Fort Meade SoundOff August 23, 2012

Soundoff! vol. 64 no. 34 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community ´ August 23, 2012 Photo ops photo by phil groutSilver Spring photographer Greg Schaler instructs Airmen including Tech Sgt. Cheasa Crump (front left), Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Baker (front right), Tech Sgt. La’Tora Jackson (backleft) and Tech Sgt. Wyatt Bloom on what he is looking for during a Fort Meade photo shoot Aug. 15 for an exhibit depicting military life. Schaler’s photos will be used by sculptorLarry Kirkland in a collaboration to create a public artwork that will be on display at a pavilion at Sarasota National Cemetery in Florida. For the story, see Page 12.Schooling double play UPCOMING EVENTSInsert highlights 7th IS, 241st MPs today, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Women’s Equality Day Observance - McGillschool activities outlast stormy weather friday, 7-10 p.m.: Crabfest Deck Party - The Lanes to take softball titles Saturday, 7 p.m.: U.S. Army Field Band “1812 Overture” Concert - Constitution Parkfor Meade cluster wednesday, 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m.: IndyCar driver JR Hildebrand visit - Freedom Inninside page 16 Aug. 31, 7 p.m.-Midnight: Chicago Steppin’ dancing - Club Meade

Commander’s Column Soundoff! Editorial Staff Garrison Commander Guaranteed circulation: 11,285 ´ Gearing up for a rich, Col. Edward C. Rothstein productive school year Acting Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Debra McGarity Public Affairs Officer Chad T. Jones Chad.T.Jones.civ@mail.mil Chief, Command Information After another great summer weekend, it is time nership between Philip H. Jones for all of us to begin to focus our attention and Fort Meade and Philip.H.Jones.civ@mail.mil priorities on school. our schools as Assistant Editor & Senior Writer In this week’s Soundoff! is a special Back-To we are all “Team Rona S. Hirsch School insert. The insert includes information Meade.” Staff Writer Lisa R. Rhodes for parents such as some of the most commonly Our schools Staff Writer Brandon Bieltz asked questions about our schools, dates for Back- have a lot to offer Design Coordinator Timothy Davis To-School Nights, safety tips for school bus riders our children. Supplemental photography provided and information about before- and after-school They provide by Patuxent Publishing Co. programs. opportunities for The insert is designed to help parents prepare for our students to Advertising the new school year. excel in academ- COL. Edward c. General Inquiries 410-332-6300 The Back-To-School insert is a good start to the ics, sports and Rothstein Garrison Commander Allison Thompson school year. However, we all need to work together music. 410-332-6850 Allison.Thompson@baltsun.com to ensure our students stay safe and healthy and get Three Fort Meade schools - Manor View Ele- Michele Griesbauer the most out of their education opportunities. Let’s mentary, MacArthur Middle and Meade High 410-332-6381 Michele.Griesbauer@baltsun.com all work together to help make this school year one - have an International Baccalaureate Diploma of the very best for our students. Programme. The programs help students develop If you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are One of my goals this school year will be to con- an international outlook through a challenging 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 tinue working with Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell, Anne course of study and also help prepare students for Sunday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Arundel County Public Schools superintendent; college, internships and employment. Sarah Bonise, our school liaison; and the principals Meade High also offers a Homeland Security Printed by offset method of reproduction as a civilian enterprise in the interest of the who manage the cluster of schools located on Fort Signature program. The four-year program features personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by the Patuxent Publishing Co., a subsidiary Meade. courses aimed at preparing students for careers in of The Baltimore Sun Media Group, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday Since becoming garrison commander, one of security, technology and engineering by offering 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 the recurring challenges I face is helping parents, innovative, theme-specific curriculum and co-cur- desired publication date. Mailing address: Post Public Affairs Office, Soundoff! IMME-MEA-PA, service members, civilian workers and concerned ricular activities that are relevant to the 21st-cen- Bldg. 4409, Fort Meade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-1361; DSN: 622-1361. members of our surrounding communities under- tury workforce. stand that perception and reality are often two Meade High was the first of 12 Anne Arundel Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage different things when we are discussing the Meade County high schools to offer its own signature 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 cluster schools. program. will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source. On more than one occasion, I have heard an This school year, I hope more parents will find individual say that the schools located on Fort time to become more involved with our schools. I Printed by Patuxent Publishing Co., a private firm, in no way connected with the Department Meade have bad reputations. believe strong parental and community support can of the Army. Opinions expressed by the publisher and writers herein are their own and are I want to start this school year off by trying to enhance the reputation of our schools and help our not to be considered an official expression by the Department of the Army. The appearance find ways to eliminate negative comments about administrators and teachers continue to improve of advertisers in the publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army of the products or services advertised. our schools and promote the positive activities the quality of education. occurring every day — from within the classrooms As we begin the school year, please find time to to the sports fields. meet with your child’s teachers, join the PTA and I understand that in the past there have been volunteer your time and energy. I know I will! www.ftmeade.army.mil problems in some of our schools. However, changes Principals have told me that parents’ involve- in school administrators — combined with the ment, combined with the efforts of their faculties, You can also keep track of Fort Meade on Twitter at twitter.com/ftmeademd efforts of teachers who are engaged and eager to can produce a rich and rewarding year for our and view the Fort Meade Live Blog at ftmeade.armylive.dodlive.mil. help our kids learn, along with the great parents in youth. our community — have made our schools a rich I look forward to working with you this school and rewarding experience for our youth. year. Let’s make it the best one ever. And I am committed to fostering a stronger part- Have a great week! Co n t e n t s Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein has an open door policy. All service members, retirees, government employees, family members and community News.............................. 3 Sports................................... 16 members age 18 or older are invited to address issues or concerns to the commander directly by visiting Rothstein’s office on Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m. at garrison headquarters in Hodges Trouble Ticket................ 4 Movies.................................. 19 Hall, Bldg. 4551, Llewellyn Avenue. Visitors are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is necessary. Community.................. 14 Classified.............................. 20 For more information, call 301-677-4844. SOUNDOFF! August 23, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

NewsIncreasing leader awareness, training aids cyber protectionBy C. Todd Lopez have gaps in our training or in our capabili- of work to do, and understand and appreci-Army News Service ties,” Hernandez said. “That will improve our ate it because it is key to not only preventing An increased focus on training and leader ability to conduct operations at those levels.” but also shaping,” Hernandez said. “We havedevelopment can help commanders at all levels Hernandez said that commanders who seen from activities from around the world,better understand the threat to America posed operate “all the way to the tactical edge” must particularly with the ‘Arab Spring,’ that it playsby adversaries in the cyber domain, said the learn the importance of the network and the a significant role in winning.”commander of Army Cyber Command dur- impact that threats to the network have on The general said the Army has “a lot ofing the Armed Forces Communications and land operations. work to do” in determining how to includeElectronics Association TechNet Land Forces “Every day at the tactical edge there is an social media as an operational issue andEast conference on Aug. 16 in Baltimore. absolute requirement to conduct operations not just as a public affairs issue, and must “There is still more that can be done that that ensure that you are defending your net- determine what needs to be done to “preparecauses leaders at all levels to understand and work so you maintain the freedom to oper- ourselves for that social media environmentappreciate what it is going to take to operate ate,” Hernandez said. “That’s not going to go that will be a part of, I believe, any futureand be able to conduct operations in land and away. What I believe will happen over time is contests.”cyber,” said Lt. Gen. Rhett Hernandez, com- we will have more convergence. We will train With budget cuts on every Army com-mander of ARCYBER. “I put a lot of energy more as one team, and we will be able to bring mander’s mind, Hernandez said the Armyinto our exercise program.” cyberspace operations effects at all echelons, must be smart in how it prioritizes the threat in PHOTO BY DOUG SAMPLE Hernandez said ARCYBER has already through all three lines of operations.” the cyber domain and how it allocates limited Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (right) andparticipated in three brigade combat team- Those lines of operations, Hernandez said, funding to combat those threats. Command Sgt. Maj. Roger P. Blackwood,level training rotations at the National Train- include “operate, defend and when directed, “What’s on us is to ensure that we clearly U.S. Army Cyber Command, discuss theing Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., and is working conduct offensive operations.” articulate the most significant gaps, and the future of cyberspace capabilities andnow to expand opportunities in which com- Mirroring the words of the Army’s Chief requirements that need to be addressed are pri- leader development during the the Armedmanders can really see the impact that the of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno, Hernandez pre- oritized in a way that give us the biggest effect Forces Communications and Electronicscyber threat has on operations. sented the roles of ARCYBER in the cyber for the least amount of cost,” he said. Association TechNet Land Forces East Included in that effort is expansion to the domain, in terms of the three roles that the Hernandez said that DoD’s plans for the conference held Aug. 14 in Baltimore.Joint Readiness Training Center level and chief has spelled out for the Army: prevent, “Joint Information Environment,” whichalso into Europe at the Combat Maneuver shape and win. includes consolidated data centers, consoli-Training Center. Hernandez said that the network, mobile dated operations and management of network on the essentials. “Once commanders are allowed to see networks and social media networks have infrastructure, consolidated end-user services “Absolutely essential to this is our abilityand understand what it takes to plan for and the ability to both shape the battle space and such as email, migration to cloud services, to bridge the gap between now and then withintegrate, and we unleash a world-class cyber to prevent conflict in the first place, and that and standardization of hardware and software only those things we have to absolutely invest[opposing force] on them, they now have the commanders must come to understand the platform, are essential. in to mitigate the most significant vulner-ability to recognize what they have to protect, influence of those networks on operations. Until the Joint Information Environment abilities and risk to the network,” Hernandezwhat they can take risk in, and where we might “It is the social media that we all have a lot comes to fruition, he said the Army must focus said.Antiterrorism Awareness Month highlighted by training, educationBy Philip H. Jones ment to kidnapping for ransom or politi- member, which presents unique vulner- rity such as locks and lighting.Command Information Chief cal gain and killings. abilities to their safety. • Talk to your children about theirFort Meade Public Affairs In support of the national monthlong There are basic security awareness tips safety and security such as what to do The Department of the Army has initiative to combat terrorism, Fort Meade family members should be mindful of if they feel threatened and who they candeclared August as Antiterrorism Aware- directorates will ensure their personnel that can provide them with practical anti- trust.ness Month to increase awareness and will conduct AT training and education terrorism tools: • Report suspicious behavior or activi-vigilance in protecting Army communities through Aug. 31. • Awareness of what’s going on around ties through local law enforcement agen-from acts of terrorism. “The purpose of AT Awareness Month you provides the first line of defense cies or military force-protection units. This year marks the third annual obser- is to create an awareness of antiterrorism against any threat. Antiterrorism Individual Awarenessvance. throughout the entire department of the • Protect personal information at all Training is available for military family Antiterrorism defensive measures Army,” said Antiterrorism Officer Mark times and avoid conversations (in public, members through the service member’sreduce the vulnerability of individuals A. George of the Directorate of Plans, email and phone and on social network unit or the installation antiterrorism offi-and property to terrorist acts. This des- Training, Mobilization and Security. sites) that involve military missions or cer. Training includes basic knowledge ofignation is appropriate given that August “Fort Meade’s ultimate goal in prevent- discussion about long-term separation. the terrorist threat pertaining to air andfalls one month before the anniversary of ing a terrorist attack is to include every • Maintain a proactive mind-set about ground travel; security at governmentthe 9/11 terrorist attacks in September, organization, every unit, every person in the security environment where you live, facilities, hotels and home; vehicle bombaccording to Army officials. the effort to prevent that possibility.” work and travel. threat; and hostage survival tips. Since 9/11, terrorist tactics and meth- Army families, because of their direct • Maintain a low profile, especially For more information on the Army’sods have increasingly targeted civilians in association with the U.S. military, present when living or traveling overseas. Antiterrorism Individual Protection mea-public places in an attempt to influence a lucrative target for terrorists. Moreover, • Be cautious and prepared for the sures, call Mark A. George at 301-677-governments. The terrorist threat ranges many Army families endure periods of unexpected. 7310 or visit Acsim.army.mil/readyarmy/from ideological influence and recruit- extended separation from their military • Assess your home for adequate secu- index.htm.http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

N ewsMost mortgage loans Buried trash removedrequire escrow account from Manor View siteBy Jane M. Winand Most mortgage loans require escrow, whether By Denise Tegtmeyer and Paul FluckChief, Legal Assistance Division VA, FHA or a commercial loan. Many loans Environmental Division You just bought your first home and are really for which there is a very small down payment The excavation of methane-generating buried trash at the Manor Viewexcited. The real estate agent told you that the will have an escrow account simply because the Dump Site is complete.house payment would be around $1,800 per creditor-buyer does not have much of his/her own A total of 987 truckloads of approximately 24,000 tons of buriedmonth on a 30-year mortgage. equity invested in the property. trash have been safely removed and transported off post to an approved However, when you got the payment book The escrow account is a part of your contract. landfill.from the mortgage company, the monthly pay- Many of these accounts operate on a 12- or 14- The site has been backfilled and leveled, and it will be seeded withments are almost $2,200 per month. The agent month average of all bills paid by the particular grass in late summer to leave an open flat field.said that the additional $400 is for the monthly account. For more information, call the Fort Meade Environmental Office atescrow account. Assume that your annual property tax is $3,600 301-677-9854. You probably never heard of an escrow account on the property, payable in January and July, andand never agreed to pay any additional money on that your homeowner’s insurance is $900 per year.the house each month. Now you are wonderingif you’ve been scammed. The mortgage company totals the bills ($4,500), divides by 12 ($375) and adds that amount to Community Crime Watch An escrow account is a fund that a lending each month’s payment.institution establishes in order to pay charges If the taxes go up during the year to $3,900,assessed against property on which it holds a the escrow will be adjusted up to $400 per month.mortgage or loan. An escrow account may hold up to two extra Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services The account is authorized in your contract payments per year, called a cushion, to coverwith the lender and provides for the payment unexpected increases in the bills in the account.of property taxes, insurance and other charges This is only an example of the workings of Aug. 14, Larceny of private prop- sitting in the passenger seat ofagainst the property. This allows the lender to the account, not the only way the account may erty: An individual reported sto- his van looking through his per- len property. The investigation sonal items. While waiting forprotect its investment in your home. operate. revealed missing property from the police to arrive, the person For example, if you did not pay insurance Your escrow agent has a customer service his job site at the Youth Services got out of the van, at which timepremiums on the home and the house burned department, which will respond to specific ques- field on Reece Road. Items iden- the victim left his residence anddown, the lender would lose its security for the tions about your account. tified as missing are two fence attempted to make contact withrepayment of the loan. If your property taxes If you do not understand the explanation, stretchers and six rolls of chain- the person. The person ran away.went unpaid, the property could be foreclosed contact the Legal Assistance Division at 301-677- link fence. A search of the area by law enforcementupon and sold to pay the outstanding tax bill, 9504/9536 and request an appointment to meet was conducted and the person, lateragain affecting loan security. with an attorney. Aug. 16, Criminal trespass, unlawful identified, was located and transported breaking and entering of a motor vehi- to the Directorate of Emergency Services cle, larceny of private property: Units for processing. A further canvass of the responded to a larceny in progress. Upon neighborhood was conducted, and a Have you noticed an issue on post arrival, contact was made with the vic- large backpack containing a large quan- Trouble and wondered if anything is being tim who stated he observed a person tity of electronic goods, footwear, jewelry and other stolen property was found. done to fix it? Email concerns and issues to chad.t.jones.civ@mail. Ticket mil. Each week, Soundoff! will address issues identified on post and describe what is being done to Chaplain’s Word: HAVE FUN “People rarely succeed unless solve them. they have fun in what they are doing.” — Dale Carnegie Issue: Plan: Status: Youth Services Sports Renovate the Youth Services Actual use of fields is Complex needs renovations Sports Complex expected to be Spring 2013 Demolition and installation Connect with Fort Meade at McGill Training Center Install a new HVAC are now being performed, Facebook.com/ftmeade HVAC is inoperative classrooms 1-5 closed during (except in the ballroom) A/C installation (until Oct. 1, estimated) SOUNDOFF! August 23, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

N ewsSummer Concert Series to end with a bangThe final concert of theArmy Field Band’s freeSummer Concert Series willbe Saturday at 7 p.m. atConstitution Park.The combined concert willfeature all four performingcomponents of the Army FieldBand and a performance ofthe “1812 Overture.”In the event of inclementweather, The Volunteers willperform a variety of selectionsat McGill Training Center.For more information, visitArmyFieldBand.com. photo by chuckie mcguire FOND FAREWELL Chaplain (Maj.) Dean Darroux, who served as Fort Meade’s director of pastoral care for two years and resource manager for one year, says goodbye to congregants of the Protestant Gospel Service at Argonne Hills Chapel Center on Aug. 5. Darroux, who led the gospel service for two years, left Fort Meade on Aug. 7 to become the garrison chaplain and deputy for the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Norfolk, Va. SOUNDOFF! August 23, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

Become a Dental Assistant N ews in just 11 weeks DATS • Dental Terminology & Charting • X-Ray Certiﬁcation Eligibility • Clinical Externship • Sterilization of Equipment & OSHA Guidelines • Adult CPR • Job Interviewing Techniques New conference center to host meetings, events Annapolis Open House 9/4/2012 Classes Begin September 18th 180 Admiral Cochrane Dr., Ste 200 Annapolis, MD 21044 Columbia Open House 9/5/2012 Classes Begin September 19th By Brandon Bieltz attract a different kind of customer Century Plaza • 10630 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Ste 410 Columbia, MD 21044 Staff Writer and is not in competition with Club Westminster Open House 9/6/2012 With the closure of the Courses on Meade or the Lanes. Classes Begin September 20th May 1, the clubhouse has taken on a “People are very attracted to this 412 Malcolm Drive, Ste 100 Westminster, MD 21157 new course of business as the Confer- type of setup,” he said. “If we can sit Germantown Open House 9/6/2012 ence Center at Fort Meade. down and talk to somebody and go Classes Begin September 20th “The same day we closed the golf over what we can offer them as ser- 19512-A Amaranth Drive, Germantown, MD 20874 course this became the conference vice, then usually they make the deci- Tuition is Call To Reserve Your Seat! center,” said Doug Dehner, the cen- sion that they’d like to come here.” only $2800 ter’s manager. With the National Security Agency DATS Dental Assistant Training School The facility, located at 6800 Taylor Ave., offers several rooms to rent for constructing new facilities near the conference center, and the Defense Classes Begin Soon! events such as meetings, retirements Information Systems Agency located Call To Reserve Your Space! 877-777-8719 • www.datsmd.com or promotion parties. on the other side, Dehner expects the “The installation identified a need two agencies to conduct meetings at for more meeting and conference the center. space,” said Scott Myers, chief of the The location, he said, is ideal for Work on a degree, business operations division of the Directorate of Family and Morale, contractors to meet with the agencies without having to enter secure areas. earn career credentials, Welfare and Recreation. Through word of mouth, the cen- “That way they’re able to invite the people from NSA or DISA to come or update job skills at HCC. ter is beginning to book meetings for the Officers’ Spouses’ Club, the over and participate in the meetings” Dehner said. “In talking to people Army Corps of Engineers and the from NSA and DISA and places like 443-518-1200 • www.howardcc.edu Fort Meade Department of Fire and Emergency Services. that, [which] have come over here and held training meetings, they’re REGISTER NOW! “Slowly but surely, we’re getting the word out,” Dehner said. extremely receptive to coming over here.” Rooms are rented by the hour, To provide an effective space for with a variety of options depending conferences, the center is undergo- on the number of people attending ing bidding processes to renovate the event. the rooms, beginning with the Eagle The Birdie Room can hold 80 peo- Conference Room in the back. ple; Par Room provides room for 50; Myers said about $50,000 will be 19th Hole Lounge can hold 50; and allocated for renovations including the Eagle Conference Room can fit painting and new carpeting. 100. The facility also includes a bar The room will contain a state-of- and patio seating. the-art audio-visual system with a A deposit, which guarantees the dropdown screen and two televisions room and date, is required and will be for displays at conferences. It also credited onto the final bill. will feature a breakout room and a The facility offers a variety of business center with a phone, copier appetizers for events including fruit and scanner. trays, scallops wrapped in bacon, “When you close the door to start chicken wings, stuffed mushrooms the meeting, you don’t have to come with crab meat, and cheese and crack- out to get stuff done,” Dehner said. er boards. Other renovations planned for the Prices range from $40 to $150 per rest of the facility include new audio- order. A continental breakfast is also visual systems, digital displays and offered for $8.25 per person. wireless microphones. Fall credit classes begin AUGUST 25. “Really and truly, the conference “We’ve started on it by getting the center is designed to handle confer- bids, but we’re waiting for those to Noncredit classes are ongoing. ences, promotions, retirements and come through,” Dehner said. “We meetings,” Dehner said. have to do it in stages. The sooner we For weddings and more formal get [the Eagle Conference Room] up events, Club Meade is a better option, and running, the more income we get. Myers said. The more income we get, the more we The facility, Dehner said, aims to can do to the rest of the place.” SOUNDOFF! August 23, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

N ewsTeens complete Volunteer Leadership ChallengeBy Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer Daonica Smith volunteered morethan three days per week this summerat Army Community Service and thePost Thrift Shop. The 13-year-old said the experiencewas an eye-opener. “I learned that if I volunteer now,I can do better things in life,” saidDaonica, an eighth-grader at MacAr-thur Middle School. Someday, she said, she may becomea business manager. Daonica was one of 27 teens whoparticipated in Fort Meade’s first YouthSummer Volunteer Leadership Chal-lenge. The program was initiated by Gar-rison Commander Col. Edward C.Rothstein to provide teens with theopportunity to volunteer at garrisonorganizations and learn professionalskills for the workforce. On Monday afternoon, Rothsteinand his wife, Audrey, hosted a barbecuefor the volunteers at the RV park tocelebrate their accomplishments. “I think this is the beginning of aprogram that will last quite some time,”said Rothstein during a brief ceremonyat the barbecue. “Don’t let this be thelast time that you volunteer. Volunteer-ing is a 24/7 and 365-day opportunity.It is amazing what you receive in return.Some times it is just a smile and athanks.” photo by jen rynda Marie Miles, Fort Meade’s ArmyVolunteer Corps coordinator at ACS, Teens who participated in the Youth Summer Volunteer Leadership Challenge enjoy hamburgers and hot dogs at a barbecueorganized the volunteer challenge, hosted Monday afternoon at the RV park by Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein and his wife, Audrey. Serving in eightwhich started June 25 and ended Aug. garrison organizations throughout the post, 27 youths volunteered more than 1,500 hours this summer.10. Eight garrison organizations, includ-ing ACS, the Family Pet Care Center, Award, an initiative of the Corporation 154 hours and earned the gold level of Development Center II, ACS and thethe Thrift Shop and the Lanes, hosted for National and Community Service, the award for her age category. Main Post Chapel.the teens and provided a glimpse of how for earning more than 50 volunteer William Herndon, 16, a senior at Elisha said she did clerical work,the garrison serves the community. hours during the challenge. Archbishop Spaulding High School supervised children and sharpened her In addition to the opportunity to Voya Coleman, 16, a junior at Manor in Severn, volunteered 127 hours and organizational skills.serve, the program provided classes on View Technology High School in Manor, earned the bronze level for his age “You can’t do anything without goodpreparing a resume portfolio and man- Texas, volunteered 290 hours; David category. organizational skills,” she said.aging finances. Sherrod, 14, volunteered 288 hours; Elisha received a $50 Walmart gift Elisha’s mother, Tamica Roby, an Miles said although some volunteer and Victoria Smalling, 15, a sophomore card. William received a $30 Walmart administrative assistant at the Fleethours were not reported, the teens at Thomas Stone High School in Wal- gift card. and Family Support Center at thecompleted 1,524 hours of volunteer dorf, volunteered 264 hours. Rothstein’s 14-year-old son, Sam, Community Readiness Center, said herservice. If the hours were computed The three volunteers, who were an eighth-grader at Sykesville Middle daughter gained important skills thisat the national average of $21.75 per unable to attend the event, each earned School in Carroll County, volunteered summer.volunteer hour, the teens’ service would the gold level of the award for their age 59.5 hours and earned the bronze level “I think it was a great experience,”total $33,168 in savings for the commu- category and received an iPod Touch for his age category. Roby said, noting that Elisha wasnity, she said. donated by the Fort Meade USO. “It was fun. I got to explore doing exposed to the realities of the work- At the barbecue, six teens were award- Elisha Roby, 14, a freshman at Reser- different things,” said Elisha, who vol- force. “It let her know all the things thated the President’s Volunteer Service voir High School in Laurel, volunteered unteered at the Thrift Shop, Child I talk to her about real work.”http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

N ews CITY GIVES Join the Mall in Columbia to celebrate the philanthropic HONOREES PTSD is treatable; identify the problem achievements of two exceptional women. Event includes wine, Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz exquisite bites and extraordinary Association of prizes from your favorite Baltimore Area Mall in Columbia retailers. Grantmakers By Kelly L. Forys-Donahue In addition to avoiding places, smells Clinical Psychologist and conversation about the event, the 100% of ticket sales benefit U.S. Army Public Health Command avoidance can spread to avoiding plea- The Women’s Giving Circle of Marcy Leonard Post-traumatic stress disorder is a reac- surable things because of a fear that the Howard County. Hammond High School tion to experiencing or witnessing one or happy experience might trigger memories more terrible events. of the bad event. The one, surefire way to prevent PTSD When an individual begins to avoid is to avoid seeing or being involved in any things that were once enjoyed, pleasure in horrible event or scene that may cause life decreases, which can cause problems Thursday, September 13, 2012 you distress. This is easier said than done, in relationships, difficulty concentrat- 5 pm to 8 pm, Lord & Taylor Court especially for service members in times ing, memory problems, hopeless feelings, of war. numbness or detachment from life. Although you may not be able to avoid in partnership with all stressful and disastrous situations, Anxiety there are things that you can do to help Individuals with PTSD are often on prevent PTSD. These include creating a “high alert,” meaning they cannot relax. strong social support network, getting They tend to be startled easily, and they enough sleep, maintaining mental and may hear or see things that are not there. Visit www.themallincolumbia.com to learn more about physical health, and engaging in activi- They may feel angry, irritable or guilty, our honored women and how to obtain your tickets. ties that make you feel good: physically, and may do things that are harmful to emotionally and mentally. themselves such as drinking or reckless Even if you make every effort to pre- driving to try to cope with these symp- vent PTSD, it can still occur, and that toms. does not mean that you are weak or defec- PTSD is treatable, and the earlier that it tive. All kinds of people can get PTSD is identified, the quicker the improvement. - children, men, women, civilians, service You do not need to live with the negative members. symptoms of PTSD. 20th Annual Komen Maryland PTSD occurs when an individual has several symptoms that impact the ability to function in life. These symptoms Getting help early and often improves the outcomes, but it is never too late to RACE FOR THE CURE® get help. Even if you have been dealing usually occur within three months of a with symptoms of PTSD for a long time, traumatic experience. However, symp- treatments will help you get better. toms can occur up to one year following Treatments often include a combina- Hunt Valley, Maryland the event. Three main types of symptoms occur tion of medication (especially to help with sleep) and talk therapy or counseling. Sunday, October 21, 2012 in PTSD: Memories Treatments can occur in individual or in group settings. Counselors treat thousands of peo- Individuals with PTSD may have flash- ple for PTSD each year, and they will Register Now backs, which are experiences of feeling as if the individual is back in the traumatic help determine the best combination and course of treatment for each case. Thera- moment. pists trained in the treatment of PTSD 410-433-RACE (7223) | www.komenmd.org/2012 Flashbacks are scary because they seem are available at behavioral health clinics very real and can last for a few seconds or on post, in the civilian community and in for hours. They can occur at any time, Veterans Affairs clinics. with or without a trigger of the disturb- If you or someone you know is show- ing event. ing signs of PTSD, do them a favor and Another kind of memory occurs when get them help. Their symptoms can be you dream. Nightmares of the event are relieved and they can “be themselves” common and make it tough to get a good again. night’s sleep. Do not fall into the trap of medicating with alcohol or other drugs because these Avoidance will only worsen PTSD symptoms and It makes sense that an individual with prolong recovery in the long run. PTSD would want to avoid any reminders Identifying the problem is the first step, of the horrific event, and that is exactly and making a call to get help is the next. what happens. Don’t let four little letters rule you.10 SOUNDOFF! August 23, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

N ewsFirst female four-star general retires from ArmyStory and photo by C. Todd LopezArmy News Service Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, the first womanto serve as a four-star general in both theArmy and the U.S. Armed Forces, retiredAug. 15 after 38 years in uniform. “Ann is a leader who lived our Armyvalues, who always led from the front, whodedicated herself to the profession of arms,”said Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. RayOdierno, who hosted the retirement. Dunwoody and her husband, retiredAir Force Col. Craig Brotchie, will retireto Florida. Dunwoody joined the Army in 1974 andwas commissioned as a second lieutenant inthe Women’s Army Corps in 1975. Her firstassignment was as supply platoon leader,226th Maintenance Company (Forward,Direct Support), 100th Supply and ServicesBattalion (Direct Support), Fort Sill, Okla. Since then, she’s served at every level ofcommand. “Her true legacy and reward will be thethousands of Soldiers and civilians whoselives she has touched through the span ofher career,” Odierno said during a ceremonyat Summerall Field at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va. Most recently, Dunwoody served as com-mander of the Army Materiel Command,or AMC, one of the largest commands inthe Army. The command employs morethan 69,000 employees across all 50 statesand 145 countries. “It was Ann’s most recent role, as com- Gen. Ann Dunwoody (right) and Col. James C. Markert, 3rd Infantry regimental commander, inspect Old Guard Soldiers duringmander of the AMC, in which she unified her retirement ceremony Aug. 15 at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va. Since joining the Army in 1974, Dunwoody has servedglobal logistics in a way [that has never] at every level of command.been done,” Odierno said. “She capitalizedAMC’s fundamental logistics functions to military to be promoted to that rank. as far as the fourth grade, attended the of sports from my mom.”maximize the efficiency and services they Odierno said that while the promotion retirement ceremony. When Dunwoody first became a Soldier,provided of supply, maintenance, contact is significant for women, Dunwoody didn’t “I promise now that I’m retired, I have a women served in the Women’s Army Corpssupport, research and development, base get it because of her gender, but because of lot more time to be a better sister, a better and “it was not equal,” she said. But muchand installation support, and deployment her performance. grandma and a better friend,” Dunwoody has changed since then.and distribution. She connected AMC “It wasn’t because you were a woman, it told them. “I can’t wait.” “Over the last 38 years I have had thenot only to the Army, but ensured the was because you were a brilliant, dedicated According to Odierno, a member of the opportunity to witness women Soldiersjoint force was always ready and supplied officer, and you were quite simply the best Dunwoody family “has served in every great jump out of airplanes, hike 10 miles, leadas well.” logistician the Army has ever had,” Odierno conflict since the Revolutionary War.” men and women, even under the toughest Odierno assured Dunwoody that she has said. “You have set the shining example for Her great-grandfather was a veteran of circumstances,” she said. “And over theleft a mark on the Army and changed it for all Soldiers, especially our young leaders.” the Spanish-American war and a Signal last 11 years I’ve had the honor to servethe better. An Army brat, Dunwoody said she Corps officer. Dunwoody’s father, Brig. with many of the 250,000 women who “You have shown pride in your units, moved all over the world with her father, Gen. Harold Dunwoody, was a veteran have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan onyou have challenged your subordinates, you who was also an Army officer and who of World War II, the Korean War and the battlefields where there are no clear lines,have been loyal to your leaders, you have retired as a brigadier general. Vietnam War. battlefields where every man and womanbeen a friend to your colleagues, and you “From the very first day that I put my “My own personal hero is my dad,” she had to be a rifleman first.have been a selfless servant to those who uniform on, right up until this morning, I said. “He was a real Soldier’s Soldier. And “And today, women are in combat, thathave been placed in your charge,” Odierno know there is nothing I would have rather much of who I am is founded on what I is just a reality. Thousands of women havesaid. “You have made every unit you have done with my life,” she said. “Thank you for learned from my dad, as a Soldier, as a been decorated for valor and 146 have givenbeen in a better unit. Your legacy is clear.” helping me make this journey possible.” patriot and as a father.” their lives. Today, what was once a band of In 2008, Dunwoody was promoted to Dunwoody’s husband, along with many Also thanking her mother, Dunwoody brothers has truly become a band of broth-general. She was the first woman in the U.S. of her family and friends, some going back said “I got my faith, energy, and my love ers and sisters.”http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 11

C over S tory photo by phil groutSilver Spring photographer Greg Schaler,who has worked with artist Larry Kirklandon a variety of projects, visited FortMeade on Aug. 15 to photograph servicemembers for Kirkland’s upcomingexhibit. All branches of service will berepresented. Taking a Shot photo by greg schaler New art exhibit to feature photos of service members By Veronica Castro All branches of service will be represented Fort Meade Public Affairs Office in this permanent exhibit. A local photographer, whose previous sub- To get the images he needed, Schaler jects have included Jane Goodall and Wynton reached out to the DoD Public Affairs Office. Marsalis, recently visited Fort Meade to pho- His request made its way to the Fort Meade tograph service members whose images will be Public Affairs Office. part of a lasting installation art exhibition at a “It is a wonderful opportunity to participate national cemetery. in something very meaningful to U.S. citizens Sculptor Larry Kirkland was commissioned around the country,” Schaler said. by the Patterson Foundation to create a series Images taken on Aug. 15 depict service photo by phil grout of displays to be used at a pavilion at the Sara- members in a variety of realistic scenes from sota National Cemetery in Florida. military life such as physical training, maneu-Greg Schaler captures a photograph depicting a mock reunion of a “Soldier and his Kirkland and Silver Spring photographer vering an obstacle course and a heartwarmingson,” Sgt. 1st Class John Rogers and Darrell Lee, a neighborhood friend. Images Greg Schaler have worked together for several homecoming between a father and son.depict service members in a variety of realistic scenes from military life, including this years on a wide range of projects. “They were incredibly responsive, extremelyhomecoming. The black and white image above will be submitted for the exhibit. “My role was to assist him with the images professional and enthusiastic about being a that he plans to use as part of the exhibit,” part of the project,” Scaler said. Schaler said of their newest collaboration. One of the service members in the obstacle12 SOUNDOFF! August 23, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

C over S torycourse photo shoot was Air Force Tech Sgt.La’Tora Jackson who had to climb a walland, on another shot, help hold up anotherservice member. “It was very inspiring; it kind of remindedme back in my basic training days,” she said. Jackson, of U.S. Cyber Command, partici-pated in the project to “give back,” she said. “I wanted to do something to give back toGod, my family and my wingmen — impor-tantly, honor those that served before me,”Jackson said. Marine Staff Sgt. Michael Mejia’s scenewas of him of doing pull-ups. “I always volunteer to do stuff for theMarine Corps,” said Mejia of the MilitaryEntrance Processing Station, Baltimore. But Mejia said he found the shoot to bemore challenging than he anticipated. “It was tougher then I thought it would be,”he said. “I thought it would be a simple photoshoot, not holding myself up.” As with Jackson, giving back motivatedMEPS Tech. Sgt. Cheasa Crump to partici-pate in the photo shoot as well. “When I heard about the project for thenational cemetery, I wanted to do it,” Crumpsaid. “I am proud to serve in the military. Ialways try to take advantage of opportunitiesto represent the military in a positive way. This PHOTOs BY PHIL GROUTproject was a way to give back.” Airmen work together to illustrate teamwork as photographer Greg Schaler shoots images of military life for a permanent exhibit Air Force Tech. Sgt. Wyatt Bloom of by artist Larry Kirkland, who was commissioned by the Patterson Foundation to create a series of displays for a permanent exhibitDefense Media Activity said he participated at a pavilion at Florida’s Sarasota National Cemetery.for his son. “I just wanted to give some kind of memo- families go through.”rial to my infant son,” he said. “If [in the Prior to the photo shoot, Intelligence Spe-future] he is traveling, he can say, ‘Hey, here cialist 2nd Class Mary Heinzl of U.S. Cyberis my Dad.’ ” Command had previous modeling experience. Sgt. 1st Class John Rogers, who was a part She was cast in a modeling agency in Seattleof the mock homecoming scene, has always in 2011.been the one to take the pictures, never be the “I didn’t pursue a modeling career becausesubject of them. the Navy was more important than pursuing “I do photography work as a hobby, always modeling,” she said.on the other end,” said Rogers of U.S. Army Heinzl viewed the art project as a way toCyber Command at Fort Belvoir, Va. “[I] help the national cemetery.figured [I’d] get on the picture side. It was com- “I just thought it would be an honor topletely different from being behind the camera. do something for the national cemetery,” sheIt gives me experience [of] what models and said. Greg Schaler looks for a bit more sweat in his models on the obstacle course, so he sprays Tech Sgt. Wyatt Bloom with water as Tech. Sgt. La’Tora Jackson awaits her turn. LEFT: Marine Staff Sgt. Michael Mejia does pull-ups on the obstacle course. Mejia photo courtesy Meade Tv said doing pull-ups for a photo shoot is a lot harder than it looks.http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 13

C ommunity N ews & N otes The deadline for Soundoff! community“News and Notes” is Friday at noon. All Military appreciationsubmissions are posted at the editor’s dis- As a patriotic gesture to support ourcretion and may be edited for space and military, Thanks-A-Bunch nonprofit mili-grammar. Look for additional community tary charity, is announcing a weeklongevents on the Fort Meade website at www. event to give away free $50 dinner cardsftmeade.army.mil and the Fort Meade in support of Fort Meade and surround-Facebook page at facebook.com/ftmeade. ing military affiliates, veterans and their For more information or to submit an families.announcement, email Philip Jones at philip. Military Appreciation Week will beh.jones.civ@mail.mil or call 301-677-5602. held through Aug. 31. All active-duty service members or veterans may stop by Brown’s Toyota/ NEWS & EVENTS Scion of Glen Burnie at 7167 Ritchie Highway for the $50 dinner card that is accepted at more than 18,000 restaurants nationwide.Feds Feed Families No purchase required.food drive For more information or directions, call 888-711-9533 or visit thanksabunch. The Feds Feed Families campaign to orgcollect food nationwide for local food bankswill continue until the end of August. Thelocal campaign aims to help stock food file photo Chicago Steppin’banks in the National Capital Region. The following nonperishable foods andproducts are being accepted: canned fruits, Indycar racer visits post The USO Metro will host National Guard Panther Racing driver JR Hil- Enjoy an evening of dancing at Chicago Steppin’ on Aug. 31 from 7 p.m. to midnight at Club Meade.canned vegetables, multigrain cereal, grains, debrand and an IndyCar display on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1:15 Free dance lessons will be offeredcanned proteins, soups, 100 percent juice p.m. at the Freedom Inn Dining Facility and at the Exchange parking from 7 to 8 p.m.drinks, condiments, snacks, baking goods, lot, located on MacArthur Road between Reece and Mapes roads, from There is no cover charge. Specialhygiene items, paper products and household 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. menus will be available.items. The first 500 attendees at the dining facility will receive a free hot dog For more information, call 301-677- Donations may be made at drop boxes lunch. The event will also feature free posters, T-shirts and autographs 6969.at organization offices before pick up on signed by Hildebrand.Friday. Crabfest Deck Party Donors may call Fort Meade’s be Saturday at 7 p.m. at Constitution public. The Lanes’ Lounge Deck will sponsorrepresentative, LaVern Atkinson, chief Park. The keynote speaker is author and a Crabfest Deck Party on Friday from 7of the Administrative Services Division, The combined concert will feature coach Jan Fox, a former Emmy Award- to 10 p.m. at the Lanes.Directorate of Human Resources, at 301- all four performing components of the winning television reporter/anchor. For more information, call 301-677-677-7128 to pick up or drop off goods Army Field Band and a performance of All Fort Meade service members and 5541.before noon on Tuesday. the “1812 Overture.” civilian employees are encouraged to The Food Bank will pick up all FortMeade donations on Wednesday at Bldg. In the event of inclement weather, attend. Military Council for The Volunteers will perform a variety of For more information, call the Fort375. selections at McGill Training Center. Meade Equal Opportunity Office at Catholic Women For more information, call Atkinson at For more information and weather 301-667-6687 or Equal Employment The Military Council for Catholic301-677-7128. updates, visit ArmyFieldBand.com. Opportunity Office at 301-677-6298. Women is open to all women agesKimbrough holiday closure Bagger-licensing hours Officers’ Spouses’ Club 18 and older - active duty, retirees and civilians - as the group begins its Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Centerwill be closed Aug. 31 through Sept. 3 Bagger-licensing renewals for the ‘Welcome Back Night’ 2012 to 2013 year of prayer, faith, fellowship and service at the Main Fort Meade Commissary will be issued The Fort Meade Officers’ Spouses’for Labor Day weekend. Post Chapel. Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Club will sponsor “Welcome Back at the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office at • Welcome Bunco will be held Sept.Kimbrough training 4409 Llewellyn Ave. Night” today from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 10 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Prizes will be Heritage Park Neighborhood Center. white elephant. The Surgeon General has mandated Those who come to the office outside Hors d’oeuvres will be served. of this block of time will be able to leave • Noon Mother’s Prayer &that all medical facilities in U.S. Army Welcome Back Night is the their information. Badges will be issued Apologetics will be conducted Sept. 11Medical Command close on Sept. 27 to organization’s kickoff event for 2012 to as time permits. at 9:45 a.m.conduct suicide prevention training. 2013. Child care will be provided for both Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center Submit your registration form for events.will be closed Sept. 21 and 27 to conduct Women’s Equality Day 2012-13. (A printable version is available • Mother’s Prayer & Apologeticsmandatory training. at www.fortmeadeosc.org. or complete The 2012 Women’s Equality Day meets every Tuesday from 9:45 a.m. Observance will be held today from the online form using PayPal for an to noon when Anne Arundel CountySummer Concert Series 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McGill Training additional $2 fee.) schools are in session. The final concert of the Army Field Center, 8542 Zimborski Ave. RSVP at www.fortmeadeosc.org • Monthly programs are heldBand’s free Summer Concert Series will Admission is free and open to the under the Welcome Night tab. Mondays from 6:30 to 9 p.m.14 SOUNDOFF! August 23, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

C ommunity N ews & N otes For more information, email Beth AMVETS. Appointment required at 301- Morales at pia.s.morales.civ@mail.mil or Cost is $5 for food. Music and gamesWright, president, at bethwright826@ 677-9017. call 301-677-4110. will follow.hotmail.com or call 305-240-1559. For more information, call 301-677-9017 For more information, call 301-677- or 301-677-9018. Financial classes 1437.Air Force Ball The Financial Readiness Program The 65th Air Force Ball will be held PWOC open house at Army Community Service is offering RECREATIONSept. 14 from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Protestant Women of the Chapel’s the following free financial classes atHilton BWI Hotel, 1729 W. NurseryRoad, Linthicum Heights. fall open house will be held Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Argonne Hills the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave., to DoD identification Out & About Social hour is from 6 to 7 p.m. Chapel Center. cardholders, including active-duty • The Bowie Baysox will host “War Dress for military is mess dress/ This years theme is Generation service members, retirees and their of 1812 Night” on Friday at Princesemiformal. Dress for civilians is 2 Generation. Learn what it means family members, DoD civilian employees George’s Stadium as the Baysox takeformal/black tie. to leave a godly legacy for the next and contractors. on the Harrisburg Senators at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are $15 for E1 to E4; $25 for generation. Registration is required. The Chantymen will sing the NationalE5 to E6; $35 for SNCOs/CGOs; and Eight different Bible studies will be • Financial Workshop: Today, 1 to 3 Anthem in period dress. After the game,$45 for FGOs. offered for the fall semester. p.m. a cannon will be fired in the outfield, A cash bar will be available. Child Free child care will be provided. • First Term Financial Readiness and a fireworks and flames show will becare will be provided on a first-come For more information, email meade@ (online): Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. presented. For more information, call 301-basis. pwoc.org or visit PWOC on Facebook at Promotion points are awarded upon 805-6000 or visit baysox.com. For more information, visit https:// facebook.com/PWOCmeade. request for first-term training. • The Prince George’s County Faireinvitations.afit.edu/inv/anim.cfm?i=120 To register for training or for more will honor active-duty service members,132&k=036342087855. MFTB courses information, call ACS at 301-677-5590. Reservists and their families with free admission during the fair’s Military Free military culture, management andVFW steak dinner leadership classes are offered to the entire YOUTH Appreciation Day on Sept. 9 at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center and the Show Join the Veterans of Foreign War, Fort Meade community through Military Place Arena, near the intersection of(VFW Post 160), 2597 Dorsey Road,Glen Burnie, for a steak dinner on Sept. Family Team Building. The 34 courses are divided into three S.T.E.M. Merit Badge Day Pennsylvania Avenue (Route 4) and Route 301 in Upper Marlboro.9 from 3 to 7 p.m. The menu will include levels with 10 to 14 classes per level. S.T.E.M. Merit Badge Day, a program A valid military ID is required. The fairbaked potato, salad and roll. Level One is for those new to military developed between the Boy Scouts and will be held from Sept 6-9. The event is open to the public. Cost culture and helps participants build their Fort Meade, will offer merit badges in the For more information, call 301-442-is $10. self-sufficiency skills while explaining fields of science, technology, engineering 7393 or visit www.countyfair.org. Call VFW Post 160 to reserve a dinner military traditions, expectations and unique and math on Sept. 8 from 8 a.m. to 4 • Leisure Travel Services is offering itsto eat in or take out. culture. p.m. at various facilities on post. monthly bus trip to New York City on Sept. For more information, call 410-766- Level Two helps students develop their The program is open to all boys and 15, with discounts to attractions. Bus cost is9802. management skills and personal growth. girls ages 11 to 17. $55. For more information, call 301-677-7354 Level Three focuses on becoming a leader Cost is $20. or visit ftmeademwr.com. in the community. Merit badges will be offered in EDUCATION • New Spouse Connection and Meet ‘n chemistry, composite materials, Greet, Sept. 11, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Potomac computers, electricity, electronics, MEETINGSCareer, financial classes Place Neighborhood Center, 4998 Second robotics, space exploration, inventing, Corps Blvd. Instructors: Pia Morales and engineering energy and surveying. • Society of Military Widows meets for The Fleet and Family Support Center Spaces are limited. Registration is Amber Rustad brunch the fourth Sunday of the month atoffers free classes at the Community required. All spouses new to the Fort Meade 11 a.m. at the Lanes. The next meeting isReadiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave., to To register or for more information, community and surrounding area are Sunday. For more information, call BettyDoD identification cardholders, including visit baltimorebsa.org/STEM/FtMeade invited. Information will be provided on Jones at 410-730-0127.active-duty service members, retirees or email Patrick Shields at pshields@ child care options, scholarships for spouses, • Single Parent Support Group meets theand their family members, DoD civilian baltimorebsa.org. area attractions, volunteer opportunities, second and fourth Monday of the monthemployees and contractors. public transportation and AFTB. from 6 to 8 p.m. at School Age Services, Registration is required for each class. • Time Management: Aug. 30, 9 to 11 The event will include an activity get- Girl Scout leaders wanted 1900 Reece Road. The next meeting is together. Monday. Free child care will be provideda.m. Fort Meade Girl Scouts is in need of For more information, call 301-677-4110 on site. • Stress Management: Sept. 4, 9 to 11 a.m. leaders. or email amber.e.rustad@us.army.mil. For more information, call Rikki Ford, • Dollars and Sense: Sept. 4, 9 to 11 a.m. The organization has several troop Topics include: Basic Budgeting, Financial levels, which meet Monday, Tuesday and Parent Support coordinator, at 301-677-Goals and Priorities, Saving and Investing, and CARE Team training Thursday evenings. 3617 or email rikki.l.ford.ctr@us.army.mil.Managing Your Credit. A second session of training will be Training is available through GSCM.org. • Fort Meade Chapter of the Military • Deployment Brief: Sept. 6, 9 to 10:30 a.m. offered to the Fort Meade Casualty For more information, email Lorrie Officers Association of America will hostGather resources and information for your Response Team on Tuesday from 9 a.m. Short at jshort@pol.net or Hope Brooks its next luncheon meeting on Sept. 6 atnext duty station. Spouses are encouraged to to 3 p.m. at the Community Readiness at keithnhope@gmail.co. 11:30 a.m. at Club Meade.attend. Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The guest speaker is retired Col. Bert • Saving for the Holidays: Sept. 6, 1 to 3 CARE Team members provide short- Grilling & Chilling Rice, Fort Meade’s director of transforma- tion, who will discuss the future of Fortp.m. Learn how to reduce the financial stress term volunteer work for families goingof the holidays. CYSS will offer Grilling & Chilling Meade post BRAC. through tragedy or crisis. • Medical records review: Have your medi- for grades six to eight on Aug. 31 from For reservations, call Lt. Col. T. Wayne For more information, email Piacal records reviewed by Mr. Thornton of 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Youth Center. Hobbs at 410-799-8331.http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 15

S ports Hit, Run, Score! 7th IS, 241st MPs take softball titles By Brandon Bieltz finishing the season tied for fourth with Staff Writer a 13-7 record. An early 6-1 deficit and an eventual Hunt attributed their success to picking torrential downpour in the fifth inning up four new players and the team continu- wasn’t going to keep the 7th Intelligence ing to improve throughout the season. Squad from taking home the unit’s first “It’s from dedicated people coming out championship trophy. every week and getting better on their With a eight-run rally while weathering own and then getting better as a team,” the storm, the 7th IS defeated Satellite he said. Communications 16-6 in the Division II While the 241st MPs moved through intramural softball championship Mon- the playoff bracket without a hitch, the day night at Donahue Field. 780th MI — which finished the season Denver Sherriff led the 7th IS rally with in second with a 14-6 record — fell early four RBIs. in the playoffs to the 902nd MI Group. “We just came out like we’ve done all The team crawled its way back into the year,” said Brendan Cuddihee of the 7th championship game through the loser’s IS. “The whole thing was to keep positive, bracket. make sure the bats work, just stay on top The championship was a rematch of on it and not get down — just put the bat the team’s last regular season game won to the ball.” by the 780th MI, 12-8. The championship round of the intra- On Monday night, 780th MI’s Joshua mural softball league kicked off with a Gerstel’s two-run homer helped his team Division I match-up between the 241st move out to a quick 3-0 lead. The 241st Military Police Detachment and 780th MPs cut into the lead with a single by Military Intelligence Brigade. Danilo Fernandez that brought in Hunt. The 241st sealed the 15-14 victory with The 241st MPs tied the game at 3 in the a walk-off triple from Martin Hunt in the bottom of the second inning with a triple 7th inning. from Justin Haggerty that brought in two “It’s always fun winning,” Hunt said. runners. With RBIs from Hunt, David The 241st MPs started the regular Briggs, John Hornsby, Chris May and two season off rocky, dropping five of its from Keith Whitfield, the 241st MPs cre- first nine games. But the team then went ated a 9-3 lead in the second inning. on an eight-game win streak, ultimately In the top of the fourth, the 780th photos by Steve ruarkBrett Killon of the 7th Intelligence Squadron fields a ground ball during the DivisionII intramural championship Monday at Donahue Field. The 7th IS team’s 16-6 victoryearned the unit its first intramural championship.RIGHT: James Haggerty and team members of the 241st Military Police Detachmentcelebrate after Martin Hunt’s walk-off triple to seal the 15-14 championship victoryMonday.16 SOUNDOFF! August 23, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

S portsMI fought back to be within one run ofthe 241st MPs with two RBIs from bothHenry Barnes and Christopher Shepard.But Fernandez and Hornsby pulled the241st MPs away, 11-9. The 780th MI remained within fourruns of the 241st MPs until the top ofthe sixth inning when Gerstel hit anotherhome run to cut the score to 14-13. JohnEndress’ triple in the seventh tied the gameat 14, but the team failed to take the lead. Hunt’s walk-off triple in the seventhsealed the 15-14 win for the 241st MPs. “I wanted to hit it out because that’swhat I do,” he said. “We had a guy onfirst, and they kept playing it in becauseI kept hitting ground balls. I just wantedto put on as much as I could — two feetfrom going over is not bad. The guy ranhis butt off from first base to score. It’sawesome.” The Division II game followed, withthe 7th IS looking to finish its perfect runin the playoffs with a win over SATCOM.The 7th finished the regular season withone win behind first place with an 18-4record, while SATCOM closed out theseason with a 12-8 record. SATCOM fell into the loser’s bracket inthe second round of the playoffs, forcingthe team to have to defeat the 7th IS twicein order to win the championship. Thisgave the 7th IS a security blanket headinginto the game, Cuddihee said. “It put us in a position where we wereOK losing the first game, but we didn’twant to,” he said. “We were just going tocome out here and play our hardest and photos by Steve ruarksee if we could take it in the first game.” SATCOM took an early 5-0 lead in the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade thirdfirst inning led by Jeremy Ramsey, Mar- baseman Michael Slayton tags out Johncus Tucker, Johnathan Mortan and Tina Hornsby during the Division I intramuralPodskalan. Tucker improved SATCOM’s championship Monday evening atlead to 6-1 in the second inning with an Donahue Field. The 241st Military Policein-the-park home run. Detachment defeated the 780th MI 15- The 7th IS rallied back in the third 14.inning with eight runs led by Sherriff,Cuddihee, Blake Edwards and Brett Kil-lion. With a 9-6 lead, Sherriff, Killion and LEFT: Tina Podskalan of SatelliteKevin Shanahan added three more runs in Communications turns for a doublethe fourth inning for a 12-6 lead. play Monday during the intramural Raining started falling in the fifth inning, championship. Despite taking a quick 6-but with the championship on the line the 1 lead, SATCOM fell to the 7th IS, 16-6.game played on. Cuddihee said the rainhelped keep the balls from bouncing offthe dirt, helping the fielders. Up 14-6 in the sixth inning, Shanahan’sdouble brought in two runners, resultingin the 10-run lead needed to end the gamewith a mercy rule. The 7th IS won the soggy champion-ship 16-6. “It’s the first time the 7th has wonanything basewide,” Cuddihee said. “It’shistory.”http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 17

S ports Jibber Jabber - Opinion Sports Shorts Football Fan Fair 5K Run and 1-Mile WalkA turtle’s gentle wisdom The installation’s annual Run Series continues with the Football Fan Fair 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk on Sept. 22 at 8 a.m. at Constitution Park. Winding its way through Maryland’s East- population, most Pre-registration cost for individuals is $15. Cost on the day of the run isern Shore, Tuckahoe Creek opens into a 60- prominently the $25.acre lake then floods a marshy woodland. diamondback ter- Pre-registration cost is $40 for a family of three to six people. On the day of Tuckahoe State Park, an hour’s drive rapin, Maryland’s the event, the cost is $60 per family.from Fort Meade, is home to Adkins Arbo- official state rep- Pre-registration cost for groups of seven to 10 is $85.retum and offers such recreational activities tile. The humble All pre-registered runners will receive a T-shirt.as camping, hiking and fishing. The park turtle has been The next run will be the Ghost, Ghouls and Goblins 5K Run and 1-Milealso rents canoes and kayaks, and it was for imbued with a rich Walk on Oct. 27 at 8 a.m. at the Pavilion.this reason that my husband and I sojourned symbolism includ- Michelle Stilipec, For more information, call 301-677-7916 or 301-677-3867.there. ing such traits as guest columnist Canoeing and kayaking are two of the patience, protec- Class cancellationforgotten sports of the Olympic Games. Pad- tion, longevity and strength. WholyFit class will be canceled Friday due to the absence of the instructor.dling is a low-impact aerobic activity that can Our visit to Tuckahoe gave us a greater The devotional exercise program, which combines physical fitness, scriptureprovide increased flexibility and also strength- appreciation for this animal. The shape of memorization, worship and prayer, is held Tuesdays and Fridays from 6 to 7en muscles of the core, back and arms. the turtle’s shell along with his coloration of a.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center. Propelling a craft through the water is orange and green allowed him to blend in For more information, call instructor Kay Snow, at 703-855-9318 or visitonly deceptively hard. With a little practice, almost imperceptivity with the fields of lotus WHOLYFIT.com.a canoe is easily rowed by remembering to leaves. This camouflage continues even inpaddle in the opposite direction of where onewants to go. the water, as the shape of his head and neck can resemble a simple twig bobbing up and Flag football coaches Kayaks are a little harder as they require down. Child, Youth and School Services’ Youth Sports is in need of flag footballboth upper and lower body action. Yet The turtles startle and submerge at the coaches for the flag football season.this stroke, too, is easily understood when slightest noise, so it became necessary for Coaches will receive training and certification.we remember the movements of a simple us to think and act like turtles so as not to Flag football season runs from Aug. 26 to Oct. 12.mechanical toy. The forward stroke begins by disturb them. We improvised a sign language For more information, call 301-677-1329 or email matthew.sagartz@pressing the stroke-side foot into the footpeg, whenever a turtle was spotted, even lifting us.army.mil.continues through a rotation of the torso to our oars to allow the canoe to approach atplace the paddle in the water near the foot, turtle speed. We gazed in wonder at creatures Texas Hold ‘emand ends as the paddle is brought backward reposed in sphinx, or else en la arabesque.toward the waist. The frenzied pace of modern life has Texas Hold ‘em no buy-in games are played Mondays at 7 p.m. at the Lanes. When there are two or more people in the forced Americans to retreat away from Moth- Games are free and open to the public. For more information, call 301-677-boat, this precision ballet requires teamwork er Nature so much so that this separation, 5541.in both steering and communication. whose symptoms may include hyperactiv- Because of its eclectic waterways and ity and depression, has now been dubbed Youth fall sportsvarying depths, Tuckahoe is an enjoyable yet “Nature Deficit Disorder.” Fall sports registration is under way at Parent Central Services, 1900 Reecechallenging creek. This course will improve There is a growing recognition of the need Road.their skills of beginner and intermediate row- to slow down and reconnect to the earth, Youth sports are available for ages 3 to 18 years old. Fall sports includeers alike. The open waterway closes beneath a lesson that can be learned from a turtle’s cheerleading, flag football, tackle football, swim and soccer.trees, and then snakes around marshes and gentle wisdom. For more information or to coach, call 301-677-1156 or 301-677-1149.creek banks. Editor’s note: Chad Jones is on vacation. However, the leisurely pace is all the bet-ter to enjoy the park’s wild bird and animal Michelle Stilipec is this week’s guest columnist. Jibber returns Sept. 6. EFMP bowling The Exceptional Family Member Program bowling events are held the third Tuesday of each month at the Lanes. Find schedules, scores, standings The next EFMP bowling event will be Sept. 17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Events are open to Fort Meade exceptional family members and their family and upcoming seasons for members and features free buffet food and giveaways. Exceptional family members ages 18 and younger and their siblings may register for free games and shoe rental at https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/ • Basketball • Softball meadecyms.html. • Football • Soccer Adult exceptional family members may register for free games and shoe rental at the EFMP office at 301-677-4779. Discounted games and shoe rental will be And more, plus offered to other adult family members. For more information, email Anita Hendrix at anita.l.hendrix.civ@mail.mil or All-Army athletics, new sports and special events at call 301-677-4779. www.quickscores.com/ftmeadesports. For more Fort Meade sports, visit www.quickscores.com/ftmeadesports.18 SOUNDOFF! August 23, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

M ovies Get to work on time. The movie schedule is subject to change. For Know the hoursa recorded announcement of showings, call 301-677-5324. Further listings are available on the of operation forArmy and Air Force Exchange Service websiteat www.aafes.com. Access Gates on Fort Meade Movies start Wednesdays to Satur-days at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.NEW PRICES: Tickets are $5 for adults(12 and older) and $2.50 for children. Demps Visitor Control Center, Bldg. 902 Reece Road Today through Aug. 31 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through FridaySaturday: “Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness Protec-tion” (PG-13). A Wall Street investment banker,who has been set up as the linchpin of his compa- Gate 1: Mapes Road andny’s mob-backed Ponzi scheme, is relocated with Route 32his family to Aunt Madea’s Southern home. 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week Gate 2: Mapes Road and Maryland Route 175 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; closed weekends and holidays Gate 3: Rockenbach Road 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week Gate 6: Llewellyn Avenue andWednesday: “Katy Perry: Part of Me” (PG-13). Maryland Route 175Documentary-style film shot during singer Katy 6 to 8 a.m., Monday throughPerry’s California Dreams tour. Friday for inbound traffic; 3 to 6 p.m., Monday throughAug. 30: “Savages” (R). Marijuana growers face Friday for outbound trafficthe Mexican drug cartel. With Taylor Kitsch,Aaron Johnson, Blake Lively, John Travolta. Gate 7: Reece Road andAug. 31: “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” Maryland Route 175(R). Lincoln vows to save America from the walk- (Demps Visitor Controling dead in this horror suspense thriller. WithBenjamin Walker, Dominic Cooper, Anthony Center gate) 24-hour accessMackie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Rufus Sewelland Marton Csokas. The Washington Savings Bank Purchase Rewards Find out more at twsb.com Turn Everyday Purchases into Cash Saving Real Money Just Got Real Easy. Just log on to TWSB Just Use Your TWSB Debit Card at twsb.com to learn more. to activate exclusive cash back offers at the Click types of places you like to shop. MEMBER Shop online or in stores to redeem your offers by FDIC paying with your card. FIVE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! cash back – deposited right into your account BOWIE CROFTON ODENTON MILLERSVILLE WALDORF Enjoy at the end of next month. 301-352-3100 410-721-8867 4201 Mitchellville Rd. 1669 Crofton Centre 410-551-8800 1161 Annapolis Rd. 410-987-1515 676 Old Mill Road 301-843-7200 3225 Crain Highwayhttp://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 19

Cover design by Natasha Hendrix

B ack To S choolSchool Liaison lists most common concerns School Support Services and School What is the Meade Feeder System? The telephone number is 410-760-2072.Liaison are part of Child, Youth and The Meade Feeder System is the term The website is monarchcharter.org.School Services and work in conjunc- used to designate the elementary and • Chesapeake Science Point Chartertion with the local school communities middle schools that “feed” into Meade School in Hanover serves grades six toto address educational issues involving High School. nine.children of military families. This system includes the following ele- The telephone number is 443-757-5277. Sarah Bonise, Fort Meade’s school liai- mentary schools: Manor View, Pershing The website is mycsp.org.son who acts as a link between the instal- Hill, Meade Heights, Seven Oaks, Jessup, Parents must contact each individuallation and the surrounding school districts, Van Bokkelen, Brock Bridge, Maryland school for enrollment openings.answers the following 11 questions that City, Hebron-Harmon and West Meadeparents frequently ask. Early Education Center. How old does my child need to be The middle schools are MacArthur to start kindergarten?How do I contact the Fort Meadeschool liaison? Middle and Meade Middle. If your child reaches age 5 on or before Sept. 1 of the desired school year, your Sarah Bonise’s office is located at the Where does my child attend school? child is eligible to enroll.Child, Youth and School Services School Your child will attend a neighborhoodAge Care Center, 1900 Reece Road. school designated by your address. Can I enroll my child in The office is open Mondays to Fridays • If you live in Anne Arundel County, kindergarten if the child turns 5from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. your child will attend Anne Arundel after the Sept. 1 deadline? Her telephone number is 301-677-1227. County Public Schools (aacps.org). A 4-year-old child, who will be 5 yearsHer email address is sarah.e.bonise.naf@ • If you live in Howard County, your old by Oct. 15, upon request by the parentmail.mil. child will attend Howard County Public or guardian, may be admitted to kinder-Are the Fort Meade schools Schools (hcpss.org). garten if the child meets the mandated Sarah Bonise, • If you live in Prince George’s County, criteria on the required assessments:Department of Defense schools? your child will attend Prince George’s Fort Meade school liaison • 125 or better on a standardized cogni- No, the schools located on Fort Meade County Public Schools (pgcps.org). tive ability assessmentare operated and governed by Anne Arun- • 8th stanine or better on a standard- each student and family, we cannot rec-del County Public Schools, 2644 Riva How do you enroll in a charter ized achievement assessment ommend the “best” school for you. WeRoad, Annapolis, MD 21401. school? For more information, see early kinder- can provide guidance on how to select a The AACPS telephone number is 410- AACPS has two charter schools in the garten enrollment at aacps.org. school. These decisions are based on the222-5000. The website is aacps.org. Meade area. needs of the child, academic and extra- The superintendent of Anne Arun- • Monarch Academy Public Charter Where can I learn more about home curricular interests, and housing/commut-del County Public Schools is Dr. Kevin School in Glen Burnie serves kindergar- schooling? ing decisions.Maxwell. ten and grades one through 6. All area schools have successful stu- Contact the Fort Meade Home School- ing Group at ftmeadehomeschooling@ dents. We can help families choose a verizon.net. school that can best fit their children. Conference and staggered enrollment dates During the school year, the group What if my child needs a tutor or meets every Friday at the Child, Youth for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and School Services School Age Care extra help? and early childhood intervention Center, 1900 Reece Road. The School Age Care Center, Youth Services and the Teen Center all have • Aug. 27-29: Conferences for half-day prekindergarten What do I need in order to enroll homework computer labs with onsite my child at school? staff ready to help children. • Aug. 27 and 28 only: Conferences for kindergarten and full-day Once you have determined your neigh- To register, call Parent Central Ser- borhood school, call for an appointment vices at 301-677-1149. prekindergarten students to register. Bus transportation to and from the You will need to bring your child’s birth School Age Care Center and Youth • Aug. 29-31: Staggered entrance for kindergarten and full-day certificate, shot record, current physical, Services is provided from the following prekindergarten two proofs of residency (your lease or area schools: Manor View, Pershing mortgage and a piece of mail such as Hill, Seven Oaks, Meade Heights, West • Aug. 30-31 and Sept. 4: Staggered entrance for half-day prekin- a utility bill or cable bill that has your Meade EEC, MacArthur Middle and name and new address), report card from Meade Middle. dergarten previous school and IEP (Individualized The Teen Center is a short walking Education Program) if the child has any distance to Meade High School. • Sept. 4: First day for all kindergarten and full-day prekinder- special needs. • Tutor.com: Military families can get free help from a professional tutor any- garten What is the best school? time they need it at tutor.com. • Sept. 5: First day for all half-day prekindergarten This is a common question from par- Tutors are online 24/7. This service ents to ask the school liaison. is also available for adults returning to Since educational success differs for school. The whole family can log on! SOUNDOFF! Back To School Supplement August 23, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

B ack To S choolPost curfew promotes youth safety, deters crimeBy Lisa R. Rhodes late at night without adult supervi- First-time violators of the policy larly if there is evidence of miscon-Staff Writer sion. will be taken by police to the Director- duct on behalf of the service member, The Fort Meade Police continues to “Crimes of opportunity are signifi- ate of Emergency Services where their according to the policy.enforce an on-post curfew for juveniles cantly down,” Wilson said. “A good parents or adult guardians will be noti- DES will conduct a meeting within an effort to promote youth safety and portion of the juveniles that the patrol fied and advised of the policy, and the the service member and a unit rep-curb crime. officers have interacted with have been minor returned to the care of adults. resentative to determine if punitive The policy states that no person age in compliance with the new policy, and Repeat offenders will be processed action is necessary. In serious cases,17 years old or younger may be in a most of the parents in the community as curfew violators and reported in the the DES can make a recommenda-public place on the installation after 10 have been in support of it.” post’s daily police blotter. Minors who tion to the installation commanderp.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 p.m. The exceptions to the curfew policy are family members of service mem- to bar the minor from Fort Meade orFriday and Saturday; or before 5 a.m. are minors accompanied by a parent bers or DoD civilians will be required have the family removed from military The curfew policy was established or adult guardian, and minors who to appear before the installation’s housing, according to the policy.three years ago after several residential have written permission from a parent Juvenile Misconduct Review Board. The policy is punitive and applies toneighborhoods were hit by a rash of or adult guardian explaining the cir- The MPs also will notify the unit all service members who reside on postlarcenies in homes and vehicles that cumstances for not being home during commander and Garrison Command- or are assigned to the installation.were left unlocked, said Russell Wilson, curfew hours. er Col. Edward C. Rothstein if the Repeated violations by minors inchief criminal investigator for the Fort The written permission must include child of an active-duty service member a service member’s care can resultMeade Police. the parent or guardian’s name, address has repeatedly violated the curfew. in judicial punishment under Article The police suspected the activity was and phone number for verification by The violation can have a negative 92 of the Uniform Code of Militarydue to a group of teens who were out the military police. affect on the service member, particu- Justice.Homeland Security SignatureProgram prepares students for Back To School Nights As parents prepare to send their children back to school next month, there’s onethe 21st-century workforce more event to note on the family calendar: Back-To-School Night. More than 77,000 students are expected to enter Anne Arundel County classrooms this year, and Back-To-School Nights provide parents with a chance to learn moreBy Lisa R. Rhodes courses that are offered to students in the about the instruction their children are receiving and the teachers who are providingStaff Writer freshman and sophomore years. Tina Edler, that instruction. Meade High School’s first class of 49 the HSS lead instructor, said that for the “Helping our children achieve success is a team effort that requires parents to begraduating seniors in the Homeland Security remaining two years, students are encouraged involved in the educational process,” schools Superintendent Kevin Maxwell said.Signature Program received diplomas in June. to pursue courses that lead to careers in crimi- All of the program’s graduates are either nal justice and public service, engineering or “Back-To-School Nights provide the first of many opportunities throughout thegoing on to college or entering careers in the geospacial information systems. school year for parents to interact with teachers and learn about classroom proce- dures and the things their children will be studying. I would urge every parent toactive-duty military. The core courses focus on the latest devel- take full advantage of these opportunities.” The HHS program, which started in Sep- opments in areas such as terrorism, cyber secu-tember 2008 with more than 70 students, rity and food safety, and also expose students Detailed information on dates and times for schools in the Meade cluster can alsoprepares young people for careers in security, to various careers in the field. be found on the school system’s website, www.aacps.org.technology and engineering by offering an Through ICST and other program partners,innovative, theme-specific curriculum and co- several notable guests have participated in the • Meade High School: • Seven Oaks Elementary:curricular activities that are relevant to the program including Bob Droggin, a Pulitzer Sept, 13, 6 p.m. Sept. 18, 6:45 p.m.21st-century workforce. Prize-winning freelance reporter specializing • MacArthur Middle School: • Jessup Elementary: Meade High was the first of 12 Anne in homeland security issues, and a chief cal- Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m.Arundel County high schools to offer its own ligrapher with the Central Intelligence Agency Sept. 18, 6 p.m.signature program. The theme of homeland who gave each student a polygraph in the • Meade Middle School: • Brock Bridge Elementary:security was selected because of the school’s classroom. Sept. 18, 6 p.m. Sept. 11, 6 p.m.location on Fort Meade, the Base Realign- In addition, students attended a youth • Maryland City Elementary:ment and Closure process, and the large num- conference hosted by Gov. Martin O’Malley • Manor View Elementary:ber of businesses and defense companies in the and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and have met Sept. 5, 5 p.m. Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m.area that specialize in homeland security. with Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin and Rep. Elijah • Pershing Hill Elementary: • Hebron-Harmon Elementary: The HSS program’s Integrated Community Cummings. They also have visited the U.S. Sept. 5, 6 p.m. Sept. 12, 6 p.m.Stakeholder’s Team is composed of industry Naval Academy in Annapolis and Princetonleaders, government agency representatives, University in New Jersey. • Meade Heights Elementary: • Van Bokkelen Elementary:community leaders and parents who have The ICST is working on developing project- Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5, 6 p.m.partnered with the Anne Arundel County based learning projects for the Meade cluster • West Meade Early EducationPublic Schools to assist with the HSS curricu- schools to prepare elementary and middle Center: Sept. 6, 6 p.m.lum and co-curricular activities. school students for HSS at the high school The HSS curriculum consists of two core level.http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF! Back To School Supplement

B ack To S choolGirl Scouts troops active on Fort Meade for seven decadesBy Pvt. Ronald Brink Tuesdays at the Chapel Center; and Troop From selling Samoas and Thin Mints 089 meets Thursdays at Heritage Parkat their annual cookie sale to participat- Neighborhood Center.ing in Fort Meade’s Family Fun Fair, the The fundraiser activity that the GirlGirls Scouts Association on post focuses Scouts organization is probably best-on building camaraderie and community known for is its annual cookie sale, anservice. event that begins in September and ends Scouting “is a great way to bring girls around November.together, promote long-lasting friend- The Scouts also participate in Fortships and build camaraderie,” said Lorrie Meade community events such as theShort, the GSA service unit manager on annual Massing of the Colors, which ispost for the past year. the installation’s Memorial Day Remem- Girl Scout troops have been meeting on brance, the Family Fun Fair — a Month ofFort Meade since the 1940s. the Military Child celebration held annu- Currently, eight troops with a total of ally in April, and National Night Out, an90 Scouts meet on post. They include: annual event designed to strengthen com- • The Daisies for kindergarten through munity participation in local anticrimefirst grade: Troops 742, 089 and 1124 efforts that is held the second Tuesday • Brownies for grades two and three: in August.Troops 981, 1016 and 1349 The Girl Scouts have also assisted in • The Juniors for grades four and five: sprucing up the housing areas during theTroop 1302 Enlisted Spouses Club’s annual Clean Up • Cadets for grades six, seven and eight, Fort Meade held annual in April.combined with the Seniors for grades nine It’s not too late to join this schooland up: Troop 1364 year’s group of Girl Scouts. Registration All troops meet weekly from 6 to 7 is open. To register, go to gscm.org.p.m. Volunteers are always needed, said Troops 742 and 981 meet Mondays Short. file photoat Argonne Hills Chapel Center; Troops To volunteer or for more information, Ashley Brooks and Kyla Hay volunteer at the Enlisted Spouses Club’s annual Clean1124, 1016, 1349, 1302 and 1364 meet call Lorrie Short at 410-305-0232. Up Fort Meade Day in April. Eight troops of Girl Scouts operate on post.Boy Scouts take pride achieving goals Cub Scouts Boy Scout Troop 377 meets every are always welcome. The adult staff Fort Meade Cub Scout Pack 377 meetsMonday at 7 p.m. at the Argonne Hills consists of active-duty and retired again in the fall on Mondays at 6 p.m.Chapel Center, Bldg. 7100 Rockenbach service members, along with post civil- at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.Road and Grandea Avenue. The troop, ians.still growing, has been active on Fort Adults act as committee members, Cub Scouts are for boys in first throughMeade since the late 1940s. Merit Badge counselors and, in gen- fifth grades. Members learn new Some activities the troops have par- eral, advise and support the boys. skills and earn recognition for theirticipated in include white water raft- For more information about Boying, fishing and camping at the McMil- Scout Troop 377, call Lisa Yetman, hard work. Scouting also provideslan Woods Youth Campground on the outreach coordinator, at 410-437-7263 leadership opportunities.Gettysburg Battlefield. or email lisayetman@version.net or A wide range of opportunities are email Scoutmaster Wendall Lawrence Cubmaster Clay Moody leads the packavailable for boys ages 11 to 17 to at lawrencewendall@gmail.com. in various events such as campouts,experience leadership and friendship weekly den meetings and theas well as learning values and working Pinewood Derby. For the annual event,together, using everyday skills such as boys design their own cars and racecooking and keeping track of personal them against other Scouts.finances, and giving back to their com-munity. Alexander Bryan of Cub Scout Pack Cub Scouts also participate in Scouts can take pride in achieving 377 salutes during a Boy Scout flag community projects including Scoutinggoals they cannot reach elsewhere by retirement ceremony at the Camp Meade for Food, litter pickups and presentingearning Merit Badges in areas such RV Park last year. Boy Scout Troop 377 the Colors at various events.as lifesaving, scholarships, pioneering meets every Monday at 7 p.m. Cub Scoutand the newest addition – robotics. Pack 377 meets at 6 p.m. Both groups meet at Argonne Hills Chapel Center. For more information, email Cubmaster Although Boy Scouts is a boy-run Clay Moody at pack377_cm@yahoo.organization, adult Scout volunteers file photo com. SOUNDOFF! Back To School Supplement August 23, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

B ack To S choolSchool bus safety awareness: See and be seen Meade areaBy Jenelle L. Ferguson transportation vehicles each year. for the bus. schools arrival and dismissalInstallation Safety Office Whether they walk, ride the bus or travel The lazy days of summer are not by car, teach your children these few tips to Safety tips for walking: timesquite over, yet parents have already begun ensure they get to and from school safely. • Never walk alone - always travel with athe first round of back-to-school activities Following these common sense practices buddy. Walk on the main sidewalks; do not— tackling what has become the infamous will help your children get off to a safe start take shortcuts through woods or empty lots.“school supply list.” for the upcoming school year. • Teach your children how to cross the street. This can turn into a dreaded shopping Make sure they know to follow the directions • Meade High School:experience when debates arise over some- Safety tips for school bus riders: of the crossing guard or safety patrol. 7:17 a.m.-2:05 p.m.thing as simple as what color backpack • Have a safe place to wait for the bus, • Pay attention to all traffic signals andlooks better - neon purple or dark blue. away from traffic. No “horseplay” while wait- crossing guards along the way. Never cross • MacArthur Middle School: The one issue parents should not debate ing for the bus, especially near the curb. the street against a stop light. 8:45 a.m.-3:25 p.m.is incorporating safety as part of their • Line up facing the bus, not alongside it. • Give your children a whistle to blowchild’s preparation for the school year. • Stay away from the bus until it comes to if they are in danger. A whistle will attract • Meade Middle School: The start of a new school year has par- a complete stop and the driver signals you attention and may ward off a crime. 8:05 a.m.-2:45 p.m.ents worrying about how their children will to enter. • Manor View Elementary:be getting to school safely. Some children • Use the handrail to enter and exit the Tips for drivers and passengers:are lucky enough to live near the school, but bus. • Everyone in the car should wear a seat 8:05 a.m.-2:30 p.m.others have to walk long distances, ride the • If your child rides the bus, tell your child belt even if the school is nearby. Most acci- • Pershing Hill Elementary:school bus or take public transportation. to sit quietly in the seat. Children should fol- dents occur within 10 miles of home. Parents, drivers and students all play low the directions of the driver. • Remind teens to take extra precautions 8:05 a.m.-2:30 p.m.an important role in safe transportation • When exiting the bus, be sure that draw- if they are driving to school or riding with • Meade Heights Elementary:to school. If your children will be walking strings and straps don’t get caught on the another teenage driver. 9:25 a.m.-3:50 p.m.to school or must walk a few blocks to a handrail or in the door. • Remember: 20 mph in school zones.bus stop, make sure to teach them to obey • When exiting, take five giant steps away • Stay alert near bus stops. • Seven Oaks Elementary:traffic signals and rules if they must cross from the bus. • Yellow flashing lights: The bus is pre- 8 a.m.-2:25 p.m.streets with lights and crosswalks. • Never reach under the school bus to get paring to stop to load or unload children. According to the National Highway Traf- anything that has rolled or fallen beneath • Red flashing lights and extended stop • Jessup Elementary:fic Safety Administration, nearly 24 million it. If something is dropped near the bus, arm: Stop at least 20 feet from the bus when 8:50 a.m.-3:15 p.m.students nationwide start their school day always tell the bus driver. behind or meeting. The only time stopping • Brock Bridge Elementary:with a trip on the school bus. Although • Wait for a signal from the bus driver is not required is on the other side of aNHTSA reports that riding on a school before crossing the street. Walk at least 10 divided highway 9:30 a.m.-3:55 p.m.bus is nearly eight times safer than riding steps away from the front of the bus so the • Stop between 10 and 30 feet from the • Maryland City Elementary:in a passenger vehicle, an average of 11 driver can see you. school crossing when a crossing guardschool-age pedestrians are killed by school • Do not play in the street while waiting directs. 8:10 a.m.-2:35 p.m. • Hebron-Harmon Elementary:Don’t let backpacks become a pain in the back 9:30 a.m.-3:55 p.m. • Van Bokkelen Elementary:By Jenelle L. Ferguson • Two shoulder straps: Backpacks with • Tighten the straps so that the pack isInstallation Safety Office one shoulder strap that runs across the close to the body. The straps should hold 8 a.m.-2:25 p.m. With little argument, a new backpack is body cannot distribute weight evenly. the pack two inches above the waist. • West Meade Early Educationnear or at the top of the “must get” list for • Padded back: A padded back protects • Pack light. The backpack should never Center: 8:40 a.m.-3:05 p.m.the upcoming school year. They are a popu- against sharp edges on objects inside the weigh more than 10 to 15 percent of thelar and a practical way for children and pack and increases comfort student’s total body weight.teens to carry schoolbooks and supplies. • Waist strap: A waist strap can distribute • Organize the backpack to use all of its When used correctly, backpacks can be the weight of a heavy load more evenly. compartments. Pack heavier items closesta good way to carry the supplies of the • Lightweight backpack: The backpack to the center of the back. AACPS launchesschool day. They are designed to distribute itself should not add much weight to the • Stop often at school lockers, if possible. Twitter pagethe weight of the load among some of the load. Do not carry all of the books needed forbody’s strongest muscles. • Rolling backpack: This type of back- the day. Anne Arundel County Pub- lic Schools has expanded the However, backpacks that are too heavy pack may be a good choice for students • Use both knees when bending down. ways in which it communicates with parents,or worn incorrectly can cause problems for who must tote a heavy load. But remember, Do not bend over at the waist when wearing students and the public at large with the launchchildren and teens. Improperly used back- rolling backpacks still must be carried up or lifting a heavy backpack. of its new Twitter page.packs may injure muscles and joints. This stairs. They also may be difficult to roll in School can, and should be, fun and excit- Get the latest updates on news from the schoolcan lead to back, neck and shoulder pain, snow. ing for youngsters. Give your children the system by following @AACountySchools.as well as posture problems. To prevent injury when using a back- tools, the knowledge and the resources to Postings will include actions by the Board of Education, achievements of students and Look for the following to help your chil- pack, follow these safety tips: take care of themselves when you cannot employees across the system, and noticesdren choose backpacks safely: • Always use both shoulder straps. Sling- be there. of emergency closings and delayed openings • Wide, padded shoulder straps: Narrow ing a backpack over one shoulder can strain Following safety tips can help assure the caused by inclement weather.straps can dig into shoulders and cause pain muscles. Wearing a backpack on one shoul- safety of your children as they embark on AACPS also maintains a Facebook page atand restrict circulation. der may increase curvature of the spine. another school year. facebook.com/aacps.http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF! Back To School Supplement

B ack To S chool Child supervision policies offer ‘home alone’ guidelines By Rona S. Hirsch welcome packet when they arrive on Staff writer post. Child, Youth and School Ser- Leaving children home alone requires vices also provides the updated ver- more than setting aside a plate of cook- sions to parents when they register ies with instructions to lock the door for hourly care. and start their homework. Fort Meade’s “Policy on Parental State law requires that children Responsibilities and Supervision of must be of certain age before they are Children and Youth” provides the left alone or are supervised by older following guidelines: children. Various parental guides also • Children under 5 years old require suggest that children know how to close supervision and must be attend- respond in an emergency or if a ed to and under the direct contact of stranger knocks at the door. a person age 13 years or older at all file photo Fort Meade’s “Policy on Parental times. Responsibilities and Supervision of • Children age 7 or younger will Fort Meade’s School Age Care Center provides children with a wide range of Children and Youth” — updated in never be left unsupervised or unat- educational and recreational activities, from arts and crafts and sports skills April 2007 by the Family Advocacy tended. Parents or guardians with clinics to self-help skills development, field trips, homework assistance and Program at Army Community Service children under age 8 will arrange for community service opportunities. The center also has a partnership with 4-H — provides guidelines that comply supervision by a person age 13 years and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. with Maryland state law. or older before and after school, and But before leaving children alone, other times that school is not in ses- School Age Services parents first must consider whether their child has the maturity to be a latchkey kid, said Celena Flowers, sion, if they are unable to remain home to care for their children. • Children age 8 to 17 may begin enrich children’s lives Family Advocacy Program manager. to exercise their own responsibility to “What we’ve done, in compliance supervise themselves without placing with the state, is to establish if the themselves or others in danger. child is mature enough to be left home But they cannot be left unattended The School Age Care Center at 1900 Reece Road provides before school, after alone or to baby-sit, even though the without verified arrangements being school and hourly care for children in first through fifth grades. child is of age,” Flowers said. “Ulti- made with a responsible adult, age Children are transported to and from Manor View, Pershing Hill, West Meade mately, it’s the parents’ liability. Par- 21 years or older, to check on their and Meade Heights elementary schools. SACC provides full day care on weekdays ents are doing it at their own risk if behavior or whereabouts, telephoni- when schools are closed. they leave alone a child who is under cally and/or in person. SACC has partnered with 4-H and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America to offer age or not mature enough.” All children in this age category activities and project to enhance its curriculum and enrich the experiences of children But parents aren’t off the hook must have an emergency plan in place. participating in SACC programs. if they leave their children in the At a minimum, children should have Clubs and activities within 4-H and BGCA that are currently offered include care of an irresponsible baby sitter. a point of contact accessible by tele- Kids in Control (which focuses on safety in our homes and community), Focus on According to the policy, “Parents are phone and available for them at all Photography, Consumer Savvy, Health Rocks! and special Clover Buds activities for responsible for their children’s safety times. younger children. even when in the care of another. • If emergency responders see an In addition to the clubs, SACC offers a variety of arts and crafts, self-help skills Baby sitters should be selected care- underage child left unattended or development, sports skills clinics, field trips, homework assistance and community fully, ensuring that the baby sitter is receive a call about an unattended service opportunities. mature and experienced enough to child, they will instruct parents about adequately supervise a child.” the “Child Supervision Policy” imple- Copies of the policy are distrib- mented on military installations. AACPS school meal prices uted by Officer Timothy Perkins, Fort Meade’s community policing officer, who also hands out the pamphlet, “It is based on maturity level and breaks down the ages of when a child can be left unattended,” Perkins said. The cost of lunch and breakfast at Anne Arundel County Public Schools “At Home Alone: A Parent’s Guide,” According to the “Child Supervi- developed by the National Crime Pre- sion Policy,” youths: will remain the same as last year. vention Council. • Ages 9 to 12 should not be unsu- Costs will be: “The focus is for child safety and pervised or left alone for more than • $1.35 for full-price breakfast for parents to take responsibility for two hours the actions of their children,” Perkins • Ages 13 to 14 should not be unsu- • $2.60 for elementary school lunch said. “People are confused about pervised or left alone for more than • $2.85 for secondary school lunch when children can be left alone and eight hours The cost for reduced-price meals will not be affected. unattended.” • Ages 15 to 17 should not be unsu- Newcomers to Fort Meade receive a pervised or left alone for more than Milk will continue to be served for 55 cents. copy of the supervision policy in their 12 hours SOUNDOFF! Back To School Supplement August 23, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

B ack To S choolTeen Center encourages iime me fet lliife thigh school youth to excel Teachiing your chiilldren heallthy practiic e Teach ng your ch dren hea thy pract c s that w i es th ast a lll llas t at wi l a The Teen Center, located at 3102 The center acquires the newest and mostMacArthur Road, encourages high school anticipated games of the year. So instead of We accept acceptteens to be the best that they can be by chal- sitting at home playing the computer, come by TRICARE/ MetLifelenging themselves in various means. and challenge a couple of your friends at the The center offers several clubs such as the Teen Center. When you’re good enough, tryWeight Lifting Club, Book Club, Tech Club, challenging one of the staff members!S.M.A.R.T. Girls Club, Creative Arts, Cook- The center also features several large-screen Now is the best time to bring he b i biing Club, Science Club and Keystone. televisions, a pingpong table, great stereo If none of these clubs strike your inter- system if you want to listen to some radio, your kids to the dentistest, feel free to add your own input on what and D.J. equipment primarily used for Club NO NEED TO MISS SCHOOL!should be offered. Or you can just sit back and Midnight parties.relax, do homework, compete with a friend in The center also has added music equip-a game of the newest Madden video game, or ment such as electronic drums, keyboards and 410-987-CARE (2273)jam out and play some Rock Band. microphones in case you’re interested in laying The Teen Center’s state-of-the-art gaming down a beat or hook. Mahtab Khoshkhou, DDSsystem features Sony PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 For more information about the Teen Center, Pediatric Dentistand Nintendo Wii. call 301-677-6054 or 301-677-6056. 8531 Veterans Hwy. Suite 103 HwThe Fort Meade Teen Benfi ld Benfield Blvd. East off RT.97 exit 10 E t itCenter offers several Milllersville MD 21108clubs such as theWeight Lifting Club, www.arundelpediatricdentalcare.comBook Club, Tech Club, Email: info@arundelcare.comS.M.A.R.T. Girls Club,Creative Arts, CookingClub, Science Cluband Keystone. Teens Temple Isaiahalso can use the state- An Inclusive Reform community just 15 miles from Fort Meade!of-the-art gamingsystems including Sony Offering FREE High Holy Day Tickets for Military FamiliesPlayStation 3, Xbox 360and Nintendo Wii. Join us on Sunday, September 23rd at 1:00 to learn more about our school *Sundays, Pre-K-10th Grade*Engaging, Dynamic Reform Curriculum* A haven for middle-schoolers We welcome students from interfaith families and those with learning differences Significant tuition/membership discounts for military families Child, Youth and School Services offers a Before & After School Program for middle school students at Youth Services, 909 Ernie Pyle St. 12200 Scaggsville Rd, Fulton, MD 20759 Transportation is provided to and from MacArthur Middle School and Meade Contact us at 301-317-1101 or info @templeisaiah.org to learn more Middle School. The program is staffed with well-trained and caring youth profes- sionals serving the after-school needs of the youth of our community. Services provided include a safe and supervised setting with freedom for a variety of activity choices. Homework assistance is available in the combined space of the homework center and computer lab. Educational and recreational software are available for Anne Arundel County Schools exploration in the computer lab, as are structured computer and program skill classes. To keep up to date with information about Anne Arundel The Boys and Girls Clubs of America and 4H clubs, projects, activities and curriculums are used as the sound foundation of the youth development program. County Public Schools, please visit: www.aacps.org Activities such as photography, digital arts, drama, cooking, individual and team sports, fitness and nutrition are a few of the many diverse offerings during the school year. Breakfast, lunch and after-school snacks are provided to all participating youth, using USDA guidelines. Connect with Fort Meade at Services are also available on school closure days such as Election Day, teacher conferences, teacher training, and fall, winter and spring holidays at no additional Facebook.com/ftmeade charge for all enrolled in the program.http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 23, 2012 SOUNDOFF! Back To School Supplement

B ack To S chool Age Appropriate Vaccination Requirements For Children Enrolled In Child Care Programs—Valid 9/01/12 - 8/31/13 Per COMAR 13A.15.03.02 and 13A.16.03.04 G & H Vaccination requirements are met only by complying with the vaccine chart below. Instructions: Find the age of the child in the column labeled “Child’s Current Age”. Read across the row for each required vaccine. The number in the box is the number of doses required for that vaccine based on the CURRENT age or grade level of the child. The age range in the column does not mean that the child has until the highest age in that range to meet compliance. Any child whose age falls within that range must have received the required number of doses based on his/her CURRENT age in order to be in compliance with COMAR. Vaccine types and dosage numbers required for children enrolled in child care programs Vaccine DTaP/DTP/ Polio2 Hib3 MMR2.4 Varicella2,4,5 Hepatitis B2 Pneumococcal DT/Td1 (Chickenpox) Conjugate3 (PCV) Child’s Current Age or Grade Level Less than 2 months 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 - 3 months 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 4 - 5 months 2 2 2 0 0 2 2 6 - 11 months 3 3 2 0 0 3 2 12 - 14 months 3 3 At least one dose 1 1 3 2 given after 12 months of age 15 - 23 months 4 3 At least one dose 1 1 3 2 given after 12 months of age 24 - 59 months 4 3 At least one dose 1 1 3 1 given after 12 months of age 5 years 4 3 Not required 2 1 3 Not required Grade Level DTaP/DTP/ Polio2 Hib MMR2 Varicella2,3 Hepatitis B2 Pneumococcal Grade (Ungraded) DT/Td1 (Chickenpox) Conjugate (PCV) Grades K - 12 (5 – 18 +yrs) 4 or 34 35 Not required 2 1 3 Not required CHART IS FOR USE BY CHILD CARE FACILITY OPERATORS ONLY TO ASSESS AGE APPROPRIATE IMMUNIZATION STATUS * See footnotes on backImmunizations are not just for young children. Today’s middle and high school students need protection from vaccine-preventable diseases as well. For more informationabout adolescent immunizations, call the Anne Arundel County Department of Health’s Immunization Services Program at 410-222-4896. SOUNDOFF! Back To School Supplement August 23, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

Fort Meade SoundOff August 23, 2012

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Fort Meade SoundOff August 23, 2012 Document Transcript