AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINTMILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS,MD.DCMILITARY.COM FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013 | VOL. 2 NO. 26

WashingtonMonumentbecomes art

5SouthernRegionalTechnologyand RecreationComplex opens

4 Stay FocusedAdaptive FootballClinic for specialneeds athletes

6

ALLENTOWN SPLASH, TENNIS

AND FITNESS PARK REOPENS

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

Fort Washington resident Blessing McCane, 19, carefully navigates over a lily padobstacle course at the Allentown Splash, Tennis and Fitness Park. More photos onpage 5.

MORNINGSIDE RESIDENTSCELEBRATE JULY 4TH

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

Morningside residents enjoy the annual Independence Day Parade July 4th. Seemore photos on page 7.

BY LT. COL. ROBERT PAZ

During the furlough period of July 8through Sept. 30, 2013, the 779th MedicalGroup and 579th Medical Group clinicsplan to remain open with no changes tocustomer service hours.However, during the furlough period

patients should anticipate a decrease inaccess to care in primary and specialtycare clinics.

A longer wait time should also be an-ticipated for patient administration ser-vices and ancillary support such as phar-macy, laboratory and radiology.Facility maintenance and information

systems support may also lead to patientcare delays.The 779th MDG and 579th MDG clinic

staff will do their best to minimize im-pacts on patient care.

Furlough period impacts79th MDW services

BY JIM MCKINNEY11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

With the weather heating up andthe sun shining on Joint Base Andrews,base residents look for ways to beat theheat. One of the best ways for DOD cardholders to cool down is the base pool.Usually the base pool opens Memo-

rial Day weekend, but due to necessaryrepairs, the pool officially opened June21 for the 2013 season.“The pool has overcome many ob-

stacles just to get our doors open,” saidAlison Mabins, 11th Force SupportSquadron Outdoor Recreation direc-tor. “The civil engineer team and ourlifeguard staff worked feverishly to getthe pool open. The joint efforts paid off.The pool is open and our customers areenjoying it.”Customers are enjoying more than

just a standard pool on Joint Base An-drews.. The pool facilities also offer ababy pool, a splash park, a pavilion anda snack room. The pavilion and snackroom are available to rent during poolhours for special occasions. The pool andsplash park can also be reserved for afee after normal pool hours.“Joint Base Andrews was looking for

a water feature that would bring end-less fun to a community filled with fami-lies,” said Mabins. “The splash park isequipped with leapers, mushrooms andother interactive water features thatprovide hours of fun.”She also added that the splash park

has no standing water, so it is complete-ly safe for young children.Other than the new features, one

thing patrons may notice a little dif-ferent about the pool this year is a feeto use the facility. In previous years,the pool was supported by appropri-ated funds. Those funds are no longeravailable. Mabins says the new fee, thatcovers everything from life guards tosupplies needed to maintain the pool, is

Base Poolopenedin timefor July 4

see POOL, page 6

BY STAFF SGT. TOREY M. GRIFFITH11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The new vehicle barrier lighting se-quence took effect July 8 across all AirForce installations and will continue untilfurther notice.The new vehicle barrier light sequence

is as follows:No lights on a barrier means the same

as a green traffic light; it is safe to proceedacross the barrier.A solid yellow light means the barrier is

being activated and will rise within threeseconds. Do not accelerate across the bar-rier. Instead, safely stop your vehicle.A solid red light means that the vehicle

barrier is deploying in one second. You donot have time to attempt to drive throughthe barrier. Stop immediately. Attemptingto cross the barrier will result in severedamage to your vehicle and injury to your-self and others. The red light will remainon until the barrier is fully lowered.Do not stop or park on top of the vehicle

security barriers even if the barrier lightsare off. If the vehicle barriers are raised atany time, they will rise with enough forceto lift your vehicle off the ground.All previous vehicle barrier guidance is

now void.For more information, contact the 11th

Security Forces Group facility manager at301-981-2234.

Gate barrier light sequencehas changed on baseNew sequencestarted July 8

A yellow light means the barrier will risewithin seconds. Stop before the barrier sothat your vehicle does not get stuck over itand damaged when it rises.

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/SENIOR AIRMAN BAHJA JONES

A red light means the barrier is about torise, with enough force to damage yourvehicle. Do not attempt to cross the barrier.

STORY AND PHOTO BY CHRIS BASHAMSTAFF WRITER

Sonya Thomas’ life changed June 27,2003, when she joined the Nathan’s Fa-mous Hot Dog Eating competition at Co-ney Island. The Korean native, now livingin Northern Virginia and managing theBurger King franchise on Joint Base An-drews, Md., had never participated in acontest like that before.“I wanted to see how much I could

eat, and I won, my first time! I ate 18 hotdogs in 10 minutes,” remembers Thomas,now ranked #3 among competitive eatersworldwide and #1 among women. “Peoplesay that as a woman it’s ugly, right? Butany competition, I like to do it. If it’s gross,I don’t care. I just have to win.”Competitive eating is a sport that has

changed since Thomas entered her firstcontest a decade ago, as more and morecompetitors learn the tricks that help thebest eaters work fast.“It was just normal eating. No dunking.

You had to drink water in between,” Thom-as said. After that first qualifying roundThomas learned to dunk her hot dogs inwater to lubricate the dry, hard-to-swallowbuns. During finals the next week, she ate25 hot dogs in 10 minutes, and was well onher way to fame and respect as “The BlackWidow” of competitive eating. She startedentering a wide variety of eating contests,and winning—or ranking within the topfew competitors—each time.“That’s my nickname, ‘The BlackWidow.’

Because, you know, ‘Kill the men! in eat-ing,” Thomas said. Though some contests,

The BlackWidowbitesagainSonya Thomaseats 36.75 hot dogsto rankNo. 1

see THOMAS, page 8

2 Friday, July 12, 2013Andrews Gazette

Andrews Gazette is published by Comprint Military Publications,9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md., a private firm in no wayconnected with the U.S. Air Force or any branch of the UnitedStates military. The appearance of advertising in these publications,including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement

by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the prod-ucts and services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase,use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin,age, martial status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchases, user or patron.

COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS

Maxine Minar, presidentmminar@dcmilitary.com

John Rives, publisherjrives@dcmilitary.com

Chris Basham, editorcbasham@dcmilitary.com

Deirdre Parry, page designdparry@gazette.net

Bobby Jones, photographerbjones@dcmilitary.com

HOTTICKETSAround TownJuly 12 - 13Annapolis Irish FestivalAnne Arundel County Fairgrounds, Route 178, Crowns-

ville, Md.4 - 10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. SaturdayEnjoy traditional and modern Celtic music, Irish danc-

ing, workshops, exhibits, Irish food and children’s activi-ties. For information visit www.annapolisirishfestival.com.

July 13 - 14Life of the Civil War SoldierSurratt House Museum, 9118 Brandywine Road, Clin-

ton, Md.noon - 4 p.m.The 3rd U.S. Regular Infantry re-enactment group ex-

hibits uniforms, weapons, equipment, drills and living con-ditions of Soldiers during the Civil War. For informationcall 301-868-1121.

July 14Caroline’s Birthday Party - A Special Historic Celebra-

tionRiversdale House Museum (4811 Riverdale Road,

Riverdale Park, MD1-2:30 p.m.Caroline, the oldest child in Maryland’s famous Calvert

household, was born July 15. Decorate period cupcakes,enjoy games and refreshments, and make a bonnet foryour 18” doll. This program is for children ages 5 & upwith an adult. For additional information, call 301-864-0420; TTY 301-699-2544.

COURTESY OF THE RETIREEACTIVITIES OFFICE

WWI memorial soughtInterest in a national World War

I memorial in the nation’s capitalcontinues. David DeJonge, presidentand co-founder of theWWI MemorialFoundation, wants Congress to con-sider a memorial. “There would beno better way to commemorate thesebrave Americans than to honor themwith a memorial on the Mall,’’ hesaid. Others have expressed concernthat the Mall is crowded with memo-rials. Pershing Park has been sug-gested as a suitable site for a WorldWar I memorial. It has a statue ofGeneral of the Armies John J. Per-shing, along with artwork detailingmajor battles in WWI. Private fundswould be needed.

Slow your roll on JBABJoint Base Anacostia-Bolling has

stepped up its enforcement of drivinginfractions. Records now documentmoving violations and illegal parking.Repeat offenders can have their driv-ing privileges on base revoked. If you

receive a base traffic ticket (DD Form1408) you have 14 days to contest theticket. Traffic court is held monthly.Points of contact are listed on the traf-fic ticket. Drivers who accumulate 12points within 12 months or 18 pointswithin 24 months will have base driv-ing privileges revoked or suspended.Serious infractions are reported toyour state licensing authority. Pen-alties include: Speeding: 3-5 points;failure to yield to pedestrians, 5; mostparking, 3; wearing headphones whiledriving, 3; failure to stop for a schoolbus, 4. Intoxicated driving results inrevocation of base driving privilegesfor a year.

Sept. case lot sales canceledThe Defense Commissary Agen-

cy has canceled its Sept. case lotsales because of budgetary reduc-tions mandated under sequestra-tion. The cancellation is part ofongoing steps to reduce operatingcosts. Other steps include a hir-ing freeze, restrictions for officialtravel, and postponement of Guardand Reserve on-site sales. Com-missaries will continue to offer

sidewalk sales, truckload events,in-store promotions and items invalue-sized ‘club pack’ formats.DeCA operates a worldwide chainof commissaries providing groceriesto military personnel, retirees andtheir families. Authorized patronspurchase items at cost plus a fivepercent surcharge, which covers thecosts of building new commissariesand modernizing existing ones. Acore military family support ele-ment, and a valued part of militarypay and benefits, commissaries en-hance the quality of life for militarymembers and their families.

The Retiree Activities Office is open10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday throughFriday. Visit the office in Building1604 at California and ColoradoAvenues or call us at 301-981-2726.Our e-mail address is rao@andrews.af.mil. Call the office before your visitto ensure a volunteer is on duty. TheRAO has a website at www.andrews.af.mil; Under “Helpful Links” clickon “Retirees Activity Office” for infor-mation on retiree subjects, includingpast copies of “Retiree Corner.”

Retiree Corner

BY CHRIS BASHAMSTAFF WRITER

A couple of weeks ago, my comput-er died. It wasn’t a sudden thing...ithad been in failing health ever sinceI pulled it out of storage nearly ayear ago. First the headphone jackstopped working, but I hate head-phones so I didn’t care all that much.The charger wouldn’t always work,but I didn’t usually rely on batterypower so that wasn’t enough to makeme replace the whole machine. Thenthere were a few isolated pixels thatturned black, and stayed that way. Ididn’t mind so much, even when thepixelated blackness covered about aninch of screen. I could scroll aroundit, I figured.There was no way I was going to

replace the computer until it just

stopped working. Once about sevenof the most frequently used keys onmy keyboard weren’t functioning, Iknew I had waited as long as I could.I threw on some clothes and ran tothe only store open that early in theday, where I picked up “the cheapestToshiba we sell.”I got it home and fired it up, or

tried to, and was reminded just howmuch I hate learning new technol-ogy. Tiles? Charms? All that swipingright and left? Arrows that show upon some screens but not others, de-pending on goodness knows what?I was half tempted to take it rightback to the store, or just throw it outmy third floor window. It took me afew days before I felt like I had any-thing like a grasp on the new oper-ating system. I was starting to feelold and incompetent, until I looked

at the public library and found a lotof books on how to make Windows 8work. Some of those books are thick,mind you.If someone needed to write a

900-page book on how to make senseof my new computer’s operating sys-tem, it wasn’t my fault that I some-times found myself clicking franti-cally on random things, hoping tofind something that looked like myold desktop. I instantly felt better.Only a little better, though. I hate

that “I don’t know what I’m doing”feeling more than just about any-thing.A few weeks in, and I’m finally us-

ing my computer without mutteringunder my breath. It’s not as comfort-able as an old shoe, just yet, but I am

Commentary:Windows 8 is trying to killme

see COMMENTARY, page 7

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3Friday, July 12, 2013 Andrews Gazette

BY CHRIS BASHAMSTAFF WRITER

The Army NationalGuard announced June27 the launch of GuardYour Health (www.guar-dyourhealth.org). GuardYour Health is a modern-ization of the Army’s for-mer health site, “Hooah 4Health.”“We wanted to focus on

health promotion, as a ba-sis of readiness,” said Col.(Dr.) Anne Naclerio, ArmyNational Guard chief sur-geon. The new site’s ta-gline, “My Mission. MyHealth.” was chosen afterextensive market researchamong Guardsmen andtheir families, to empha-size the personal respon-sibility Guardsmen havefor maintaining their ownhealth and that of theirfamilies while working ascivilians and serving asSoldiers.More than half of the

site’s users are expected tobe 18-24 years of age, andthe next largest percent-age of users falls withinages 25 to 34.“We hit the whole range

of folks. Most are inter-ested in information onpassing the Army physi-cal fitness test, fitness andhaving the appearanceof fitness, nutrition andweight loss,” said Nacle-rio, who said that the sitealso offers information ontobacco and alcohol use,handling stress, maintain-ing work/life balance andmental health concerns.“A lot of young folks feelhealthy if they pass theAPFT.”The new site is intend-

ed as a hub for Army Na-tional Guard Soldiers andfamilies with informationand resources on a widerange of topics encompass-ing the physical, mental,

emotional, spiritual andother health concerns thatcontribute to wellness forany individual, with a spe-cial emphasis on the con-cerns of citizen-Soldiersperforming dual duty asmembers of the NationalGuard.“Army National Guard

Soldiers face unique chal-lenges because of theirdual-responsibilities asCitizens and Soldiers,”said Col. (Dr.) Anne Nacle-rio, Army National Guardchief surgeon. “The chal-lenges weigh heavily ontheir lifestyle choices andcan affect their compre-hensive fitness and readi-ness. Guard Your Health isa one-stop shop of informa-tion tailored for Soldiersand their families, offeringmotivation and support toovercome challenges andmake healthy decisions forthe rest of their lives—forthemselves, their familiesand their units.”The website was de-

signed for a new genera-tion of Internet user whomay not have a desktopcomputer or even a homephone, but who carry mo-bile devices with themthroughout their day. Us-ers can view, share andtake advantage of resourc-es found through GuardYour Health, includingDepartment of Defenseand Veterans Administra-tion programs and otherresources provided by non-profit organizations, evenif they only access theInternet through a smart-phone or tablet.“I think this is an amaz-

ing opportunity for all ourGuard families and mem-bers to receive valuable in-formation regarding theirhealth and well-being. Sooften because our Guardcommunity can be separat-

ed by distance, it is criti-cal to have a centralizedlocation to receive greatresources about servicesavailable and ways wecan help build and protectour community,” said Ali-cia Hinds Ward, who wasrecently named ArmedForces Insurance 2013 Na-tional Guard Spouse of theYear and 2013 District ofColumbia National GuardSpouse of the Year and whoserves as a Key Spouse forthe 113th Logistics Readi-ness Squadron of the D.C.Air National Guard. “Thistype of information andopen communication fromArmy National GuardHealth Services also helpsour families and spouses,therefore building Na-tional Guard resiliencyfor both Air and Army asa whole.”Naclerio, who also

serves as Chair, Women’sHealth Task Force, Of-fice of the Surgeon Gen-eral, sees the new site asa great resource for femaleservice members.“There are a lot of

unique needs that per-haps have gone unmetfor women Soldiers, andthat is magnified for theGuard and Reserve,” saidNaclerio. “The care theirreceive is from civilianproviders, who may beeven less ready to handlethose needs than militaryproviders.”Some of those issues,

such as how to managelactation or regulate men-struation successfullywhile in the field or de-ployed, are covered in ma-terials on the site. Thereare video presentations,articles, assessment tools,personal stories of inspira-tion and other resources allin the same place, to pro-vide the information any

individual needs to helpunderstand, improve andmaintain their own health.“It starts with the Sol-

dier. They’ve got to knowto ask,” Naclerio said. Thatbase of knowledge canmake starting conversa-

tions with their health careproviders more straightfor-ward and productive. It’snot all about dealing withillness or doctor’s visits,though.“Health is broader than

medicine. Health happens

in the life spaces betweendoctor’s visits, when a per-son decides what to eatfor breakfast, lunch anddinner; when they decidewhether to take the el-evator or the stairs,” saidNaclerio.

“Guard Your Health” a new hub for citizen-soldiers, families

1036207B

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4 Friday, July 12, 2013Andrews Gazette

BY BOBBY JONESSTAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The Southern RegionalTechnology and RecreationComplex opened June 29 inFort Washington, Md.The facility features a

stainless steel butterflysculpture in a park filledwith echinacea and otherbutterfly-friendly plants,an elevated running track,computer classroom spaceand two gymnasiums. Thebuilding design is regis-tered with the U.S. GreenBuilding Council and isdesignated to meet a Lead-ership in Energy and En-vironmental Design Silverrating, in part due to a“green” roof studded withplants above the facilityentrance.The 37,000 square foot

LEED Silver certified state-of-the-art technology andrecreation facility is hometo innovative technologyand recreation initiativesfor people of all ages andabilities. Prince George’sCounty Executive RushernL. Baker III (D) spoke atthe grand opening.“It’s been a long time

coming,” said Baker. “Butyou’re going to watchPrince George’s County riseto what it should be – andwhat the nation and theworld will know where weshould be going. Not justbecause of this new build-ing, but because of thethings that are happeninghere in the southern partof the county – in terms ofjobs, entertainment, educa-tion and health care.”The facility includes a

rock climbing wall, envi-ronmental science learningroom, media room, multi-purpose room, technologywing, Internet café, dance

studio and other supportspaces for the Maryland-National Capital Parksand Planning CommissionDivision of Parks and Rec-

reation.The facility hours of

operation are: Monday-Thursday: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.,Friday: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. and

Xtreme Teens: 7 - 10 p.m.;Saturday: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.and Xtreme Teens: 7 - 10p.m. and Sunday: 10 a.m. -6 p.m.

Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Complex opens

Paula Vann, 9, and brother, Paul Vann Jr., 6, observea Lego Mindstorm Robot travel its’ programmed routeatop a table in a robotics class. Beginner, intermediateand advanced robotics classes are available Tuesdays,Thursdays and Saturdays for ages 8 to 14.

PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

Residents participate in a Zumba class.

Prince George’s County leaders release butterflies fromenvelopes into a butterfly park.

Malik Queen, 12, tries his boxing skills on a Nexersys Workout and Gaming system inthe Xtreme Teen lounge and fitness room.

1038515B1038491B

5Friday, July 12, 2013 Andrews Gazette

The Allentown Splash, Tennis and Fitness Park reopened June29 after the complex underwent a tremendous, 10,000 squarefoot expansion which included a new weight training room, amultipurpose room, lounge/game room, upgrades to the lockerroom and lifeguard/first aid station and a new outdoor ticketbooth. Renovations were completed to the natatorium roof, out-door pools and wet classrooms. Six outdoor tennis courts havealso been renovated and equipped with new lighting and fenc-ing. The outdoor pool will be open 7 days a week through Aug. 18and weekends only Aug. 24 - Sept. 2.

Allentown Splash, Tennis and Fitness Park reopens

Jack Donnelly, an Allentown Splash, Tennis and Fit-ness Center life guard, keeps a watchful eye overthe wading section of the pool.

PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

Johnathon Winbush, 18, walks over floating logs as Devonna Spencer, right, Allentown Splash, Tennis andFitness Center life guard observes.

Local residents cool off in the outdoor pool.

Herbie the Shark hugs Temple Hills youth.

A Fort Washington resident takes a dip in the pool.

JBA BuzzHow has music impacted your life?

Staff Sgt.Charles Eby

U.S. Army Prior-ity Air TransportCommand missionplanner

Master Sgt Ken-nard Hughes

113th Wingaviation resourcemanager

Master Sgt.Richard Lamotte

99th AirliftSquadron Flightchief of flightattendants

Navy LogisticsSpecialist 2ndClass Kam To

Naval Air FacilityAviations SupplyDepartment

“At times music hasenhanced my mood;it makes you feelbetter. But there hasbeen a time when ithas invoked somesad memories.”

“Music saved my life!Growing up in LosAngeles, I was intobreak dancing. How-ever, popping andlocking dance moveswere associated withthe local gangs atfirst. But after awhileit became universal. Iwas never in a gang,but I used breakdancing to keep mefocused and help kidsstay out of trouble.”

“Music is everything!It makes you happy orsad. For me, it keepsme going.”

“Being a traditionalGuardsman, musichas no effect on me.But in my civilian jobas a driver for Grey-hound, music moti-vates me in gettingdown the road. Andwhen I’m stressed,music also relaxesme as I travel thedown the road.”

WASHINGTON MONUMENT

BECOMES ART

The Washington Monument became a work of artduring a lighting ceremony held by the National ParkService July 8 on the National Mall. Approximately488 lights surrounding the monument were lit atdusk. The lighting will continue each night at duskuntil the scaffolding comes down and the repairs arecompleted next year.

PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

6 Friday, July 12, 2013Andrews Gazette

BY BOBBY JONESSTAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

A Stay Focused Adap-tive Football Clinic washeld June 29 at the Mar-vin F. Wilson stadium nearthe Prince George’s Sportsand Learning Complex,Landover Md. The freeevent jointly sponsoredby the Maryland-NationalCapital Park and PlanningCommission and UsamaYoung, was held for indi-viduals ages 12-21. Volun-teers from the D.C. MetroRaiders Booster Clubalso loaned their supportin mentoring the specialneeds individuals.The clinic aimed to

empower participantsthrough adaptive physi-cal activity, coaching andmentorship. Participantspracticed a variety of foot-

ball drills, while gettingthe chance to meet andreceive guided instructionfrom local and professionalathletes.

Stay Focused Adaptive Football Clinic for special needs athletes

PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

Usama Young, left, National Football League Oakland Raiders safety, and a DCMetroRaiders Booster Club volunteer celebrate a touchdown run by Dequon Wooten, 13.

Andy Brenenan, 16, takes the football from Usama Young, Oakland Raider safety dur-ing a rushing drill.

A youth rushes Usama Young during a drill clinic.

Security ForcesGroup beat Presi-dential AirliftGroup, 2 to 1, in anintramural soccergame July 8.

Security Forces defeatsPresidential Airlift

A referee holds a gamesoccer ball during a break.

Left: An 11th Security Forc-es Group teammemberattempts to score againsta wall of Presidential AirliftGroup defenders.

PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

Above: Jim Drybola, left,Presidential Airlift Squad-ron right forward, andBlake Miller, right, 11thSecurity Forces Groupright middle field, jockey forposition to dribble the ball.Miller eventually scored11 SFG’s two points to oneagainst the PAG.

WFC HOLDS 3 ON 3

BASKETBALL

TOURNAMENT

Joe McNeil, left, goes in for a layup against SeanCraig, defender, during a 3 on 3 Basketball Tourna-ment held July 9 at the West Fitness Center. Craig’steam won 9 to 7 in the single-elimination tournament.Winning participants received prizes and T-shirts pro-vided by the 11th Forces Support Squadron’s WestFitness Center.

comparable to fees charged by other pools in the localcommunity.“We recognize the base pool to be an important fa-

cility to the community; therefore we felt it was im-portant to keep our doors open and allow the publicto decide whether it’s a facility they would like to usewith a fee associated,” Mabins said.Passes can be purchased at daily, monthly or season

rates. The pool is open this year through Labor Dayweekend.For detailed hours, fees and other information, visit

the 11th FSS website at http://www.andrewsfss.com.

POOL, from page 1

7Friday, July 12, 2013 Andrews Gazette

BY FRANK A. MILETODISTANCE LEARNING MANAGER BARNESCENTER FOR ENLISTED EDUCATION

Starting Oct. 1, Senior Non-Commis-sioned Officer Academy Course 00014,Version 6 will be released on a newlearning management system, Black-board. The course features new lessonsand updated, interactive content.

Course 14 is a computer-based, self-study program developed by the AcademicAffairs, Barnes Center for Enlisted Edu-cation and administered and managed bythe Education Logistics and Communica-tion (A4/A6) as a web-based product.The previous version of SNCO Course

14, Version 5, on the Air University Ad-vanced Distributed Learning Service

Site, will be shut down Oct. 1. All stu-dents enrolled in the old course 14 haveuntil Sept. 30 to complete the course.Students who do not complete the cur-rent course by the Sept. 30 deadline willbe dis-enrolled from the old course andwill be permitted to enroll in the newcourse starting Oct. 1.More details about gaining access to

the new course will be released in Sep-tember.Furloughs cut Education and Training

hoursDue to civilian furloughs, the An-

drews Education and Training Sectionwill close every Friday effective July 12- Sept. 27, 2013. The office will be openfour days per week during the 11 weeksof the furlough action this fiscal year.

Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Course changes

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JOSHUA R. M.DEWBERRY

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Nothing says summer like baseball andfireworks.The Bowie Baysox, a Class AA affiliate

of the Baltimore Orioles, donated 2,000tickets to the outdoor recreation center forTeam Andrews and Military Appreciationnight.In previous years, the Baysox have

hosted service members from all branches.This summer’s event shall be no differentas these professional athletes and game af-

filiates honor America’s men and women inuniform and their families throughout thegame.Both general admission and stadium

parking are free. The game will featurethe Bowie Baysox vs. the Richmond FlyingSquirrels and will take place July 12, 6:05p.m. at Prince George’s Stadium, located at4101 Northeast Crain Highway, Bowie, Md,20717.The Andrews Outdoor Recreation Cen-

ter has tickets available for pick-up andcan be reached Monday through Fridayfrom 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 301-981-4109/5663.

Free baseball game today

Last year’s rumors of the demiseof the annual Morningside, Md.,Independence Day celebration weregreatly exaggerated. The town puton its 33rd annual parade, Family FunDay and fireworks display July 4.The celebration included field gamesand a moon bounce at Benjamin D.Foulois Academy and fireworks atdusk. The parade and Family Fun Dayactivities are entirely volunteer-runand sponsored by donations, whilethe fireworks display is paid for outof Town of Morningside funds.

PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

David Chambers of Morningside and his dog, Ester, give a patriotic salute in observa-tion of the Town of Morningside’s annual Fourth of July Parade.

Steve Damron sings the national anthem as he strolls down Suitland Road.

A spectacular display of fireworks in Morningside could be seen from neighboringCamp Springs and Clinton, Md.

Prince George’s County Sheriff Melvin C. High, left, waves at Morningside residents.

MORNINGSIDE RESIDENTS CELEBRATE JULY 4TH

starting to see the benefits of the new wayof doing things.Which is why I now have a stack of com-

puter manuals on my desk. Why not reallylearn everything there is to know aboutthis new tool on my desk?Sometimes life tosses you a curve ball.

I’m starting to think that those are my fa-vorite pitches. New challenges, odd ways ofdoing things and unfamiliar territory aregood for you, keeping the mind sharp andagile.Windows 8 tried to kill me, but I’m de-

termined it’s just going to make me stron-ger. Maybe I’ll throw my old computer offthe balcony, to let all the technology in myapartment see who’s boss.

COMMENTARY, from page 2

1036209B

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8 Friday, July 12, 2013Andrews Gazette

BY MATHEW B. TULLY

Q. Due to car prob-lems, I ended up gettingcharged with being AWOL.Shouldn’t I be able to avoidnonjudicial punishment forhaving a valid reason forbeing absent?

A. Absence without leaveis an instantaneous offense,meaning the crime is com-mitted the moment a ser-vice member is not wherehe or she is supposed tobe at a given time. Gener-ally, not even excuses ofsickness, transportationissues, or other disabilitieswill save a service memberfrom a charge of AWOL inviolation of Article 86 ofthe Uniform Code of Mili-tary Justice. There is, how-ever, an affirmative defenseavailable to a service mem-ber when he or she is on au-thorized leave and “withoutfault, is unable to return atthe expiration thereof,” ac-cording to the Manual ofCourts-Martial.Does this inability-to-re-

turn defense apply to a ser-vice member who is AWOLdue to car troubles? Muchdepends on whether thecar problems were prevent-able and what the servicemember did after encoun-tering them. Remember,

the service member mustbe “without fault,” mean-ing whatever happened tothe vehicle must have beenbeyond his or her control.Think of hitting a deer orgetting rear-ended. In con-trast, there are preventableproblems, such as runningout of gas.If the service member,

after experiencing car trou-bles, makes an earnest ef-fort to report for duty andbecomes AWOL, the inabil-ity-to-return defense maybe available to him or her.That’s what happened tothe Army private in U.S. v.Donald E. Lee (1983). Thisprivate pleaded guilty totwo specifications of AWOL.One of those specificationsstemmed from an inci-dent in which the private,who lived off base, becameAWOL due to car problemsand he was not able to re-port for duty until a daylater. After encounteringthese mechanical problems,he informed his base ofthe situation and was toldto get there the best wayhe could. The private triedcalling people for a ride, buthe could not reach anyone.He finally managed to reachhis landlord, who drove himto base.The Court of Military

Appeals disagreed with a

lower court that faultedthe private for either living“an unreasonable distanceaway [from base]” or mak-ing “no legitimate effort toget substitute transporta-tion.” The high court, how-ever, said service members“must find affordable hous-ing wherever they can” –even if that means access topublic transportation is notan option. It added, “Carssometimes malfunction un-expectedly. To hold a soldiercriminally liable because hedoesn’t have an alternatemeans to insure that he canget to his place of duty ontime when his car is unex-pectedly inoperable is un-realistic, unreasonable, anddisturbing.”S e r v i c e member s

charged with absence with-out leave should immedi-ately contact a military lawattorney. Depending on thecircumstances, an attorneycould help them raise an in-ability-to-return defense orshow that the service mem-ber had no way of knowingwhen or where he or shewas expected to report forduty.

Mathew B. Tully is anIraq war veteran and found-ing partner of the law firmTully Rinckey PLLC. E-mailquestions to askthelawyer@fedattorney.com. The infor-mation in this column is notintended as legal advice.

Ask the Lawyer:What if I was AWOL for a good reason?

The Maryland-National Capital Park andPlanning Commission and the Ameri-can Red Cross teamed up to host a “Bea Hero” blood drive July 3 at the PrinceGeorge’s Sports and Learning Complex inLandover, Md.

BLOOD DONORS

ARE HEROES, TOO

PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

Shannon Clinton, center, Red Cross phlebotomist, pre-pares Derrick Delaney, Bowie resident, to donate blood.

The Red Cross Blood Hound guides blood donors to thedonation staging area.

CAPTION THIS

For last week’s photo:“Don’t say CHEESEwhen looking up. Yoursmile is too big!”Submitted by SusanDeHetre of Waldorf, Md.

Send your silly captionsfor this week’s photo tocbasham@dcmilitary.com.The funniest ones will beused in a future edition ofThe Andrews Gazette.

including (since 2010) the Nathan’sFamous competition held each Inde-pendence Day, separate competitorsby gender, most have all competitorsracing against each other. She oftenfinds herself competing against thesame few famous “names” in competi-tive eating, including Joey Chestnutand Takeru Kobayashi.“We all know each other,” Thomas

said. Until 2006, Thomas was thenumber one-ranked competitive eaterin the nation, although new eaters en-ter the field each year.Thomas said that she never reach-

es her full stomach capacity duringthe contests. She just eats as quicklyas she can, until time runs out. Or,sometimes, until the food is gone.“I ate 65 hard boiled eggs in 10

minutes. I wasn’t full, but they ranout of eggs,” said Thomas. As competi-tive eating has become recognized asa sport, with televised coverage andinternational attention, that sort ofthing is not likely to happen again.Even when she is not competing,

Thomas can eat large quantities of food.“Sometimes, I cook two dozen hard

boiled eggs and eat them, at one sit-ting. They’re one of my favorite foods.I used to eat two large orders of frenchfries at work every day,” Thomas said.She also enjoys seafood of all kinds,whether in a competition or at home.Most days, she eats just one large

meal in the evening, focusing onfruits, vegetables and other healthyfare. That one meal may take her twoto three hours to complete. Now 44years old, Thomas said she intends tostay in the competitive eating circuitas long as she keeps winning and herhealth is not impacted. That was abig concern for her family, when shefirst started out. Once they realizedthat Thomas ate reasonable portionsof healthy foods most of the time, ex-ercised regularly and participated ina competitive eating event only aboutonce per month, her family stoppedworrying that her strange but profit-able hobby might be dangerous.

And it is profitable, for the best ofthe best, like Thomas. The big awardsgiven to the top eaters serves as astrong incentive to the ultra-com-petitive Thomas, who often eats at asteady pace until near the end of theallotted time, only to speed up as oth-er eaters start to slow down.“This weekend I looked at the

woman next to me, the second placewoman, and I thought, ‘Am I goingto let her beat me by half a hot dog,or a quarter of a hot dog?’ It’s notjust pride, for me. It’s the money, too.There’s a big difference between firstplace and second place,” Thomas said.Though she won this year’s con-

test, she didn’t eat as many hot dogsas she’d hoped. Last year, she ate 45in the allotted time, and this year sheaimed to eat 55 hot dogs. A change inher technique cost her valuable time.Since she’d been using room tem-

perature water to dunk her dogs, shethought warmer water would lubri-cate her throat better and help her toeat faster. She didn’t practice beforethe event, because she needs the mo-tivation of competition to do her best.“I was using steaming hot water,

about 200 degrees. When I put the

buns in there, it was like eating hotsoup. I started sweating, and thatslowed me down. I didn’t know thathot water would do that. It’s alwayshot (weather) at the Nathan’s compe-tition, 90 or 100 degrees, but I neversweat,” Thomas said.Ten seconds before the contest end-

ed, Thomas and the nearest competi-tor were tied.“I was so glad to win this year. I was

so lucky. This year I beat her by 3/4 ofa hot dog. Last year there was no com-petition.” Thomas said. “I was so disap-pointed in myself, but I was lucky.”Thomas will participate in a Hoot-

ers chicken wing eating contest July25 in Clearwater, Fla., and a kim-chee eating contest in Chicago a fewmonths later.“I’m a native Korean and I love

kimchee. I eat it as a side dish,though. I have to practice, because forAmericans it’s a weird food. Imagineif I lost on my own food,” Thomas said.“I’m not spending my time and moneytraveling to lose.”

To see what other competitive eat-ing records Thomas holds, read thisarticle on dcmilitary.com.

THOMAS, from page 1

Working in fast food keeps Sonya Thomas’ hands and mind fast. “Competi-tive speed eating is 80 percent mental, and some foods are more about handspeed than what you can swallow,” said Thomas.

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