Soundoff June 27, 2013

ALL IN
Youngsters take
swim lessons to
break world record
page 19
UPCOMING EVENTS
Today, 7 p.m.: Soldiers’ Chorus “From Stage To Screen” Concert - Constitution Park
Today, 7-9 p.m.: Trivia Night - The Lanes
Saturday, 7:30 p.m.: USO Movie on the Lawn “Dark Knight Rises” - USO Center
Wednesday, 4-10 p.m.: Red,White & Blue Celebration - McGlachlin Parade Field
July 11, 7 p.m.: The Volunteers’ “A Night of Country” Concert - Constitution Park
sequestration
Impact of furloughs,
resources list featured
in pull-out insert
pages 11-18
Soundoff!´
vol. 65 no. 25 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community June 27, 2013
HOT,
HOT,
HOT
photo by jonathan agee
Vocalists Master Sgt. Marva Lewis and retired Sgt. 1st Class Eugene Cedars dance to the rhythms of Latin music performed by Son Tropical on June 20 at Constitution Park.
The concert, which featured Afro-Cuban and Latin music, kicked off the U.S. Army Field Band’s annual Summer Concert Series that runs weekly through Aug. 24.
For the story, see Page 4.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil SOUNDOFF! June 27, 2013
Commander’s Column
Contents
News.............................. 3 Sports...................................19
Furlough Insert.............11 Movies..................................23
Community..................21 Classified..............................24
Editorial Staff
Garrison Commander
Col. Edward C. Rothstein
Garrison Command
Sgt. Maj. Thomas J. Latter
Public Affairs Officer
Chad T. Jones
Chad.T.Jones.civ@mail.mil
Chief, Command Information
Philip H. Jones
Philip.H.Jones.civ@mail.mil
Assistant Editor Senior Writer
Rona S. Hirsch
Staff Writer Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer Brandon Bieltz
Design Coordinator Timothy Davis
Supplemental photography provided
by The Baltimore Sun Media Group
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General Inquiries 410-332-6300
Allison Thompson
410-332-6850 Allison.Thompson@baltsun.com
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Sometimes you have to wait a little longer than
planned for good things to happen.
After two consecutive rain cancellations, we finally
had a beautiful summer evening on June 20 that
provided the U.S. Army Field Band the wonderful
weather that band members needed to kick off Fort
Meade’s Summer Concert Series.
Talk about great music. The concert featured Son
Tropical, the 11-piece ensemble of the U.S. Army
Field Band’s Jazz Ambassadors.
The community was a great audience at Constitu-
tion Park as more than 200 people were entertained
by the Son Tropical concert, which featured Afro-
Cuban and Latin music.
In case you were unaware, we are able to enjoy an
extended concert series due to the sequester that has
sharply curtailed the Field Band’s traditional summer
touring schedule throughout the country.
Tonight, weather permitting, we will have an
opportunity to enjoy the music provided by the Field
Band’s Soldiers’Chorus. They will perform a 90-min-
ute concert entitled “From Stage to Screen.”
I urge you to bring your lawn chairs and come
out and enjoy the music. The concert begins at 7
p.m. at Constitution Park. I look forward to seeing
you there.
If you’re looking for something to do off the instal-
lation next week, let me suggest that you consider a
trip to Gettysburg, Pa. And even though this is an off-
post activity, it has a real connection to Fort Meade.
Next week is the 150th anniversary of the Battle
of Gettysburg. History buffs will know that this is
the battle with the greatest number of casualties in
the American Civil War and is often referred to as
the war’s turning point.
It was also the inspiration for President Abraham
Lincoln’s immortal “Gettysburg Address.”
It was at the Battle of Gettysburg that Union
Maj. Gen. George G. Meade’s Army of the Potomac
defeated attacks by Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s
Army of Northern Virginia, ending Lee’s invasion of
the North.
The actual battle was fought July 1-3 in and around
the town of Gettysburg in places like Devil’s Den, the
Wheat Field, Little Round Top and Culp’s Hill.
Established in 1917, Fort Meade is named in honor
of this great American general.
A visit to Gettysburg National Military Park this
weekend will provide you and family members with
a opportunity to hear speeches and special programs,
and enjoy remembrances and re-enactments.
For more information about what’s going on in
and around Gettysburg, visit the Gettysburg Visitor
and Convention Bureau at gettysburgcivilwar150.
com.
Also next week, we will have our own special event
as we celebrate the Fourth of July one day early on
July 3 with the Budweiser-Fort Meade Red, White
Blue Celebration. The celebration begins at 4 p.m.
on McGlachlin
Parade Field.
The event is
free and open to
the public.
Live bands
will feature Chel-
sea Bain, Brett
Eldredge and
Jerrod Niemann.
Budweiser will
entertain par-
ticipants with a
showing of its
famous Clydesdale horses. Following a grand trot
around the parade field, photo opportunities will be
permitted.
In addition to games, food and drinks, the evening
will end with an exciting and memorable fireworks
display.
This is going to be a great event. It took a lot of
work by a lot of people to make it happen. I’m happy
the post community and families from surrounding
communities will have the opportunity to celebrate
and honor Independence Day on Fort Meade.
Remember, this event will be held on July 3
— Wednesday — at McGlachlin Parade Field.
Lastly, I want to encourage readers to review this
week’s special insert regarding the sequester and fur-
loughs beginning July 8.
The insert contains articles and resources designed
to help federal employees find answers to some of
their questions and assist them with making decisions
with regard to the personal impact of sequestration.
As you have heard me say before, the impact of
sequestration will be stressful, challenging and per-
sonal for many of our civilian employees. Your health
and well-being continues to be a priority for me and
other leaders at Fort Meade and the Department of
Defense.
Have a great week.
Music of the Night
COL. Edward c.
Rothstein
Garrison Commander
Commander’s Open Door
Garrison Commander Col. Edward C.
Rothstein has an open door policy.
All service members, retirees, govern-
ment employees, family members or com-
munity members age 18 or older are invited
to address issues or concerns to the com-
mander directly by visiting Rothstein’s office
on Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m. at garrison
headquarters in Hodges Hall, Bldg. 4551,
Llewellyn Avenue.
Visitors are seen on a first-come, first-
served basis. No appointment is necessary.
For more information, call 301-677-4844.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil June 27, 2013 SOUNDOFF!
News
Story and photo by Brandon Bieltz
Staff Writer
New roadwork at the intersection of
Reece Road and Cooper Avenue will
continue through the beginning of next
year, but is not expected to seriously
impact traffic.
Crews recently began the expansion
project to add more lanes at the intersec-
tion. The project is a result of increased
traffic flowing through the Fort Meade
streets due to the Base Realignment and
Closure Act of 2005.
The intersection was noted in a traffic
study that identified failed intersections
— those requiring upgrades or locations
with long wait times.
“We wanted to improve the traffic
flows through our intersections now that
we have more growth,” said Mick Butler,
chief of the Directorate of Public Works’
Environmental Division. “It’s all basically
enhancements to eliminate some of the
bottlenecks during the peak rush hours.”
The project includes adding several
new lanes — including more turning
lanes — to ease traffic flow. Work also
includes new sidewalks, traffic islands
and medians.
A bike lane also will be added on the
north side of Mapes Road.
In addition, bio-retention ponds that
filter out the pollutants in stormwater
runoff will be created on the southeast
and southwest quadrants of the inter-
section. Similar bio-swales will be built
Intersection expansion at Cooper and Mapes
along the south and north sides of Mapes
Road.
Crews also will install a new traffic
signal.
The intersection expansion project is
similar to the roadwork completed in
December at Cooper Avenue and Rock-
enbach Road.
Butler said construction will not cause
major traffic disruptions, but lane limita-
tions are expected.
“Traffic can still flow through,” he
said.
Work is scheduled to be completed in
February 2014.
“We want to get it done,” said Bert
Rice, acting director of DPW. “It’s a
major project.”
An intersection expansion project at the intersection of Cooper Avenue and Mapes Road will add more lanes. Officials expect
limited traffic disruptions during construction, which is scheduled to be completed in February.
Battle of Gettysburg 150th Anniversary
In late June 1863, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee led the 75,000-man Army of Northern Virginia into
Pennsylvania.
The 95,000-man Federal Army of the Potomac, commanded by Maj. Gen. George Gordon Meade,
moved north to confront Lee’s forces.
On July 1, leading elements of the two armies met at Gettysburg, Pa., as much by accident as design.
Although Lee had intended to fight a defensive battle, the chance meeting of the armies caused him to
alter his plans, and the success gained on the first day convinced him to continue the attack on July 2.
Likewise, Meade determined to commit his entire army and ordered a concentration of forces in defen-
sive positions on the ground south of Gettysburg.
The armies clashed again July 2 at various places such as Devil’s Den, the Wheat Field, Little Round
Top and Culp’s Hill.
On July 3, both armies remained on the field where Lee ordered three Confederate divisions, about
15,000 men, to attack the center of the Union line. The Confederate attack failed.
Confederate casualties: 28,063 – 3,903 killed in action
Union casualties: 23,049 – 3,155 killed in action
This article was reproduced from Army Live, the official blog of the U.S. Army, at armylive.dodlive.mil/
index.php/2013/06/that-these-dead-shall-not-have-died-in-vain-the-battle-of-gettysburg.

Cover Story
photoS by jonathan agee
More than 200 people listen to the beat of Afro-Cuban and Latin music performed by Son Tropical, an 11-piece ensemble of the U.S. Army Field Band’s Jazz Ambassadors,
on June 20 at Constitution Park. The 90-minute concert was Son Tropical’s first performance for the Field Band’s annual Summer Concert Series, which ends Aug. 24.
By Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer
When Kim Sierra heard the beat of
Latin music from outside the window of
her home in Heritage Park, she wondered
what the commotion was all about.
“We heard the music and decided we
should go out,” said Sierra, wife of Sgt.
Juan Sierra of the 741st Military Intel-
ligence Brigade.
The Sierras and their friend Heather
Latham followed the music to Constitu-
tion Park to hear Son Tropical, an 11-
piece ensemble of the U.S. Army Field
Band’s Jazz Ambassadors.
The ensemble, which plays a wide rep-
ertoire of Afro-Cuban and Latin music,
performed June 20 for the first time as
part of the Field Band’s annual Summer
Concert Series at Fort Meade.
“The brass section was hot and the
percussion section did well,” said Latham,
a cellist.
The weekly series, which runs through
Aug. 24, was slated to begin June 6 but
was rained out twice.
The Field Band is sponsoring an extend-
ed concert series at Fort Meade this year
due to the sequester, which curtailed the
organization’s traditional summer touring
schedule throughout the country.
The Field Band is under a 100-mile
travel restriction, so concerts are being
held closer to home.
More than 200 people turned out for
the Son Tropical performance.
Col. Timothy Holtan, commander and
conductor of the Field Band, said he is
confident the audience for the concert
series will build throughout the summer.
“We’re thankful we got off to a good
start,” he said.
The 90-minute concert featured music
primarily from Cuba.
Sgt. 1st Class Todd Harrison, the non-
commisioned officer-in-charge of the
band who plays the timbales, explained
after the concert that salsa is a slang
Son Tropical heats
up concert series

Cover Story
term for Afro-Cuban music and a style
of dancing.
“Bamboleo,” a salsa originally sung by
Celia Cruz, was a highlight of the eve-
ning. Master Sgt. Marva Lewis, the Jazz
Ambassador’s lead vocalist, sang in Span-
ish. Staff Sgt. Jonathan Epley performed
an electric guitar solo.
“Juana Pena,” a salsa originally per-
formed by Hector Lavoe, was another
favorite. Vocalist Eugene Cedars, pianist
Master Sgt. Timothy Young, congas play-
er Staff Sgt. Albert Sanchez and Harrison
gave a foot-stomping performance.
The program ended with “Mi Gente,” a
salsa originally sung by Lavoe.
Before the concert ended, Holtan asked
the audience to applaud former Sgt. Ber-
nard Vanberger, a Field Band alumnus
who was a vocalist with what was then the
Concert Band from 1956 to 1959.
At the concert’s start, Holtan and the
musicians encouraged the audience to
dance.
“If you are failed to be moved by this
music, check your pulse,” Holtan said.
But the adults were content to tap their
feet and clap their hands. Several children
played on the grass.
“It was wonderful,” said Connie Bris-
tol, a resident of Columbia. “I’m His-
panic and I grew up listening to Latin
music. I really enjoyed the music.”
Sgt. Juan Sierra agreed.
“I’m from Puerto Rico and I think they
did a great job,” he said.
Above: Son
Tropical
heats up
the summer
evening with
Afro-Cuban
and Latin
music.
Right: Three-
year-old Ellen
Dillenbeck
plays with
a set of
hula hoops
during the
Son Tropical
concert.
WRITTEN
BYJAMESVANDERBILT PRODUCED
BYBRADLEY J. FISCHER HARALD KLOSER JAMES VANDERBILT LARRY FRANCO LAETA KALOGRIDIS DIRECTED
BYROLAND EMMERICH
EXECUTIVE
PRODUCERSUTE EMMERICH CHANNING TATUM REID CAROLINCO-
PRODUCERSVOLKERENGEL MARC WEIGERTRICHARD JENKINS MUSIC
BYTHOMAS WANDER HARALD KLOSERAND JAMESWOODS
COLUMBIA PICTURESPRESENTS AMYTHOLOGY ENTERTAINMENT/CENTROPOLIS ENTERTAINMENTPRODUCTION “WHITEHOUSE DOWN” JASONCLARKEMAGGIE GYLLENHAALA ROLAND EMMERICHFILM

News
By Russell M. Wilson
Chief Criminal Investigator
Directorate of Emergency Services
Every year on Fort Meade, the Direc-
torate of Emergency Services dispatches
patrols to the post housing areas regard-
ing stolen property.
This, of course, peaks during the sum-
mer months and holidays.
The most common items stolen are the
ones left unsecured. More than 85 percent
of thefts on Fort Meade are crimes of
opportunity from unsecured property.
Imagine if everyone locked up their
belongings; we would put some criminals
out of work.
Bicycles are the main item stolen from
yards every year. They should be locked
up at all times when not in use.
The majority of the owners do not
have any documentation, serial numbers
or photographs of their property. Any
documentation provided to law enforce-
ment officials makes it easier to identify
and return property if it is located.
Electronics and any high-value items
left inside a vehicle are the second area
of interest for theft.
All electronic devices or high-value
items should be locked in a safe area or
removed until needed. The vehicle itself
should be secured at all times, no matter
where you are.
Electronic devices contain private
information that could lead to identity
theft and other crimes.
Recently, a television news program
reported how a criminal used a stolen
GPS to locate other places visited by
the owner and burglarized storage units,
residences and other properties using the
stored GPS information.
Every item you carry with you or keep
in your home or vehicle should be docu-
mented.
• Record the serial numbers of all your
high-value items.
• Photograph and video-tape your
property.
• Place identifying marks or symbols if
there are no serial numbers.
• Keep a handwritten record of receipts,
registration certificates, or whatever proof
of ownership you have in a fireproof safe
or at a family member’s residence.
You also can email yourself a scanned
copy of all these documents so they can
be virtually stored.
• Change your passwords to your online
accounts every quarter.
• Lock prescription drugs in a safe
place.
Think outside the box and do not
be complacent in your daily activities.
Remember, you are the first line of defense
in your community.
Do your part: secure, record and store
your personal property.
Secure, record and store your personal property
Reporting
fraud or
identity theft
Here is what each victim needs
to know:
1. The victim must have a copy of bank
records in hand or any information
supporting the allegation of a theft/loss
of funds or identity breach.
2. The victim must file a report with
the Federal Trade Commission on its
website at ftccomplaintassistant.gov/.
3. The victim must bring in the printed
report or a confirmation number
provided by the FTC to the DES so it
can be added with the report.
4. The victim will fill out a sworn
affidavit about the incident.
Questions you may be asked
when filing a report:
• Where have you used your bank card
in the past few days?
• When did you notice the
discrepancy?
• Did you leave your receipt at the
location of the transaction?
• How often do you use the card that
was skimmed?
• How many copies of the card do you
have?
• Did you destroy your old cards?
You are entitled to a free copy of your
credit report from the three reporting
agencies once a year.
Photo by Sgt. Walter Reeves
FAST AND FURIOUSVeterans and family members ride motorcycles down Constitution Avenue in Washington D.C., at the 2013 Roll-
ing Thunder Motorcycle Rally held May 26 during Memorial Day weekend. Rolling Thunder’s first demonstration
was in 1988. Its main rally takes place throughout the monument section of Washington, D.C. The photo won
the 55th Combat Camera (Signal Company) Photo of the Month contest.

News
By Capt. Grant Kerrick
Executive Officer
Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center
As one outstanding surgeon departs,
another has taken the reins as the chief
of surgery at Kimbrough Ambulatory
Care Center.
Navy Cmdr. Mark Fleming was
replaced as chief of surgery by Navy
Cmdr. George Nanos in February. Both
are well-established members of the med-
ical community and true leaders within
their respective fields.
“Dr. Nanos continues the fantastic
leadership that Dr. Fleming provided as
the current KACC chief of surgery,” said
Col. Danny B.N. Jaghab, commander of
Kimbrough. “The talent he possesses,
combined with the relationships he has
developed here in the national capitol
area, will ensure KACC remains the
premier ambulatory surgical center in
the region.”
Prior to being assigned as the chief of
surgery, Fleming served as the director
of Orthopedic Trauma at the National
Naval Medical Center and subsequent-
ly, the Walter Reed National Military
Medical Center where he developed an
appreciation of the interrelation between
health care, education, research and ser-
vice.
“Dr. Mark Fleming played a pivotal
leadership role as KACC transitioned
from a 50-year-old surgical facility to
the current $20 million state-of-the-art
ambulatory surgical department,” Jaghab
said.
“Dr. Fleming filled the critical need of
an ambassador between the new Walter
Reed National Military Center and our
ambulatory care center.”
Fleming’s interest in research was
spurred by his selection as a fellow on
the Armed Forces Institute Regenerative
Medicine Traveling Exchange Program.
AFIRM is a multi-institutional, inter-
disciplinary network working to develop
advanced treatment options for severely
wounded service members by sharing
knowledge and fostering peer relation-
ships between academic researchers and
military clinicians.
As a military orthopedic trauma sur-
geon, Fleming had firsthand knowledge
that many of the injuries sustained by
service members involve massive soft
tissue wounds and severely comminuted
and contaminated fractures. His research
and proposals have been awarded grants
totaling several millions of dollars to
New chief of surgery takes over at Kimbrough
Photo by Sgt. Walter Reeves
Navy Cmdr. George Nanos, the new chief of surgery at Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center, conducts Team STEPPS National
Implementation training, a communication-based exercise for military surgeons, on May 2 with Kimbrough personnel. A hand-
and upper-extremity surgeon, Nanos previously served at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
enhance wounded warrior care.
The results of some of Fleming’s
research endeavors were presented at the
annual Society of Military Orthopedic
Surgeons conference held Dec. 11 to 14
in Naples, Fla. Fleming authored or co-
authored 14 of the presentations given
during this year’s conference.
The annual meeting provides numer-
ous opportunities for SOMOS members
to meet in an informal setting to share
recent experiences and solve common
problems.
Nanos is a hand- and upper-extrem-
ity surgeon who has been stationed at
Walter Reed National Military Medical
Center since finishing his hand surgery
fellowship in 2009 at the Mayo Clinic in
Rochester, Minn.
In addition to serving as the program
director of the National Capital Consor-
tium Hand Surgery Fellowship, Nanos
was named the chief of surgery at Kim-
brough, site of the recently opened Hand
Surgery Center.
Nanos has a diverse surgical practice,
which includes complex wrist and hand
reconstruction, microsurgery and periph-
eral nerve injury. He is considered an
expert in the treatment of upper-extrem-
ity combat injuries.
Recently, Nanos was asked to travel to
Naval Medical Center San Diego to assist
with an innovative surgical technique
called Target Muscle Reinnervation. The
goal of the surgery was to enhance
myoelectric prosthetic functioning in a
Soldier with a transhumeral amputa-
tion — an amputation above the elbow.
The surgery is complex but predictably
improves hand function in those ampu-
tees indicated for the procedure.
Nanos performed the surgery March
20 with Dr. Leo Kroonen, staff hand
surgeon at NMCSD. The surgery was
successful, and the patient has been dis-
charged to the care of the Comprehensive
Combat and Complex Casualty Care
Center for the rehabilitation of wounded
warriors at NMCSD for continued care.
“The Fort George G. Meade MED-
DAC and AMEDD [Army Medical
Department] are incredibly fortunate to
benefit from the talents and selflessness
that these two incredible surgeons, lead-
ers, and gentlemen bring to our mission,”
said Lt. Col. Christopher Soltis, deputy
commander for Clinical Services at Kim-
brough. “I would and do unhesitatingly
entrust my family to their care.”

News
Veterinary Treatment Facility
By following a few simple guidelines,
pet owners can prevent many of the inju-
ries that arise during the summer to keep
their pets safe and healthy.
Beat the heat
The hottest hours of the day are
between 2 and 6 p.m., making sidewalks
a dangerous place for pets.
Save the daily walk for the cooler early
morning and late evening hours. This also
will help to prevent pets from becoming
dehydrated.
The inside of a parked car can become
dangerously hot in only a few minutes
and can reach temperatures as high as
140 degrees.
Dogs are not good at cooling them-
selves down. They only have hot air to
breathe in a car, and dogs will start to
suffer brain and/or organ damage after
just 15 minutes.
Panting and drinking water can help
cool them off but can’t prevent further
harm. As a result, it is illegal to leave
animals alone in vehicles on the instal-
lation.
A light-colored dog’s coat can lead to
sunburn and possibly skin cancer. If a
dog is light-colored and doesn’t have dark
hair on its face, keep the dog out of the
bright sun.
Ask a veterinarian about sun block
for dogs.
Fourth of July
The holiday brings many runaway dogs
to animal shelters because they have
been frightened and made frantic by
fireworks.
People who plan to attend a fireworks
display should leave their dog at home
where it will be safe and comfortable.
Keep the windows and curtains closed to
reduce the noise and lights from neigh-
borhood fireworks.
Turn on a television or a radio at
normal sound volume to distract the dog
from loud noises and help it to relax.
Inclement weather
Fear of thunderstorms during the sum-
mer is common.
Many pets can sense an oncoming
storm from the rapidly falling barometric
pressure, so a pet may show anxiety even
before the storm is visible.
Keep your pet safe this summer
Keep a pet close and calm its nervous-
ness with soothing words.
Heartworm infection,
fleas, ticks, allergies
Public Health Command’s Veterinary
Treatment Facilities on military installa-
tions require that dogs be tested annually
for heartworm infection.
Transmitted by mosquitoes, this serious
parasitic disease can be fatal.
Fleas and ticks also can cause many
problems, from flea allergy dermatitis to
Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spot-
ted Fever.
Summer also can trigger allergies in
dogs. A dog can typically develop sneezing
and itchy skin and will persistently scratch,
lick and bite to get relief.
A Fort Meade veterinarian can provide
information on which prevention methods
are best for insect infections and allergies.
In general, it is best to always keep iden-
tification tags on a pet’s collar so it can be
reunited with its owner if lost.
Fort Meade requires all pets that live
on the installation to be microchipped. Be
sure the microchip company has the pet’s
current contact information.
Editor’s note: For more information,
call the Fort Meade Veterinary Treatment
Facility at 301-677-1300.
file photo
The Fort Meade Veterinary Treatment Facility recommends walking your dog in the early morning and late evening to prevent
exposure during the hottest hours of the day; keeping pets hydrated; leaving dogs at home during fireworks displays; and testing
for heartworm infection.

News
Story and photo by Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer
Retired Col. Frank J. Preston, senior
Army instructor for Meade High School’s
Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps,
recalled a performance evaluation six
years ago.
A retired master sergeant who visited
JROTC to evaluate Preston for the U.S.
Army Cadet Command told the princi-
pal that Preston “treats these kids like
his own grandchildren. We have to move
him.”
But Preston stayed on.
“That’s probably the greatest compli-
ment he could have given me,” Preston
said. “I would want a teacher to teach my
kids like they were one of his own.”
On June 30, after 23 years of service to
JROTC, Preston is retiring.
Meade High Principal John Yore said
Preston is passionate about JROTC and
has maintained a commitment to the
cadets over the years.
“Even with his departure, he continues
to advocate for the program and wants to
maintain a positive connection to Meade
and support the future of ROTC and our
students,” Yore said.
A replacement for Preston is in the
process of being hired.
But the program’s cadets are sad to
see him go.
“[Preston] influenced me to become a
better person — to be a loving person,”
said Jeffrey West, 18, a cadet and senior
who is Preston’s personal aide in the pro-
gram. “He’s taught me to reach out to
people, especially family.”
The mission of JROTC is “to motivate
young people to become better citizens,”
according to the program’s website.
Meade High established the program
more than 30 years ago. JROTC’s goals
include developing leadership and critical
thinking/creative skills, communication
skills, physical fitness, team-building skills
and self-motivation.
The program also strives to promote
living a drug-free life, an awareness of
the military’s history and an incentive
to graduate and attend an institution
of higher education to pursue a career
in science, technology, engineering or
mathematics.
For the past three years, the U.S. Army
Cadet Command has named Meade
High’s JROTC as an honor unit with
distinction.
Retired Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Willie,
a JROTC Army instructor for four years,
Meade High’s JROTC senior leader retires
said Preston’s greatest strength and his
legacy are his passion for the program
and his concern for the cadets.
“He could have retired years ago,” Wil-
lie said. “It’s about his care for the kids.”
Preston took over the leadership of
JROTC in 1990. He said his predeces-
sors steered cadets to enlist in the Army
although the program is not aimed at
recruitment, according to the JROTC
website.
“I thought we should be directing them
to college,” said Preston, who graduated
from Hampton University in Virginia
and completed its senior ROTC program.
“I had gotten my commission from col-
lege.”
An Army Reserve officer, Preston
worked for First Army at Fort Meade
for four months in 1979, and returned to
the installation two years later. He retired
from the Reserves in 1987.
A decade ago, Preston began taking
cadets to Hampton University’s annual
Leadership Summit to encourage them
to consider attending the university after
graduation.
As a member of the Retired Mili-
tary Officers Association, Preston also
began taking cadets to the organization’s
biennial National Leadership and Train-
ing Conference seven years ago to meet
retired military officers who are also busi-
ness leaders.
Preston said that in addition to steering
cadets toward college, he has emphasized
the importance of financial planning.
His own family has established the Para-
mount Investment Company, a nonprofit
organization to assist family members
with grants and loans.
Giancarlo Van Wright, 19, a Meade
High graduate and JROTC battalion
commander who completed the program
this year, said part of Preston’s legacy will
be his financial advice.
“He encouraged us to save money and
put it away,”said Van Wright, who started
his own savings plan after he began work-
ing at a local movie theater two years
ago. “Nowadays, we like to splurge. Not
everybody has a plan.”
Preston also required cadets to read The
Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun and
Soundoff! before the start of every class.
Five cadets would then give a synopsis of
the stories in front of their peers.
Before the end of each school year,
cadets also were required to conduct
research and give an oral presentation on
a topic of their choice.
Preston said these exercises helped
keep them informed and improved their
communication skills for college and job
interviews.
Yore said that each year, previous
graduates return to speak with current
cadets and help them understand the
significance of JROTC and the positive
impact JROTC can have on their lives.
Preston said many of the former cadets
keep in touch and sometimes call for
advice.
“It’s most rewarding, my relationship
with these young people,” he said.
Retired Col. Frank J. Preston, senior Army instructor for Meade High School’s Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps,
stands alongside Jeffrey Wright, 18, a cadet and senior, and Giancarlo Van Wright, 19, a Meade High graduate who completed
JROTC. Preston is retiring June 30 after 23 years of service.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! June 27, 2013
News
By Capt. Adam Petty
Legal Assistance Division
Let me be the latest person to encour-
age you to be “D-Free” (debt free).
Eliminating debt such as car notes,
student loans and those pesky credit card
bills is a noteworthy goal that we should
all share.
But who can resist those often tempt-
ing credit cards that offer rewards points
or other spending incentives? Or, you just
might not have the cash flow right now to
make that super-important purchase.
If you do choose to whip out the
plastic, be sure to use it responsibly. Part
of that responsibility includes monitor-
ing your account and inspecting your
monthly bill to make sure there aren’t
any errors.
What can you do when your credit card
bill does in fact have a mistake?
The Fair Credit Billing Act, or FCBA,
applies to “open end” credit accounts
such as credit cards and revolving charge
accounts like department store accounts.
The FCBA does not cover installment
contracts - loans or extensions of credit
you repay on a fixed schedule. Some of
the more common billing mistakes cov-
ered by the FCBA include: charges made
by someone on your account without
your permission; charges for items or
services you’ve already paid for; charges
for items or services you never received;
charges for items you returned; and basic
mistakes in addition or subtraction.
The FCBA does not cover charges
for items you do not want any longer or
charges for items that you unsuccessfully
tried to return.
If your credit card bill has a mistake,
first read all of the writing (even the
small print) on the bill. If the bill includes
instructions on how to notify the credi-
tor about billing mistakes, follow those
instructions.
If the bill does not tell you what to
do, exercise your rights under the FCBA.
To take advantage of the law’s consumer
protections, you must first write to the
creditor at the address given for billing
inquiries — not the address for sending
your payments — and include your name,
address, account number and a descrip-
tion of the billing error.
You must send your letter so that it
reaches the creditor within 60 days after
the first bill with the error was mailed to
you. It’s a good idea to send your letter
by certified mail and ask for a return
receipt. Include copies (not originals) of
sales slips or other documents that sup-
port your position that a billing error has
been made. Keep a copy of your dispute
letter.
Under the FCBA, calling the creditor
or writing a short note on the part of the
bill you send back with your payment is
not enough. You must notify the creditor
in a detailed writing.
Be advised, you still need to pay on any
part of the bill that is actually correct.
After receiving your complaint, the
creditor has 30 days to act. The creditor
must look into your claim and either cor-
rect the mistake or explain to you why
there is no mistake.
The creditor must resolve the dispute
within two billing cycles (and not more
than 90 days) after receiving your com-
plaint.
If the billing mistake is not corrected
and you need further assistance, consider
filing a complaint with the Federal Trade
Commission at ftc.gov/complaint.
Maryland residents should also call the
Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer
Protection Division at 410-528-8662.
For more information or to sched-
ule an appointment with a Fort Meade
Legal Assistance attorney, call 301-677-
9504/9536.
Take responsibility
of your credit bills
By Wendy Poulson
Social Security Manager, Glen Burnie
Oftentimes, people decide they need to
apply for a new Social Security card because
they can’t find their old one.
As long as you have all of the required
information and documentation, it’s not dif-
ficult to obtain a replacement Social Security
card. But here’s even better news: you prob-
ably don’t need the card.
Your Social Security number is your Social
Security card; knowing your number is usu-
ally all you’ll ever need.
If you want or need a replacement card
— either for yourself or for a child — you
can find all the details at socialsecurity.
gov/ssnumber.
The “Get Or Replace a Social Security
Card” page provides information on how
to obtain a replacement card and what
specific documents you need to provide. In
most cases you need to print, complete, and
either mail or bring the application to Social
Security with the appropriate documentation
(originals or certified copies only).
In almost all cases, an application for your
newborn’s Social Security card and number is
taken in the hospital when you apply for your
baby’s birth certificate.
There are a number of reasons a baby or
child may need a Social Security number, but
the main one is so you can claim your child
as a dependent on your tax return. Your
child also will need a Social Security number
to apply for certain government and social
service benefits.
Learn more about your Social Security card
and number at socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.
Your number is your card
Connect with Fort Meade at
Facebook.com/ftmeade
Learning at home.
Learning in the classroom.
Learning for success.
A FEW EXAMPLES of the
many pathways available at
HCC for adult students to stay
competitive and advance in
their careers, include:
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REGISTER TODAY!

Commander’s Column
Contents
Effect on Services.......13 Managing Finances.............16
Dealing with Stress.....14 Thrift Savings Plan...............17
Commissary Hours.....15 Employee Resources..........18
Editorial Staff
Garrison Commander
Col. Edward C. Rothstein
Garrison Command
Sgt. Maj. Thomas J. Latter
Public Affairs Officer
Chad T. Jones
Chad.T.Jones.civ@mail.mil
Chief, Command Information
Philip H. Jones
Philip.H.Jones.civ@mail.mil
Assistant Editor Senior Writer
Rona S. Hirsch
Staff Writer Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer Brandon Bieltz
Design Coordinator Timothy Davis
Supplemental photography provided
by The Baltimore Sun Media Group
Advertising
General Inquiries 410-332-6300
Allison Thompson
410-332-6850 Allison.Thompson@baltsun.com
Michele Griesbauer
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If you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are
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personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by The Baltimore Sun Media Group, 501 N.
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conjunction with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office. Requests for publication must reach
the Public Affairs Office no later than Friday before the desired publication date. Mailing
address: Post Public Affairs Office, Soundoff! IMME-MEA-PA, Bldg. 4409, Fort Meade, MD
20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-5602; DSN: 622-5602.
Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage
without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, handicap or sex of purchaser,
user or patron.A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser
will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source.
Printed by The Baltimore Sun Co., LLC, a private firm, in no way connected with the
Department of the Army. Opinions expressed by the publisher and writers herein are their
own and are not to be considered an official expression by the Department of the Army.
The appearance of advertisers in the publication does not constitute an endorsement by
the Department of the Army of the products or services advertised.
www.ftmeade.army.mil
You can also keep track of Fort Meade on Twitter at twitter.com/ftmeademd
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Soundoff!´
Guaranteed circulation:
11,285
In less than two weeks, Department of
Defense civilian employees will begin a series
of unpaid leave days. The unpaid leave is a
result of automatic budget cuts mandated by
sequestration and the Budget Control Act.
The unpaid leave, or furlough days, will
result in DoD workers losing, on average, one
day of work per week for three months from
July 8 through the end of the 2013 fiscal year,
Sept. 30.
The unpaid leave represents a 20 percent cut
in pay over that period.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, U.S. Army
Installation Management Commander Lt.
Gen. Mike Ferriter and I have all expressed
our regret regarding the consequences related
to a reduction of our civilian workforce.
We know the impact of furloughs will be
stressful and challenging for employees as well
as their families.
I personally may not know each DoD
employee at Fort Meade by name and exactly
what you do, but what I can tell you is that
whatever you do, every piece of paper you
touch is a Solider or family action. I know
what you do makes a difference.
As a career Soldier, I am used to hearing
the phrase, “The mission comes first.” But
as we face losing 20 percent of our civilian
workforce for the next three months, I know
it is going to impact our mission.
As garrison commander, I have three main
responsibilities — providing safety, security
and infrastructure — that will enable our part-
ner commands to complete their missions.
That being said, I have been granted limited
furlough exceptions to our civilian workforce
to ensure the public health and safety of the
installation. During this period of furloughs,
there will not be a reduction in services provid-
ed by the Directorate of Emergency Services.
We will continue to be able to meet our
mission at Fort Meade. However, there will
be immediate impacts. Effects of sequestra-
tion will be felt here. You can expect to see
cutbacks on facilities maintenance due to
a loss of manpower hours and cuts in base
operating costs.
I am fully aware of the personal conse-
quences many of you will face as a results of
unpaid leave. Losing 20 percent of your pay
will force many employees to juggle some dif-
ficult decisions.
These deci-
sions could
involve having
enoughresourc-
es to pay your
rent or mort-
gage, or bal-
ancing monthly
expenses that
include utili-
ties, food for
your family
and maybe a
car payment.
Some federal employees will be concerned
about taking on too much debt — debt that
could have an adverse effect on their employ-
ment status as some federal jobs require a
security clearance and that employees main-
tain a certain credit rating to keep their clear-
ance and job.
I requested this special furlough-related
Soundoff! insert with articles and resources
designed to help federal employees make deci-
sions with regard to the personal impact of
sequestration.
My goal is to outline resources and tools
that provide answers to such questions as
which rules apply to federal employees seeking
a second job or how sequestration will affect
your health care and retirement contribu-
tions.
And while this insert cannot possibly antici-
pate all of the questions and concerns you may
have as it relates to furloughs and sequestra-
tion, I want you to know that I have asked my
garrison leaders and human resources experts
to be prepared to provide as much assistance as
possible to help furloughed employees develop
a strategy or a Plan B for getting through this
difficult period of unpaid leave.
As I said in the beginning of this column, I
deeply regret the decisions that led to seques-
tration. But the furloughs are something we
are going to have to deal with.
I do pledge, however, to continue to look for
ways to limit the adverse effects of sequestra-
tion and the associated budgetary shortfall
that will impact Fort Meade’s federal employ-
ees and the health, morale and welfare of Fort
Meade.
Dealing with
sequestration
COL. Edward c.
Rothstein
Garrison Commander

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil June 27, 2013 SOUNDOFF! 13
Special Section
By Brandon Bieltz
Staff Writer
Over the last two weeks, more than
425 garrison employees received a
memorandum informing them of
administrative furloughs, which will
begin July 8 and continue through the
end of September.
The minimum of 11 furlough days
— down from the original 22 days — is
part of the automatic spending cuts of
the Budget Control Act of 2011. The
furloughs will impact nearly 680,000
employees throughout the DoD.
“I have made this decision very
reluctantly because I know that the
furloughs will disrupt lives and impact
DoD operations,” Secretary of Defense
Chuck Hagel said. “I recognize the sig-
nificant hardship this places on you
and your families.”
Notices were hand-delivered to
Fort Meade employees by supervisors.
Deputy Garrison Commander John
Moeller said delivering the letters in
person ensured employees an oppor-
tunity to ask questions.
“The most important part about
implementing the furloughs is to have
open communication to ensure employ-
ees are fully informed of the policies,
regulations and the implementation,”
Moeller said. “Supervisors and manag-
ers, like the rest of the dedicated staff
at Fort Meade, are also subjected to
the mandatory furloughs.”
Tenant organizations will issue their
own furlough notices if their agencies
are affected by the funding reduc-
tions.
While service members will not be
furloughed, Fort Meade services will
be affected by the furloughs including
reduced operating hours, cancellation
of events, and the closing of facilities
on various days.
There will be no reduction in police
and fire services.
During the furloughs, various agen-
cies such as Army Community Service
and Legal Assistance will be closed
Fridays. Services operating on reduced
hours will include the Office of the
Staff Judge Advocate, Resource Man-
agement, and Directorate of Family
and Morale, Welfare and Recreation
facilities.
The Defense Commissary Agency
announced stores will be closed Mon-
days during the furloughs as more than
14,000 of DeCA’s 16,000 employees
will be impacted.
“We know that any disruption in
commissary operations will impact our
patrons,” said Joseph H. Jeu, CEO and
director of DeCA. “Also, we under-
stand the tremendous burden this plac-
es on our employees. ... We determined
that Monday closures would present
the least pain for our patrons, employ-
ees and industry partners.”
Commissary case-lot sales also have
been canceled but will be replaced with
weekly sidewalk sales.
The DoD-wide furloughs are intend-
ed to help cover the more than $30
billion shortfall in its operation and
maintenance accounts. Furloughs will
amount to an approximately 20 per-
cent per-pay-period salary reduction.
Cuts have already been made to
facilities maintenance. Funds from
investments have been shifted to the
operation and maintenance accounts;
many nonessential programs have been
reduced; and training and maintenance
for nondeployed operating forces have
been significantly reduced.
When these cuts came up short,
Hagel made the decision for the 11-day
furloughs.
“Since deeper cuts to training and
maintenance could leave our nation’s
military exposed in the event of an
unforeseen crisis, we have been forced
to consider placing the majority of our
civilian employees on administrative
leave,” he said. “... I am counting on
all of you to stay focused on this vital
mission in the days ahead.”
Garrison employees receive notices of 11-day furloughs
Closed Fridays:
• Mission and Installation Con-
tracting Command
• Installation Safety Office
• Equal Employment Opportunity
Office
• Plans, Analysis and Integration
Office
• Housing and Barracks Manage-
ment
• Training Support Center and
Visual Information
• Mail Distribution
• Demps Visitor Control Center,
Reece Road Main Gate (Gate 3)
• Army Community Services (Assis-
tance available for emergencies and
urgent matters)
• Legal Assistance Office, Claims
and Trial Defense Services (Assis-
tance available for emergencies and
urgent matters)
Closed Wednesdays:
• Fort Meade Museum
Limited Manpower
Fridays and Mondays:
• Resource Management Office
• Military Justice and Privatized
Army Lodging
• Ranges
Normal Hours of Operation -
Reduced Manpower:
• Army Career and Alumni Program
• Army Substance Abuse Program
• Casualty Assistance
• Military Personnel Division
• Directorate of Emergency Services
• Child Development Centers/Child,
Youth and School Services
• Installation Operations Center/
Emergency Operations Center
• McGill Training Center
• Business Operations Division
• Engineer Division
• Environmental Division
• Civilian Personnel Advisory Center
• Directorate of Logistics
• Inspector General
• Internal Revenue and Audit Com-
pliance
• Network Enterprise Center
• Public Affairs Office
• Recreation Operations
• Religious Services
Impact of Sequestration Furloughs
By Nick Simeone
American Forces Press Service
Sequestration spending cuts could con-
tinue into 2014, and the impact of the deep
cuts will fall disproportionately on small
business, the Pentagon’s top acquisition
official told a Navy industry forum June 3.
“It’s a reasonable possibility that we will
go into 2014 with sequestration still under
way,” said Frank Kendall, undersecretary
of defense for acquisition, technology and
logistics. “A lot of things we planned on
doing we won’t be able to do.”
Last month, Defense Secretary Chuck
Hagel told Defense Department employees
he could not guarantee that the budget situ-
ation would ease next year.
Kendall’s comments to the 2013 Navy
Opportunity Forum in Arlington, Va.,
come three months into a budget seques-
ter that is taking $41 billion out of the
Pentagon budget this fiscal year, leading to
cuts across the military in everything from
operations and deployments to training and
readiness.
Furloughs are set to begin in July for
about 85 percent of the Defense Depart-
ment’s 767,000 civilian employees.
In the sequestration environment, Ken-
dall said, the department needs to be more
proactive in taking care of the small busi-
nesses that contract with the military.
“The cuts we are going to experience
potentially will fall on small businesses,”
more than on large military contractors,
he said, adding that cuts in research and
development worry him as well.
“Potential adversaries are modernizing
at a rate which makes me nervous,” he told
the group, which included representatives
of companies that produce advanced tech-
nologies funded by Navy programs.
Kendall said the department is about to
conclude its strategic choices and manage-
ment review, which Hagel ordered to pro-
vide department leaders with options given
the current budget environment as well as
the prospect of future spending cuts.
“What would we have to do at the depart-
ment if we had to take $50 billion a year out
over the long term? That would be pretty
devastating,” Kendall said, mentioning
one such scenario being considered by
the review.
Sequestration likely
to continue into 2014

Special Section
By Joella Gibbs
Resiliency Trainer
Behavioral Health Care Services
Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center
It is a very challenging time for
many Department of the Army civil-
ian employees due to the upcoming
furloughs.
It is important that we recognize this
challenging time as an opportunity to
build our inner strengths.
Although it will be difficult for indi-
viduals and organizations, keep in mind
that there are many healthy ways to
alleviate stress and that the furloughs
will, hopefully, be temporary.
Healthy ways to deal with stress
• Focus on the positive. Although the
situation is difficult, we can remind our-
selves that the amount of furlough days
has been significantly reduced from 22
days to 11 days.
• We will get more time to spend with
friends and family. We also get more
time to relax.
• It is an opportunity to review our
household budgets and look at areas
where we can reduce spending.
Some of these areas may be cutting
back on dining out or reducing the
amount of spending on cell phone cov-
erage, TV, movies and Internet access.
Some of these changes may even
become permanent ways to save
money.
• Create a “To Do” list and use the
extra time to catch up on some of the
things that you may have been putting
off or didn’t have the time to do.
• Talk about it. It is normal to feel
angry, afraid or uncertain. It is impor-
tant to share your feelings about the
situation with the individuals who are
closest to you.
• Be active. It is important to stay (or
get) active, especially during times of
increased stress.
• Get creative. Look at free or low-
cost opportunities: cutting coupons,
going for walks or checking out books
from the local library.
• Plan for success. Resilient people
view obstacles and setbacks as chal-
lenges and opportunities.
We all experience setbacks through-
out life, but we can develop strength
during the most difficult times.
• Look for opportunities to earn extra
income to ease the burden. This might
include part-time employment or selling
unwanted items around the house.
• Get help if you need it. We all deal
with stress differently, but when stress
begins to affect your relationships, work
or personal happiness, it may be time to
seek professional help.
Signs and symptoms of stress
Although it is very normal to experi-
ence some stress during the furlough, it
is helpful to know the warning signs of
excessive stress:
• Fear and anxiety about the future
• Difficulty making decisions or con-
centrating
• Inability to focus
• Feeling emotionally numb
• Irritability and anger
• Sadness and depression
• Feeling powerless
• Crying for no apparent reason
• Headaches and stomach problems
• Difficulty sleeping
When to seek help
Indicators that you may need profes-
sional help:
• Excessive use of alcohol and drugs
• Individuals close to you are show-
ing concern
• Extreme changes in eating patterns:
loss of appetite or overeating
• Nightmares and recurring thoughts
• Unable to stop thinking about the
situation
• Continued difficulty falling asleep
or staying asleep
• Feeling jumpy or easily startled
• Being overly concerned about safe-
ty
• Feeling guilty, worthless or hope-
less
• Not taking pleasure in activities
once enjoyed
• Thoughts of death or suicide
Resources for assistance
• Active-duty service members may
call Behavioral Health Care Services at
Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center at
301-677-8895.
• Department of the Army civil-
ian employees may call the Employee
Assistance Program at 301-677-7121 or
301-677-7981.
Dealing with the stress of furloughs
photos.com

Special Section
By Kevin L. Robinson
Defense Commissary Agency
FORT LEE, Va. — When furloughs
are implemented, most military commis-
saries will close one day a week, on Mon-
days, the Defense Commissary Agency’s
top official said.
Closures will be for up to 11 days,
between July 8 and Sept. 30.
“We know that any disruption in
commissary operations will impact our
patrons,” said Joseph H. Jeu, DeCA’s
director and CEO. “Also, we understand
the tremendous burden this places on our
employees, who, when furloughed, will
lose 20 percent of their pay.
“We determined that Monday clo-
sures would present the least pain for
our patrons, employees and industry
partners.”
Closing commissaries on Mondays
would be in addition to any day stores
are routinely closed. The 148 stores that
routinely close on Mondays would also
close the next normal day of operation.
Other than the furlough day, there
are no other changes planned for store
operation hours.
The announcement comes as DeCA
follows DoD protocols related to the
automatic, federal government budget
reductions known as sequestration, which
began March 1.
Like most DoD activities, DeCA is
mandated by DoD to furlough its civil
service employees.
DeCA has 247 commissaries with more
than 16,000 employees operating in 13
countries and two U.S. territories. Fur-
loughs will impact all of DeCA’s more
than 14,000 U.S. civilian employees.
As sequestration continues, commis-
sary customers can quickly find out about
any changes to their local store’s operat-
ing schedule by going online to commis-
saries.com, clicking on the “Locations”
tab, then “Alphabetical Listing,” finding
their store and clicking on “local store
information.”
Patrons are reminded that because
sequestration is so fluid, DeCA’s plan for
this budget-cutting measure is subject to
change.
DeCA decided on Monday closures
after weighing the potential disruption
to patrons and suppliers of having roll-
ing furloughs, where closure dates would
differ from store to store.
Universal Monday closures are less
disruptive to shoppers and the agency’s
industry partners — vendors, suppliers
Commissaries plan for Monday furloughs
photo by brandon bieltz
The Fort Meade Commissary will be closed Mondays from July 8 through Sept. 30 as a result of sequestration. More than 14,000
commissary employees worldwide will be impacted by the furloughs.
and distributors — who deliver products
daily to DeCA’s commissaries.
Store staffs overseas include a mix
of U.S. and local national employees.
Because they are not U.S. government
employees, local national employees are
not subject to this furlough action.
Select locations overseas will open
if they have an adequate local national
staff. However, if an overseas store is
closed, its local national staff will report
to work and perform other store-related
duties.
In January, DoD released guidance
to allow Defense components to plan
for potential budget cuts by reducing
operating costs. In line with that direc-
tion, DeCA later executed the following
budget-cutting measures:
• A hiring freeze on all outside hires
• Curtailment of official travel for
all conferences, training, and any other
events and activities considered noncriti-
cal to the agency’s mission
• Cancellation of the agency’s May
Worldwide Case Lot Sales for all com-
missaries. Instead, stores are conducting
smaller-scale events such as outdoor
sidewalk sales.
• Curtailment of all overtime and
compensatory time unless deemed mis-
sion-critical
• Review of contract services to restrict
any increases
• Curtailment of all monetary awards
unless legally required
• Postponement of all Guard and
Reserve on-site sales scheduled after July
8 until further notice.
“We are in this together.” Jeu said.
“And though limited in our ability by
circumstances we cannot control, I assure
you we will do all we can to mitigate the
impact of sequestration on our patrons,
employees and industry partners, and on
our mission.”
The Defense Commissary Agency
operates a worldwide chain of commis-
saries, providing groceries to military
personnel, retirees and their families in a
safe and secure shopping environment.
Authorized patrons purchase items at
cost plus a 5 percent surcharge, which
covers the costs of building new commis-
saries and modernizing existing ones.
By shopping regularly in the commis-
sary, patrons save an average of 30 percent
or more on their purchases compared to
commercial prices — savings amounting
to thousands of dollars annually.

Special Section
By Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer
The most pressing concern for DoD
civilians who will be furloughed is how
to manage their finances over the next
three months.
Ryan D. Yarnell, personal financial
readiness specialist at Army Community
Service, suggests the following tips for
dealing with the stress of financial pres-
sures due to reduced income:
How can people best manage their
money during the furloughs?
• Prepare your budget.
This will allow you to identify any
gaps in income when the furlough begins.
Knowing the gaps can help people plan
to fill in those gaps.
• Track your spending to identify “fat”
in your budget, and look for ways to cut
the “fat.”
• Try very hard not to add to your
debt levels. This short-term attempt to
replace the missing income will only cre-
ate bigger long-term problems after the
furlough is over.
• Know your resources.
Contact your lenders to find out if
they have any special programs available
to assist federal government employees.
Some lenders are temporarily reducing
interest rates or allowing customers to
skip a payment if necessary.
• Prioritize your spending.
If you find that you will not have
enough income to cover all of your
expenses, make sure you take care of
high-priority items first.
For example, allow enough money
to provide for food, shelter, reason-
able clothing, transportation and utili-
ties before spending on dining out or a
movie.
• Prioritize your debt payments.
Secured loan payments (mortgage and
car payments) always come before unse-
cured (credit cards).
If you need to miss any debt payments,
be sure to contact the lenders to let them
know what’s going on. They may agree
to waive a late payment fee.
Is it a good idea to withdraw funds from
a retirement account to make ends meet?
Not usually. Most employees will be
under the age of 59 1/2, so in addition to
potentially having to pay taxes on their
distribution, they will also be penalized
10 percent by the IRS.
Also, this can have a drastic impact on
future earnings potential.
The same thing goes for loans from
Thrift Savings Plan accounts. It unplugs
the money from accounts with high
growth potential and limits it to the G-
Fund return during repayment.
In general, what can people do now to
prepare for financial hardships down the
road?
• Pay more attention to your money.
Many people let their money control
them instead of the other way around.
Keep track of where your money goes so
that you can do a better job of planning
where you want it to go.
A monthly budget is a great tool that
helps put you in the driver’s seat.
• Create an emergency savings account
that you can keep your hands off.
Many people have trouble saving
money for emergencies because they
keep this account too close to their
checking account.
• Open an account with another finan-
cial institution without an ATM card or
checks and pretend it doesn’t exist.
Ultimately, people need to spend less
than they make, limit their use of debt,
and create automatic savings for emer-
gencies, retirement and other financial
goals.
For more information on financial read-
iness classes at ACS, call 301-677-5590.
Managing your finances during the sequester
Guidance for
administrative
furloughs
The U.S. Office of Personnel Manage-
ment has prepared “Guidance for Admin-
istrative Furloughs,” a human resources
guidance for agencies and employees on
administrative furloughs.
The following questions were taken
from the guide. To review the complete
document, go to www.ftmeade.army.mil/
pages/cpac/cpac2.html.
What is an administrative furlough
and why are administrative
furloughs necessary?
An administrative furlough is a planned
event by an agency that is designed to
absorb reductions necessitated by down-
sizing, reduced funding, lack of work, or
any other budget situation other than a
lapse in appropriations.
This type of furlough is typically a
nonemergency furlough in that the agency
has sufficient time to reduce spending
and give adequate notice to employees of
its specific furlough plan and how many
furlough days will be required.
An example of when such a furlough
may be necessary is when, as a result of
congressional budget decisions, an agency
is required to absorb additional reduc-
tions over the course of a fiscal year.
May employees take other jobs
during a period designated as
furlough time off?
While on furlough time off, an indi-
vidual remains an employee of the fed-
eral government. Therefore, executive
branch-wide standards of ethical conduct
and rules regarding outside employment
continue to apply when an individual
is furloughed (specifically, the executive
branch-wide standards of ethical conduct
at 5 CFR part 2635).
In addition, there are specific statutes
that prohibit certain outside activities and
agency-specific supplemental rules that
require prior approval of, and sometimes
prohibit, outside employment.
Therefore, before engaging in outside
employment, an employee should review
these regulations and then consult his
or her agency ethics official to learn if
there are any agency-specific supplemen-
tal rules governing the employee.
Are there any plans to provide
specific guidance for restoration of
annual leave due to the potential
inability to use all “use or lose”
prior to the end of the leave year?
Currently, there’s no provision in the
law for such only if such was due to
an administration error, exigency of the
public business, sickness or national
emergency by reason of certain terrorist
attacks [5 U.S.C. 6304(d) and (e) or 5
CFR 630.305-311].
However, there’s plenty of time to
schedule leave or incorporate the office’s
leave with your furlough schedule.
If, by approximately Nov. 27, the agen-
cy has an exigency and requires your ser-
vices and cancels your leave, or you meet
one of the provisions aforementioned,
then the commander could grant such
restoration.
May an employee volunteer to do
his or her job on a nonpay basis
during any hours or days designated
as furlough time off?
No. Unless otherwise authorized by
law, an agency may not accept the vol-
untary services of an employee. (See 31
U.S.C. 1342.)
When an employee’s pay is
insufficient to permit all deductions
to be made because furlough time
off occurs in the middle of a pay
period and the employee receives a
partial paycheck, what is the order
of withholding precedence?
Agencies will follow the guidance at
chcoc.gov/transmittals/TransmittalDe-
tails.aspx?TransmittalID=1477 to deter-
mine the order of precedence for applying
deductions from the pay of its civilian
employees when gross pay is insufficient
to cover all authorized deductions.
May federal agencies require
employees who are placed on
administrative furlough for all
or part of their basic workweek
to work hours outside the basic
workweek?
Yes. An agency may assign work during
hours outside the employee’s basic work-
week, subject to any applicable agency
policies or collective bargaining agree-
ments.
Employees are only in furlough status
for designated furlough hours. Furlough
status means the employee is placed in
nonpay, nonduty status for certain hours
within the employee’s tour of duty estab-
lished for leave usage purposes — the tour
of duty for which absences require the
charging of leave.
Thus, for full-time employees with a
40-hour basic workweek, furlough hours
must be within the 40-hour basic work-
week.
For part-time employees, furlough
hours must be within the employee’s
part-time basic workweek based on the
part-time tour of duty established for
leave usage purposes.
For employees on an uncommon tour

Special Section
By Claudette Roulo
American Forces Press Service
Furloughed federal civilian employees
could see their Thrift Savings Plan contri-
butions reduced.
The Thrift Savings Plan is a retirement
savings and investment plan for federal
employees and members of the uniformed
services, including the Ready Reserve.
“Employees who have selected their
TSP contribution to be a percentage of
their pay will see smaller contributions
during the furlough period due to their
reduced pay,” said Navy Cmdr. Leslie
Hull-Ryde, a Defense Department spokes-
woman.
For example, an employee who earns
$1,000 of basic pay every two-week pay
period and contributes 10 percent of
it to the TSP would make a $100 TSP
contribution during a normal pay period.
However, if the employee is furloughed for
two days per pay period, basic pay would
decrease to $800.
As a result, the TSP contribution would
be $80 per pay period.
Employees who contribute a set dollar
amount won’t see that amount change
with a reduction in pay, Hull-Ryde said.
For this reason, now is a good time to
review TSP contribution amounts to see if
they are appropriate, Thrift Savings Plan
officials said.
Basic pay reductions also will affect
the matching funds contributed by the
Defense Department and other agencies.
According to a Thrift Savings Plan news
release, any reduction in pay will propor-
tionally decrease the matching funds con-
tribution, regardless of whether employees
contribute a percentage of their pay or a
set dollar amount.
The furloughs may cause financial hard-
ship for some employees. In those cases,
they may consider making a hardship
withdrawal from their TSP fund. Such
withdrawals have several restrictions:
• If you take a hardship withdrawal,
you will not be able to make any TSP
contributions for six months after having
received your funds.
• You may withdraw only your contri-
butions and the earnings associated with
them. The total amount cannot exceed
your financial hardship.
• You must pay income tax on the tax-
able portion of any withdrawal. You may
also be subject to a 10 percent early-with-
drawal penalty tax.
If you are a Federal Employees Retire-
ment System participant, you will not
receive agency-matching contributions.
• A hardship withdrawal cannot be
repaid, so your TSP account is perma-
nently reduced by the amount of your
withdrawal.
A better option may be taking a loan
against your TSP, officials said. Loans
can be repaid — plus interest — but the
account continues to accrue earnings even
as the loan is paid back.
TSP officials recommend that employ-
ees think carefully before decreasing or
stopping their traditional TSP contribu-
tions. Those contributions are subtracted
from pre-tax income, and terminating
contributions could increase income tax
liability.
Roth TSP contributions are subtracted
from employees’ after-tax income. Chang-
es will not affect tax liability.
“One of the great things about your
TSP contributions, no matter how small,
is that the earnings compound over time.
If you stop your contributions, even for
a short time, you’ll miss this opportunity
altogether,” the news release stated.
Federal Employees Retirement System
participants would, in effect, be losing
free money by stopping their contribu-
tions because matching contributions also
would stop, officials said.
Furlough to affect Thrift Savings Plan contributions
of duty established under 5 CFR 630.210,
furlough hours must be within the uncom-
mon tour of duty.
May an employee on a flexible
work schedule earn credit hours by
working during a week or on a day
when the employee is furloughed?
During a week or on a day when
an employee is furloughed during cer-
tain basic work requirement hours,
the employee may earn credit hours
by electing to work in excess of his or
her basic work requirement, subject to
all legal requirements and applicable
agency policies or collective bargaining
agreements.
An employee may not earn credit
hours by working during designated
furlough hours within the employee’s
basic work requirement.
Also, an employee may not use pre-
viously earned credit hours during fur-
lough hours.
The substitution rule in 5 CFR
550.112 may not be applied to credit
hours.
May an employee take paid leave or
other forms of paid time off (such
as annual, sick, court or military
leave; leave for bone marrow or
organ donor leave; credit hours
earned; any compensatory time off
earned; or time off awards) instead
of taking administrative furlough
time off?
No. During an administrative furlough,
an employee may not substitute paid leave or
other forms of paid time off for any hours or
days designated as furlough time off.
Can agencies furlough employees
who are on approved leave without
pay (LWOP) during a time when
administrative furloughs are being
conducted for other employees?
Agencies have discretion in determin-
ing whether to furlough employees who
are in LWOP status, since both furloughs
and LWOP are periods of nonpay status.
Employees may already be scheduled
for LWOP for a variety of reasons and
for various lengths of time on either a
continuous or discontinuous basis.
An employee’s LWOP may or may not
fully encompass the period during which
administrative furloughs are being con-
ducted for other employees in the same
organization.
For example, for one employee, a con-
tinuous one-year period of leave without
pay to accompany a military spouse
overseas may encompass the entire period
during which administrative furloughs
are being conducted in an employee’s
organization, while another employee’s
continuous LWOP may end during that
period.
Other employees may be scheduled to
take LWOP on a regular but discontinu-
ous basis under the Family and Medical
Leave Act.
Agencies are responsible for deter-
mining: (1) whether employees already
scheduled for LWOP during a period
when administrative furloughs are being
conducted will be subject to furlough,
and (2) the hours of furlough required of
such employees.
May employees be administratively
furloughed on a holiday?
Employees may be furloughed for peri-
ods of time that include holidays.
However, an agency should select the
furlough days off on programmatic and
administrative grounds that are unrelated
to the fact that the period includes a
holiday.
For example, an agency may not prop-
erly furlough employees for a three-day
period, the middle of which is a holiday,
for the sole purpose of saving three days’
pay while losing only two days of work.
Neither would it be proper to furlough
an employee solely on a holiday. (See
Comptroller General opinion B-222836,
May 8, 1986.)
If employees have a designated
administrative furlough day off on
the last workday before a holiday
or the first workday after a holiday
(but not on both days), will they be
paid for the holiday?
Yes. The general rule is that an employ-
ee is entitled to pay for a holiday so long
as he or she is in a pay status on either
the workday preceding a holiday or the
workday following a holiday.
The employee is paid for the holiday
based on the presumption that, but for the
holiday, the employee would have worked.
A holiday should not be the first or last
day of the period covered by a furlough.
Will an employee continue to
be covered under the Federal
Employees Health Benefits
Program during an administrative
furlough?
The employee’s FEHB coverage will
continue if the employee’s salary is suf-
ficient to pay the premiums.
If the employee’s salary becomes
insufficient to pay FEHB premiums due
to the furlough, the leave without pay/
insufficient pay rules apply (opm.gov/
healthcare-insurance/healthcare/reference
materials/reference/leave-without-pay-sta-
tus-and-insufficient-pay/).
If the employee chooses to remain
covered, the enrollee share of the FEHB
premium will accumulate and be withheld
from pay upon the employee’s pay becom-
ing sufficient to cover the premiums.

Special Section
Army Community Service
Education and programs are
designed to enhance resiliency
and well-being.
Individual, group and fam-
ily sessions include: Financial
Readiness, Family Team Build-
ing, Communication/Conflict
Resolution, Anger and Stress
Management.
Military and Family Life con-
sultants work closely with ACS.
For more information, visit
ACS at the Community Readi-
ness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.
or call 301-677-5590, or go online
at ftmeademwr.com/acs.php.
Office of Garrison Chaplain
Confidential counseling ses-
sions in marriage relationships,
stress and anxiety, depression,
grief, anger management and
other family issues.
For more information, call
301-677-6703 or 301-677-6035
or visit ftmeade.army.mil/pages/
chapel/chapel.html.
Federal Employee Education
Assistance Fund
FEEA is a community of fed-
eral employees helping federal
employees. The organization can
help make ends meet and help
federal employees obtain emer-
gency assistance when the fur-
lough begins.
303-933-7580 or visit feea.org.
Military One Source
Military One Source provides
support on a wide range of con-
cerns including parenting and
child care, wounded warriors,
spouse education and employ-
ment, relocation, financial man-
agement, legal concerns, everyday
community and consumer issues,
emotional well-being, health and
wellness, housing, recreation, pet
care, adult or child special needs,
military life, work concerns, elder
care, military health care, and
referrals to confidential counsel-
ing to assist families in coping
with adverse situations.
For more information, call 1-
800-342-9647 or visit militaryo-
nesource.mil.
Fort Meade Education
Center
Provides education counsel-
ing, tuition assistance, finan-
cial aid, GI Bill information,
DANTES and other testing.
677-6421 or visit ftmeade.army.
mil/pages/ed_ctr/education.html.
Housing Division
Can assist Fort Meade
employees with locating off-post
housing as well as with disputes
regarding on and off-post hous-
ing.
To contact the Housing Divi-
sion, call 301-677-7748.
Civilian Personnel Advisory
Center
For the latest furlough infor-
mation, call 301-677-6526 or
visit the following websites:
• Home Page: ftmeade.army.
mil/pages/cpac/cpac2.html
• ftmeade.army.mil/faqs/
sequestration.html
• Department of the Army:
cpol.army.mil/library/ general/
2013sequestration/
• Department of Defense:
cpms.osd.mil/Subpage/Fur-
loughGuidance/
• OPM: opm.gov/policy-data-
oversight/pay-leave/furlough-
guidance/#url=Administrative-
Furlough
Employee Assistance
Program
EAP is a voluntary, work-based
program that offers free and con-
fidential assessments, short-term
counseling, referrals, and follow-up
services to employees who have per-
sonal and/or work-related problems.
It addresses a broad and com-
plex body of issues affecting mental
and emotional well-being, such as
alcohol and other substance abuse,
stress, grief, family problems and
psychological disorders.
677-7121/7981 or visit army.mil/
pages/organizations/dhr/dhr.html.
Fort Meade Army
Substance Abuse Prevention
Program
ASAP provides substance
abuse prevention, treatment and
referral services for active-duty
service members, family mem-
bers, retirees and DoD civilians
age 18 and older.
301-677-7121 or visit ftmeade.
army.mil/pages/organizations/
dhr/asap/index.html.
Kimbrough Behavioral
Health Department
The Behavioral Health Clin-
ic at Kimbrough Ambulatory
Care Center provides emergency
walk-in services for active-duty
service members, family mem-
bers, retirees and DoD civilians
of all ages.
301-677-8791 or visit kacc.
narmc.amedd.army.mil/default.
aspx/MP_KACC.htm.
Thrift Savings Plan
TSP offers several options for
those experiencing a financial
hardship.
For more information, visit
tsp.gov/index.shtml.
Loans in a non-pay status:
• Participating in TSP while in
non-pay status
• Handling TSP loans while in
non-pay status
For information, visit tsp.gov/
planparticipation/loans/nonpay-
status.shtml.
Loans:
• How a TSP loan works
• Loan types and terms
• Loan eligibility
planparticipation/loans/loanBa-
sics.shtml.
Financial hardship in-service
withdrawals:
• Eligibility rules
• Consequences of financial
hardship withdrawals
• Tax considerations
• Applying for a financial
hardship withdrawal
• Receiving your financial
hardship withdrawal
lifeevents/hardship/economicH-
ardship.shtml.
Maryland Supplement
Nutrition Assistance
Program
Provides financial assistance
to help the residents of Maryland
buy nutritious foods through the
use of food stamps.
Other Maryland benefits list-
ed at benefitsapplication.com/
state/MD.
Anne Arundel County
Department of Social
Services
• All issues: 410-269-4600
• County Partnership for Chil-
dren, Youth and Families: 410-
222-7423
Baltimore County
Services
• Medical assistance, food
supplements, temporary cash
assistance and financial assis-
tance programs: 1-800-332-6347
or 410-853-3000
Baltimore City Department
of Human Services
• 443-378-4600
Carroll County Citizens
Services
• Assistance with Housing:
410-386-3600
• Department of Social Ser-
vices: Assistance with food, child
care, medical assistance: 410-
386-3300
Howard County Department
of Social Services:
• All issues: 410-872-8700
• Financial advice: 443-718-
9350
• Community Action Coun-
cil - Multiple Services: 410-313-
6440
• Office of Aging (over 50):
410-313-6410
• General information or assis-
tance on aging: 410-313-5980
Montgomery County
Crisis Center
Provides immediate responses
to crisis situations for all resi-
dents of Montgomery County.
The center provides goal-ori-
ented crisis intervention, brief
crisis stabilization, and help in
obtaining services for individuals
and families with a mental health
crisis or experiencing other crisis
situations.
240-777-4000.
Prince George’s County
Services
• Temporary cash assistance,
food supplement program, medi-
cal assistance, emergency assis-
tance, Child Care Subsidy Pro-
gram: 301-209-5000
• Prince George’s County Sui-
cide Hotline: 301-864-7130
Provides crisis intervention
services to anyone in need, 365
days a year.
Professional counseling staff
is available to listen, provide cri-
sis intervention counseling and
support, and make referrals on
a wide range of issues.
Also offers walk-in crisis
counseling, emergency shelter,
transitional housing and com-
munity education.
Regional Suicide Prevention
Hotlines/Mobile Crisis
Response Teams
• MD Crisis Hotline: 800-
422-0009
• Anne Arundel County: 410-
768-5522
• Baltimore: 410-931-2214
• Eastern Shore: 888-407-
8018
• Montgomery County: 301-
738-2255
• Prince George’s County:
301-429-5522
Military Crisis Line
1-800-273-TALK (8255) -
Press 1
National Suicide Prevention
Lifeline
• 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Social Media
• Facebook: facebook.com/
FtMeade
• Twitter: twitter.com/ftmeademd
• Live blog: ftmeade.armylive.
dodlive.mil/
• Public website: www.ftmeade.
army.mil/
Fort Meade Employee Resource Guide

Sports
By Brandon Bieltz
Staff Writer
More than 30 youngsters sat on the
edge of the Midway Common neighbor-
hood, their feet submerged in the water.
With a countdown led by a former
Olympian swimmer, the children made
a splash as they hopped into the pool,
officially making their mark in a world-
record attempt.
The pool served as a site of the World’s
Largest Swimming Lesson on June 18.
Organizers were attempting to break the
Guinness World Record for largest mul-
tisite swimming lesson, which was set at
24,874 participants last year.
The program aims to highlight the
importance of swimming lessons to pre-
vent drownings.
“We’re really here to promote that swim
lessons save lives,” said Noelle Navarro,
vice president of DRD Pool Service Inc.,
which co-sponsored the event with Cor-
vias Military Living. “[Drowning is] the
No. 1 cause of death for children ages 1
to 4 in the United States. It’s the No. 2
cause for children under 12 in the United
States.”
Similar events were held at more than
1,200 sites through the U.S. and in at least
15 other countries. Organizers hoped to
have 35,000 youngsters ages 1 to 14 par-
ticipate in the annual program.
The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
organization has set the world record for
the past three years.
Former Olympian swimmer Crissy Per-
ham attended the event with her two gold
medals and silver medal that she earned in
the Barcelona Olympics in 1992.
Perham said she wanted to promote
safety, while introducing more youngsters
to the sport.
“I totally support anything that can
keep children safe,” she said. “I’m a huge
fan of getting kids in the water and get-
ting them to be safe in the water. I think
that it’s a wonderful opportunity for the
military children to get to be part of a
world record and have it be a memorable
experience, and maybe get them started on
a lifelong experience of swimming,”
Prior to the 30-minute swimming les-
son, which was led by Star Fish Aquatics
Instruction, instructors and lifeguards
discussed the importance of pool safety.
Perham led the group in stretching.
Separated into age groups, participants
Going for the record
Midway Common pool a site for World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
then hopped into the pool to begin a
swim lesson that introduced them to basic
movements and techniques.
Even experienced swimmers such as 11-
year-old Nicholas Haylock attended.
“I thought it would be fun to come
out,” he said.
Due to Guiness’ lengthy verification
process, an announcement will not be
made on the record-breaker for several
weeks, said a spokesman for the World’s
Largest Swimming Lesson organization.
Several Fort Meade youngsters said
they were excited to get the chance to
break the world record.
“It’d be very awesome,” Nicholas said.
Lifeguard Tyler Young helps 9-year-old
Elijah Houghton float during the World’s
Largest Swimming Lesson on June 18 at
the Midway Common neighborhood pool.
More than 30 youngsters participated
in the event, which aimed to break the
Guinness World Record for the largest
multisite swimming lesson.
Former swimmer
Crissy Perham
shows her
Olympic medals
to children
on June 18 at
the Midway
Common pool.
Perham, who
won two gold
and one silver
medal in the
1992 Barcelona
Olympics,
attended the
World’s Largest
Swimming
Lesson to
promote safety.
Photos by
Brandon Bieltz

Sports
Sports Shorts
Premier soccer
The Arundel Soccer Association Premier 99’s Rising Girls U14 Division I
team is looking for a goalkeeper and field players born between Aug. 1, 1999
and July 31, 2000.
Interested players should call 443-956-3828 or email coachthomas20@
verizon.net
Gaffney pool
The swimming pool at Gaffney Fitness Center is closed for maintenance.
EFMP bowling
The Exceptional Family Member program is sponsoring its monthly
bowling event on July 17 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Lanes.
Exceptional family members will receive a free game and shoe rental. Other
family members will receive discounted games and shoe rental.
To register, call 301-677-7836 or email theresa.r.strawhecker.civ@mail.mil.
EFMP walking program
The new Exceptional Family Member Walking Group will meet at Arundel
Mills Mall on July 11 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
The group will gather at 8:15 a.m. in front of Best Buy, inside the mall.
Registration is required.
For more information or to register, call 301-677-4473 or email latoya.
travis@us.mail.mil.
Dollar Days
Summer hours for Dollar Days at the Lanes is 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.
Texas Hold ‘em
Texas Hold ‘em no buy-in games are played Mondays at 7 p.m. at the Lanes.
Games are free and open to the public.
For more Fort Meade sports, visit quickscores.com/ftmeadesports.
Public Affairs Officer Chad T. Jones, author of Jibber Jabber, is
out of the office.
As always, if you have any comments about Jibber Jabber or
anything to do with the world of sports, e-mail chad.t.jones.
civ@mail.mil.
Jibber-Less
During World War I, Fort Meade was
established in 1917 as Camp Meade, a can-
tonment for troops drafted for the war.
In celebration of the installation’s 96th
anniversary, Soundoff! will feature a series
of historical snapshots of the people and
events at Fort Meade through the year
The ‘Black
Bomber’ prepares
at Fort Meade
For a 10-day span in August 1942,
Fort Meade was the training site for
two of the best fighters in boxing his-
tory.
Sgt. Joe Louis and Cpl. Sugar Ray
Robinson set up shop at the instal-
lation as they trained for a 100-day
tour of Army bases where they would
perform exhibition fights for Soldiers.
At the time, Louis was the heavyweight
champion of the world and provided
much excitement on the post.
Prior to joining the Army in 1942,
Louis had already established himself
in the ring and in American culture.
Louis won the support of the country
when he fought in the highly antici-
pated “Fight of the Century,” defeating
rival Max Schemling.
The fight at Yankee Stadium, which
was attended by 70,000 fans, was a
national affair as Schemling was the
pride of Nazi Germany. Louis knocked
Schemling out.
At the time of his enlistment, Louis
was the undefeated heavyweight cham-
pion.
While in the military, Louis served
in the same segregated unit as Jackie
Robinson, the first black professional
baseball player. Though Louis, who
was stationed at Fort Riley, Kan., never
fought the enemy during World War II,
he fought in exhibition bouts for the
Soldiers to build morale.
Pegged as the “World’s Greatest
Boxing Show,” Louis and Robinson
were featured in a 100-day tour in
which Louis fought in 96 matches.
Louis, however, had not trained for a
year and asked for time to prepare for
the tour.
Louis trained in a ring located at Fort
Meade’s Post Amphitheater. According
to an article in The Fort Meade Post,
Louis also trained with the Fort Meade
boxing team.
During his training, Louis fought
in two exhibition bouts at Fort Meade
that were attended by more than a
thousand Soldiers. According to a local
newspaper, Louis fought Sgt. George
Nicholson and a first sergeant.
Louis left the Army in October 1945
as a technical sergeant and continued
his legendary boxing career.
He held his heavyweight champion
title from 1937 to 1949 — longer than
any other boxer in history while still
defending more than anybody else. He
officially retired in 1951, with a final
record of 69-3 with 57 knockouts.
Louis remained in professional sports
as a golfer, and in 1952 he was the first
African American to play in a Profes-
sional Golf Association Tour event.
Louis died of cardiac arrest in 1981
and was buried at Arlington National
Cemetery with full military honors on
April 21, 1981.
His funeral was paid for by Schem-
ling, who also acted as a pallbearer.
Moment in time

Community News Notes
The deadline for Soundoff! community
“News and Notes” is Friday at noon.
All submissions are posted at the editor’s
discretion and may be edited for space and
grammar. Look for additional community
events on the Fort Meade website at www.
ftmeade.army.mil and the Fort Meade
Facebook page at facebook.com/ftmeade.
For more information or to submit an
announcement, email Philip Jones at philip.
h.jones.civ@mail.mil or call 301-677-5602.
Water main flushing
American Water has begun its 2013
Annual Water Main Flushing Program.
The purpose is to provide the best
quality water available to customers by
removing any buildup of sediment that
may have occurred in the water lines.
Flushing may result in some
temporary discoloration and the
presence of sediment in your water.
These conditions are not harmful and
should be of very short duration.
Between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3
p.m., limit use of water to help prevent
discolored water reaching service lines to
your residence.
If you notice an increase in discolored
water, flush all indoor faucets for 15
minutes. If the water does not clear up,
contact the Water Treatment Plant at
443-592-0909. This number is monitored
24/7 daily.
Road closures
Cooper Avenue will be closed Tuesday
at 4 p.m. until July 4 at 6 a.m. for the
Red, White and Blue Celebration on
Wednesday.
English Avenue will be closed
Wednesday at 6 a.m. until July 4 at 6
a.m.
Comcast service
Corvias Military Living residents
who need to have their Comcast
cable television service installed or
are experiencing service problems
should call Kevin Yeagley, a Comcast
representative, at 410-562-7456.
Ramadan Iftar
A Ramadan Iftar will be held Aug. 2
from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Argonne Hills
Chapel Center Fellowship Room.
For more information, call 301-677-
6035 or 301-677-1301.
70th ISRW change of
command
Col. Mary F. O’Brien, commander of
the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and
Reconnaissance Wing, will relinquish
command to Col. Kevin D. Dixon on July
10 at 9 a.m. at McGlachlin Parade Field.
The Fort Meade community is welcome
to attend. Dress for service members is
duty uniform. Civilian dress is casual.
For more information, call Master Sgt.
LaSanda M. Seymore-Frazier at 301-677-
0366.
2014 Fort Meade
Welcome Guide
The Fort Meade Public Affairs Office
is compiling information for the 2014 Fort
Meade Welcome Guide and Telephone
Directory.
Fort Meade garrison organizations,
partner commands, installation clubs
and service organizations are requested
to submit a brief summary about their
organizations before July 5.
Include information regarding the
organization’s mission, date of the activation
and unique attributes as part of the brief
descriptive paragraphs.
Also include the organization’s address,
main telephone and important secondary
phone numbers, and organizational email
address.
Limit submission to one or two
paragraphs. Organization photos are
welcome.
Email submissions to Command
Information Chief Philip Jones at philip.
h.jones.civ@mail.mil.
Farmers’ market
Baltimore Washington Medical
Center and Healthy Markets, Benefit
LLC are teaming up to offer a farmers’
market, rain or shine, every Saturday
from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until October
at the BWMC/Executive Center, 300
Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie.
BWMC and Healthy Markets are
committed to promoting heathy living
by supporting local farmers and artisans
through offering healthy, locally grown
and produced food to the community.
Items will include seasonal fruits,
vegetables, baked goods and prepared
foods. EBT/SNAP benefits, WIC fruit
and vegetable checks, and Farmers’
Market Nutrition Program checks will
be accepted.
For more information, call BWMC’s
Community Outreach Department at
410-787-4367 or visit healthymarketsmd.
wordpress.com.
Jummah prayers
Individuals interested in praying
Jummah prayers on Fort Meade should
call 301-677-1301.
Fort Meade has a room available
at Argonne Hills Chapel Center, 7100
Rockenbach Road.
The community also is seeking
individuals who would like to pray a
morning prayer on Fridays.
Karaoke Night
The next Karaoke Night is July 18
from 7 to 10 p.m. in the 11th Frame
Lounge at the Lanes.
The event is held the third Thursday
of the month.
5541 or visit ftmeademwr.com.
Trivia Night
The Lanes hosts Trivia Night every
Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m., except the
third Thursday of the month.
The event is open to the public.
Teams must have a minimum of two
players and a maximum of 10.
Weekly prizes are awarded to the top
three winners. Food and beverages are
available for purchase.
5541 or visit ftmeademwr.com/lanes.php.
Story Time
The Medal of Honor Memorial
Library offers pre-kindergarten Story
file photo
Red, White and Blue CelebrationThe Budweiser-Fort Meade Red, White and Blue Celebration will be held
Wednesday from 4 to 10 p.m. at McGlachlin Parade Field.
The free event is open to the public.
The celebration will feature fireworks, a Budweiser Clydesdales proces-
sion, three country music bands, a barbecue cook-off, children’s inflata-
bles, two NASCAR simulators, corn hole games, and food vendors.
The U.S. Army Field Band’s Jazz Ambassasdors will perform at 5:15
p.m.
For more information, visit ftmeadefmwr.com.
NEWS EVENTS
CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
YOUTH

Soundoff June 27, 2013

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