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![http://www.ftmeade.army.mil March 12, 2015 SOUNDOFF!
News
By Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer
The garrison has updated the Army’s
regulation regarding the prohibition of
the use of tobacco products to include
a command policy that addresses e-
cigarettes.
Army regulation 600-63 prohibits the
use of tobacco products in all Depart-
ment of the Army occupied workplaces,
except for designated smoking areas,
which will be at least 50 feet from com-
mon building doorways.
Garrison command policy No. 63,
which was released in late January,
prohibits the use of vapor producing
devices, or e-cigarettes, within 50 feet of
any government buildings on post.
The policy applies to all military and
civilian personnel, including appropri-
ated and nonappropriated fund employ-
ees, as well as family members, visitors,
volunteers and contractors.
Violation of the policy by military
personnel is punishable as an offense
under Article 92 of the Uniform Code
of Military Justice. Civilians may be
subject to an adverse administrative
action or be barred from the post for
violating the policy.
Smoking and good health don’t mix.
“[Smoking] increases the risk of can-
cer and cardiovascular disease,” said
Tina Chen, a clinical pharmacist at
Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center.
“Second-hand smoke is a danger to oth-
ers and the smoker.”
Kimbrough provides one-on-one
smoking cessation consultations for Tri-
care beneficiaries whose primary physi-
cian works at the clinic.
Those interested can be referred for
a consultation by their primary care
provider, or they can refer themselves by
calling Kimbrough directly and request-
ing a consultation.
The initial 45-minute consultation
is conducted by Dr. Jennifer Evans,
a clinical pharmacist. Follow-up con-
sultations are provided by all clinical
pharmacists on Kimbrough’s Primary
Care Team.
During the initial consultation, people
are asked about their history of tobacco
use and cessation and about any health
issues that may prevent the use of nico-
tine replacement medications.
During the sessions, the risks of
smoking and the benefits of quitting are
addressed, Chen said.
“One of the best things a patient can
do to reduce the risk of cardiovascular
disease is to quit,” she said. “It is not
one of the easiest things to do, but it’s
the best thing to do in terms of long-
term health.”
Evans and the team of clinical phar-
macists help participants design a
smoking cessation program that works
for them. Those who are sensitive to
nicotine replacement medications have
the option of using a nicotine patch,
gum or inhalers.
In addition to the potential health
risks of smoking, Chen said smoking
reduces a service member’s ability to
be productive, since time is taken away
from the mission to smoke.
The habit can also be very expensive
as well, she said.
DoD civilians whose primary care
provider is not affiliated with Kim-
brough can ask their provider for assis-
tance. Chen also recommends the web-
site www.smokefree.gov for smoking-
cessation tips and education.
Editor’s note: To schedule a one-on-
one smoking cessation consultation, call
Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center at
866-511-8748. To view Garrison Com-
mand Policy No. 63, go to http://www.
ftmeade.army.mil/policies/.
E-cigarettes restricted on Fort Meade
By Bryan Spann
Meade TV Producer
Even the most casual Fort Meade
observer has noticed the large multistory
structure being raised just across McGla-
chlan Parade Field on Cooper Avenue.
The building is the new Army Inter-
Continental Hotels Group Candlewood
Suites Hotel. The Candlewood Suites is
replacing the current IHG hotel based in
Abrams Hall.
“We wanted to offer an improved
product,” said Brenda Stoner, gener-
al manager of IHG Army hotel/Fort
Meade. “Our mission is to improve the
life of Soldiers and their families. And in
doing that and living up to that mission,
our product needed an improvement
and I think the community deserves an
improvement.
“It’s so exciting for us, we know the
military traveler and we know they’re
looking for comfort for themselves and
their families.”
Stoner is optimistic that the new hotel
will be open to the community soon.
“Hopefully, we’ll be open by the end
of the year,” she said. “[I] don’t know
that for positive, but we’re on schedule.”
According to Stoner, the new hotel
will be larger with nearly 250 rooms,
all of which will have kitchen facilities.
The top floor will be reserved for distin-
guished visitors.
Breakfast will be available to all
guests.
Other highlights include an outdoor
pool, a modernized lobby area where
guests can enjoy breakfast, and a busi-
ness center complete with Wi-Fi Internet
access.
The staff is planning a grand open-
ing celebration once the hotel officially
opens. The date will be announced to the
community as soon as it is determined.
Army IHG hotels are open to the
entire Department of Defense commu-
nity and eligible visitors.
“Whether you’re military, retired,
friends or family of the military, you’re
welcome to stay [with us] as long as you
can get on post,” Stoner said.
Room availability will vary depending
on the time of year. Service members do
not have to be on active duty to make a
reservation.
For more information on Army IHG
hotels, the Candlewood Suites or reserva-
tions, visit www.ihg.com/armyhotels/or
call 410-674-7700 or 301-677-5660.
New hotel construction on schedule
Photo by Steve Ellmore
J.B. “Brad” Spong, Sigal Construction safety manager, oversees construction of the
new the new Army InterContinental Hotels Group Candlewood Suites Hotel at Fort
Meade. Candlewood Suites, will have nearly 250 rooms, is scheduled to open to the
community by the end of the year.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/soundoffmarch122015-150312145127-conversion-gate01/85/Fort-Meade-Soundoff-March-12-2015-3-320.jpg)
![http://www.ftmeade.army.mil SOUNDOFF! March 12, 2015
News
By Shari Rosen
Staff Writer
Military youth often do not have
a strong social network due to the
nomadic military lifestyle, said Rose
Holland, Employment Readiness Pro-
gram manager.
This lack of network can pose a chal-
lenge in the job search.
To combat this challenge, Army
Community Service and the Fort Meade
Directorate of Family and Morale, Wel-
fare and Recreation are sponsoring the
Youth Opportunity Fair on March 25.
The event will provide youths ages 14
to 21 with the opportunity to interact
with a variety of organizations that
offer volunteer, scholarship, education,
internship and employment opportuni-
ties.
“This will provide our youth with the
opportunity to network in a different
way,” Holland said. “Youth will have
the opportunity to learn about a variety
of opportunities, [which] include jobs in
the area.”
The fair, which will be held from 2
to 6 p.m. at Club Meade, is open to the
public. Fair participants should dress
professionally and bring resumes.
“The goal is to provide youth[s] with
a holistic approach to the job search,”
Holland said. “While the goal for many
youths is to find a job and make money,
I would like to see youths utilize this
event to explore career fields and look
to the future. My hope is that they will
take the time to explore and learn more
about opportunities available.”
Some of the 70 organizations partici-
pating in the fair include: Anne Arundel
Community College; Boy Scouts of
America; Lowes; Vector Marketing; Y
of Central Maryland; Residence Inn
Arundel Mills; and Leon Bryant Foun-
dation.
“The employers and other organiza-
tions attending the fair recognize both
the challenges and potential of our
military youth,” Holland said. “They
are seeking youth with the qualities our
youth[s] possess because of their expo-
sure to the military lifestyle: timeliness,
dedication, reliability, honesty, ability
to work with diverse populations, and
volunteer spirit.”
Holland hopes that more than 200
youths will attend the fair.
“The fair brings exposure of our
youth to job-search strategies and
opportunities available to them,” Hol-
Youth Fair helps military kids build networks
land said. “It empowers them with
knowledge [to] make solid decisions
regarding a career.”
Editor’s note: For more information
or to volunteer at the Youth Opportunity
Fair, call Army Community Service at
301-677-5590. ACS is seeking adult vol-
unteers for the day of the event.
The Youth Opportunity Fair will provide
youths ages 14 to 21 with the chance
to learn about employment, internship,
education, volunteer and scholarship
opportunities. The fair will be held
March 25 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Club
Meade.
FILE PHOTO
Photo by Dijon Rolle
financial readinessLisa Jenkins, of Howard County Housing, and Cindy Riely, of Maryland People’s Counsel, discuss home-buying
educational resources during the Military Saves Financial Readiness Fair sponsored Tuesday by Army Com-
munity Service and the Navy Fleet and Family Support Center. The annual event, held at McGill Training Center,
provides community members with information on financial planning, credit management, Thrift Savings Plan,
home-buying and ways to outsmart financial scams.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/soundoffmarch122015-150312145127-conversion-gate01/85/Fort-Meade-Soundoff-March-12-2015-4-320.jpg)
![http://www.ftmeade.army.mil12 SOUNDOFF! March 12, 2015
News
By Terri Moon Cronk
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
The military reaches out to assist
troubled service members, but helping
people with mental health issues “is what
we’ve got to do for every single person
in our own lives,” First Lady Michelle
Obama said at a conference held March
4 at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.
As part of the White House’s Joining
Forces initiative, the first lady addressed
mental health professionals at the “Give
An Hour” conference.
Give an Hour is a nonprofit organi-
zation that develops networks of vol-
unteers to provide free counseling to
troops, veterans and their families affect-
ed by war and works toward eliminating
the stigma attached to seeking help for
mental health issues.
Obama said all Americans should
learn to recognize the distress indicators
in family and friends.
People should not be afraid to seek
help because of how it will look to those
around them, the first lady said. Mental
health conditions often are perceived
differently from diseases such as cancer,
diabetes or asthma, she said.
“That makes no sense,” Obama said.
“Whether an illness affects your heart,
your leg or your brain, it’s still an illness.
So there should be absolutely no stigma
around mental health. None. Zero.”
Nearly one in five adults — more
than 40 million Americans — experience
a diagnosable mental-health condition
such as depression or anxiety every year,
Obama noted.
“So it is really time to flip the script on
mental health in this country,” Obama
said. “It’s time. It’s time to tell everyone
who’s dealing with a mental health issue
that they’re not alone, and that getting
support and treatment isn’t a sign of
weakness. It’s a sign of strength.”
To illustrate her point, Obama
described the story of Ryan Rigdon, a
Navy veteran who deployed twice to Iraq
to disarm enemy bombs.
“[On] his first day on duty in Bagh-
dad, Ryan and his team were sent out
to dismantle explosives seven different
times,” the first lady said. “Then Ryan
encountered a live [improvised explosive
device] that was camouflaged to look
like a rock.
“Ryan didn’t have his protective suit
on, and he knew the device could explode
at any minute. So he flipped it over and
disarmed it with his bare hands.”
First Lady: Mental illness should carry no stigma
photo by EJ Hersom
First Lady Michelle Obama speaks at the launch of the mental health initiative Campaign to Change Direction on March 4 at the
Newseum in Washington, D.C. The first lady, who co-founded the Joining Forces military community mental-health program,
spoke about the campaign’s importance for the military community.
Eventually, Obama said, Rigdon
began to experience mental health symp-
toms such as extreme emotional highs
and lows, severe headaches, ringing in
his ears and panic attacks.
Once out of the military and back at
home, he faced additional struggles with
family issues, a sick child and difficulty
finding employment.
Another Sailor noticed how Rigdon
was struggling and encouraged him to
seek help, the first lady said.
After hitting rock-bottom and nearly
taking his life, Obama said, Rigdon
sought help from Give an Hour through
the Veterans Affairs Department.
“In Ryan’s story we hear the story
of far too many of our veterans — the
struggle to adjust to a new life, the ter-
rors and anxieties that just won’t go
away, even when they’re back home, safe
in their own beds,” Obama said.
Not all veterans are plagued with
mental-health issues, she said, but the
veterans who do struggle are not alone.
Rigdon’s story could have ended in
heartbreak, but the people in his life
wouldn’t let that happen, the first lady
said.
“The Sailor who reached out to him,
the co-worker who supported him, his
wife who was there for him every day
— they all showed Ryan that he didn’t
have to do this alone, and they helped
him to change direction,” Obama said.
The military community has learned
to provide to those in need, which is
something all Americans should do for
people in their own lives, the first lady
said.
“We’ve got to listen, connect with
them, offer our compassion so that
our friends, families, neighbors and our
veterans can get the help they need, just
like we would if they were diagnosed
with cancer or heart disease or anything
else. Because we all know that our men-
tal health is just as vital as our physical
health,” Obama said. “So it’s time we
started treating it that way.”
As part of the effort, the first lady told
the audience, Give an Hour is co-spon-
soring the Campaign to Change Direc-
tion with the Substance Abuse and Men-
tal Health Services Administration.
SAMHSA will provide subject-mat-
ter expertise and will coordinate federal
outreach through the Veterans Affairs,
Defense Department, and Health and
Human Services.
Editor’s note: For more information
on the Give an Hour organization, visit
http://www.giveanhour.org/.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/soundoffmarch122015-150312145127-conversion-gate01/85/Fort-Meade-Soundoff-March-12-2015-8-320.jpg)
![http://www.ftmeade.army.mil March 12, 2015 SOUNDOFF! 13
Cover Story
By Tina Miles, Public Affairs Office
780th MI Brigade
Soldiers with the 780th Military Intel-
ligence Brigade qualified for the German
Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship
Proficiency (Schützenschnur) on the range
at Fort Meade on March 2.
The Schützenschnur is a decoration for
weapons proficiency for enlisted Soldiers,
and is one of the few pre-approved for-
eign awards U.S. military personnel are
authorized to wear on the uniform.
To earn the badge, participants had
to successfully shoot the German service
rifle (G36) and pistol (P8). A service
member awarded gold or silver at the
small-arms level was advanced to the
German machine gun (MG3).
The weapons were fired at targets from
a standing and prone position, within a
limited amount of time, using a limited
amount of ammunition.
The awarded grade was determined
by the lowest weapon qualification. For
example, if a Soldier qualified all gold
and one bronze, that Soldier was awarded
the bronze medal.
The Schützenschnur competition was
conducted under the operation of the
German Armed Forces Command Unit-
ed States and Canada, and was open to
all service members on Fort Meade.
“We have been to Fort Meade before.
This time, 28 U.S. [service members] from
every branch fired, with two Soldiers
[qualifying] at silver,” said Cpl. Mario
Bartusch, German Armed Forces Com-
mand U.S. and Canada, who was in
charge of ammunition and final scores.
Bartusch has been involved with the
competition for four years.
“I enjoy it very much — the different
country, the different [service members]
and different ranges,” he said.
The Meade competition was conduct-
ed in two phases, each with three levels:
bronze, silver and gold. To qualify in
phase one, Soldiers began at 40 meters
and fired at four targets within eight sec-
onds, then again within six seconds.
They advanced to 25 meters and fired
at four targets within six seconds, then
again within four seconds. After that, the
Soldiers moved to 10 meters, where they
switched weapons to pistols and fired at
eight- and six-second intervals. Finally,
they advanced to 7 meters and had four
seconds to hit three targets.
Soldiers qualifying at the silver or gold
level in phase one advanced to phase two,
where they had to fire the MG3 while in
780th MI Brigade Soldiers compete for Schützenschnur
the prone position.
Participants included 18 members of
the 780th MI Brigade (and its subordi-
nate units); six from Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 780th MI Bri-
gade; 11 from the 781st MI Battalion; and
one from the 782nd MI Battalion.
All six HHC participants qualified
for the bronze award. Spc. Sean Bar-
tholomew advanced to the MG3 stage.
“To say it was an awesome experience
doesn’t seem to do it justice,” he said.
“The range itself was actually consid-
erably more challenging than I antici-
pated.
“For the rifle and pistol portion, the
short time limit added a level of difficulty
I wasn’t expecting. The machine gun por-
tion was much tougher than I anticipated;
the weapon itself fires incredibly fast,
targets are small and despite the bright
yellow background, not very visible.
“Being a junior MI Soldier, it is not
often that an opportunity to fire another
country’s weapons presents itself, and
for that I am extremely grateful,” Bar-
tholomew said. “If you ever get the
opportunity to try this, don’t miss out.”
In addition to Bartholomew, the other
Soldiers with HHC, 780th MI Brigade
who qualified for the bronze medal were:
Staff Sgt. Marie Boyd, Staff Sgt. Rolando
Roman, Staff Sgt. Brian Zabler, Pfc. Dora
Vlassakis and Pfc. Morgan Williams.
Staff Sgt. Terrance Smith, 782nd MI
Battalion, helped coordinate the competi-
tion on behalf of the 780th MI Brigade.
Smith also advanced to fire the MG3.
“I had a great time, not just for being
able to fire foreign weapons, but because
our Soldiers were able to actually talk
and interact with our foreign partners as
well,” Smith said.
Another Schützenschnur competition
is scheduled at Fort Meade on May 4,
said Smith.
Command Sgt. Maj. William Rinehart
of the 780th MI Brigade briefly stopped
by the range during the competition to
observe his Soldiers.
“The opportunity to engage on a per-
sonal level with our allied and joint part-
ners can never be taken for granted,” he
said. “This opportunity for two armies
to come together and share traditions as
Soldiers on a topic near and dear to both
of us is invaluable.
“We are grateful they entrusted us with
weapon systems, but more importantly,
with their troops,” Rinehart said.
PHOTO BY TINA MILES
Pfc. Morgan Williams, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 780th Military Intelligence Brigade receives assistance with the
German service rifle (G36) from Master Sgt. Patrick Vester, German Armed Forces Command United States and Canada. Williams
competed March 2 on the ranges at Fort Meade for the Schützenschnur, a German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship
Proficiency. Williams qualified for the bronze medal.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/soundoffmarch122015-150312145127-conversion-gate01/85/Fort-Meade-Soundoff-March-12-2015-9-320.jpg)
![http://www.ftmeade.army.mil March 12, 2015 SOUNDOFF! 15
Sports
By Shari Rosen
Staff Writer
Lacrosse is the official team sport of the
state of Maryland.
Now Fort Meade will partake in the
state’s lacrosse craze by introducing a
Youth Sports lacrosse clinic in the spring.
“We put out a survey on Fort Meade [in
the fall] and we got a lot of good responses
about if kids were interested,” said Hunter
Davis, sports director of Child, Youth and
School Services. “So we said, ‘OK, obvi-
ously the interest is there. We need to give
it a go.’ ”
The spring lacrosse clinic, which is open
to youth ages 5 to 13, will run from March
30 until June 12. It will be held twice a
week from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Youth
Sports Complex.
Registration costs $60. Equipment, such
as a helmet, lacrosse stick, elbow pads
and gloves, will be provided for each par-
ticipant.
The clinic will focus on basic lacrosse
skills such as cradling, passing and scoop-
ing the ball.
CYSS premieres youth lacrosse clinic
U.S. ARMY PHOTO
Child, Youth and School Services will introduce a Youth Sports lacrosse clinic from March 30 to June 12. The clinic, open to youths ages 5 to 13, will teach basic skills such
as cradling, scooping and handling the ball.
Spring, summer, fall or winter...
Get involved with Youth Sports on Fort Meade, call
301-677-1105/1146/1156/1179.
“We’ll work on the basic fundamentals
and then toward the end of the season,
we’ll kind of work more on positioning,”
Davis said. “Maybe by the end of the
season we can work into run[ning] a little
scrimmage against each other and kind of
get used to that game setting.”
To help implement the program, CYSS
will partner with volunteers from the
Meade High School’s varsity lacrosse pro-
gram.
“We are excited to see a youth program
forming in the Meade area,” said Don-
ald Ziegler, head coach of boys’ varsity
lacrosse at Meade High for the past three
years. “Lacrosse is a fast-growing sport,
and it is wonderful to see Meade youth get
a chance to learn more about it.
“It will benefit the high school program
down the road as it will feed players into
our high school teams who have some
experience.”
CYSS will also bring in former lacrosse
players to instruct the youths as well as
provide USA lacrosse resources.
“Hopefully, we can also expose [par-
ticipants] to game situations and begin
to teach them the strategy that goes into
playing lacrosse,” said Ricky Deitchman,
assistant varsity lacrosse coach at Meade
High. “In addition to lacrosse skills, I hope
we can teach the kids the meaning of being
on a team, respect and sportsmanship.”
According to the state of Maryland
website, on Oct. 1, 2004, lacrosse became
the official team sport of the state and
is known as the oldest sport in North
America.
CYSS plans to use the lacrosse clinic to
gauge the installation’s interest in the sport
and further develop the program.
“Eventually we would like to have
lacrosse run like our other sports,” Davis
said.
Editor’s note: To register for the
Youth Sports lacrosse clinic, former ath-
letes can visit the Fort Meade Director-
ate of Family and Morale, Welfare and
Recreation’s website at ftmeademwr.com
and click on the “CYSS Sports” tab.
New athletes must register at Parent
Central Services at 1900 Reece Road.
For more information, call Youth
Sports at 301-677-1179.
Follow Fort
Meade on
Twitter.com
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Fort Meade Soundoff March 12, 2015
- 1. no stigma First Ladyspeaks out about mental health issues page 12 UPCOMING EVENTS Today-Saturday, 7 p.m.: ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ musical - Meade High School Wednesday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Technical Job Fair - Club Meade March 19, 11:30 a.m.: Women’s History Month observance - Conference Center March 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Brunch with the Easter Bunny - Conference Center March 23, 1 p.m.: Community public listening session, Q&A - McGill Training Ctr. playoff run Meade High basketball team sets sights on state championship page 14 Soundoff!´ vol. 67 no. 10 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community March 12, 2015 zero in PHOTO BY TINA MILES Staff Sgt. Terrance Smith (center), E Company, 782nd Military Intelligence Battalion, 780th MI Brigade, prepares to fire the German machine gun (MG3) in the second qualification round for the Schützenschnur on the ranges at Fort Meade on March 2. The Schützenschnur is a German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship Proficiency. For the story, see Page 13.
- 2. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil SOUNDOFF! March12, 2015 Commander’s Column Contents News.............................. 3 Sports...................................14 Crime Watch................10 Movies..................................19 Community..................17 Classified..............................21 Editorial Staff Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Rodwell L. Forbes Public Affairs Officer Chad T. Jones Chad.T.Jones.civ@mail.mil Chief, Command Information Philip H. Jones Philip.H.Jones.civ@mail.mil Editor Dijon Rolle Dijon.N.Rolle.civ@mail.mil Assistant Editor Senior Writer Rona S. Hirsch Staff Writer Lisa R. Rhodes Staff Writer Shari Rosen Design Coordinator Timothy Davis Supplemental photography provided by The Baltimore Sun Media Group Advertising General Inquiries 410-332-6300 or email advertise@baltsun.com If you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are experiencing distribution issues, call 877-886-1206 or e-mail TP@baltsun.com. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Printed by offset method of reproduction as a civilian enterprise in the interest of the personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by The Baltimore Sun Media Group, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday except the last Thursday of the year in conjunction with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office. Requests for publication must reach the Public Affairs Office no later than Friday before the desired publication date. Mailing address: Post Public Affairs Office, Soundoff! IMME-MEA-PA, Bldg. 4409, Fort Meade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-5602; DSN: 622-5602. Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, handicap or sex of purchaser, user or patron.A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source. Printed by The Baltimore Sun Co., LLC, a private firm, in no way connected with the Department of the Army. Opinions expressed by the publisher and writers herein are their own and are not to be considered an official expression by the Department of the Army. The appearance of advertisers in the publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army of the products or services advertised. www.ftmeade.army.mil You can also keep track of Fort Meade on Twitter at twitter.com/ftmeademd and view the Fort Meade Live Blog at ftmeade.armylive.dodlive.mil. Soundoff!´ Guaranteed circulation: 11,285 Hello again, Team Meade! March is almost half over and just like last year, Mother Nature reminded us that winter in Maryland doesn’t end in February. But it looks like we’re finally warming up. So, hopefully, as the old saying goes, March came in like a lion but will go out like a lamb. Looking forward to the asphalt plants reopen- ing so we can get back to work repaving the remaining roads and parking lots we were able to fund with last year’s money. We got a whole lot done last fall and have plenty more to go! This month we are conducting our Military Saves Campaign, and kicked off this year’s Army Emergency Relief donation period. Both are fundamental to the well-being of our nation and military. Our national strength is derived from the strength of our economy. All other forms of national power are derived from it. The strength of our economy is based in its health, and our national debt plays a huge role that equation. It is a fact that our economy will eventually weaken if we do not balance our national budget and reduce our national debt. To do this, it will take the combined effort of our national, state and local community leader- ship and individual responsibility. Together we must combat this culture of debt that we have all become too comfortable with over the past several decades. That’s why in the military, we willingly take on the responsibility to educate our service members on the importance of financial management. It all starts at the grass roots level. We must educate our young men and women on the importance of not living beyond their means, and of the true impact that high-interest loans can have on their long-term ability to save and build true wealth for a secure future. I thank all who work hard every day to edu- cate and support our service members in this effort. The more you save, the more you have to give. And if you are a member of the U.S. military, there is no better organization to donate toward than your own service’s relief fund — the funds that pro- vide interest-free loans and grants to your battle buddies, shipmates and wingmen in their times of need. On March 1, we began our Army Emergency Relief Campaign for 2015. Giving to Army Emergency Relief and the service relief funds directly combats predatory lenders who stalk outside the gates of every military post and take needless advantage of those who are young and inexperienced. Last year, Fort Meade active-duty service members donated almost $60,000 to AER, and received more than $800,000 in loans and grants. Our service members are taking advantage of the program, so let’s all do our best to chip in this year. Our service relief organizations all work together. AER can accept donations from, and process grants for, members of all branches of the armed forces. The books are balanced at the national level to make donating as easy as possible. So leaders, please make sure all Soldiers and service members are informed of the benefits of AER and the service relief funds, and let’s have a productive year for our service relief campaigns. I hope everyone has a safe and fun Saint Patrick’s Day. Keep thinking warm, happy thoughts and the snow will melt faster. I hope! Financial Readiness and AER COL. Brian P. Foley Garrison Commander Commander’s Open Door Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley has an open door policy. All service members, retirees, government employees, family members and community members age 18 or older are invited to address issues or con- cerns to the commander directly by visiting Foley’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.
- 3. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil March 12,2015 SOUNDOFF! News By Lisa R. Rhodes Staff Writer The garrison has updated the Army’s regulation regarding the prohibition of the use of tobacco products to include a command policy that addresses e- cigarettes. Army regulation 600-63 prohibits the use of tobacco products in all Depart- ment of the Army occupied workplaces, except for designated smoking areas, which will be at least 50 feet from com- mon building doorways. Garrison command policy No. 63, which was released in late January, prohibits the use of vapor producing devices, or e-cigarettes, within 50 feet of any government buildings on post. The policy applies to all military and civilian personnel, including appropri- ated and nonappropriated fund employ- ees, as well as family members, visitors, volunteers and contractors. Violation of the policy by military personnel is punishable as an offense under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Civilians may be subject to an adverse administrative action or be barred from the post for violating the policy. Smoking and good health don’t mix. “[Smoking] increases the risk of can- cer and cardiovascular disease,” said Tina Chen, a clinical pharmacist at Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center. “Second-hand smoke is a danger to oth- ers and the smoker.” Kimbrough provides one-on-one smoking cessation consultations for Tri- care beneficiaries whose primary physi- cian works at the clinic. Those interested can be referred for a consultation by their primary care provider, or they can refer themselves by calling Kimbrough directly and request- ing a consultation. The initial 45-minute consultation is conducted by Dr. Jennifer Evans, a clinical pharmacist. Follow-up con- sultations are provided by all clinical pharmacists on Kimbrough’s Primary Care Team. During the initial consultation, people are asked about their history of tobacco use and cessation and about any health issues that may prevent the use of nico- tine replacement medications. During the sessions, the risks of smoking and the benefits of quitting are addressed, Chen said. “One of the best things a patient can do to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease is to quit,” she said. “It is not one of the easiest things to do, but it’s the best thing to do in terms of long- term health.” Evans and the team of clinical phar- macists help participants design a smoking cessation program that works for them. Those who are sensitive to nicotine replacement medications have the option of using a nicotine patch, gum or inhalers. In addition to the potential health risks of smoking, Chen said smoking reduces a service member’s ability to be productive, since time is taken away from the mission to smoke. The habit can also be very expensive as well, she said. DoD civilians whose primary care provider is not affiliated with Kim- brough can ask their provider for assis- tance. Chen also recommends the web- site www.smokefree.gov for smoking- cessation tips and education. Editor’s note: To schedule a one-on- one smoking cessation consultation, call Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center at 866-511-8748. To view Garrison Com- mand Policy No. 63, go to http://www. ftmeade.army.mil/policies/. E-cigarettes restricted on Fort Meade By Bryan Spann Meade TV Producer Even the most casual Fort Meade observer has noticed the large multistory structure being raised just across McGla- chlan Parade Field on Cooper Avenue. The building is the new Army Inter- Continental Hotels Group Candlewood Suites Hotel. The Candlewood Suites is replacing the current IHG hotel based in Abrams Hall. “We wanted to offer an improved product,” said Brenda Stoner, gener- al manager of IHG Army hotel/Fort Meade. “Our mission is to improve the life of Soldiers and their families. And in doing that and living up to that mission, our product needed an improvement and I think the community deserves an improvement. “It’s so exciting for us, we know the military traveler and we know they’re looking for comfort for themselves and their families.” Stoner is optimistic that the new hotel will be open to the community soon. “Hopefully, we’ll be open by the end of the year,” she said. “[I] don’t know that for positive, but we’re on schedule.” According to Stoner, the new hotel will be larger with nearly 250 rooms, all of which will have kitchen facilities. The top floor will be reserved for distin- guished visitors. Breakfast will be available to all guests. Other highlights include an outdoor pool, a modernized lobby area where guests can enjoy breakfast, and a busi- ness center complete with Wi-Fi Internet access. The staff is planning a grand open- ing celebration once the hotel officially opens. The date will be announced to the community as soon as it is determined. Army IHG hotels are open to the entire Department of Defense commu- nity and eligible visitors. “Whether you’re military, retired, friends or family of the military, you’re welcome to stay [with us] as long as you can get on post,” Stoner said. Room availability will vary depending on the time of year. Service members do not have to be on active duty to make a reservation. For more information on Army IHG hotels, the Candlewood Suites or reserva- tions, visit www.ihg.com/armyhotels/or call 410-674-7700 or 301-677-5660. New hotel construction on schedule Photo by Steve Ellmore J.B. “Brad” Spong, Sigal Construction safety manager, oversees construction of the new the new Army InterContinental Hotels Group Candlewood Suites Hotel at Fort Meade. Candlewood Suites, will have nearly 250 rooms, is scheduled to open to the community by the end of the year.
- 4. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil SOUNDOFF! March12, 2015 News By Shari Rosen Staff Writer Military youth often do not have a strong social network due to the nomadic military lifestyle, said Rose Holland, Employment Readiness Pro- gram manager. This lack of network can pose a chal- lenge in the job search. To combat this challenge, Army Community Service and the Fort Meade Directorate of Family and Morale, Wel- fare and Recreation are sponsoring the Youth Opportunity Fair on March 25. The event will provide youths ages 14 to 21 with the opportunity to interact with a variety of organizations that offer volunteer, scholarship, education, internship and employment opportuni- ties. “This will provide our youth with the opportunity to network in a different way,” Holland said. “Youth will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of opportunities, [which] include jobs in the area.” The fair, which will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. at Club Meade, is open to the public. Fair participants should dress professionally and bring resumes. “The goal is to provide youth[s] with a holistic approach to the job search,” Holland said. “While the goal for many youths is to find a job and make money, I would like to see youths utilize this event to explore career fields and look to the future. My hope is that they will take the time to explore and learn more about opportunities available.” Some of the 70 organizations partici- pating in the fair include: Anne Arundel Community College; Boy Scouts of America; Lowes; Vector Marketing; Y of Central Maryland; Residence Inn Arundel Mills; and Leon Bryant Foun- dation. “The employers and other organiza- tions attending the fair recognize both the challenges and potential of our military youth,” Holland said. “They are seeking youth with the qualities our youth[s] possess because of their expo- sure to the military lifestyle: timeliness, dedication, reliability, honesty, ability to work with diverse populations, and volunteer spirit.” Holland hopes that more than 200 youths will attend the fair. “The fair brings exposure of our youth to job-search strategies and opportunities available to them,” Hol- Youth Fair helps military kids build networks land said. “It empowers them with knowledge [to] make solid decisions regarding a career.” Editor’s note: For more information or to volunteer at the Youth Opportunity Fair, call Army Community Service at 301-677-5590. ACS is seeking adult vol- unteers for the day of the event. The Youth Opportunity Fair will provide youths ages 14 to 21 with the chance to learn about employment, internship, education, volunteer and scholarship opportunities. The fair will be held March 25 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Club Meade. FILE PHOTO Photo by Dijon Rolle financial readinessLisa Jenkins, of Howard County Housing, and Cindy Riely, of Maryland People’s Counsel, discuss home-buying educational resources during the Military Saves Financial Readiness Fair sponsored Tuesday by Army Com- munity Service and the Navy Fleet and Family Support Center. The annual event, held at McGill Training Center, provides community members with information on financial planning, credit management, Thrift Savings Plan, home-buying and ways to outsmart financial scams.
- 5. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil SOUNDOFF! March12, 2015 News By Jane M. Winand Chief, Legal Assistance Division The economic downturn has resulted in more people considering filing for bank- ruptcy. However, filing for bankruptcy can be a confusing and stressful process. If done incorrectly, your bankruptcy peti- tion may be rejected by the court. Further- more, any creditors omitted from the bank- ruptcy petition may still attempt to collect on debt you owe. It is wise to consult with an attorney who has expertise in the bankruptcy process before filing. Be advised that Maryland offers free and low-cost bankruptcy counseling to quali- fied members of the public through various programs. The United States Bankruptcy Court for Maryland has established a free program open to persons who may not have the resources to hire a lawyer. The Debtor Assistance Project provides legal advice to debtors who have filed for bankruptcy without a lawyer or are con- sidering filing for bankruptcy and want to represent themselves. DAP is a legal clinic that is a partnership between the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and various members of the Maryland legal community. Through DAP, debtors have an opportunity to meet, one-on-one, with a volunteer bankruptcy attorney for a free half-hour consultation. DAP provides legal advice to individuals without an attorney by explaining the bank- ruptcy process including how bankruptcy may be used to prevent foreclosure on a home mortgage. DAP does not provide an attorney to com- plete the bankruptcy petition and other doc- uments. The DAP website provides an array of information including forms and instruc- tions, how to schedule an appointment and what to bring to the appointment. If you have already filed, the DAP offers guidance concerning court proceedings, extensions to file and other useful informa- tion such as how to find an attorney to represent you. DAP has four offices — Baltimore, Green- belt, Easton and Cumberland — with more than 170 licensed attorneys providing free legal services during half-hour consultations. To schedule an appointment call 410-962- 3813, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. The DAP’s website is www.mdb.uscourts. gov/content/debtor-assistance-project. Another resource for Maryland residents facing the prospect of filing for bankruptcy is the Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Service. Periodically, the MVLS conducts self-help seminars describing the process for filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, one of the more com- mon forms of bankruptcy. These seminars are usually offered to peo- ple with low or moderate income who have a high school diploma and are not currently in a foreclosure proceeding. The seminars are conducted by an experienced bankruptcy attorney who instructs participants on how to complete the required bankruptcy forms and represent themselves at the bankruptcy hearing. Most seminars are held at the MVLS administrativeofficelocatedat201N.Charles St., Suite 1400, Baltimore. Advance registra- tion for these seminars is required. For information about upcoming semi- nars, call the MVLS at 410-547-6537 or 800- 510-0050 or go to http://www.mvlslaw.org/. Although the bankruptcy process is outside the scope of the Legal Assistance Division’s expertise, you may schedule an appointment with a Legal Assistance attor- ney at 301-677-9504 or 301-677-9536 to discuss debt collection, credit problems and other debtor-creditor questions. Contemplating bankruptcy Find the Fort Meade Religious Schedule at www.ftmeade.army.mil. Look for the “Community” tab then click on “Religious Services” for schedules, events and contact information. Antwerpen Hyundai Supports Our Troops SPECIAL OFFERS for All Active, Reserve, Guard of U.S. Military and Dependents Open Sundays 443-367-4100 AntwerpenHyundaiClarksville.com 12431 Auto Drive – off Routes 32 108 located in the Columbia AutoPark Active/Reserve/Guard of U.S. Military and Dependents. Must bring LES and/or dependent ID. Veterans are eligible and must bring DD214. Receive all available factory-to-dealer incentives and customer rebates, in addition to this pricing. Incentives vary with model, some exclusions apply. All prices plus freight ($795- $995), tax, tags $300 dealer processing fee (Not req. by law) Dealer installed options are additional. All vehicles subject to prior sale. See dealer for LIMITED WARRANTY details. Offers end March 31, 2015 For more great deals, full details or any questions please contact me personally: Hector L. Colon, U.S. Army Veteran cell: 410-903-0685 hcolon@antwerpenauto.com 2015 2014 ACCENT $750UNDER INVOICE 2015 AZERA $1,000UNDER INVOICE 2015 ELANTRA $1,000UNDER INVOICE 2015 GENESIS SEDAN $1,100UNDER INVOICE 2014 GENESIS SEDAN $1,300UNDER INVOICE 2014 2015 GENESIS COUPE $800UNDER INVOICE 2014 ELANTRA COUPE GT $950UNDER INVOICE 2015 SONATA UP TO $1,850UNDER INVOICE 2015SANTAFEUPTO $1,000UNDER INVOICE you get these great deals, PLUS you KEEP all applicable rebates and incentives!
- 6. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil SOUNDOFF! March12, 2015 News U.S. Postal Service Sunday marked the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the ground war in Vietnam with the deployment of 3,500 Marines. By war’s end on April 30, 1975, nearly 3 million service men and women had fought in the conflict that would take the lives of more than 58,000 Americans. Of those who served during the Viet- nam War, 258 were awarded the Medal of Honor. More than six out of 10 award recipients made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives while performing the courageous acts for which they were later honored. The U.S. Postal Service will honor these brave Americans by dedicating the Limited Edition Vietnam War Medal of Honor Prestige Folio Forever stamps on Memorial Day, May 25. The ceremony will be hosted at 1 p.m. by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and the National Park Service at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public. The Prestige Folio stamp sheet depict- ing many of the nearly 50 living Vietnam War recipients will be previewed later. The folio, which lists the names of all 258 recipients, will be modeled after the World War II and Korean War Medal of Honor Prestige Folio stamp sheets issued in 2013 and 2014, respectively. The Medal of Honor is America’s most prestigious military decoration, awarded by the president of the United States on behalf of Congress to members of the armed services who distinguish themselves through “conspicuous gal- lantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty” while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States. The Medal of Honor traces its origins to the first year of the Civil War, when Congress saw the need for a formal means of recognizing or rewarding acts of heroism. In 1861, Iowa Sen. James W. Grimes introduced a bill to “promote the efficiency of the Navy” by distributing “medals of honor.” President Abraham Lincoln signed the bill into law on Dec. 21, 1861. Lincoln signed a similar measure on behalf of the U.S. Army on July 12, 1862, and the country had two Medals of Honor: one for Sailors and one for Soldiers. There are now three similar, yet dis- tinct, versions of the Medal of Honor, one for each military branch: Army, Navy and Air Force. The medals are similar in that each consists of a variation of a five-pointed star worn around the neck on a light blue ribbon. The Navy version is awarded to those serving in the Navy and Marine Corps, and during times of war, to mem- bers of the Coast Guard. The Air Force, which was established as an independent department in 1947, adopted its distinctive Medal of Honor in 1965. The first presentation of the U.S. Air Force’s medal took place in 1967 during the Vietnam War. Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipients honored with stamp Connect with Fort Meade at Facebook.com/ftmeade
- 7. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! March12, 2015 News prior to the board’s recommendation to the garrison commander. Even after an activity is placed on the off-limits list, the board continues to maintain visibility of the establish- ment or activity. Removal from off-lim- its status requires a board recommen- dation to the garrison commander. The AFDCB has placed the fol- lowing establishments on its off-limits list: • Exxon station, 7898 Ridge Road, Hanover: Selling synthetic marijuana products, also known as Spice • Exxon station, 1318 Annapolis Road, Odenton: Selling Spice • Sports 55, aka “Teamuniforms 123,” 160 Ritchie Highway, Suite 6B, Severna Park: Unethical business prac- tice • The Tobacco Stop: 3351 Corridor Marketplace, Laurel: Selling Spice Individuals who wish to file an Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board complaint should present the complaint in writing to: Headquarters Command Battalion, USAR ATTN: President, Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board 4551 Llewellyn Ave., Suite 5000 Fort Meade, MD 206755-5500 Individuals also may call 301-677- 7145. Editor’s note: A copy of the list is available online at ftmeade.army.mil. Fort Meade Public Affairs Office Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley has released the names of estab- lishments on the post’s off-limits list as determined by the Fort Meade Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board. Service members assigned to Fort Meade are barred from going to any off-limits establishment or sites for any reason. Service members who go to these establishments may be punished under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The AFDCB is an installation func- tion with the goal of protecting service members and their families by warn- ing them of unsafe areas to avoid and unethical business practices. The AFDCB provides the garrison commander with a tool to identify, investigate, report and act on condi- tions within the Fort Meade commu- nity that in any way adversely affect the health, safety, welfare, morale and discipline of the armed forces and their families. The requirements to place an activity on the off-limits list are stringent. All efforts are made by the board mem- bers to fully investigate and review any activity that is recommended for off- limits consideration. A business or activity under consid- eration for off-limits status is officially notified, and the proprietor is given the opportunity to appear before the board Garrison announces list of off-limits establishments March 3, Larceny of private property: The Directorate of Emergency Services was noti- fied of a stolen battery from an RV trailer located in the RV Park. Investigation revealed that an unknown person by unknown means had taken a battery from the victim’s RV trailer, which was secured and unattended. March 4, Larceny of private property: The vic- tim stated her wallet was taken from her apron while working at Starbucks in the Exchange. She placed the apron on a rack near the back door. She later noticed the wallet was missing from her apron pocket. March 7, Shoplifting: Two juvenile subjects were witnessed via closed circuit leaving the Exchange without rendering proper payment for three watches, 10 military-style coins and various other items. CommunityCommunity Crime Watch Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services For week of March 2-8: • Moving violations: 10 • Nonmoving violations: 2 • Verbal warnings for traffic stops: 20 • Traffic accidents: 7 • Driving on suspended license: 0 • Driving on suspended registration: 0 • Driving without a license: 0BEAUTY ACADEMY of laurel • GI Bill approved • Military Spouse MYCAA grant approved • Title IV financial aid also available • 7 Minutes from Fort Meade UNCLE SAM WANTS YOU… IN BEAUTY SCHOOL! 301-490-8580 3535 Fort Meade Road Laurel, MD 20724 www.aspenlaurel.com Contact us today at 301-490-8580 or info@aspenlaurel.com Just minutes from Fort Meade • Knowledgeable, experienced teaching staff • Advanced Salon Training (Prosper U) • 3 day schedule or evening classes Dr. Edwin Zaghi - Board Certified Pediatric Dentistry; - American Board Pediatric Dentist; - Fellow American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry KID-FRIENDLY DENTISTRY Edwin Zaghi, DMD PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY • Infant Dental Screening • Emergency Appointments • Accepts MetLife/Tricare JUST OFF RT. 32! 10798 HICKORY RIDGE RD COLUMBIA • 410-992-4400 www.dredwinzaghi.com Near Fort Meade! Text FOLLOW FORTMEADE to 40404 to sign up for Fort Meade news alerts on your mobile phone
- 8. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil12 SOUNDOFF! March12, 2015 News By Terri Moon Cronk DoD News, Defense Media Activity The military reaches out to assist troubled service members, but helping people with mental health issues “is what we’ve got to do for every single person in our own lives,” First Lady Michelle Obama said at a conference held March 4 at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. As part of the White House’s Joining Forces initiative, the first lady addressed mental health professionals at the “Give An Hour” conference. Give an Hour is a nonprofit organi- zation that develops networks of vol- unteers to provide free counseling to troops, veterans and their families affect- ed by war and works toward eliminating the stigma attached to seeking help for mental health issues. Obama said all Americans should learn to recognize the distress indicators in family and friends. People should not be afraid to seek help because of how it will look to those around them, the first lady said. Mental health conditions often are perceived differently from diseases such as cancer, diabetes or asthma, she said. “That makes no sense,” Obama said. “Whether an illness affects your heart, your leg or your brain, it’s still an illness. So there should be absolutely no stigma around mental health. None. Zero.” Nearly one in five adults — more than 40 million Americans — experience a diagnosable mental-health condition such as depression or anxiety every year, Obama noted. “So it is really time to flip the script on mental health in this country,” Obama said. “It’s time. It’s time to tell everyone who’s dealing with a mental health issue that they’re not alone, and that getting support and treatment isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength.” To illustrate her point, Obama described the story of Ryan Rigdon, a Navy veteran who deployed twice to Iraq to disarm enemy bombs. “[On] his first day on duty in Bagh- dad, Ryan and his team were sent out to dismantle explosives seven different times,” the first lady said. “Then Ryan encountered a live [improvised explosive device] that was camouflaged to look like a rock. “Ryan didn’t have his protective suit on, and he knew the device could explode at any minute. So he flipped it over and disarmed it with his bare hands.” First Lady: Mental illness should carry no stigma photo by EJ Hersom First Lady Michelle Obama speaks at the launch of the mental health initiative Campaign to Change Direction on March 4 at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. The first lady, who co-founded the Joining Forces military community mental-health program, spoke about the campaign’s importance for the military community. Eventually, Obama said, Rigdon began to experience mental health symp- toms such as extreme emotional highs and lows, severe headaches, ringing in his ears and panic attacks. Once out of the military and back at home, he faced additional struggles with family issues, a sick child and difficulty finding employment. Another Sailor noticed how Rigdon was struggling and encouraged him to seek help, the first lady said. After hitting rock-bottom and nearly taking his life, Obama said, Rigdon sought help from Give an Hour through the Veterans Affairs Department. “In Ryan’s story we hear the story of far too many of our veterans — the struggle to adjust to a new life, the ter- rors and anxieties that just won’t go away, even when they’re back home, safe in their own beds,” Obama said. Not all veterans are plagued with mental-health issues, she said, but the veterans who do struggle are not alone. Rigdon’s story could have ended in heartbreak, but the people in his life wouldn’t let that happen, the first lady said. “The Sailor who reached out to him, the co-worker who supported him, his wife who was there for him every day — they all showed Ryan that he didn’t have to do this alone, and they helped him to change direction,” Obama said. The military community has learned to provide to those in need, which is something all Americans should do for people in their own lives, the first lady said. “We’ve got to listen, connect with them, offer our compassion so that our friends, families, neighbors and our veterans can get the help they need, just like we would if they were diagnosed with cancer or heart disease or anything else. Because we all know that our men- tal health is just as vital as our physical health,” Obama said. “So it’s time we started treating it that way.” As part of the effort, the first lady told the audience, Give an Hour is co-spon- soring the Campaign to Change Direc- tion with the Substance Abuse and Men- tal Health Services Administration. SAMHSA will provide subject-mat- ter expertise and will coordinate federal outreach through the Veterans Affairs, Defense Department, and Health and Human Services. Editor’s note: For more information on the Give an Hour organization, visit http://www.giveanhour.org/.
- 9. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil March 12,2015 SOUNDOFF! 13 Cover Story By Tina Miles, Public Affairs Office 780th MI Brigade Soldiers with the 780th Military Intel- ligence Brigade qualified for the German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship Proficiency (Schützenschnur) on the range at Fort Meade on March 2. The Schützenschnur is a decoration for weapons proficiency for enlisted Soldiers, and is one of the few pre-approved for- eign awards U.S. military personnel are authorized to wear on the uniform. To earn the badge, participants had to successfully shoot the German service rifle (G36) and pistol (P8). A service member awarded gold or silver at the small-arms level was advanced to the German machine gun (MG3). The weapons were fired at targets from a standing and prone position, within a limited amount of time, using a limited amount of ammunition. The awarded grade was determined by the lowest weapon qualification. For example, if a Soldier qualified all gold and one bronze, that Soldier was awarded the bronze medal. The Schützenschnur competition was conducted under the operation of the German Armed Forces Command Unit- ed States and Canada, and was open to all service members on Fort Meade. “We have been to Fort Meade before. This time, 28 U.S. [service members] from every branch fired, with two Soldiers [qualifying] at silver,” said Cpl. Mario Bartusch, German Armed Forces Com- mand U.S. and Canada, who was in charge of ammunition and final scores. Bartusch has been involved with the competition for four years. “I enjoy it very much — the different country, the different [service members] and different ranges,” he said. The Meade competition was conduct- ed in two phases, each with three levels: bronze, silver and gold. To qualify in phase one, Soldiers began at 40 meters and fired at four targets within eight sec- onds, then again within six seconds. They advanced to 25 meters and fired at four targets within six seconds, then again within four seconds. After that, the Soldiers moved to 10 meters, where they switched weapons to pistols and fired at eight- and six-second intervals. Finally, they advanced to 7 meters and had four seconds to hit three targets. Soldiers qualifying at the silver or gold level in phase one advanced to phase two, where they had to fire the MG3 while in 780th MI Brigade Soldiers compete for Schützenschnur the prone position. Participants included 18 members of the 780th MI Brigade (and its subordi- nate units); six from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 780th MI Bri- gade; 11 from the 781st MI Battalion; and one from the 782nd MI Battalion. All six HHC participants qualified for the bronze award. Spc. Sean Bar- tholomew advanced to the MG3 stage. “To say it was an awesome experience doesn’t seem to do it justice,” he said. “The range itself was actually consid- erably more challenging than I antici- pated. “For the rifle and pistol portion, the short time limit added a level of difficulty I wasn’t expecting. The machine gun por- tion was much tougher than I anticipated; the weapon itself fires incredibly fast, targets are small and despite the bright yellow background, not very visible. “Being a junior MI Soldier, it is not often that an opportunity to fire another country’s weapons presents itself, and for that I am extremely grateful,” Bar- tholomew said. “If you ever get the opportunity to try this, don’t miss out.” In addition to Bartholomew, the other Soldiers with HHC, 780th MI Brigade who qualified for the bronze medal were: Staff Sgt. Marie Boyd, Staff Sgt. Rolando Roman, Staff Sgt. Brian Zabler, Pfc. Dora Vlassakis and Pfc. Morgan Williams. Staff Sgt. Terrance Smith, 782nd MI Battalion, helped coordinate the competi- tion on behalf of the 780th MI Brigade. Smith also advanced to fire the MG3. “I had a great time, not just for being able to fire foreign weapons, but because our Soldiers were able to actually talk and interact with our foreign partners as well,” Smith said. Another Schützenschnur competition is scheduled at Fort Meade on May 4, said Smith. Command Sgt. Maj. William Rinehart of the 780th MI Brigade briefly stopped by the range during the competition to observe his Soldiers. “The opportunity to engage on a per- sonal level with our allied and joint part- ners can never be taken for granted,” he said. “This opportunity for two armies to come together and share traditions as Soldiers on a topic near and dear to both of us is invaluable. “We are grateful they entrusted us with weapon systems, but more importantly, with their troops,” Rinehart said. PHOTO BY TINA MILES Pfc. Morgan Williams, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 780th Military Intelligence Brigade receives assistance with the German service rifle (G36) from Master Sgt. Patrick Vester, German Armed Forces Command United States and Canada. Williams competed March 2 on the ranges at Fort Meade for the Schützenschnur, a German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship Proficiency. Williams qualified for the bronze medal.
- 10. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil14 SOUNDOFF! March12, 2015 Sports Meade High’s Jerry Washington throws up a floater in the Mustangs’ playoff game against Severna Park at Meade High on March 4. The Mustangs have won three playoff games and will face Springbrook High tonight at the University of Maryland’s Xfinity Center. Tip-off is at 9 p.m. Photos by Daniel Kucin Jr. ABOVE: Meade’s Tristan Easton takes a jump-shot against Severna Park on March 4 in a Maryland 4A East regional basketball playoff game. Tristan, a 6’3” junior, is a multitalented athletic who has played point guard, shooting guard and small forward this season for the Mustangs. LEFT: Mustang Bruce Spruell powers over Severna Park’s Chris Lee for 2 points. Meade High has a 24-2 overall record and was 16-0 in Anne Arundel County conference play this season. Staff Report The Meade High Mustangs are on course to achieve the team’s goal to win a state title. In their first playoff game March 4, the Mustangs — the top-seeded team in the Maryland 4A East Region — defeated Sever- na Park, 75-58. Meade High defeated Old Mill, 77-64, Saturday and won again Monday, with an 84-68 victory over North Points. Meade High Coach Pete Corriero has nothing but high praise for his team regard- ing the Mustangs’ run in the 2014-15 Mary- land high school state basketball playoffs. “I’m proud of how we played the last two games, considering the weather conditions and lack of practice time,” Corriero said. “We have had to work hard and earn every- thing we accomplished thus far.” Meade will play North Bracket Champion Springbrook High tonight at the University of Maryland’s Xfinity Center. Tip-off is at 9 p.m. The Mustangs have a 24-2 overall record, 16-0 in conference play. Meade High success continues in state basketball playoffs
- 11. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil March 12,2015 SOUNDOFF! 15 Sports By Shari Rosen Staff Writer Lacrosse is the official team sport of the state of Maryland. Now Fort Meade will partake in the state’s lacrosse craze by introducing a Youth Sports lacrosse clinic in the spring. “We put out a survey on Fort Meade [in the fall] and we got a lot of good responses about if kids were interested,” said Hunter Davis, sports director of Child, Youth and School Services. “So we said, ‘OK, obvi- ously the interest is there. We need to give it a go.’ ” The spring lacrosse clinic, which is open to youth ages 5 to 13, will run from March 30 until June 12. It will be held twice a week from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Youth Sports Complex. Registration costs $60. Equipment, such as a helmet, lacrosse stick, elbow pads and gloves, will be provided for each par- ticipant. The clinic will focus on basic lacrosse skills such as cradling, passing and scoop- ing the ball. CYSS premieres youth lacrosse clinic U.S. ARMY PHOTO Child, Youth and School Services will introduce a Youth Sports lacrosse clinic from March 30 to June 12. The clinic, open to youths ages 5 to 13, will teach basic skills such as cradling, scooping and handling the ball. Spring, summer, fall or winter... Get involved with Youth Sports on Fort Meade, call 301-677-1105/1146/1156/1179. “We’ll work on the basic fundamentals and then toward the end of the season, we’ll kind of work more on positioning,” Davis said. “Maybe by the end of the season we can work into run[ning] a little scrimmage against each other and kind of get used to that game setting.” To help implement the program, CYSS will partner with volunteers from the Meade High School’s varsity lacrosse pro- gram. “We are excited to see a youth program forming in the Meade area,” said Don- ald Ziegler, head coach of boys’ varsity lacrosse at Meade High for the past three years. “Lacrosse is a fast-growing sport, and it is wonderful to see Meade youth get a chance to learn more about it. “It will benefit the high school program down the road as it will feed players into our high school teams who have some experience.” CYSS will also bring in former lacrosse players to instruct the youths as well as provide USA lacrosse resources. “Hopefully, we can also expose [par- ticipants] to game situations and begin to teach them the strategy that goes into playing lacrosse,” said Ricky Deitchman, assistant varsity lacrosse coach at Meade High. “In addition to lacrosse skills, I hope we can teach the kids the meaning of being on a team, respect and sportsmanship.” According to the state of Maryland website, on Oct. 1, 2004, lacrosse became the official team sport of the state and is known as the oldest sport in North America. CYSS plans to use the lacrosse clinic to gauge the installation’s interest in the sport and further develop the program. “Eventually we would like to have lacrosse run like our other sports,” Davis said. Editor’s note: To register for the Youth Sports lacrosse clinic, former ath- letes can visit the Fort Meade Director- ate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s website at ftmeademwr.com and click on the “CYSS Sports” tab. New athletes must register at Parent Central Services at 1900 Reece Road. For more information, call Youth Sports at 301-677-1179. Follow Fort Meade on Twitter.com /ftmeademd
- 12. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil16 SOUNDOFF! March12, 2015 Sports I’m coming to you from my couch, Jabber Nation. I’m a little under the weather, so I’m typing hurt, but there are worse things than working from home: being sick at work, shingles and, of course, Duke basketball. Back in the day there was nothing I hated more than the Dookies. In fact, that name pretty much summed up what I thought of them. And the biggest Duke of them all was Christian Laettner. For college basketball fans in the early ’90s, there wasn’t a more polarizing figure than the Blue Devil center. Dick Vitale and other Duke fans thought Christian was darn near a deity in high tops. But tell me, would someone so ordained stomp on a fellow competi- tor like Laettner did against Kentucky? bit.ly/1KW9lD5 Of course not. Laettner haters knew that the center from New York was a much different player than the one the media portrayed him to be. And that gulf fact and fiction was one of the things people hated most about Christian. Haters knew if anyone else in America would have stomped on someone, that player would have been ejected from the game and demonized. But not the Golden Boy. He barely got a technical. Of course the other thing Laettner haters like me knew, but couldn’t stand to admit, is the boy could play. He was a winner who started in the Final Four every year of his college career. As much as everyone wanted to criti- cize him for being soft or preppy — the Michigan Wolverines had a more deroga- tory term for him — at the end of the day, Laettner haters knew the boy had a lot of dawg in him. He’s the guy who sunk UCONN in 1990. bit.ly/1AfMGXL He’s the guy who beat the unbeatable UNLV Running Rebels in 1991. And in that game against Kentucky, a game most consider the greatest college game ever played, Christian didn’t just make every shot he took. He didn’t just stomp on a dude’s chest. He also ended that game with the most famous shot in basketball history. bit.ly/1lnDlvo Laettner was the only college player to make the original Dream Team. As I sit here on my lumpy, brown couch watch- ing him do an interview on “Mike and Mike,” Christian Laettner is still the first player I think of when it comes to March Madness, which officially starts at 6 p.m. Sunday when the teams filling out my bracket will finally be revealed. Then at 9 p.m. Sunday, ESPN will pre- miere its newest film, the appropriately titled “I Hate Christian Laettner.” This is a story I’ve wanted to see for years, and I hope will provide more context on why the man every father wanted their daughter to date is also the same player so many fathers wanted to hate. So fill out your brackets, sign up for the Fort Meade /Corvias 2015 NCAA Challenge, watch the film, and of course .... If you have any questions about this or anything to do with sports, contact me at chad.t.jones.civ@mail.mil or hit me up on Twitter @CTJibber. I hated Christian Laettner, too Chad T. Jones, Public Affairs Officer Jibber Jabber - Opinion Sports Shorts Youth spring sports Registration for spring sports is underway. Spring sports include baseball, softball, tennis, lacrosse, basketball, track, NFL flag football and soccer. To register online, go to ftmeademwr.com. For more information, call 301-677-1179. Youth Sports seeks volunteer coaches Volunteer coaches are needed for baseball, softball, tennis, lacrosse, basketball, track, NFL flag football, and soccer. All volunteers will receive free training and will be certified through the National Youth Sports Coaches Association. All volunteers must complete a background check. Apply at the Child, Youth and School Services’ Youth Sports Fitness Office at 1900 Reece Road. For more information, call 301-677-1179 or 301-677-1329. Tae kwon do Child, Youth and School Services offers tae kwon do classes for youths of all ages Tuesdays and Thursday at the Youth Center. Classes are broken into different age groups. Cost is $45 for ages 4 to 6 and $85 for ages 7–17. For more information, call 301-677-1149. 2015 Run Series Schedule The Fort Meade Run Series will resume in April. The series features seven 5K runs and 1-mile walks with a variety of themes: • Earth Day 5K: April 18, 8 a.m., Burba Lake Park • Patriot Pride 5K/10K: May 16, 8 a.m., Murphy Field House • Army Birthday Summer Sizzler 5K: June 13, 8 a.m., The Pavilion • Football Fanfare 5K: Sept. 19, 8 a.m., Constitution Park • Ghosts, Ghouls Goblins 5K: Oct. 24, 8 a.m., The Pavilion • Turkey Trot 5K: Nov. 21, 8 a.m., Murphy Field House • Reindeer Run 5K: Dec. 19, 8 a.m., Murphy Field House All runs are open to the public and include a 1-mile walk. Dollar Days Dollar Days at the Lanes are offered every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bowlers receive a game of bowling, shoe rental, a hot dog, hamburger, small fries, pizza slice or small soda for $1 each. For more information, call 301-677-5541. Texas Hold ‘Em Tournaments All service members and civilians are invited to play in the Texas Hold ‘Em Tournaments held Mondays and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at the Lounge at the Lanes. Tournament is free to enter. Prizes are awarded for the top winners. Food and beverages are available for purchase. For more information, call 301-677-5541. Team Meade/Corvias 2015 NCAA Challenge It’s March Madness and for the seventh straight year, Meade TV, the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office and Picerne Military Housing are teaming up for our annual NCAA pick’em contest. It’s easy. Make the most correct picks in the upcoming NCAA basketball tournament and you could win a $100 VISA gift certificate, courtesy of Picerne Military Housing. Look for details next week on the Fort Meade Facebook page and Soundoff! For all your varsity and intramural sports schedules, scores and standings, visit www.quickscores.com/ftmeadesports.
- 13. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil March 12,2015 SOUNDOFF! 17 Community News Notes The deadline for Soundoff! community “News and Notes” is Friday at noon. All submissions are posted at the editor’s discretion and may be edited for space and grammar. Look for additional community events on the Fort Meade website at www. ftmeade.army.mil and the Fort Meade Facebook page at facebook.com/ftmeade. For more information or to submit an announcement, email dijon.n.rolle.civ@ mail.mil or call Editor Dijon Rolle at 301-677-6806. RAB meeting Fort Meade will conduct a Restoration Advisory Board meeting March 19 at 7 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriott, 2700 Hercules Road, Annapolis Junction. RAB meetings are held to keep the public informed of Fort Meade’s environmental cleanup and restoration program and to provide opportunities for public involvement and open discussion. Major topics for this meeting include updates on site monitoring and the Nevada Avenue area. Members of the public and the media are invited to attend. Interested citizens who would like to learn more about the restoration program or would like to become a RAB member are encouraged to attend the meeting. For more information, call 301-677- 7999 or visit http://www.ftmeade.army. mil/directorates/dpw/environment/ (click on RAB link). Submit requests for pothole repairs Due to the cold weather this winter, an increasing amount of potholes have developed on Fort Meade. Community members can submit a work order to alice.m.price10.civ@mail. mil to repair potholes. The work order must include the street name (and closest building or intersection) where the pothole is located; a primary and alternate point of contact; and a telephone number. Public listening session rescheduled The public listening session has been rescheduled due to weather to March 23 at 1 p.m. at McGill Training Center. Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan, commander, U.S. Army Military District of Washington, Joint Force Headquarters- National Capital Region, will host the session. Buchanan and a representative from the Army’s Operations and Plans Office will discuss the Army’s ongoing planning effort to achieve fiscal reductions required by the Budget Control Act of 2011. Additionally, Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley will discuss ongoing growth at Fort Meade. Leaders will then take questions from the audience. All members of the Fort Meade community including current employees, retirees, concerned citizens and family members are invited to attend the session. The listening session will be live- streamed from the Fort Meade website; individuals will be able to submit questions online. For more information, call 301-677- 1361. Right Arm Night Right Arm Night is rescheduled for May 7 from 4-6 p.m. at Club Meade. The event, initially scheduled for March 5, was canceled due to weather. Bring your right-arm service member, co-worker or employee for a fun evening of free food, music, dancing, prizes and camaraderie. The event is open to all military ranks and services, and civilians. Reserve your table at 301-677-6969. Easter brunch at Club Meade Club Meade will serve Easter Sunday brunch on April 5. Seating times are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Brunch is open to all services and ranks. Cost is $21.95 for members and $26.96 for nonmembers. Cost for member children, ages 3 to 10, is $11. Cost for nonmember children is $13.50 For reservations, call 301-677-6969. TARP training The garrison security office and the 902nd Military Intelligence Field Office are offering the Army’s Threat Awareness and Reporting Program (TARP) training to all members of the installation. Training dates are Tuesday and March 31 at 10 a.m. at the Post Theater. The primary focus of this training is to ensure that Department of Army personnel understand and report potential threats by foreign intelligence and international terrorists to the Army. Threat awareness and education training is designed to ensure that DA personnel recognize and report incidents and indicators of attempted or actual espionage, subversion, sabotage, terrorism or extremist activities directed against the Army and its personnel, facilities, resources and activities. Training is also to recognize and report indicators of potential terrorist- associated insider threats; illegal diversion of military technology; unauthorized intrusions into automated information systems; unauthorized disclosure of classified information; and indicators of other incidents that may indicate foreign intelligence or international terrorism targeting of the Army. IAW AR 381-12, 2-3 requires all DA personnel undergo threat-awareness training at least annually. Units are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Non-garrison units/commands will have to document their individual members training completion and/or accountability. For more information, call Leslie Heckendorf at 301-677-4505. 100 percent ID checks at all access gates Fort Meade is conducting 100 percent identification checks at all of its Access Control Points through Sunday. The effort, directed by Installation Management Command, is designed to count all non-Department of Defense visitors entering the installation. Visitors should be prepared for longer waits at the gates and the possibility of traffic impacts on the surrounding roads and highways, including Routes 175, 198 and 32. Fort Meade will conduct these checks for two weeks each month throughout the 2015 calendar year. IMCOM installations are conducting the count of visitors to ensure Visitor Control Centers are properly staffed. The visitor count is being conducted at all IMCOM installations. Kimbrough town hall Dr. (Col.) Michael J. Zapor, the Fort Meade Medical Department Activity deputy commander for clinical services, will conduct a mini town hall March 19 at 6 p.m. in the Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center lab reception area. The purpose of this forum is to disseminate information, answer questions and discuss concerns regarding Kimbrough. All beneficiaries are invited to attend. For more information, call 301-677- 8304. ‘Once Upon A Mattress’ The Meade High Drama Club will present its winter musical, “Once Upon A Mattress,” today, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $8. With a canned food donation, tickets cost $7. An American Sign Language interpreter will be available Friday. Technical Job Fair A Technical Job Fair will be held Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Club Meade. The event is open to the public. For a list of all attending employers, go to ftmeademwr.com. Volunteer Awards Banquet The Fort Meade Volunteers Awards Banquet will be held April 16 at 6 p.m. at Club Meade. Nominations for special awards will be accepted through Monday. For more information on nomination procedures and tickets, call the volunteer coordinator at 301-677-4128. Celebrate Pi Day Celebrate Pi Day on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the National Cryptologic Museum, adjacent to the National Secu- rity Agency. Bring your friends and family to par- ticipate in Pi-related activities: find the diameter of your head using Pi; make a bead bracelet in Pi order; hear the story of “Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi”; and more. Children of all ages can participate in these activities and earn prizes. Families also can tour the museum to learn all about cryptologic history. If you expand Pi out further to 3.141592653, by date and time that is March 14, 2015 at 09:26:53, making this year unique. This date won’t roll around again for 100 years. For more information, visit www.nsa. gov; www.facebook.com/NationalCryp- tologicMuseum; or call 301-688-5849. NEWS EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
- 14. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil18 SOUNDOFF! March12, 2015 Community News Notes Kimbrough outreach discussion The next Kimbrough/TRICARE Community Education Outreach Discussion will be today from 6-7 p.m. at McGill Training Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave. The topic is “TRICARE and Medicare Turning 65 TRICARE for Life.” For more information, call 301-677- 8304. ESC scholarships The Enlisted Spouses’ Club is offering scholarships for graduating high school seniors and continuing education students for the 2015-2016 academic school year. Applicants must be dependent children of service members from any branch: active duty, retired or deceased military personnel; Reservist; or National Guard The service member must reside in the Fort Meade area. Application packages must be completed and submitted to the ESC by March 27. The complete application package and a full list of scholarship requirements are available at www.ftmeadeesc.org/ scholarship-oportunities. For more information, email scholarshipdirector@ftmeadeesc.org. Motorcycle safety courses The Installation Safety Office is sponsoring Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Courses, Experienced Rider Courses and Military Sport Bike Rider Courses. • Basic Rider Courses: Monday and Tuesday, and April 7-8, April 13-14, May 5-6, May 11-12, June 9-10, June 15-16, July 14-15, July 20-21, Aug. 11- 12, Aug. 17-18, Sept. 10-11, Sept. 14-15, Oct. 14-15 and Oct. 19-20 • Experienced Rider Courses (one day): Wednesday and April 15, May 13, June 17, July 22, Aug. 19, Sept. 16 and Oct. 21 • Military Sport Bike Rider Course: April 6, May 4, June 8, July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 9 and Oct. 13 Training will be provided at no cost to all tenant military personnel stationed at Fort Meade, and for all active-duty service members Armywide. Army Reservist and National Guard military members must be on training orders to take the training. Training is not authorized for civilian personnel unless their specific government work duties dictate the use of a motorcycle. All courses have limited registration. To register, go to https://imc.army.mil/ airs/usg_disclaimer.aspx. For more information, go to http:// www.ftmeade.army.mil/pages/safety/. Social Media for Job Seekers Army Community Service is offering Social Media for Job Seekers on March 31 from 8 a.m. to noon at McGill Training Center Learn to effectively use social media to find jobs and market yourself. Registration is required. To register, transitioning service members should call 301-677-9871. Everyone else should call 301-677-5590. Corvias education grants Corvias Foundation is still accepting applications for the 2015 educational grants. Applications must be submitted by May 7. Grants are given in the amount of up to $5,000 to spouses of active-duty service members stationed at Fort Meade. Applicants may be in any stage of the educational process. For more information, go to corviasfoundation.org. Financial, Employment Readiness Army Community Service offers Financial and Employment Readiness classes to all ranks and services and to DoD civilian employees at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. Registration is required for each class. • Car-Buying: Tuesday, 9 a.m. • Credit Management: March 24, 9 a.m. • Pre-Retirement Planning: March 31, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register or for more information, call 301-677-5590 or go to fortmeadeacs.checkappointments.com. Free classes The Navy Fleet and Family Support Center offers a variety of classes at its facility at 2212 Chisholm Ave. The free classes are open to DoD ID cardholders including active-duty service members, retirees and their family members, DoD civilian employees and contractors. Registration is required for each class. • Pre-Deployment Brief: Today, 9-11:30 a.m. • Common Sense Parenting: Monday, 9-10 a.m. Topic: “Correcting Problem Behaviors” • Interviewing Skills: Tuesday, 9 a.m. to noon • Time Management: March 24, 9-11 a.m. • Career Technical Training: March 25- 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Anger Management: March 25, 9:30- 11:30 a.m. • Effective Communication: March 31, 9-11 a.m. To register or for more information, call 301-677-9017 or 301-677-9018. ‘Spring Into Fun’ Corvias Military Housing is sponsoring “Spring Into Fun” on March 28 from noon to 2 p.m. at Potomac Place Community Center. The event will feature egg hunts, photos with the Easter Bunny, prizes, crafts and refreshments. Bring a basket to collect all the eggs you find and a camera. Egg hunt times: • Ages 0-2: 12:30 p.m. • Ages 3-5: 12:45 p.m. • Ages 6-8 : 1 p.m. • Ages 9-12: 1:15 p.m. • Ages 13-18: 1:30 p.m. For more information, go to corviasmilitaryliving.com or call 410- 672-2981. Storytime The Children’s Library offers pre- kindergarten Storytime on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at Kuhn Hall, 4415 Llewellyn Ave. • Today: “Reading Makes Us Hoppy!” - Stories, songs and finger plays about bunnies • March 19: “It’s Easy Being Green” - Stories about all things green • March 26: “Spring Into A Good Book” - Storytime about spring For more information, call 301-677- 5677. Obstacle course challenge The Teen Center is offering a free, obstacle course challenge for teens in grades nine to 12 on Monday from 5:30- 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 301-677- 6054. Youth Opportunity Fair Fort Meade’s Youth Opportunity Fair for ages 14 to 21 will be held March 25 from 2-6 p.m. at Club Meade. The event will feature volunteering, employment and internship opportunities, as well as educational opportunities for university, college, vocational options and scholarships. Dress professionally. Bring lots of resumes. For more information, call the Employment Readiness Program at Army Community Service at 301-677-5590. Easter Bunny brunch Brunch with the Easter Bunny on March 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Conference Center. Cost is $15 for ages 12 and older; $8 for ages 5-11; and free for ages 4 and younger. Advance tickets are available at the Youth Center. For more information, call 301-677- 1437. Out About • Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival will be held Friday from 6-10 p.m. and Saturday from 2-6 p.m. at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium. Admission costs $25-$196. Event features live music, exhibits and game area. Event is not for children. No pets. For more information, go to beerandbourbon.com. • The Columbia Figure Skating Club will present its annual spring production “Movies and Minions” on March 21-22 at the Columbia Ice Rink, 5876 Thunder Hill Road, Columbia. Show times are March 21 at 3 and 6 p.m. and March 22 at 2 and 4:30 p.m. Skaters will enact movie scenes from “Annie,” “Mary Poppins,” “Frozen” and “Despicable Me.” EDUCATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 YOUTH RECREATION
- 15. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil March 12,2015 SOUNDOFF! 19 The show features almost 70 performers in pre-school through high school, and includes advanced-level skaters who have competed in regional and national level competitions. For tickets or more information, go to columbiafsc.com. • Leisure Travel Services is offering discounted tickets to Ringling Bros. and Barnum Bailey Circus for March 25 to April 5 at the Baltimore Arena. Tickets cost $20. For more information, call 301-677-7354. • Leisure Travel Services is offering its next monthly bus trip to New York City on March 21 to Radio City Music Hall’s “New York Spring Spectacular” featuring the Rockettes. Cost is $150 and includes transportation and ticket. For more information, call 301- 677-7354 or visit ftmeademwr.com. • Fort Meade E9 Association meets the second Friday of every month at 7 a.m. in the Pin Deck Cafe at the Lanes. The next meeting is Friday. The association is open to active, retired, Reserve and National Guard E9s of any uniformed service. All E9s in this area are invited to attend a breakfast and meet the membership. For more information, go to e9association.org. • Meade Branch 212 of the Fleet Reserve Association meets the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at VFW Post 160, 2597 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie. The next meeting is Saturday. Active-duty, Reserve and retired members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are invited. For more information, call 443-604-2474 or 410-768-6288. • Families Dealing with Deployment meets the first and third Monday of every month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Family Advocacy Program, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave. Children welcome. The next meeting is Monday. The group is for families experiencing an upcoming or current deployment, or who have recently returned from deployment. For more information, call 301-677-5590 or email colaina.townsend.ctr@mail.mil. • Calling All Dads meets the first and third Monday of every month from 5:30- 6:30 p.m. at the Family Advocacy Program, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave. The next meeting is Monday. The group is for expecting fathers, and fathers with children of all ages. Children welcome. For more information, call 301- 677-5590 or email colaina.townsend.ctr@ mail.mil. • Retired Enlisted Association meets the third Tuesday of the month from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Perry’s Restaurant, 1210 Annapolis Road, Odenton. The next meeting is Tuesday. For more information, visit trea.org or call Elliott Phillips, the local president, at 443-790-3805 or Arthur R. Cooper, past national president, at 443-336-1230. • Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 254 meets the third Wednesday of every month from 3-4 0p.m. in the auditorium of the Airman Leadership School, 8470 Zimbo- rski Ave. The next meeting is Wednesday. For more information, call 831-521-9251 or go to AFSA254.org. • Military District of Washington Sergeant Audie Murphy Club meets the third Wednes- day of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Din- ing Facility in Virginia. The next meeting is Wednesday. All members and those interested in joining the club are welcome. For more information, contact Master Sgt. Erica Lehmkuhl at erica. lehmkuhl@us.army.mil or 301-833-8415. • Officers’ Spouses’ Club monthly luncheon will be March 19 at 10:30 a.m. at Club Meade. Cost is $20. The luncheon is open to OSC members, officer/DoD spouses, and guests. The monthly service project is Camp All-Stars (Johns Hopkins Hospital) Pajama Project. For more information, go to http://www. fortmeadeosc.org/monthly-luncheons-2/ publicity@fortmeadeosc.org. • Prostate Cancer Support Group meets at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda on the third Thursday of every month. The next meeting is March 19 from 1-2 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the America Building, River Conference Room (next to the Prostate Center), third floor. Spouses/partners are invited. Military ID is required for base access. Men without a military ID should call the Prostate Center at 301-319-2900 at least two days prior to the event for base access. For more information, call retired Col. Jane Hudak at 301-319-2918 or email jane.l.hudak. ctr@health.mil. • Meade Area Garden Club will meet March 20 at 10 a.m. at the Jessup Community Hall at the corner of Route 175 and Wigley Avenue. Donna Macauley Shoemaker will present the program “Backyard Birding: How to Attract Songbirds to Your Yard.” Shoemaker writes for two birding newsletters and is featured on covers of Audubon Magazine. Her property is a certified wild bird sanctuary. Reservations are not required. Refreshments will be served. Those interested in the club may attend one program before being asked to join for the annual fee of $20. If Anne Arundel County Schools are closed or opening late due to inclement weather, the meeting will be canceled. For more information, call Membership Chairman Jennifer Garcia at 443-949-8348 or President Sharon Durney at 410-761- 5019. • Swinging Squares Square Dance Club dances the first and third Saturday of the month from 7:30-10 p.m. through May at Meade Middle School. The next dance is March 21. Admission is $6. Square dance attire is optional. Dance classes are offered Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m. at Meade Middle School. Each class costs $6. For more information, call Darlene at 410-519-2536 or Carl at 410-271-8776. • Society of Military Widows meets for brunch the fourth Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Lanes. The next meeting is March 22. For more information, call Betty Jones at 410-992-1123. • Marriage Enrichment Group, sponsored by Army Community Service, meets the second and fourth Monday of every month from 3-4 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next meeting is March 23. For more information, call Celena Flowers or Jessica Hobgood at 301- 677-5590. • Women’s Empowerment Group meets Wednesdays from 2-3:30 p.m. to provide a safe, confidential arena for the support, education and empowerment of women who have experienced past or present family violence. Location is only disclosed to participants. To register, call Samantha Herring, victim advocate, at 301-677-4124 or Katherine Lamourt, victim advocate, at 301-677-4117. • Moms Walking Group, sponsored by Parent Support, meets Thursdays from 8:30- 9:15 a.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center. To register, call Colaina Townsend or Michelle Pineda at 301-677-5590. • Project Healing Waters meets Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at the Soldiers and Family Assistance Center, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave. The project is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of wounded warriors and veterans through fly fishing, fly tying and outings. For more information, call Larry Vawter, program leader, at 443-535-5074 or email thecarptman@msn.com. • Dancing with the Heroes, free ballroom dance lessons for the Warrior Transition Unit, meets Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center in the seminar room. Participants should wear loose clothing, comfortable shoes with leather soles. No super high heels or flip-flops. MoviesCommunity News Notes MEETINGS The movie schedule is subject to change. For a recorded announcement of showings, call 301- 677-5324. Further listings are available on the Army and Air Force Exchange Service website at www.aafes.com. Movies start Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. PRICES: Tickets are $5.50 for adults (12 and older) and $3 for children. 3D Movies: $7.50 adults, $5 children. Today through March 27 Friday: “Black or White” (PG-13). A grieving widower is drawn into a custody battle over his granddaughter, whom he helped raise her entire life. With Kevin Costner, Octavia Spen- cer, Gillian Jacobs. Saturday: “Jupiter Ascending” (PG-13). In a bright and colorful future, a young destitute caretaker gets targeted by the ruthless son of a powerful family, who lives on a planet in need of a new heir. So she travels with a genetically engineered warrior to the planet in order to stop his tyrant reign. With Channing Tatum, Mila Kunis, Eddie Redmayne. Sunday: “Project Almanac” (PG-13). A group of teens discover secret plans of a time machine, and construct one. However, things start to get out of control. With Amy Lan- decker, Sofia Black-D’Elia, Virginia Gardner. March 20: “Seventh Son” (PG-13). Young Thomas is apprenticed to the local Spook to learn to fight evil spirits. His first great challenge comes when the powerful Mother Malkin escapes her confinement while the Spook is away. With Ben Barnes, Julianne Moore, Jeff Bridges. March 21: “Spare Parts” (PG-13). Four His- panic high school students form a robotics club. With no experience, $800, used car parts and a dream, this ragtag team goes up against the country’s reigning robotics champion, MIT. With George Lopez, Jamie Lee Curtis, Carlos PenaVega. March 22: “The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water” (PG). When a diabolical pirate above the sea steals the secret Krabby Patty formula, SpongeBob and his nemesis Plank- ton must team up on dry land in order to get it back. With Tom Kenny, Antonio Banderas, Bill Fagerbakke. March 27: “Hot Tub Time Machine 2” (R). When Lou finds himself in trouble, Nick and Jacob fire up the hot tub time machine in an attempt to get back to the past. But they inadvertently land in the future with Adam Jr. Now they have to alter the future in order to save the past, which is really the present. With Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, Clark Duke.