionals are concerned because the effects of synthetic drugs in the body are unpredictable and there are no medical protocols for care for someone under the influence of these drugs.

The solution to the country’s drug problems, he said, is education.

“We’re not going to arrest our way out of this problem,” Hedrick said. “You can’t build enough jails.”

After the presentation, Marian Upton, the installation’s Employee Assistance Program specialist, gave a slide presenta-tion on stress management. EAP provides free, professional and confidential short-term counseling and educational services

to all government civilian personnel and family members.

The program’s objectives include increasing employee productivity, reduc-ing absenteeism and employee turnover, encouraging a drug-free workplace and providing a resource for managers, super-visors and employees to promote employ-ee wellness.

Bob Haagenson, an employee and labor relations specialist with the Civilian Per-sonnel Advisory Center, advised audience members to take advantage of EAP ser-vices if they are referred to the program by their supervisor.

Jose Flores, a training and readiness specialist at the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security, said the training was valuable.

“I didn’t know [the drug problem] was so prevalent and the impact is has on our community,” he said. “This was good information.”


News

By Chaplain (Maj.) Scott ThompsonChaplain Resource Manager

On June 16, Fort Meade’s congregations donated more than $11,000 to the tornado victims in the form of designated offerings that went to the Salvation Army (Arkansas and Oklahoma Division) and the Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City Archdiocese.

The donation is one example of how Fort Meade religious services utilizes the tithes and offerings collected each week-end at the various chapel services on the installation.

The tithes and offerings become part of the Chapel Tithe and Offering Fund.

During the course of the year, various chapel congregations support the military community and communities beyond the post through designated offerings from the CTOF.

Each congregation determines what kind of ministries it wishes to support through designated offerings.

However, there are some regulatory stipulations.

The organization receiving the offerings must be a 501(c) (3) organization for tax purposes and a U.S.-based charity, unless an exception to the policy is granted by a higher authority.

All the major religions believe in helping others through charitable giving. Though the liturgy may be different in each belief system, the theme of giving as an act of worship is a common theme.

Another example of a designated offer-ing occured a few years ago when Fort Meade congregations supported the people of Japan who suffered in the 2011 tsunami. Usually, the organizations receiving the offering are religious in nature, but occa-sionally they may have a mixed or secular mission.

After the devastating tornadoes that struck Oklahoma City in late May, a com-muniqué came down from the Office of the Army Chief of Chaplains through Installa-tion Management Command, asking con-gregations to consider collecting a desig-nated offering for the tornado victims.

All congregations that collected offer-ings on the weekend of June 15-16 chose to make the collection a designated offering.

IMCOM’s total Chapel Tithe and Offer-ing Fund collected more than $153,000 toward the effort.

Several other organizations have been the recipients of designated offerings from Fort Meade’s Army chapels during the past year. They include the USO, Wounded

Warrior Project, The Fisher House, Sarah’s House and the American Cancer Society.

In addition to designated offerings, many other ministries are supported through CTOF. One ministry that makes a signifi-cant positive impact for service members in financial trouble is Operation Helping Hands. The funds help service members experiencing personal tragedies.

Operation Helping Hands can assist in such situations. The financial support originates with the garrison CTOF, but it is administered through unit chaplains.

Soldiers in crisis can be referred to the unit chaplain by their command or they can initiate the process by visiting with the unit chaplain at their convenience. Assis-tance requires a screening process by the unit chaplain.

Last year, OHH assistance to Fort Meade service members likely exceeded $20,000.

Recently, the Fort Meade CTOF sup-ported Soldiers and family members in a remote location in Australia. The unit falls under the command of a brigade at Fort Meade. The financial support funded marriage enrichment training, a single Sol-dier camping trip and a Family Readiness Group barbecue.

The CTOF also has supported an Air Force marriage enrichment training event in Williamsburg, Va.

In addition to supporting charitable donations, the CTOF also funds numerous prayer breakfasts and prayer luncheons over the year. The CTOF also hosts the annual National Prayer Luncheon.

Post congregations donate to tornado victims

Chaplain’s WordBELIEVE IN YOURSELF“Never let what you cannot do

interfere with what you can do.”— John Wooden, Former Basketball Coach

• First place: Senior Airman Matthew Bruch

• First runner-up: Airman 1st Class Erin O’Shea

• Second runner-up: Airman 1st Class Nesha Humes

• Third runner-up: Mass Communica-

tions Specialist 2nd Class Michael James• Fourth runner-up: Tech Sgt. Samuel

MorseExcerpts of their work can be found

on the DINFOS Facebook page at face-book.com/pages/Defense-Information-School/126760086414.

Defense Information School Public Affairs The Defense Information School held

its 21st annual DoD Worldwide Military Photography Workshop from June 16-22.

The workshop is designed to improve professional knowledge, proficiency and qualifications of DoD photographers and photojournalists serving across the globe.

Entry into this workshop is highly competitive. Those selected to participate receive mentoring from a faculty of hand-picked, recognized professionals from the military and national news, publications and national professional photography and photojournalism organizations.

During the workshop the faculty pro-vided technical instruction and mentor-ship to increase the visual communication skills of participants.

At the end of the weeklong workshop, participants returned to their parent com-mands better able to produce and deliver high-quality imagery to the DoD.

This year, the workshop was limited

to 25 photographers and photojournal-ists. Those selected to participate were required to have a strong background and working knowledge in still photography.

Their selection was additionally based on nominative and qualified selections from their command units who felt their candidate would benefit from the special-ized training.

The workshop also included 12 Light-ing Workshop participants.

Faculty for the training included Eli Reed, a noted photojournalist from Mag-num Photos and assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin; Ear-nie Grafton, a photojournalist from the Union Tribune San Diego newspaper; Donald “Chip” Maury, a retired director of photography at The Indianapolis Star; Mary Calvert, an independent photo-journalist who owns her own studio; and Mannie Garcia, an award-winning, free-lance photojournalist and independent video producer.

Winners include:

Military photographers improve skills at annual workshopAir Force Tech Sgt. Samuel Morse (left) learns to improve his photography skills from Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bennie Davis of Airman Magazine during the DoD’s 21st Annual Worldwide Military Photography Workshop.

Photo by Navy Lt. Cmdr. KareN e. eifert


News

By Jane M. WinandChief, Legal Assistance Division

For those 62 years of age or older, the proceeds from a reverse mortgage can be used to supplement retirement income, pay off a current mortgage, cover health care expenses or pay for a home improve-ment project.

A reverse mortgage allows you to con-vert some of the equity in your home into cash without having to sell your house or take on additional credit obligations.

For a typical mortgage, you borrow money from the lender and then pay it back in monthly installments.

With a reverse mortgage, the lender pays you money and you generally don’t have to pay it back while you live in your home. The reverse mortgage is paid when you die, sell the house or no longer occupy the house as your principal residence.

One advantage of the reverse mortgage is that the proceeds are generally tax-free. Also, most reverse mortgages don’t have any income restrictions.

Things to consider before you get a

reverse mortgage:• Although some reverse mortgages

have fixed rates of interest, most reverse mortgages have variable rates tied to a financial index. Thus, the rate may change depending on market conditions.

• Interest is charged on the outstand-ing balance of the reverse mortgage and is added to the amount you owe each month.

Thus, the amount owed on the reverse mortgage grows larger over time. Your total debt increases as the loan funds are paid out to you, and the interest accrues. This increase in your total debt load could make it more challenging to obtain credit in the future if the debt load is very high.

• Interest charged on reverse mortgages is not deductible on income tax returns until the loan is paid off.

• Lenders usually charge origination fees and other closing costs for a reverse mortgage. They also may charge peri-odic servicing fees during the term of the reverse mortgage.

Pay close attention to the amounts of these fees when negotiating for a reverse mortgage.

• During the reverse mortgage, you retain the title to your home and must continue to pay property taxes, insur-ance, maintenance, utilities and other expenses.

If you don’t continue to pay these expenses, the reverse mortgage lender may require you to pay the reverse mortgage off in full, immediately.

• A reverse mortgage uses up some or all of the equity in your house, leaving fewer assets for you and your heirs.

Many reverse mortgages include a “nonrecourse” clause, which prevents you or your estate from borrowing more than the value of your house when the loan is repaid.

For more information about reverse mortgages, visit the Federal Trade Com-mission website at ftc.gov, or schedule an appointment to meet with an attorney at the Fort Meade Legal Assistance Office at 301-677-9504 or 301-677-9536.

Reverse mortgage pros and consOn the lookout

The Directorate of Emergency Servic-es is actively work-ing to keep neigh-borhoods safe.

Families resid-ing on post should remember to ensure that windows and doors to homes, cars and garages are locked at all times, regardless of time of day.

Although the crime rate in mili-tary housing is lower than off post, it is important to remember that Fort Meade is not immune to crime. To protect your family and belongings, remember to take an active role in deterring crime.

Remain aware of your sur-roundings and immediately report any suspicious activity to the Fort Meade Police at 301-677-6622 or 6623.


News

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

The most touching words during the retirement luncheon on Friday for Charles E. McGee Jr., deputy director of the Direc-torate of Emergency Services and chief of the Fort Meade Police, came from his wife, Carolyn.

“You know him as the chief. Some of you know him as a Soldier. But I only know him as a man — the love of my life,” she said, noting that the couple have been married for more than 40 years. “… But what you don’t see is the compassionate part of him. He’s a very caring man.”

After eight years as Fort Meade Police chief and seven years as deputy director of DES, McGee retired from his dual post on Sunday.

The 90-minute retirement luncheon was held two days earlier at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center.

Although McGee did not want much fanfare for his retirement, and asked for an informal event with few jokes, his colleagues followed his wife’s lead and presented an emotional tribute to a man they said rarely

smiles or laughs and always wore a suit to work.

Serving as emcee, Fort Meade Fire Chief E.J. Rouvet joked about the rivalry between the fire department and military police, but was quick to point out that his jesting was in fun.

“There’s a mutual respect that we have for each other and for our respective badges,” Rouvet said. “I’ve always known that it’s tough to be a cop.”

During McGee’s 45-year career, shared between the Army and the Department of the Army, he “honored himself and his service,” said Rouvet.

DES Director Lt. Col. J. Darrell Sides said that he could only speak from his heart in regard to his deputy.

“The amount of time I’ve spent behind closed doors with him,” Sides recalled. “And we have rationally discussed and solved so many issues, problems and concerns across all three divisions within the directorate.

“So many times I’ve gone into his office [and said], ‘What are we going to do about this?’ and I walked out of there with a plan. It takes an amazing person who can mentor

their boss.”McGee has 45 years of combined military

and federal civilian service.He began his career with the Army in

1969 after working briefly at a steel factory in Milwaukee. He completed basic train-ing at Fort Campbell, Ky., and completed Advanced Military Police Training at Fort Gordon, Ga.

McGee served one combat tour in Viet-nam with the 504th Military Police Battalion and a second tour in Vietnam with the 716th MP Battalion.

In 1972, McGee served briefly at Fort Meade with the 209th MP Company and later re-enlisted to serve in law enforcement at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan.

His career includes serving at Fort Polk, La.; Fort Hood, Texas; and in both Ger-many and Korea. Before retiring from the Army in 1999, McGee served as the com-mand sergeant major of the 8th MP Brigade in Seoul, Korea, the largest MP brigade in the Army.

During his 15 years of federal civilian service, McGee served as a police captain

‘An amazing person’: Fort Meade’s top cop retiresat Aberdeen Proving Grounds and as the exercise plans and operations officer for the 19th Theater Support Command in Daegu, Korea.

McGee came to Fort Meade as the chief of police in January 2005. He was named deputy director of DES in July 2006.

During the luncheon, several colleagues spoke fondly of McGee, including Jeffrey Dozier, chief of Procurement and Adminis-trative Law at the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate; Miguel Ortiz, director of the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center; and Martha McClary, director of the Director-ate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

Gifts included an American flag and the stripes from his military career encased in a glass shadowbox from DES; a portrait of McGee and the symbols of his police career painted and carved in wood from the military police; a sculptured plaque from the National Security Agency; and a personal-ized brick at Constitution Park from the installation.

But not every gift was serious. McGee also received a T-shirt with a picture of a suit and tie printed on the front from DES, a bottle of Patron tequilia from the military police, and a Fort Meade fire department T-shirt.

Sides praised McGee for his profession-alism and calm demeanor in helping to manage DES, and his candor in solving problems.

“I’m going to miss your friendship,” Sides said.

During her remarks, Carolyn McGee, who works at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C., said that although her husband may be austere, his compassion and love for others extend to the homeless man on the street without a job and to young people in need of a mentor.

She said McGee is a man who has worked two jobs to provide for his family, and stands up for his wife and employees.

“Charles, as you’re going to retire — for the last time — I’m with you darling,” she said. “I have your back.”

McGee ended the event with a bit of humor.

“Thanks for coming to the party that I didn’t want,” he said. “I don’t like farewell luncheons because they remind me of funer-als and I don’t plan on dying anytime soon.

“But thanks everybody here. It makes me feel that I may have done something to contribute to Fort Meade, and I hope I did in the eight years I’ve been here.”

Photos by noah scialom

Fort Meade Fire Chief E.J. Rouvet (left) and Charles E. McGee Jr., deputy director of the Directorate of Emergency Services and Fort Meade Police chief, hold a handmade wood-carved portrait of McGee and the symbols of his service with DES during his retirement luncheon Friday at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center. DES Director Lt. Col. J. Darrell Sides (far right) looks on.


News

June 24: Driving under the influ-ence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol, displaying expired registration plate, driv-ing with suspended registration: The Directorate of Emergency Services was notified by gate security of a possible intoxi-cated driver. Upon arrival, a police officer made contact with the driver and noticed a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. The officer administered a Standardized Field Sobriety Test, which she performed poorly. The driver submitted to an intoxilyzer test, which gave a blood alcohol con-tent of .23 percent.

June 27, Shoplifting: The Directorate of Emer-gency Services was notified by AAFES loss prevention personnel at the Exchange of a shop-lifting. The subject was identified by her military identification card. Military police observed the video that showed the subject concealing mer-chandise in a large bag and hiding the bag under her purse as she went through the register and leave the Exchange.

June 28, Driving while intoxicated: The Direc-torate of Emergency Services was notified by gate security of a possible DUI. Gate security guards observed a vehicle drive up to the gate and noticed a strong smell of an alcoholic bever-age coming from the vehicle. The driver failed the Standardized Field Sobriety Test. Her blood alcohol content was .175 percent.

communitycommunitycrime Watch

Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services

Deputy Director of the Directorate of Emergency Services and Fort Meade Police Chief Charles E. McGee Jr. laughs during a presentation at his retirement luncheon Friday at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center. McGee, who retired June 30, served for 45 years in both the military and federal civilian service.

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KID-FRIENDLYDENTISTRYEdwin Zaghi, DMDPEDIATRIC DENTISTRY• Infant Dental Screening• Emergency Appointments• Accepts MetLife/Tri-Care

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Dr. Edwin Zaghi- Board Certifi ed Pediatric Dentistry;- American Board Pediatric Dentist;- Fellow American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! July 3, 2013

News

By Michael D. PattisonOccupational Vision OptometristU.S. Army Public Health Command

Healthy eyes are an important part of quality of life.

However, it is estimated that millions of people in the United States have undetected vision problems, eye diseases and condi-tions that affect their ability to see clearly or can result in permanent damage to the eyes.

A comprehensive dilated eye exam is one of the best things people can do to main-tain healthy vision.

When the eyes are dilated, an eye care professional can examine them more thor-oughly to look for common vision prob-lems and eye diseases, many of which have no signs or symptoms until the condition

has progressed.A comprehensive exam enables the eye

care professional to detect eye conditions and diseases early and can often prevent any subsequent loss of vision.

How often people should have a com-prehensive eye exam is best determined between them and their eye doctor. The frequency depends on age, overall health and family history.

As people grow older they should have exams more often. Some medical condi-tions such as diabetes make annual eye exams a must.

Most people have heard that eating car-rots is good for the eyes. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens like spinach, is also important for eye health.

Recent research has shown the benefit of eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids — such as salmon and tuna — and that maintaining a healthy weight can prevent the onset of high blood pressure and dia-betes. These medical conditions can affect the eyes and lead to blindness.

Eating right will always help protect sight.

Research also has linked smoking with the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and optic nerve damage. Smokers should quit. Nonsmokers should never start.

It is also important to remember to give the eyes a break. Most people work with a computer, which can cause the eyes to dry out and become fatigued.

Remember to rest the eyes often. Try

the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes or so, look up and away from the computer to an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This can help reduce the effects of eyestrain.

To protect the eyes, make it a habit to wear the appropriate form of eyewear at all times, especially if the work involves outside labor. Encourage co-workers to do the same.

If an eye injury occurs, report it to the supervisor immediately.

Wearing protective eyewear should not stop at the end of the workday. Wearing protective eyewear when playing sports or doing potentially dangerous activities around the house is just as important.

And don’t forget to wear proper sunglass-es that block the sun’s ultraviolet light.

See a doctor to protect your vision for life

By Defense Information Systems AgencyWho responds when a 911 call is

placed from Defense Information Sys-tems Agency headquarters?

It’s the Fort Meade Fire and Emer-gency Services team, part of the Direc-torate of Emergency Services.

During fiscal year 2012, Fire and Emergency Services responded to an average of three 911 calls per month from DISA.

DISA Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Frederick A. Henry presented the Fire and Emergency Services team with the 2012 DISA Honorary Award for Out-standing External Contributor of the Year during a short ceremony June 26.

Henry thanked the team for being exemplary partners and for exceed-ing expectations in exercises and real-world, life-saving events.

The Fire and Emergency Services team is consistently responsive and fast, administering the necessary assis-tance when fires and emergency medical situations occur, said Henry. The team plays a pivotal role in providing service and protection to more than 4,000 DISA personnel at headquarters.

Along with being the first responders for DISA headquarters, the Fire and Emergency Services team also assists the agency by:

• Visiting the headquarters facility

DISA recognizes post Fire and Emergency Services

each week to identify compliance defi-ciencies and ensure DISA employees are following established guidelines

• Providing oversight of DISA’s auto-

mated external defibrillators by main-taining the devices, as well as deliver-ing their event memory data to other medical professionals after the AEDs

have been used• Conducting annual fire drills and

inspections to make sure DISA is in full compliance and providing technical guidance if deficiencies are found

• Providing fire prevention support during major events at DISA head-quarters

• Assisting with the approvals for the facility’s refuge rooms, intended for individuals unable to exit during evacuations

• Working with the Manpower, Per-sonnel, and Security Directorate to integrate the agency’s independent fire alarm panels with the master fire alarm panel in DISA’s Security Operations Center

• Augmenting DISA’s programs for safety and fire protection including guidance applicable to DISA field loca-tions

Each Fire and Emergency Services team member was recognized with a medal at the event. Henry also thanked members individually for their sup-port.

“It’s a great feeling to be recognized by DISA,” Fire Chief E.J. Rouvet said. “Working hand-in-hand with DISA as partners allows my crew to be familiar with the people and headquarters-build-ing structure so that they are able to get the job done in a timely manner.”

Photo courtesy Defense InformatIon systems agency

Defense Information Systems Agency Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Frederick A. Henry presents the 2012 DISA Honorary Award for Outstanding External Contributor of the Year to Fort Meade Fire Chief E.J. Rouvet and the entire Fort Meade Fire and Emergency Services team.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil July 3, 2013 SOUNDOFF! 11

News

Story and photo by 1st Lt. William M. CarrawayOperations Officer124th Mobile Public Affairs DetachmentGeorgia Army National Guard

Editor’s note:One of the most famous and important Civil War battles occurred over three hot summer days, July 1 to July 3, 1863, around the small market town of Gettysburg, Pa. The battle begin as a skirmish but by it’s end involved 160,000 Americans.

The following article is in remem-brance of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg and in tribute to a very young and untried commander, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, who led the Union Army of the Potomac to victory over Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, ending Lee’s invasion of the North.

The messenger arrived at the gener-al’s headquarters before dawn June 28, 1863 at full gallop.

Despite the early hour and the recip-ient’s reputation for having the temper of a snapping turtle, the messenger insisted upon immediate delivery of the news he carried.

Roused from his tent and groggy from lack of sleep, Union Maj. Gen. George Gordon Meade glared at the messenger. The glare gave way to shock when Meade was informed that he was the new commander of the Army of the Potomac.

Why was Meade chosen to command over generals who outranked him? How did his contemporaries view him? How has history remembered him? And why was this post named after George Gor-don Meade?

Dr. John Fuld and Steven Eden, instructors at the Public Affairs Leader-ship Department at the Defense Infor-mation School, discussed the impact of Meade’s leadership on U.S. history.

(Background information also was gleaned from the Civil War Trust’s biog-raphy of Meade and the Fort Meade Museum.)

“Meade was one of the finest gen-erals of the Civil War,” said Fuld, an Air Force Reserve major who holds a doctorate in American history from the University of Central Florida. “He was brilliant at using the talents of subordi-nate commanders.”

Eden observed that Meade was one of the war’s forgotten heroes.

“When Lincoln needed a new general

Hero of Gettysburg: Maj. Gen. George G. Meade

to command the Army of the Potomac, there were others who were senior to Meade,” said Eden, who earned his Master of Arts in American history from the University of Wisconsin. “But Meade had done very well at Antietam and Fredericksburg, where he was the only general to break the Confederate lines. The selection of Meade was there-fore a safe choice.”

Commissioned a second lieutenant after graduation from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., Meade spent time in Maryland not far from the location of the installation that eventu-ally would bear his name.

“Meade went to school in Balti-more,” said Eden, a West Point gradu-ate. “He was a topographical engineer and designed breakwaters and light-houses in Maryland.”

Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, Meade was promoted to the rank of brigadier general and assigned com-mand of a brigade. He fought well throughout the war and was advanced to division and corps level command before selected to command the Army of the Potomac.

“At the time [of his appointment]

there were a few generals who were jealous,” Eden said. “There were also a few who disliked him, probably because of his temper. A few were worried. You never know what is going to happen when you go from corps to Army com-mand. Meade turned out to be up to the challenge.”

Despite having only three days com-mand time prior to Gettysburg, Meade deftly managed his subordinate’s efforts and blunted Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s attacks at what would come to be called “The High Water Mark of the Confederacy.”

“Meade did several things right,” Fuld said. “When it became clear that he was going to be engaged, [at Get-tysburg], Meade sent his best general, John Reynolds, forward. When Reyn-olds was killed, Meade dispatched Maj. Gen. [Winfield Scott] Hancock. Meade was very good at delegation and he delegated the right tasks to the right people.”

“Meade didn’t want to fight at Get-tysburg,” Eden said. “Most of [Meade’s corps commanders] said Meade should fall back. It was Meade who made the final decision to stay and fight, and then

over the next two days calmly fended off everything Lee threw at him.”

Meade was hailed for his victory. Gettysburg was the first time that Lee had been defeated in the open field, Eden noted. At the time, people rec-ognized the battle as a turning point of the war.

Meade’s overall reputation was harmed by his performance after the Battle of Gettysburg, when he failed to pursue Lee’s retreat.

“Meade realistically could have ended the war at Gettysburg,” said Fuld. “Fol-lowing Gettysburg … Lee was vulner-able, but Meade did not pursue him.”

Both Eden and Fuld said Meade needed time to rebuild his army. Despite the victory, his command had been shattered at Gettysburg and he needed to rebuild his command and control.

He had lost three corps commanders (one killed, two wounded) and sus-tained several thousand casualties.

“Remember, units were all mixed up,” Eden said. “During the last two days, reinforcements were grabbed and sent here and there. The entire chain of command was disorganized, and a lot of units were in no shape to fight.”

Despite his victory, Meade’s fame has faded over time. Eden suggests the lesson here is that service, many times, is its own reward.

“Meade was a little resentful that he was not more recognized for his ser-vice,” Eden said. “He had commanded at the regimental to army level and fought well. He beat Robert E. Lee at Gettysburg and yet, he is not remem-bered as part of the Pantheon of great generals.”

Meade would likely have been grati-fied to learn his victory at Gettysburg was recognized nearly 45 years after his death when Fort George G. Meade was officially designated by War Depart-ment General Order 95.

Since that time, Fort Meade has trained Soldiers through two world wars, the Cold War and into the mod-ern era.

Meade’s legacy of leadership lives on through training excellence.

Editor’s note: Carraway conducted his interviews as a student in the Public Affairs Qualification Course at DIN-FOS.

For more information on the Battle of Gettysburg, go to www.nps.gov/gett.

Maj. Gen. George G. Meade with Civil War-era, 6-pound Napoleon cannon, which is featured in the Meade exhibit at the Fort Meade Museum. A Meade re-enactor will be at the McGlachlin Parade Field gazebo tomorrow during the Red, White and Blue Celebration.


SportS

By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

The indoor pool at Gaffney Fitness Center, which has been closed since March 4, is sched-uled to reopen next week.

Repairs resulting from a broken pool pump were recently completed. The facility is finish-ing final details.

After it reopens, the pool will continue with its regular programs, including swim-ming lessons.

“The pool is actually up and running,” said Lauren Williams, Fitness and Aquatics supervisor with the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation. “We’re just waiting for the chemicals to balance.”

Repairs started in early June after facility staff struggled to find the funding.

During the repairs, the pool pump was replaced. But once the pool was drained, the staff noticed that work needed to be done to the bottom of the pool as well. Work included plastering a few patches at the bottom of the pool and plastering the caulking.

Williams said the pool has been refilled, and the staff is in the process of balancing the chemicals.

The pool closure, said Williams, was a “constant reminder” of how many people use the facility on a regular basis. The staff, she said, is looking forward to opening.

“All my lifeguards are excited,” Williams said. “Swim lesson instructors are excited to not miss the start of lessons.”

Gaffney pool to open next week

Swimming options on and off postCorvias Military Living neighborhood pools

• Now through Aug. 21: Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Aug. 27 through Sept. 3: Weekdays from 4 to 8 p.m., and weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Pools are open to residents only. Residents may bring up to four guests per family.

Residents must provide pool passes to access the pool. To pick up a pool pass, visit your neighborhood center.

Columbia AssociationThe Columbia Association is offering special military and DoD rates at five

of its pools in Columbia.Cost per visit is $4 for adults and $2 for children. A valid military or DoD

identification card is required.• Talbott Spring, 9660 Basket Ring. Information: 410-730-5421• Faulkner Ridge, 15018 Marble Fawn Court. Information: 410-730-5292• Jeffers Hill, 6030 Tamar Drive. Information: 410-730-1220• McGills Common, 10025 Shaker Drive. Information: 410-730-5995

file photo

The indoor pool at Gaffney Fitness Center is expected to open next week. Repairs to the pool, which initially closed in March, included replacing the pool pump.


SportS

Sports ShortsPremier soccer

The Arundel Soccer Association Premier 99’s Rising Girls U14 Division I team is looking for a goalkeeper and field players born between Aug. 1, 1999 and July 31, 2000.

Interested players should call 443-956-3828 or email [email protected]

Gaffney poolThe swimming pool at Gaffney Fitness Center is closed for maintenance. It

is scheduled to open next week. See for more information.

EFMP bowlingThe Exceptional Family Member program is sponsoring its monthly

bowling event on July 17 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Lanes.Exceptional family members will receive a free game and shoe rental. Other

family members will receive discounted games and shoe rental.To register, call 301-677-7836 or email [email protected].

EFMP walking programThe new Exceptional Family Member Walking Group will meet at Arundel

Mills Mall on July 11 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.The group will gather at 8:15 a.m. in front of Best Buy, inside the mall.Registration is required.For more information or to register, call 301-677-4473 or email latoya.

[email protected].

Dollar DaysSummer hours for Dollar Days at the Lanes is 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.

Texas Hold ‘emTexas Hold ‘em no buy-in games are played Mondays at 7 p.m. at the Lanes.Games are free and open to the public.For more information, call 301-677-5541.

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

Happy Wednesday to you all.Yes, you are getting your dose of Jibber a

little earlier than normal, but even I know my place when it comes to our nation’s birthday, so here we are.

Plus, this being Fort Meade and all, named after Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, aka the Hero of Gettysburg, it seems fitting that we publish on the 150th anniversary of the famed battle, which is credited with being the turning point in the Civil War, and therefore in no small measure, our nation’s history.

I was making my normal commute Tuesday morning — the light traffic on 100 was refresh-ing — and after making a stop at Carlson’s for some doughnuts, I turned onto Reece where I switched the radio station to 105.7 The Fan. Norris and Davis were doing their thing, and for once they actually brought a smile to my face with a story tied to the Washington Redskins.

Apparently, the Skins cable show “Redskins Nation” dropped some information ops on the football and PC worlds regarding the team’s mascot. In true Daniel Snyder fashion, they did so by using a faux Indian chief who claimed to be in favor of the team’s current name.

Both as a PAO who takes tons of pleasure watching these man-made media disasters play out with my colleagues — it is true, we DIN-FOS-trained killers love examples of what not to do in the business — and as a die-hard Skins hater, this story was too good to be true.

So I hurried through the Llewellyn gate and to my new computer — big ups to my peeps at the NEC. I needed to verify the piece for myself. And after marveling at the speed of my new machine, here is the proof: deadsp.in/15d8C9t.

There are three things I like about this piece:

1) Chief Dobson’s (his real name is Stephen D. Dodson) opening salvo where he said he was doing the interview because, “People are speaking for Native Americans that aren’t Native American.”

2) Dodson’s explanation of his family’s lineage

If you watch the clip, notice the stammer-ing when he is asked the question about his lineage.

We PA professionals like to call this the “Oh, crap” moment because you know you are lying. Normally when faced with this situation, a good spokesperson would come out with the truth, or at minimum, tell a little less of a mistruth. However, Mr. Dodson took the road more traveled and doubled down on his lie.

3) The sincerity of interviewer Larry

MichaelFew people

drink the burgundy and gold Kool-Aid like Larry, but you could tell he was all-in on the mes-sage.

That convic-tion filtered down to Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, who followed up the interview by telling USA Today that the team would never change its name. He said you could put the word “never” in caps.

The NFL followed suit when Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote a letter to the co-chairs of the Congressional Native American Caucus, which is urging the team to change its name.

Goodell wrote that the “Redskins was a unifying force that stands for strength, courage, pride and respect. ... Importantly, this positive meaning is shared by the overwhelming major-ity of football fans and Americans generally, including Native Americans.”

He then went on to cite Dodson, whom Goodell identified as “an American Inuit chief and resident of PG County.” Here is the full letter: deadsp.in/1cM4A8L

Now for the record: I think the whole argument against team names is stupid and purposefully oversensitive, and not because the term couldn’t be viewed as racists because it obviously can.

But, with Ramadan less than a week away, I can’t help but frame the mascot issue within one of the cornerstones of my faith: Intention.

Do teams that have Native American mas-cots really intend to insult individuals, or are the mascots a source of pride for the institu-tion? To put it another way, is Snyder being so defiant because he feels the need to make a mockery of his organization?

Obviously not.He is proud of his mascot and spends

billions to promote it. A vast majority of his fans feel the same way and spend billions to support it.

So why are we spending so much time listen-ing to a handful of naysayers?

I’m not sure.But after this latest PR blunder, it is safe to

say that the only thing bringing disgrace to the football team in Washington is the organiza-tion itself and not the name of its team.

If you have comments on this, or anything to do with sports, contact me at [email protected].

What’s in a name?

Chad T. Jones, Public Affairs

Officer

Jibber Jabber - OpiniOn

www.quickscores.com/ftmeadesports.

• Basketball• Football

• Softball• Soccer

Find schedules, scores, standings and upcoming seasons for

All-Army athletics, new sports and special events at

And more, plus


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 Philip Jones at [email protected] or call 301-677-5602.

Death noticeAir Force Maj. Nora DeLosRios

regretfully announces the death of Senior Airman Keegan Eli McCaskie.

Anyone having claims against or indebtedness to the estate of McCaskie should call DeLosRios, the Summary Court Officer, at 301-677-2144 or email [email protected].

Red, White and Blue Celebration

The Budweiser-Fort Meade Red, White and Blue Celebration is today from 4 to 10 p.m. at McGlachlin Parade Field.

The free event is open to the public.The celebration will feature fireworks,

a Budweiser Clydesdales procession, a barbecue cook-off, children’s inflatables, two NASCAR simulators, food vendors, and corn hole games.

Country music artists Chelsea Bain, Brett Eldredge and Jerrod Niemann will perform.

The U.S. Army Field Band’s Jazz Ambassadors will perform at 7 p.m. at Constitution Park.

For more information, visit ftmeadefmwr.com.

MILITARY STARR Card savings

Any fuel purchases made with a MILITARY STARR Card at Express locations today and Thursday will be reduced by 10 cents per gallon.

MILITARY STARR Card users also enjoy a discount of five cents per gallon discount on all fuel purchases and a 10 percent discount on all Exchange food court purchases year-round.

For more information about the features and benefits of the MILITARY STARR Card, visit shopmyexchange.com/ExchangeCredit.

Water main flushingAmerican Water has begun its

2013 Annual Water Main Flushing Program.

The purpose is to provide the best quality water available to customers by removing any buildup of sediment that may have occurred in the water lines.

Flushing may result in some temporary discoloration and the presence of sediment in your water. These conditions are not harmful and should be of very short duration.

Limit use of water between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to help prevent discolored water reaching service lines to your residence.

If you notice an increase in discolored water, flush all indoor faucets for 15 minutes. If the water does not clear up, contact the Water Treatment Plant at 443-592-0909. This number is monitored 24/7 daily.

Road closuresCooper Avenue will be closed until

Thursday at 6 a.m. for Wednesday’s Red, White and Blue Celebration.

English Avenue will be closed from Wednesday at 6 a.m. until Thursday at 6 a.m.

VTF upgradesThe Fort Meade Veterinary Treatment

Facility is upgrading its services by adding new staff and a new, centralized web-based record program.

In the future, when the program is fully implemented, pets’ records will be connected and accessible at any military vet clinic that service members PCS to.

The facility will train and test this program throughout July and August. As a result, the VTF will moderate its appointment availability.

The facility will be open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., except on Thursday and July 12, 15 and 31.

For more information, call the VTF at 301-677-1300.

Comcast serviceCorvias Military Living residents

who need to have their Comcast cable television service installed or are experiencing service problems should call Kevin Yeagley, a Comcast representative, at 410-562-7456.

Ramadan IftarA Ramadan Iftar will be held Aug. 2

from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Argonne Hills Chapel Center Fellowship Room.

For more information, call 301-677-

6035 or 301-677-1301.

70th ISRW change of command

Col. Mary F. O’Brien, commander of the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, will relinquish command to Col. Kevin D. Dixon on July 10 at 9 a.m. at McGlachlin Parade Field, rain or shine.

The Fort Meade community is welcome to attend. Dress for service members is duty uniform. Civilian dress is casual.

For more information, call Master Sgt. LaSanda M. Seymore-Frazier at 301-677-0366.

Jummah prayers Individuals interested in praying

Jummah prayers on Fort Meade should call 301-677-1301.

Fort Meade has a room available at Argonne Hills Chapel Center, 7100 Rockenbach Road.

The community also is seeking individuals who would like to pray a morning prayer on Fridays.

Trivia NightThe Lanes hosts Trivia Night every

Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m., except the third Thursday of the month.

The event is open to the public.Teams must have a minimum of two

players and a maximum of 10.Weekly prizes are awarded to the top

three winners. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

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

New civilian employee orientation

The Fort Meade Garrison New Employee Orientation class will be held July 11 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at McGill Training Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave.

Attendance is mandatory for all garrison employees.

For those who confirm in advance, lunch is free with Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein at the Freedom Inn Dining Facility.

For more information, call Jose Flores at 301-677-5663 or Linda Winkels at 301-677-4719.

NEWS & EVENTS

EDUCATION


Community news & notes

Networking SymposiumThe Team Meade Networking

symposium for SHARP (Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention) personnel will be held Aug. 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. at McGill Training Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave.

The symposium will provide information to sexual assault response coordinators and victim advocates of services available throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.

The event also will provide SARCs and VAs with the opportunity to network, build/create referral lists and establish rapport with external agencies.

For more information, call Fort Meade VA Angielina Wilson at 301-677-6933 or the Fort Meade SARC at 301-677-7802.

Vacation Bible SchoolVacation Bible School, for ages 4

through fifth grade, will be held Aug. 12-16 from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.

The theme is: “Kingdom Rock Bible School: Where kids stand strong for God.”

The program features a new friends tournament games, crafts, Royal Theatre & Missions, music and epic Bible adventures.

The free program includes lunch.Registration is limited to the first

200 children and will close Aug. 1. Registration tables will be set up through Aug. 1 at Argonne Hills Chapel Center and the Main Post Chapel.

Volunteers are needed to sign up immediately, including adults and youths in sixth grade and above. Only 30 youths below age 16 will be needed this year.

For more information, call Marcia Eastland at 301-677-0385 or 301-677-6305 or Ms. Stewart at 301-677-6038.

Wanted: Girl Scout leadersGirl Scout leaders and co-leaders are

needed for Daisy, Brownie, Junior and Cadette level troops.

Meetings are held at Argonne Hills Chapel Center on Rockenbach Road. They will resume at the end of August.

Training is available from Girl Scouts Central Maryland, 4806 Seton Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215 (410-358-9711) or online at gscm.org.

Registration and background check

are required.For more information, email Lorrie

Short at [email protected].

Out & About• African American Festival will be

held Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. at M&T Bank Stadium, 1101 Russell St., Baltimore. The free event will feature live entertainment, cultural exhibits, arts, food, health screenings, youth performances, and arts and crafts. Patti LaBelle and Fantasia will perform. For more information, visit africanamericanfestival.net.

• The Columbia Association’s Lakefront Summer Festival is being held through Aug. 18 at the Columbia Town Center Lakefront, 10275 Wincopin Circle.

Admission and parking are free. Sunday concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. All other concerts begin at 8 p.m.

Free dance instruction with music will be offered Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. under the People Tree.

Movies begin at dusk, about 8:30 p.m. No glass containers or alcoholic beverages are permitted. In inclement weather, call 410-715-3127.

For more information, visit lakefrontfestival.com.

• Leisure Travel Services is offering its next monthly bus trips to New York City on July 13 and Aug. 10, with discounts to attractions. Bus cost is $55. For more information, call 301-677-7354 or visit ftmeademwr.com.

• Enlisted Spouses Club meets the sec-ond Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Midway Common Neighborhood Center. The next meeting is Monday. For more information, visit ftmeadeesc.org or email [email protected].

• New Spouse Connection meets the second Monday of every month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next meet-ing 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 [email protected] or 301-677-4110.

• Marriage Enrichment Group, spon-sored by Army Community Service, meets

the second and fourth Monday of every month from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Commu-nity Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next meeting is Monday. For more information, call Celena Flowers or Jessica Hobgood at 301-677-5590.

• Single Parent Support Group meets the second and fourth Monday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. at School Age Services, 1900 Reece Road. The next meeting is Monday. Free child care will be provided on site.

For more information, call Kimberly McKay at 301-677-5590 or email [email protected].

• Bully Proofing Support Group meets the second and fourth Monday of the month from 4 to 5 p.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center. The next meeting is Monday. The group is geared for parents of children ages 5 to 12. For more informa-tion, call 301-677-5590.

• Bridging the Gap deployment support group, sponsored by Army Community Service, meets the second Tuesday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center. The next meeting is Tuesday. For more information, call Sharon Collins at 301-667-4116 or email [email protected].

• Meade Branch 212 of the Fleet Reserve Association meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at VFW Post 160 on Route 170 in Glen Burnie. The next meeting is Wednesday. Active-duty, Reserve and retired members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are invited. For more information, call 410-761-7046 or 301-262-6556.

• 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 infor-mation, call Master Sgt. Jonathan Jacob at 443-479-0616 or email [email protected].

• Meade Rod and Gun Club will meet July 11 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 club usually meets the first Thursday of the month. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. For more information, call 410-674-4000.

• Monthly Prayer Breakfast, hosted by the Garrison Chaplain’s Office, will be held July 11 at 7 a.m. at the Conference Center.

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

movies

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

Movies start Wednesdays to Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

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

Today through July 25

Today & Friday: “The Hangover Part III” (R). The Wolfpack hits the road in this third installment of the comedy series. With Brad-ley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis.

Thursday & Saturday: “Fast & Furious 6” (PG-13). A driver and his crew are offered a full pardon if they help complete a danger-ous mission. With Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson.

Sunday & July 11, 12: “Now You See Me” (PG-13). An elite FBI squad matches wits with a team of great illusionists. With Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson.

July 10, 13, 14: “After Earth” (PG-13). A boy traverses hostile terrain to recover a res-cue beacon. With Jaden Smith, Will Smith, Sophie Okonedo

July 17, 18, 21: “The Internship” (PG-13). Old-school salesmen finagle internships at Google, then struggle to adjust to new ideas. With Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Rose Byrne.

July 19: “The Purge” (R). All crime is legal-ized during an annual 12-hour period. With Ethan Hawke, Lena Headey, Adelaide Kane.

July 20, 24, 25: “Man of Steel” (PG-13). Clark Kent roams the world helping people, but returns home to face his destiny: becom-ing Superman. With Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon. (3D)

YOUTH

RECREATION

MEETINGS

soundoff july 3, 2013

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