The document summarizes:
1) Fort Meade will conduct 100 percent ID checks at all gates for two weeks starting Friday to count non-DOD visitors entering the installation as part of an IMCOM initiative.
2) This is expected to cause delays at gates and possible traffic impacts on surrounding roads.
3) The battalion commander recognized seven Soldiers at a ceremony for their achievements and contributions.
This document is a newspaper called Soundoff! that provides news and information to the Fort Meade community. The main article summarizes an annual Army Cyber Skills Challenge competition hosted by the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade at Fort Meade. The competition tested 53 soldiers and civilians from various cyber units on both physical obstacles like a 4.5 mile ruck march and technical challenges like packet analysis. Pfc. Harry McNeary from the 781st Military Intelligence Battalion won the Iron Warrior portion of the physical competition. The event was designed to challenge participants both physically and mentally.
The document summarizes safety tips and statistics about fireworks-related injuries to encourage safe celebrations of Independence Day. Fort Meade's annual "Red, White and Blue Celebration" will be held at McGlachlin Parade Field from 4-10 PM with rides, food vendors and a fireworks show at 9:30 PM. While fireworks are prohibited at the event, Maryland law only allows ground-based fireworks displays for personal use off-post.
The Fort Meade community honored 240 years of Army service at a breakfast event. The guest speaker was retired Lt. Col. Alfred Rascon, a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in Vietnam. He recalled the day in 1966 when he risked his life under heavy fire to rescue wounded comrades. About 60 people attended the event to commemorate the Army's birthday and cut a ceremonial cake.
The article summarizes Air Force Staff Sgt. Steven Doty being awarded the Soldier's Medal for his heroism in helping rescue the crew of a downed helicopter in Afghanistan in 2010. It describes Doty rushing to the crash scene as the first to arrive, and working to save the three crewmen. The ceremony honoring Doty with this medal took place at the Defense Information School. The Soldier's Medal is the U.S. Army's highest peacetime award for bravery not involving direct contact with an enemy.
The document discusses several upcoming events at Fort Meade including:
- A new camouflage pattern being released for soldiers' uniforms starting in July.
- Construction beginning on a new $10 million access control point at Rockenbach Road to improve traffic flow.
- Fort Meade's participation in the Defense Department's Healthy Base Initiative demonstration project ending this month, with various projects around the installation being evaluated.
The document is a newspaper from Fort Meade dated October 10, 2013. It includes brief articles about:
- A soldier who uses couponing to purchase discounted products and donates them to organizations like food banks and the Fort Meade SHARP program.
- Upcoming events at Fort Meade like concerts, runs, and festivals.
- The 704th MI Brigade football team improving to a 7-0 record.
- Tickets for Baltimore sports and entertainment events being available for pickup by service members at the Fort Meade USO, in addition to Fort Belvoir.
- Resources for military personnel and civilians impacted by the government shutdown, including Military One Source and Employee Assistance Programs.
The document summarizes an article from the Fort Meade newspaper Soundoff about the following topics:
1) Fort Meade's Army Emergency Relief campaign raised nearly $135,000, surpassing its goal of $55,000. Most of the donations came from active-duty service members.
2) The increased funds will help support Soldiers and their families during financial hardships. Donations are pooled with other installations to support wider Army and military communities.
3) The article highlights some of the top contributing units at Fort Meade and thanks the community for participating in the campaign. The fiscal year 2016 campaign will aim to increase donations by 15 percent.
The document is the August 15, 2013 issue of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff. Key details include:
- The garrison commander, Col. Brian Foley, assumed command from Col. Edward Rothstein and discusses his philosophy of caring, motivation, diversity, and professional development.
- The Commander's 2nd Annual Teen Leadership Challenge summer volunteer program provided learning experiences for 35 youths ages 13-21 at various garrison organizations.
- Mannie Fuhrman taught guitar to wounded warriors through the program to gain experience for a career in music therapy.
- Commissaries will return to normal operating hours the week of August 18-24 following the reduction of civilian furlough days from 11 to
This document is a newspaper called Soundoff! that provides news and information to the Fort Meade community. The main article summarizes an annual Army Cyber Skills Challenge competition hosted by the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade at Fort Meade. The competition tested 53 soldiers and civilians from various cyber units on both physical obstacles like a 4.5 mile ruck march and technical challenges like packet analysis. Pfc. Harry McNeary from the 781st Military Intelligence Battalion won the Iron Warrior portion of the physical competition. The event was designed to challenge participants both physically and mentally.
The document summarizes safety tips and statistics about fireworks-related injuries to encourage safe celebrations of Independence Day. Fort Meade's annual "Red, White and Blue Celebration" will be held at McGlachlin Parade Field from 4-10 PM with rides, food vendors and a fireworks show at 9:30 PM. While fireworks are prohibited at the event, Maryland law only allows ground-based fireworks displays for personal use off-post.
The Fort Meade community honored 240 years of Army service at a breakfast event. The guest speaker was retired Lt. Col. Alfred Rascon, a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in Vietnam. He recalled the day in 1966 when he risked his life under heavy fire to rescue wounded comrades. About 60 people attended the event to commemorate the Army's birthday and cut a ceremonial cake.
The article summarizes Air Force Staff Sgt. Steven Doty being awarded the Soldier's Medal for his heroism in helping rescue the crew of a downed helicopter in Afghanistan in 2010. It describes Doty rushing to the crash scene as the first to arrive, and working to save the three crewmen. The ceremony honoring Doty with this medal took place at the Defense Information School. The Soldier's Medal is the U.S. Army's highest peacetime award for bravery not involving direct contact with an enemy.
The document discusses several upcoming events at Fort Meade including:
- A new camouflage pattern being released for soldiers' uniforms starting in July.
- Construction beginning on a new $10 million access control point at Rockenbach Road to improve traffic flow.
- Fort Meade's participation in the Defense Department's Healthy Base Initiative demonstration project ending this month, with various projects around the installation being evaluated.
The document is a newspaper from Fort Meade dated October 10, 2013. It includes brief articles about:
- A soldier who uses couponing to purchase discounted products and donates them to organizations like food banks and the Fort Meade SHARP program.
- Upcoming events at Fort Meade like concerts, runs, and festivals.
- The 704th MI Brigade football team improving to a 7-0 record.
- Tickets for Baltimore sports and entertainment events being available for pickup by service members at the Fort Meade USO, in addition to Fort Belvoir.
- Resources for military personnel and civilians impacted by the government shutdown, including Military One Source and Employee Assistance Programs.
The document summarizes an article from the Fort Meade newspaper Soundoff about the following topics:
1) Fort Meade's Army Emergency Relief campaign raised nearly $135,000, surpassing its goal of $55,000. Most of the donations came from active-duty service members.
2) The increased funds will help support Soldiers and their families during financial hardships. Donations are pooled with other installations to support wider Army and military communities.
3) The article highlights some of the top contributing units at Fort Meade and thanks the community for participating in the campaign. The fiscal year 2016 campaign will aim to increase donations by 15 percent.
The document is the August 15, 2013 issue of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff. Key details include:
- The garrison commander, Col. Brian Foley, assumed command from Col. Edward Rothstein and discusses his philosophy of caring, motivation, diversity, and professional development.
- The Commander's 2nd Annual Teen Leadership Challenge summer volunteer program provided learning experiences for 35 youths ages 13-21 at various garrison organizations.
- Mannie Fuhrman taught guitar to wounded warriors through the program to gain experience for a career in music therapy.
- Commissaries will return to normal operating hours the week of August 18-24 following the reduction of civilian furlough days from 11 to
The document is the June 19, 2014 issue of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff. It includes summaries of upcoming community events, an article about the Army's 239th birthday celebration with an AUSA breakfast, and an op-ed from the Director of the Installation Safety Office about motorcycle safety and training resources available on the base. The newspaper has local news, sports, entertainment and classified sections.
The document discusses efforts at Fort Meade to train more service members in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). Previously, ASIST trainers were typically chaplains or mental health professionals. However, over 20 NCOs from various occupations recently completed ASIST trainer certification. This aims to have more "frontline" personnel able to assist those at risk of suicide. Two NCOs, Sgt. 1st Class Katie Smith and Staff Sgt. Peter Yokel, discussed using their experience to help others and make resources available to soldiers struggling with isolation or other issues.
This document summarizes upcoming community events at Fort Meade and discusses two organizations that support leadership development: the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and the Fort Meade Vacation Bible School program. The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club recognizes outstanding enlisted service members, and Fort Meade will host its first induction board in August. The Vacation Bible School program is seeking adult volunteers to supervise children during the week-long program in August. Background checks are required for all volunteers.
The document summarizes upcoming events at Fort Meade including a Ramadan observance, farmers' market, dinner dance, and jazz concert. It also previews stories about local youth excelling in track and field and a book featuring stories of female service members. The garrison commander's column expresses his leadership philosophy of caring for employees and communicating decisions to motivate the workforce.
Sen. Cardin hosted a town hall forum at Fort Meade to discuss the impact of the 2013 federal budget furloughs on DoD civilians and the possibility of future furloughs in 2014. The American Federation of Government Employees Local 1923 organized the event. Sen. Cardin addressed the attendees' concerns about the furloughs and the potential for more furloughs next year if Congress does not change current budget laws. Topics of discussion included money-saving suggestions and ensuring furloughed employees are compensated for lost time and wages. Sen. Cardin reassured the civilian workforce that Congress is working to prevent sequestration cuts from becoming permanent.
The document summarizes two training exercises held at Fort Meade to prepare first responders for crisis situations. A simulated natural disaster was used to test the response to setting up a Family Assistance Center. An active shooter scenario tested law enforcement response and moving "injured" volunteers to a medical triage area. Both exercises provided lessons and showed ways response could be improved. A safety expo was also announced to promote awareness of various safety topics.
Volunteers from Fort Meade were honored at an annual awards banquet for contributing over 1,650 volunteers and an estimated $5.3 million in savings to the installation. Several top volunteers were recognized, including Audrey Rothstein who received Lifetime Volunteer of the Year and the Enlisted Spouses Club who earned Organization of the Year. Construction has also begun on a new Army and Air Force Exchange Service gas station and mini mart near the Route 32 gate that will include a Burger King and pizza restaurant.
The document lists upcoming events at Fort Meade in February, including cooking and financial readiness classes and Black History Month observances. It also provides a brief summary of articles in the publication about support programs for military families and a visit by the new Maryland governor to tour the installation and honor the Defense Information School for its 50th anniversary.
This document is the November 20, 2014 issue of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff!. The main stories include a ceremony honoring German and Italian POWs buried at Fort Meade, and a veteran being buried at Fort Meade to reunite him with his infant son also buried there, per his wife's request. Upcoming community events and the Commander's Column on supporting the Combined Federal Campaign are also mentioned.
The document is a newspaper from Fort Meade covering local community events and news from December 11, 2014. It includes information about upcoming holiday events on post such as a tree lighting ceremony and breakfast with Santa. It also summarizes a production of "A Christmas Carol" performed by Meade High School students for the community. The commander's column discusses the unique role of Army chaplain assistants in providing religious support to soldiers for over 105 years.
The First Lady spoke out about mental health issues to reduce stigma. The article also advertised upcoming community events at Fort Meade and noted that the Meade High basketball team hopes to make a playoff run for the state championship. It included a photo of a soldier qualifying with a German machine gun.
The document summarizes a local newspaper from Fort Meade published on November 6, 2014. It highlights upcoming community events at Fort Meade including a Veterans Day ceremony and military family appreciation day. It also summarizes articles about a Ravens NFL Play 60 clinic for local youth, a seminar on the dangers of texting and driving held at Meade High School, and Fort Meade's Veterans Appreciation Day luncheon honoring service members. The commander's column thanks veterans for their service and dedication to the nation.
The document is the January 15, 2015 edition of the Fort Meade newspaper Soundoff. It includes the following articles:
- An announcement that Fort Meade will begin its annual deer reduction operations on January 26th to reduce the overpopulated deer population that has led to increased vehicle collisions. USDA marksmen will conduct the culling over several weeks to safely remove up to 200 deer.
- The commander's column, in which Col. Brian Foley wishes the community a fruitful new year and encourages staying committed to personal goals and resolutions.
- A list of upcoming community events at Fort Meade in January and February.
The document lists upcoming events at Fort Meade for the week of May 8th through May 18th. These include a Military Spouse Appreciation Lunch on Friday, Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday, various performances and shows, a 5K run, and a Massing of the Colors ceremony. It also advertises the opening of a farmers market on post and notes a volleyball team's winning streak.
The document discusses several topics:
1. The Army Assistant Secretary visited Fort Carson and addressed issues related to the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site, including potentially rescinding a waiver that allows for expansion.
2. She also discussed Fort Carson's net zero energy, water, and waste goals and praised the installation's efforts to become more resilient and reduce costs through these initiatives.
3. The Secretary said she will investigate the Piñon Canyon waiver issue and report back within several months, and that the Army's reduced deployments may mean expansion is no longer necessary.
The document is a newspaper from Fort Meade dated April 25, 2013. It includes the following summaries:
1) The Army held a community listening session at Fort Meade to hear concerns about upcoming force reductions amid continued growth at the installation. Community leaders worried about proper funding for increased personnel.
2) Service members and spouses from Fort Meade attended the signing of a new Maryland law that will help veterans and military spouses transfer their skills to civilian credentials.
3) A youth program at the USO center gave military children an experience of basic training through modified physical exercises and obstacle courses.
The document is a newspaper called Soundoff! published for the Fort Meade community that includes articles about a tree lighting ceremony on base, upcoming community events, a look back at the year 2013, and a commander's message wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season. It also features a story about a ceremony to honor Spc. Hilda I. Clayton, the first combat documentation and production specialist killed in Afghanistan, with the unveiling of her name on a memorial wall at the Defense Information School on base.
The document is a newspaper from Fort Meade that includes the following key information:
- Completion of background checks for summer volunteers was not completed in time, forcing the cancellation of the Vacation Bible School program.
- Upcoming community events are listed, including concerts in the park and a farmers market.
- A longtime garrison chaplain secretary has retired after 37 years of service.
- The commander's column discusses the increase in motorcycle fatalities among soldiers and emphasizes the importance of training programs and leadership in addressing this issue.
1 February 2012 1 HBCT Weekly News UpdateNoel Waterman
1 February 2012 1HBCT Weekly News Update, please pass along to Soldiers, Family and Friends of 1HBCT. You can always stay up to date with local events by going to 1st Infantry Division page at http://www.riley.army.mil/default.aspx or if you are having issues reading this you can click on this link to read the weekly news. http://www.riley.army.mil/UnitPage.aspx?unit=1bct
The article discusses services provided by the Army Education Center at Fort Meade, including assistance with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) program. The deadline to apply for federal student aid through FAFSA is March 1. The center helps active duty military, veterans, and Department of Army civilians with education benefits, academic advising, and testing. It also has a learning facility for students to work on coursework.
This issue of the Fort Meade newspaper Soundoff! announces upcoming community events in the first week, including concerts and an Army birthday celebration. It also covers a two-alarm fire that destroyed two homes in the Potomac Place neighborhood. The paper discusses the impact of upcoming DoD-wide furloughs, with over 425 garrison employees receiving notices and services like the commissary expected to have reduced hours or closures.
The document discusses upcoming events in and around Fort Meade including a community job fair, safety expo, and Memorial Day remembrance. It also features a short article about a man who visited Fort Meade to learn more about his father who was an Italian prisoner of war held there during World War II. The man believes his father was interned at Fort Meade from 1943 to 1945 and wanted to see the areas his father would have experienced.
The document is the June 19, 2014 issue of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff. It includes summaries of upcoming community events, an article about the Army's 239th birthday celebration with an AUSA breakfast, and an op-ed from the Director of the Installation Safety Office about motorcycle safety and training resources available on the base. The newspaper has local news, sports, entertainment and classified sections.
The document discusses efforts at Fort Meade to train more service members in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). Previously, ASIST trainers were typically chaplains or mental health professionals. However, over 20 NCOs from various occupations recently completed ASIST trainer certification. This aims to have more "frontline" personnel able to assist those at risk of suicide. Two NCOs, Sgt. 1st Class Katie Smith and Staff Sgt. Peter Yokel, discussed using their experience to help others and make resources available to soldiers struggling with isolation or other issues.
This document summarizes upcoming community events at Fort Meade and discusses two organizations that support leadership development: the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and the Fort Meade Vacation Bible School program. The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club recognizes outstanding enlisted service members, and Fort Meade will host its first induction board in August. The Vacation Bible School program is seeking adult volunteers to supervise children during the week-long program in August. Background checks are required for all volunteers.
The document summarizes upcoming events at Fort Meade including a Ramadan observance, farmers' market, dinner dance, and jazz concert. It also previews stories about local youth excelling in track and field and a book featuring stories of female service members. The garrison commander's column expresses his leadership philosophy of caring for employees and communicating decisions to motivate the workforce.
Sen. Cardin hosted a town hall forum at Fort Meade to discuss the impact of the 2013 federal budget furloughs on DoD civilians and the possibility of future furloughs in 2014. The American Federation of Government Employees Local 1923 organized the event. Sen. Cardin addressed the attendees' concerns about the furloughs and the potential for more furloughs next year if Congress does not change current budget laws. Topics of discussion included money-saving suggestions and ensuring furloughed employees are compensated for lost time and wages. Sen. Cardin reassured the civilian workforce that Congress is working to prevent sequestration cuts from becoming permanent.
The document summarizes two training exercises held at Fort Meade to prepare first responders for crisis situations. A simulated natural disaster was used to test the response to setting up a Family Assistance Center. An active shooter scenario tested law enforcement response and moving "injured" volunteers to a medical triage area. Both exercises provided lessons and showed ways response could be improved. A safety expo was also announced to promote awareness of various safety topics.
Volunteers from Fort Meade were honored at an annual awards banquet for contributing over 1,650 volunteers and an estimated $5.3 million in savings to the installation. Several top volunteers were recognized, including Audrey Rothstein who received Lifetime Volunteer of the Year and the Enlisted Spouses Club who earned Organization of the Year. Construction has also begun on a new Army and Air Force Exchange Service gas station and mini mart near the Route 32 gate that will include a Burger King and pizza restaurant.
The document lists upcoming events at Fort Meade in February, including cooking and financial readiness classes and Black History Month observances. It also provides a brief summary of articles in the publication about support programs for military families and a visit by the new Maryland governor to tour the installation and honor the Defense Information School for its 50th anniversary.
This document is the November 20, 2014 issue of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff!. The main stories include a ceremony honoring German and Italian POWs buried at Fort Meade, and a veteran being buried at Fort Meade to reunite him with his infant son also buried there, per his wife's request. Upcoming community events and the Commander's Column on supporting the Combined Federal Campaign are also mentioned.
The document is a newspaper from Fort Meade covering local community events and news from December 11, 2014. It includes information about upcoming holiday events on post such as a tree lighting ceremony and breakfast with Santa. It also summarizes a production of "A Christmas Carol" performed by Meade High School students for the community. The commander's column discusses the unique role of Army chaplain assistants in providing religious support to soldiers for over 105 years.
The First Lady spoke out about mental health issues to reduce stigma. The article also advertised upcoming community events at Fort Meade and noted that the Meade High basketball team hopes to make a playoff run for the state championship. It included a photo of a soldier qualifying with a German machine gun.
The document summarizes a local newspaper from Fort Meade published on November 6, 2014. It highlights upcoming community events at Fort Meade including a Veterans Day ceremony and military family appreciation day. It also summarizes articles about a Ravens NFL Play 60 clinic for local youth, a seminar on the dangers of texting and driving held at Meade High School, and Fort Meade's Veterans Appreciation Day luncheon honoring service members. The commander's column thanks veterans for their service and dedication to the nation.
The document is the January 15, 2015 edition of the Fort Meade newspaper Soundoff. It includes the following articles:
- An announcement that Fort Meade will begin its annual deer reduction operations on January 26th to reduce the overpopulated deer population that has led to increased vehicle collisions. USDA marksmen will conduct the culling over several weeks to safely remove up to 200 deer.
- The commander's column, in which Col. Brian Foley wishes the community a fruitful new year and encourages staying committed to personal goals and resolutions.
- A list of upcoming community events at Fort Meade in January and February.
The document lists upcoming events at Fort Meade for the week of May 8th through May 18th. These include a Military Spouse Appreciation Lunch on Friday, Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday, various performances and shows, a 5K run, and a Massing of the Colors ceremony. It also advertises the opening of a farmers market on post and notes a volleyball team's winning streak.
The document discusses several topics:
1. The Army Assistant Secretary visited Fort Carson and addressed issues related to the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site, including potentially rescinding a waiver that allows for expansion.
2. She also discussed Fort Carson's net zero energy, water, and waste goals and praised the installation's efforts to become more resilient and reduce costs through these initiatives.
3. The Secretary said she will investigate the Piñon Canyon waiver issue and report back within several months, and that the Army's reduced deployments may mean expansion is no longer necessary.
The document is a newspaper from Fort Meade dated April 25, 2013. It includes the following summaries:
1) The Army held a community listening session at Fort Meade to hear concerns about upcoming force reductions amid continued growth at the installation. Community leaders worried about proper funding for increased personnel.
2) Service members and spouses from Fort Meade attended the signing of a new Maryland law that will help veterans and military spouses transfer their skills to civilian credentials.
3) A youth program at the USO center gave military children an experience of basic training through modified physical exercises and obstacle courses.
The document is a newspaper called Soundoff! published for the Fort Meade community that includes articles about a tree lighting ceremony on base, upcoming community events, a look back at the year 2013, and a commander's message wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season. It also features a story about a ceremony to honor Spc. Hilda I. Clayton, the first combat documentation and production specialist killed in Afghanistan, with the unveiling of her name on a memorial wall at the Defense Information School on base.
The document is a newspaper from Fort Meade that includes the following key information:
- Completion of background checks for summer volunteers was not completed in time, forcing the cancellation of the Vacation Bible School program.
- Upcoming community events are listed, including concerts in the park and a farmers market.
- A longtime garrison chaplain secretary has retired after 37 years of service.
- The commander's column discusses the increase in motorcycle fatalities among soldiers and emphasizes the importance of training programs and leadership in addressing this issue.
1 February 2012 1 HBCT Weekly News UpdateNoel Waterman
1 February 2012 1HBCT Weekly News Update, please pass along to Soldiers, Family and Friends of 1HBCT. You can always stay up to date with local events by going to 1st Infantry Division page at http://www.riley.army.mil/default.aspx or if you are having issues reading this you can click on this link to read the weekly news. http://www.riley.army.mil/UnitPage.aspx?unit=1bct
The article discusses services provided by the Army Education Center at Fort Meade, including assistance with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) program. The deadline to apply for federal student aid through FAFSA is March 1. The center helps active duty military, veterans, and Department of Army civilians with education benefits, academic advising, and testing. It also has a learning facility for students to work on coursework.
This issue of the Fort Meade newspaper Soundoff! announces upcoming community events in the first week, including concerts and an Army birthday celebration. It also covers a two-alarm fire that destroyed two homes in the Potomac Place neighborhood. The paper discusses the impact of upcoming DoD-wide furloughs, with over 425 garrison employees receiving notices and services like the commissary expected to have reduced hours or closures.
The document discusses upcoming events in and around Fort Meade including a community job fair, safety expo, and Memorial Day remembrance. It also features a short article about a man who visited Fort Meade to learn more about his father who was an Italian prisoner of war held there during World War II. The man believes his father was interned at Fort Meade from 1943 to 1945 and wanted to see the areas his father would have experienced.
This document is the October 30, 2014 edition of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff. The main stories are about a press conference announcing $30 million in additional funding for the expansion of Route 175 between Reece and Disney roads. The project will widen the two-lane road to six lanes. Upcoming community events and safety tips for Halloween are also mentioned.
This document provides news and announcements for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. It includes notices about upcoming events, training sessions, office closures, and more. Key details include notices about a Central Issue Facility closure, retirement planning class, DTAP workshop, housing office closure, legal services closure, US Army Band concerts, resiliency training, a CFC mid-season rally, American Indian heritage month tour, Thanksgiving dinner, military career expo, flu shot clinics, Halloween safety tips, and a performance by the US Army Band Downrange.
The document is the April 23, 2015 edition of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff. It includes the following articles:
- An article about Tryphena Ellis-Johnson, a resident who has lost weight and body fat over 18 months working with the Army Wellness Center by making gradual lifestyle changes such as regular walking, increased water intake, home-cooked meals, and calorie awareness.
- A notice about the Fort Meade Fire Prevention Office teaching children fire safety and the dangers of playing with fire.
- A schedule of upcoming community events at Fort Meade including a Holocaust remembrance, youth fishing rodeo, and family fun fair.
This document discusses fire safety and survival. It notes that fires are a major risk, killing thousands each year, often due to smoke inhalation and lack of oxygen. Small fires can grow rapidly due to modern furnishings that burn quickly. Proper prevention includes smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, cleaning appliances, limiting combustibles, and having an escape plan. Smoke detectors often fail to activate quickly enough in real fires. Additional measures like heat detectors can provide faster warning to increase survival chances. Overall the article emphasizes being prepared to prevent and respond to fires to avoid loss of life.
The First Lady spoke out about mental health issues to help reduce the stigma around seeking treatment. Meade High School will perform the musical "Once Upon a Mattress" this week. The Meade basketball team is preparing for the state championship playoffs. Staff Sgt. Smith practiced qualifying with a German machine gun on the Fort Meade ranges.
The First Lady spoke out about mental health issues to help reduce the stigma around seeking treatment. Meade High School will perform the musical "Once Upon a Mattress" this week. The Meade basketball team is preparing for the state championship playoffs. Staff Sgt. Smith practiced qualifying with a German machine gun on the Fort Meade ranges.
The document provides an agenda for an upcoming meeting. It lists organizations that will be briefing, including DFMWR, IACH, the Chaplain, Corvias, DECA, the Exchange, and the Junction City Chamber of Commerce. It also lists upcoming events in October related to Domestic Violence Prevention Month and the Fall Apple Days Festival at Fort Riley in October.
The document provides an agenda for an upcoming meeting. It lists organizations that will be briefing, including DFMWR, IACH, the Chaplain, Corvias, DECA, the Exchange, and the Junction City Chamber of Commerce. It also lists upcoming events in October related to Domestic Violence Prevention Month and the Fall Apple Days Festival at Fort Riley in October.
The document provides an agenda for an upcoming meeting. It lists organizations that will be briefing, including DFMWR, IACH, the Chaplain, Corvias, DECA, the Exchange, and Junction City. Upcoming events are also mentioned, such as a Domestic Violence Prevention Proclamation signing, Fall Apple Days, and CYSS updates. Details are given about various domestic violence prevention activities in October for the community and leaders. The CYSS update discusses the youth sports volunteer coaching process and issues with background checks delaying the fall sports season. DFMWR highlights upcoming family events. IACH discusses flu prevention. The chaplain advertises upcoming youth and marriage programs. Corvias and DECA provide facility and commissary
The document provides an agenda for an upcoming meeting. It lists organizations that will be briefing, including DFMWR, IACH, the Chaplain, Corvias, DECA, the Exchange, and Junction City. Upcoming events are also mentioned, such as a Domestic Violence Prevention Proclamation signing, Fall Apple Days, a CYSS update, and various DFMWR activities. Details are given about some of the briefings and events, including dates, times, locations, and points of contact.
The document is an issue of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff from April 16, 2015. It includes the following articles:
- A summary of upcoming community events at Fort Meade, including Earth Day celebrations and a youth fishing rodeo.
- A story about retired military officers' wives showcasing spring fashions and Gold Star Mothers and wives sharing memories and peer support.
- The main article profiles Master Sgt. Cedric King, an Army veteran who lost both legs to an IED in Afghanistan. He spoke at Fort Meade about overcoming adversity through faith, family and focus.
The document is a newspaper from Fort Meade published on October 9, 2014. It discusses delays in privately owned vehicles (POVs) returning from overseas due to backlogs experienced by the contractor responsible for transportation. Upcoming community events are also listed. Safety tips for the fall season are provided, including checking furnaces and smoke detectors.
This document is a newspaper from Fort Meade containing local news stories and event listings. The main stories are:
1) Fort Meade firefighters responded to a local apartment fire and rescued two adults and an infant from the building. No one was seriously injured.
2) Fort Meade firefighters also responded to a plane crash at a nearby trailer park that injured the pilot. The plane crashed into two mobile homes but no one inside was hurt. Firefighters contained fuel leaks from the damaged plane.
3) The document notes that the Army Community Service organization on Fort Meade is celebrating its 48th birthday, providing social services and resources to soldiers and families.
This document provides a summary of upcoming events at Fort Meade for the week, including:
- A Gold Star Mothers and Families Day event today at 11:30am
- A Retiree Appreciation Day event this Friday from 8am to 3pm
- A National Disability Awareness Month Observance event on Wednesday from 11:30am to 1pm
- A Father Daughter Ball event on October 4th from 5:30pm to 9pm
- A Hispanic Heritage Month Observance event on October 15th at 11:30am
The article summarizes Fort Meade's annual observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with the theme "Make it a day on, not a day off." The guest speaker, Johnny Green, a local pastor, reflected on first seeing Martin Luther King Jr. give his famous "I Have a Dream" speech as a child. Though he did not understand it fully, the impact has resonated with him for 50 years. Green encouraged those in attendance at Fort Meade to not take the day off in observance, but to make it a "day on" of continuing King's work for justice and equality through their actions each day. The garrison commander thanked Green for his inspiring words.
The document summarizes events at Fort Meade related to Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. It describes a 3-mile run led by the Garrison Commander and a double amputee veteran to kick off SAAM observances. Over 1,700 service members from all branches participated in the run, which emphasized Fort Meade's commitment to resiliency. The article also discusses a speech given by the Adjutant General of Maryland where she shared her personal experiences with sexual abuse and harassment.
1 february 2012 1 hbct weekly news updateNoel Waterman
This document provides a weekly news update for 1HBCT soldiers, families, and friends. It announces upcoming events like a network meeting location change, gate closures, traffic pattern changes, and family activities. It also provides information about classes, transportation services, counseling resources and more happening around Fort Riley and the local community.
This document summarizes volunteer opportunities and the large volunteer corps at Fort Meade Army Base. It notes that Fort Meade has over 2,200 registered volunteers who donate an estimated $5 million in services each year. Volunteers include military members, families, civilians and youth, and support many programs on the base and in the local community. The large number of volunteers is crucial to supporting programs and services at Fort Meade.
The document summarizes upcoming events at Fort Meade from May 28 to June 10, including warehouse sales, career days, meet the author events, farmers markets, and the opening of a new AAFES exchange. It also previews summer camp beginning in June and thanks Child, Youth and School Services staff. The commander's column welcomes summer and thanks various organizations for Memorial Day events while looking forward to construction projects and events in June.
The document summarizes Fort Meade community events and news stories from May 21, 2015. It highlights National Bike to Work Day activities including an event at a local coffee shop and the opening of the new Pepper Road gate for cyclists and pedestrians. It also describes the annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration hosted by Navy Information Operations Command Maryland, which featured cultural performances, informational booths, and traditional foods from various Asian and Pacific cultures.
This document provides information on upcoming events at Fort Meade including a military spouse appreciation lunch, military spouse job fair, and Patriot Pride 5/10K run. It also summarizes two stories: 1) A program manager is readying for an Air Force commission. 2) A Military Working Dog NCO won the garrison's Best Warrior competition. The document is the May 7, 2015 issue of the Fort Meade newspaper Soundoff! which includes these stories and advertisements.
The document summarizes an event at Fort Meade where a Holocaust survivor, David Bayer, spoke about his experiences. Some key details:
- Bayer, age 92, is a survivor of Auschwitz-Birkenau and now volunteers at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
- He gave a keynote speech at Fort Meade's 14th annual Holocaust Days of Remembrance observance.
- When asked how the Holocaust should be remembered, Bayer held up his fist and said "Don't just make a fist - use it. I've felt guilty all my life that I didn’t use my fist against the Germans."
- The event featured kosher food and musical
The document summarizes several upcoming community events at Fort Meade including an Easter egg hunt, Easter Sunday brunch, a sexual assault awareness run, a technology expo, and a Vietnam War veterans event. It also provides details about National Child Abuse Prevention Month and resources available through the Fort Meade Family Advocacy Program. Fort Meade service members volunteered at an event in Annapolis to welcome home and honor Maryland's Vietnam veterans for the first time since the war ended. One person was killed after attempting an unauthorized entry at a Fort Meade gate on the NSA portion of the installation by failing to obey security instructions.
The document is the March 26, 2015 edition of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff!. Key details include:
- Army leaders at Fort Meade held a listening session to discuss pending force cuts and restructuring. They noted growth is still expected at Fort Meade due to U.S. Cyber Command expansion.
- The staff writer shares a farewell message, thanking the Fort Meade community for inspiring her with their service and accomplishments.
- A Women's History Month event highlighted the accomplishments of women aviators who participated in the first national air race in 1929. The keynote speaker directed a documentary about the historic race.
The document is a newspaper called Soundoff! published for the Fort Meade community. The front page article summarizes that the Meade High Mustangs basketball team won the 4A Boys State Basketball Championship, the school's first basketball title. Upcoming community events are also listed on the front page. The newspaper contains sections for news, sports, crime watch, community, movies and classifieds.
The article summarizes key points from a presentation at the Army's Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Program Summit about male victims of sexual assault in the military. Experts noted that about 10,800 men are sexually assaulted each year in the military compared to 8,000 women, but only 1,134 men reported the attacks, which is about 13% of assaults compared to 39% of women who reported. The experts urged the Army to reach out to male victims as well, since sexual assault is not only a crime against women, and male victims often feel additional shame due to perceptions of masculinity.
The document summarizes upcoming community events at Fort Meade and provides a brief overview of the commander's visit to two elementary schools. It lists upcoming events including a financial readiness fair, community listening session, technical job fair, and brunch with the Easter Bunny. It then discusses how the garrison commander spoke to teachers at Manor View and Pershing Hill elementary schools about DoD growth and construction projects. The commander aims to visit all seven Fort Meade schools to introduce new teachers to the installation.
The document summarizes upcoming events at Fort Meade during the week of February 23-27, which is designated as Military Saves Week. It also provides a brief overview of the financial readiness fair to be held on February 26 from 9am to 4pm at McGill Training Center, which will feature guest speakers and breakout sessions on various financial topics. Additionally, it announces that the Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Corps Association is offering two $1,500 scholarships for outstanding students who are children of Army military intelligence personnel. Applications are due by May 9.
The document summarizes Fort Meade's efforts to establish a Community Health Promotion Team (CHPT) led by Nicole Lowry as part of the Army's Ready and Resilient Campaign. The campaign aims to build resilience in service members, families, and civilians. Lowry will coordinate prevention and public health programs. Fort Meade previously had a Community Health Promotion Council led by Kenneth Jones and Lt. Col. Nancy Demetrician. The council established the Army Wellness Center. Lowry receives guidance from Taleeta Jackson, the new Military District of Washington health promotion officer, as she structures the CHPT.
The document provides information about upcoming events on Fort Meade including cooking classes, Super Bowl parties, and a prayer breakfast. It also announces that the Fort Meade Joint Installation Tax Center has opened for the tax season to provide free tax preparation services to military members and their families. The commander's column discusses the importance of professional counseling between supervisors and subordinates.
The document provides information about upcoming events at Fort Meade and articles in the latest issue of the post newspaper Soundoff!. Key details include:
- The garrison considers many factors like road conditions and school closures when deciding to close the post for bad weather.
- The post veterinary clinic may have to cut back services if more community members don't utilize it.
- Marines have moved into a new consolidated personnel administration center on post.
- Copies of the 2015 Fort Meade Welcome Guide are available upon request.
The document summarizes the major events that occurred at Fort Meade in 2014. It discusses the openings of new housing, facilities, and a farmer's market. It also mentions the first Cyber Installation Support Summit and funding secured to widen a road. The year saw growth across the base through new construction projects and welcoming new leadership while saying goodbye to long-serving members of the community.
The document summarizes upcoming events in the local community and also provides news articles. It lists several holiday events happening in December and January, including Hanukkah, New Year's Eve, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations. One news article describes a 94-year-old WWII veteran being surprised with a long-awaited Bronze Star Medal in recognition of his service on Utah Beach in France in 1944. The veteran had spoken at a unit event nine months prior, and the unit took action to have him awarded the medal. Family members praised the overdue recognition of the veteran's service.
Here is Gabe Whitley's response to my defamation lawsuit for him calling me a rapist and perjurer in court documents.
You have to read it to believe it, but after you read it, you won't believe it. And I included eight examples of defamatory statements/
13062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
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Essential Tools for Modern PR Business .pptxPragencyuk
Discover the essential tools and strategies for modern PR business success. Learn how to craft compelling news releases, leverage press release sites and news wires, stay updated with PR news, and integrate effective PR practices to enhance your brand's visibility and credibility. Elevate your PR efforts with our comprehensive guide.
Youngest c m in India- Pema Khandu BiographyVoterMood
Pema Khandu, born on August 21, 1979, is an Indian politician and the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. He is the son of former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Dorjee Khandu. Pema Khandu assumed office as the Chief Minister in July 2016, making him one of the youngest Chief Ministers in India at that time.
Howard Fineman, Veteran Political Journalist and TV Pundit, Dies at 75
Soundoff February 13, 2015
1. plan ahead
100 percent ID
checks start Friday
at all Meade gates
page 3
UPCOMING EVENTS
Today, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Cooking Matters tour - Commissary
Feb. 19, 11:30 a.m.: Black History Month Observance - DISA Conference Center
Feb. 19, 6 p.m.: Kimbrough town hall - Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center
Feb. 23-27: Fort Meade Military Saves Week
Feb. 26, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Financial Readiness Fair - McGill Training Center
shining star
Fort Meade Soldier
only female playing
men’s basketball
page 13
Soundoff!´
vol. 67 no. 6 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community February 12, 2015
photo by Tina Miles
Sgt. 1st Class Tammy Cross, victim advocate for the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade, and Staff Sgt. Marie Boyd, security manager of the 780th MI, braved the 31-degree
waters of the Chesapeake Bay during the 2015 Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge on Jan. 23 at Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis. The 19th annual event raised
$1,536,887 to benefit the Maryland Special Olympics. The 780th MI Brigade has had volunteers take the plunge every year since the unit’s activation in December 2011.
2. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil SOUNDOFF! February 12, 2015
Commander’s Column
Contents
News.............................. 3 Sports...................................14
Crime Watch.................. 8 Movies..................................19
Community..................17 Classified..............................21
Editorial Staff
Garrison Commander
Col. Brian P. Foley
Garrison Command
Sgt. Maj. Rodwell L. Forbes
Public Affairs Officer
Chad T. Jones
Chad.T.Jones.civ@mail.mil
Chief, Command Information
Philip H. Jones
Philip.H.Jones.civ@mail.mil
Editor Dijon Rolle
Dijon.N.Rolle.civ@mail.mil
Assistant Editor Senior Writer
Rona S. Hirsch
Staff Writer Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer Shari Rosen
Design Coordinator Timothy Davis
Supplemental photography provided by The Baltimore Sun Media Group
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Guaranteed circulation:
11,285
With February upon us, we could still get
that staggering Snowpocalypse or another
Snowmageddon!
Sometimes, heavy snowfall means power out-
ages. Some people use candles for extra light, but
candles aren’t just for emergency use. They can
be used to set ambiance or to release a pleasant
fragrance into the room.
However, like most things, candles can be very
dangerous if not used carefully.
According to Fort George G. Meade Post Fire
Regulation 420-7, lit candles are not permitted for
use in any building on post except for homes and
religious buildings.
However, if you do enjoy using candles in your
home, here are a few tips to help stay safe:
• More than one-third (36 percent) of home
candle fires started in bedrooms.
These fires caused 39 percent of the associated
deaths and 45 percent of the associated injuries.
The 16 percent of fires that started in living
rooms, family rooms or dens caused about one-
quarter (24 percent) of the deaths.
Fourteen percent of the fires started in bath-
rooms and 11 percent began in kitchens or cook-
ing areas.
• Candle fires start with a variety of burnable
items.
Eleven percent began with a mattress or bed-
ding; these fires caused 17 percent of home candle
fire deaths. An unclassified type of furniture or
utensil was the item first ignited in another 11
percent of fires.
Nine percent started when a curtain, blind or
drapery ignited. Cabinetry was first ignited in 7
percent of the fires. Upholstered furniture was
first ignited in 6 percent of the fires, resulting
in one-quarter (25 percent) of home candle fire
deaths.
• Twelve percent of the home candle fires
occurred in December, 1.5 times the monthly
average of 8 percent.
December candle fires often involve combus-
tible seasonal decorations that would not have
been present at other times of the year.
From January to November, decorations were
first ignited in only 4 percent of home candle fires.
This jumped to 11 percent in December.
The heightened candle fire risk around the win-
ter holidays reflects a combination of increased
candle use and more items that can burn in the
area around the candles.
• The top three days for home candle fires were
Christmas, New
Year’s Day and
Christmas Eve.
• More than
half (56 percent)
of home candle
fires occurred
when some form
of combustible
material was
too close to the
candle. Keep
candles at least
12 inches from
anything that can burn.
• Unattended equipment or abandoned mate-
rials or products were contributing factors in
almost one of every five (18 percent) home candle
fires. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Blow out candles when you leave a room.
• Four percent were started by people (typically
children) playing with the candle. Keep candles
out of the reach of children. Never leave a child
unattended in a room with a candle. A child
should not sleep in a room with a lit candle.
• Two percent of fires started when the candle
was bumped into or knocked over. Make sure
candles are placed on a stable piece of furniture
in sturdy holders that won’t tip over. Place candles
away from spots where they could be knocked
over by children or pets.
• Improper containers were a factor in another
2 percent of the fires. Candles should fit in the
holders securely, and holders should be made
from material that can’t burn.
• Falling asleep was a factor in 11 percent of
home candle fires and 37 percent of the associ-
ated deaths. Extinguish all candles before going
to sleep.
During 2007-2011, U.S. fire departments
responded to an estimated average of 10,630
home structure fires started by candles per year.
These fires caused an annual average of 115
civilian deaths, 903 civilian fire injuries and $418
million in direct property damage.
Candles caused 3 percent of the reported home
fires, 4 percent of home fire deaths, 7 percent of
home fire injuries, and 6 percent of direct prop-
erty damage during this period.
On average, 29 home candle fires were reported
per day.
Have a warm and safe February from the Fort
Meade Fire Prevention Office.
Use caution when
burning candles
Capt. Shaun m. bagley
Fort Meade Fire Prevention Office
3. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil February 12, 2015 SOUNDOFF!
News
By C. Todd Lopez
Army News Service
Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey
was sworn in Jan. 30 as the 15th sergeant
major of the Army during an afternoon
ceremony at the Pentagon.
Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray
Odierno administered the oath to the new
senior enlisted advisor. Dailey most recently
served as the command sergeant major at
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Com-
mand.
The role of the sergeant major of the
Army is primarily to advise the chief of
staff of the Army on issues related to the
enlisted force, and to pursue objectives laid
out by the CSA.
Before he was sworn into office, Dailey
said Odierno had already discussed objec-
tives with him, and that after he settles into
his new job, he is expected to start off in
his new position by visiting with Soldiers
throughout the Army.
“The chief wants me to get out and see
the force,” Dailey said. “It’s critical I hear
their voice, and carry that back to the chief
and the secretary of the Army.”
Dailey said he expects to visit areas with
large Soldier populations. Included among
those might be the 1st Armored Division at
Fort Bliss, Texas; the 1st Cavalry Division at
Fort Hood, Texas; the 1st Infantry Division
at Fort Riley, Kan.; and the 3rd Infantry
Division at Fort Stewart, Ga.
Dailey also brings with him ideas about
Soldier development, physical fitness and
women in combat — topics he became
familiar with while serving as the senior
enlisted advisor at TRADOC.
Most recently, the Army announced that
female Soldiers will be allowed for the first
time to attend Ranger School on a trial
basis. This April, 60 slots will be made
available to female Soldiers during a Ranger
Course assessment at Fort Benning, Ga.
The change is something Dailey said he
welcomes.
“Is the Army ready for women in com-
bat arms? I think we are past due,” Dailey
said. “I think we should give every Soldier,
regardless of gender, the opportunity to
serve in any military occupational specialty.
What I am excited about is that we are using
a standards-based approach, just like we
should for everything we do in the Army.
“Regardless of gender, those Soldiers
who are physically capable and want to
compete and try out for these schools and
military occupational specialties will be
eligible to do so. I think it will make our
Army better.”
A key area of focus for TRADOC, and
now the newest sergeant major of the Army,
is continued maintenance and development
of the noncommissioned officer corps.
“I am carrying on some of the initiatives
that we started when I was the TRADOC
sergeant major,”Dailey said. “I truly believe
that we have a lot of work we have already
done, and there also is a lot that still needs to
be accomplished, to further professionalize
our professional military education system
for our NCOs and Soldiers.”
One area of development, Dailey said, is
firmly on the shoulders of Soldiers them-
selves: structured self-development and civil-
ian education.
“Our noncommissioned officers and Sol-
diers need to understand that a critical part
of the development phase for a Soldier is the
development they do on their own — utili-
zation of the structured self-development
platforms that we initiated and utilization
of tuition assistance for them to take college
credit and certifications,” Dailey said.
Equally important, he said, is mainte-
nance of the operational skills Soldiers have
learned from 12 years of combat. Soldiers
who have participated in combat operations
in Iraq and Afghanistan will eventually leave
the Army, and their experience will leave
with them — unless they pass it on to the
Soldiers that follow in their footsteps.
Dailey also said that with combat opera-
tions having been drawn down, there will
be more time for Soldiers to develop those
professional skills, and to transfer what they
have learned from 12 years of conflict to the
new Soldiers arriving in the force, fresh from
basic training.
“We have to make sure our NCOs are
using those skills they learned over the 12
years of war, and translating those skills to
our young Soldiers, and ensuring they are
maximizing the time,” Dailey said.
He said there’s more time now for NCOs
to spend with younger Soldiers to do critical
unit-level training.
Dailey said the Army is becoming an
“Army of preparation,” and must be ready
for whatever the nation asks it to do — and
that means continued training.
“I’ve always said the harder you train
in garrison, the easier your combat experi-
ence should be,” Dailey said. “It’s critically
important for our NCOs, and our leaders
and officers that have served overseas for
the last 12 years, to maintain those skills.
And they also have to educate and train the
future Soldiers.”
The world is still dangerous, Dailey
warned. There is a significant amount of
uncertainty that the Army, and Soldiers,
must be prepared to face.
One way to prevent war — which is the
most desirable course of action, he said — is
to show potential adversaries that the U.S.
Army is still very capable of combat.
New SMA shares ideas about leadership
‘I truly believe that we
have a lot of work we have
already done, and there also
is a lot that still needs to be
accomplished.’
Sgt. Maj. of the Army
Daniel A. Dailey
Beginning Friday, Fort Meade will
conduct 100 percent identification
checks at all of its Access Control
Points for the next two weeks.
The effort, directed by Installation
Management Command, is designed to
count all non-Department of Defense
visitors entering the installation.
“The inventory will undoubtedly
cause additional delays at our gates,”
Garrison Commander Col. Brian P.
Foley said. “We will work hard to
streamline the process while continu-
ing to ensure the safety of our com-
munity.”
Visitors should be prepared for lon-
ger waits at the gates and the possibility
of traffic impacts on the surrounding
roads and highways including Routes
175, 198 and 32.
Fort Meade will conduct these checks
for two weeks each month throughout
the 2015 calendar year.
This month’s 100 percent check will
run through Feb. 27.
IMCOM installations are conducting
the count of visitors to ensure Visitor
Control Centers are properly staffed.
The visitor count is being conducted at
all IMCOM installations.
Fort Meade to conduct 100
percent ID checks at all gates
4. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil SOUNDOFF! February 12, 2015
News
By Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer
Lt. Col. Eric Smith, commander of
Headquarters Command Battalion, rec-
ognized seven of the battalion’s Sol-
diers in a brief, formal ceremony Friday
morning.
It has been more than a year since
the battalion conducted a similar cer-
emony.
In the past, Smith said the achieve-
ments of battalion Soldiers were recog-
nized at the garrison’s monthly Com-
mander’s Call.
The ceremony is a way of “getting
back to the garrison mentality” and hon-
oring Soldiers in front of their peers.
During the ceremony, Smith presented
the Army Commendation Medal to Spc.
Chelsea M. Raser for “exceptionally
meritorious support while performing
duties as a fund technician for the Reli-
gious Support Office.”
Raser began working in the RSO as
an installation chaplain assistant three
years ago, and then became a fund tech-
nician for two years.
“It felt really great,” Raser said after
receiving the medal. “I feel like being
recognized and appreciated is really
always a great opportunity, especially if
you’re lower enlisted.”
Raser has been reassigned as a chap-
lain assistant at Fort Riley, Kan., in
March.
Smith then presented certificates of
achievement to six Soldiers.
Spc. Marie I. McCreary received a
certificate for her work as a military
investigator during the installation’s
Force Protection Exercise on June 17,
2014.
Staff Sgt. 1st Class Dionne Davis,
Staff Sgt. Ricky Hayden, Staff Sgt.
Stafford Thomas, Spc. Jordan Lockhart,
Spc. Chelsea Raser and PV2 Nathan
Mann each received a certificate for
helping to raise $1,400 for the battalion’s
holiday party and organizing the event.
“Let’s congratulate these deserving
people,” Smith said.
The mission of Headquarters Com-
mand Battalion was established in
1971 and provides a broad spectrum of
administrative and logistical support to
the post community and several part-
ner units. Multiple military occupations
make up the battalion.
The 241st Military Police Detach-
ment is attached to the battalion for
administrative and training purposes. Its
purpose is to provide law enforcement,
military working dog teams and force
protection to the garrison.
Headquarters Command
Battalion honors its own
Photo by Spc. Jessica Huger
Lt. Col. Eric Smith, commander of Headquarters Command Battalion, pins the Army
Commendation Medal on Spc. Chelsea M. Raser during an awards ceremony Friday.
Raser was one of seven Soldiers to be recognized in the battalion’s first formal
ceremony in a year.
By Maj. Jasmine Peterson
Nurse, U.S. Army Public Health Command
Did you know that your heart beats
more than 100,000 times a day, pump-
ing nearly 1,900 gallons of blood? This
means your heart is beating almost
42 million times and pumping about
700,000 gallons of blood a year.
February is American Heart Month
and a time to bring awareness to the
risks of heart disease and spotlight
ways to stay ‘heart healthy.’
One of the first steps to cherishing
your heart is to know and understand
your heart-health numbers.
• Monitor and know your blood
pressure.
High blood pressure or hyperten-
sion is often called the “silent killer”
because many people do not know they
have it, and it is one of the leading
causes of death in the U.S.
A healthy blood pressure is a systolic
pressure (the top number, pressure
when the heart is beating) below 120
and a diastolic pressure (the bottom
number, pressure when the heart rests
between beats) below 80.
• Check your cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a waxy fat-like mate-
rial that your body needs. However,
too much of it puts you at risk for
heart disease and stroke.
You can check your cholesterol
through a simple blood test.
Get your cholesterol checked every
five years, unless your health care
provider recommends more frequent
checks, ensuring that your heart is
pumping as smoothly as possible.
• Track your weight.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being
overweight or obese can increase your
risk for heart disease.
• Get a yearly checkup.
Work with your health care team
even if you feel healthy. This is a great
way to check for and control condi-
tions that may be putting you at risk
for heart disease such as hypertension
or diabetes.
• Eat healthy.
Eat foods high in fiber and low in
saturated fat, trans fat, salt and choles-
terol. Aim to eat at least five servings
of fruits and vegetables a day. Choos-
ing to eat a healthy diet can help you
avoid heart disease.
• Exercise.
One of the best ways to make your
heart strong is to work it out. Getting
at least 150 minutes of exercise per
week, like brisk walking, can help you
stay at a healthy weight and lower your
cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Don’t smoke.
If you smoke, quit. If you don’t
smoke, do not start. Smoking ciga-
rettes greatly increases your risk for
heart disease. Your health care team
can help you quit, so give them a call if
you smoke or use tobacco products.
• Limit your alcohol intake.
Drinking too much alcohol over
time can increase your risk for heart
disease. If you are a woman, stick to
no more than one alcoholic beverage
a day. If you are a man, no more than
two.
As always, contact your health care
provider before starting any diet and
exercise program, and to obtain more
information about improving your
heart health.
Show your heart some love: Get heart-healthy
5. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil SOUNDOFF! February 12, 2015
News
By Shari Rosen
Staff Writer
From free lunches and Family Fun
Nights to big-screen TVs and a lounging
area, the USO Metro-Fort Meade Center
provides a comfortable and entertaining
atmosphere.
The center is open 12 hours a day, 365
days a year for active-duty service mem-
bers and their families.
“This place is an inviting environment,”
said Laura Dexter-Mootey, USO Metro-
Fort Meade Center specialist. “It’s a com-
fortable environment, a safe environment,
an environment where you can just come
in here, kick up your feet, relax a little bit
and just chill.”
Located at 8612 6th Armored Cavalry
Road, the facility may seem small, but in
reality, it is jam-packed with amenities
such as big-screen televisions, video gam-
ing systems, computers and comfortable
seating.
“[The amenities] are great,” said Spc.
Max Bertrand over lunch. “I come here
all the time.”
The installation’s center is run com-
pletely by volunteers.
“We have a number of volunteers who
donate their hours and time to be able to
keep the facility and amenities open to
our active-duty members and their fami-
lies,” Dexter-Mootey said.
These volunteers also support the
majority of the center’s programs.
“We have programs for every aspect
of the military community,” said Shawn
Sabia, USO Metro-Fort Meade Cen-
ter program coordinator. “There’s never
a week without something going on,
whether it’s our Bakery Bonanza, our
SuperMarket Sweeps, our Y.U.M.s (Your
USO Meals), other little small programs,
our family programs, bingo nights, movie
nights.”
One of the facility’s biggest programs,
Dexter-Mootey said, is Y.U.M., which is
held the second and fourth Wednesday of
every month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Y.U.M. provides active-duty service
members with free lunch. The next Y.U.M.
lunch will be Feb. 25.
“We’ve had Ernst Young sponsor
our Y.U.M. lunches here at Fort Meade
for an entire fiscal year, so that will end
in June of 2015,” Dexter-Mootey said.
“But we have other people who are start-
ing to line up for other Y.U.M. [lunches]
after that.”
Another popular program, Dexter-
Mootey said, is SuperMarket Sweeps,
Fort Meade’s USO provides variety of programs
photo by steve ellmore
Seaman Casey J. Hopkins studies during his lunch break Tuesday afternoon at USO Metro-Fort Meade Center. The center provides
programming and amenities for active-duty service members and their dependents.
which allows active-duty service members
and their spouses to obtain free produce
and nonperishable goods.
SuperMarket Sweeps is held the third
Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to
1 p.m. and is currently in its winter loca-
tion of 77 Rock Ave., near McGill Train-
ing Center. In May, SuperMarket Sweeps
will return to the USO center.
“I think the programs they offer here
foster growth and camaraderie between
services,” said Seaman Recruit Dana D.
Legg of the Defense Information School
during a visit to the center.
Other Fort Meade USO-Metro pro-
grams specifically target female active-
duty service members as well as female
active-duty spouses.
Project Cinderella provides them the
opportunity to enter a raffle to win free
ball gowns, makeup advice, accessories
and classes on military etiquette for for-
mal events.
“Project Cinderella is actually some-
thing that started here at Fort Meade,”
Sabia said. “It was so well liked that it was
taken to the entire organization.”
Registration for Project Cinderella will
remain open until March 2. Approximate-
ly 100 winners from the metropolitan area
will be chosen and notified by March 3.
Family-oriented USO programs include
Family Fun Nights once a quarter; Oper-
ation Back to School, in which corpo-
rate sponsors donate school supplies to
military children; Turkey for Troops; and
Project Elf, in which donors provide holi-
day gifts for military children.
“We’re trying to figure out what works,
what’s needed,” Dexter-Mootey said.
The center also features an emergency
food pantry for active-duty service mem-
bers and their families that they can
utilize once every 30 days. The pantry is
stocked with nonperishable food items.
“It’s to help them get over a rough
bit, which we’ve all had at some time or
another,” Dexter-Mootey said.
Both Dexter-Mootey and Sabia rec-
ommend that service members and their
dependents register for USO Metro-Fort
Meade Center’s email list, which provides
information on upcoming events and
programs.
“We do a lot and we want folks to
know we’re here and we’re here for them,”
Sabia said.
Editor’s note: For more information on
the USO Metro-Fort Meade Center, visit
http://us.uso.org/WashingtonBaltimore/
?p=75 and sign up for the email newsletter
or call 410-305-0660. To volunteer, visit the
center to fill out an application.
6. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil February 12, 2015 SOUNDOFF!
News
dental health
month
Preschooler Lillian Kiep brushes
her teeth at one of Fort Meade’s
Child Development Centers,
where children brush their teeth
after every meal and snack.
February is National Children’s
Dental Health Month. The annual
observance is sponsored by the
American Dental Association to
raise awareness about the impor-
tance of good oral health for chil-
dren. Parents and caregivers are
reminded that developing good
habits at an early age and sched-
uling regular dental visits can help
children maintain a lifetime of
healthy teeth and gums.
PHOTO BY DIJON ROLLE
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7. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil SOUNDOFF! February 12, 2015
News
By Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer
How would you respond during a zombie
pandemic?
That’s the question Megan O’Connell, an
intergrative behavioral health consultant at
Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center, asked
during her presentation for Kimbrough’s
monthly Lunch and Learn Series on Tuesday
afternoon.
The seminar was held at Kimbrough’s
Rascon Center, Bldg. 2481.
McConnell used a story she wrote about a
hypothetical zombie pandemic to talk about
ways that people can be resilient when faced
with life’s challenges.
The idea for the story was inspired by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s
“Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse”
campaign, which was launched in 2011 to
educate the public about how to respond in
an emergency.
McConnell’s story focuses on a mother and
her two children who find themselves in the
middle of a zombie attack. McConnell used
their responses to the attack to discuss how
people can deal with traumatic experiences.
One of the most important skills in learning
to be resilient, she said, is being able to cope
with the changing dynamics of everyday life.
“One of the things that is most difficult
when you are in a hard situation is to accept
the reality of that situation,” McConnell said.
“And because we fight it, that drains our
energy, rather than accepting the situation and
making decisions based on a new reality.”
McConnell said the ability to be proactive
and make decisions based on the reality of
the situations people face helps them to move
forward.
However, an individual’s temperament
affects his or her ability to deal with change
and to adapt.
All people respond to difficult situations
with their emotions, said McConnell. To be
resilient, she said people must express them-
selves.
“Avoiding those feelings doesn’t make them
go away,”McConnell said. “Learning to toler-
ate your own stress is what helps you manage
those emotions.”
McConnell said there are also holistic ways
to learn resiliency. One way to deal with hard-
ship, she said, is by helping other people and
focusing on one’s values.
“What are you willing to stand for? What is
most important to you?” McConnell asked.
By helping others, people learn to put their
own troubles in perspective while supporting
the well-being of family and friends.
Being mindful is also an important tool.
“Learn ways to step back from your feel-
ings so that when you are under stress, it
becomes your automatic response,” McCon-
nell said.
Mindfulness, however, is a skill that must be
learned and practiced, she said. For example,
when McConnell is under stress, she relaxes
her muscles so she is able to think her way
through the situation.
“But I had to train myself to do that,”
she said.
After the seminar, retired 1st Sgt. Brian
McLean said the seminar was helpful.
“To be resilient can always help you in life,
always building on the ability to bounce back
and keep moving,”the Odenton resident said.
“[This] is something I can definitely improve
upon.”
A combat veteran with 26 years of Army
service, McLean said that McConnell’s point
about controlling one’s emotions is one of
the most important skills in learning how to
be resilient.
“Being able to analyze a situation and
be realistic is a big thing in being resilient,”
McLean said. “When something bad hap-
pens, I can be calm and analyze the situation
to think of the most practical solution.”
Editor’s note: Those interested in a seminar
on how to learn mindfulness techniques should
call the Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center
Red Team at 301-677-8949.
Lunchtime seminar focuses on resiliency
Feb. 5, Theft of private prop-
erty: The victim notified
units from the Directorate
of Emergency Services that
six 32-inch Panasonic tele-
visions were stolen from his
building.
Feb. 5, Larceny of private property: The
victim stated that after arriving at Gaff-
ney Fitness Center, he placed his personal
belongings — including his wallet — inside
his locker in the men’s locker room. When he
returned to the locker, he noticed his wallet
was missing.
CommunityCommunity
Crime Watch
Compiled by the Fort Meade
Directorate of Emergency Services
For week of Feb. 2-8:
• Moving violations: 33
• Nonmoving violations: 12
• Verbal warnings for traffic stops: 8
• Traffic accidents: 6
• Driving on suspended license: 2
• Driving on suspended registration: 3
• Driving without a license: 0
U.S. Army News Release
Army Secretary John M. McHugh
announced Friday that he has approved
awarding the Purple Heart and its civil-
ian counterpart, the Secretary of Defense
Medal for the Defense of Freedom, to
victims of the 2009 shooting at Fort Hood,
Texas, following a change in the medals’
eligibility criteria mandated by Congress.
Thirteen people were killed and more
than 30 were wounded in the attack by Maj.
Nidal Hasan, who was convicted in August
2013 of 13 counts of premeditated murder
and 32 counts of attempted murder.
“The Purple Heart’s strict eligibility cri-
teria had prevented us from awarding it to
victims of the horrific attack at Fort Hood,”
McHugh said. “Now that Congress has
changed the criteria, we believe there is
sufficient reason to allow these men and
women to be awarded and recognized with
either the Purple Heart or, in the case of
civilians, the Defense of Freedom Medal.
“It’s an appropriate recognition of their
service and sacrifice.”
Under a provision of the National
Defense Authorization Act of 2015, Con-
gress expanded the eligibility for the Purple
Heart by redefining what should be con-
sidered an attack by a “foreign terrorist
organization” for purposes of determining
eligibility for the Purple Heart.
The legislation states that an event should
now be considered an attack by a foreign
Army approves Purple Hearts for Fort Hood shooting victims
terrorist organization if the perpetrator of
the attack “was in communication with the
foreign terrorist organization before the
attack” and “the attack was inspired or
motivated by the foreign terrorist organiza-
tion.”
In a review of the Fort Hood incident
and the new provisions of law, Army offi-
cials determined that there was sufficient
evidence to conclude Hasan “was in com-
munication with the foreign terrorist orga-
nization before the attack,” and that his
radicalization and subsequent acts could
reasonably be considered to have been
“inspired or motivated by the foreign ter-
rorist organization.”
Previous criteria required a finding that
Hasan had been acting at the direction of
a foreign terrorist organization.
McHugh directed Army officials to iden-
tify Soldiers and civilians now eligible for
the awards as soon as possible and to
contact them about presentation of the
awards.
Soldiers receiving the Purple Heart auto-
matically qualify for combat-related special
compensation upon retirement. Recipients
also are eligible for burial at Arlington
National Cemetery.
Following his 2013 conviction, Hasan
was sentenced to death by a general court-
martial. He is incarcerated at Fort Leaven-
worth, Kan., while post-trial and appel-
late processes continue.
Better Opportunities for Single Service Members is the voice for the single Soldier,
Marine, Seaman and Airman. For more information, contact the Fort Meade
Garrison BOSS Representative Cpl. Victoria M. Johnson at 301-677-6868.
8. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! February 12, 2015
News
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
Members of the Justice Department
announced Monday that under its settle-
ments with five of the nation’s largest
mortgage servicers, 952 service members
and their co-borrowers are eligible to
receive more than $123 million for nonju-
dicial foreclosures that violated the Service
Members Civil Relief Act.
The five mortgage servicers are: JP
Morgan Chase Bank N.A.; Wells Fargo
Bank N.A. and Wells Fargo Co.; Citi
Residential Lending Inc., Citibank, NA
and CitiMortgage Inc.; GMAC Mortgage,
LLC, Ally Financial Inc. and Residential
Capital LLC; and BAC Home Loans
Servicing LP, formerly known as Coun-
trywide Home Loans Servicing LP (Bank
of America).
In the first round of payments under
the SCRA portion of the 2012 settlement
known as the National Mortgage Settle-
ment, 666 service members and their co-
borrowers will receive more than $88 mil-
lion from JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo,
Citi and GMAC Mortgage.
The remaining 286 service members and
their co-borrowers already have received
more than $35 million from Bank of
America through an earlier settlement.
The non-judicial foreclosures at issue
took place between Jan. 1, 2006 and April
4, 2012.
“These unlawful judicial foreclosures
forced hundreds of service members and
their families out of their homes,” Act-
ing Associate Attorney General Stuart
F. Delery said. “While this compensation
will provide a measure of relief, the fact is
that service members should never have
to worry about losing their home to an
illegal foreclosure while they are serving
our country.
“The department will continue to active-
ly protect our service members and their
families from such unjust actions.”
“We are very pleased that the men and
women of the armed forces who were sub-
jected to unlawful nonjudicial foreclosures
while they were serving our country are
now receiving compensation,” said Acting
Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta
of the Civil Rights Division.
Section 533 of the SCRA prohibits non-
judicial foreclosures against service mem-
bers who are in military service or within
the applicable post-service period, as long
as they originated their mortgages before
their period of military service began.
Even in states that normally allow mort-
gage foreclosures to proceed nonjudicially,
the SCRA prohibits servicers from doing
so against protected service members dur-
ing their military service and applicable
post-military service coverage period.
Under the National Mortgage Settle-
ment, for mortgages serviced by Wells
Fargo, Citi and GMAC Mortgage the
identified service members will each receive
$125,000, plus any lost equity in the prop-
erty and interest on that equity.
Eligible co-borrowers will also be com-
pensated for their share of any lost equity
in the property.
To ensure consistency with an earlier
private settlement, JP Morgan Chase will
provide any identified service member
either the property free and clear of any
debt or the cash equivalent of the full
value of the home at the time of sale,
and the opportunity to submit a claim
for compensation for any additional harm
suffered, which will be determined by a
special consultant, retired U.S. District
Court Judge Edward N. Cahn.
Payment amounts have been reduced
for those service members or co-borrowers
who have previously received compensa-
tion directly from the servicer or through
a prior settlement, such as the independent
foreclosure review conducted by the Office
of the Comptroller of the Currency and
the Federal Reserve Board.
The Bank of America payments to
identified service members with nonju-
dicial foreclosures were made under a
2011 settlement with the Department of
Justice.
The NMS also provides compensation
for two categories of service members:
• Those who were foreclosed upon pur-
suant to a court order where the mortgage
servicer failed to file a proper affidavit with
the court stating whether or not the service
member was in military service
• Service members who gave proper
notice to the servicer, but were denied the
full benefit of the SCRA’s 6 percent inter-
est rate cap on pre-service mortgages
Service members entitled to compensa-
tion for these alleged violations will be
identified later in 2015.
Points of contact:
Borrowers should use the following
contact information for questions about
SCRA payments under the National
Mortgage Settlement
• Bank of America: Rust Consulting,
Inc., settlement administrator, at 1-855-
793-1370 or write to BAC Home Loans
Servicing Settlement Administrator, c/o
Rust Consulting, Inc., P.O. Box 1948,
Faribault, MN, 55021-6091
• CitiBank: 1-888-326-1166
•GMAC Mortgage: Rust Consulting
Inc., settlement administrator, at 1-866-
708-0915 or write to P.O. Box 3061,
Faribault, MN, 55021-2661.
• JPMorgan Chase: 1-877-469-0110 or
write to P.O. Box 183224, OH-7160/DOJ,
Columbus, Ohio 43219-6009
Wells Fargo: Wells Fargo Home Mort-
gage Military Customer Service Center at
1-877-839-2359.
Service members and their dependents
who believe that their SCRA rights have
been violated should contact an Armed
Forces Legal Assistance office and go to
servicemembers.gov.
Troops to receive millions under Civil Relief Act
By Tanesha Matthews Petty
Attorney Advisor, Legal Assistance
Division
Divorce is frightening for most people.
The idea of litigating a divorce without
the help of an attorney (litigating “pro
se”) may seem even more daunting, but
it does not have to be.
If your divorce is uncontested, mean-
ing you and your spouse agree that the
marriage is over and have come to an
agreement regarding the divorce settle-
ment, proceeding pro se might be right
for you.
The Maryland court system tries to
make it easier for parties to represent
themselves in divorce actions. Not only
has the court published numerous forms
necessary for the process (some with
instructions), but it has also created
self-help centers in various counties
throughout the state where litigants
may seek free help from practicing
attorneys.
The first step to proceeding pro se
is for one of the spouses to complete a
“complaint for absolute divorce.” This
document tells the court what you are
seeking.
The person who completes the com-
plaint is the plaintiff; the other party is
the defendant. Along with the complaint,
the plaintiff must complete a “domestic
case information report,” which the
court uses to prepare for your case.
The next step is for you to file these
documents, along with a property settle-
ment agreement if you have one, with
the circuit court for the county in which
you live. You will be required to pay a
filing fee; the amount varies from county
to county.
After you have filed the documents
with the court, you will receive a “writ
of summons” from the clerk’s office.
You will need to serve on your spouse
a copy of the documents you filed with
the court and the writ of summons.
If your spouse lives in the state of
Maryland, he or she will have 30 days
to file an answer/response to the com-
plaint. This time frame is extended to
60 days if your spouse lives out of state,
and to 90 days if your spouse lives out
of the country.
If your spouse fails to answer in
the prescribed time, you should file a
“request for order of default.” However,
if your spouse responds to the com-
plaint, your next step should be to file a
“request for a hearing or proceeding” so
that a court date will be set.
Be sure to bring a corroborative wit-
ness to the hearing. Divorces in Mary-
land may only be granted after a judge
hears testimony from a person who can
corroborate or confirm the facts you
present. Generally, a witness can only
testify to what he or she heard or saw.
Additionally, a witness can testify to
what your spouse told him or her.
This is a basic overview of how to
proceed pro se in the state of Maryland.
You must be a resident of Maryland to
get divorced in Maryland. All of the
aforementioned forms and information
can be found online at mdcourts.gov/
family/formsindex.html.
To receive personalized advice and
assistance on these or other legal mat-
ters, call the Fort Meade Legal Assis-
tance Office to schedule an appointment
with an attorney at 301-677-9504 or
301-677-9536.
Divorcing in Maryland without a lawyer
9. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil12 SOUNDOFF! February 12, 2015
News
By Chanel S. Weaver
Public Health Command
Service members must meet stringent
physical standards to serve. But main-
taining a high level of fitness can be a
challenge for pregnant and postpartum
Soldiers.
That’s why the Army provides Preg-
nancy Postpartum Physical Training, or
P3T, developed several years ago to assist
these moms with staying healthy and fit.
The intent is to provide safe, standard-
ized physical training and education led
by personnel trained in pregnancy and
postpartum fitness.
“The program is designed to promote
readiness through health by maintain-
ing fitness levels of pregnant Soldiers,
and successfully integrating postpartum
Soldiers back into unit physical-readi-
ness training,” said Lisa Young, a health
educator at the U.S. Army Public Health
Command and program coordinator for
P3T.
Army policy mandates enrollment for
all pregnant and postpartum Soldiers.
Upon confirmation of pregnancy, the
Soldier is exempt from regular unit physi-
cal-readiness training. After the Soldier
receives medical clearance from her health
care provider, commanders are instructed
to ensure that all eligible pregnant or
postpartum Soldiers enroll.
Here are some answers to basic ques-
tions about P3T:
Why was P3T created?
Based on several Army studies and
current literature, it was shown that after
15 months of pregnancy and postpartum,
Soldiers who return to unit physical train-
ing without intervention demonstrate
reduced fitness levels, increased body fat,
and increases in injuries and illness rates.
P3T offers specifically designed PT
for these Soldiers to help them maintain
overall health and well-being.
Where is P3T available across the
Army?
There are currently P3T programs at
26 installations in the United States; 17
programs in Germany, Japan, Korea and
Italy; and remote P3T programs overseen
at numerous small installations, Reserve
and Army National Guard units.
What are some benefits to enrolling
in the P3T?
Health experts say participation in P3T
provides a Soldier with an exercise and
health education program that meets the
unique needs of pregnant and postpar-
tum Soldiers.
P3T provides a safe setting and trained
leaders to assist Soldiers in making
adjustments to their exercise regimen as
the pregnancy progresses, and to teach
special skills that will help with delivery
and recovery. It also provides emotion-
al support and encouragement through
group activities with others in similar
circumstances.
“Getting to know other Soldiers that
are also moms can help give the reassur-
ance, positive reinforcement and motiva-
tion that are needed to meet the challeng-
es of motherhood and return to required
fitness levels,” Young said.
How has it helped women? What
have been the outcomes?
In a recent evaluation, postpartum
participants reported that P3T was help-
ful to them in passing their diagnostic
APFT, returning to their unit before or
at 180 days post-delivery, and meeting
body-composition standards.
They also perceived P3T participation
as a positive influence in boosting their
morale, and as helpful in being able to
continue to perform their duties on the
job.
How often should a pregnant
woman exercise?
According to the American Congress
of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, in
the absence of either medical or obstet-
ric complications, pregnant women can
accumulate 30 minutes or more of moder-
ate-level physical activity most, if not all,
days of the week to maintain health and
well-being.
A recent article in the Army Times
states that such exercise improves mood,
sleep and energy; prevents pregnancy-
related diabetes; and promotes an easier
birth and faster recovery.
What are some tips for a healthy
postpartum training regimen?
After the baby is born, fetal safety is
no longer an issue, but potential inju-
ries for Soldiers continue due to persis-
tent musculoskeletal and cardiovascular
changes.
Postpartum exercises are designed to
regain pre-pregnancy fitness levels, meet
mission requirements, pass the APFT and
meet Army body-composition standards.
Exercise sessions should be conducted a
minimum of five times a week.
This is a basic postpartum fitness ses-
sion, according to Young:
• A 10-15 minute warm-up segment,
which includes slow movements, dynamic
stretching and slow-cadence calisthenics.
• A 10-20 minute muscular condition-
ing segment that may incorporate calis-
thenics drills, strength endurance exercis-
es with free weights or resistance bands,
situps and pushups. The focus now is to
prepare the Soldier to pass the situp and
pushup portions of the APFT.
• A 30-45 minute cardio-respiratory
segment that may include low-impact
aerobics, speed and agility drills, cardio
machines, circuit training, and ability
group walk/jog/runs.
The postpartum Soldier is encouraged
to gradually begin running, increasing
the frequency so that after the first two
weeks of returning to P3T, the Soldier is
jogging/running three times a week.
• A 10-minute cool-down segment,
which may include a slowing down of
the aerobic activity followed by gentle
stationary stretching. All Soldiers’ heart
rates must be at or below 100 beats per
minute before leaving the area.
Army helps moms
maintain fitness
before, after childbirth
file photo
The Army provides Pregnancy Postpartum Physical Training to assist mothers with
staying healthy and fit.
10. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil February 12, 2015 SOUNDOFF! 13
Sports
By Shari Rosen
Staff Writer
When Sgt. Sharmaniik Lawson takes to
the court, heads turn.
Spectators do not expect to see a female
starting point guard among the all-male
Fort Meade intramural basketball league.
“If I play up to [the men’s] expectations
and I can hang with them, then I’ll be one
of the top females,” said the South Caro-
lina native, who plays for the 327th Signal
Company Spartans. “I love it.”
The 27-year-old joined the Army three
months after graduating from Timberland
High in South Carolina, where she started
for four years.
“I came in as a freshman, competed
with a senior for a starting spot,” said
Lawson, who resides in Sutton, Md., with
her wife, Sgt. Charmaine Lawson, and
daughters Anyyah and Ziyonnah. “You
got to prove yourself.”
At her first duty station, Fort Bragg,
N.C., Lawson was recruited for the all-
women’s Army basketball team in the
summer of 2007.
“I didn’t get to play because when we
got the final physical, I was pregnant,”
Lawson said.
Following the birth of her daughter
Anyyah in August 2008, Lawson joined
Fort Bragg’s women’s varsity basketball
team as well as the installation’s intramural
league where she was once again the only
female.
Lawson was named most valuable play-
er in the intramural league’s championship
game that went into double overtime. She
scored 23 points and had 11 assists.
“They say, ‘She’s just a girl,’ and then I
really surprise them,” said Lawson, who is
nearly 5-foot-6.
While stationed at Joint Base Lewis-
McChord in Washington in 2010, Law-
son played on the all-women American
Basketball Association team, which is a
step below professional. That same year,
she was named the team’s runner-up for
MVP.
After coming to Fort Meade last Febru-
ary, Lawson joined her company’s intra-
mural football team and was soon invited
to play on the company basketball team.
Lawson, who works in human resources
for the 327th Signal Company, said she
wanted to play and was put on the compa-
ny’s intramural basketball roster.
“She works really hard,” said 2nd Lt.
Powered by passion
Only female basketball player shines on installation intramural league
George Smith of the 327th. “She’s a valu-
able member to the team, and without her
we couldn’t do what we do.”
The rest of the company was surprised,
though, when Lawson showed up to the
first day of practice.
“You’ve got to show people what you’re
about,” Lawson said.
Since the initial practice, Lawson has
been starting point guard for the Spar-
tans.
“I’m very competitive, so anything com-
petitive, I’m all for it,” Lawson said. “I
think [the intramural basketball league]
builds camaraderie.”
Lawson plays basketball every day at
Murphy Field House during her lunch
break.
“I [could] play basketball all day and I
won’t complain,” she said.
Initially, Lawson did not know there
was a sign-up sheet at Murphy to reserve
court time. Male players were getting
to play before her even though she had
arrived at the gym before them.
“I’m the type of person who is like, ‘You
will not run me over,’ ” Lawson said. “I
think the very first time I actually played,
I really shocked them.”
Lawson also plays pickup games at
Fort McNair in Washington, D.C., with
her wife.
“Weekends, after work, during lunch, if
I’m not doing anything else with my kids,
I’m playing ball,” Lawson said. “I even
have [my kids] in the gym, playing basket-
ball. I’m teaching them how to play.
“I just love basketball. It’s a stress-
reliever for me.”
PHOTO BY NATE PESCE
Sgt. Sharmaniik Lawson of the 327th Signal Company Spartans tries to drive the ball past a 32nd Intelligence Squadron defender at
an intramural basketball game held Tuesday night at Murphy Field House. Lawson is the only female in the installation basketball
league.
11. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil14 SOUNDOFF! February 12, 2015
Sports
By Bryan Spann
Fort Meade Public Affairs Office
Rich Holzer, head football coach at
Meade High School, received the U.S.
Marine Corps “Semper Fidelis” Coach
Award in a brief ceremony held Saturday
at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore hotel
during the Glazier Sports Clinic.
According to the Glazier Sports web-
site, members of the Marine Corps and
Glazier Sports work together “to honor
high school football coaches who display
faithfulness to the mission of their team
and exemplify the Marine standard of
excellence in developing leaders.
“It recognizes a high school football
coach who lives out the Marine Corps
Meade High coach receives
Marine Semper Fi awardmotto: ‘Semper Fidelis’ (“always faith-
ful”), and who models the Marine Corps
leadership values of honor, courage and
commitment.”
Holzer is in his fourth year as football
coach at Meade High.
“I try to do what football coaches are
supposed to do — build men,” he said.
“You’re supposed to make people better,
do what my coaches did for me, what
my father did for me — my father was
a coach.
“I saw how he built young adults, turn-
ing student athletes into young men, and
they would come back and thank him.
And that’s something I’ve always wanted
to do. I’ve always wanted to coach. …
I not only wanted to win games, but to
make a difference … and serve my com-
munity in my own way,” Holzer said.
According to the Marine Corps, the
Semper Fi Coach is not necessarily
selected based on his record or number
of winning championships, but rather
on leaving a legacy of intentional lead-
ership.
In this case, Holzer is winning games.
His Mustangs hold a record of 33 wins
and 13 losses since his arrival, and are
two-time regional champions.
In addition, Holzer has taken dozens
of young men under his wing. Fifteen
have earned scholarships to play college
football.
PHOTO BY STEVE RUARK
The Marine Corps’ 2015 Semper Fidelis
Coach Award is presented to Rich Holzer,
head football coach at Meade High
School, during a football coaching clinic
Saturday at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore.
Rich Holzer is in his fourth year as Meade
High’s football coach.
RIGHT: Holzer huddles with his team
during the 2013 season.
file photo
PHOTO BY STEVE RUARK
Meade High football coach Rich Holzer
12. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil February 12, 2015 SOUNDOFF! 15
Sports
A 3-point jumper by Francis with 2:19 to
play gave the Patriots a commanding 73-59
lead.
“The win felt great,” Francis said. “We’re a
better team [than our record shows]. We just
have to go out there and prove it. We just have
to prove it.”
Bennett agreed with Francis’ assessment
of the game.
“We kept passing [the ball] when things got
tough,” Bennett said. “We kept building on
our chemistry and believing in ourselves.”
The Patriots will take a break from confer-
ence play this weekend as they compete in the
Annual Capital Classic Basketball Tourna-
ment sponsored by Joint Base Myer-Hender-
son Hall.
Fort Meade returns to conference play Feb.
21 to face off against Fort Belvoir at 1 p.m. at
Murphy Field House.
By Philip H. Jones
Chief, Command Information
The Fort Meade Patriots snapped a two-
game losing streak Sunday, defeating Joint
Base Andrews 80-64 at Murphy Field House.
The win gives the Patriots a 2-5 record in
the Washington Area Military Athletic Con-
ference and keeps the team’s hopes alive to
secure a 4 or 5 seed ranking by season’s end,
going into the WAMAC playoffs.
“This was a very good win,” Patriots head
coach Ronny Cunningham said after Sunday’s
game. “The team saw something yesterday
[Saturday] when we hung in there against the
first-place team in the conference. This win can
jump-start our season.”
On Saturday, the Patriots lost a highly com-
petitive contest 86-81 to the National Capital
Region Marines. The Marines currently lead
the WAMAC with a 6-1 record.
After Sunday’s win, Cunningham believes
the Patriots are ready to take the next step to
become a WAMAC playoff contender.
“This [win] gives us momentum [for the
remainder of the season],” Cunningham said.
“We still got some more tough games left, but
we can go .500.”
Sunday’s contest showcased the playmak-
ing and basketball skills of Tyler Francis and
Keenan Bennett, making a statement that
Fort Meade may have the best starting guard
combo in the WAMAC.
Francis finished the game with 18 points,
while Bennett led all scorers with 21 points.
The first half of Sunday’s game against
Joint Base Andrews was a seesaw battle. With
3:34 remaining, Francis connected on his first
3-point jumper of the game, tying the score
at 25-all.
JB Andrews regained the lead moments
later when Raymond Steward scored on a
contested layup. Bennett would tie the game
at 27-all on a hard-driving layup with 2:50
remaining in the half.
JB Andrews, however, finished the first
half outscoring the Patriots, 10-2, to take a
37-29 lead.
DeeCourey Carrawell led Fort Meade in
scoring at the half with five points, while Ben-
nett chipped in 4 points. Joseph McNeil led JB
Andrews with 12 points, followed by Travares
Peterson’s 8 points.
Playing a tough zone defensive, Fort Meade
scoredthefirst8pointsinthesecondhalf,tying
the game at 37-all with 17:20 remaining.
With 13:07 remaining, the Patriots went on
another run, outscoring JB Andrews 14-0, and
taking a 59-44 lead after an inbound pass play
led to a Bennett layup with 7:40 remaining in
the game.
Fort Meade finished the game playing
relentless defense and relying on a steady
diet of jump shots, layups and free throws by
Francis and Bennett.
Patriots defeat
Joint Base Andrews
Photos by Nate Pesce
Dararius Evans finishes off a layup during Sunday’s Patriots’ game against Joint Base
Andrews at Murphy Field House. Evans scored 11 points.
Fort Meade’s
Derek Bailey
probes for
an opening
in the Joint
Base Andrews
defense
Sunday during
a Washington
Area Military
Athletic
Conference
game. The
Patriots
defeated JB
Andrews, 80-
64 to improve
its conference
record to 2-5.
13. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil16 SOUNDOFF! February 12, 2015
Sports
Sports Shorts
Texas Hold ‘Em Tournaments
All service members and civilians are invited to play in the Texas Hold ‘Em
Tournaments held Mondays and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at the Lounge at the Lanes.
Tournament is free to enter. Prizes are awarded for the top winners.
Food and beverages are available for purchase.
For more information, call 301-677-5541.
Youth spring sports
Registration for spring sports is underway.
Spring sports include baseball, softball, tennis, lacrosse, basketball, track,
NFL flag football and soccer.
To register online, go to ftmeademwr.com.
For more information, call 301-677-1179.
Youth Sports seeks volunteer coaches
Volunteer coaches are needed for baseball, softball, tennis, lacrosse,
basketball, track, NFL flag football, and soccer.
All volunteers will receive free training and will be certified through the
National Youth Sports Coaches Association.
All volunteers must complete a background check.
Apply at the Child, Youth and School Services’ Youth Sports Fitness
Office at 1900 Reece Road.
For more information, call 301-677-1179 or 301-677-1329.
Tae kwon do
Child, Youth and
School Services offers tae
kwon do classes for youths
of all ages Tuesdays and
Thursday at the Youth
Center.
Classes are broken into
different age groups. Cost
is $45 for ages 4 to 6 and
$85 for ages 7–17.
For more information,
call 301-677-1149.
2015 Run Series Schedule
The Fort Meade Run Series will resume in April.
There will be a total of seven 5K runs and 1-mile walks throughout the
year with a variety of themes:
• Earth Day 5K and 1-Mile Walk: April 18, 8 a.m., Burba Lake Park
• Patriot Pride 5K/10K: May 16, 8 a.m., Murphy Field House
• Army Birthday Summer Sizzler 5K: June 13, 8 a.m., The Pavilion
• Football Fanfare 5K: Sept. 19, 8 a.m., Constitution Park
• Ghosts, Ghouls Goblins 5K: Oct. 24, 8 a.m., The Pavilion
• Turkey Trot 5K: Nov. 21, 8 a.m., Murphy Field House
• Reindeer Run 5K: Dec. 19, 8 a.m., Murphy Field House
Dollar Days
Dollar Days at the Lanes are offered every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11
p.m.
Bowlers receive a game of bowling, shoe rental, a hot dog, hamburger,
small fries, pizza slice or small soda for $1 each.
For more information, call 301-677-5541.
Looking back over my 41 years, it’s fair
to say I’ve had some experiences worth shar-
ing: There was that time I ran a hall-of-fame
pitcher off the cheap tables at the Hard
Rock Casino in Vegas. (I won’t tell you his
name, but Orioles fans might be able to fig-
ure it out since the big lefty had a real hard
time beating the Birds in the mid-90s.)
Speaking of Vegas, the story about my
spur-of-the-moment move to Sin City with
my older brother was pretty fantastic. We
left from Michigan in my P-O-C Chevy
with $800 and dreams of a new life. A flat
tire proved to be all the omen we needed to
spend an extra night at the first casino we
found in Nevada, and we lost more than
half our stake before we ever saw the Strip.
There’s also that time I slammed a keg
through a college kid’s hatchback and had
the gall to ask him, “Why’d you leave,”as he
stood among the shattered glass while the
Michigan snow covered his interior.
Then there are the stories I’ve embel-
lished: Claiming I was All-Conference in
cross-country when I was really “most
improved”; Being recruited by a D-1 Col-
lege football team as a defensive back; Tell-
ing Cousin Claw that Heather Yankovich
was my girlfriend in elementary school.
We were good friends, but I had no shot
at young love with any girl, even less so
with the cutest girl in the history of fourth
grade.
I share these stories with you to say I
understand why NBC reporter Brian Wil-
liams may have stretched the truth on some
of his journalistic escapades.
All of my embellishments were done
for one reason: I wanted to be respected. I
didn’t feel my experiences at the time gave
me enough juice to get the props I deserved,
so I might have lied a bit.
The consequences of those mistruths
have stuck with me. To my closest circle of
friends, my credibility is shot. For example,
Claw won’t play
mein“Wordswith
Friends” anymore
because he thinks
I cheat.
Idon’t,norhave
I ever cheated in a
game. But he doesn’t believe that because
one day in the heat of a discussion when my
value was being challenged, I got some facts
“accidentally” mixed up. And then I may
have stuck to my story a little too long.
But in every case, the truth did come out
— generally from a chance encounter with
a former schoolmate who gladly verified my
true credentials.
The pain from the reckonings, along
with some quality Army leadership on the
importance of integrity, and some legiti-
mate accomplishments have reduced my
need to tell tall tales. However, I do try
to keep some sympathy for those who get
caught in the same cycle.
With all that said, Brian Williams’ career
as a journalist is pretty much toast. A lie
may be a lie, but “Tall-Tale 101” teaches
context and scope are key to the webs you
choose to weave.
There is a huge difference between a
young man telling tales to his buddies
about whom he held hands with in fourth
grade, and a national news anchor saying
his helicopter was hit and forced down in
a war zone.
In one case, the consequence of lying is
some heckling by your friends who have
stretched a few tales of their own. In the
other case, you go from being a popular,
respected national TV anchor to a national
joke who wouldn’t be trusted spitting news
on TMZ.
If you have comments on this or anything
to do with sports (or telling tales), contact
me at chad.t.jones.civ@mail.mil or hit me up
on Twitter @CTJibber.
Lying in bed like
Brian Williams did
Chad T. Jones,
Public Affairs
Officer
Jibber Jabber - Opinion
For all your varsity and intramural sports schedules,
scores and standings, visit
www.quickscores.com/ftmeadesports.
14. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil February 12, 2015 SOUNDOFF! 17
Community News Notes
The deadline for Soundoff! community
“News and Notes” is Friday at noon.
All submissions are posted at the editor’s
discretion and may be edited for space and
grammar. Look for additional community
events on the Fort Meade website at www.
ftmeade.army.mil and the Fort Meade
Facebook page at facebook.com/ftmeade.
For more information or to submit an
announcement, email dijon.n.rolle.civ@
mail.mil or call Editor Dijon Rolle at
301-677-6806.
No Open Door Monday
Due to Presidents Day, there will be no
Commander’s Open Door on Monday.
Fort Meade to conduct
listening session
Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan,
commander, U.S. Army Military
District of Washington, Joint Force
Headquarters-National Capital Region,
will host a public listening session
March 5 at 1 p.m. at McGill Training
Center.
Buchanan and a representative
from the Army’s Operations and
Plans Office will discuss the Army’s
ongoing planning effort to achieve
fiscal reductions required by the Budget
Control Act of 2011.
Additionally, Garrison Commander
Col. Brian P. Foley will discuss ongoing
growth at Fort Meade.
Leaders will then take questions from
the audience.
All members of the Fort Meade
community including current employees,
retirees, concerned citizens and family
members are invited to attend the
session.
The listening session will be live-
streamed from the Fort Meade website;
individuals will be able to submit
questions online.
For more information, call 301-677-
1361.
Black History Month
observance
The Defense Information Systems
Agency will host an African-American
Heritage Month observance Feb. 19
from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the DISA
Conference Room (M3C31).
The guest speaker is Dr. Wayne
Frederick, president of Howard
University in Washington, D.C.
Light refreshments will be served.
The event is open to Fort Meade
service members and civilians.
A sign language interpreter will be
provided. No electronics (including
cellphones) will be permitted in the
building.
For more information, call 301-225-
6453.
Kimbrough/Tricare
briefing
A Kimbrough/Tricare Community
Education outreach briefing will be held
today from 6-7 p.m. at McGill Training
Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave.
The discussion topic will be “Tricare:
Transitioning from Active Duty to
Retirement.”
Kimbrough town hall
Dr. (Col.) Michael J. Zapor,
commander for Clinical Services at
the Fort Meade Medical Department
Activity, will conduct a town hall meeting
on Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. in the Kimbrough
Ambulatory Care Center lab reception
area.
The purpose of this forum is to
disseminate information, answer
questions and discuss concerns regarding
Kimbrough.
All beneficiaries are invited.
Mardi Gras party
The Hearts Apart Deployment
Support Group will sponsor a Mardi
Gras celebration on Feb. 17 from
5:30–7:30 p.m. at Potomac Place
Neighborhood Center.
The event will feature New Orleans-
style food, children’s crafts and piñatas.
This event is free but registration is
required in advance.
For more information, call 301-677-
5590.
Pepper Road gate open
The Pepper Road gate is now open for
pedestrians and cyclists Monday through
Friday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cars and other motorized vehicles are
not authorized to access this gate.
Pepper Road is located toward the
southeast corner of Fort Meade near
Range Control off Route 175 (adjacent to
Route 32) in Odenton.
The gate is also close to the MARC
station and Odenton Town Center.
The gate opening is part of Fort
Meade’s ongoing efforts to improve
transportation options to and from the
installation.
Karaoke
Karaoke Night is held every Friday
from 7–10 p.m. at The Lounge at the
Lanes.
The free event is open to everyone.
Food and drink specials are available
for purchase.
For more information, call 301-677-
5541.
ESC scholarships
The Enlisted Spouses’ Club is offering
scholarships for graduating high school
seniors and continuing education
students for the 2015-2016 academic
school year.
Applicants must be a dependent
child of any military member from any
branch: active-duty, retired or deceased
military personnel; Reservist; or
National Guard
The service member must reside in the
Fort Meade area.
Application packages must be
completed and submitted to the ESC by
March 27.
The complete application package and
a full list of scholarship requirements
are available at www.ftmeadeesc.org/
scholarship-oportunities.
For more information, email
scholarshipdirector@ftmeadeesc.org.
OSC scholarships
Applications are now being accepted
for the Fort Meade Officers’ Spouses’
Club scholarships.
Applications must be postmarked by
March 2.
Applicants must possess a valid
military dependent ID card or be
a dependent of a Fort Meade OSC
member, enrolled at an accredited
institution as a full-time student for the
2015-2016 academic school year, and
meet one of the following criteria:
• The military sponsor must be an
active-duty or retired service member
assigned to, attached to or working on
Fort Meade.
• Applicants must reside on Fort
Meade and have a parent who is a
member of the Fort Meade OSC.
• Applicants may have another
affiliation with Fort Meade. For
example, the sponsor deployed from
Fort Meade or the sponsor was assigned
to Fort Meade, but was recently
reassigned to another duty station.
Scholarships include:
• Merit Scholarships: Applicant must
have a cumulative, unweighted grade
point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0
scale. Applicants must be a candidate
for graduation from high school in the
spring of 2015 or enrolled in college
prior to June 2015.
• Etta Baker Memorial Scholarship:
High school seniors who apply for the
Merit Scholarship will automatically be
considered for the Etta Baker Memorial
Scholarship, the club’s highest merit
scholarship.
• OSC Family Member Scholarship:
The scholarship is awarded to a high
school senior who is a family member of
an OSC member in good standing as of
Jan. 1. Scholarship will be based highly
on the applicant’s community service.
To download an application, go to
www.fortmeadeosc.org.
For more information, email Anita
Skelton, scholarship chairperson, at
scholarships@fortmeadeosc.org.
Cooking Matters
Commissary Tours
The next Cooking Matters
Commissary Tours Challenge are
today and Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m. at the commissary.
Tours are free and open to all eligible
commissary patrons.
Hands-on store tours are offered
every hour and teach participants the
skills to compare foods for cost and
nutrition.
Select tours will receive a $10 coupon.
To sign up for the event, go to http://
cmatscommissaryfm.eventbrite.com.
For more information, email
nwilson@strength.org.
Financial, Employment
Readiness
Army Community Service offers
Financial and Employment Readiness
classes to all ranks and services and
to DoD civilian employees at the
Community Readiness Center, 830
Chisholm Ave.
Registration is required for each class.
• Home Buying: Tuesday, 9 a.m. to
noon
Employment Readiness:
• How to Work a Job Fair: Feb. 19, 9
a.m. to noon
NEWS EVENTS EDUCATION
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
15. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil18 SOUNDOFF! February 12, 2015
Community News Notes
• Job Search Strategies: Feb. 24, 9
a.m. to noon
Learn techniques to help you succeed
in your job search as well as the tools
for networking and negotiating job
offers.
To register or for more information,
call 301-677-5590 or go to
fortmeadeacs.checkappointments.com.
Free classes
The Navy Fleet and Family Support
Center offers a variety of classes at its
facility at 2212 Chisholm Ave.
The free classes are open to DoD ID
cardholders including active-duty service
members, retirees and their family
members, DoD civilian employees and
contractors.
Registration is required for each class.
• Common-Sense Parenting:
Monday, 9-10 a.m. Topic: “Preventing
Misbehavior”
• Build Healthy Relationships:
Tuesday, 9-11 a.m.
• Pre-Separation Brief: Feb. 19, 9-
11:30 a.m.
• Pre-Deployment Brief: Feb. 19, 10-
11:30 a.m.
• Meet Greet: Feb. 19, 5-7 p.m.
Learn about available resources in
a fun, interactive orientation to Fort
Meade. The free event will feature food
and prizes.
• Time Management: Feb. 24, 9-11
a.m.
• Sponsorship Training: Feb. 24, 2-
3:30 p.m.
• Assessing Higher Education: Feb.
25-26, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To register or for more information,
call 301-677-9017 or 301-677-9018.
Financial Readiness Fair
The Army Community Service’s
Financial Readiness Fair will be held
Feb. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McGill
Training Center.
The free event, which is open to
all military services and ranks and to
civilians, will feature guests speakers,
informational displays and break-out
sessions.
Bag lunches will be available for
purchase.
For more information, call Army
Community Service at 301-677-5590 or
the Fleet and Family Support Center at
301-677-9410.
Financial Readiness Week
Army Community Service is offering
the following classes during Financial
Readiness Week at the Community
Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.
• Transitioning to Retirement: Feb. 23,
9 a.m. to noon
• Getting Out of Debt: Feb. 24, 9-11
a.m.
Learn strategies to wipe out debt.
Topics include: budget development,
record-keeping and credit.
• First-Term Financial Readiness
(Online): Feb. 24, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Raising Money-Smart Children:
Feb. 25, 9-11 a.m.
• Financial Planning for Caregivers:
Feb. 27, 9-11 a.m.
To register or for more information,
call 301-677-5590 or go to
fortmeadeacs.checkappointments.com.
Teen events
The Teen Center is offering the
following events for grades nine to 12:
• Valentine’s Day Dance: The Cupid
Shuffle: Friday, 4-8 p.m.
• Career Readiness: Job Search
Strategies: Feb. 19, 2:30-4 p.m.
• Mardi Gras Mask Making: Feb. 18,
3:30-4:30 p.m.
• Mardi Gras Party: Feb. 20, 3:30-4:30
p.m.
For more information, call 301-677-
6054.
Youth Center events
The Youth Center is offering several
activities for grades six to eight.
• Valentine’s Day Dance: Friday, 5:30-
8 p.m.
Youths will enjoy a night of dancing
and music with their friends.
This event is free for registered
members and $2 per guest.
• Black History Month Poetry Night:
Feb. 20, 4:30-6 p.m.
• February Birthday Party: Feb. 27,
5-8 p.m.
For more information, call 301-677-
1437.
Girl Scouts of Fort Meade
There is still time to join Girl Scouts.
All levels of Girl Scouts are offered
on Fort Meade, beginning with
kindergarten through high school.
Slots are available in all levels.
Registration is required.
To register, email Megan Horton at
mash3281@gmail.com or Jessica Pryor
at jpryor@gscm.org.
Storytime
The Children’s Library offers pre-
kindergarten Storytime on Thursdays at
9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at Kuhn Hall,
4415 Llewellyn Ave.
• Today: “Love is in the air!”
Valentine’s Day celebration - Stories,
songs and finger plays about love and
friendship
• Feb. 19: “Zoom, Zoom!” - Stories
and fun about all things that “go”
• Feb. 26: “Quiet as a Mouse” -
Storytime about mice
For more information, call 301-677-
5677.
Out About
• The Meade Area Garden Club is
sponsoring a bus trip to the Philadelphia
Flower Show on March 2.
This year’s theme is “Lights, Camera,
Bloom” with iconic movie scenes
depicted in floral displays.
The bus will leave from the Ridgeview
Shopping Plaza on Route 175 and
Rockenbach Avenue at 8:45 a.m. and
return by 6 p.m. Cost of the trip,
which includes the bus and admission,
is $63 for club members and $68 for
nonmembers.
Reservations are required along with
payment. No refunds after Feb. 20. For
reservations or more information, call
Beverly Durana at 410-551-2263.
• Better Opportunities for Single
Soldiers (BOSS) invites single service
members to a day trip to Philadelphia
on March 21 from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost is $15 and includes
transportation. Registration is required
by Tuesday.
For more information, call 301-677-
6868.
• The Anne Arundel Genealogical
Society will host the program “An
African-American Quaker: Journey
to Home,” by Margo Lee Williams on
March 5 from 7-9:30 p.m. at Severna
Park United Methodist Church, 731
Benfield Road, Severna Park.
The event is open to the public.
Refreshments will be served prior to the
start of the program.
For more information, call 410-760-
9679, Thursday-Friday from 10 a.m.-4
p.m.
• The Freestate Happy Wanderers will
host a 6- and 10-kilometer Black History
Walk on Feb. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
at the Queen’s Chapel United Methodist
Church, 7410 Old Muirkirk Road,
Beltsville.
Registration is not required. Walkers
will receive commemorative black history
items, while supplies last.
For more information call 301-572-5574
or email donjoy5@comcast.net or visit
http://www.mdvolks.org/freestate/.
• The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of
Maryland African-American History
and Culture in Baltimore will host a
showing of the documentary “Half
Past Autumn: The Life and Works of
Gordon Parks” on Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. at
830 E. Pratt St., Baltimore.
The documentary focuses on
Parks’ life and career as a celebrated
photographer, novelist, journalist, poet,
musician and filmmaker.
Admission is free with the
purchase of museum entry. For more
information, call 443-263-1800 or go to
rflewismuseum.org.
• The Medical Museum Science Café
is featuring “Vietnam War Medicine:
A Look at the Medical Museum, 2nd
Surgical Hospital” on Feb. 24 from 6-7
p.m. at the National Museum of Health
and Medicine, 2500 Linden Lane, Silver
Spring.
After the 2nd Surgical Hospital
(Mobile Army) was established in 1966
at An Khe in Vietnam, Army surgeon
Maj. Norman Rich began collecting
retrieved foreign bodies (fragments and
shrapnel) from patients he was treating.
Rich established a traveling museum
of those objects in his Quonset hut
operating room
Learn more about Rich’s experiences
as a surgeon during the Vietnam War
and see artifacts he has donated to the
NMHM.
For more information, go to
medicmuseum.mil or call 301-319-3300.
• The Harlem Globetrotters are coming
to the Wicomico Youth Civic Center on
the Eastern Shore on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. at
500 Glen Ave., Salisbury.
Tickets cost $22 through $246 and are
on sale now at 410-548-4911 or online at
www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org.
For more information, go to http://
www.wicomicociviccenter.org/events-
listings/harlem-globetrotters-1#sthash.
FX0RURZO.dpuf.
• Leisure Travel Services is offering
tickets to Monster Jam, which will be held
Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. and
EDUCATION
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
YOUTH
RECREATION
16. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil February 12, 2015 SOUNDOFF! 19
MoviesCommunity News Notes
7:30 p.m., and March 1 at 2 p.m. at the
Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St.,
Baltimore.
For ticket prices or more information,
call LTS at 301-677-7354.
• Leisure and Travel Services, located
at 2300 Wilson St., sells discounted
tickets to movie theaters, the Baltimore
Zoo, National Aquarium, Maryland
Science Center, Colonial Williamsburg
and other historical sites, and theme
parks.
For more information, call 301-677-
7354.
• Fort Meade E9 Association meets the
second Friday of every month at 7 a.m. in
the Pin Deck Cafe at the Lanes. The next
meeting is Friday.
The association is open to active, retired,
Reserve and National Guard E9s of any
uniformed service. All E9s in this area are
invited to attend a breakfast and meet the
membership. For more information, go to
e9association.org.
• Meade Branch 212 of the Fleet Reserve
Association meets the second Saturday of
each month at 10 a.m. at VFW Post 160,
2597 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie. The next
meeting is Saturday. Active-duty, Reserve
and retired members of the U.S. Navy,
Marine Corps and Coast Guard are invited.
For more information, call 443-604-2474
or 410-768-6288.
• Families Dealing with Deployment
meets the first and third Monday of every
month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Meuse Forest
Neighborhood Center. Children welcome.
The next meeting is Monday. For more
information, call 301-677-5590 or email
colaina.townsend.ctr@mail.mil.
• Retired Enlisted Association meets the
third Tuesday of the month from 7:30-8:30
p.m. at Perry’s Restaurant, 1210 Annapolis
Road, Odenton. The next meeting is
Tuesday. For more information, visit
trea.org or call Elliott Phillips, the local
president, at 443-790-3805 or Arthur R.
Cooper, past national president, at 443-336-
1230.
• Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter
254 meets the third Wednesday of every
month from 3-4 p.m. in the auditorium of the
Airman Leadership School, 8470 Zimborski
Ave. The next meeting is Wednesday. For
more information, call 831-521-9251 or go
to AFSA254.org.
• Military District of Washington Ser-
geant Audie Murphy Club meets the third
Wednesday of each month from noon to 1
p.m. at the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
Dining Facility in Virginia. The next meet-
ing is Wednesday. All members and those
interested in joining the club are welcome.
For more information, contact Master Sgt.
Erica Lehmkuhl at erica.lehmkuhl@us.army.
mil or 301-833-8415.
• Officers’ Spouses’ Club will meet Feb.
19 at 10:30 a.m. at Club Meade. The theme
is a winter luau. The meeting is open to
OSC members, spouses and guests. Cost is
$20.
For more information, go to http://www.
fortmeadeosc.org/monthly-luncheons-2/ or
email publicity@fortmeadeosc.org.
• Prostate Cancer Support Group meets
at Walter Reed National Military Medical
Center in Bethesda on the third Thursday
of every month. The next meeting is Feb.
19 from 1-2 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the
America Building, River Conference Room
(next to the Prostate Center), third floor.
Spouses/partners are invited. Military ID
is required for base access. Men without a
military ID should call the Prostate Center
at 301-319-2900 at least two days prior to
the event for base access.
For more information, call retired Col.
Jane Hudak at 301-319-2918 or email jane.
l.hudak.ctr@health.mil.
• Swinging Squares Square Dance Club
dances the first and third Saturday of the
month from 7:30-10 p.m. through May at
Meade Middle School. The next dance is
Feb. 21. Admission is $6. Square dance attire
is optional.
Dance classes are offered Thursday nights
at 7:30 p.m. at Meade Middle School. Each
class costs $6.
For more information, call Darlene at 410-
519-2536 or Carl at 410-271-8776.
• Society of Military Widows meets for
brunch the fourth Sunday of the month at
1 p.m. at te Lanes. The next meeting is Feb.
22. For more information, call Betty Jones at
410-992-1123.
• Women’s Empowerment Group meets
Wednesdays from 2-3:30 p.m. to provide
a safe, confidential arena for the support,
education and empowerment of women
who have experienced past or present family
violence.
Location is only disclosed to participants.
To register, call Samantha Herring, victim
advocate, at 301-677-4124 or Katherine
Lamourt, victim advocate, at 301-677-4117.
• Moms Walking Group, sponsored
by Parent Support, meets Thursdays
from 8:30-9:15 a.m. at Potomac Place
Neighborhood Center. To register, call
Colaina Townsend or Michelle Pineda at
301-677-5590.
• Project Healing Waters meets
Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at the Soldiers
and Family Assistance Center, 2462 85th
Medical Battalion Ave.
The project is dedicated to the physical
and emotional rehabilitation of wounded
warriors and veterans through fly fishing,
fly tying and outings.
For more information, call Larry Vawter,
program leader, at 443-535-5074 or email
thecarptman@msn.com.
• Dancing with the Heroes, free ballroom
dance lessons for the Warrior Transition
Unit, meets Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Argonne
Hills Chapel Center in the seminar room.
Participants should wear loose clothing,
comfortable shoes with leather soles. No
super high heels or flip-flops.
• Spanish Christian Service is conducted
Sundays at 1 p.m. at the Cavalry Chapel
located at 8465 Simonds St. and 6th
Armored Cavalry Road.
For more information, call Elias Mendez
at 301-677-7314 or 407-350-8749.
• Couples Communication Group,
sponsored by Army Community Services,
meets every Monday from 2:30-3:30 p.m.
at the Community Readiness Center, 830
Chisholm Ave.
For more information, call Celena
Flowers or Katherine Lamourt at 301-677-
5590.
• Cub Scout Pack 377 invites boys in
first through fifth grades, or ages 7 to 10,
to attend its weekly Monday meetings at 6
p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.
For more information, email Cubmaster
Christopher Lassiter at pack377_cm@
yahoo.com or Committee Chairperson
Marco Cilibert at pack377_cc@yahoo.com.
• Boy Scout Troop 379 meets Mondays
at 7 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel
Center on Rockenbach Road. The troop
is actively recruiting boys ages 11 to
18. For more information, email Lisa
Yetman, at lisayetman@verizon.net
or Wendall Lawrence, Scoutmaster, at
lawrencewendall@juno.com.
• Catholic Women of the Chapel meets
every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. for prayer and
Bible study in the Main Post Chapel, 4419
Llewellyn Ave. Monthly programs are held
Mondays at 6:30 p.m. The group is open to
all women in the community ages 18 and
older — active duty, retiree and civilian
— for prayer, faith fellowship, and service.
For more information, email Mariana Yinh
at themariana@yahoo.com.
• American Legion Post 276 is open to
veterans and active-duty service members at
8068 Quarterfield Road in Severn. Breakfast
may be purchased beginning at 9 a.m.
Lunches may be purchased from 11:30 a.m.
to 2:30 p.m. Happy Hour is 4-6 p.m. Dinner
may be purchased at 6 p.m. on Fridays and
the fourth Sunday of every month.
Membership discounts are offered
for active-duty military. For more
information, call 410-969-8028 or visit
americanlegionpost276.org.
MEETINGS
The movie schedule is subject to change. For
a recorded announcement of showings, call 301-
677-5324. Further listings are available on the
Army and Air Force Exchange Service website
at www.aafes.com.
Movies start Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30
p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
PRICES: Tickets are $5.50 for adults (12
and older) and $3 for children. 3D Movies:
$7.50 adults, $5 children.
Today through Feb. 22
Friday: “American Sniper” (R). Navy SEAL snip-
er Chris Kyle’s pinpoint accuracy saves countless
lives on the battlefield and turns him into a leg-
end. Back home to his wife and kids after four
tours of duty, however, Chris finds that it is the
war he can’t leave behind. With Bradley Cooper,
Sienna Miller, Kyle Gallner.
Saturday: “Into the Woods” (PG). A witch tasks
a childless baker and his wife with procuring
magical items from classic fairy tales to reverse
the curse put on their family tree. With Meryl
Streep, Emily Blunt, Anna Kendrick.
Sunday: “Exodus: Gods and Kings” (PG-13).
The defiant leader Moses rises up against the
Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses, setting 600,000 slaves
on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt
and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues. With
Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Ben Kingsley.
Feb. 20: “Taken 3” (PG-13). Ex-government
operative Bryan Mills is accused of a ruthless
murder he never committed or witnessed. As he
is tracked and pursued, Mills brings out his par-
ticular set of skills to find the true killer and clear
his name. With Liam Neeson, Forest Whitaker,
Maggie Grace.
Feb. 21: “The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death”
(PG-13). Forty years after the first haunting at
Eel Marsh House, a group of children evacu-
ated from WWII London arrive, awakening the
house’s darkest inhabitant. With Helen McCrory,
Jeremy Irvine, Phoebe Fox.
Feb. 22: “Selma” (PG-13). A chronicle of Martin
Luther King’s campaign to secure equal voting
rights via an epic march from Selma to Mont-
gomery, Ala., in 1965. With David Oyelowo,
Carmen Ejogo, Tim Roth.