1. Soundoff!
vol. 64 no. 37 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community
´
September 13, 2012
fully
loaded
photo by brian krista
Truck owner and operator Bobby Jones helps guide a World War I-era Morser 16 onto his truck bed on Sept. 6 for the trip to Fort Sill, Okla. The Fort Meade Museum donated
the 17,500-pound German howitzer to the U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum at Fort Sill. The Fort Meade Museum displays a variety of exhibits, including original artwork,
authentic uniforms, battle tanks and war memorabilia. The museum is open Wednesdays to Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. For more information,
call 301-677-6966. For the story, see Page 10.
one’s merits got talent! UPCOMING EVENTS
Boy Scouts earn Annual post variety Friday, 7 p.m.-midnight: Chicago Steppin’ - Club Meade
distinctive badges show draws gifted Sept. 20, 7-10 p.m.: Karaoke Night - The Lanes
performers, big crowd Sept. 21, 6:30-8 a.m.: Installation Resiliency Run - McGlachlin Parade Field
during STEM day
Sept. 22, 8 a.m.: Football FanFare 5K/1-Mile Walk - Constitution Park
page 12 page 14 Sept. 22, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.: Indoor Flea Market - The Pavilion
2. Commander’s Column
Soundoff!
Editorial Staff
Garrison Commander
Guaranteed circulation:
11,285
´
Concerns posted on Facebook;
Col. Edward C. Rothstein
Garrison Command
Sgt. Maj. Thomas J. Latter
Public Affairs Officer
be prepared for emergencies
Chad T. Jones We asked you to share your concerns, ques- and mitigate the
Chad.T.Jones.civ@mail.mil tions and ideas on how we can make Fort Meade effects of a natu-
Chief, Command Information a better community, and you delivered. ral disaster, acts
Philip H. Jones Last week, I hosted our third Facebook town of terrorism and
Philip.H.Jones.civ@mail.mil hall. One of the great things about the Fort other man-made
Assistant Editor & Senior Writer Meade community is the way each of you step disasters.
Rona S. Hirsch up to the plate and become accountable when- This month
Staff Writer Lisa R. Rhodes ever we ask for your participation. is National
Staff Writer Brandon Bieltz At this town hall, we reached more people P re p a re d n e s s
Design Coordinator Timothy Davis — 9,538 — nearly twice as many as the first two Month. I want
Supplemental photography provided town halls combined. I’m convinced that the to use last
by Patuxent Publishing Co. meetings are a great opportunity for all of us to week’s storm COL. Edward c.
learn more about what we can do to make the and this annual Rothstein
Advertising installation better. observance as
Garrison Commander
General Inquiries 410-332-6300 Last week, there were lots of questions and an opportunity to remind everyone to think
Allison Thompson comments posted during the 90-minute town about how each of us can play a role in bolster-
410-332-6850 Allison.Thompson@baltsun.com hall. Many of the questions centered on con- ing our preparedness for disasters of all types
Michele Griesbauer cerns you have about post housing; using post — from cyber incidents and acts of terrorism to
410-332-6381 Michele.Griesbauer@baltsun.com services such as the commissary, the Exchange hurricanes, tornadoes and flooding.
and gas station; and issues related to traffic and The theme for this year’s observance is
If you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are safety. “Be informed. Make a plan. Build a kit. Get
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 One of my takeaways was the significant involved.” It is a reminder that preparedness
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. number of you who told me how much you is a shared responsibility, and emergency man-
appreciate these opportunities to post your agement requires the whole community to be
Printed by offset method of reproduction as a civilian enterprise in the interest of the questions and concerns during these Facebook engaged.
personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by the Patuxent Publishing Co., a subsidiary town halls. Here are a few simple steps to prepare for
of The Baltimore Sun Media Group, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday For many of your questions, I had members emergencies:
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 of Team Meade ready to help me articulate a • Residents should make emergency supply
desired publication date. Mailing address: Post Public Affairs Office, Soundoff! IMME-MEA-PA, factual and thoughtful answer. In some cases, kits that include water, food, batteries and first
Bldg. 4409, Fort Meade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-1361; DSN: 622-1361. there were questions that, quite simply, required aid in case they lose electrical service.
me to pass them on to a garrison directorate or • Consider making an emergency supply kit
Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage installation committee to research and determine for your vehicle, especially during the winter
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
the appropriate response. months.
will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source. Most importantly, your comments continue • Choose an emergency contact person outside
to help me “see Fort Meade through your eyes,” of your area because it may be easier to call long
Printed by Patuxent Publishing Co., a private firm, in no way connected with the Department and I believe we can use that viewpoint to con- distance than locally after a disaster.
of the Army. Opinions expressed by the publisher and writers herein are their own and are tinue to make this a better community. • Improve preparedness by staying informed
not to be considered an official expression by the Department of the Army. The appearance For those of you who did not have an oppor- about hazards and risks in your area.
of advertisers in the publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of
the Army of the products or services advertised. tunity to participate in the town hall, I urge • Go through your calendar now and put a
you to visit the Fort Meade Facebook page and reminder on it every six months to review your
review the questions and comments posted on emergency plan, update telephone numbers and
the evening of Sept. 6. Many of you have similar check supplies in your emergency kit to be sure
www.ftmeade.army.mil questions and I’m sure you will find this infor- noting has expired, spoiled or changed.
mation helpful. • Get involved in your community prepared-
You can also keep track of Fort Meade on Twitter at twitter.com/ftmeademd On Saturday, we had another bad batch of ness-planning activities. Consider volunteering
and view the Fort Meade Live Blog at ftmeade.armylive.dodlive.mil. severe weather that affected our area. According at your local Red Cross or food pantry prior to
to local weather reports, parts of Maryland expe- a disaster or emergency.
rienced extremely high wind speeds, heavy rain To learn more about emergency preparedness,
and lightning as a line of severe thunderstorms visit ready.gov.
Co n t e n t s passed through the region. Unfortunately, many
residents in the Baltimore and Washington,
Whether it is September or any other month
of the year, disaster can strike at any time with-
D.C., metro area lost power. out warning. Being prepared is the best defense
News.............................. 3 Sports................................... 16 This latest episode of severe weather is anoth- that you and your family can have.
er reminder that we all need to be prepared and Making a plan now is an important step in
Trouble Ticket................ 4 Movies.................................. 22 ready, before a disaster strikes, with emergency making sure members of your household know
kits and food supplies that will help ensure the what to do in an emergency.
Community.................. 20 Classified.............................. 23 resiliency of your family or your organization Have a great week!
SOUNDOFF! September 13, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil
3. News
Suicide Prevention Week expanded to month of events
By Kirk Frady, Army Medicine The increased use of these services indi- diers who hold these views. At the same time, developed and fielded a number of train-
Army News Service cates that Soldiers and families are using the number of Soldiers in treatment programs ing tools to facilitate units’ training. Other
The Army has designated September as these programs. For example, the number for behavioral health and substance abuse, for resources include ACE cards, Suicide Pre-
Suicide Prevention Month and joined the of Soldiers that have been seen in behavioral example, has steadily increased. vention Training Tip cards, Leaders’ Guides
nation in observing National Suicide Pre- health clinics has steadily increased over the Army leaders have developed numerous and videos. Additional resources may be
vention Week, which runs through Friday, past five years, the total number of behavioral initiatives to address the issue of stigma as it accessed on the Army G-1, Suicide Preven-
and World Suicide Prevention Day, held health clinic visits increased, and the number relates to seeking behavioral (mental) health tion website.
Monday. of Soldiers that participate in Strong Bonds services including: Other programs designed to combat sui-
The Army is expanding its observance marital retreats has increased. • Co-location of behavioral health and cide include the Comprehensive Soldier and
with events occurring during the entire month These types of programs are geared toward primary health-care providers (Respect-Mil Family Fitness program, which the Army
of September, focusing efforts on total Army getting the Army out “in front” of the suicide, and Medical Home Model) within medical instituted in 2012. An update to the Com-
family well-being, resilience, stigma reduc- and will ultimately help lower suicide rates. service facilities prehensive Soldier Fitness program, CSF2
tion, and positive results achieved by getting “Despite the tough enemies our Army • Including stigma reduction messaging in equips and trains Soldiers, family members
involved and reaching out for help. encountered in Iraq and Afghanistan, suicide all suicide prevention training videos and Army civilians for the psychological as
“We are committed to every Soldier, and is the toughest enemy we’ve faced, and I’m • Strategic communications initiatives well as physical rigors of sustained opera-
our efforts are focused on prevention well confident we will defeat this enemy,” said launched to promote help-seeking behavior tions.
before the individual chooses suicide as their Joseph Westphal, under secretary of the for Soldiers and their families, including pub- The CSF2 training equips individuals with
only option,” said Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horo- Army. lic service announcements featuring celebri- valuable life skills, which helps to better cope
ho, Army surgeon general and commander Stigma toward seeking behavioral health ties as well as Army leaders in stressful situations, bounce back from
of the U.S. Army Medical Command. support is a national problem that the Army • Policy revisions to discontinue use of the adversity and avoid self-defeating behavior.
To reduce the number of suicides, the takes seriously. Numerous surveys indicate term “mental” when referring to mental health For assistance, Soldiers and family mem-
Army is taking a holistic approach to health that some Soldiers are reluctant to seek help services and replace it with “behavioral” bers should contact the National Suicide
promotion, risk reduction and suicide pre- because they view it as a sign of weakness, or • Continued exploration of opportunities Prevention Lifeline/Military Crisis Line at
vention. It takes into account the challenges they believe their leaders will view it as a sign to employ confidential behavioral health and 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
derived from financial, relationship, legal, of weakness. related services Editor’s note: Fort Meade will host a Sui-
substance abuse and medical issues. However, over the past several years, there The Army has expanded its Applied Sui- cide Prevention Awareness stand-down on Sept.
The Army has partnered with the National has been a decrease in the percentage of Sol- cide Intervention Skills Training efforts and 26.
Institute of Mental Health to conduct the
largest behavioral health study of risk and
resilience factors among military personnel.
Agencies and organizations throughout
the Army are planning appropriate educa-
tional activities to observe the Army’s Suicide
Prevention Month.
A Suicide Prevention web page has been
established on the Army Suicide Prevention
website to facilitate suicide prevention train-
ing and resource needs at preventsuicide.
army.mil.
A stand-down has been directed by Vice
Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Lloyd J.
Austin III for Sept. 27. The theme is “Shoul-
der to Shoulder, We Stand up for Life.”
“Leaders across our Army recognize that
the health of our Soldiers, Army civilians
and family members is a top priority,” Austin
said. “We remain committed to doing what
is needed to care for our most precious asset
- our people - thereby ensuring a healthy and
resilient force for the future.”
Defeating suicide will take active involve-
ment from everyone. Civilian and military
research on suicide has demonstrated that
it is a complex phenomenon that defies easy
solutions.
The Army has expanded access to services photo by sarah pastrana
and programs to help Soldiers and family
members improve their ability to cope with NEVER FORGet
the stresses associated with military service Capt. John Trottman, a fire inspector with the Fort Meade Fire Department, rings the bell Tuesday morning at
such as separation, deployments and financial the end of the installation’s annual memorial ceremony commemorating the Sept. 11 attacks. The ceremony
pressures. was held outside the Directorate of Emergency Services.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil September 13, 2012 SOUNDOFF!
4. N ews
New law issued for motor scooter, moped riders
By Department of Maryland State Police the MVA website at mva.maryland.gov • The right lane is a right-turn only operated at more than 30 mph.
Maryland State Police and local law beginning Oct. 1. lane. 7. Drivers may not operate on a road-
enforcement are reminding owners and When the title is obtained, the vehicle • Operating in a lane too narrow for way where there is a smooth, paved bike
riders of motor scooters and mopeds owner will be provided with a decal that a bicycle or motor scooter and another lane or paved shoulder available. They
that a new law taking effect next month must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle to travel safely side-by-side must use the bike lane or paved shoulder
will make significant changes in the use vehicle. 2. Drivers may ride side-by-side only instead of the roadway.
of these forms of transportation. Maryland law defines a motor scooter if flow of traffic is unimpeded. 8. Drivers must obey the rules of the
On Oct. 1, new Maryland vehicle as a non-pedal vehicle that has a seat for 3. Drivers must exercise due care when road applicable to all vehicles.
laws will require all motor scooters and the operator; has two wheels, of which passing. Troopers and local law enforcement
mopeds to be titled and insured, while one is 10 or more inches in diameter; has 4. Headsets covering both ears, or ear- across Maryland have received training
all operators and passengers must wear a step-through chassis; has a motor with plugs in both ears are not permitted regarding the new laws.
a helmet and eye protection. a rating of 2.7 brake horsepower or less, 5. Scooters or mopeds may not be Beginning Oct. 1, scooter and moped
These new requirements are in addi- or a 50 cc engine or less; and is equipped operated on roadways with speed limits drivers who violate the new law can
tion to the existing law that requires all with an automatic transmission. greater than 50 mph. expect to be stopped and issued traffic
operators of motor scooters and mopeds A moped is defined as a bicycle that 6. Scooters or mopeds may not be citations or warnings.
to possess a valid driver’s license or a is designed to be operated by human
Freedom Inn restricts
moped operator’s permit. power with the assistance of a motor; is
All drivers and passengers of motor equipped with pedals that can drive the
scooters and mopeds will be required to rear wheel(s); has two or three wheels,
wear motorcycle helmets that meet safety one of which is more than 14 inches in
standards set by the Department of
Transportation. Drivers and passengers
must also wear eye protection, unless the
vehicle is equipped with a windscreen.
diameter; has a motor with a rating of
1.5-brake horsepower or less and a 50 cc
engine or less.
Drivers of motor scooters and mopeds
days for civilian dining
Motor scooter and moped owners are required to follow the same rules of Beginning Oct. 1, the Freedom Inn that not all regulatory guidance is being
will be required to insure their vehicles. the road as bicycles: Dining Facility will no longer permit followed and/or enforced.
They must obtain at least the minimum, 1. Drivers must ride as near to the civilians to dine at DFAC for lunch on Current funding constraints and fiscal
vehicle liability insurance and must carry Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
right side of the roadway as practical and responsibility demand compliance with
proof of the insurance with them when- safe as possible, except when: Civilians only will be allowed to dine DoD and Army regulatory guidance.
ever they are operating the scooter or • Making a left turn for lunch and breakfast on Mondays In accordance with IMCOM fiscal
moped. • Operating on a one-way street and Fridays. year 2013 funding guidance, commanders
Motor scooters and mopeds will be • Passing a stopped or slower-moving All meal hours and times are still in at every level and installation are encour-
required to be titled by the Motor Vehi- vehicle effect. Service members have priority aged to take the initiative to focus limited
cle Administration. Owners will be able • Avoiding pedestrians and road haz- during scheduled hours of operations resources on their intended purpose:
to obtain titling information through ards The change in civilian dining is a Subsistence-in-Kind (meal card issued)
result of a comprehen- for Soldiers and service members.
sive review conducted by Garrison commands will begin a
Headquarters, Installation plan effective Oct. 1 to optimize DFAC
Have you noticed an issue on post Management Command, operations, ensure that DFACs incur
and the Department of no additional costs for nonmilitary
Trouble
and wondered if anything is being
the Army G4 (Lean Six diners and operate within their funding
done to fix it? Email concerns and Sigma Project), reflecting allocation.
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:
solve them. WITHIN YOUR HEART
“The riches that are in the heart cannot be
Issue: Plan: Status: stolen.” — Russian Proverb
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
are now being performed,
McGill Training Center Install a new HVAC
classrooms 1-5 closed during Facebook.com/ftmeade
HVAC is inoperative
(except in the ballroom) A/C installation
(until Oct. 1, estimated)
SOUNDOFF! September 13, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil
5. N ews
Trusted Traveler Program
implemented at gates
By Lt. Col. J. Darrell Sides
Director, Emergency Services
Following Army guidance and joining
the ranks of other Army installations, the
Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Ser-
vices has recently implemented the Trusted
Traveler Program at all gates, except for the
National Security Agency.
This program is intended to reduce wait
times during the identification process and
increase traffic throughout the gates.
According to AR 190-13, the Army
Physical Security Program, Common
Access Card holders, military retirees and
military family members have an inherent
purpose and are authorized access to Army
photo by lisa r. rhodes
installations.
slice of history
file photo
The Trusted Traveler Program allows
all DoD identification cardholders (DoD • Provide flexibility for trusted travelers
employees, active-duty military, family to vouch for family members and guests Employees from Skookum Contract Services, a contractor for the Direc-
members ages 18 and older, and retired At no point will the safety and security torate of Logistics, use a forklift to move a tree cookie from the post
service members) to vouch for occupants of Fort Meade be compromised by this landfill to the Arts Crafts Center on Sept. 5. The tree cookie was placed
in their immediate vehicle, provided the change. The DES will continue to execute in a box at the Arts Crafts Center that contained nontoxic wood-stabi-
Trusted Traveler vehicle operator or pas- programs that monitor and take aggressive lizing chemicals to preserve the wood so it can be dried and eventually
senger possesses a valid DoD ID card. action against possible illegal activities. put on display at the Fort Meade Museum.
If there is no DoD ID cardholder in the A key factor of any program is active com- The tree cookie came from a dead, red oak tree that had stood in the
vehicle, then all occupants will be required munity involvement. Everyone is encour- field behind the museum until it was cut down Aug. 1. John Houchins,
to show appropriate identification and pos- aged to participate in Fort Meade’s iWatch Natural Resources program manager at the Environmental Division at
sibly have the vehicle searched to enter Fort program at 301-677-2619 and call the Fort the Directorate of Public Works, said a preliminary estimate of the tree
Meade. Meade Police immediately at 301-677-6622 cookie dates the tree’s age to the 1870s - predating the establishment
This program is intended to: if they observe suspicious activity. of Camp Meade in 1917.
• Expedite access to Fort Meade For more information on the Trusted A full story on the tree cookie will appear in next week’s Soundoff!
• Mitigate traffic congestion on adjoining Traveler Program, call the DES Physical
state highways Security Office at 301-677-6618.
DoD guidance on social media during political campaigns, elections
By Capt. Adam Petty endorsing the service member’s political Active-duty members may become click of a mouse lead to your downfall.
Legal Assistance Attorney activities. “friends” or “like” a Facebook page, or Stop, think and use caution at election time
November elections are fast approach- Political activity by federal civilian “follow” the Twitter account of a political before you comment on social media sites.
ing and many of us concerned citizens personnel is governed by the Hatch Act party or partisan candidates. Note that active-duty service members
want to debate the hot-button topics, dis- and federal regulations. However, active-duty military person- also may be subject to restrictions in the
cuss the candidates’ qualifications or just Below are some highlights of guidance nel may not: Uniform Code of Military Justice, the
offer our own political opinions. offered by the DoD regarding political • Engage in any partisan political activ- Joint Ethics Regulation and other service-
The widespread use of social media activity on social media: ity such as posting direct links to political specific rules that may address the use of
sites has created free-flowing avenues for Active-duty service members may gen- parties or partisan candidates government communication systems and
political discourse. erally express personal views on public • Post or comment on pages or send resources.
Often, Soldiers want to express their issues or political candidates via social “tweets” to political parties or partisan For more information, visit the “2012
political opinions like everyone else. How- media or personal blogs, much like writ- candidates DoD Public Affairs Guidance for Politi-
ever, there are a number of issues they ing a letter to a newspaper. • Engage in activities that suggest oth- cal Campaigns and Elections” at dod.
need to be mindful of when using social If the social media page or posts iden- ers “like,” “friend” or “follow” the politi- mil/dodgc/defense_ethics/resource_library/
media sites to discuss politics. tifies the person as an active-duty service cal party, partisan political candidate, dodpa_political_activity_guidance.pdf.
Active-duty service members should member, then the page or post should group or cause, or forward an invita- For additional information, call the
not engage in partisan political activi- clearly and prominently state that the tion or solicitation from those political Legal Assistance Division at 301-677-
ties and must avoid the impression that views expressed do not represent the DoD causes 9504/9536 and schedule an appointment to
the DoD is sponsoring, approving or or their branch of service. Do not let the push of a button or the meet with an attorney.
SOUNDOFF! September 13, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil
6. N ews
Designing Women
College students redesign faculty lounge at MacArthur Middle
By Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer
The faculty lounge at MacArthur Middle
School received a much-needed face-lift this
summer, thanks to two interior design students
from Anne Arundel Community College.
Deborah Brown and Sharon Woodall, mem-
bers of AACC’s student chapter of the Ameri-
can Society of Interior Designers, donated
their time to redesign the faculty lounge as
part of the student chapter’s annual effort to
complete a community service project.
“As a mother, I know the importance of
teachers in the community and I wanted to
give back to military families,” said Brown,
president-elect of the student chapter of
ASID at the time of the project.
Brown selected MacArthur Middle School
for the community service project from the
college’s list of local organizations in need of
help from volunteers.
Brown, now a part-time student who has a
long-term goal of earning a bachelor’s degree
photo by lisa r. rhodes; insert photo courtesy of deborah brown
in construction management, and Woodall, a
full-time student pursuing an associate degree Margaret Ennis, a mentor to teachers at MacArthur Middle School, enjoys
in interior design, worked with Merchelle lunch in the school’s newly designed faculty lounge. Two interior design
Halsey, also an interior design student at the students from Anne Arundel Community College recently redesigned the
college and a member of the society. room as part of a community service project by the college’s student
To start the project, Brown contacted chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers.
MacArthur Principal Stacy Gray in March
and told her that ASID had selected the LEFT: MacArthur Middle School’s faculty lounge was “uninviting” and
school for a free redesign of one of its rooms. “cluttered,” according to Principal Stacy Gray before its redesign this
Gray was delighted. summer. The new faculty lounge was unveiled in a ribbon-cutting
“It shows a commitment to our school ceremony on Aug. 20.
community and community service in gen-
eral,” Gray said. “I am humbled to have After reviewing the survey, Brown wanted project, purchased chairs, end tables, carpet- where you want to go to have your lunch and
MacArthur selected for this project.” to “create a room that was functional, but ing, drapery, paint and supplies from local socialize,” she said.
Gray suggested that the students redesign comfortable and modern,” she said. stores. Brown said the experience was fulfilling.
the school’s faculty lounge. Brown developed a design concept and Brown and Woodall designed a wall mural “You love to see when your space comes to
“The lounge before the redesign was not decided to use a neutral color palette of for the lounge that they painted by hand. life,” she said. “I always want a happy client
user-friendly,” Gray said. “It was uninviting blues, along with multiple sizes and shapes of Woodall also refurbished and painted two and love to give back to the community.”
because it lacked a bright feeling. Sometimes triangles as a design graphic. tables for the room. “I enjoyed how much the school appreci-
it appeared cluttered due to some things “In interior design, the triangle represents Hahn purchased window blinds for the ated it,” Woodall said. “Mrs. Gray let us run
that had no purpose, such as unused file the individual,” Brown said, noting that the project at a reduced price. with it because she trusted us.”
cabinets, or things that were not placed with students decided to use multiple sizes and The blinds were the only cost to MacArthur Gray said she is interested in receiving
careful thought of spacing, such as vending shapes of triangles to represent the diversity of Middle School. The funding was provided by design proposals from the students for future
machines.” the school and the Fort Meade community. its spring fundraising efforts. projects.
After consulting with Gray, Brown pre- Brown presented Gray with a rough hand- The newly designed faculty lounge was Chip Young, an adjunct faculty member in
sented the design proposal to the ASID stu- sketch of the redesign. With Gray’s approval, unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on AACC’s Department of Architecture, Interior
dent chapter’s board, which voted to approve Brown and Woodall began to redesign the Aug. 20. Design and Construction Management and
the effort. Brown was given a budget of less lounge in mid-July. “The work completed is tremendous,” a faculty advisor to the student chapter of
than $1,500. The designers received a donation of stor- Gray said. “It was professionally done and ASID, said Gray’s interest in future projects
Brown and Halsey later measured the age cabinets from an office supply store. makes our staff feel like they can relax in a is a compliment to the designers.
faculty lounge and took photographs. Brown Brown and Anne Hahn, a partner and owner comfortable place.” “This is a dream come true for a designer,”
also distributed a survey to the school’s fac- of Master Plan Interiors, an interior design Beatrice Burns, a paraprofessional at the Young said. “We’re thrilled that the students
ulty and staff to get their input on how they company in Lothian, and president of the school, said she is pleased with the results. are being considered for the school’s future
wanted the space to look and feel. student chapter of ASID at the time of the “The lounge has vibrant colors. It’s a place design.”
SOUNDOFF! September 13, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil
7. C over S tory
Central Michigan University’s
Global Campus Fort Meade Museum
at Fort Meade
sends massive WWI
weapon to Fort Sill
Career-focused degrees with
knowledge you can use the next day.
Master of Science in Administration degree
• No GRE or GMAT required By Brandon Bieltz specialist at Fort Sill. “We have artillery
• Weekend classes in compressed terms Staff Writer pieces from the Civil War all the way up
For decades a pair of 21-cm Morser to present day. We do have a few German
Classes available at 7 Metro DC centers 16s was on display outside the Fort howitzers from World War I, and this
Meade Museum, exhibiting the German will complete some of our collections.”
• Aberdeen PG • Alexandria weaponry of World War I. The howitzer came to Fort Meade
• Fort Belvoir • Fort Meade In the early 1990s, however, the weap- through First Army’s historical collec-
• JBMHH • Joint Base Andrews ons were moved into storage to prevent tions in 1966. The unit captured the
• Pentagon further damage from the weather. weapon at the Battle of the Argonne
But on Sept. 6, one of the massive Forest in France in 1918.
guns was brought back outside and sent “A lot of these historic collections
on a long ride to Fort Sill, Okla. started off as souvenirs captured dur-
Military Tuition Discounted Rate The Fort Meade museum donated the ing battle,” said Dave Manning, the
CMU is proud to support our military students. For details on German howitzer to the U.S. Army Field collections manager at the Fort Meade
CMU’s military tuition discounted rate, visit cmich.edu/military. Artillery Museum at Fort Sill, which will Museum who is responsible for the his-
restore and display the 17,500-pound toric property.
weapon in the museum’s Artillery Park. The collection moved around with
The 1916 weapon will become the muse- First Army. When the unit was assigned
CMU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. um’s oldest remnant of German artillery to Fort Meade in 1966, all of its historic
CMU is an AA/EO institution (see cmich.edu/aaeo). 34147 6/12 from the first world war. property came to the installation as well,
“It’s going to work within our col- including the two German Morser 16s.
lection,” said Zane Mohler, an exhibit For more than 25 years, the guns were
Get it all at CMU’s Global Campus at Fort Meade.
Call 301-621-9796 or toll-free 866-588-4188 today!
cmich.edu/metrodc CMUglobal@cmich.edu
photo BY BRIAN KRISTA
Forrest Taylor of New Windsor, who came to see the German howitzer before it left
Fort Meade on Sept. 6, and Zane Mohler, an exhibit specialist with the U.S. Army Field
Artillery Museum, examine the wheel of the 1916 weapon. The Morser will undergo a
$10,888 restoration at Fort Sill, Okla.
10 SOUNDOFF! September 13, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil
8. C over S tory
on display outside the museum before utilize it. …It’ll give it better exposure.” the awkwardly shaped cargo to the truck, artillery pieces in Artillery Park.
they were moved into a storage ware- The process began when Zane traveled the howitzer was chained down and “Acquiring the Morser 16 is very
house. They remained in storage until to Fort Meade to take measurements for began its more than 1,400-mile journey important to the museum because it will
a few months ago, when the Fort Sill the construction of carts that would help to Oklahoma. be our first example of a World War I
museum began the process of moving move the 17,500-pound weapon. Using After arriving at Fort Sill, the gun was German piece of heavy artillery,” Blaker
one of the guns to Oklahoma. the carts and a forklift, the gun was taken to the Fort Sill Paint Shop where it said. “Currently, our largest WWI Ger-
Manning said it was an easy decision placed outside a warehouse near Meade will be restored. U.S. Army Field Artil- man gun is a 150 mm. Additionally, the
for the museum to send one of the two High School last week. lery Museum curator Gordon Blaker Morser 16 was one of the most heavily
Morser 16s to Fort Sill. The nearly 9-ton howitzer left its mark said the weapon would be sandblasted; used German howitzers of World War
“This is a significant piece within the outside the warehouse, making large rusted out portions would be repaired I.
history of modern artillery and they craters in the parking lot from wheels and repainted. “We are working towards having a
don’t have an example of it,” he said. on the cart. The process is expected to take about good representative collection of U.S.,
“We’re more than happy to send one A crane lifted the gun onto a flatbed a month at a cost of $10,888. Once Allied and enemy artillery used in all of
down there where they’ll able to better truck. After several attempts to secure restored, the howitzer will join 85 other America’s wars.”
photo by brian krista
Zane Mohler, an exhibit specialist with the U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum at Fort Sill, Okla., and Dave Manning, the collections manager at the Fort Meade Museum,
secures the howitzer before it is lifted onto a flatbed truck. The Fort Meade Museum donated the German weapon to the U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil September 13, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 11
9. N ews
Fort Meade hosts Boy Scouts STEM day
By Brandon Bieltz
Staff Writer
From the art of building robots and rock-
ets to chemistry and surveying, more than 400
Boy Scouts from the Baltimore area picked
up new science, technology, engineering and
math skills at Fort Meade.
On Saturday, the installation played host
to the hundreds of Scouts looking to earn
challenging merit badges during the Scouts’
first S.T.E.M. Merit Badge Day.
Scouts were scattered throughout the post
during the daylong event, attending classes
focused on chemistry, composite materials,
computers, electricity, electronics, inventing,
robotics, engineering, space exploration, ener-
gy and surveying.
Organizers said the event, which was open
to all girls and boys ages 11 to 17, was held
at Fort Meade as part of the Scouts’ relation-
ship with the installation and to combine
resources for the large-scale event.
“The bigger focus is just us, as Americans,
we need to focus and bridge the gap on
science, technology, engineering and math
— and what better place to do that than
at Fort Meade?” said Ian Smith, a STEM
district executive with the Baltimore Area
Council of the Boy Scouts.
The day kicked off with a brief ceremony
featuring Garrison Commander Col. Edward
C. Rothstein and John C. Inglis, deputy com- PHOTOS BY NOAH SCIALOM
mander of the National Security Agency. Baltimore area Boy Scouts gather Saturday at Murphy Field House during the daylong S.T.E.M. Merit Badge Day. The Scouts,
“This is amazing, this is awesome and I’m who chose one badge to focus on for the day, attended classes at the Defense Information School, Burba Lake and Picerne
so proud to be apart of this and you allow- neighborhood centers that focused on chemistry, composite materials, computers, electricity, electronics, inventing, robotics,
ing me to share this day with you,” Rothstein engineering, space exploration, energy and surveying.
said to the Scouts. “I really want to show my
appreciation to you and thank you for taking merit badges.
the time to do this. “There is a whole series of STEM-related
“The key to success in the Army is well- merit badges being taught by professionals,
David Elwood
ness, and wellness is making good decisions. experts or people very knowledgeable about
of Troop 339
You are doing just that in being here on those merit badges,” he said.
shows his
a Saturday, expanding your horizons with While classes conducted various projects,
Lego robot to
science, technology, engineering and math Shields said the event was highlighted by
James Lorsong
opportunities.” the Space Exploration’s rocket launches and
of Troop
Rothstein challenged the Scouts to con- robot building in the Robotics class.
361 during
tinue to “think things through and continue Nick Brown, 15, and Mason Wright, 17,
S.T.E.M. Merit
to be innovative.” said they enjoyed the opportunity to earn the
Badge Day on
Following the ceremony, the 430 Boy challenging STEM merit badges through the
Saturday when
Scouts were sent throughout the post for surveying class.
430 Boy Scouts
their daylong classes. Courses were taught at Nick, who is from Troop 975 in Severn,
were scattered
the Defense Information School, Burba Lake said he picked the classes to help him narrow
throughout the
and Picerne Military Housing’s neighbor- down his interests.
post to earn
hood centers. “It will help me find out what I want to
merit badges
Scouts picked one badge to focus on for do,” the Severn resident said.
in science,
the day. Using instruction and hands-on proj- Highland resident Mason, on the other
technology,
ects, they learned various STEM skills. hand, took the course to learn a few new skills
engineering and
Patrick Shields, a STEM executive with the that could help him in his desired career.
math.
Baltimore Area Council of the Boy Scouts, “I picked it because I want to do stuff with
said the event provided participants with buildings and be an architect,” he said “So it
an interesting and beneficial way of earning should help me with that.”
12 SOUNDOFF! September 13, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil
10. N ews
photos by noah scialom
‘Bigger and better’
‘Fort Meade’s Got Talent’
draws performers, crowd
By Lisa R. Rhodes “I think it was awesome,” she said after
Staff Writer the event. “It was so inspiring. ... They
Severe weather Saturday evening did not were so brave to get up there and perform
stop a record crowd of about 450 people and do a great job.”
from attending the installation’s fourth Jennifer Augustine, technical director
annual “Fort Meade’s Got Talent” variety for procurement at the Defense Informa- cool to meet all the contestants. Winning of the contemporary gospel song, “Rain
show. tion Systems Agency, was the first-place was a benefit.” On Us,” written and performed by gospel
“I appreciate you coming out tonight,” winner in the adult division for her stirring As first-place winners, Augustine and singer Earnest Pugh.
Francisco Jamison, Child, Youth and solo performance of “Someone Like You,” Zach each receive a cash prize of $250. Navy Lt. Col. Joseph Holiday of the
School Services administrator and the a song written by Frank Wildhorn and Second-place winners in both divisions Naval Information Operations Com-
host, director and executive producer of Leslie Bricusse for the Broadway musical receive a cash prize of $150. Third-place mand Maryland took third place in the
the show, said to the audience. “Jekyll and Hyde.” winners receive $90. adult division for his solo performance of
Jamison said CYSS considered delaying Augustine, wife of Navy Chief Petty The goal of the Army’s Festival of the “Down In the Hole” by Alice In Chains, a
the show for one hour but “it never came Officer James Augustine, senior enlisted Arts and Recreation Program is to “pro- 1990s grunge band.
to that.” leader for the Navy’s European Command, vide opportunities for Soldiers and their “I was a bit surprised,” Holiday said of
The two-hour show, which was held at J2, called the experience “wonderful” and family members and other authorized his win. “It’s an unconventional genre of
McGill Training Center and sponsored “so much fun.” FMWR patrons to participate in garrison music. I was excited that the judges appre-
by the Directorate of Family and Morale, “It is one of my favorite songs of all community recreation programs and spe- ciated one of my favorite kinds of music
Welfare and Recreation, drew the biggest time,” she said. “It’s an uplifting, meaning- cial events that promote skill development, from the 1990s.”
crowd since its inception in 2008. ful and beautiful song. It fits my voice. It the fine arts, performing arts and general In the youth division, Zach’s younger
“The show gets bigger and better every was the perfect song for me to choose.” recreation,” according to the show’s bro- brother Josh Campbell won second place
year,” Jamison told the audience. Zach Campbell, 16, won first place in chure. for his solo of “So Sick” by RB singer
More than 20 adults and youths per- the youth division for his rhythmic guitar “This is incredible; Team Meade cer- Ne-Yo.
formed and were evaluated by a panel of solo and vocal of “Geek In Pink” by Jason tainly has talent,” Col. Edward C. Roth- And just like Ne-Yo, the 14-year-old per-
judges from the Army’s Festival of the Mraz, a pop-rock singer and guitarist. stein said to the audience just before the formed the song wearing a black fedora.
Arts and Recreation Program, as well as Zach, whose father is retired Navy winners were announced. “It was fantastic “I think it’s great,” Josh said of his
judges from the U.S. Army Field Band. Commander Marvin Campbell, said it talent that we saw this evening.” win.
Audrey Rothstein, wife of Garrison was “cool” to take first place. Gregory Mason, a budget analyst at He said he selected “So Sick” because
Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein, “I was happy to be in the competition,” Defense Media Activity, won second place it is “upbeat” and could “get the crowd
also was a judge. the home-schooled student said. “It was in the adult division for his moving solo going.”
14 SOUNDOFF! September 13, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil
11. FAR LEFT: Nine-year-old Kadin Redente, a fourth-grader at High Point Elementary School in Pasadena, performs a magic trick with the
help of Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein during “Fort Meade’s Got Talent.” Kadin won third place in the competition’s youth
division. A record crowd of about 450 people attended the event, despite severe weather a few hours before the start of the show.
LEFT: Spc. Mercedes MacKillop of the 327th Signal Company performs “Movin’ On Up,” the theme song from the 1970s sitcom “The
Jeffersons,” during “Fort Meade’s Got Talent” fourth annual variety show held Saturday evening at McGill Training Center.
ABOVE: Isabel Syers, 15, performs “Don’t Know Why,” a bluesy contemporary ballad by jazz/folk singer Norah Jones.
ABOVE RIGHT: Zach Campbell, 16, performs a rhythmic guitar solo and vocal of the song “Geek in Pink” on Saturday evening. Zach
won first place in the youth division and a $250 cash prize.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Fourteen-year-old Josh Campbell performs the RB hit “So Sick” by Neo-Yo during his second-place performance in
the youth division of “Fort Meade’s Got Talent” variety show.
The third-place youth division winner, The daughter of Lt. Col. Andre Hinson
9-year-old Kadin Redente, son of Tech of 1st Recruiting Brigade, Imani said she
Sgts. Michael and Jennifer Redente, per- wrote the poem in fifth grade and that
formed magic tricks with the help of Col. many people have encouraged her to recite
Edward C. Rothstein. it in public.
“I’m so excited; I can’t believe it,” said “People have told me I can move people
Kadin, a fourth-grader at High Point and make change,” she said.
Elementary School in Pasenda, after the Spc. Mercedes MacKillop of the 327th
show. “I’m so happy.” Signal Company brought the audience to
Event highlights included a solo per- its feet with her rendition of “Movin’ On
formance by Stacy Echard, special events Up,” the theme from the 1970s TV sitcom
coordinator for FMWR, who sang “Before “The Jeffersons.”
He Cheats,” the hit song made popular by “I wanted people to have a good time,”
country singers Trisha Yearwood and Car- MacKillop said. “As long as I entertain the
rie Underwood. crowd, that’s better than winning.”
“It’s a fun, party song,” said Echard, The show’s finale´ was a rousing perfor-
who was asked to perform when an ill mance by all the contestants of the Ike and
adult contestant dropped out of the show. Tina Turner RB hit, “Proud Mary.”
“I’m a karaoke junkie.” Among those in the audience was Lisa
Imani Hinson, a freshman at Columbia’s Ivory, who came to scout for talent for her
Atholton High School, recited “Color,” a entertainment company, Onez Entertain-
moving poem she wrote about the need to ment in Odenton.
eliminate racism. “It was a good turnout and pretty good
“It was so nerve-wracking,” the 14-year- talent,” Ivory said. “There’s potential tal-
old said of her performance. ent to grow.”
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil September 13, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 15
12. S ports
Marines post win in intramural football opener
By Brandon Bieltz ers were added to fill four empty spots
Staff Writer caused by injuries.
Last year, the Marines strolled into the Brown is still confident that the team
offseason with the Division I football cham- could put together another winning season
pionship title after beating Navy Informa- with the new roster.
tion Operations Command Maryland 28- “I think we should be all right,” he said.
25 in the finals. Brown said the Marines’ plan for the year
When the team took the field on Sept. is to put up as many points as possible to
5 for the 2012 intramural football season keep the pressure off of its defense.
opener, players picked up where they left “We’re just going to have to score points
off by shutting out the Office of the Staff because I don’t think our defense is going to
Judge Advocate, 28-0. be as good as some of the other offensives
Two interceptions by the Marines’ that are out there,” he said.
defense and three touchdown passes from While the Marines were looking to con-
Will Brown led the team to the lopsided tinue their dominance in the division, SJA
victory. players were just getting their feet wet play-
“It’s a good way to start the season ing in the team’s first game.
coming back to defend our championship With only one practice together heading
— coming out and making a statement,” into the season opener, SJA quarterback
said Jeremy Beers, Marines wide receiver Jonathan Roohy said the team was viewing
and defensive back. it as another practice — despite it being
Despite bringing back several key players against the reigning champions.
PHOTOS BY BRIAN KRISTA from last year’s championship team that “The Marines are the defending cham-
SJA quarterback Jonathan Roohy looks for an open receiver as he is chased by Jim only lost one game all season, the Marines pions, so not the best opponent,” he said.
Terry of the Marines. Two interceptions by the Marines’ defense and three touchdown received a minor makeover after new play- “But we’re ready for the challenge.”
passes led to the team’s first win of the season. Roohy said that early on in the season,
SJA wanted to work on building chemistry,
which he is hoping becomes the team’s
strength later in the season. To do that, SJA
was looking to keep things simple.
“We’re just going to put together a
couple plays, just run the plays, just short
yardage,” Roohy said. “We aren’t looking
to score touchdowns every play, just trying
to execute mainly.”
When the Marines took the field for the
first possession of the season, the experience
levels of the two teams was evident as the
Marines moved the ball down Mullins Field
with a short run and two deep passes.
Brown’s touchdown pass to Beers gave
the Marines an early 7-0 after the five-play
drive.
On the SJA’s first possession, Beers made
another big play by intercepting a Roohy
pass at midfield. SJA’s Jamie Taylor nearly
picked off a Brown pass to take away the
Marines’ good field position, but Brown
marched his team into the end zone with
passes to Beers and a scramble to the goal
line.
A touchdown pass to Chris Knox capped
the seven-play drive and gave the Marines
William Biggers (left) of the Office of the
Staff Judge Advocate team, reaches
for the flag of Marines quarterback Will
Brown during the 2012 intramural football
season opener on Sept. 5 at Mullins Field.
The Marines shut out SJA, 28-0.
16 SOUNDOFF! September 13, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil
13. S ports
Jibber Jabber - Opinion
AFC is the place to be
To be blunt, Manweekend 2013 was off Biggest Addition: Trent Richardson adage floating
the chain. He can catch, he can run and he can around the NFL
The Windy City lived up to its name and block. Too bad Cleveland can’t play. nowadays: All
provided me with my first taste of fall and Final Standings: Baltimore 13-3; Pitts- articles pertaining
Italian beef sandwiches. Apparently, they burgh 11-5 (wildcard); Cincinnati 6-10; to football must
have some good popcorn too, but during Cleveland 4-12 mention Tim
Manweekend, chumps chomp on P-corn Word of note: Cincy has never made Tebow.
while real men plow through sliced beef on the playoffs two years in a row, ever. It Final Stand- Chad T. Jones,
a roll covered in white cheese and grilled won’t happen again this year. ings: New Eng- Public Affairs
onions. A few jalapenos do not hurt either. land 13-3; Jets Officer
And, oh, yeah, Springsteen showed why SOUTH 9-7; Buffalo 8-8;
he is “The Boss” — three hours of nonstop Best Offensive Player: Arian Foster, RB, Miami 6-10
rock ‘n’ roll, despite performing outside in Houston
PHOTO BY BRIAN KRISTA a downpour. Nobody has rushed for more yards in WEST
Of course, I didn’t get to give Bruce my the last two seasons than Foster. Best Offensive Player: Peyton Manning,
Jeremy Beers, Marines wide receiver
complete attention. That’s because seated in Best Defensive Player: Dwight Freeney, QB, Denver
and defensive back, makes an over-the-
the row directly in front of me, in the base- LB, Indianapolis Did you not see him carve up Pittsburgh?
shoulder catch for an interception.
ball cathedral that is Wrigley Field, there sat Few players got around the corner faster If healthy, Raiders’ Darren McFadden may
a lady who liked to boogie. than Freeney, and that is when he was in have something to say about this. Chargers
a 14-0 lead.
Now that in and of itself is not a problem, a three-point stance. Now that is standing quarterback Philip Rivers, too.
Already down by two scores, the SJA
especially at a concert. But this lady’s lethal up, don’t be surprised if he nets 15 sacks. Best Defensive Player: Derrick Johnson,
put together a long drive with only two
combination of being short, having stubby Best unit: Houston Texans offense LB, Kansas City
minutes remaining in the first half. The 11-
limbs and overactive hips made her dance When healthy, quarterback Matt Tackling machine who may be the best
play drive was salvaged by two fourth-down
similarly to the gopher in Caddyshack you- Schaub, Foster and wide receiver Andre linebacker in the AFC … sorry Ray Ray.
conversions with a run from Roohy and a
tube.com/watch?v=ZFGpgt4EC3I. Johnson may comprise the best big three in Best unit: San Diego Chargers offense
completion to Darryl Blyes for first down.
Her delivery demanded observation, and Texas since Aikman, Irvin and Smith. If healthy, Rivers, running back Ryan
But the SJA stalled a little past midfield and
minor ridicule from Cousins Claw, Roy D Worst Unit: Jacksonville’s defense Mathews, wide receiver Malcolm Floyd and
was forced to punt back to the Marines with
and me. She also made us a little nervous They just gave up 26 points to the tight end Antonio Gates are stout.
35 seconds left in the half.
because we knew if Kenny Loggins or Bill Vikings. Worst Unit: Oakland Raiders disciplin-
With the clock ticking down, the Marines
Murray were to somehow join Bruce on Biggest Addition: Andrew Luck, QB, ary enforcers
were able to move the ball down to the 10-
stage, the downpour Bruce was jamming Indianapolis They’ve led the league in penalties every
yard line before time ran out in the half.
through would have been upgraded to a Indy will not win a lot of games, but year since I was about 10. It looks like they
The Marines opened the second half with
cyclone of stubby fists of fury and hip luck is the real deal. will do it again this year.
its second interception that was returned for
checks galore. Final Standings: Houston 13-3; Tennes- Biggest Addition: Peyton Manning
a touchdown on the SJA’s second offensive
Anyway, on to the AFC. see 10-6; Jacksonville 6-10; Indianapolis Enough said.
play. Although the Marines failed on the
extra point, Matthew Reed’s interception 3-13 Final Standings: Kansas City 10-6; Den-
NORTH ver 10-6 (wild card); San Diego 8-8; Oak-
extended the lead to 20-0 a few moments EAST
into the second half. Best Offensive Player: Ben Roethlis- land 7-9
On the following possession, SJA con- berger, QB, Pittsburgh Best Offensive Player: Tom Brady, QB,
Joe Flacco and Ray Rice are both right New England OVERALL
tinued to struggle as it was forced to punt
after only six plays and one first down. The there, but until either wins a few rings, I’ll Still went to Michigan, still dreamy and AFC Championship game: Houston vs.
SJA punt was returned to midfield, where keep going with Big Ben. still the best. Baltimore
the Marines put together a four-play drive Best Defensive Player: Ray Lewis, LB, Best Defensive Player: Darrelle Revis, Super Bowl: Baltimore vs. Dallas
that ended with a touchdown pass to Phil Baltimore CB, New York Jets As much as I want to make this an all-
Giesen. I know he is old and I know his “inten- Revis Island is a lonely place for receivers. Texas Super Bowl featuring Houston and
A successful two-point conversation sity” can be lame, but the man is an all- Worst Unit: New England Patriots Dallas, the Ravens appear to have an awful
sealed the 28-0 victory for the Marines, time great and —unlike Gopher Lady defense big chip on their shoulder from not mak-
ending the game due to a mercy rule. — boy, can he dance youtube.com/watch They ranked 31st in the NFL last year in ing the game last year.
With the first win under their belt, play- ?v=R43adFL8RLkfeature=related. total defense. Part of the reason is because As for Dallas, yeah, they are my team,
ers said they needed to continue practicing Best Unit: Baltimore Ravens Offense their offense is so dang efficient. The bigger but more importantly, the adjustments
and tweaking, but remained confident they Ray Rice, Joe Flacco and a bunch of part is they have a hard time tackling, cover- they made on the defensive side of the
would put together another successful skilled players will finally give the Ravens ing and getting off blocks. ball make them a tough out. Just ask the
season. D a long-awaited, well-deserved break. Biggest Addition: Tim Tebow, QB, New Giants. In fact, the changes will make them
“There’s maybe one or two teams that Worst Unit: Cleveland Browns offense York Jets Super Bowl champs.
can keep it competitive,” Beers said. “I Cleveland running back Trent Rich- It is more likely that Bills new defensive If you have comments on this or any-
don’t really see anybody stopping us.” ardson aside, this offense is downright end Mario Williams will have a bigger thing to do with sports, contact me at chad.
offensive. impact on the team, but there’s another t.jones.civ@us.army.mil.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil September 13, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 17