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!"#&$"%%!́PUBLISHED IN THE INTEREST OF THE FORT MEADE COMMUNITY THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 2016 | 68th Year Number 2
FTMEADE.ARMY.MIL
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COMING TOGETHER
County police meetwith communityPAGE 3
Today, 4:30-6 p.m.: Facebook Town Hall - facebook.com/ftmeade
Monday, 10:30 a.m.: Tax Center grand opening - 4217 Morrison St.
Feb. 3, 10:30 a.m.: Cooking Matters Commissary tour - Commissary
Feb. 7: Super Bowl Party - The Lanes
UPCOMING EVENTS A SHOT IN THE DARK
Laser-based firingrange opens at McGillPAGE 8
2 NEWS THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 2016 | SOUNDOFF!
!"#&$"%%!́EDITORIAL STAFF
Garrison CommanderCol. Brian P. Foley
Garrison CommandSgt. Maj. Rodwell L. Forbes
Public Affairs OfficerChad T. Jones [email protected]
Assistant Editor & Senior WriterRona S. Hirsch [email protected]
Staff WriterLisa R. Rhodes [email protected]
Staff WriterAlan H. Feiler [email protected]
Design CoordinatorTimothy Davis [email protected]
Supplemental photography providedby The Baltimore Sun Media Group
DEADLINES
Community noticesFriday, [email protected]
CIRCULATIONIf you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are experi-
encing distribution issues, call 877-886-1206 or e-mail [email protected] hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday through Sun-
day, 8 a.m. to noon.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, 501N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday except the last Thursday of the yearin conjunction with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office. Requests for publication mustreach 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, FortMeade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-5602; DSN: 622-5602.
Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use orpatronage without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, handicapor sex of purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy ofequal opportunity by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising fromthat source.
Printed by The Baltimore Sun Co., LLC, a private firm, in no way connected with theDepartment of the Army. Opinions expressed by the publisher and writers herein aretheir own and are not to be considered an official expression by the Department of theArmy. The appearance of advertisers in the publication does not constitute an en-dorsement by the Department of the Army of the products or services advertised.
Guaranteed circulation: 11,285
www.ftmeade.army.milor ftmeadesoundoff.com
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ADVERTISING
General Inquiries [email protected]
Death Notices: [email protected]
U.S. Army Human Resources Com-mand announcedMonday the availabili-ty of the DA Form 2166-9 series, therevised Noncommissioned Officer Eval-uation Report and its activation in theweb-based Evaluation Entry System, orEES.As detailed in Military Personnel,
Message 15-395, the effective policy datefor use of the 2166-9 series is Jan. 1.Activation of the revised NCOER formsnow allows Soldiers and raters to im-mediately begin to prepare NCOERswith a through date of Jan.1and later.The 2166-9 series consists of three
revisedNCOrating formsbasedongradeplate that mandate distinct rater andsenior rater roles, and incorporate asenior rater profile and rater tendencyassessment.Soldiers who are due to receive a
mandatoryreportbetweennowandDec.31 of this year will continue to receivethat report, whether it be an annual, anextended annual or a change of raterreport, using the DA Form 2166-8 seriesof report forms.Sergeants first class who are eligible
for the FY 2016 Regular Army and U.S.Army Guard Reserve Master SergeantPromotion Boards will also employ the2166-8 seriesNCOERform, saidSgt.Maj.StephenMcDermidofHRC’sEvaluationBranch.Details were published in MILPER
15-340, Oct. 27. For board eligible NCOs,who have not received a mandatoryreport as outlined inMILPER15-340, heor she will receive an HRC-directedCode 19 Evaluation with a through dateofDec. 31.“This will ensure those individuals
eligible for that board receive a close-outevaluation,”McDermid said.Trainingmodules forproperuseof the
revisedNCOERformsandanEvaluationEntry System test site have been andremain available on theHRCwebsite forSoldiers and raters to practicewith.Detailed training modules have been
posted to HRC Evaluations Branchwebsite as well as S1NET and areavailable for download on DVIDS athttps://www.dvidshub.net/tags/video/ncoer.The training modules lead NCOs and
raters through the process, section bysection, in an easy-to-understand man-ner,McDermid said.In addition to the activation of the
NCOER forms, MILPER 15-395 alsoannounced an update to the OfficerEvaluation Report forms that incorpo-rate the use of DoD ID numbers in placeof Social Security numbers.The new NCOER forms will also use
DoD ID numbers in place of SocialSecurity numbers. The DoD ID, whichappears on Soldiers’ Common AccessCards, is being phased in as part of thefederal government’s effort to removeSocial Security numbers from as manydocuments as possible.
GUEST COLUMN
Updated NCO EvaluationReport rating formsavailable online
By David RudermanHuman Resources Command Public Affairs
GarrisonCommanderCol. BrianP. Foley has an opendoor policy.All service members, retirees, government employees, family members and
community members age 18 or older are invited to address issues or concerns tothe commander directly by visiting Foley’s office onMondays from 4 to 6 p.m. atgarrison headquarters inHodgesHall, Bldg. 4551, LlewellynAvenue.
Visitors are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment isnecessary.
Formore information, call 301-677-4844.
Commander’s Open Door
SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 2016 NEWS 3
Alluding to well-publicized incidentsaround the country recently betweenpolice officers and communitymembers,Bishop Eric Wright Sr. says it all comesdown to the tone of the conversationduring such confrontations.
“It’s not about what you say but howyou say it,” said the pastor of RhemaWord Worship and Praise Center inBrooklyn, Md. “The dialogue often goesto becoming anargument and sometimesgets violent. We’re trying to bridge thatgap.”
Wright was among the panelists at aTownHallmeeting held Jan. 12 atMeadeHigh School that focused on communityand police relations in Anne ArundelCounty. Approximately 50 people at-tended the gathering, which was spon-sored by the county’s Human RelationsCommission.
Moderatedbysecurity consultantDer-ek Matthews, the panel featured AnneArundel County Chief of Police TimothyJ. Altomare and Deputy Chief JerardFlemings; Rev. Stephen Tillett of AsburyBroadneck United Methodist Church inAnnapolis, who is president of the AnneArundel County NAACP; Carl B. Brooks,presidentof theNorthernDistrictPolice-Community Relations Council; RustyBristow,presidentof theWesternDistrictPolice-Community Relations Council;and Bascom D. “Dit” Talley III, facultymember at theJohnsHopkinsUniversitySchool of Education, Division of PublicSafety Leadership.
Welcoming audience members wereCynthia Robichaud, commission presi-dent, and Anne Arundel County Execu-tive StevenR. Schuh.
“I’m proud to be county executive of acommunity that treats its police officerswith respect and dignity,” said Schuh.
Schuh said the county added 20publicsafetyprofessionals last year, and180newpolice vehicles will be acquired this year.Thecounty is alsoplanning the construc-tion of a new police academy and centralbooking facility.
“We understand the importance ofkeepingyou, your families andpropertiessafe,” Schuh said. “We pledge to keep anopen dialogue between police and thosethey protect, educating both sides aboutthe perceptions and responsibilities ofone another.”
Altomare praised the forum for bring-ing together police and civic leaders.
“We’rewillingtobepartof thesolutionand proactive and communicative,” hesaid. “With thenational backdrop, there’sbeena lotofugliness.By thegraceofGod,Anne Arundel County has avoidedmuchof that.”
When a complaint is filed against anofficer, Altomare said, the county has anaccountability system ensuring the con-cern goes before supervisors, and isdocumented with a tracking number. Hesaid repeated complaints against anofficer, even if unsubstantiated, remain inthe system and additional training isprovided if necessary.
“Public trust is a bank account inwhichwe have to put a deposit every dayso thaton theeventualday Ihave tomakea withdrawal, I still have a positivebalance,” Altomare said.
In 2014, 197 use-of-force incidentswere reported out of over 400,000interactions between police and commu-nitymembers, Flemings said.
He saidofficers are only allowed touseforce to control an incident, make anarrest, or protect themselves and others.
“Once the incident is over and undercontrol, anything that goes beyondwhat’s required is excessive force,” Flem-ings said.
He said officers are trained to de-escalate conflicts by using verbal warn-ings, slowing down volatile situations ifpossible, and considering if the lack ofcompliance is deliberate.
Flemings said officers accused ofexcessive force are subjected to internalaffairs reviews and can go before theDeadly ForceReviewBoard.
As faith-based leaders, Wright andTillett said they act as “a partition”between police leaders and the commu-nity.
“We’ve partnered with the police anddone some really wonderful joint eventsthat let people see the versatility of thepolice department,”Wright said.
Ongoing dialogue between police andfaith-based leaders, he said, has helped“bringus together ... soAnneArundel canbe amodel andnot another statistic.”
Tillett said a lot of troubleshootinggoes on behind the scenes.
“I donot view thepolice as adversariesbut partners,” he said.
To avoid racial profiling situations,Tillett said police need to be moreinvested in communities.
“Police need to be careful not toassume everyone is a bad actor,” he said.“Getoutof thesquadcarandmeetpeople
andengage. Itwillhelpyoudoyourwork,andyour communitywill bebetter for it.”
Altomare said police leaders arework-ing diligently to teach officers about“good, old-fashioned community polic-ing — human interaction.We’re trying toget back to an equilibriumof trust.”
BristowandBrooksadvisedcommuni-ty members to join police-communityrelations councils and help plan eventsthat honor officers and show them in anon-threatening light.
“Interactwith thepoliceandhaveyourchild meet an officer,” Bristow said. “It’snicer tomeet an officer when he’s not ona call.”
Talley said officers generally needmore leadership training to gain bettercommunication and interpersonal skills.
“You must hear people out and re-spond with empathy and integrity,” hesaid. “What you’re doing in this county isso important.”
Among those who attended was FortMeade Transformation Director Bert L.Rice,whosaidhewas impressedwith theoverall tone of themeeting.
“It was a good exchange of in-formation, and no one pulled any punch-es,” he said. “There’s a system in motionto address things before they get out ofhand.
“I’ve been around this area for 40years, and I’ve always thought therelationship between the police andcommunity is pretty good.”
Editor’s note: Town Hall meetings alsowill be held Tuesday and Feb. 9 in thecounty. For more information, call 410-222-1220.
Town Hall addresses police-community relationsBy Alan H. FeilerStaff Writer
Anne Arundel County Chief of Police Timothy J. Altomare (right) and DeputyChief Jerard Flemings address audience questions about police-community rela-tions at the Town Hall meeting held Jan. 12 at Meade High School.
PHOTO BY ALAN H. FEILER
Jan. 15, Assault consummated by abattery: The victim stated that she wasinvolved in a verbal dispute with herhusband that turned physical when hepicked up the car keys and threw them ather, strikingheron the left sideofher face.
Jan. 16, Shoplifting: Police were con-ducting routine police presence in theExchange when the alarm for the antith-eft system went off. Police observed thesubject walking with two items, a pocketknife and a Moga Gaming System, in hishand. The subjectwas unable to provide areceipt. The subject later admitted to theshoplifting.
Jan. 16, Shoplifting: AAFES loss pre-vention personnel at the Exchange statedthat she observed, via surveillance cam-era, the subject select property, conceal iton her person and exit the Exchangewithout rendering payment.
COMMUNITY CRIME WATCH
Compiled by the FortMeadeDirectorate of EmergencyServices
Moving violations: 66Nonmoving violations: 22Verbal warnings for traffic stops: 80Traffic accidents: 3Driving on suspended license: 7Driving on suspended registration: 0Driving without a license: 1
For week of Jan. 11-17
4 NEWS THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 2016 | SOUNDOFF!
The call for diversity and unity thatresonated in the speeches of the Rev. Dr.Martin Luther King. Jr. has been made areality in theAir Force.
That was the message shared by JarrisLouis Taylor Jr., deputy assistant secretaryof the Air Force for Strategic DiversityIntegration,Officeof theAssistantAirForcefor Manpower and Reserve Affairs inWashington,D.C.
Taylor, who served 20 years in the AirForce before retiring in 2005, was the guestspeaker for the garrison’s annual MartinLuther King Day observance held Jan. 14 atMcGill TrainingCenter.
“In the Air Force, diversity is broadlydefinedas a composite of individual charac-teristics, experiences and abilities consis-tent with the Air Force core values and theAir Force mission,” Taylor said. “Thisaccomplishment could not have happenedwithout senior leadership’s commitment todiversity.”
The 90-minute event was hosted by the70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Recon-naissance Wing and the Fort Meade EqualOpportunity Office. The observance fea-tured a musical prelude by the U.S. ArmyField Band’s Jazz Ambassadors, a display ofbooks about King’s life, and a display ofessays written by fifth-graders at PershingHill Elementary School for a contest about
theKing holiday.A catered lunch of sandwiches, chicken
wings, fresh fruits and vegetables and aceremonial cake were provided by the FortMeadeCommissary.
Theobservancebeganwiththesingingofthe national anthem by Master Sgt. MarvaLewis, lead singer of the JazzAmbassadors,and the invocation by Chaplain (Capt.)ManuelDuarte of the 70th ISRW.
Col. Gregory Gillinger, vice commanderof the ISRW, welcomed the audience andintroducedTaylor.
“ForwardingDr.King’sdreamwithinourUnited States Air Force is not easy, defi-nitely a complicated problem and complexissue, but Dr. Louis is on the forefront ofbuilding our policy in this United States AirForce.”
In his remarks, Taylor noted that Jan. 15would have beenKing’s 87th birthday.
“I am sure he is smiling and nodding hishead with approval of this historic event,”Taylor said of the King holiday. “And I canhear him speaking as he did inWashington,D.C. ‘We shall overcome because the arc ofthe moral universe is long, but it bendstoward justice.’
“Dr. King would be pleased that you arehere at McGill Training Center to remem-ber, celebrate and act upon the unfinishedbusiness that we must continue as a nationandbelovedcommunity as this is adayon—not a day off,” Taylor said.
Taylor spokeof the efforts byCongress to
legislate a holiday for King’s birthday —beginning with Michigan Rep. JohnConyersJr.andthe lateSen.EdwardBrookeof Massachusetts — four days after King’sassassination in 1968. Indiana Rep. KatieHall continuedwithabill in1983,whichwaseventually signed by President RonaldReagan in the Rose Garden of the WhiteHouse onNov. 2, 1983.
On Oct. 13, 2010, the U.S. Air Forcepublished its first-ever diversity policydirective, which Taylor said, states that“diversity is amilitary necessity.”
“I tell folks we have a methodicaldiversity drumbeat, a methodical diversitydrumbeat with a consistent strategic com-munication message that emphasizes theimportance of leadership at all levelsthroughout this wonderful organization,”Taylor said. “I am most proud of thefoundational governingdocumentswehaveestablished to sustain our diversity andinclusion initiatives.
“Long after today’s members are inretirement, it is incumbent upon the nextgeneration to pick up the torch and carry itonward andupward.”
Taylor said that diversity is a “nationalsecurity imperative” as the Air Force“continues to institutionalize, attract,recruit,developandretainahighlyqualifiedworkforce representative of the Americanpopulation eligible to serve on our team, intheworld’s greatestmilitary.”
In closing, Taylor quoted one of King’sspeeches from1959:
“Make a career of humanity. Commityourself to the noble struggle for equal rights.You will make a greater person of yourself, a
greater nation of your country, and a finerworld to live in.”
After Taylor’s presentation, GarrisonCommander Col. Brian P. Foley and Gil-linger presented him with a plaque ofappreciation.
Foley encouraged the audience to “con-siderDr.King’swords and judge thehumanbeings thatyou interactwithonaneverydaybasis on the content of their character andnot any other physical trait. If we choose toprejudge them based upon any otherphysical trait, then we do so at great, greatrisk.”
Staff Sgt. Ian Stockton of the 70thOperations Support Squadronandemceeofthe event later announced the winners ofthe Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest atPershingHill Elementary School.
The fifth-gradewinners,whowerenot inattendance, are: Tannar Fife, first place;Dohnoven Dixon, second place; and AlexiaRobbins, third place.
Chaplain (Col.) James Palmer of ArmyCyber Command, said he thought Louis’remarks were “great,” especially for theyounger generation that may assume thatKing’s holiday is a recent achievement.
“His words remind us that we shouldwork toward diversity and making thingsinclusive,” Palmer said.
Master Sgt. Sean Fitzwilliam, also ofArmy Cyber Command, said that the slaincivil rights leader made an impact on theworld “in a significantway.”
Fitzwilliam said that King taught theworld that when we “fail to treat peoplewith dignity and respect, we are a dishonortoGod.”
Diversity is focus of MLK observanceBy Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer
A Soldier reflects on the portrait of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and themany books on the life of the slain civil rights leader.
PHOTOS BY PHIL GROUT
Guest speaker Jarris Louis Taylor (left), deputy assistant secretary of the AirForce for the Strategic Diversity Integration, Office of the Assistant Secretary ofthe Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, talks with Garrison CommanderCol. Brian P. Foley (right) and Air Force Col. Gregory Gillinger, vice commander ofthe 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing.
6 NEWS THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 2016 | SOUNDOFF!
Last year, Corvias Military Livingentered into an agreement with arenewable energy development com-pany to install solar panels on 1,800homes in residential communities onpost.In November, Onyx Renewable Part-
ners, located in New York City, beganinstalling solar panels that are expectedto generate 9 megawatts of solar powerin the first year.“Installing solar panels as a clean
energy source allows us the opportunityto better manage utility expendituresover the long term and do somethinggood for the environment by reducingannual carbon emissions,” said ScottKotwas, business director forCorvias.This effort supports the Department
of Defense Privatized Housing SolarChallenge initiative to install solar pow-er at partnermilitary installations acrossthe country at no cost to themilitary.The challenge encourages private
companies to provide solar power tomore than 40 military bases across thecountry to save military families moneyon energy bills and make militarycommunities more energy secure, ac-cording to theWhiteHousewebsite.“When the White House announced
the DoD solar challenge, we gladly took
the opportunity to support our militarypartner in achieving their long-termrenewable energy goals,” Kotwas said.The houses that are receiving solar
panels were selected by Onyx Renew-able Partners according to the homes’location and their ability to generate themost energy from the sun to maximizethe effectiveness of the panels.“Resident’s won’t see a difference in
their energy bill,” said Angela Marcum,public affairs manager for Corvias.“Their bill will combine solar usage andgrid consumption for their total energyusage.”Kotwas said the solar panels are likely
to reduce energy costs in the years tocome because the energy rate is set at afixed price.“When everyone else is paying higher
utility rates off post, we have a lockedrate and that’s where we will be able tohedgeourutilitycosts foryears tocome,”he said. “So instead of paying more forutilities fiveyears fromnow,we’ll beableto take that savings and reinvest it in thehousing.”In addition to reduced energy costs
and a reduction in the installation’scarbon footprint, Fort Meade also willreceive renewableenergycredits towardits overall renewable energy usage goal.
Corvias installing solar panels on 1,800 homesBy Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer
A contractor works to install solar panels on homes in Potomac Place. Thehouses were selected according to their location and their ability to generate themost energy from the sun to maximize the effectiveness of the panels.
PHOTOS BY BRYAN SPANN/MEADE TV
Solar panels have been installed on theroof of houses in Potomac Place. Cor-vias Military Living has an agreementwith Onyx Renewable Partners to in-stall solar panels on 1,800 homes inresidential communities on post toreduce utility costs and reduce FortMeade’s carbon footprint.
Corvias Foundation, a private charita-ble foundation and the charitable arm ofCorvias Group, has been committed tosupportingmilitary families in the pursuitof higher education since 2006.
This year, Corvias Foundation andCorvias Military Living, the militaryhousing division of Corvias Group, havepartnered with the National MilitaryFamily Association to support schol-arships in excess of $20,000.
These scholarships are geared forNMFA-registered military spouses seek-ingprofessional funds, including licensureand certification.
Applications for 2016 scholarships arenowavailable on theNMFAwebsite.
To confirm eligibility and fill out anapplication, spouses should visit theCertificate + License Money page foundon the NMFA website at www.mil-
itaryfamily.org/spouses-scholarships/professional-funds-partners.html.
Applicants must apply online by mid-night on Jan. 31.
“Our first year partnering with NMFAafforded us the honor of awarding sixwell-deserving military spouses with thefinancial means to continue the journeytoward their professional goals,” saidMaria Montalvo, the foundation’s execu-tive director. “The success of our inaugu-ral participation has inspired us to signifi-cantly increase our contributions to theNMFA’swonderfulmission.
“The foundation takes great pride inproviding the families of servicememberswith a support network that follows themin their pursuit, and we’re excited towelcomemore faces to our family.”
More than 100,000 military spousesvisited the NMFA’s scholarship pages lastyear and 9,436 applied for funding, anincrease of 33 percent over 2014, the
inaugural year of Corvias’ participation.In total, NFMA distributed $535,250 to
446 Army, Navy, Air Force,Marine Corps,NOAA and Coast Guard spouses, up 43percent from2014.
This year, Corvias has pledged topatron a $20,000 grant, making them thelargest sponsor of the NFMA’s profes-sional support initiatives.
In addition to Corvias, support for thisyear’s NMFA scholarships comes fromthe Fisher House Foundation, SamsungElectronics America, United HealthFoundation, GEICO, Lockheed Martin,May & Stanley Smith Charitable Trust,andNorthropGrummanFoundation.
Due to the frequency of moves andchanging family dynamics due to deploy-ments experienced by military families,Corvias is focused on ensuring thatmilitaryspouseswhoarequalifiedtoworkin a job that they are trained and educatedfor are able to continue that work
regardless of location.This program is intended to support
licensing or registration in a new state orthe ability to progress in a career with anadditional technical certification.
Allmilitary spouses residing in theninestates that Corvias Military Living oper-ates in — Alabama, Alaska, California,Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland,North Carolina, and Oklahoma — areeligible for these scholarships.
Since its founding by Corvias GroupCEO John Picerne, the foundation hasawarded more than $6 million in annualeducational grants and scholarships to thespouses and children of active-duty serv-ice members living at military installa-tions across the country.
Online scholarship applications areavailable each November atcorviasfoundation.org.
For more information, call 401-228-2836.
Corvias partners with National Military Family Association to offer scholarshipsBy CorviasMilitary Living
8 NEWS THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 2016 | SOUNDOFF!
Sgt. 1st Class Donnel Cabanos admitsshe’s never beenmuch of a “gamer,” or aninteractive games enthusiast.
But she had a good time shooting amock M4 carbine last week at the newEngagement Skills Trainer 2000 laser-based firing range at McGill TrainingCenter.
“This isn’t something I do every day,”said Cabanos, who serves as the EqualOpportunity advisor for the U.S. ArmyCyber Command. “This is a goodway forall of us to practice those skills. Nothingbeats shooting live rounds, but the EST isthe next best thing.”
Cabanos was among the dozen mem-bers of the Army, Navy, Air Force andMarines, aswell as other post employees,who attended a ribbon-cutting ceremonyon Jan. 14 for the EST. The 24-by-39-footroom, located in the back of McGill, waspreviously used as a storage area.
Cutting the ribbon at the ceremonywere Garrison Commander Col. Brian P.Foley; Garrison Command Sgt. Maj.Rodwell L. Forbes; Mary A. Staab,director of the Directorate of Plans,Training, Mobilization and Security; andDPTMS training support specialist Ben-jamin D. Rogers, who oversaw the
creation of the EST project.“Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen andMarines
at Fort Meade are all expected to defendthemselveswith aweaponand to serve asthe service members they are,” Foleysaid. “It’s absolutely necessary and re-quired to have training capabilities tomaintain basic service member capa-bilities.
“To have [the EST] here to train us iskey,” he said. “I thank Ben and everyoneelse for their hardwork.”
With its 13-by-7-foot digital screen andadjacent computer area, the five-laneEST at McGill is similar to the rangefacility at Building 68 near Rock Avenue,said Rogers. The room is painted black,covered in camouflage netting and Styro-foam soundproofing, and features aplatform with sandbags from which toshoot at the high-resolution digitalscreen.
The new EST utilizes modified simu-lated Army light weaponry —M4s,M16s,9mms, M500 shotguns and even M320grenade launcher modules — with com-pressed air tubes placed in weapons toprovide the sensation of firing.
The weapons also feature laser-mounted barrels for accuracy, whilevarious combat scenarios — forests,urban landscapes and deserts — aredepicted on the screen.
An auto-tracking system is used todetermine the accuracy and outcome offiring exercises.
Rogers said service members andeligible civilians can use the facility for aslong as they want. Replays on the screenare offered so participants can examinetheir performances.
“It just givesSoldiers anopportunity tofire weapons and build confidence and afoundation” for shooting in an environ-ment without using live ammunition orprojectiles, he said of the EST concept,whichwas adopted by the Army in 2002.
An Iraq veteran who served from 1999to 2005with the 82ndAirborneDivision,Rogers said excelling at virtual gamesdoes not guarantee proficiency at theEST.
“You could be really good at ‘Call ofDuty’ and be rotten here,” he said of thevideo game. “It’s similar in being a digitalprojection, but otherwise very different.[The EST] is very accurate. You reallyneed to know the fundamentals ofshooting aweapon to be good at this.
“I’ma formerSoldier and Iunderstandhow important it is to stay on your game.It doesn’tmatterwhat your job or branchof military is, you have to know how touse the weapons. You could be called onto use them.”
Rogers said the overriding goal is tomake the new EST a venue whereoperation certification for the oversightof such ranges can be conducted. Cur-rently, the nearest venue to receive ESToperation certification is Camp FretterdMilitary Reservation in Reisterstown.
“That’s about 45 minutes from here. Ithought we should have something
closer,” said Rogers, who is operationcertified and will, at least initially,oversee the newEST facility.
For now, the EST will operate week-days from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. byappointment only. It will be available atno charge to service members of allbranches and National Guard and Re-serve units, as well as to eligible civilians,Rogers said.
Besides receiving a tour, attendees atthe ribbon cutting were given a demon-stration of the EST. With Forbes servingas a safety, different waves of servicemembers were offered an opportunity tolay on the floor, put in hearing probes,and fire at virtual enemies approachingfrom desert and mountainous land-scapes.
“I enjoyed it thoroughly,” said MarineStaff Sgt. William Shepherd of MarineCryptologic Support Battalion, BravoCompany. “It really gives us an opportu-nity to keep our skills sharp.”
Airman 1st Class Casey Martin of the32nd Intelligence Squadron agreed.
“It’s been a while since I’ve shot,” hesaid. “[The EST] is a really well put-togetherpiece of equipment. It’ll helpmebuild upmy skills.”
Rogers emphasized that the ESTshould be viewed as an accompaniment,and not a replacement, to live indoor andoutdoor shooting ranges.
“Nothing replaces live shooting,” hesaid. “But this is here and localized andclose to the real deal. It’s a real asset.”
Editor’s note: For more informationabout the EST 2000 at McGill, call301-677-6506 or email [email protected].
A Shot in the DarkLaser-based firing range opens at McGillBy Alan H. FeilerStaff Writer
Training support specialist Benjamin D. Rogers, who oversaw the creation of thefive-lane Engagement Skills Trainer 2000, fires simulated Army light weaponry.The EST, located in the back of McGill Training Center, is painted black and fea-tures a platform with sandbags from which to shoot at the high-resolution digi-tal screen.
PHOTOS BY DANIEL KUCIN JR.
Sgt. 1st Class Donnel Cabanos of U.S. Army Cyber Command fires a mock M4carbine at the new Engagement Skills Trainer 2000 laser-based firing range aftera ribbon cutting and tour on Jan. 14 at McGill Training Center that allowed servicemembers to try their hand at the simulated target range.
SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 2016 NEWS 9
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Tax-free college savings plans underthe Qualified Tuition Program, com-monly referred to as 529 college savingsplans (for the section of the InternalRevenue Code that authorizes them), areinvestment plans that allow for earningsto grow tax-free while being profession-allymanaged.
Withdrawals topay for college (tuition,books and fees) at an eligible educationalinstitution are tax-free. If the student isenrolled at least half-time, then room andboard, as determined by the college, arealso qualified expenses.
Furthermore, the purchase of comput-er technology or equipment is also aqualified education expense if requiredforenrollmentorattendanceataneligibleinstitution.
Parents, grandparents and friends areeligible to participate. Tax-free distribu-tions for qualified, higher-education ex-pensesmay bemade from these funds.
The 529 plans are typically state-sponsoredsavingsplans.All statesandtheDistrict ofColumbiacurrentlyhaveplans.
A majority of these state plans allownonresidents to participate.
In addition, some 529 plans are spon-sored by individual universities or groupsof colleges to prepay qualified educationexpenses.Althoughcontributions toa529plan are not deductible on your federalincome tax return, such contributionsmay be deductible on your state incometax.
Sincecollegeexpensesareontherise, itmakes sense to save now for a child’scollege education. The 529 plans allowyoutosaveandthentakethemoneyout topay for college without having to payfederal income tax on the earnings.
If nonqualified withdrawals are made,however, the earnings are taxedat regularincome tax rates with a 10 percentadditional penalty tax, although there arespecificexceptions to thepenalty taxsuchas if the beneficiary dies or is disabled.
Although the federal law does notrequire income or age requirements forinvestors in these plans, a state mayimpose such limits. Therefore, it isimportant to check for such provisions ina plan before you invest.
Federal law requires the states to set a
maximum allowable contribution limit,but each state determines that limit. Themaximum amount for college savingsplans currently varies from $70,835 to$452,210 per beneficiary.
Each 529 plan has a professionalfinancial manager such as a well-knowninvestment company. The money may beinvested in mutual funds of differentkinds. Some account holders preferspreadingmoneybetweenfundsofdiffer-ent risk levels.
Other account holders select an age-based investment option that concen-tratesmonies inhigh-risk fundswhile thechild is young and gradually transfersmonies to lower-risk funds as the childgets closer to enrolling in college.
Manyplansallowtheaccountholder toshift monies to other funds, although thisshiftmaybe limited tooneor twochangesper year.
The investormaychange thebeneficia-ryofa fund, so longas thenewbeneficiaryis a member of the investor’s family, asdefined in the tax law.
The 529 plans should have less of animpact on federal financial-aid eligibilityfor parents and students than other
college savings plans. Eligibility for fed-eral financial aid is based on income forthe year inwhichwithdrawals are taken.
Assets in accounts ownedby a depend-ent student or a parent are consideredparental assets on the Free Applicationfor Federal StudentAid, or FAFSA.
When a school calculates the student’sExpected Family Contribution, only amaximum of 5.64 percent of parentalassets are counted.
In contrast, student assets are countedat 20 percent, which could result in ahigherEFCand thus less financial aid.
Many 529 plans are available. A con-sumer should consider the differentinvestment fundsavailable inagivenplan,the past growth rates, administrativesupport available, and enrollment andother administrative fees.
Read the fine print to determineunique restrictions and features such asstate taxbenefitsandmaximumcontribu-tion limits.
For more information regarding con-sumer issues, call the Fort Meade LegalAssistance Division to schedule an ap-pointment with an attorney at 301-677-9536 or 301-677-9504.
Tax-free college savings plans allow earnings to growBy JaneM.WinandChief, Legal Assistance Division
10 COVER STORY THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 2016 | SOUNDOFF! SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 2016 COVER STORY 11
WhenAndreaGaineswasateenager,herfather, then an Airman at Fort Meade,woulddropher off at theLanes to bowl.
“He would drop me off at eight in themorning till noon, and I would bowl andsocialize with friends,” said Gaines, now aDoDcivilian employee.
Today, her 18-year-old son Brandon is amember of the Fort Meade Youth BowlingLeagues at the Lanes. On Saturdays,
Brandon Gaines and other youths bowlcompetitively as individuals and in teamsandreceivecoachingfromadultvolunteers.
“I love it; it’s easy for me,” said Gaines, afreshmanatHowardCommunityCollege.
Sherry Spause, a lifetime bowler, isdirector of the Fort Meade Youth BowlingLeagues.
“Bowling combines the best of a lot ofsports,” she said. “You can compete indi-vidually or in teams and even earnscholarshipmoney toward college. And it’sall indoors while it’s snowing. We’re
weatherproof.”TheFortMeadeYouthBowlingLeagues
are composedof four leagues: PeeWees forages3to5;Bantamsforages6to8;Prepsforages 9 to11; and junior/seniors for ages12 to20. Eighty-six young people currentlyparticipate.
Members bowl Saturdays from 9 a.m. tonoon fromSeptember throughApril.
The leagues operate under the auspicesof the United States Bowling Congress,which is the national governing body ofbowling. Youths who bowl at Fort Meadepay an $8 registration fee that goes to theNational Capital’s Area USBC Associationand theUSBC.
Ten adult bowlers coach the youthsbetween 11 a.m. and noon. The coaches arecertified by USBC, which offers fourcoaching levels: Level One, bronze, silverandgold.
Spause is a silver certified coach.The weekly bowling fee is $7 for Pee
Wees; $10 for Bantams; $10 for Preps; and$11forjunior/seniors.Memberscanprovide
their own bowling ball and shoes or playwith equipmentprovided at theLanes.
Among the longtime bowlers is TameraStanton, 15, who has been bowling at FortMeade for eight years.
“I just love bowling – the vibes andenergy it gives you,” said the BaltimorePolytechnic Institute sophomore. “It putsyou in a goodmood.”
Tamerasaidthesportgivesyoungpeopleself-esteem.
“It boosts your confidence,” she said.“Whenyouget thatstrike, it’s like ‘Yeah, I’mthat person.’ ”
Jutus Lewis, a freshman at Anne Arun-del Community College, has been bowlingfor three years. The 18-year-old said hestarted bowling in seventh grade but didn’ttake it seriously. He was a recreationalbowler.
When he decided to pick up the sportagain, a coach gave him a tropical breezeball that can turn down the alley. Lewisstarted to learn different techniques to playthe game.
“I foundthatIcanexcelandI like it—it’sa passion,” Lewis said. “I just want to getbetter.”
Spause said youths can earn scholarshipmoney for college through USBC. She hasopened scholarship accounts throughUSBC for several youth bowlers who earnmoney based on their individual and teamfinishes at the endof thebowling season.
Spause’s three children—Matt, 19, Scott,17 and Jordan, 15 — are bowlers and areearning scholarshipmoney.
Matt Spause, a student at HowardCommunity College, aspires to become aprofessional bowler.
“I love the competition,” he said. “Thechallenge it provides makes it differentevery time you play. It’s more than justbowling.”
Bowling, he said, teachesdiscipline.“You have to practice,” he said. “It’s a
sport that anyone can do. It’s not likebasketball, where you have to be 6 feet, 5inches to be good.”
Sherry Spause said about nine youthbowlers will participate Saturday in theannual National Capital’s Invitational com-petitionforyoungpeople.Participantsmustbe invited tobowl.
“They always look forward to it,” shesaid.
The competition lasts over three week-ends, and the top bowlers can earnscholarshipmoney.
Spause said she hopes Fort Meade’syoungbowlersbenefit fromparticipating inthe leagues.
“I hope they look forward to coming tobowling each week, that they make a fewfriends, learn and learn a new sport,” shesaid. “And if they earn money for college,then that’s awin-win for us.”
A youth bowler grabs a ball during practice. The Fort Meade Youth BowlingLeagues program is composed of four leagues of youths ranging from ages 3-20.
PHOTOS BY NATE PESCE
Eric Perrault, 16, of Severn (left) and Jarek Lamourt, 15, of Crofton (right) help Sydney Joyce, 16, of Hanover use a ramp to bowl at theLanes.
On a rollYouths strike gold in bowling leaguesBy Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer
Volunteer coach Jorge Yu instructs 9-year-old Kayla Starr of Crofton on a bowler’s technique during practice Saturdaymorning. About 10 adult volunteer coaches work with the Fort Meade Youth Bowling Leagues program at the Lanes.
From left: Ghavan Willson, 13, of FortMeade and Jun Aquinde and JhurianneAquinde, 11, of Hanover, set up thedigital scoreboard for a game.
12 SPORTS THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 2016 | SOUNDOFF!
I t appears I’mnot theonlyonequestioning Sgt. 1st ClassChambers’ opinions.
The one and only Ms. MarciaEastland made her initial appear-ance of 2016 when she sent me adose of truth sprinkledwith somemistaken identity:
“I picked up the Soundoff! andimmediately turned to your col-umn and read through it,” East-land started. “I was stunned onyour comments about Brady vs.Manning. Did you say Manningwas the better QB? That guy has thrownducks his whole career and has had theAll-Star Receivers to catch those ducks.”
To answer your question Ms. Marcia, Iwould never disrespect “Tom Terrific” likethat. It was your boy SFC Chambers whosaidManningwas better.
The one good thing about the BradyversusManning debate is that it is a rivalryweareable towatchplayout.ThisSunday’sAFC championship game will be the 17thtime the two best quarterbacks of ourgeneration will step on the field againsteach other. Brady is 11-5 so far, and all signspoint to a12thwin on Sunday.
Iknowthegameis inDenver, andIknowthatDenver justbeatNewEngland30-24 inNovember. Moreover, I’m not making theprediction to rub salt in Chambers’ wound.Ms.Marcia’salreadydonethat. I’msaying itbecause, like most of the previous 16meetings, the Patriots are the better team.
Bill Belichick is a better coach thanDenver’s Gary Kubiak. New England’soffense is more efficient, especially withWRJulianEdelmanback.Andeven thoughDenver does have the best defense in theleague, New England’s unit is underratedand playing against a weak-armed QBwitha sub-500 playoff record and throws ducksin the best of conditions.
With all that in mind, it pains me to saythat come Sunday, the Patriots will make itto their NFL-record ninth Super Bowl andwin 31-17. In case youwere wondering, SFCChambers feels similarly. He predicted thePatswouldwin 24-17.
But who will they play? That is the realquestion.
According to the good sergeant, Cam
Newton versus Carson Palmerwill be the first time twoHeismantrophy-winningquarterbackswillsquare off in the playoffs. It’s alsothe ultimate battle between theold-school drop back QB (Palm-er) versus the new school, read-option, dual threat QB (Newton).However, the gamewill not comedown to just theQBs.
Actually, I think the game willcome down to three key match-ups:
1. Wide receiver Larry Fitz-geraldversusPantherscornerbackJoshNorman:
TheHall-of-Famer, Fitzgerald, tookoverlast weekend’s game against Green Bay,while Norman has been locking up pre-miere receivers all year.
2. Carolina’s defensive line versusArizona’s offensive line:
The Panthers ranked sixth in the leaguewith 44 sacks, while the Cardinals finishedseventh in the league by only giving up 27sacks. If they can provide Palmer similarprotection, Fitzgerald and Michael Floydshould be able to get open.
3. Arizona’s run defense versus CamandJonathanStewart:
Arizona finished sixth in the league inrush defense while Carolina finished sec-ond in the league in total rushing yards andtied for the league lead with 19 rushingtouchdowns.
In the end, I think Cam is a wholedifferent breed of man than what Arizonahas had to deal with. Cam has proven hecan find ways to win, but Arizona hasproven to be themost balanced team in theleague this year, and Carolina’s penchantfor steppingoff thegas in the fourthquarterwill finally comeback to haunt them.
Arizona 24, Carolina 21.SFC Chambers disagrees, and has Caro-
linadabbing to theSuperBowlwith a27-24win.
Super Bowl predictions will come in afew weeks, but until then, enjoy the bestSunday of pro football all season.
If you have questions on this or anythingto do with sports, contact me [email protected] or hit me up onTwitter@CTJibber.
JIBBER JABBER - OPINION
Championship Sunday
Chad T.JonesPUBLIC AFFAIRSOFFICER
Volunteer coaches neededVolunteer Youth Sports coaches are
needed for the spring season for baseball,softball, flag football, soccer, track, la-crosse and tennis.
All volunteers will receive free trainingand will be certified through the NationalYouth Sports Coaches Association.
All volunteers must complete a back-ground check.
To apply, go to the Youth Sports andFitness Office, 1900 Reece Road.
For more information, call 301-677-1179or 301-677-1329.
Super Bowl PartyWatch the big game on multiple large
screens on Feb. 7 at The Lounge at TheLanes.
Enjoy tailgate fare and friendly rivalries.For more information, call 301-677-
5541.
Zumba at Youth CenterThe Youth Center is offering two Zumba
classes beginning Feb. 1:• Zumba Kids: Mondays and Wednes-
days from 6-6:45 p.m., for ages 6-11Cost is $32 for the whole session.
Space is limited.• Zumba Hip-Hop: Mondays and
Wednesdays from 7-8 p.m., for ages 12 andolder
Class will focus on various aerobics andenergetic including hip-hop, soca, samba,salsa, merengue and mambo.
Cost is $45 for the whole session.Spaces are limited.
Registration for both classes endsFriday.
For more information, call 301-677-1156or 301-677-1149.
Line dance classesGaffney Fitness Center offers line
dance classes on Mondays, Wednesdaysand Fridays from 1-2 p.m.
This class will teach line dancing forbeginners using a variety of music andsimple choreography.
Cost is $5.Classes are open to all authorized users
ages 18 and older. For more information,call 310-677-2349.
Sunday footballThe Lounge at the Lanes features foot-
ball every Sunday on its big screens for the1 and 4 p.m. games.
Enjoy food and beverage specials.For more information, call 301-677-
5541.
Gaffney fitness classesGaffney Fitness center is offering sev-
eral fitness classes.Classes cost $5 and are open to au-
thorized users ages 18 and older.• Power Core classes: Mondays, 8:45-
9:45 a.m.This is a fast-paced, high-energy class
using a variety of exercise equipment.• Vinyasa yoga classes: Mondays and
Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.Vinyasa focuses on breathing tech-
niques, flowing poses, increased balance,stretching and relaxation.
All levels welcome.• Metabolic Effect classes: Tuesdays
and Thursdays, 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.This high-intensity class can be modi-
fied to fit all fitness levels.• Step-Cardio classes: Thursdays,
8:45-9:45 a.m.This class incorporates step aerobics
and dance moves.• Interval cycling classes: Tuesdays,
8:45- 9:45 a.m.The program is designed to increase
cardiovascular fitness while delivering anincredible calorie burn.
• Full-body resistance-training: Tues-days, 5:15-6:15 p.m.
• Zumba classes: Wednesdays, noon to12:45 p.m. and at 5:30 p.m.; Tuesdays andThursdays, 7 p.m.; and Mondays, noon,5:30 and 6:35 p.m.
The class incorporates Latin dance.• Zumba Gold for seniors: Tuesdays and
Thursdays, 10 a.m.For more information, call 301-677-2349.
Dollar DaysDollar Days at the Lanes is offered
Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Bowlers receive a game of bowling,
shoe rental, a hot dog, hamburger, smallfries, pizza slice or medium soda for $1each.
For more information, call 301-677-5541.
Cosmic BowlingThe Lanes at Fort Meade offers Cosmic
Bowling on Saturday nights from 7-11 p.m.For more information, call 301-677-
5541.
Tae kwon doChild, Youth and School Services offers
tae kwon do classes for youths of all agesTuesdays and Thursdays at the YouthCenter.
Classes are broken into different agegroups. Cost is $45 for ages 4 to 6 and$85 for ages 7–17.
For more information, call 301-677-1149.
SPORTS SHORTS
Find us on Facebook atFacebook.com/ftmeade
SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 2016 COMMUNITY 13
The deadline for Soundoff! community“News and Notes” is Friday at noon. Allsubmissions are posted at the editor’s dis-cretion and may be edited for space andgrammar. Look for additional communityevents on the Fort Meade website at ftmea-de.army.mil and the Fort Meade Facebookpage at facebook.com/ftmeade.
NEWS & EVENTS
New way to submitannouncements
Community members can advertise theirupcoming event, meeting or class on theSoundoff! community announcements pageby visiting ftmeade.army.mil and clickingon the Press Center tab.
Once you are in the Fort Meade PressCenter, click on PA services, story or promo-tion request and electronic inquiry form.
Inquiry forms should be submitted atleast two weeks before the date of theevent, meeting or class.
Facebook Town Hall todayGarrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley
will host a Facebook Town Hall today from4:30-6 p.m.
Participants include representatives fromthe Directorate of Public Works, Directorateof Emergency Services, Corvias MilitaryLiving, Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Centerand other garrison leaders.
Visit facebook.com/ftmeade for moreinformation.
Tax center openingThe ribbon cutting for the 2016 Joint
Installation Tax Center is Monday at 10:30a.m. at the entrance to the tax center onthe first floor of the Fort Meade Office ofthe Staff Judge Advocate, 4217 Morrison St.
Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley,Command Sgt. Maj. Rodwell L. Forbes, Lt.Col. Jon Cheney of the SJA and Capt. Benja-min Zeskind, a Legal Assistance Divisionattorney, will speak briefly before the ribboncutting and cake.
The tax center will operate weekdaysfrom 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The first appointments will be availableMonday.
Appointments may be scheduled at301-677-9366 or 301-677-9763.
VCC closureThe Demps Visitor Control Center will
close Jan. 31 at noon for staff training andwill resume normal hours on Feb 1.
During this time, visitors can still enterthrough the inspection station behind the
VCC building.For more information, call the VCC at
301-677-1083.
Procedures for visitingFort Meade
Community members who wish to visit aresident of Fort Meade must follow certainprocedures to gain entry onto the installa-tion.
Non-DoD ID card holders must visit theDemps Visitor Control Center adjacent tothe Reece Road gate prior to entering theinstallation.
If the VCC is closed, guests must gothrough the inspection station with thephone number and address of the individualthey are visiting.
Security guards will call the resident andverify that they are expecting or know theguests. Once the resident has verified thevisitor, guards will validate the guest’s IDand search the vehicle.
If guests pass inspection, they will beallowed to travel onto the installation to theresidence. Guests who do not pass in-spection or do not have proper ID will not beallowed on post.
Individuals without ID must be escortedonto post by a valid resident/DoD ID cardholder.
Prescription disposalat Kimbrough
Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center hasadded a new option for medication disposalfor its beneficiaries.
Located in the pharmacy lobby, the newMedSafe drop box allows patients to safelydispose of any expired, unused or unwantedmedications.
The MedSafe is always accessible andcan accept most medications.
Medications should be left in the originalpackaging when possible.
Genealogical SocietyThe Anne Arundel Genealogical Society
will sponsor the program “Coming to theTable to Address the History and Legacy ofSlavery” on Feb. 4 from 7-9:30 p.m. at Sev-erna Park United Methodist Church, 731Benfield Road, Severna Park.
The program will be presented by LyndaDavis, Jane Carrigan and Ruty Vaughan, whowill discuss how their genealogical pursuitsled them to this national program.
For more information, call the KuetheLibrary at 410-760-9679 or go toaagensoc.org.
Bike gate passTo obtain a bike gate pass for the Pepper
Road gate, call Joseph R. Shinskie, chief ofphysical security at the Directorate of Emer-gency Services, at 301-677-6618 to schedule
a date to pick up the pass.Passes will be available for pickup within
two days.
EDUCATION
Cooking Matters toursThe Fort Meade Commissary is resuming
its Cooking Matters at the Store tour series.The next tour is Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. to
2:30 p.m.The free grocery store tour is designed to
help participants learn to shop smarter on abudget.
Learn to: compare unit prices to findbargains, understand food labels, find wholegrains, and stick to a budget.
In addition, $10 in healthy groceries willbe available on select tours.
To register, go to http://fmcommissary-cookingmatters.eventbrite.com or [email protected].
Walk-ins are also welcome, although tourspace is limited.
To volunteer, email Alexa at [email protected].
Employment PreparationWorkshop
The SFL-TAP will host its first Employ-ment Preparation Workshop on Feb. 9 from9:30 a.m. to 2:30 pm. at McGill TrainingCenter, 8452 Zimborski Ave.
Participants should arrive at least fiveminutes early.
Session I: Social Media: 9:30-10:30 a.m.Discover important aspects of social
media networking and job searching in thishands-on, personal marketing presentation.Learn how and why employers use socialmedia to search for candidates with certainskill sets needed to fill specific job vacan-cies.
Session II: Image Consulting: 10:30 a.m.to noon
Community partner Sofio Barone willconduct an image consulting presentationsuch as enhancing visual presence andstrengthening business and social etiquetteskills.
Session III: Employment Prep: 1-2:30 p.m.Local employers will spotlight their re-
spective organizations, conduct mock inter-views and review resumes.
All participants are encouraged to bringat least three current resumes to present toemployers.
For more information, call 301-677-9871.
Homeschool GroupThe Fort Meade Homeschool Group
meets throughout the year for field tripsand social outings.
For information on upcoming events, visitthe “Fort Meade Homeschool Group” on
Facebook. Go to facebook.com/groups/FortMeadeHomeschoolGroup.
EFMP workshopThe Exceptional Family Member Program
is offering a Special Needs Financial Plan-ning Workshop today from noon to 2 p.m. atthe Community Readiness Center, 830Chisholm Ave.
For more information or to register, call301-677-5590.
Financial, Employment ReadinessArmy Community Service offers Financial
Readiness and Employment Readinessclasses to all ranks and services and to DoDcivilian employees at the Community Readi-ness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.
Registration is required for each class. Toregister, fortmeadeacs.checkappointment-s.com.
Financial Readiness:• Special Needs Trust & Financial Plan-
ning: Today, noon to 2 p.m.• Basics of Investing: Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 4
p.m.• First Term Financial Readiness (online
class): Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.This eight-hour foundation of financial
readiness course is required for all first-term service members.
• Dollars and Sense: Feb. 2, 9 a.m. tonoon
Topics include: basic budgeting, financialgoals and priorities, saving and investing,and managing your credit.
• Resume Writing Workshop: Feb. 2, 9a.m .to noon
This workshop will provide tips on win-ning resume styles, the importance of coverletters and tips on following up on yourresume.
• “Slaying the Tax Dragon: EffectivePlanning to Reduce Taxes”: Feb. 4, 8:30 a.m.to 12:30 p.m.
Learn about taxes and how to legally payless.
For more information, call 301-677-5590.Joint Services Employment Classes:• Career Exploration: Tuesday, 9 a.m. to
noonLearn about your personality preferences,
values and interests and how to utilize themto achieve success.
To register or for more information, call301-677-9017 or 301-677-9018.
Free classesThe Navy Fleet and Family Support Cen-
ter offers a variety of classes at its facility at2212 Chisholm Ave.
The free classes are open to DoD IDcardholders including active-duty servicemembers, retirees and their family mem-bers, DoD civilian employees and contrac-tors.
NEWS & NOTES
See NEWS & NOTES, page 14
14 COMMUNITY THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 2016 | SOUNDOFF!
January 22-24MD State Fairgrounds Timonium, MD
www.horseworldexpo.com
HORSE WORLD EXPO
301-916-0852
Over 450 booths of products & services for horse ownersand horse lovers. Multi-breed demonstrations, StallionAvenue, Breed Row &more!! Seminars by NationalClinicians and Family Friendly Entertainment
Parelli Natural Horse·Man·ShipFarm Credit • Equine Medical & SurgicalFarmer’s Cooperative • Rodeo Drive
Frey Agricultural Products • HorseLoverz.comEmge Equine Services • Fleenor Gates, Inc.
The Equiery • Pennsylvania Equestrian • FICS of Maryland
SPONSORED BY:
Dr. Edwin Zaghi- Board Certified Pediatric Dentistry;- American Board Pediatric Dentist;- Fellow American Academy of
Pediatric Dentistry
KID-FRIENDLYKID-FRIENDLYDENTISTRYDENTISTRYEdwin Zaghi, DMD
PEDIATRICDENTISTRY• Infant Dental
Screening• Emergency
Appointments• Accepts MetLife/Tricare
JUST OFF RT. 32! 10798 HICKORY RIDGE RDCOLUMBIA • 410-992-4400
www.dredwinzaghi.com
NearFort
Meade!
Registration is required for each class.• Young Women’s Enrichment: Thurs-
days, 9:30-11 a.m.The group is designed to help empower,
promote and support female, active-dutyservice members under age 22.
Military retirement• Medical Records Review: Appointment
requiredTo register or for more information, call
301-677-9017 or 301-677-9018.
YOUTH
Kuhn Hall closed SaturdaysThe Children’s Library at Kuhn Hall, 4415
Llewellyn Ave., is closed Saturdays.All remaining hours of operation will
remain the same.For more information, call 301-677-5522
or 301-677-4509.
StorytimeThe Children’s Library offers pre-kinder-
garten Storytime on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.and 10:30 a.m. at Kuhn Hall, 4415 LlewellynAve.
• Today: “Toys, Toys and More Toys” —stories about toys
• Jan. 28: Ice Is Nice” — stories aboutice-loving animals: penguins and polar bears
• Feb. 4: “Smile!” Dental Health Month —Storytime about the importance of going tothe dentist. Event will feature a specialguest.
• Feb. 11: “Love Is In The Air” — CelebrateValentine’s Day with stories about love andfriendship.
• Feb. 18: “Zoom! Zoom! Zoom!” — Story-time about things that “go”
• Feb. 25: “Quiet As A Mouse!” — storiesabout mice
For more information, call 301-677-5522or 301-677-4509 or go to meade.armymwr-.com.
Music clubThe Teen Center Music Club is open to
students in grades nine to 12 on Wednes-days at 4 p.m.
This club will provide instrument lessonsand focus on improvising, instrument main-tenance and care, and musical creativityand song composition.
Guitar and drums are available for usebut all instruments are welcome.
For more information, call 301-677-6054.
Youth Center activitiesThe Youth Center is offering free activ-
ities for grades six to eight:• Paint Night: Friday, 5-6 p.m.
This event is open to all levels.Snacks and beverages will be provided.
• Survivor Games on Monday and Tues-day from 8 a.m. to noon
The event will feature two days of Zom-bie Laser Tag, extreme musical chairs,Twister, mystery food challenge and more
For more information, call 301-677-1437.
Romp ’n StompRomp ’n Stomp playgroup for children
ages 5 and younger and their parents meetsTuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at theYouth Center gym at 909 Ernie Pyle St.
For more information, call 301-677-5590or email [email protected].
Weekly playgroupChildren ages 4 and younger are invited
to the weekly playgroup, “A-Z Come PlayWith Me,” that is held every Monday andFriday from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the FamilyAdvocacy Center, 2462 85th Medical Battal-ion Ave.
Space is limited. Registration is requiredfor each session.
For more information, call 301-677-5590.
RECREATION
Out & About• Horse World Expo will be held Friday
from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200York Road, Timonium,
All activities are indoors.The annual event will feature a musical
equine variety show, a 4H art contest, theYoung Rider Learning Center, pony rides anda children’s activity area.
Admission costs $10 for adults and $5 forchildren ages 6-12. Cash only. No pets al-lowed.
For more information, go to horseworl-dexpo.com or call 410-252-0200.
• The 2016 Maryland State PolicePolar Bear Plunge will be held Jan. 30 atSandy Point State Park in Annapolis tobenefit the Maryland Special Olympics.
The Military Plunge for service membersis Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Participants pledge $75 or more to "Taketo the Waters" of the Chesapeake Bay.
Participants will receive a commemora-tive sweatshirt. The more money Plungersraise, the more Plunge gear they receive.
For more information, go to somd.org.• Black History Month at the Reginald
F. Lewis Museum begins with a concert bythe Morgan State University Choir perform-ing traditional African American spiritualsand gospel selections. The performance,“Rejoicing in the Spirit,” will be held Feb. 6 at3 p.m. in conjunction with the museum’scurrent exhibition “Ruth Starr Rose (1887-1965): Revelations of African American Lifein Maryland and the World.”
Rose’s illustrations of spirituals use Afri-can Americans as the principal subjects iniconic biblical stories. A short discussionabout the evolution of African Americanspirituals precedes the concert.
General admission is $30. To purchasetickets online, go to lewismuseum.org.
For more information, call 443-263-1875.• Better Opportunities for Single
Service Members is sponsoring a ski tripfor single service members Feb. 26-28 atthe Four Season Massanutten Resort, Va.
Cost is $175 and includes transportation,lodging, lift tickets and equipment rental.Payment plans are available. Early regis-tration is required.
For more information, contact your BOSSrepresentative or [email protected].
• Leisure Travel Services is offering itsnext monthly bus trip to New York City onSaturday, with discounts to attractions. Buscost is $60. For more information, call 301-677-7354.
• Leisure Travel Services is offeringdiscounted tickets to “Disney on Ice” for theFeb. 5-7 shows at the Royal Farms Arena inBaltimore for $19.25.
Tickets also are available for the Feb.11-15 shows at the Verizon Center in Wash-ington, D.C.
Tickets are limited. Sales end Jan. 27.For more information, call 301-677-7354.• Leisure Travel Services is offering
discounted tickets to Monster Jam on Feb.26 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 27 and Feb. 28 at 2and 7:30 p.m. at the Royal Farms Arena inBaltimore.
Tickets are $17. Pit pass costs $11.Patrons must have a pit pass for the 2
p.m. weekend shows.LTS sales end Feb. 15.For more information, call LTS at 301-677-
7354.
MEETINGS• Prostate Cancer Support Group
meets at Walter Reed National MilitaryMedical Center in Bethesda on the thirdThursday of every month. The next meetingis today from 1-2 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. inthe America Building, River ConferenceRoom (next to the Prostate Center), thirdfloor.
Spouses/partners are invited. Military IDis required for base access. Men without amilitary ID should call the Prostate Centerat 301-319-2900 at least four business daysprior to the event for base access.
• Marriage Enrichment Group, spon-sored by Army Community Service, meetsthe second and fourth Monday of everymonth from 3-4 p.m. at the CommunityReadiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. Thenext meeting is Monday. For more informa-tion, call Celena Flowers or Jessica Hobgoodat 301-677-5590.
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SOUNDOFF! | THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 2016 COMMUNITY 15
For more information, call retired Col.Jane Hudak at 301-319-2918 or [email protected].
• Protestant Women of the Chapelinvites the community to join in fellowshipwhile learning together through interactiveBible study. The PWOC meets Wednesdaysat 9:30 a.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.
Starting in February, PWOC will begin aseries of Bible study. Topics include: ”Whathappens when women pray,” ”Beloved Dis-ciple,” ”Her Name is Woman,” ”Sacred Mar-riage,” ”Seeking Him” and ”Traveling Light.”
The evening PWOC meets today from 7-9p.m. and will begin the study of Daniel.
Learn how Daniel strengthened his faithand how to live with integrity through deal-ing with cultural pressures and temptations.
For more information or to contact thePWOC president, call 301-677-6703.
• Families Dealing with Deploymentmeets the first and third Monday of everymonth from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the FamilyAdvocacy Program, 2462 85th MedicalBattalion Ave. Children welcome. The nextmeeting is Feb. 1.
The group is for families experiencing anupcoming or current deployment, or theservice members who have recently re-turned from deployment. For more in-formation, call 301-677-5590 or email [email protected].
• Calling All Dads, for expecting fathersand fathers with children of all ages, meetsthe first and third Monday of every monthfrom 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Family AdvocacyProgram Center, 2462 85th Medical Battal-ion Ave.
The next meeting is Feb. 1. Children arewelcome. Registration is required. For moreinformation, call 301-677-4118.
• Retired Officers’ Wives’ Club willmeet Feb. 2 at 11 a.m. at Club Meade. Theprogram will feature a concert, “The Voicesof Artistry,” presented by the award-winningstudents from Archbishop Spaulding HighSchool under the direction of their musicteacher Beth Hough.
Cost is $18. Reservations are required byJan. 28 at noon. Call your area representa-tive or Betty Wade at 410-551-7082.
Regular membership in the ROWC isextended to spouses, widows and widowersof retired officers and to retired officers ofall branches of the military. Associate mem-bership is also extended.
Annual membership dues are $25, butstarting in February, you may join throughMay for half-price. Members may bringguests to the luncheons, which are held onthe first Tuesday of each month, exceptJune, July, August and January.
For more information, call Lianne Rob-erts, ROWC president, at 301-464-5498.
• Monthly Prayer Breakfast, hosted bythe Garrison Chaplain’s Office, is held thefirst Thursday of every month at 7 a.m. atClub Meade. The next prayer breakfast isFeb. 4. There is no cost for the buffet. Dona-
tions are optional.Menu features eggs, bacon, sausage,
biscuits, gravy, grits, Danish pastries andfruit.
All Fort Meade employees, family mem-bers, and civilian and military personnel areinvited. For more information, call 301-677-6703.
• Exceptional Family Member Programhosts “Sip and Share” on the first Thursdayof every month from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at theExchange coffee shop in the food court. Thenext get-together is Feb. 4.
The event is designed to allow partici-pants to share their stories to encourageand inform one another about resourcesavailable in the local community. For moreinformation or to register, call 301-677-4779.
• Meade Rod and Gun Club meets thefirst Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. atPerry’s Restaurant and Odie’s Pub at 1210Annapolis Road, Odenton, in the banquethall in back of the building. The next meet-ing is Feb. 4. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. Formore information, call Charisma Wooten at240-568-6055.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness ofAnne Arundel County offers a free supportgroup for families with a loved one sufferingfrom mental illness on the first Thursday ofevery month at 7 p.m. at the Odenton (WestCounty) Library, 1325 Annapolis Road. Thenext meeting is Feb. 4. For more informa-tion, visit namiaac.org.
• Society of Military Widows meets forbrunch the third Tuesday of the month at 11a.m. at Club Meade. The next meeting isFeb. 16. For more information, call BettyJones at 410-992-1123.
• Moms Support Group meets Thurs-days from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at PotomacPlace Neighborhood Center. The group is formothers of young children up to age 3. Meetother moms with young children and sharetips. Children are welcome. Registration isrequired. For more information, call 301-677-5590.
• Moms Walking Group, sponsored byParent Support, meets Thursdays from8:30-9:15 a.m. at the Family AdvocacyProgram, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave.To register, call 301-677-3617.
• Project Healing Waters meets Thurs-days from 6-8 p.m. at the Soldiers andFamily Assistance Center, 2462 85th Medi-cal Battalion Ave.
The project is dedicated to the physicaland emotional rehabilitation of woundedwarriors and veterans through fly fishing, flytying and outings.
For more information, call Larry Vawter,program leader, at 443-535-5074 or [email protected].
• Dancing with the Heroes, free ball-room dance lessons for the Warrior Transi-tion Unit, meets Thursdays at 6 p.m. atArgonne Hills Chapel Center in the seminarroom.
Participants should wear loose clothing,
comfortable shoes with leather soles. Nosuper high heels or flip-flops.
• Spanish Christian Service is con-ducted Sundays at 1 p.m. at the CavalryChapel located at 8465 Simonds St. and6th Armored Cavalry Road.
For more information, call Elias Mendezat 301-677-7314 or 407-350-8749.
• Couples Communication meets everyMonday from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the FamilyAdvocacy Program Center, 2462 85th Medi-cal Battalion Ave.
The session is aimed at helping couplesdevelop tools to enhance their relationship,gain problem-solving strategies, and createa long-lasting relationship. For more in-formation, call 301-677-4118.
• Cub Scout Pack 377 invites boys infirst through fifth grades, or ages 7 to 10, toattend its weekly Monday meetings at 6p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.
For more information, email CubmasterChristopher Lassiter at [email protected] or Committee Chairperson MarcoCilibert at [email protected].
• Boy Scout Troop 377 meets Mondaysfrom 7-8:30 p.m. at Argonne Hills ChapelCenter on Rockenbach Road. The troop isactively recruiting boys ages 11 to 18. Formore information, email Lisa Yetman, [email protected]; Scoutmaster EdSmith at [email protected]; or Wen-dall Lawrence, committee chairperson, [email protected].
To see what the troop offers, go towww.troop377.retiredguy.net.
• Catholic Women of the Chapel meetsevery Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. forfellowship, prayer and Bible study in theMain Post Chapel, 4419 Llewellyn Ave.
The CWOC is open to all women in thecommunity ages 18 and older. For moreinformation, email Jen Bosko, CWOC presi-dent, at [email protected].
• Women’s Empowerment Groupmeets Wednesdays from 2-3:30 p.m. toprovide a safe, confidential arena for thesupport, education and empowerment ofwomen who have experienced past orpresent family violence.
Location is only disclosed to participants.To register, call Samantha Herring, victimadvocate, at 301-677-4124 or KatherineLamourt, victim advocate, at 301-677-4117.
• Parenting With A Purpose meetsWednesdays at 1 p.m. at the Family Advo-cacy Center, 2462 85th Medical BattalionAve. To register, call 301-677-3617.
• Fort Meade E9 Association meets thesecond Friday of every month at 7 a.m. inthe Pin Deck Cafe at the Lanes. The nextmeeting is Feb. 12.
The association is open to active, retired,Reserve and National Guard E9s of anyuniformed service. All E9s in this area areinvited to attend a breakfast and meet themembership. For more information, go toe9association.org.
The movie schedule is subject to change.For a recorded announcement of showings,call 301-677-5324. Further listings areavailable on the Army and Air ForceExchange Service website at www.aa-fes.com.
Movies start Fridays at 6:30 p.m,Saturdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.PRICES: Tickets are $6 for adults (12 andolder) and$3.50 for children. 3DMovies: $8adults, $5.50 children.
Today throughJan. 31
Friday-Sunday: “The HungerGames: Mockingjay Part 2” (PG-13). Asthe war of Panem escalates to thedestruction of other districts by theCapitol, Katniss Everdeen, the reluctantleader of the rebellion, must bring to-gether an army against President Snow,while all she holds dear hangs in thebalance. With Jennifer Lawrence, JoshHutcherson, JulianneMoore.
Jan. 29-30: “Alvin&TheChipmunks:The Road Chip” (PG). Through a seriesof misunderstandings, Alvin, Simon andTheodore come to believe that Dave isgoing to propose to his new girlfriend inMiami…anddumpthem.Theyhave threedays to get to him and stop the proposal.With Jason Lee, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, JoshGreen.
Jan. 31: “Sisters” (R). Two sistersdecide to throw one last house partybefore their parents sell their familyhome.With Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, MayaRudolph.
MOVIES
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