The document discusses Fort Meade's efforts around Suicide Prevention Month in September. It notes that 3 service members affiliated with Fort Meade committed suicide last year. The installation's Alcohol and Drug Control Officer believes suicide is a holistic event that involves the entire community, not just the individual. Efforts are focused on ongoing suicide prevention programs for service members and units on post. The officer met with the Garrison Command Sergeant Major to discuss providing Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, a 15-hour workshop that teaches how to assist people at risk of suicide. The Sergeant Major suggested the training for E-6 and above soldiers to help them engage junior enlisted who may be contemplating suicide.
The document provides information on various topics related to military families:
- The American Red Cross provides various support services to military members and their families such as emergency communications, financial assistance, information and referral services, and deployment services.
- Making family meals together has benefits beyond nutrition, as it provides time to build family relationships and encourages healthy eating.
- Encouragement is important for family resilience as it helps individuals and families view challenges in a more positive light.
- The document provides information on various other topics such as cyber security threats, identity theft, education resources and scholarships for military children, employment resources, and discounted SAT/ACT preparation programs.
Volunteers from Fort Meade were honored at an annual awards banquet for contributing over 1,650 volunteers and an estimated $5.3 million in savings to the installation. Several top volunteers were recognized, including Audrey Rothstein who received Lifetime Volunteer of the Year and the Enlisted Spouses Club who earned Organization of the Year. Construction has also begun on a new Army and Air Force Exchange Service gas station and mini mart near the Route 32 gate that will include a Burger King and pizza restaurant.
The document summarizes two training exercises held at Fort Meade to prepare first responders for crisis situations. A simulated natural disaster was used to test the response to setting up a Family Assistance Center. An active shooter scenario tested law enforcement response and moving "injured" volunteers to a medical triage area. Both exercises provided lessons and showed ways response could be improved. A safety expo was also announced to promote awareness of various safety topics.
The document is the August 15, 2013 issue of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff. Key details include:
- The garrison commander, Col. Brian Foley, assumed command from Col. Edward Rothstein and discusses his philosophy of caring, motivation, diversity, and professional development.
- The Commander's 2nd Annual Teen Leadership Challenge summer volunteer program provided learning experiences for 35 youths ages 13-21 at various garrison organizations.
- Mannie Fuhrman taught guitar to wounded warriors through the program to gain experience for a career in music therapy.
- Commissaries will return to normal operating hours the week of August 18-24 following the reduction of civilian furlough days from 11 to
Sen. Cardin hosted a town hall forum at Fort Meade to discuss the impact of the 2013 federal budget furloughs on DoD civilians and the possibility of future furloughs in 2014. The American Federation of Government Employees Local 1923 organized the event. Sen. Cardin addressed the attendees' concerns about the furloughs and the potential for more furloughs next year if Congress does not change current budget laws. Topics of discussion included money-saving suggestions and ensuring furloughed employees are compensated for lost time and wages. Sen. Cardin reassured the civilian workforce that Congress is working to prevent sequestration cuts from becoming permanent.
- Marissa Pena has been hired as the new Suicide Prevention Program Manager at Fort Meade.
- In her previous role as a social worker, Pena found that showing kindness to soldiers, such as asking "How are you?", can help prevent suicide and make a positive impact.
- As the new Program Manager, Pena will coordinate Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training workshops to teach suicide prevention skills to soldiers, civilians, families and others. She will also lead outreach and education efforts around suicide prevention.
- The goal is to reduce suicide among military personnel affiliated with Fort Meade, where three service members committed suicide last year.
The document summarizes several upcoming community events at Fort Meade including an Easter egg hunt, Easter Sunday brunch, a sexual assault awareness run, a technology expo, and a Vietnam War veterans event. It also provides details about National Child Abuse Prevention Month and resources available through the Fort Meade Family Advocacy Program. Fort Meade service members volunteered at an event in Annapolis to welcome home and honor Maryland's Vietnam veterans for the first time since the war ended. One person was killed after attempting an unauthorized entry at a Fort Meade gate on the NSA portion of the installation by failing to obey security instructions.
This document provides information on upcoming events at Fort Meade including a military spouse appreciation lunch, military spouse job fair, and Patriot Pride 5/10K run. It also summarizes two stories: 1) A program manager is readying for an Air Force commission. 2) A Military Working Dog NCO won the garrison's Best Warrior competition. The document is the May 7, 2015 issue of the Fort Meade newspaper Soundoff! which includes these stories and advertisements.
The document provides information on various topics related to military families:
- The American Red Cross provides various support services to military members and their families such as emergency communications, financial assistance, information and referral services, and deployment services.
- Making family meals together has benefits beyond nutrition, as it provides time to build family relationships and encourages healthy eating.
- Encouragement is important for family resilience as it helps individuals and families view challenges in a more positive light.
- The document provides information on various other topics such as cyber security threats, identity theft, education resources and scholarships for military children, employment resources, and discounted SAT/ACT preparation programs.
Volunteers from Fort Meade were honored at an annual awards banquet for contributing over 1,650 volunteers and an estimated $5.3 million in savings to the installation. Several top volunteers were recognized, including Audrey Rothstein who received Lifetime Volunteer of the Year and the Enlisted Spouses Club who earned Organization of the Year. Construction has also begun on a new Army and Air Force Exchange Service gas station and mini mart near the Route 32 gate that will include a Burger King and pizza restaurant.
The document summarizes two training exercises held at Fort Meade to prepare first responders for crisis situations. A simulated natural disaster was used to test the response to setting up a Family Assistance Center. An active shooter scenario tested law enforcement response and moving "injured" volunteers to a medical triage area. Both exercises provided lessons and showed ways response could be improved. A safety expo was also announced to promote awareness of various safety topics.
The document is the August 15, 2013 issue of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff. Key details include:
- The garrison commander, Col. Brian Foley, assumed command from Col. Edward Rothstein and discusses his philosophy of caring, motivation, diversity, and professional development.
- The Commander's 2nd Annual Teen Leadership Challenge summer volunteer program provided learning experiences for 35 youths ages 13-21 at various garrison organizations.
- Mannie Fuhrman taught guitar to wounded warriors through the program to gain experience for a career in music therapy.
- Commissaries will return to normal operating hours the week of August 18-24 following the reduction of civilian furlough days from 11 to
Sen. Cardin hosted a town hall forum at Fort Meade to discuss the impact of the 2013 federal budget furloughs on DoD civilians and the possibility of future furloughs in 2014. The American Federation of Government Employees Local 1923 organized the event. Sen. Cardin addressed the attendees' concerns about the furloughs and the potential for more furloughs next year if Congress does not change current budget laws. Topics of discussion included money-saving suggestions and ensuring furloughed employees are compensated for lost time and wages. Sen. Cardin reassured the civilian workforce that Congress is working to prevent sequestration cuts from becoming permanent.
- Marissa Pena has been hired as the new Suicide Prevention Program Manager at Fort Meade.
- In her previous role as a social worker, Pena found that showing kindness to soldiers, such as asking "How are you?", can help prevent suicide and make a positive impact.
- As the new Program Manager, Pena will coordinate Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training workshops to teach suicide prevention skills to soldiers, civilians, families and others. She will also lead outreach and education efforts around suicide prevention.
- The goal is to reduce suicide among military personnel affiliated with Fort Meade, where three service members committed suicide last year.
The document summarizes several upcoming community events at Fort Meade including an Easter egg hunt, Easter Sunday brunch, a sexual assault awareness run, a technology expo, and a Vietnam War veterans event. It also provides details about National Child Abuse Prevention Month and resources available through the Fort Meade Family Advocacy Program. Fort Meade service members volunteered at an event in Annapolis to welcome home and honor Maryland's Vietnam veterans for the first time since the war ended. One person was killed after attempting an unauthorized entry at a Fort Meade gate on the NSA portion of the installation by failing to obey security instructions.
This document provides information on upcoming events at Fort Meade including a military spouse appreciation lunch, military spouse job fair, and Patriot Pride 5/10K run. It also summarizes two stories: 1) A program manager is readying for an Air Force commission. 2) A Military Working Dog NCO won the garrison's Best Warrior competition. The document is the May 7, 2015 issue of the Fort Meade newspaper Soundoff! which includes these stories and advertisements.
The Sesame Street/USO Experience toured Fort Meade on Friday, performing two 30-minute shows for hundreds of children and families. The production helps military children deal with issues of frequently moving and making new friends. Anja Young, a former Fort Meade military child, now performs as Katie the muppet, who represents a military child moving to a new base in the show. Young understands the challenges, having moved between four Air Force bases as a child. The performance aims to help military children cope with issues like deployment through song, dance and relatable characters like Katie.
The document discusses several upcoming events at Fort Meade including:
- A new camouflage pattern being released for soldiers' uniforms starting in July.
- Construction beginning on a new $10 million access control point at Rockenbach Road to improve traffic flow.
- Fort Meade's participation in the Defense Department's Healthy Base Initiative demonstration project ending this month, with various projects around the installation being evaluated.
The document is the April 17, 2014 issue of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff. It includes the following articles:
- A sexual assault survivor named Monika Korra shares her story of being kidnapped and raped in 2009 and finding the courage to rebuild her life. She spoke at an event on Fort Meade to raise awareness about sexual assault.
- April is designated as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the post is cracking down on cell phone use while driving, with fines of $75 for handheld or texting violations.
- Upcoming community events at Fort Meade include an Easter egg hunt, Earth Day activities, and a military child celebration.
This document summarizes upcoming community events at Fort Meade and discusses two organizations that support leadership development: the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and the Fort Meade Vacation Bible School program. The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club recognizes outstanding enlisted service members, and Fort Meade will host its first induction board in August. The Vacation Bible School program is seeking adult volunteers to supervise children during the week-long program in August. Background checks are required for all volunteers.
This summary provides an overview of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff! for September 18, 2014. It highlights upcoming community events, a new staff judge advocate leading the garrison's legal team, the annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the Directorate of Emergency Services where stained glass panels were unveiled to honor first responders, and comments from the garrison commander.
This document provides a summary of upcoming events at Fort Meade for the week, including:
- A Gold Star Mothers and Families Day event today at 11:30am
- A Retiree Appreciation Day event this Friday from 8am to 3pm
- A National Disability Awareness Month Observance event on Wednesday from 11:30am to 1pm
- A Father Daughter Ball event on October 4th from 5:30pm to 9pm
- A Hispanic Heritage Month Observance event on October 15th at 11:30am
The three sentence summary is:
The document summarizes events and articles in the March 6, 2014 issue of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff!, including a seminar held during Military Saves Week that offered financial planning tips to help service members and families save money and reduce debt. The newspaper also previewed upcoming community events in March and April and featured a story about Marines gathering the flag at dusk.
This document summarizes volunteer opportunities and the large volunteer corps at Fort Meade Army Base. It notes that Fort Meade has over 2,200 registered volunteers who donate an estimated $5 million in services each year. Volunteers include military members, families, civilians and youth, and support many programs on the base and in the local community. The large number of volunteers is crucial to supporting programs and services at Fort Meade.
The article summarizes Air Force Staff Sgt. Steven Doty being awarded the Soldier's Medal for his heroism in helping rescue the crew of a downed helicopter in Afghanistan in 2010. It describes Doty rushing to the crash scene as the first to arrive, and working to save the three crewmen. The ceremony honoring Doty with this medal took place at the Defense Information School. The Soldier's Medal is the U.S. Army's highest peacetime award for bravery not involving direct contact with an enemy.
The document summarizes upcoming community events at Fort Meade including an Earth Day 5K run/walk on April 26th. It also discusses efforts by the Directorate of Emergency Services to hire additional Department of Army security guards to adequately staff gates and ensure safety at Fort Meade. A staff sergeant and police officer from Fort Meade were recognized as the Military and Civilian Police Officers of the Year for their work.
This newsletter article discusses several topics related to supporting military service members and their families:
1) It highlights programs that help connect veterans to jobs, including the Heroes2Hired program and the work of the employment transition coordinator in Georgia.
2) It discusses an annual 5K run and fundraising event held in memory of Major Kevin Jenrette that has raised money for the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation.
3) It provides information about the Military Family Life Consultant program offered by the J-9 Family Program team, which provides free confidential counseling on issues like finances, behavioral health, and youth support.
Operation Gratitude is a non-profit organization that sends care packages to members of the military and first responder communities. The letter introduces Operation Gratitude to an editor and provides information about the organization, including an overview, volunteer opportunities, and materials about upcoming events. The editor is invited to use any of the materials and consider featuring Operation Gratitude in an upcoming issue of the magazine.
The document provides information on upcoming events at Fort Meade in March and April, including observances for Women's History Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month, Sexual Assault Awareness, and Holocaust Remembrance. It also lists an Easter Bunny Breakfast in April. The article discusses improvements being made to the new Express gas station and food services facility, including the installation of car stops and the expected opening of the retail portion and gas pumps. It encourages following Fort Meade on social media for updates.
Family Connection is a publication of the Fleet and Family Support Program. The Navy's Fleet and Family Support Program promotes the self-reliance and resilience of Sailors and their families. We provide information that can help you meet the unique challenges of the military lifestyle.
The document provides information on upcoming community events at Fort Meade as well as news articles. It announces that the new Fort Meade Exchange has opened and provides crime report statistics. It also summarizes that pet owners who are new to Fort Meade must register their dogs and cats at the Veterinary Treatment Facility and bring proof of current rabies vaccination and microchip. Additionally, it encourages vigilance when inspecting holiday mail and packages.
The First Lady spoke out about mental health issues to reduce stigma. The article also advertised upcoming community events at Fort Meade and noted that the Meade High basketball team hopes to make a playoff run for the state championship. It included a photo of a soldier qualifying with a German machine gun.
The document summarizes upcoming community events at Fort Meade and provides a brief overview of the commander's visit to two elementary schools. It lists upcoming events including a financial readiness fair, community listening session, technical job fair, and brunch with the Easter Bunny. It then discusses how the garrison commander spoke to teachers at Manor View and Pershing Hill elementary schools about DoD growth and construction projects. The commander aims to visit all seven Fort Meade schools to introduce new teachers to the installation.
The document summarizes a local newspaper from Fort Meade published on November 7, 2013. It highlights the post's annual Veterans Appreciation Day Luncheon where over 240 people honored veterans and heard from guest speakers about supporting veterans. The front page also advertises upcoming community events including Veterans Day ceremonies and a job fair for veterans.
The First Lady spoke out about mental health issues to help reduce the stigma around seeking treatment. Meade High School will perform the musical "Once Upon a Mattress" this week. The Meade basketball team is preparing for the state championship playoffs. Staff Sgt. Smith practiced qualifying with a German machine gun on the Fort Meade ranges.
The First Lady spoke out about mental health issues to help reduce the stigma around seeking treatment. Meade High School will perform the musical "Once Upon a Mattress" this week. The Meade basketball team is preparing for the state championship playoffs. Staff Sgt. Smith practiced qualifying with a German machine gun on the Fort Meade ranges.
Army Community Service at Fort Meade celebrates its 49th anniversary on Friday. ACS provides various programs and services to support active-duty service members, civilians, retirees, and their families. These programs aim to help individuals and families with challenges of military life and to promote self-reliance, resiliency, and stability. ACS has grown over the years to better meet the needs of the evolving military community.
The document is the January 15, 2015 edition of the Fort Meade newspaper Soundoff. It includes the following articles:
- An announcement that Fort Meade will begin its annual deer reduction operations on January 26th to reduce the overpopulated deer population that has led to increased vehicle collisions. USDA marksmen will conduct the culling over several weeks to safely remove up to 200 deer.
- The commander's column, in which Col. Brian Foley wishes the community a fruitful new year and encourages staying committed to personal goals and resolutions.
- A list of upcoming community events at Fort Meade in January and February.
The Sesame Street/USO Experience toured Fort Meade on Friday, performing two 30-minute shows for hundreds of children and families. The production helps military children deal with issues of frequently moving and making new friends. Anja Young, a former Fort Meade military child, now performs as Katie the muppet, who represents a military child moving to a new base in the show. Young understands the challenges, having moved between four Air Force bases as a child. The performance aims to help military children cope with issues like deployment through song, dance and relatable characters like Katie.
The document discusses several upcoming events at Fort Meade including:
- A new camouflage pattern being released for soldiers' uniforms starting in July.
- Construction beginning on a new $10 million access control point at Rockenbach Road to improve traffic flow.
- Fort Meade's participation in the Defense Department's Healthy Base Initiative demonstration project ending this month, with various projects around the installation being evaluated.
The document is the April 17, 2014 issue of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff. It includes the following articles:
- A sexual assault survivor named Monika Korra shares her story of being kidnapped and raped in 2009 and finding the courage to rebuild her life. She spoke at an event on Fort Meade to raise awareness about sexual assault.
- April is designated as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the post is cracking down on cell phone use while driving, with fines of $75 for handheld or texting violations.
- Upcoming community events at Fort Meade include an Easter egg hunt, Earth Day activities, and a military child celebration.
This document summarizes upcoming community events at Fort Meade and discusses two organizations that support leadership development: the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and the Fort Meade Vacation Bible School program. The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club recognizes outstanding enlisted service members, and Fort Meade will host its first induction board in August. The Vacation Bible School program is seeking adult volunteers to supervise children during the week-long program in August. Background checks are required for all volunteers.
This summary provides an overview of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff! for September 18, 2014. It highlights upcoming community events, a new staff judge advocate leading the garrison's legal team, the annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the Directorate of Emergency Services where stained glass panels were unveiled to honor first responders, and comments from the garrison commander.
This document provides a summary of upcoming events at Fort Meade for the week, including:
- A Gold Star Mothers and Families Day event today at 11:30am
- A Retiree Appreciation Day event this Friday from 8am to 3pm
- A National Disability Awareness Month Observance event on Wednesday from 11:30am to 1pm
- A Father Daughter Ball event on October 4th from 5:30pm to 9pm
- A Hispanic Heritage Month Observance event on October 15th at 11:30am
The three sentence summary is:
The document summarizes events and articles in the March 6, 2014 issue of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff!, including a seminar held during Military Saves Week that offered financial planning tips to help service members and families save money and reduce debt. The newspaper also previewed upcoming community events in March and April and featured a story about Marines gathering the flag at dusk.
This document summarizes volunteer opportunities and the large volunteer corps at Fort Meade Army Base. It notes that Fort Meade has over 2,200 registered volunteers who donate an estimated $5 million in services each year. Volunteers include military members, families, civilians and youth, and support many programs on the base and in the local community. The large number of volunteers is crucial to supporting programs and services at Fort Meade.
The article summarizes Air Force Staff Sgt. Steven Doty being awarded the Soldier's Medal for his heroism in helping rescue the crew of a downed helicopter in Afghanistan in 2010. It describes Doty rushing to the crash scene as the first to arrive, and working to save the three crewmen. The ceremony honoring Doty with this medal took place at the Defense Information School. The Soldier's Medal is the U.S. Army's highest peacetime award for bravery not involving direct contact with an enemy.
The document summarizes upcoming community events at Fort Meade including an Earth Day 5K run/walk on April 26th. It also discusses efforts by the Directorate of Emergency Services to hire additional Department of Army security guards to adequately staff gates and ensure safety at Fort Meade. A staff sergeant and police officer from Fort Meade were recognized as the Military and Civilian Police Officers of the Year for their work.
This newsletter article discusses several topics related to supporting military service members and their families:
1) It highlights programs that help connect veterans to jobs, including the Heroes2Hired program and the work of the employment transition coordinator in Georgia.
2) It discusses an annual 5K run and fundraising event held in memory of Major Kevin Jenrette that has raised money for the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation.
3) It provides information about the Military Family Life Consultant program offered by the J-9 Family Program team, which provides free confidential counseling on issues like finances, behavioral health, and youth support.
Operation Gratitude is a non-profit organization that sends care packages to members of the military and first responder communities. The letter introduces Operation Gratitude to an editor and provides information about the organization, including an overview, volunteer opportunities, and materials about upcoming events. The editor is invited to use any of the materials and consider featuring Operation Gratitude in an upcoming issue of the magazine.
The document provides information on upcoming events at Fort Meade in March and April, including observances for Women's History Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month, Sexual Assault Awareness, and Holocaust Remembrance. It also lists an Easter Bunny Breakfast in April. The article discusses improvements being made to the new Express gas station and food services facility, including the installation of car stops and the expected opening of the retail portion and gas pumps. It encourages following Fort Meade on social media for updates.
Family Connection is a publication of the Fleet and Family Support Program. The Navy's Fleet and Family Support Program promotes the self-reliance and resilience of Sailors and their families. We provide information that can help you meet the unique challenges of the military lifestyle.
The document provides information on upcoming community events at Fort Meade as well as news articles. It announces that the new Fort Meade Exchange has opened and provides crime report statistics. It also summarizes that pet owners who are new to Fort Meade must register their dogs and cats at the Veterinary Treatment Facility and bring proof of current rabies vaccination and microchip. Additionally, it encourages vigilance when inspecting holiday mail and packages.
The First Lady spoke out about mental health issues to reduce stigma. The article also advertised upcoming community events at Fort Meade and noted that the Meade High basketball team hopes to make a playoff run for the state championship. It included a photo of a soldier qualifying with a German machine gun.
The document summarizes upcoming community events at Fort Meade and provides a brief overview of the commander's visit to two elementary schools. It lists upcoming events including a financial readiness fair, community listening session, technical job fair, and brunch with the Easter Bunny. It then discusses how the garrison commander spoke to teachers at Manor View and Pershing Hill elementary schools about DoD growth and construction projects. The commander aims to visit all seven Fort Meade schools to introduce new teachers to the installation.
The document summarizes a local newspaper from Fort Meade published on November 7, 2013. It highlights the post's annual Veterans Appreciation Day Luncheon where over 240 people honored veterans and heard from guest speakers about supporting veterans. The front page also advertises upcoming community events including Veterans Day ceremonies and a job fair for veterans.
The First Lady spoke out about mental health issues to help reduce the stigma around seeking treatment. Meade High School will perform the musical "Once Upon a Mattress" this week. The Meade basketball team is preparing for the state championship playoffs. Staff Sgt. Smith practiced qualifying with a German machine gun on the Fort Meade ranges.
The First Lady spoke out about mental health issues to help reduce the stigma around seeking treatment. Meade High School will perform the musical "Once Upon a Mattress" this week. The Meade basketball team is preparing for the state championship playoffs. Staff Sgt. Smith practiced qualifying with a German machine gun on the Fort Meade ranges.
Army Community Service at Fort Meade celebrates its 49th anniversary on Friday. ACS provides various programs and services to support active-duty service members, civilians, retirees, and their families. These programs aim to help individuals and families with challenges of military life and to promote self-reliance, resiliency, and stability. ACS has grown over the years to better meet the needs of the evolving military community.
The document is the January 15, 2015 edition of the Fort Meade newspaper Soundoff. It includes the following articles:
- An announcement that Fort Meade will begin its annual deer reduction operations on January 26th to reduce the overpopulated deer population that has led to increased vehicle collisions. USDA marksmen will conduct the culling over several weeks to safely remove up to 200 deer.
- The commander's column, in which Col. Brian Foley wishes the community a fruitful new year and encourages staying committed to personal goals and resolutions.
- A list of upcoming community events at Fort Meade in January and February.
The document summarizes events and activities happening on Fort Meade for Army Day and the upcoming week. It provides details about Army birthday celebrations including a concert, run and 5K happening on post. It also mentions that Reece Road gate will be closed one day for maintenance and includes a calendar of Independence Day events. Additionally, it reports that Miss Maryland made a surprise visit to two Fort Meade schools where she met with students, read to them and answered their questions.
Fleet and Family Support Programs (FFSP) support individual and family readiness through a full array of programs and resources which help Navy families to be resilient, well-informed and adaptable to the Navy environment.
The document summarizes events at Fort Meade related to Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. It describes a 3-mile run led by the Garrison Commander and a double amputee veteran to kick off SAAM observances. Over 1,700 service members from all branches participated in the run, which emphasized Fort Meade's commitment to resiliency. The article also discusses a speech given by the Adjutant General of Maryland where she shared her personal experiences with sexual abuse and harassment.
The document lists upcoming events at Fort Meade in February, including cooking and financial readiness classes and Black History Month observances. It also provides a brief summary of articles in the publication about support programs for military families and a visit by the new Maryland governor to tour the installation and honor the Defense Information School for its 50th anniversary.
The document is a newspaper from Fort Meade dated April 25, 2013. It includes the following summaries:
1) The Army held a community listening session at Fort Meade to hear concerns about upcoming force reductions amid continued growth at the installation. Community leaders worried about proper funding for increased personnel.
2) Service members and spouses from Fort Meade attended the signing of a new Maryland law that will help veterans and military spouses transfer their skills to civilian credentials.
3) A youth program at the USO center gave military children an experience of basic training through modified physical exercises and obstacle courses.
The 781st Military Intelligence Soldiers judged science fair projects at MacArthur Middle School. Students created advanced projects involving video games, technology and computer programming. Command Sgt. Maj. Rinehart was impressed by the quality of projects, noting the students were getting smarter. Lt. Col. Trotter also judged and saw potential future employees for the cyber unit in some of the sixth grade projects. The science fair allowed the 781st MI battalion to further their partnership with the school.
The article discusses programming expansions at the Fort Meade Arts and Crafts Center. It offers a variety of crafting classes for children and adults, including do-it-yourself framing, ceramics, cricut, and duct tape crafts. A popular program teaches participants how to construct their own picture frames from start to finish. The center aims to provide opportunities for the community to pursue crafting hobbies and learn new art forms. Summer day camp registration through Child, Youth and School Services will also begin in February.
The document summarizes two full-scale emergency response exercises conducted at Fort Meade on May 14th and 15th. The exercises tested the post's response to a natural disaster scenario and an active shooter situation. On the 14th, the chapel was transformed into a Family Assistance Center to aid "victims" of a simulated tornado. Volunteers acted as distressed role players seeking various forms of assistance. The next day at the Pavilion, the response to an active shooter with multiple casualties was tested, with the facility serving as a triage area for treating "injured" individuals. The exercises provided an opportunity for organizations to improve their responses to challenging crisis situations.
The document discusses Memorial Day weekend and the start of the "critical days of summer" period where accident rates spike. It reminds readers to take safety precautions like wearing seat belts and avoiding drinking and driving to prevent accidents during this time. The goal is to reduce accidents by 50% or achieve zero accidents altogether. Readers are encouraged to discuss safety hazards with subordinates and enjoy Memorial Day safely.
The document provides information about an upcoming demonstration at Fort Meade on Saturday regarding the court-martial of Pfc. Bradley Manning. It notes that the Reece Road gate will close at 5am and the Rockenbach Road gate will be the main access point. It expects several hundred demonstrators and says traffic, security gates, and the Normandy Bluffs neighborhood will be affected. It describes traffic management and security plans to ensure the demonstration is peaceful.
The document is a newsletter from the Navy's Fleet and Family Support Program. The main topics covered in the newsletter include:
1) September is Ombudsman Appreciation Month, and the newsletter encourages readers to thank their Command Ombudsman, who are volunteers that provide information and referrals to address questions and needs of military families.
2) September is also Navy Suicide Prevention Month, and the newsletter discusses the importance of checking in with sailors and loved ones daily to promote mental wellness.
3) The newsletter provides information on upcoming transition assistance workshops and courses, preparing for life after the military, and ensuring school children are fueled for learning with healthy packed lunches.
The document is a newspaper called Soundoff! from Fort Meade that includes the following items:
- Upcoming community events on and around Fort Meade such as runs, observances, and concerts.
- A story about the opening of a new Army Wellness Center on Fort Meade with representatives cutting the ribbon.
- Crime reports from Fort Meade over the past week including shoplifting incidents at the Exchange.
- Safety tips for vacations, shopping, vehicle safety, and identity theft from the Directorate of Emergency Services.
- Information about responding to an active shooter situation and warning signs to report.
- An announcement about an open house and resident opportunities at the privatized housing area on Fort Meade.
We are pleased to present the latest issue of From Air to Ground, Issue 13, May 2012. As a publication created by volunteers, for volunteers, the newsletter provides a medium for news and updates, addressing current issues, publicizing programs, and educating National Guard families on available services.
The summary provides an overview of the key events and activities happening at Fort Meade over the next week and month:
- Today there will be an Asian Pacific American Heritage Observance ceremony at 11:30 a.m. featuring guest speaker Ken Niumatalolo, head football coach at the Naval Academy.
- This Sunday is Mother's Day, and there will be a Mother's Day Brunch event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Conference Center.
- Throughout the month there will be various employment assistance activities for military spouses, including classes on starting a business, federal employment preparation, and job search strategies.
This document is the November 20, 2014 issue of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff!. The main stories include a ceremony honoring German and Italian POWs buried at Fort Meade, and a veteran being buried at Fort Meade to reunite him with his infant son also buried there, per his wife's request. Upcoming community events and the Commander's Column on supporting the Combined Federal Campaign are also mentioned.
The document provides information about upcoming events on Fort Meade as well as articles from the post newspaper. It discusses the Defense Information School's (DINFOS) 50th anniversary and its mission to train public affairs and visual information personnel from the U.S. military and other countries. The article notes that DINFOS has trained over 100,000 students since its establishment in 1964 and is located at Fort Meade.
The document summarizes upcoming events at Fort Meade including a Ramadan observance, farmers' market, dinner dance, and jazz concert. It also previews stories about local youth excelling in track and field and a book featuring stories of female service members. The garrison commander's column expresses his leadership philosophy of caring for employees and communicating decisions to motivate the workforce.
The document summarizes safety tips and statistics about fireworks-related injuries to encourage safe celebrations of Independence Day. Fort Meade's annual "Red, White and Blue Celebration" will be held at McGlachlin Parade Field from 4-10 PM with rides, food vendors and a fireworks show at 9:30 PM. While fireworks are prohibited at the event, Maryland law only allows ground-based fireworks displays for personal use off-post.
The Fort Meade community honored 240 years of Army service at a breakfast event. The guest speaker was retired Lt. Col. Alfred Rascon, a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in Vietnam. He recalled the day in 1966 when he risked his life under heavy fire to rescue wounded comrades. About 60 people attended the event to commemorate the Army's birthday and cut a ceremonial cake.
The document summarizes an article from the Fort Meade newspaper Soundoff about the following topics:
1) Fort Meade's Army Emergency Relief campaign raised nearly $135,000, surpassing its goal of $55,000. Most of the donations came from active-duty service members.
2) The increased funds will help support Soldiers and their families during financial hardships. Donations are pooled with other installations to support wider Army and military communities.
3) The article highlights some of the top contributing units at Fort Meade and thanks the community for participating in the campaign. The fiscal year 2016 campaign will aim to increase donations by 15 percent.
The document summarizes upcoming events at Fort Meade from May 28 to June 10, including warehouse sales, career days, meet the author events, farmers markets, and the opening of a new AAFES exchange. It also previews summer camp beginning in June and thanks Child, Youth and School Services staff. The commander's column welcomes summer and thanks various organizations for Memorial Day events while looking forward to construction projects and events in June.
The document summarizes Fort Meade community events and news stories from May 21, 2015. It highlights National Bike to Work Day activities including an event at a local coffee shop and the opening of the new Pepper Road gate for cyclists and pedestrians. It also describes the annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration hosted by Navy Information Operations Command Maryland, which featured cultural performances, informational booths, and traditional foods from various Asian and Pacific cultures.
The document discusses upcoming events in and around Fort Meade including a community job fair, safety expo, and Memorial Day remembrance. It also features a short article about a man who visited Fort Meade to learn more about his father who was an Italian prisoner of war held there during World War II. The man believes his father was interned at Fort Meade from 1943 to 1945 and wanted to see the areas his father would have experienced.
The document summarizes an event at Fort Meade where a Holocaust survivor, David Bayer, spoke about his experiences. Some key details:
- Bayer, age 92, is a survivor of Auschwitz-Birkenau and now volunteers at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
- He gave a keynote speech at Fort Meade's 14th annual Holocaust Days of Remembrance observance.
- When asked how the Holocaust should be remembered, Bayer held up his fist and said "Don't just make a fist - use it. I've felt guilty all my life that I didn’t use my fist against the Germans."
- The event featured kosher food and musical
The document is the April 23, 2015 edition of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff. It includes the following articles:
- An article about Tryphena Ellis-Johnson, a resident who has lost weight and body fat over 18 months working with the Army Wellness Center by making gradual lifestyle changes such as regular walking, increased water intake, home-cooked meals, and calorie awareness.
- A notice about the Fort Meade Fire Prevention Office teaching children fire safety and the dangers of playing with fire.
- A schedule of upcoming community events at Fort Meade including a Holocaust remembrance, youth fishing rodeo, and family fun fair.
The document is an issue of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff from April 16, 2015. It includes the following articles:
- A summary of upcoming community events at Fort Meade, including Earth Day celebrations and a youth fishing rodeo.
- A story about retired military officers' wives showcasing spring fashions and Gold Star Mothers and wives sharing memories and peer support.
- The main article profiles Master Sgt. Cedric King, an Army veteran who lost both legs to an IED in Afghanistan. He spoke at Fort Meade about overcoming adversity through faith, family and focus.
The document is the March 26, 2015 edition of the Fort Meade community newspaper Soundoff!. Key details include:
- Army leaders at Fort Meade held a listening session to discuss pending force cuts and restructuring. They noted growth is still expected at Fort Meade due to U.S. Cyber Command expansion.
- The staff writer shares a farewell message, thanking the Fort Meade community for inspiring her with their service and accomplishments.
- A Women's History Month event highlighted the accomplishments of women aviators who participated in the first national air race in 1929. The keynote speaker directed a documentary about the historic race.
The document is a newspaper called Soundoff! published for the Fort Meade community. The front page article summarizes that the Meade High Mustangs basketball team won the 4A Boys State Basketball Championship, the school's first basketball title. Upcoming community events are also listed on the front page. The newspaper contains sections for news, sports, crime watch, community, movies and classifieds.
The article summarizes key points from a presentation at the Army's Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Program Summit about male victims of sexual assault in the military. Experts noted that about 10,800 men are sexually assaulted each year in the military compared to 8,000 women, but only 1,134 men reported the attacks, which is about 13% of assaults compared to 39% of women who reported. The experts urged the Army to reach out to male victims as well, since sexual assault is not only a crime against women, and male victims often feel additional shame due to perceptions of masculinity.
The document summarizes upcoming events at Fort Meade during the week of February 23-27, which is designated as Military Saves Week. It also provides a brief overview of the financial readiness fair to be held on February 26 from 9am to 4pm at McGill Training Center, which will feature guest speakers and breakout sessions on various financial topics. Additionally, it announces that the Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Corps Association is offering two $1,500 scholarships for outstanding students who are children of Army military intelligence personnel. Applications are due by May 9.
The document summarizes:
1) Fort Meade will conduct 100 percent ID checks at all gates for two weeks starting Friday to count non-DOD visitors entering the installation as part of an IMCOM initiative.
2) This is expected to cause delays at gates and possible traffic impacts on surrounding roads.
3) The battalion commander recognized seven Soldiers at a ceremony for their achievements and contributions.
The document summarizes Fort Meade's efforts to establish a Community Health Promotion Team (CHPT) led by Nicole Lowry as part of the Army's Ready and Resilient Campaign. The campaign aims to build resilience in service members, families, and civilians. Lowry will coordinate prevention and public health programs. Fort Meade previously had a Community Health Promotion Council led by Kenneth Jones and Lt. Col. Nancy Demetrician. The council established the Army Wellness Center. Lowry receives guidance from Taleeta Jackson, the new Military District of Washington health promotion officer, as she structures the CHPT.
The document provides information about upcoming events on Fort Meade including cooking classes, Super Bowl parties, and a prayer breakfast. It also announces that the Fort Meade Joint Installation Tax Center has opened for the tax season to provide free tax preparation services to military members and their families. The commander's column discusses the importance of professional counseling between supervisors and subordinates.
The article discusses services provided by the Army Education Center at Fort Meade, including assistance with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) program. The deadline to apply for federal student aid through FAFSA is March 1. The center helps active duty military, veterans, and Department of Army civilians with education benefits, academic advising, and testing. It also has a learning facility for students to work on coursework.
The document provides information about upcoming events at Fort Meade and articles in the latest issue of the post newspaper Soundoff!. Key details include:
- The garrison considers many factors like road conditions and school closures when deciding to close the post for bad weather.
- The post veterinary clinic may have to cut back services if more community members don't utilize it.
- Marines have moved into a new consolidated personnel administration center on post.
- Copies of the 2015 Fort Meade Welcome Guide are available upon request.
The document summarizes the major events that occurred at Fort Meade in 2014. It discusses the openings of new housing, facilities, and a farmer's market. It also mentions the first Cyber Installation Support Summit and funding secured to widen a road. The year saw growth across the base through new construction projects and welcoming new leadership while saying goodbye to long-serving members of the community.
1. emergency
Take steps now
to be prepared
for disasters
page 8
UPCOMING EVENTS
Today, 7-9 p.m.: Trivia Night - The Lanes
Monday, 10 a.m.: Army Wellness Center Ribbon Cutting - 4418 Llewellyn Ave.
Sept. 21, 8 a.m.: Football Fan Fare 5K Run - Constitution Park
Sept. 25, 11:30 a.m.: Hispanic Heritage Month Observance - McGill Training Center
Oct. 3, 7 a.m.: Monthly Prayer Breakfast - The Conference Center
one down
Meade Mustangs
open football season
with shutout win
page 14
Soundoff!´
vol. 65 no. 36 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community September 12, 2013
photo by steve ruark
Soldiers run down English Avenue from McGlachlin Parade Field during the installation’s annual Run of Remembrance on Wednesday morning. More than 2,000 service
members and civilians participated in the three-mile run through the installation on the 12th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. For the story, see Page 12.
a day to
remember
2. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil SOUNDOFF! September 12, 2013
Commander’s Column
Contents
News.............................. 3 Sports...................................14
Crime Watch................10 Movies..................................19
Community..................17 Classified..............................20
Editorial Staff
Garrison Commander
Col. Brian P. Foley
Garrison Command
Sgt. Maj. Thomas J. Latter
Public Affairs Officer
Chad T. Jones
Chad.T.Jones.civ@mail.mil
Chief, Command Information
Philip H. Jones
Philip.H.Jones.civ@mail.mil
Assistant Editor Senior Writer
Rona S. Hirsch
Staff Writer Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer Brandon Bieltz
Design Coordinator Timothy Davis
Supplemental photography provided
by The Baltimore Sun Media Group
Advertising
General Inquiries 410-332-6300
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
Wednesday was the 12th anniversary of
the terrorist attacks against our nation on
Sept. 11, 2001.
As a team, Fort Meade started the day
with a garrison-wide Remembrance and
Resiliency Run with more than 2,000 ser-
vice members, civilian employees and their
families.
Before we started the run, and before our
nation’s colors were raised to half-staff in
honor of those who have fallen, all the part-
ners on the field took a moment to remember
9/11 — and those service members and civil-
ians who have since lost their lives in defense
of our nation.
Patriot Day, as it is now called, helps bring
into focus why the nation must remain vigi-
lant now and in the future.
I would ask you to take a moment today
and think about how you felt on Sept. 12,
2001, and think about how you feel today.
My hope is that, like me, you feel safer, not
because another act of terrorism isn’t being
planned, but because dedicated profession-
als are working every day to stop one from
succeeding.
By striving to be the Pre-eminent Center for
Intelligence, Information, and Cyber Opera-
tions, Fort Meade’s partner organizations
take a leading role in keeping our nation safe.
Whether you are actively engaged in those
activities or supporting those organizations
and personnel that do, your efforts at Fort
Meade are helping to defend our country.
Take pride in what you do to make the
mission happen and keep the nation strong
and safe.
Running with and listening to those who
motivate formations and seeing family mem-
bers come out of their homes to cheer them
on raised my spirits.
At the end of the Remembrance and
Resiliency Run, Team Meade provided a
great visual reminder of what it means to be
resilient when we stood shoulder-to-shoulder
on the parade field.
Being resilient does not mean doing every-
thing yourself. It is realizing there is an entire
team behind you and then using that team.
September is Suicide Prevention Month for
the Army. So when you are standing shoul-
der-to-shoulder with your buddy, co-worker
or significant other — now and in the future
— look to your left or right, and if someone
needs some assistance, help them.
And if you
are on the
receiving end
of someone’s
c o n c e r n e d
i n q u i r y ,
remember that
the persons
on your left
and right care
about your
well-being.
From the
garrison per-
spective, our mission is to provide a safe and
secure environment and the services needed
to allow you to focus on your mission.
Whether you may be having physical,
financial, social, familial, spiritual, emo-
tional or any other difficulties, we either have
the resources on the garrison or have teamed
with our partners on the post and in the com-
munity to assist you with your issues.
We continue to develop our capabilities to
support the Team Meade community with
the goal of a resiliency campus, with the
resources needed to provide family, emo-
tional, physical, spiritual, and social wellness
and resiliency on Fort Meade.
The newest addition to Fort Meade’s
capabilities to support the community is the
Army Wellness Center, which will be opened
during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Mon-
day at 10 a.m. This new center would not
have been possible without the assistance of
Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center’s lead-
ership and staff.
This wellness center staff of experts will
increase the garrison’s capabilities to evalu-
ate service members, family members and
civilian employees, and provide guidance
on improving nutrition, exercise and overall
healthier lifestyle.
Remember, caring supports resiliency.
Resiliency supports readiness, and readiness
leads to vigilance. Vigilance is what helps
defend our nation.
The key is, you have to care enough about
yourself, your loved ones, your country, your
organization and its mission to ask for help
when you need assistance and look after
those around you as well.
Stand shoulder-to-shoulder, take care of
each other, prevent suicides, be resilient and
remain vigilant.
Resiliently standing
shoulder-to-shoulder
Garrison command
Sgt. maj. thomas j. latter
3. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil September 12, 2013 SOUNDOFF!
News
By Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer
According to data from the Installation
Management Command, three service
members affiliated with Fort Meade com-
mitted suicide last year.
But no one commits suicide in a vac-
uum.
That’s the philosophy of Fort Meade’s
Alcohol and Drug Control Officer Michael
Noyes, who leads the installation’s Army
Substance Abuse Program.
“I view suicide as a holistic event,” said
Noyes, who replaced Fort Meade’s long-
time ASAP manager Kenneth Jones in
March. “It is just not an individual out
doing something to hurt or harm them-
selves. It involves the entire community. It
involves their family, their friends. …
“If people knew and understood the
signs and symptoms of suicide, a lot of
these incidents may have had an interven-
tion.”
The Army has designated September as
Suicide Prevention Month. Fort Meade
will focus on its ongoing suicide preven-
tion efforts that are directed toward service
members and the units on post.
“Getting down to where the rubber
meets the road — that is where the inter-
vention must first take place,” Noyes
said.
As a part of those efforts, Noyes met
with Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Thom-
as J. Latter to discuss ASAP’s continuing
sponsorship of Applied Suicide Interven-
tion Skills Training.
The 15-hour workshop teaches par-
ticipants to connect, understand and assist
people who may be at risk of suicide,
according to the website of LivingWorks
Education Inc., the public service com-
pany that developed ASIST, as well as
other suicide prevention programs. The
company considers ASIST to be suicide
first aid.
Latter suggested that ASAP provide
an ASIST training for Soldiers ranking
E-6 and above with at least one year of
retention at Fort Meade who would be
interested in becoming an ASIST trainer.
“Regardless of service, noncommis-
sioned officers are the first line supervisors
for junior enlisted members,” Latter said.
“It is very important for them to know the
warning signs for service members who are
experiencing difficulties and who might be
contemplating suicide so they can engage
them and find out the underlying issues to
get assistance.
“NCOs are the backbone of their ser-
Suicide prevention involves the entire community
vice, in no small part due to their caring
leadership and ability to solve problems at
the lowest level.”
Latter later reached out to the com-
mand sergeants major of Fort Meade
units to ask them to recruit participants
for the training.
ASAP sponsored a five-day ASIST
Training the Trainer session from Aug. 19-
23 at the Army Reserve Center. Twenty-
two NCOs from post units participated in
the program, along with two DoD civil-
ians. The training was funded by Army
G-1, which contracted with LivingWorks
Education Inc. to conduct the training.
“I hope the NCOs gain an understand-
ing that suicide prevention is hard, but
that from the discussions with their fellow
classmates in training they realize that
everyone has difficulties with this issue
— they are not alone,” Latter said. “The
relationships they build in the class pro-
vide them personal resources when they
return to their units.”
Noyes said that participants who com-
pleted the training are required to lead
three, two-day ASIST trainings within a
year. Two trainers lead each session.
The NCOs are now equipped to conduct
trainings for their own units. As a result,
ASAP expects there will be at least 30,
two-day ASIST trainings for units within
the year. These trainings will be held in
addition to the monthly ASIST trainings
that ASAP sponsors for the garrison.
Trainings are open to active-duty service
members, Reservists, National Guards-
men, DoD civilians and military contrac-
tors.
In addition to ASIST, ASAP also pro-
vides suicide prevention training for units
on post that is based on the Army’s ACE
Suicide Prevention Intervention program.
ACE is an acronym for “Ask your
buddy,”“Carefor your buddy”and“Escort
your buddy” — all in response to a person
at risk for suicide.
In May, the garrison command asked
ASAP to conduct suicide prevention train-
ing for the 1st Recruiting Brigade in
response to a suicide.
Noyes said the best way to combat the
tragedy of suicide is to “be involved and
do something.”
Latter agrees.
“Suicide prevention is about being
engaged every day with the people you
live with, work with and care about,” he
said. “You know when someone you see
every day is just not right, that there is
something wrong. You need to ask them
how they are doing and be prepared to
take the time to listen to them if they want
to talk with you.
“It is hard to ask someone if they plan
to hurt themselves, but when someone
trusts you enough to tell you their prob-
lems, you need to. You don’t have to solve
everything for them, but the fact you are
listening means you can help them get
access to other resources that are avail-
able.”
Editor’s Note: The next ASIST training
will be Sept. 18-19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
at the Calvary Chapel, 8465 Simonds St.
and 6th Armored Cavalry Road. For more
information, call the Installation Safety
Office at 301-677-2396.
OPEN FOR
BUSINESS
Christin Hill, a health educator for
the Army Wellness Center, talks to
fellow health educator Tim Lima,
who is sitting in the center’s “BOD
POD.” The device, a gold-standard
body composition tracking system,
uses an air displacement technol-
ogy instead of water to determine a
person’s body composition (fat and
fat-free mass).
The AWC offers free holistic health
services to help service members,
their family members, retirees and
Army civilian employees build and
sustain a healthy lifestyle and pre-
vent chronic diseases such as heart
disease and diabetes.
The center is located in part of
Building 4418 on Llewellyn Avenue,
the site of the Medal of Honor
Memorial Library. Hours are Monday
to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To schedule an appointment, call the
AWC at 301-677-2006.
PHOTO BY PHILIP H. JONES
4. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil SOUNDOFF! September 12, 2013
News
By Brandon Bieltz
Staff Writer
When Sgt. Tom Burke wrote and sub-
mitted an essay about his wife, Brandi,
for a contest in the spring, he never
thought he would hear about it again.
With a trend of never winning any
kind of contest, the sergeant from the
53rd Signal Battalion simply figured
his essay about his wife being a hero
wouldn’t amount to a prize.
But in July — after not checking his
email for two months — the Burkes came
across a message notifying the couple
that Tom’s essay was, in fact, the winner
of Gatorade’s second annual Honoring
Our Heroes Essay Contest.
His essay was selected out of 132 par-
ticipants for the grand prize.
“It was pretty awesome,” Tom said of
the win.
As a result of the essay, Brandi was
recognized during a ceremony Aug. 15
at the Fort Meade Commissary and
received $500 in cash and a $500 com-
missary gift card.
The Defense Commissary Agency-
wide contest, which was open to active-
duty and retired service members and
spouses, required entrants to write a 200-
to 300-word essay honoring a military
member or spouse of their choice.
The Burkes learned about the contest
as Brandi kept track of deals for service
members. When Tom heard about the
competition, he decided to write an essay
about Brandi and the volunteer work she
performs to help military families.
According to the winning essay, Brandi
serves as the company Family Readiness
Group leader for Bravo Company, 53rd
Signal Battalion, and volunteers with
CAUSE, an organization that provides
free movie and game rentals to wounded
Fort Meade couple wins Gatorade essay contest
photo courtesy defense commissary agency
(Left) Brian Noratel, area manager of Dunham and Smith Agencies, and (right) Walter Young, manager of the Fort Meade
Commissary, award Sgt. Tom Burke and his wife, Brandi, a $500 check and $500 commissary gift card on Aug. 15 at the
commissary. The couple was honored after Tom’s essay about Brandi won Gatorade’s second annual Honoring Our Heroes
Essay Contest.
warriors and families. She also organized
a program for Soldiers and families from
Tom’s unit to sign and decorate thank-
you cards for World War II veterans,
which she handed out to veterans at the
memorial in Washington, D.C.
Brandi also is working toward earning
her doctorate in physical therapy to work
with wounded warriors.
“She is a selfless, honest and car-
ing individual who works every day on
ways to do more and give more to our
unit, the Army and this great country,”
Tom wrote in the essay. “... She is truly
a special woman who brings joy and
comfort to everyone she encounters and
who deserves to be recognized for her
contributions.”
Brandi said the volunteer work is her
way of thanking service members for
what they do.
“I’ve always supported the military,
I’ve already thought they were great,”
Brandi said. “I never really understood
what they do and how important they
are until I married my husband. And
everything that I do is my own way to
give back to them. I want them to know
how important they are to us and that
they matter. That’s what is important
to me.”
Although she said it feels good to win
the honor, Brandi was more excited that
the organizations she works with were
being noticed.
“It’s not just me doing it,” she said, “If
we didn’t have organizations like these to
put all of that together, it wouldn’t mat-
ter what I did.”
Despite being the author of the win-
ning essay, Tom said he doesn’t feel like he
won anything, rather just helped Brandi
earn the recognition she deserves.
“She’s the winner, not me,” he said.
“She was who was being honored, she is
who won. All I did was write the essay. I
don’t feel like I really won. It’s her.
“If she didn’t do what she did, I
wouldn’t have anything to say. I don’t
think it’s necessarily that I write well,
I think that it’s just that she does such
an amazing job with everything. It’s
very easy to talk about all the stuff she
does.”
‘She is a selfless, honest
and caring individual who
works every day on ways to
do more and give more to
our unit, the Army and this
great country.’
Sgt. Tom Burke, describing his
wife, Brandi, in his winning essay
5. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil SOUNDOFF! September 12, 2013
News
Our Family for Families First Foundation
Corvias Group
Our Family for Families First Foun-
dation, the private, charitable foundation
of Corvias Group CEO John Picerne,
announced Sept. 3 that it has awarded
$100,000 in grants to the spouses of
active-duty service members.
As part of the award, 20 military spous-
es each received $5,000 education grants
in support of secondary education.
“Our goal in setting up the founda-
tion seven years ago was to find a way
to give back to the service members by
supporting their spouses and children in
their pursuit of higher education,” said
John Picerne, foundation founder. “We
are extremely proud of this year’s worthy
grant recipients and look forward to see-
ing what they accomplish in the years to
come.”
Since its founding in 2006, the Our
Family for Families First Foundation
has awarded more than $4.5 million in
scholarships to 90 children of active-duty
service members, including $815,000 in
educational grants to 163 military spous-
es, based on need and merit.
At Fort Meade and Aberdeen Prov-
ing Ground alone, the foundation has
awarded $606,000 to 21 recipients.
“We are honored to support the hopes
and dreams of this year’s deserving grant
recipients,”said Maria Montalvo, founda-
tion executive director. “Providing mili-
tary spouses with support in pursuing
secondary education is just one of the
many ways that we strive to give back
to our communities and improve quality
of life for our service members and their
families.”
The foundation’s 2013 grant recipients
are the spouses of active-duty service
members stationed at six of the mili-
tary installations on which Corvias has
partnered with the Army to improve the
quality of housing.
Fort Meade recipient Mary Banaszyn-
ski is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in civil
engineering at Anne Arundel Community
College. Wife of Air Force Staff Sgt. Dan-
iel J. Banaszynski, she has always been
fascinated by bridge structure and wants
to build bridges.
In 2014, the foundation plans to expand
the number of military installations on
which it offers educational support. In
addition to the six Army installations
on which Corvias develops and man-
ages military housing, the foundation will
begin awarding scholarships and grants
to the spouses and children of active-
duty service members stationed at the six
Air Force bases that the company began
managing, effective Sept. 1.
These bases range from Alaska to
Florida and include Edwards Air Force
Base in California, Eglin Air Force Base
in Florida, Eielson Air Force Base in
Alaska, Hurlburt Field in Florida, McCo-
nnell Air Force Base in Kansas and Sey-
mour Johnson Air Force Base in North
Carolina.
The Our Family for Families First
Foundation was recognized at the White
House in April 2012 by Michelle Obama
as the People’s Choice winner of the first
Joining Forces Community Challenge.
The challenge spotlighted citizens and
organizations with a demonstrated desire
to be of service to military families.
Educational grants awarded to military spouses
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CORVIAS GROUP
Mary Banaszynski of Fort Meade
is among the spouses of active-duty
service members awarded a total of
$100,000 in education grants by Our
Family For Families First Foundation, the
charitable foundation of Corvias Group
CEO John Picerne. An Air Force spouse,
Banaszynski is pursuing a degree in civil
engineering at Anne Arundel Community
College.
Public Notice
Engineering Evaluation/
Cost Analysis
The U.S. Army at Fort Meade invites
the public to comment on the Engineering
Evaluation/Cost Analysis document.
This document evaluates proposed remov-
al action alternatives to address groundwater
in the Lower Patapsco Aquifer, which was
affected by past operational activities at Fort
Meade.
The area is referred to as Operable Unit 4,
bounded by Chisholm Avenue, Rock Avenue,
Wilson Street and Huber Road.
The site consists of three areas used for
administrative, residential and industrial pur-
poses, and the affected portions of the Lower
Patapsco Aquifer.
• Area 1- Building 2286 (former motor
pool maintenance facility) and former Build-
ing 2276 (former furniture repair shop):
Building 2286 was constructed in 1941
and used as a paint and body shop through
the mid-1980s. The building historically had
two paint booths; metal, glass, sanding and
welding areas; and office space.
Chemicals used in the building included
paints, solvents, thinners, antifreeze, acety-
lene, and argon gas cylinders.
The building is currently used as ware-
house/office space. Former Building 2276
was located south of Building 2286 and used
as a furniture repair shop and warehouse.
Hazardous chemicals including paint thin-
ners, adhesives, stains and aerosols were used
and stored in small quantities at the former
building.
• Area 2 - Building 2250:
Building 2250 was constructed in 1941
and used as the post laundry facility through
1991 with dry cleaning operations introduced
in the late 1960s.
In 1991, laundry and dry cleaning opera-
tions ceased, and the facility was converted to
the post recycling center. During dry clean-
ing operations, tetrachloroethene and other
solvents were used.
• Area 3 - Lower Patapsco Aquifer study
area:
The Lower Patapsco Aquifer Study Area
is located downgradient of OU-4 to the
southeast, and consists of a confined aquifer
that outcrops to the surface at OU-4 and
extends off post into Odenton, where it is
present at depths of 200 or more feet below
ground surface.
Alternatives evaluated for Area 1,
Building 2286 and former Building
2276:
• Alternative 1: No further action
• Alternative 2: In-situ enhanced reductive
dechlorination with long-term monitoring of
groundwater
• Alternative 3: In-situ chemical oxidation
with long-term monitoring of groundwater
(preferred alternative)
Alternatives evaluated for Area 2,
Building 2250:
• Alternative 1: No further action
• Alternative 2: Air sparge/soil vapor
extraction with long-term monitoring of
groundwater (preferred alternative)
• Alternative 3: In-situ chemical oxidation
with vapor mitigation and long-term moni-
toring of groundwater
Alternatives evaluated for Area 3,
Lower Patapsco Aquifer study area:
• Alternative 1: No further action
• Alternative 2: In-situ enhanced reductive
dechlorination with long-term monitoring of
groundwater
• Alternative 3: Hydraulic containment
with long-term monitoring of groundwater
(preferred alternative)
Public comment period
Starting Sept. 9, copies of the EE/CA
document will be available for review online
at ftmeade.army.mil (click the link for Envi-
ronmental Programs).
Paper copies are available for review week-
days from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fort Meade
Environmental Division, 4215 Roberts Ave.,
Room 320.
For more information, call 301-677-9854.
Paper copies also are available at the West
County Area Library, 1325 Annapolis Road,
Odento, Mondays to Thursdays from 9 a.m.
to9p.m.;FridayandSaturdaysfrom9a.m.to
5 p.m.; and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.
For more information, call 410-222-6277.
The public may submit written comments
during the 30-day comment period that ends
Oct. 8.
Comments must be postmarked by Oct.
8 and sent to Mary Doyle, U.S. Army Gar-
rison Fort Meade, Public Affairs Office, 4409
Llewellyn Ave., Fort Meade, MD, 20755-
7058
To reach Doyle, call 301-677-5592.
Following the 30-day public comment
period,writtenresponseswillbepreparedand
included in the Administrative Record.
Community members also are invited to
attend the Fort Meade Restoration Advisory
BoardmeetingsheldbimonthlyattheHoliday
Inn Express, 7481 Ridge Road, Hanover.
The next RAB meeting is scheduled for
Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.
6. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil SOUNDOFF! September 12, 2013
News
By Jeffrey L. McClendon
Garrison Emergency Manager
National Preparedness Month is rec-
ognized each September to emphasize
the importance of being prepared for
emergencies such as natural or man-made
disasters, and terrorist attacks.
Soldiers, families, and civilians are
encouraged to turn awareness into action.
From the pamphlets and preparedness
literature distributed by the garrison emer-
gency manager, families can learn to effec-
tively and efficiently respond to natural
and man-made situations that could affect
the installation.
There are not enough first responders
on post to help each individual during an
emergency, so it’s up to each individual to
be prepared.
The Ready Army website at www.acsim.
army.mil/readyarmy provides detailed
information about preparation and
response. The site also provides informa-
tion for families to prepare for emergen-
cies.
Prepare emergency kits filled with neces-
sities, such as 72 hours worth of nonper-
ishable food, water and medicine, for each
household member. Be sure to note when
they’re expiring so you can start using
(expiring) items and replacing them.
Foods that require no preparation,
refrigeration or cooking are recommend-
National Preparedness Month urges emergency readiness
By Jovon Lewis, Intern
Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center
Members of the clinical pharmacy team
at Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center
conducted an asthma education class for
pediatric patients up to the age of 17 and
their parents to discuss management of
this chronic disease.
During the class held Aug. 21, partici-
pants received training on proper use of
various inhalers, met with clinical phar-
macists to ask questions, and had the
opportunity to get their asthma-related
medications refilled.
Participants had the opportunity to
practice inhaler technique with trained
professionals. Follow-up appointments
were scheduled for participants if addi-
tional diagnostic testing was needed.
“We were very excited to be able to
involve pharmacy students in our asthma
education classes,” said Dr. Joni Larrabee,
the clinical pharmacy preceptor at Kim-
brough who helped facilitate the class.
“These opportunities allow our students
to interact with real patients and give
patients a chance to ask questions of a
health care provider in a fun, open envi-
ronment.”
Asthma is a chronic disease of the
lungs, causing the airways in the lungs
to swell and constrict, making it difficult
to breathe. According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, asthma-
related care costs approximately $56 billion
annually in the United States. In 2010, 18.7
million adults — one in 12— and 7 million
children — one in 11— had asthma.
Approximately nine people die daily
from the disease.
There is no cure for asthma, but it can be
managed with proper medication adminis-
tration and avoiding potential triggers. As
children return back to school, they may
be exposed to such triggers as pets, dust,
mold and cold/flu infections that could
potentially cause an asthma attack. Proper
management of asthma allows sufferers to
live normal, healthy lives.
Kimbrough’s class included a basic
overview of asthma, commonly prescribed
asthma medications, and counseling on
proper administration and storage of these
medications. It is important for asthma
sufferers to identify and avoid potential
triggers, if possible.
A common theme throughout the dis-
cussion was the children’s reluctance to use
their corticosteroid inhaler on a consistent
basis. Many corticosteroid inhalers have
an undesirable aftertaste, which makes
them difficult to tolerate.
Corticosteroid inhalers are used for pre-
vention of asthma attacks. They work by
preventing inflammation of the lungs, and
take days to weeks before they are at full
effect. For corticosteroid inhalers to work
properly, they need to be administered on
a consistent basis. It is also important for
users to rinse their mouth after every use
to avoid possible infection.
Overall, the class was well received by
the participants, and the parents enjoyed
the one-on-one interaction with pharmacy
staff to get their medication questions
answered.
Knowledge of which inhalers to use and
when to use them is the most important
factor in attaining proper management of
a chronic disease like asthma.
If your child does not have an asthma
action plan from his or her doctor, or
the action plan hasn’t been updated in a
couple of years, schedule an appointment
with your primary care physician.
Action plans are a useful tool to ensure
a current plan is established to manage any
asthma attacks that may occur.
Breathing easier
Kimbrough offers asthma
education to pediatric patients
Being prepared
The garrison encourages individuals
and organizations to commit to the
following:
• Learn about emergency hazards and
their appropriate responses.
• Build an emergency kit.
• Make a communications plan.
• Get involved in preparedness in the
community.
ed. These can be high-energy foods and
ready-to-eat canned meat, vegetables or
fruit.
Always have some cash on hand, extra
batteries, infant formula, food for pets, a
first aid kit and either a hand-crank or
battery-powered flashlight and radio. An
NOAA radio delivers information directly
from the National Weather Service.
Should a family be moved to an emer-
gency shelter off the installation, all per-
tinent documents should be ready and
available. This includes wills, medical and
financial powers of attorney, property
documents, health insurance information,
and military service records.
Families with special-needs children
should prepare written instructions to
eliminate any confusion for emergency
responders.
A family’s plan should always include a
way to contact each other in case of sepa-
ration before, during or after an emergency.
Families, garrison directorates and tenant
organizations should prepare plans far in
advance, so the community as a whole can
effectively respond to emergencies.
Fort Meade families can stay informed
by following post updates via Internet, tele-
phone or radio. The installation utilizes a
variety of communication channels to ensure
community members know when to execute
evacuations, take cover, avoid obstructed
paths, and other response measures.
Residents should document all of the
installation’s emergency communication
platforms: social media (Fort Meade Face-
book and Twitter), and the information
hotline phone number: 301-677- MEADE
(6323).
The Directorate of Plans, Training,
Mobilization and Security and the Direc-
torate of Emergency Services also will
activate the installation’s mass warning
notification system — the “Giant Voice”
— to alert the community of a threat
outdoors.
The Emergency Operations Center
manager and staff will monitor storm
systems and potential threats, and alert
residents of potential trouble. The post
will share information and keep people
informed. The goal is to get the informa-
tion out early.
Parents also should become familiar
with their school system’s emergency com-
munication. Anne Arundel County Public
Schools posts delays and closure informa-
tion on its emergency plan website and
television, radio, email and social media.
The county website also provides infor-
mation on its closure and delay decision-
making process, makeup days and answers
to frequently asked question.
The Ready Army website recommends
employees inform their commanders of
their safety as soon as possible. This allows
the organization to keep documentation,
and not waste time and resources search-
ing for an employee who isn’t hurt.
The Army One Source and Military
One Source websites enable employees to
deliver status reports online.
The Army Information Hotline (1-800-
833-6622); Army One Source (1-800-464-
8107); and Military One Source (1-800-
342-9647) provide telephone hotlines for
employees to relay messages.
The Ready Campaign’s websites
(ready.gov and listo.gov) and toll-free
numbers (1-800-BEREADY and 1-888-
SE-LISTO) provide free emergency pre-
paredness information and resources
available in English and Spanish.
7. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! September 12, 2013
News
petitor’s estimate. It’s a good idea to always ask
if any price that you are quoted, including an
advertised price, includes all fees. Some shops
charge “shop fees” or “environmental impact
fees” that can add a few unwanted dollars to
the final bill.
Taking the time to find an auto repair shop
with a good reputation. Getting second opin-
ions, asking for written estimates and asking
ahead of time about additional fees can help
save you from an auto repair disaster.
Consumers that have an unresolved dispute
with an auto repair shop in Maryland should
call the Maryland Attorney General’s Con-
sumer Protection Division at 410-528-8662 to
file a complaint.
For more information or to schedule an
appointment with a Fort Meade Legal Assis-
tance attorney, call 301-677-9504 or 301-677-
9536.
By Capt. Adam Petty
Legal Assistance Attorney
Auto repair disputes are a common source
of consumer complaints.
Not only can repairs be costly, consumers
often come across unscrupulous repair shops
that misdiagnose the problem, give bad esti-
mates, and/or make unauthorized repairs.
Look for a trustworthy repair shop before
you need one so you don’t have to rush into a
decision when a vehicle emergency arises.
Look for a mechanic with experience work-
ing on the same automobile model and make
as yours. Get recommendations from friends
and family members; you can even ask auto
insurance agents or other business people you
know.
Check to see if other consumers have filed
complaints with the Better Business Bureau or
your state’s Attorney General’s Office about
the repair shop you are considering.
Second, when getting an estimate and
authorizing a repair, get a second opinion
from other reputable shops for any major auto
repair. Some repair shops charge for estimates,
so ask if there will be a fee.
Under Maryland consumer law, you are
entitled to a written estimate for all repairs
costing more than $50, and you cannot be
charged more than 10 percent over the written
estimate without your consent.
If themechanicfindsthattherepairwillcost
more than 10 percent than the estimate, or that
additional repairs are necessary, the shop must
contact you to get your authorization.
Before signing a repair order, read it care-
fully. Ask for clarification of any item you don’t
understand.
Additionally, you have a right to keep
your replaced parts. Be sure to inform the
shop ahead of time that you want to have the
replaced parts returned to you.
Keep the parts until you are confident
that the repairs made were necessary and
performed properly. If you encounter any dif-
ficulty, these parts may assist you in resolving
your problem.
After the work is completed, the invoice you
receive should list all work performed, all parts
supplied and any surcharges. Keep your invoice
as a record in case you have a dispute with the
shop in the future.
Most auto repair shops set their fees for
repairs by using a flat-rate manual, which lists
the cost of a specific repair for your vehicle’s
make, model and year.
In addition, many shops will match a com-
Navigating through
auto repair issues
Sept. 5, Larceny of private prop-
erty: The victim secured several
high-value camera items in her
room before departing for
training. Upon returning, she
noticed that the stored camera
items were stolen.
Sept. 7, Assault in the second
degree: The Directorate of Emergency Services
was notified of a domestic assault. The victim
stated his son struck him multiple times with
closed fists on the head and face, causing a nose
bleed as well as lacerations to the outside of his
nose.
Sept. 8, Larceny of private property: The victim
stated that the right-front passenger tire of his
vehicle had been taken off and replaced with
another tire.
CommunityCommunity
Crime Watch
Compiled by the Fort Meade
Directorate of Emergency Services
• Moving violations: 30
• Nonmoving violations: 3
• Verbal warnings for traffic stops: 51
• Traffic accidents: 10
• Driving on suspended license: 2
• Driving on suspended registration: 1
• Driving without a license: 1
Upcoming:
Gertrude’s, September 16
“What’s next for farm-to-table?”
Linwoods, November 5
“What makes a restaurant great?”
Seating is Limited! For tickets and menu details visit:
baltimoresunstore.com/sununiversity
For more information: 410-332-6431
A new series of seminars by The Baltimore Sun to inform,
engage and entertain members of the community.
Enjoy an evening of dinner and discussion with Sun restaurant critic
Richard Gorelick as he talks with local restaurant owners
and chefs about trends in dining.
Dine with Our
Restaurant Critic
8. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil12 SOUNDOFF! September 12, 2013
Cover Story
By Brandon Bieltz
Staff Writer
On the 12th anniversary of Sept. 11, more
than 2,000 Fort Meade service members
and civilians spanned McGlachlin Parade
Field to remember those who lost their lives
in the attacks and in defending the country
afterward.
“I cannot possibly think of a more uplift-
ing way, a positive way to begin our day of
remembrance,” Garrison Commander Col.
Brian P. Foley said.
Wednesday’s three-mile, joint-service run
was the post’s fifth annual Run of Remem-
brance. In addition to commemorating 9/11,
the run also promoted resiliency and well-
ness.
Service members and civilians from various
tenant units stood in formation on a dark
parade field before daybreak, preparing for
the run.
Shortly after Reveille, the units marched
off the field and onto English Avenue, picking
up speed before reaching Llewellyn Avenue.
A fire truck, Foley and Command Sgt. Maj.
Thomas J. Latter led the formation through
the installation.
Master Sgt. Vernell Hall of the NCO
Academy said he enjoyed seeing the various
units participating together.
“I love it,” he said.
Sgt. Stanley Harris of the Baltimore
Recruiting Battalion agreed.
“It’s a good way to bring Soldiers together,”
he said.
Around 7:15 a.m., runners arrived back at
the parade field and returned to their forma-
tions. The service members then crowded
around the gazebo as Foley addressed the
group.
Foley opened his brief remarks by ask-
ing runners to take a moment of silence to
remember those who lost their lives in the ter-
rorist attacks and all the service members who
have died defending the country since.
“As we go through our day of remem-
brance today, I would ask each and every
one of you to remember — not out of hatred
or out of bitterness — but remember out of
vigilance, out of the need to remain vigilant,”
Foley said. “Each of us that service our nation
and support the service of our nation need to
remind ourselves on a daily basis to remain
vigilant and never become complacent.
“Use today as a day of remembrance to
remind ourselves that there are those out there
that would do harm to our great nation.”
Part of remaining vigilant, Foley said, is
being resilient and caring for each other by
reaching out and helping “friends and battle
buddies.”
“We stand here this morning, shoulder-to-
shoulder, standing next to each other ready to
support each other in our times of need, ready
and resilient in the face of adversity, ready to
care for each other when needed,” Foley said.
“... Caring leads to resiliency. Resiliency leads
to readiness. Readiness means that we col-
lectively are better able to defend our nation
on a daily basis.”
Several service members, including Hall,
said the run was a fitting way to commemo-
rate the 12th anniversary.
“This is somewhat of a reminder of what
the people went through and remember them
and what we’ve overcome,” he said.
Installation hosts annual Run of Remembrance
photo by steve ruark
Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley addresses runners at McGlachlin Parade Field following the Run of Remembrance. In his brief remarks, Foley asked the service
members and civilians to use the day as a reminder to be vigilant and resilient.
9. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil September 12, 2013 SOUNDOFF! 13
Photos by Philip H. Jones
Air Force Maj. Gen. Jim Keffer and Marine Gunnery Sgt. Obadiah Colebrooke, of
U.S. Cyber Command, talk after the Run of Remembrance. More than 2,000 service
members and civilians from all branches of the military participated in the three-mile
run.
BELOW: Amanda De Mello and 10-month old German Shepherd “Jackson” cheer
on Amanda’s husband, Air Force Lt. Ryan De Mello, 32nd Intelligence Squadron,
during the installation’s Run of Remembrance. It was Jackson’s first time watching
an installation joint run.
Photo by steve ruark
Lt. Col. Steven Stover of the Defense Media Activity bows his head during a moment
of silence after the early-morning, joint service run on Wednesday. The Run of
Remembrance was held to remember those who lost their lives in the attacks and in
defending the country afterward.
10. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil14 SOUNDOFF! September 12, 2013
Sports
Photos by steve ruark
Meade running back Kyle Evans runs through Glen Burnie defenders en route to a 78-yard touchdown run during the season
opener Friday at Meade High School. Evans ran for 161 yards and one touchdown off 12 carries.
By Brandon Bieltz
Staff Writer
It only took the Meade High School Mus-
tangs two minutes, 17 seconds to take control
of their season opener as the two-headed
rushing attack of Kyle Evans and Travis
Chidebe carried the team down the field.
The five-play drive, which opened with a
34-yard rush by Evans, was capped off with
Chidebe making his way into the end zone
on fourth-and-goal for a 6-0 lead.
With the combination of the rushing
attack and a stingy Meade defense that
only allowed the Glen Burnie High School
Gophers 144 total yards, the Mustangs over-
powered the Gophers to open the season at
home Friday night with a 23-0 victory.
But it still wasn’t the win that head coach
Holzer was looking for, with penalties and
turnovers plaguing the team.
“It’s good that we got a win,”Holzer said.
“But we’re not going to be a good team if we
play like we did today.”
Two interceptions and a fumble, combined
with a handful penalties and mental mistakes
throughout the game, held the Mustangs
offense back.
“The problem was, we had mental break-
downs from time to time that put us behind
schedule,” Holzer said. “There were holding
calls or missed blocks that put us third-and-
13. There’s not many plays you can call at
third-and-13.”
Despite the setbacks, the Mustangs racked
up 431 total offensive yards as Evans led the
charge with 161 rushing yards and a touch-
down on 12 carries before being pulled from
the game near halftime.
“I feel real good,” the senior running
back said. “I feel better than last year. I feel
stronger, a little faster. I think my vision got
better.”
Evans sealed a three-play drive late in the
first quarter with a 78-yard touchdown run
to give the Mustangs a 13-0 lead.
After holding the Gophers on fourth and
five at the Mustang’s 11-yard line, Meade
put together a 16-play, 89-yard drive that
was capped with an eight-yard touchdown
pass from Marcus Smith to Devontae Dunn
to give the Mustangs a 20-0 lead heading
into halftime.
The Meade offensive unit struggled in
the third quarter after Evans and Smith
were taken out of the game. DJ Pate threw
an interception, and on the next Mustang
possession, running back Jamaal Talbert
fumbled.
Despite the offensive woes, the Meade
defense held the Gophers’ offense in check
and kept them off the board.
Mustangs open season with shutout win
“Aside from a few missed tackles and a
few missed opportunities for interceptions,
overall [the defense] played solid,” Holzer
said. “They did what they were asked to
do. I was pretty pleased with that side of
the ball.”
Gio Ogo’s 29-yard field goal in the fourth
quarter was the Mustangs’ only score in the
half to extend their lead to 23-0.
Smith went 11-13 for 112 yards with a
touchdown and interception, and rushed for
49 yards. Tyree Turner led Meade receivers
with 41 yards off three catches, while Dunn
had three catches for 22 yards and a touch-
down.
Chidebe had 59 yards and a touchdown
rushing while also making two catches for
40 yards.
Meade offensive lineman Jake Hawk said
the team is focused on correcting its mental
mistakes and will return to the field stronger
when they play South River.
“We had a couple of mess-ups today but
we’re going to pull it together,” he said.
Week 2: (1-0) Meade Mustangs at (1-0)
South River Seahawks, today at 6:30 p.m.
In their first away game of the season, the
Mustangs will face the Seahawks who are
coming off a come-from-behind win over
Annapolis last week.
Led by quarterback Jalen Jones’ 282 yards
and three touchdowns, the Seahawks rallied
from 22-0 at halftime to win 32-29 following
a game-clinching field goal as time expired on
Friday. Two touchdowns and 220 of Jones’
yards went to receiver James Smith.
Closing off Smith in an effort to force
the Seahawks offense into uncomfortable
situations will be a major objective for the
big, athletic defensive backs in the Meade
secondary.
Despite a focus on the run game this sea-
son, there has been an emphasis on passing,
with Marcus Smith working solely on throw-
ing the ball in practice this week.
“Teams will just start loading up on us if
all we do is run,”Holzer said. “So we’re trying
to make a big point that we need to throw the
ball effectively.”
With the first game on the road, Holzer
said it is crucial the team comes out with a
statement win.
“This is a big game for our season,”he said.
“It is a game that can obviously have playoff
implications down the road. South River is a
good team. If we’re going to be a good team
again, we have to beat good teams.”
Meade quarterback Marcus Smith breaks
away from tacklers during Friday’s
matchup against Glen Burnie. The
Mustangs shut out the Gophers 23-0 to
open the season with a win.
11. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil September 12, 2013 SOUNDOFF! 15
Sports
Each year, the Child, Youth and School
Services’ Fort Meade Highsteppers Track
and Field Club take more than a dozen
youth athletes to the Amateur Athletic
Union Junior Olympics.
This year, nearly 30 members traveled
to Eastern Michigan University in Ypsi-
lanti to compete for national titles.
Qualified athletes include: Paul John-
son, Joshua Wofford, Zackary Meggett,
Sam Graves, Ciara Thomas, Hannah
Salvador, Bukhari Salaam, Mariah Rob-
inson, Ariana Cuello, Taylor Birkett,
Shanyn Gutierrez, Niriyah Moses, Josh
Salvador, Daniel Kuehn, Isaac Salvador,
Jake Neslony, Shavar Staats, Shanise
Staats, Romeo Thomas, Destini Brown,
Aiyanna Pullins, Mikaila Moses, Kaya
Pullins, Gabrielle Hill, Hannah Sierra,
Breanna Mealer and Imani Buggs.
Of the 27 athletes who participated in
the meet, which was held July 26 to Aug.
3, six Highsteppers placed in the top
eight, bringing home seven medals:
• Hannah Salvador, gold medal for
first place in the 9-year-old Girls 1500
Meter Racewalk (9:05)
• Ciara Thomas, silver medal for sec-
ond place in the 8-year-old Girls Long
Jump (12’02”)
• Sam Graves, silver medal for second
place in the Men’s 3000 Meter Racewalk
(15:17) and a sixth-place medal in the
Men’s 2000 Meter Steeplechase (6:44)
• Zackary Meggett, bronze medal for
third place in the 11-year-old Boys 1500
Meter Racewalk (10:10)
• Joshua Wofford, seventh-place medal
in the 12-year-old Boys 1500 Meter
Racewalk (10:45)
• Paul Johnson, eighth-place medal
in the 15- and 16-year-old Boys Javelin
(131’08”)
Coaches said several other athletes
established personal records at the
meet.
Highsteppers place
at Junior Olympics
submitted photo
Ciara Thomas of the Fort Meade Highsteppers Track and Field Club competes in the
long jump during the Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympics at Eastern Michigan
University in Ypsilanti. The team sent 27 young athletes to the national meet, which
was held July 26 to Aug. 3.
Cougars roundup
Football
• The 70-pound Cougars defeated the Davidsonville
Gators, 20-0
• The 80-pound Cougars defeated the Chesapeake
Bay Piranhas, 18-6
• The 90-pound Cougars lost to the Pasadena Panthers, 6-0, in overtime
• The 100-pound Cougars defeated the South River Seahawks, 12-0
• The 11U Cougars lost to the Chesapeake Bay Piranhas, 44-6
• The 13U Cougars lost to the Severn Seminoles, 36-0
Soccer
• The Under-9 Cougars defeated the Severn Flame Throwers, 3-0
• The Under-10 Cougars defeated the Jessup Underdogs, 2-0
• The Under-12 Cougars defeated the Broadneck Blasters, 2-1
12. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil16 SOUNDOFF! September 12, 2013
Sports
Sports Shorts
Ravens’ Hometown Heroes
The Baltimore Ravens and Dietz Watson are joining forces to honor active-
duty service members and veterans at each of the Ravens’ 2013 home games.
Through their Hometown Hero program, the two partners will celebrate service
members of the greater Baltimore community, currently serving or retired, whose
bravery and strength make them deserving of special recognition.
Each week, one person will be chosen as that game’s Hometown Hero and
deliver the game ball to the NFL referee prior to kickoff. The hero also will
receive tickets to the game and pre-game sideline passes.
The Hometown Hero program is open to all current and former service
members from any military branch.
Throughout the season, fans can submit a friend or family member’s name,
contact information, service number and brief description about why they want to
honor that person at www.baltimoreravens.com/hometownhero.
New hours at the Lanes
The Lanes’ new hours are: Mondays, 4 to 10 p.m.; Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 10
p.m.; Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Fridays, 4
to 11 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Lounge is open Monday to Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
For more information, call 301-677-5541.
EFMP Walking Group
The Exceptional Family Member Program Walking Group will meet today from
8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Arundel Mills Mall for its monthly walking event.
All are welcome — strollers, too.
The group will meet at 8:15 a.m. in front of Best Buy inside the mall.
Registration is required.
To register, call LaToya Travis at 301-677-4473 or email latoya.travis@us.army.mil.
EFMP Bowling
The Exceptional Family Member program is sponsoring its monthly
bowling event on Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Lanes.
Exceptional family members will receive a free game and shoe rental. Other
family members will receive discounted games and shoe rental.
To register, call LaToya Travis at 301-677-4473 or email latoya.travis@
us.army.mil.
Football Fan Fare 5K and 1 Mile Walk
The installation’s annual Run Series continues Sept. 21 with a Football Fan
Fare 5K and 1 Mile Walk at 8 a.m. at Constitution Park.
The pre-registration cost for individuals is $15. Cost on the day of the run is
$25.
The pre-registration cost for groups of seven to 10 is $75.
The pre-registration cost is $45 for a family of three to six people.
All pre-registered runners will receive a T-shirt.
To pre-register, go to www.allsportcentral.com/EventInfo.cfm?EventID=46037
For more information, call 301-677-3867.
Dollar Days
Dollar Days at the Lanes is every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Bowlers receive a game of bowling, shoe rental, a hot dog, hamburger,
small fries, pizza slice or small soda for $1 each.
For more information, call 301-677-5541.
For more Fort Meade sports, visit quickscores.com/ftmeadesports.
As you might imagine, my sports
life is going pretty good right now.
In football, the Cowboys beat the
Giants bit.ly/17W74Ab, the Redskins
lost, and best of all, Michigan beat
those low-down dirty Notre Dame
Fighting Irish.
Speaking of the Michigan game,
please, please, please tell me you
saw the Eminem interview. bit.
ly/1aq158W
In baseball, the Tigers are strug-
gling but still well ahead of Cleveland.
Max Scherzer is on his way to winning
the Cy Young Award, and Miguel
Cabrera is poised to keep the MVP in
the D for the third year in a row.
Even with all that goodness to
choose from, it is written somewhere
in the military columnist handbook
that I need to address the anniversary
of Sept. 11, 2001. So here goes it.
Twelve years ago, Specialist Jones
and his new wife were living at Scho-
field Barracks in Hawaii. I was a
member of the 25th Infantry Division
(Light) and fast asleep preparing for a
PT test when the phone rang. It was
my brother Sam.
“Dude, turn on the TV. We’re under
attack,” he said.
I was shocked at the images I saw,
and I remember calling my NCOIC
and telling her, “I don’t think we’ll be
having a PT test today.”
I was right, and as you all know, the
world changed.
But as time has passed, I find myself
spending less time thinking about the
tragedy of Sept. 11 and more on the
things I appreciate, because of the
sacrifices many of us have made in
defense of our nation since that day.
For example, I was driving home
from work on Tuesday when someone
on the radio brought up 9/11. Initially,
my mind did rush to the images of
planes flying into the World Trade
Centers. But instead of anger, my
thoughts shifted to my wife and the
fact that we - an interracial Muslim
couple - have been able to be together,
have three children and buy a Party
Van without fear of persecution.
Sure, a few yokels may stare occa-
sionally, but the fact of the matter
is, my wife and I can’t happen every-
where else in
the world.
Anotherthing
I appreciate is
the fact that we
get to spend
a lot of time
arguing about
stupid stuff:
Should twerking
be considered
a word? What’s
the best Netflix series, “Orange is the
New Black” or “House of Cards”? 1D
or NKOTB? Or, did swimmer Diana
Nyad really swim from Cuba to Flori-
da unassisted? nbcnews.to/18024YZ
To me, it should be argued whether
Nyad is a few bricks short of a load
because attached to a boat or not,
that lady kept swimming even after
being attacked by two schools of jel-
lyfish.
Think about it. We have entire
industries dedicated to nothing but
inconsequential debates. Look no
further than sports talk radio, ESPN
and “The View.”
And the only reason we are able
to have such debates is because a
majority of us are not worried about
starvation, living under oppression,
or speaking out. To put it in Maslow’s
terms, our basic needs are squared
away, yo. So we get to spend our time
self-actualizing about whether Robin
Thicke is a dirty old man for letting
Miley twerk up on him.
And that’s not a good thing, it’s a
great thing!
If there is one thing I took from
9/11, it is that life is going to deal us
some pretty nasty stuff: You won’t
always have a job. People will die.
And crazy, evil people will use planes,
chemical weapons or any other means
at their disposal to shake our belief
in humanity.
So relish the opportunity to focus
on fluff, and appreciate that we live in
a place that has afforded our minds
some serious time to focus on things
that are anything but.
If you have any questions on this or
anything to do with sports, contact me
at chad.t.jones.civ@mail.mil and hit
me up on Twitter @ctjibber.
What to take with you
Chad T. Jones,
Public Affairs
Officer
Jibber Jabber - Opinion
13. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil September 12, 2013 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 Philip Jones at philip.
h.jones.civ@mail.mil or call 301-677-5602.
Water Main Flushing
American Water continued its 2013
annual Water Main Flushing Program
on Wednesday.
The purpose of the program is to
provide the best quality water available
to the customer by removing any
buildup of sediment that may have
occurred in the water lines.
Flushing may result in some
temporary discoloration and the
presence of sediment in your water.
These conditions are not harmful and
should be of very short duration.
Limit your use of water between
8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to help prevent
discolored water reaching your service
lines to your residence. Should you
notice an increase in discolored water at
your residence, flush all faucets inside
for 15 minutes.
If the water does not clear up, contact
the Water Treatment Plant at 443-591-
0909. This number is monitored 24/7.
Areas that may be affected:
• 900 Block of Ernie Pyle Street
• 2000 Block off Route 175
• 2100 Block off Route 175
• 1800 Block off Route 175 and Reece
Road
• 1900 Block off Route 175 and Reece
Road
• 1200 Block off Route 175
Streets adjacent to Ernie Pyle Street,
Reece Road and Route 175 may see a
change in their water.
Commissary baggers
needed
The commissary is accepting
applications for bagger positions.
Ten bagger positions are available for
the morning shift, Mondays to Fridays
from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Seven bagger positions are available
for the afternoon shift, Mondays to
Fridays from 2:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Bagger positions are open to active-
duty service members, family members
of active-duty military, and retirees.
Applications will be processed Sept.
23 from 9 a.m. to noon on a first-come,
first-served basis at Club Meade, 6600
Mapes Road.
Applicants must come in person and
bring their current military/dependent
ID card and Social Security number.
For more information, call 301-677-
5502.
Hero/Shero Contest
The Baltimore County African
American Cultural Festival is sponsoring
its second Hero/Shero Contest on Sept.
21.
In a paragraph of 100 words or less,
nominate an active-duty service member,
a Reservist, member of the National
Guard or a veteran who you feel is the
hero or shero in your life.
Entries must be submitted by
Wednesday.
For more information, visit the
Baltimore County African American
Cultural Festival website; call 410-645-
0765; or email aaculturalfestiva@gmail.
com.
Fall Chamber Concert
Series
The U.S. Army Field Band will
perform its Fall Chamber Concert Series
on and off post:
• Hispanic Heritage Celebration:
Oct. 10, 7 p.m., U.S. Army Field Band
Building-Devers Hall, 4214 Field Band
Drive, Fort Meade
• Mixed Performers Concert: Oct.
20, 3 p.m., St. Bernadette Parish, 801
Stevenson Road, Severn
The concert will showcase the variety
of sounds and styles of the Field Band’s
Soldier-musicians.
For more information, visit
armyfieldband.com.
Air Force Ball
The 66th Air Force Ball will be held
Friday at the Hilton Baltimore Washington
International Hotel.
All services are welcome.
This year’s theme is “Road to the
Future” which emphasizes the Air Force’s
transition into the digital age.
The guest speaker is Air Force Chief
Master Sgt. Kevin G. Slater, senior enlisted
advisor to Gen. Keith B. Alexander,
director of the National Security Agency
NEWS EVENTS
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
Chaplain’s Word
KINDNESS
“Constant kindness
can accomplish much.”
— Albert Schweitzer, Medical Missionary
Nobel Peace Prize
Relax, Refresh Revitalize
At Howard County’s Best Yoga Studio!
@YogaCtrColumbia
FREEYOGA, PILATES
QIGONG CLASSES
September 30 - October 6, 2013
Over 65 Free classes to choose from. No Prior
Yoga or Fitness Experience Necessary.
No Obligation. Call 410-720-4340 Or Email Us at
info@columbiayoga.com To Reserve Your Spot.
Visit www.columbiayoga.com For The Full Schedule.
The Yoga Center Offers Discounted Classes For Seniors,
Teens Active Military Personnel Their Spouse.
The Yoga Center Of Columbia
8950 Route 108, Suite 109, Columbia, MD 21045
410.720.4340 www.columbiayoga.com
JUST OFF RT. 32! 10798 HICKORY RIDGE RD
COLUMBIA • 410-992-4400
Near
Fort
Meade!
• Infant Dental
Screening
• Emergency
Appointments
• Accepts Tri-Care
www.dredwinzaghi.com
Dr. Edwin Zaghi
- Board Certified Pediatric Dentistry;
- American Board Pediatric Dentist;
- Fellow American Academy of
Pediatric Dentistry
KID-FRIENDLY
DENTISTRY
KID-FRIENDLY
DENTISTRY
Edwin Zaghi, DMD
PEDIATRIC
DENTISTRY
OVER85RVBRANDS
DISCOUNT COUPON
$
100
OFFRegular $
8.00 Admission Price
Children Under 12 FREE with
Parents, One Coupon Required
per Purchased Ticket.
Additional Discount Coupons
available MDRV.com
WITH SERVICE I.D.
RVSUPER
SALETIMONIUM FAIRGROUNDS
SEPT. 12-15
FREE PARKING!
410.561.7323 • MDRV.COM
14. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil18 SOUNDOFF! September 12, 2013
Community News Notes
and chief of Central Security Service.
Military attire is semi-formal or mess
dress. Civilian attire is semiformal or black
tie.
Admission is $29 for E1-E4 and GS-1
through GS-8; $30 for E5-E6 and GS-9
through GS-11; $40 for SNCO/CGO and
GS-12 through GS-13; and $50 for FGO/
GS-14 and above.
Cost for spouses and guests is the same
as the Air Force member.
For tickets, call 301-677-5015.
Quarter auction
The Enlisted Spouses Club is hosting
Quarter Mania, a quarter auction, on
Sept. 20 at Jessup Community Hall, 2920
Jessup Road.
Doors open at 6 p.m. Play begins at 7
p.m.
Admission is $6 and includes two
paddles. Group fee is $20 for four people
and includes paddles. Cost for each
additional paddle is $2.
Players who register online at
ftmeadeesc.org and/or bring five
nonperishable food items, may select either
an extra paddle or magic paddle ticket at
the door.
Bring quarters. Bids will be one to four
quarters on a variety of themes.
Snacks will be available for purchase.
For more information, email Kim at
waysandmeans@ftmeadeesc.org.
Square Dance Club
The Swinging Squares Square Dance
Club dances the third and fifth Saturday
of the month from September to the end
of May at Meade Middle School.
The first dance of the 2013-14 season
will be Sept. 21 from 7:30-10 p.m.
Admission is $6. Square dance attire is
optional.
For fun, fellowship and exercise, try
this modern, western square-dancing.
Dance classes are held Thursday nights
at 7:30 p.m. at Meade Middle School,
starting Sept. 19.
Each class costs $6. The first two
classes are free.
For more information, call Darlene at
410-519-2536 (voice); 410-868-5050 (text),
or Carl at 410-271-8776 (voice/text).
Trivia Night
The Lanes hosts Trivia Night every
Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m., except the
third Thursday of the month.
The event is open to the public.
Teams must have a minimum of two
players and a maximum of 10.
Weekly prizes are awarded to the top
three winners. Food and beverages are
available for purchase.
For more information, call 301-677-
5541 or visit ftmeademwr.com/lanes.php.
Jummah prayers
Individuals interested in participating
in Jummah prayers on Fort Meade
should call 301-677-1301.
Fort Meade has a room available
at Argonne Hills Chapel Center, 7100
Rockenbach Road.
The community also is seeking
individuals who would like to join in a
morning prayer on Fridays.
Employment Readiness
classes
The Employment Readiness Program
helps the military community with job
readiness by providing employment con-
sultations/coaching, career classes and
assessments, and job search/interview
preparation assistance.
For more information call Vikki Tor-
rence or Rose Holland with the ERP at
301-677-5590.
• Federal Employment Class: Tuesday,
9 a.m. to noon, Army Community Ser-
vice, 830 Chisholm Ave.
Learn to demystify the application
process for federal employment.
• Interview Skills Class: Sept. 24, 9 a.m.
to noon, ACS, 830 Chisholm Ave.
Learn basic interviewing skills and tips
on dressing for success to present yourself
as the best candidate for the job. Learn
the dos and the don’ts at job interviews,
and strategies on working a job fair.
• Get Ready! Employment Orientation:
Sept. 29, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., ACS, 830
Chisholm Ave.
• Resume Open Forum: March 28,
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Potomac Place
Neighborhood Center, 2nd Corps Bou-
levard, hosted by Military and Spouse
Job Club
Learn about job readiness resourc-
es through Fort Meade’s Employment
Readiness Program, the Anne Arundel
Workforce Development’s Kick Start Pro-
gram and Howard County’s Office of
Workforce Development. This features
websites, classes, job listings, employment
support groups and tour of the resource
center.
Army Human Resources
Workshop
The Directorate of Human Resources
and Defense Military Pay Office (Finance)
will conduct the first Fort Meade Army
Human Resources Workshop on Sept. 20
from 9 a.m to noon at McGill Training
Center, classroom 6.
It is imperative that administrative offi-
cers (S1s), Personnel Staff NCO, Army
Human Resources specialists, and all indi-
viduals that perform Army military person-
nel functions attend this workshop.
The workshop will provide critical infor-
mation and essential tools required for
the timely and accurate processing of all
Army personnel actions submitted to the
DHR and the Defense Military Pay-Office
(Finance).
To confirm attendance, call Ms. Bolling
at 301-677-5406 or Ms. Bautista at 301-677-
7545 by Sunday.
Out About
• The Orthodox Church of St.
Matthew Multicultural Festival,
Columbia’s largest international festival,
will be held Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 8
p.m. and Oct. 6 from 11:30 p.m. to 5
p.m. at the church, 7271 Eden Brook
Drive, Kings Contrivance Village Center,
Columbia.
The annual event features homemade
Greek, Slavic, Romanian, Ethiopian,
American and Lebanese foods; a
wine and beer garden; free cultural
entertainment; a children’s activity area;
silent auction; church tours; traditional
ethnic desserts; and specialty vendors.
For more information, go to
stmatthewfestival.org or call 410-381-
2284.
• Community Day will be celebrated
Sept. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. at 12511 Old
Gunpowder Road Spur, Beltsville. The event
will feature free prizes, international foods,
games, a basketball tournament, moon
bounce and an outdoor concert. For more
information, call 301-498-6006.
• YMCA Camp Letts in Edgewater will
host the 18th Women’s Wellness Weekend:
Spirit, Mind and Body from Oct. 12-13.
This year, the camp is reaching out to
military spouses to enjoy the experience
and will give their children, ages 6-16, the
opportunity to enjoy camp as well.
Cost is $175 per person. Early registration
is $150 if postmarked by Friday. Enlisted
spouses may apply for scholarships for up to
$100 with valid military ID. Call to register.
Space is limited.
Fee includes lodging, meals, workshops,
entertainment and most activities.
Activities include: yoga, dance, canoeing,
stress reduction, hiking, exercise classes,
archery, high ropes adventure, tennis,
basketball, volleyball, sailing, arts, campfire,
crafts fair, and speakers and presenters.
For more information, call Chessa
Ormond at 410-919-1410 or email info@
campletts.org. or call the camp at 410-919-
1410 or go to campletts.org.
• Maryland Renaissance Festival will be
held through Oct. 20 at 1821 Crownsville
Road, Annapolis. Admission is $7 to $22.
For more information, email rennfest.com.
• Leisure Travel Services is offering its
next monthly bus trip to New York City
on Oct. 5 and Nov. 16, with discounts
to attractions. Bus cost is $55. For more
information, call 301-677-7354 or visit
ftmeademwr.com.
• A Quarter Auction will be held tonight
at Knights of Columbus Hall, 1381 Becknel
Ave., Odenton. Doors and kitchen open at 6
p.m. Auction begins at 7 p.m.
The auction is for adults only. Admission
is $5 (two paddles). Each additional set costs
$5. Food and beverages will be available for
purchase. The event also will feature door
prizes.
All proceeds will benefit charities. For
more information, call Jo-Ann at 410-900-
5576.
• 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, visit e9association.org or call
410-551-7953.
• 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.
The organization’s annual picnic will be
held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All
members and guests are invited.
For more information, call 410-761-
7046 or 301-262-6556.
NEWS EVENTS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
EDUCATION
RECREATION
MEETINGS
15. http://www.ftmeade.army.mil September 12, 2013 SOUNDOFF! 19
Community News Notes
• Families Dealing with Deployment meets
the first and third Monday of every month
from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Meuse Forest
Neighborhood Center. The next meeting
is Monday. For more information, email
Kimberly.d.mckay6.ctr@mail.mil.
• Retired Enlisted Association meets
the third Tuesday of the month from
7:30 to 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.
• Prostate Cancer Support Group meets
at Walter Reed National Military Medi-
cal Center on the third Thursday of every
month. The next meeting will be Sept. 19
from 1 to 2 p.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in
the America Building, River Conference
Room (next to the Prostate Center), third
floor.
Spouses/partners are invited. Military ID
required for base access. For men without
a military ID, call the Prostate Center 48
hours prior to the event at 301-319-2900
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 hold its
opening party on Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. at
the Jessup Community Center, corner of
Route 175 and Wigley Avenue.
Sarah von Pollaro of “Urban Petals
Floral Designs” and “Flower Empowered”
of Washington, D.C., will present
“Demystifying Floral Design.”
Refreshments will be served.
Reservations are not required.
Join the club for informative and fun
programs throughout the year, trips,
activities relating to gardening, and a bake
sale.
Annual membership is $20. For
more information, call Jennifer Garcia,
membership chair, at 443-949-8348, or
Sharon Durney, club president, at 410-
761-5019.
• Society of Military Widows meets for
brunch the fourth Sunday of the month
at 1 p.m. at the Lanes. The next meeting is
Sept. 22. For more information, call Betty
Jones at 410-730-0127.
• Single Parent Support Group meets the
second and fourth Monday of the month
from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at School Age Services,
1900 Reece Road. The next meeting is Sept.
23. Free child care will be provided on site.
For more information, email Kimberly.
d.mckay6.ctr@mail.mil.
• Marriage Enrichment Group, sponsored
by Army Community Service, meets the
second and fourth Monday of every
month from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Community
Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.
The next meeting is Sept. 23. For more
information, call Celena Flowers or Jessica
Hobgood at 301-677-5590.
• Bully Proofing Support Group meets
the second and fourth Monday of the
month from 4 to 5 p.m. at Potomac Place
Neighborhood Center. The next meeting is
Sept. 23. The group is geared for school-age
children and parents. For more information,
email Kimberly.d.mckay6.ctr@mail.mil.
• Air Force Sergeants Association
Chapter 254 meets the fourth Wednesday
of the month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in
the multipurpose room of Building 9801
at the National Security Agency. The next
meeting is Sept. 25. For more information,
call 443-534-5170 or visit afsa254.org.
• Women’s Empowerment Group meets
every Wednesday from 2 to 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 Tina Gauth, victim
advocate, at 301-677-4117 or Samantha
Herring, victim advocate, at 301-677-4124.
• Fort Meade Homeschool Co-op
meets Fridays at 9:30 a.m. at 1900
Reece Road. For more information, call
Kelli Stricker at 410-674-0297 or email
ftmeadehomeschooling@verizon.net.
• Spanish Christian Service is conducted
Sundays at 1 p.m. at the Cavalry Chapel
located at 8465 Simonds St. and 6th
Armored Cavalry Road.
For more information, call Elias
Mendez at 301-677-7314 or 407-350-8749.
• Cub Scout Pack 377 invites boys in
first through fifth grades, or ages 7 to 10,
to attend its weekly Monday meetings at 6
p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.
For more information, email Cubmaster
Tom Johnston at pack377_cm@yahoo.
com or Committee Chairperson Elizabeth
Johnston at pack377_cc@yahoo.com.
• Boy Scout Troop 379 meets Mondays
at 7 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel
Center on Rockenbach Road. The troop
is actively recruiting boys age 11 to
18. For more information, email Lisa
Yetman, at lisayetman@verizon.net
or Wendall Lawrence, Scoutmaster, at
lawrencewendall@juno.com.
• Military Council for Catholic Women
is open to all women ages 18 and older
for prayer, faith, fellowship and service at
the Main Post Chapel. Mother’s Prayer
Apologetics meets Tuesdays from 9:45
a.m. to noon when Anne Arundel County
schools are in session. Monthly programs
are held Mondays from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
For more information, email Beth
Wright, president, at bethwright826@
hotmail.com or call 305-240-1559.
• American Legion Post 276 is open to
veterans and active-duty service members
at 8068 Quarterfield Road in Severn.
Breakfast may be purchased beginning at 9
a.m. Lunches may be purchased from 11:30
a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Happy Hour is from 4 to
6 p.m. Dinner may be purchased at 6 p.m.
on Fridays and the fourth Sunday of every
month.
Membership discounts are offered
for active-duty military. For more
information, call 410-969-8028 or visit
americanlegionpost276.org.
• Monthly Prayer Breakfast, hosted by
the Garrison Chaplain’s Office, is held the
first Thursday of every month at 7 a.m. at
the Conference Center.
The next breakfast is Oct. 3.
All Fort Meade employees, family
members, and civilian and military
personnel are invited. There is no cost for
the buffet; donations are optional.
For more information, call 301-677-6703
or email diana.l.durner.civ@mail.mil.
• Meade Rod and Gun Club meets the
first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at
Perry’s Restaurant and Odie’s Pub at 1210
Annapolis Road, Odenton, in the banquet
hall in back of the building. The next
meeting is Oct. 3. Dinner is served at 6 p.m.
For more information, call 410-674-4000.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness of
Anne Arundel County offers a free support
group for families with a loved one suffering
from mental illness on the first Thursday
of every month at 7 p.m. at the Odenton
(West County) Library, 1325 Annapolis
Road. The next meeting is Oct. 3. For more
information, visit namiaac.org.
• Fort Meade TOP III Association meets
the second Wednesday of each month at
3 p.m. at the Courses. The next meeting
is Oct. 9. The association is open to all
Air Force active-duty and retired senior
noncommissioned officers. For more
information, call Master Sgt. Jonathan Jacob
at 443-479-0616 or email jajacob@nsa.gov.
• Enlisted Spouses Club meets the second
Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at
Midway Commons Neighborhood Center.
The next meeting is Oct. 14. For more
information, visit ftmeadeesc.org or email
membership@ftmeadeesc.org.
• New Spouse Connection meets the
second Monday of every month from 7
to 8:30 p.m. at the Community Readiness
Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next
meeting is Oct. 14. The program provides
an opportunity for all spouses new to the
military or to Fort Meade to meet and get
connected. For more information, contact
Pia Morales at pia.s.morales.civ@mail.mil
or 301-677-4110.
Movies
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 Wednesdays to Saturdays at
6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
NEW PRICES: Tickets are $5.50 for adults
(12 and older) and $3 for children. 3D Movies:
$7.50 adults, $5 children.
Today through Sept. 29
Today Friday: “2 Guns” (R). Two undercover
agents go on the run after a mission goes bad.
With Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Paula
Patton.
Saturday Sunday: “The Wolverine 3D” (PG-
13). Wolverine confronts the prospect of mor-
tality. With Hugh Jackman, Hiroyuki Sanada,
Famke Janssen.
Wednesday Sept. 21: “Percy Jackson: Sea of
Monsters 3D” (PG). Percy and friends go in
search of the Golden Fleece. With Logan Ler-
man, Brandon T. Jackson, Alexandra Daddario.
Sept. 19, 20: “We’re The Millers” (R). A drug
dealer goes to Mexico with a fake family to
complete a big deal. With Jennifer Aniston, Jason
Sudeikis, Will Poulter.
Sept. 22: “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” (PG).
Percy and friends go in search of the Golden
Fleece. With Logan Lerman, Brandon T. Jack-
son, Alexandra Daddario.
Sept. 25, 28: “Planes 3D” (PG). A crop-dusting
plane dreams of competing in a famous aerial
race but must overcome his fear of heights. With
Dane Cook, Stacy Keach, Brad Garrett.
Sept. 26, 27: “Elysium” (R). In 2159, the wealthy
live aboard a luxurious space station while others
suffer on the surface. With Matt Damon, Jodie
Foster, Sharlto Copley.
Sept. 29: “Planes” (PG). A crop-dusting plane
dreams of competing in a famous aerial race but
must overcome his fear of heights. With Dane
Cook, Stacy Keach, Brad Garrett.