AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINTMILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS,MD.DCMILITARY.COM FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015 | VOL. 4 NO. 34

COMMUNITY NEWSMowatt to rock Camp Springs Senior

Activity Center, Page 3

BASE NEWSAim high, bark, fly, win, Page 6

COMMENTARYDreams, Page 2

BY SENIOR AIRMANPRESTON WEBB

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The 11th Security SupportSquadron conducted an ac-tive-shooter-vulnerability as-sessment at Imagine AndrewsPublic Charter School Aug. 19,2015, on Joint Base Andrews,Maryland.

The 11 SSPTS briefedImagine Andrews staff about

possible vulnerabilities to pre-pare them to react properlyif confronted with an active-shooter situation. They alsotaught them about the Run-Hide-Fight method: run if youcan, hide if you must and fightas a last resort.

“Your reaction in an active-shooter situation needs topractically be muscle memory

11 SSPTS conductsvulnerability assessment

Andrews Federal CreditUnion recently concluded its2015 Scholarship Program byawarding $12,000 in scholar-ships to eight students. Eachstudent received $1,500 to-ward higher education ex-penses. Three of those stu-dents, Khadijah Bland, TiaraHodge, and Andrew Peacockalong with friends and familymembers, were on hand at theCredit Union’s 67th AnnualMeeting to receive their awardin person.

Andrews Federal 2015Scholarships were awarded to:

• Whitney Betts, Marietta,GA

• Khadijah Bland, Waldorf,MD

• Jason Clark, Germany• Tiara Hodge, Clinton, MD• BreAhn Holloway, Fort

Washington, MD• Deja Lee, Accokeek, MD

• Andrew Peacock, UpperMarlboro, MD

• Joshua Tsai, AnaheimHills, CA

“Each year we are excitedto offer financial assistance inthe form of scholarships to agroup of amazing students,”remarked Jim Hayes, An-drews Federal President andCEO. “These are our futurepresidents, CEOs, entrepre-neurs and leaders. AndrewsFederal is proud to play a partin helping them achieve theirfuture success.”

The 2016 Andrews FederalScholarship program will be-gin February 1, 2016.

To learn more about An-drews Federal Credit Unionand its community involve-ment, or to become a mem-ber, call 800.487.5500 or visitwww.andrewsfcu.org.

-- Andrews Credit Union

Andrews FederalCredit Union Awards$12,000 in Scholarships

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Andrews Federal Scholarship winners attend 67th AnnualMeeting (left to right) Andrews Federal President & CEO JimHayes, Andrew Peacock, Tiara Hodge, Khadijah Bland, andBoard Chairman Gen. Frank Cardile.

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

The Marlow Heights Community Center’s Girls Dance and Modeling Group take center stage toentertain audience members with their dance routine. Story and photos on page 4.

MARLOW HEIGHTS COMMUNITY

CENTER HOSTS 5TH ANNUAL BACK

TO SCHOOL GIVE AWAY

see ASSESSMENT, page 2

BY LESLIE C. SMITHSTAFF WRITER

Understanding cataracts canease your mind and give you di-rection on what is the next stepto repair sight.

“All of the symptoms fromcataracts are visual symp-toms - they don’t cause pain orany other sensation except forblurred vision and sometimesglare,” said Paul Cunningham,M.D., Board-certified Ophthal-mologist and Surgeon, Pediat-ric and Strabismus Specialist.

A cataract involves the lensof the eye, where the lens be-

comes cloudy and the focusingof light (akin to how a cameralens focuses light) is impaired.

“It’s important to under-stand that the lens of the eyecomes from the same stem cellsas our hair and our skin - it’sfrom the epithelial layer. Justas our hair and our skin changeover time, the lens of the eyechanges as well. The cataract isactually a natural change thatoccurs in the lens of the eyewith time and age,” Cunning-ham explained.

“Nearly everyone gets somedegree of cataracts if they livelong enough and not everyonegets cataract to the degree it in-

terferes with vision. But whenit does interfere with vision itusually causes blurred vision,poor focus, haziness and some-times causes glare - like driv-ing at night can be blinding be-cause the headlights will strikea cloudy area of the lens andthe light will scatter within theeye. Blurred vision and glareare the main symptoms,” Cun-ningham said.

Cataracts do not have to beremoved if they are not causingany trouble with the vision; ifpatients aren’t hampered andare able to drive or conductday-to-day activities then thecataracts are left alone, Cun-ningham explained.

If a doctor and patient de-cide surgery is necessary, it isan outpatient procedure andusually takes about 15 to 20

Understanding cataractsDr. Cunningham discusses signs,symptoms of cataracts duringCataract Awareness Month

see CATARACTS, page 6

Andrews Gazette2 Friday, August 28, 2015

Andrews Gazette is published by Comprint MilitaryPublications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg,Md., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S.Air Force or any branch of the United States military.The appearance of advertising in these publications,

including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsementby the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force orthe products and services advertised.

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

COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS

Maxine Minar, presidentmminar@dcmilitary.com

John Rives, publisherjrives@dcmilitary.com

Deirdre Parry, page designdparry@dcmilitary.com

Leslie Smith, editorlsmith@dcmilitary.com

Bobby Jones, photographerbjones@dcmilitary.com

August 28-30One Acts by Elan ZafirLaurel Mill Playhouse, 508 Main Street, LaurelFriday, Saturday 8 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m.Two one act plays by actor/playwright Elan Zaf-

ir. Super Earth is the story of two men who findthemselves in an underground bunker as the threatof nuclear extinction filters through the streets ofNew York. Ben and Lucille is the story of a mediocrepainter who visits his activist girlfriend in Philly.Once together it is quickly apparent things havechanged as tiffs turn into political and philosophi-cal wounds and they confront the inevitable end oftheir relationship.

August 29Taste Prince George’s Food and Wine FestivalNoon-6 p.m.Six Flags America, 13710 Central Ave., Upper

MarlboroThe day includes live entertainment, wine tast-

ing, cooking demonstrations and guest appear-ances by celebrity chefs. Tickets are available forpurchase online. This is a rain or shine event. Visitwww.tasteprincegeorges.com.

August 30The Chardonnay Run9 a.m.National Harbor, 137 National Plaza, National

HarborThe Chardonnay Run is a national 5K wine

racing series, with a focus on serving up fun aswell as wine and cheese to participants lookingto grab their friends, put on their running shoesand enjoy a glass of wine. The race is only halfthe fun a glass of wine, yummy pairings, grapes,live music, food trucks/vendors, and your bestbuds are waiting for you at the finish line. Youare encouraged you to bring a picnic, blanket,and chairs to kick back and relax. Visit www.thechardonnayrun.com.

August 30Author’s Afternoon2 p.m.Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale,

Road, Riverdale ParkChat with Riversdale volunteers who are pub-

lished authors. Their works include non-fiction,mysteries, Regency romances, and children’s books.Adults $3, seniors $2, students $1, age 4 and young-er free. Call 301-864-0420.

Hot ticketsaround town BY COL. DAVE CONDIT

403RD OPERATIONS GROUP

Each of us has dreams. Wedream about exotic places, relax-ing experiences, adventures, thingswe might accomplish and financialsecurity. Some of our dreams inter-sect with our military service.

Our dreams may include thingslike the next level of responsibility,advancing to NCO or senior NCO,commissioning, field grade officer,a desired specialty, pilot training,or retirement. These dreams mo-tivate us, help us through toughtimes and make our lives exciting.

I interact with a lot of Airmen.One of the most exciting things Isee is the realization of someone’sdreams. I recently attended a pi-lot training graduation and wasstruck by the dreams realized andthe new dreams being formed.

There were young officers re-cently commissioned as prior ser-vice members who just arrived.Their nervous yet excited eyeswandered to the sky as the train-ing jets flew over. There were grad-uates with shiny new wings andassignments all over the world.The graduation ceremony includedsenior NCOs, officers and familymembers who stood proudly by,seeing the realization of their hardwork. Seeing dreams come true isamazing.

Unfortunately, not all ourdreams come true. Life is not fairat times; and not all of our dreamscome to fruition. Relationships slipaway. Financial security eludes usas we work from paycheck to pay-check. Not all of the young officersI saw at that pilot training basewould depart the gates with a setof wings. Sometimes things, obsta-

cles, situations - beyond our control- come along and it means we haveto dream of new things.

One of the saddest things I seewhen interacting with Airmen isthe dream never attempted.We getbusy with the mundane, our mindswander, we are uncertain, we’reafraid we might fail.

For whatever reason, we don’ttake the risk and attempt to ac-complish our dreams. The mostcertain way to ensure our dreamsare not realized is to not attemptthem.

Each of us, no matter our age orcircumstances, still has a dream.Don’t be the one to guarantee thedream never comes to completion.

Clear away the distractions, fo-cus and see yourself accomplish-ing your dream. Most of all, takeaction, take a risk, and take thatfirst step.

CommentaryDreams

TRICARE on the RoadIf you have a trip planned, you

should complete routine medicalcare and have prescriptions filledbefore leaving. Your only healthcare on the road should be urgentor emergency care. Your first line ofdefense is Tricare’s Nurse AdviceLine at 1 800 874-2273. A regis-tered nurse can answer urgent carequestions and schedule next-dayappointments at military hospitalsand clinics, if necessary. Service isavailable 24/7. If you use TricarePrime, and require emergency care,notify your primary care manageror regional contractor within 24hours or the next business day. Ifyou need urgent care, get a referralfrom your primary care manageror call the nurse line for advice.Standard beneficiaries can visitany Tricare-authorized, networkor non-network provider. Referralsare not required, but you may needprior authorization from your re-

gional contractor for some services.If you use a non-network provider,you may have to pay up front andfile a claim. US Family Health planparticipants should call customerservice 1-800-748-7347. Be sure tosave health care receipts.

E-Mail CheckThose with myPay accounts are

reminded to keep a current e-mailaddress on file with the DefenseFinance and Accounting Service(DFAS). At the bottom of your ac-count menu, select “Email Address”to view the address DFAS uses. Ituses the address to send newslet-ters, breaking news, and to notifyyou when your Retiree AccountStatement and 1099R tax state-ments are available.

Medical EquipmentDurable Medical Equipment

(DME) is equipment for beneficia-ry use that helps provide a better

quality of life. DME, covered bymost health insurances, includesTricare when ordered by a Tricare-authorized provider. Equipmentmust be medically necessary andreusable. It can be rented or pur-chased, but the regional contractorwill determine which is most ap-propriate for your situation. Tri-care will pay for replacements ifyour medical condition changes orequipment malfunction because ofreasonable wear. Popular equip-ment are walkers, continuous posi-tive airway pressure machines,breast pumps and breast pumpsupplies.

The Retiree Activities Office isopen 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mondaythrough Friday. Visit the office inBuilding 1604 at California andColorado Avenues or call 301 981-2726. Call before your visit to ensurea volunteer is on duty. The RAO hasa website at www.andrews.af.mil.

Retiree Corner

for when your flight-or-fight re-sponse kicks in,” said Master Sgt.Jeffrey Bury, 11 SSPTS NCO incharge of training. “Knowing howto react builds confidence in yoursafety.”

H. Douglas Rice II, ImagineAndrews principal, said the vul-nerability assessment originatedfrom a coordinated effort betweenPrince George’s County and secu-rity forces to ensure the school isas safe as possible. The school canproactively address any vulnera-bility that would hamper studentsafety.

“Student safety is our top pri-ority. We need plans in place to

educate staff and parents to dealwith situations that could arise,”Rice said. “It’s our responsibility to

be proactive, set expectations andeducate ourselves when it comes tosafety.”

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN PRESTON WEBB

Staff Sgt. Journey Henderson, 11th Security Support Squadron responseforce leader, briefs active-shooter response techniques to teachers andstaff at Imagine Andrews Public Charter School Aug. 20, at Joint BaseAndrews. Knowing how to respond throughout the course of a crisis is keyto survival.

ASSESSMENT, from page 1

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Andrews GazetteFriday, August 28, 2015 3

Joint Base Andrews is hold-ing a free public air show featur-ing the United States Air ForceThunderbirds and entertainmentfor all ages Sept. 19.

Other aerial demonstrationacts include the F-22 RaptorDemonstration team, heritageflights with P-51 Mustangs, theUnited States Special OperationsCommand jump team “Para-Commandos,” and more.

More than 30 current andvintage aircraft from a variety ofmilitary services and organiza-tions will be on display includ-ing the F-35 Lightning, the U-2Dragonlady, the CV-22 Ospreyand NASA’s Super Guppy.

Free public parking will be

available at FedEx Field andBranch Avenue Metro Stationwith shuttles taking attendees tothe base from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Nopublic parking will be availableon Joint Base Andrews.

Gates for the air show willopen at 9 a.m. with aerial per-formances starting at 11:30 a.m.and scheduled to end at 4:30 p.m.

The 2015 Joint Base AndrewsAir Show will commemorate theU.S.Air Force’s 68th birthday andthe 100th anniversary of the Na-val Reserves.

Visit the air show tab on www.andrews.af.mil or followAndrewsAirshow on Facebook for more in-formation.

BY BOBBY JONESSTAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

Ricardo Mowatt is a solo,jazz guitarist who describes hissound as a combination of tra-ditional Jazz and modern Jazzwith a Hip Hop and Blues sen-sibility. “I incorporate a varietyof styles in my set list to includereggae, R&B, bossa nova andtraditional and jazz ballads,”said the Jamaican native.

His musical influences, in-clude moves through the ar-ray of musical masters as WesMontgomery, George Benson,Muddy Waters, BB King, Char-lie Byrd, John Coltrane andJames Brown, Quincy Jones,Bob Marley, Carlos Santana,Path Methany and Sly and theFamily Stone to the modern vir-tuosos as The Roots, The Fugeesand Erykah Badu.

Rooted in the Prince George’sCounty community since theearly 90’s, the Bowie State Uni-versity music technology gradu-ate can remember when he firstrealized his interest in music.“I have always had music in-side my head, as long as I canremember. I don’t think I chosemusic; music chose me. I havealways been humming melo-dies as long as I can remember.I was that kid in the 5th gradeclass tapping rhythmic patterns

on the desk. Performing at thisfacility is like bringing D.C.’sfamed Blues Alley to the elder-ly,” said Mowatt.

An Army veteran of 14 years,Mowatt served in the Iraq andAfghanistan wars and enjoysplaying his special brand of mu-sic as therapy for his fellow vet-erans at the Washington DC VAMedical Center weekly duringhis Artist-in-Residency affilia-tion. “I play there every Monday,from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. “As a com-bat veteran I feel that playingfor my fellow veteran’s is like

giving back, because they nowhave different needs.” Mowattserves as a consultant to the VA.

Today, Mowatt will be bring-ing his eclectic musical stylingsduring his ROOTZ REPUB-LIC CONCERT to the CampSprings Senior Activity Centerfrom 12:50 to 1:50 p.m. locatedat 6420 Allentown Rd., CampSprings. Senior ID is requiredfor this “show up” event. No reg-istration is needed. For moreinformation, call Katrina Mead-ows, facility director, at 301-449-0490.

Mowatt to rock Camp SpringsSenior Activity Center

COURTESY PHOTO

A resident of George’s County, Ricardo Mowatt loans his eclecticstyle of music to various venues throughout Maryland. An Armycombat veteran, he gives back to the community by performing forhis fellow vets at the Veterans Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,

visit www.dcmilitary.com.

1051546

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BY BOBBY JONESSTAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

More than 250 children attended the5th Annual Free Back to School GiveAway event held at the Marlow HeightsCommunity Center Aug. 23.

The event was jointly sponsoredby the Maryland National Parks andPlanning Commission and the MarlowHeights Community Center. WilliamDunn, Marlow Heights Center facilitydirector, welcomed local residents to theevent.

During the course of the event young-sters were provided with free haircuts,dental screenings, book bags and schoolsupplies.

Among the donating participantswere Colgate-Palmolive’s Mobile Col-gate Dental Truck, Prince George’sCounty staff members, Tori Haylock,Rasheed Plummer, Willie Clements,and Alice Holt, Chick-Fil-A of DistrictHeights, Democracy Federal CreditUnion, and the nonprofit Prince GeorgeCounty Chapter Continental SocietyInc.

India Lyles, a stylist and barber fromthe We R One Barbershop and Salon ofSuitland, treated a waiting line of boysto complimentary haircuts for their firstday back to school.

“When I was asked by the center tosupport this event, I didn’t hesitate, be-cause I wanted to give something backto the community,” said Lyles.

Andrew Gilliam, a Clinton residentwatched as his son, Dallas, 8, receiveda free haircut.

“My wife, an educator, and I definite-ly understand the importance of gettinga good fresh start to school. It’s a greatway to empower kids and give them ajump start to a new beginning in school- getting a free book bag, a free dentalexam and a fresh haircut,” Gilliam said.

The Continental Society Inc. is an in-ternational organization which focuseson children in the form of recreation,health, education arts and humanities.

“This is our third time collaboratingwith Mr. Dunn in bringing the MobileColgate van to the community,” saidSharon Shanklin-Browne, Chapter pres-ident, Prince George’s County ChapterContinental Society Inc., noting the vol-unteer dentists and hygienists in thevan which provided approximately 150children with free dental screenings andoral health education, prior to receivingfree backpacks.

Browne expressed that the increaseddental initiative is a result of a little boywho died in Prince George’s County five of

years ago because he had a very bad toothinfection that went untreated. “Among thenumerous mobile vans this one serves thisarea and Washington, D.C. Once the childis screened the volunteer dental staff willlet the parents know if there is any workthat needs to be done.”

The screenings covered children from1 to 12 years old.

“We wanted to do this right beforeschool so the parents and children atleast don’t have to worry about bookbags, give them some basic supplies,such as pencils, pens, crayons, paper,

calculators and rulers. I think the eventwas a success,” said Ju’Wann Jones,Marlow Community Center assistantfacility director.

Community Center hosts 5th Annual Back to school give awayAndrews Gazette4 Friday, August 28, 2015

Attention All Personnel:Special Agent Zachary McCarter regretfully announces the death of Tech Sgt.

(Special Agent) Brian Theobald. Anyone having claims against or indebtedness tothe estate of Tech Sgt. Brian Theobald contact Special Agent Zachary McCarter,Summary Court Officer, at 240-857-7281.

Death Notice

For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,

visit www.dcmilitary.com.

Alisha Rollins-Taylor, a volunteer dental hygienist performs a dental screening onone-year-old Benjamin McLeod inside a Mobile Colgate van. India Lyles, a stylist and barber from the

“We R One” Barbershop and Salon ofSuitland cuts the hair of Dallas, 8, son ofWilliam Gilliam, a Clinton resident.

PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

Drum Line Strike Force Group members: David Blackstone, left, and Miles Brown rock the stage.

Andrews GazetteFriday, August 28, 2015 5

BY TECH. SGT. RYAN CRANEHEADQUARTERS U.S. AIR FORCES IN

EUROPE AND AIR FORCES AFRICA

U.S. Ambassador to France,Jane D. Hartly, recognized Air-man 1st Class Spencer Stone forhis actions in saving countlesslives during a terrorist attackaboard a train headed towardParis Aug. 21.

“We often use the word hero,and in this case I know thatword has never been more ap-propriate,” Hartley said.

“They are truly heroes. Whenmost of us would run away,Spencer, Alek and Anthony raninto the line of fire, saying ‘Let’sgo.’ Those words changed thefate of many.”

Stone and his two friends,Aleksander Skarlatos and An-thony Sadler, were on vacationand headed from Amsterdam toParis when an armed man en-tered their cabin.

“It wasn’t a conscious deci-sion,” Skarlatos, an Army Na-tional Guard Soldier stationedin Oregon said. “We didn’t evenhave time to think about it. Wejust acted.”

The trio had just spent theprevious three days enjoyingAmsterdam on their vacation.They were excited to make itto Paris so they got up earlyand made their way to the trainstation. Their train wasn’t leav-ing for four hours so they killedtime buying souvenirs and, ac-cording to them, eating the bestice cream they ever had. Theythought their vacation was off toa great start.

Their train arrived and it wastime to depart Amsterdam.

“We had first class tickets,”Stone explained, “but we justfound a spot we liked some-where else on the train. Turnsout our wagon didn’t have Wi-Fi so we decided to use our firstclass tickets and moved to an-other wagon.”

After about an hour on thetrain they were settled in some-where in Belgium.

“I was asleep with my head-phones on and my friend, Alek,was sitting to the left of me andAnthony was sitting to my rightacross the aisle,” Stone said. “Iwake up and I see Alek mov-ing around saying ‘oh crap! ohcrap!’”

Skarlatos motioned to thegunman who entered the cabinbrandishing an AK-style assaultrifle.

“I kinda turn around and seethe guy,” Stone said, “and he’sgot the AK, he’s trying to chargeit. I just throw my headphonesoff and turn around in my seat,get low and kinda look around.”

At this point the gunman hadpassed Stone and Skarlatos. Itwas at that moment their liveschanged.

“Alek taps me on the shoulderand says ‘go get ‘em!’ and that’swhen I got up and I sprinted athim,” he said.

“It was a long sprint. It feltlike slow motion.”

“I heard him charge it (theassault rifle) a few more times,and heard a ‘click.’ It still wasn’tworking.”

Stone explained that every

time he heard a click, he fearedthat he would die.

“I heard the ‘click’ andthought, ‘whew! I’m still here,’”he said.

Stone finally made contactwith the gunman, throwing hisbody into him. The two startedgrappling.

“I was feeling for the gun andcouldn’t find it,” Stone said. “Ifelt it a couple times but he kepttaking it away. So I just put himin a rear naked choke to pro-tect myself and my friend, Alek,came up and took the AK. Buthe just kept pulling weapons leftand right. He pulled a handgunand it seemed liked he pointed itback at me and I heard it click.”

It is not apparent why theguns malfunctioned so manytimes, but it gave the trio timeto wrestle them away from thegunman.

“I saw him making a slashingmotion,” Stone explained. “WhenI leaned over his shoulder I seehe has about a six-inch box cut-ter blade and I look down and

my thumb is hanging halfwayoff.”

At this point Stone lost hisgrip on the gunman.

“I let him go and by that pointthe shooter was in the middle andme,Alek andAnthony are just sur-rounding him and we just startedpounding him,” he said. “I got himin another choke and I choked himout until he went unconscious andmy friend kept hitting him in theface with the gun.”

The gunman was down. Thetrio began assessing any otherthreats in the area.

“My friend (pointed) out theguy who got hit in the neck,”Stone said. “I don’t know how hegot hit but he was spurting bloodeverywhere. So I yelled out ‘I’ma medic I’m a medic!’ and tookthe guy and held him down. Ijust stuck my finger in his neck,found what I thought was anartery and just pressed down. Iheld that position until authori-ties came.”

At this point, Stone was pret-ty badly wounded. His thumbwas nearly severed and he hadsustained gashes that were dan-gerously close to major arteries.The nurses later told him thathe was lucky that the cuts werenot further over.

Despite his wounds he neverhad a second thought abouthelping someone else.

“I felt like I was the only per-son who could help him,” Stonesaid. “I didn’t really care aboutmy injuries at that point be-cause I thought that guy wasgonna die, so I wanted to givehim a fighting chance.”

Stone said that he believeseverything happens for a rea-son. Every moment in life leadsto the next. He said that therewas a reason he and his friendswere on that train and that theymoved to first class.

“I feel good that we were ableto save those people there in

that right moment,” Stone said.Stone, 23, has been in the

Air Force for nearly three years.His training as a medic pre-pared him for how to react in asituation like this, but his fam-ily taught him to help those whoneed help.

“I would say it was more sohow I was raised and the AirForce just gave me the tools Ineeded to be the person I havealways wanted to be I guess,”Stone said. “There have been abunch of influential people inmy career so far that have justhelped me gain the knowledgethat I have.”

When asked about his family,Stone cracked a smile.

“Oh yeah; my family is proudof me. My brother is yelling ‘Mybrother is an international hero!’screaming over the phone. Mymother, sister, friends, familyneighbors — everyone is excitedfor me.”

The story has been playedout in the public light over thepast few days and is certainly anintense ride. Many said that itfeels like a movie in the making.Jokingly, Stone said that if theyever do make this into a movie,he knows exactly who he wantsto play him.

“Denzel Washington, but Idon’t think that would ever hap-pen,” Stone joked.

Despite his fairly calm de-meanor only days after the at-tack, Stone was able to reflecton the event as a day that couldhave gone a lot differently.

“If it wasn’t for Alek and An-thony, I’d be dead,” Stone said. “Iwouldn’t have been able to do itby myself. He definitely woulda’got me.”

The gunman had multiplemagazines and almost 300rounds of ammunition.

“He seemed like he was readyto fight to the end,” Stone said.“So were we.”

US Airmanrecognized as‘hero’ in Paris

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS /TECH. SGT. RYAN CRANE

Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone (right), Aleksander Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler pose for aphoto in Paris Aug. 23 following a foiled attack on a French train. Stone was on vacation with hischildhood friends, Aleksander Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler, when an armed gunman enteredtheir train carrying an assault rifle, a handgun and a box cutter. The three friends, with the help of aBritish passenger, subdued the gunman after his rifle jammed.

Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone along with Jane D. Hartly, theU.S. ambassador to France, and his two friends speak at a pressconference. Stone was on vacation with his childhood friends,Aleksander Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler, when an armed gun-man entered their train carrying an assault rifle, a handgun anda box cutter. The three friends, with the help of a British passen-ger, subdued the gunman after his rifle jammed.

Airman 1st Class SpencerStone was on vacation with hischildhood friends, AleksanderSkarlatos and Anthony Sadler,when an armed gunmanentered their train carrying anassault rifle, a handgun anda box cutter. Stone’s medicalbackground prepared him tobegin treating wounded pas-sengers while waiting for theauthorities to arrive. Stone isan ambulance service techni-cian assigned to the 65th Medi-cal Operations Squadron sta-tioned at Lajes Field, Azores.

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Andrews Gazette6 Friday, August 28, 2015

AIM HIGH, BARK, FLY, WIN

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS J.D. MAIDENS

X, a military working dog, jumps into a UH-1N Twin Huey helicopter on the flightline on JointBase Andrews, Aug. 19. The 11th Security Support Squadron trains their working dogs aroundhelicopters to acclimate them to the noise and vibration.

minutes. The cloudy lens istaken out and replaced with aman-made lens and remains inthe eye for life. The procedurehas a high success rate but aswith all surgery there is a riskof complications, Cunninghamadvised.

There is a large variation inthe age range of when peoplefirst experience cataracts.

“There are patients who havecataract by their 40s, which isunusually young but not un-heard of; and I have done cata-ract surgery on patients in their40s. Basically the older you getthe more chance you will needcataract surgery. There reallyisn’t a cutoff age where you’renot going to have cataracts anymore - the older you get, thecloudier your lens gets; so everydecade your risk of needing cat-aract surgery increases,” Cun-ningham explained.

Cataract differs from glau-coma in that glaucoma is a dis-ease where the fluid that fillsthe eyeball is under pressurethat is too high. Unlike a cata-ract which is a cause of blind-ness that is fully reversible,glaucoma is irreversible, notedCunningham.

A few risk factors for glau-coma are a family history, be-ing nearsighted, and Africanancestry.

“We want to diagnose glau-coma early and we want to gettreatment started early in theprocess usually involving eyedrops but usually it is with la-ser or operating room surgery,”Cunningham added.

“It is a silent killer of sight;some people don’t know theyhave it until they are alreadyblind. That is the kind of thingwe really want to pick up early;and that’s why we recommendeverybody with a family his-tory [of glaucoma] get screenedevery year. And it’s not a badidea for everyone to get an an-nual eye exam after the age of50,” Cunningham advised.

CATARACTS, from page 1

PHOTO/LESLIE C. SMITH

Patients should consult withtheir ophthalmologist for a rec-ommendation for eye examsparticularly those with familyhistory of disease and thosewith diabetes. Pictured left toright Kiah Massad, Technician;Kortnee Moore, Technician;Nicole Plater, Technician;Paul S. Cunningham, M.D.;Mary Oglesbee, Optician; andAndrew F. Kolker, M.D.

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Andrews Gazette8 Friday, August 28, 2015