Pentagram 013114

By Guv CallahanPentagram Staff Writer

Marines hoping tobecome embassy securi-ty guards will now haveto meet a series of newstandards, includingstricter physical fitnessand height requirementsbefore they can apply forthe assignments.Thespecialdutyassign-

ments enable Marines toserve abroad with the

U.S. Department of Stateon post at U.S. embassiesaround the world, provid-ing protection to person-nel and information. Thenew criteria went intoeffect immediately whenMarine headquartersannounced them in anadministrative messageJan. 9, 2014.To be eligible for the

assignment, Marinesmust accomplish first-class physical fitness test

results. In the past, eli-gible candidates had toachieve at least a third-class physical fitnessscore.Capt. Eric Flanagan,

Marine spokesman atthe Pentagon, said offi-cials saw a correlationbetween a Marine’sphysical fitness testperformance and theirperformance at MarineSecurity Guard School, a

Laid to restHelo crew chiefburied in ANCpage 8

A new seasonD.C. area militarybasketball begins

page 3

Published for Joint Base Myer-Henderson HallVol. 61, no. 04 January 31, 2014

IndexCommunity Spotlight p.2Commentary p.3Community p.4News Notes p.4Classifieds p.9

Musical historyChapel organist: playingfor services historical,rewardingPg. 4

Banded togetherFather, son Soldiers,musicians serve togetherat Pershing’s OwnPg. 4

PentagramConstruction for new JBM-HH comm. bldg. to begin

By Sgt. Alvin WilliamsHeadquarters and Service Bn.,Henderson Hall Public Affairs

A dozen Marines and Sailorsfrom Headquarters MarineCorps, Headquarters and ServiceBattalion, Henderson Hall volun-teered their time to assist veteransat the Washington, D.C., VeteransAdministration Medical Center Jan.

25.The effort was part of the

Department of Veterans Affairs’Winterhaven Homeless Stand Down,an initiative to help end veteranhomelessness, according to the VA’sofficial website. The annual eventoffers veterans one-on-one assis-tance with health care, benefits andaccess tomore than 70 community and

Henderson Hall-HQMarines help vets atVA medical facility

By Rhonda ApplePentagram Staff Writer

Ground was broken for a new communica-tions building on Joint Base Myer-HendersonHall Jan. 28. The old communications loca-tion was damaged by an earthquake that hitthe region in August 2011.Col. Maria A. Biank, Commander 93rd

Signal Brigade, Fort Eustis, Va., said damageto the old facility was so extensive that engi-neers condemned the building as “unsafe.”The damage included structural issues,

water damage, and soil erosion. Biank said itwas determined the old facility would be toocostly to repair.“The Directorate of Public Works made the

determination that the old building will bedemolished in the future,” said Kevin Boyd,JBM-HH Network Enterprise Center chief ofinformation systems support division. “Dueto funding, that won’t happen this fiscalyear, but eventually it will be torn down anda parking lot will be built there.”Biank said senior leadership helped make

the decision to build a new modular struc-ture across the street from the current com-munications building.Constructing the new building near the old

site allows current infrastructure to remainin place and communication from beingimpeded, and is less costly than movingcurrent infrastructure to an entirely newlocation, said Boyd.“Also, the equipment will be replaced to

bring the joint base up to date with the latesttechnology,” he said.Lynise K. Wright, JBM-HH’s NEC director

and NEC-National Capital Region deputydirector, said the new building will provide asafe and secure location for the communica-tions network and equipment. Further, theold building is “so dilapidated, it poses a con-tinual danger” for losing telecommunicationsin the future, she said.

News Notes

Marine Corps announcesnew requirements forMarine security guards

Fort Myer Officers Club constructionBeginning today, the officers club on the Fort Myer portion of Joint

Base Myer-Henderson Hall will undergo construction, which will affectthe main entrance to the building. To access, guests must use an enclosedtunnel entrance at the corner of Custer and Jackson that will run alongthe sidewalk to the main entrance. This tunnel will ensure safe handicapaccess for the community throughout the construction.Vehicle traffic will still be able to drop off guests in the vehicle loop at

the front entrance; however, guests must enter the building through theenclosed tunnel.The construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of April. Any

updates to construction progress will be posted on www.army.mil/jbmhh,facebook.com/jbmhh and in the Pentagram. For more information, call703-696-0299.

Dining facility meal timeschange for Feb. 3

The Dining Facility on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base willchange serving hours for Monday, Feb. 3. Brunch will be served from 9a.m. to noon and supper will be served from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Brunch is $5.35and supper is $6.55. For more information, call 703-696-2087/3642.

Tax Center officially opens Feb. 3The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall tax center will officially open Feb.

3 and continues to look for enthusiastic volunteers to help staff the facility.The tax center is located in room 208 of Bldg. 205 on the Fort Myer

portion of the joint base. Limited parking is available at the location andthose parking in the area but not using the tax center could be issued acitation.The tax center provides cost-free federal and state income tax return

preparation and e-filing for military personnel, their families and othereligible clients throughout the 2014 tax season. Hours of operation areMondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays andThursdays, the center is open from 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Beginning Feb. 8, thecenter will be open every other Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.Volunteer tax preparers and volunteer administrative staff are needed

to help make this year’s tax center a successful operation. Contact the taxcenter at 703-696-1040 to book an appointment or to volunteer. Please beadvised that parking will be limited. Those not using the tax center areasked not to park in the parking spaces marked as reserved for tax centercustomers.

see MSG, page 8

see VOLUNTEERS, page 7

see NEWS NOTES, page 4

see COMM, page 6

PHOTO COURTESY OF BLACKBOX NETWORK SERVICES

Construction of a new JBM-HH communications building will begin next January. Ground was broken for thenew structure during a formal ceremony near the old facility Jan. 28.

2 Friday, January 31, 2014 PENTAGRAM

When winter weather hits,stay informed!

• JBM-HH webpage: www.army.mil/jbmhh

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jbmhh

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/JBMHH

• Joint Base Myer Henderson-Hall Information Hotline:

703-696-6906

The Pentagram is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents ofthe Pentagram are not necessarily the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense,the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, or Joint BaseMyer-Henderson Hall.

The content of this publication is the responsibility of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall PublicAffairs Office. Pictures not otherwise credited are U.S. Army photographs. News items should besubmitted to the Pentagram, 204 Lee Ave., Bldg. 59, Fort Myer, VA 22211-1199. They may also befaxed to (703) 696-0055 or e-mailed to [email protected].

Circulation of 24,000 is printed by offset every Friday as a civilian enterprise newspaper by ComprintMilitary Publications. ComprintMilitary Publications is located at 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg,MD20877. Telephone (301) 921-2800. Commercial advertising should be placedwith the printer.

Comprint Military Publications is a private firm in no way connected with the Department of theArmy or Department of the Navy.

The appearance of advertisements in this publication, to include all inserts and supplements,does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy ofthe products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made avail-able for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age,marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser,user or patron. A confirmed violation of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser shall resultin the refusal to print advertising from that source.

Printed on recycled paper

http://www.army.mil/jbmhh

Editorial staff

Commander Col. Fern O. Sumpter

Command Sergeant Major Earlene Y. Lavender

Director of Public Affairs Mary Ann Hodges

Command Information Officer Sharon Walker

Pentagram staff

Editor Jim Goodwin (703) 696-5401

Staff Writer Rhonda Apple (703) 696-1363

Staff Writer Julia LeDoux (703) 696-7605

Staff Writer Jim Dresbach (703) 696-5488

Staff Writer Guv Callahan (703) 696-7607

Staff Photographer Rachel Larue (703) 696-7606

Pentagram

Quite ahandfulWith a January sunriseand the MemorialAmphitheatre in thebackground, 10-year-old Eileen Codd ofWaldorf, Md., headstoward an ArlingtonNational CemeterySection 13 drop-offpoint at the start ofJan. 25’s WreathsAcross America clean-up. Hundreds of volun-teers, including JointBase Myer-HendersonHall Command Sgt.Maj. Earlene Y.Lavender, enduredsub-freezing tempera-tures and wind chills toremove approximate-ly 143,000 wreathsfrom ANC headstones.In honor of the cem-etery’s 150th anniver-sary this year, WreathsAcross America’s goalis to place a wreathon every grave nextDecember.

Commander, Joint Base Myer-Henderson HallCol. Fern O. Sumpter’s vision and philosophy:

With a team of resource management savvy and technically competentDoD professionals, establish JBM–HH as DoD’s premier provider of consis-tent, quality services that enhance readiness and the overall well-being ofour customers.We must be ...- Experts at what we do … constantly improving our skills and knowledge.- Focused … set priorities and complete the mission.- Committed … to the mission and each other, fostering a community of

excellence.- Professional/respectful … remain calm, even when others are not…

count on each other at all times, treating everyone with dignityand respect.

By Jim GoodwinPentagram Editor

With winter storm“Janus” behind us, avisit from Miss Americaand the groundbreak-ing of a new communi-cations facility, 2014 isalready shaping up tobe a busy year for JointBase Myer-HendersonHall. Hopefully by presstime, we’ll be past anyadditional snowflakes Mother Nature has in storefor us this week.And yes, you read correctly: I have taken the

reigns as editor for the Pentagram from Ms.Courtney Dock, whose journalistic expertise, edi-torial soundness and nose for news helped pushthe paper to new heights during her two years atthe editor’s desk. Courtney’s still with us at publicaffairs—she now works as a public affairs special-ist. To that end, she’s reworking a comprehensiveprogram to further increase communication of theJoint Base Myer-Henderson Hall story beyond ourimmediate audiences.Meanwhile,weat theJointBaseMyer-Henderson

Hall Public Affairs Office will continue to delivernews and facilitate communication between ourleaders and the communities we serve and are apart of. What’s that mean, exactly? We’ll continueto exploit social media venues to facilitate townhall meetings with key leaders and subject matterexperts. We’ll also continue to push out real-timeemails and postings to keep you informed whennews breaks, such as weather alerts, grand open-ings and reopening of key services and road closuresand detour routes.As for the Pentagram, it is not enough for us to

merely deliver a “free flow of news and informa-tion…without censorship or news management”as dictated by Department of Defense Instruction.Instead, we will strive to deliver news and informa-tion faster with a higher quality. I foresee a three-

pronged approach to achieving this goal:First, we will incorporate more “news you can

use” while still delivering those unique storiesthat help highlight command success and individ-ual stories. We’re moving “News Notes” to the frontpage; we will strive to localize DoD and individualservice-wide policy announcements and events. Forexample, today’s edition features an article detail-ing the Marine Corps’ recent change in standardsfor accepting those Marine candidates seeking tobecomeMarine security guards. We will continue tolocalize and highlight relevant information on hap-penings that are not just “nice to know,” but maydirectly impact operations and lifestyles.Second, we will publish content quicker by both

accelerating our editorial processes and postingstories as they happen online to our commandwebsite (www.army.mil/jbmhh). No longer will youhave to wait for content as it’s published weekly inthe paper. On that note, we’ll also continue to fullymaximize our online presence by including thosestories, photos and other news elements we cannotfit in the print edition onto our website and socialmedia platforms.Third, we will incorporate more visuals to

enhance reader experience and more effectively(and quickly) communicate pertinent information.In addition to our usual award-winning photog-raphy, we will include additional photo stories,charts, diagrams and other high-resolution graph-ics that help tell the full story.Why? Let’s be honest– who wants to read an ocean of text in this digitalage of real-time breaking news in 140 charactersor less? By incorporating more visuals, as well asshorter, more succinct articles, we hope to cramthe Pentagram with the information you both needand want, in accordance with our commander’sguidance.Finally, we want to hear from you, the individual

reader. Tell us what you want to see and why! I’mopen to suggestions on how we can improve howwe deliver news and information, and how we canbetter facilitate communication with our core audi-ences. Also, if you have a story idea or photo oppor-tunity, give us a call or submit it to us via email at:

[email protected]. Of course, you canalways leave a comment on our official social mediasites, too. Remember—we cannot cover every eventand include every story in the paper, but we willstrive to best meet our communities’ needs.To that end, you can also submit content for con-

sideration.More specifically, we’re seeking commen-taries from individual servicemembers, veterans,their families and our civilian workforce. Have anissue or opinion that you think may be of interest tothe entire community?Write it and submit it!Whilewe always reserve editorial rights to ensure contentmeets DoD and U.S. Army standards for publica-tion, the point is we want to hear from you, so don’tbe shy. We’ll publish further guidance on writingtechniques, submission procedures and other direc-tions on how to craft, submit and get your commen-taries published. Why? We believe the paper doesnot have to be a one-way forum of mere informationdissemination: we publish, you read, end of story.Instead, we want to use the paper as a vehicle togive readers a voice.On a final note, I must express my overwhelm-

ing gratitude for such a warmwelcome to the U.S.Army –Marine Corps family at JBM-HH. Thoughno stranger to either service, I am a stranger tofederal civilian service. I started as a U.S. Armycivilian employee Jan. 13 after retiring fromthe U.S. Marine Corps last November. I served20 years as a Marine combat correspondentand public affairs specialist. I met a lot of greatpeople, traveled the globe and told the MarineCorps story to thousands. Now, I’m humbled toserve in a capacity that not only allows me toserve our communities, but also positions me tohelp continue to tell the Army and Marine Corpsstories to the public at large.If you’re out and about on base, stop by and

introduce yourself. I’m located at the base head-quarters Building 59, suite 116C. Also, you cancontact me directly at 703-696-5401 or email meat [email protected] look forward to meeting and working with

you, but more importantly, I look forward totelling our readers your stories.

Letter from the editor

PHOTO BY JIM DRESBACH

PENTAGRAM Friday, January 31, 2014 3

One of the deadliest days inthis country’s history is …

By George A. SuberJBM-HH Prevention Coordinator

After reading this headline that mighthave been seen on the front page of anynewspaper in America, you may havethought you were reading an article aboutthe Pearl Harbor attack on America’s navalfleet, Katrina’s flood waters, SuperstormSandy, the 9/11 attacks or even the SandyHook Elementary School shooting. No.These are significant, but I’m talking aboutone of the most watched sporting events inAmerica: Super Bowl Sunday.The 2014 Super Bowl will be played Feb.

2, at MetLife Stadium at the Meadowlandsin New Jersey, with New York serving as anofficial host as well, marking the first-everSuper Bowl held at an outdoor stadium ina cold weather city. Super Bowl Sunday isone of this country’s “most deadliest days”when it comes to drunk driving.Most Americans think we’ve solved

our nation’s drunken driving problem.We haven’t come close. Alcohol impaireddriving in the U.S. takes 10,000 lives a yearand injures 173,000, including 27,000 withlife-altering injuries. Americans believeimpaired driving is dangerous; still, thereare about 300,000 alcohol impaired tripsevery day.During Super Bowl Sunday, 48 percent

of all U.S. traffic fatalities are alcoholrelated, according to the National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration. With nearlyhalf of all U.S. traffic deaths caused bydrunk drivers during Super Bowl Sunday,it’s important to have a game plan both onand off the field to combat this often deadlyopposition.In advance of this year’s game, the

JBM-HH Army Substance Abuse Programis issuing a number of safe celebrating tipsto prevent drunk driving and responsibletips for game day.If you are attending a Super Bowl party:• Plan ahead and designate a driverbefore the party begins and give thatperson your car keys if you’re cel-ebrating with alcohol.

• Use alternative transportation liketaxi cabs or mass public transit to getto the party spot.

• If you are driving, always buckleup. It’s your best defense againstimpaired drivers.

• Never let a friend leave your sightif you think they are about to drivewhile impaired. Remember, fans don’tlet fans drive drunk.

If you are hosting a Super Bowl party:• Do not force drinks on your guestsor rush to refill their glasses whenempty.

• No serving anyone who appears tobe impaired or drunk.

• Serve lots of food with alcohol.High protein foods like meatsand cheeses stay in the stomachlonger, thereby slowing the body’salcohol absorption rate.

• Use a non-carbonated base in alco-holic punches. The body absorbsalcohol faster when mixed withcarbonation.

• Designate a bartender. Don’t letguests mix their own drinks asa way to monitor their alcoholintake.

• Have several jiggers of self-mea-suring one-ounce bottle spouts atthe bar to mix drinks. Guests arelikely to drink excessively whenstandard measures are used.

• Serve and offer non-alcoholic bev-erages as an option.

• Never serve minors (anyone under21 years old) alcohol.

• Close the bar at least an hourbefore the event’s end.

• And never allow an impairedguest to get behind the wheel.Remember, fans don’t let fansdrive drunk. Ensure they weartheir seatbelt.

On Feb. 2 we will prepare to watch thebattle for the Vince Lombardi trophy.Let’s also prepare to be responsible inour thoughts and actions when usingalcohol. Remember about one in threetraffic deaths involve alcohol.Buzzed or blitzed, no matter what you

call it, if you’re drinking, don’t drive.The lesson to learn here is that this is

one deadly day that we can control howmany people lose their lives.

Safety tipBy Jim DresbachPentagram Staff

Writer

The men’sv a r s i t yWashington AreaMilitary AthleticConference bas-ketball seasonbegan the finalweekend ofJanuary, andafter four earlyseason tourna-ment champion-ships, the FortMyer Generalsare deliveringadditional knock-out punches.Complimented

by a defense inclamp-downmode,General long-range shootersthree-point-field-goaled Bethesdainto submis-sion during theWAMAC seasonopener at WalterReed NationalMedical Center’sfitness center Jan.25.In the 91-60

victory, FortMyer’s near-perfect peri-meter shootingin the openingminutes put theNaval SupportActivity BethesdaWarriors in a deephole. TheGeneralsmissed only oneshot during thefirst four minutesof play as TerrellMoorer downedthree 3-point-ers and varsityteam newcomerThomas Masonconnected on con-secutive long-dis-tance shots duringthe first half.Moorer com-

pleted the first 20minutes of playwith 22 points onhis way to a team-high 27 points.The former All-Army standoutfelt the team’space – both offen-sively and defen-sively – was the

key to expandinga first-half leadthat grew to aslarge as 27 points.“Today, the

shots fell quick,and we were ableto jump into thedefensive press,”Moorer said.“Everybody kind

of got into thegroove of things.”Sean Hackshaw

and ErnestHassell eachcanned field goalsfrom beyond thethree-point arc inthe first half asFort Myer enjoyeda 47-21 advantage

at the intermis-sion.Following the

conference seasonopener, Moorerwas quick topraise the squad’sreserves includingAlbert Glover andMauriceRobinson,who combined toscore 20 second-half points.After four con-

secutive tourna-ment champion-ships to start the2013-2014 season,assistant coachBryant Hairstoncommented thatthe Generals’overall perfor-mance was thebest he has seenthis hardcourtseason.“I think today’s

start was thebest start we’vehad this seasonafter four straightt ou rnamen t s , ”Hairston said.“Everything islooking good, butthere’s alwaysstuff to work on.”For their

WAMAC homeopener at theFort Myer fitnesscenter, theGenerals defeatedthe Joint BaseAndrews varsity87-76. Hackshawled Fort Myerwith 22 points andDeon Colemanadded 16.The Generals

get back to workwith back-to-backhome games: Feb.1, the Generalshost Fort Meadefollowed by theNational CapitalRegion MarinesFeb. 2.

WAMAC basketball begins, Generalssizzle nets against NSA Bethesda

By Jim DresbachPentagram Staff Writer

Fourteen members of The U.S. Army Band(Pershing’s Own) re-enlisted during a 5-minuteceremony Jan. 28 at Brucker Hall’s PershingLobby.

Soldiers and commanders broke away fromtheir morning schedules to witness The U.S.Army Band Commander Col. Thomas Palmatierre-issue the United States Armed Forces oath ofenlistment to the Soldiers who reenlisted. Priorto administering the oath, Palmatier told specta-tors that good, consistent band members makegreat military units.“This is a great day for The U.S. Army Band,”

Palmatier said. “We have a whole bunch ofpeople we’re going to keep on the team. Thatmakes it a great day for our unit and for thefuture of our unit.”Retaking oaths of enlistment were Staff Sgts.

Elizabeth McGuinness, Timothy Sutfin, TimothyWhalen, Liu Zhao, Xavier Perez, Rogelio Garza,Matthew Evans and Kevin Gebo.Indefinitely reenlisting were Staff Sgts. Jason

Sanders and Larry Ferguson.Those initially reenlisting in TUSAB were

Staff Sgts. Matthew Smith for three years;Christopher Buckley and Janice Shin for fouryears and Catherine Gerhiser reenlisted for asix-year stint.During the 2014 fiscal year, 27 Soldiers have

re-enlisted in The U.S. Army Band.

TUSAB team to remain strongthrough mass reenlistment


The U.S. Army Band (Pershing’s Own) Commander Col.Thomas Palmatier (left) administers the United StatesArmed Forces Oath of Enlistment to 14 TUSAB staff ser-geants during a mass reenlistment at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Brucker Hall Jan. 28.


With his blue mouthpiece secure, Fort Myer General Kevin Clarkfinishes a fast break with a second half lay up during the team’s91-60 victory against the NSA Bethesda Warriors Jan. 25 at theWalter Reed National Medical Center fitness center. The game wasthe Washington Area Military Athletic Conference’s opener for bothteams.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN V.POINDEXTER

Chap. (Maj.)Jerald Jacobs,deputy chaplainfor Joint BaseMyer -HendersonHall, speaks atthe quarterly lun-cheon in Bldg. 415to recognize theaccomplishmentsof the Directorateof EmergencyServices Jan. 29.


Super Bowl partiesJoint Base Myer-Henderson Hall will be the

site of two Super Bowl parties Sunday, Feb. 2.The Single Marine Program will host a party atthe SMP lounge (Bldg. 416) on the Fort Myerportion of the joint base beginning at 6 p.m. Enjoyfree pizza and soda there. Call 703-979-8420 ext.389 for more details. Also, Family and Morale,Welfare and Recreation and the United ServicesOrganization is hosting a party at the SpatesCommunity Center, 213 McNair Road, on the FortMyer portion of the joint base beginning at 5 p.m.For more information, call 703-939-1045 or checkout MWR’s website at www.jbmhhmwr.com.

TransparentingThis two-part seminar, held Feb. 3 and 10 from9-11

a.m., is designed to provide parents who are separatedor divorced with the tools to ensure they are able tocontinue supporting and encouraging their childrendespite the breakup of the family unit. Class is heldin the Army Community Service classroom in Bldg.201 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Youmust attend both sessions to receive a certificate ofcompletion. Registration is required. For more infor-mation and to register, call 703-696-3512 or [email protected].

MCCSHenderson Hall barber shop closurefor renovation

TheMCCSHendersonHall barber shop is undergo-ing renovations and will close early Feb. 3–5. Hoursfor Feb. 3–5 are 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The barber shopwill be closed all day Feb. 6–7. Regular hours areexpected to resume Saturday, Feb. 8. For more infor-mation, please call 703-979-8420.

Rader Clinic opens enrollment toadults, children

Andrew Rader Health Clinic is opening toadult and pediatric enrollment. Priority will goto TRICARE Prime eligible beneficiaries, thoughTRICARE For Life will also be considered. Belowis the information you need for enrollment:Who: Military Healthcare Beneficiaries wantingto get their primary care at Rader Health Clinic.What: Bring your DEERS ID card and inquire aboutsigning up for RelayHealth as well (Note: usingRelay Health is not a requirement for enrollment).When:7:30a.m. to4p.m.Monday throughFridaywithexceptionof Thursday,whichis from7:30a.m.to3p.m.Where: Andrew Rader Business Operations (703-696-3464 or 703-696-3452). Rader Clinic TRICAREService Center: 703-248-2831 or Healthnet FederalServices at 1-877-874-2273.

Rader Dental Clinic closed Feb. 26; no sickcall Feb. 13

Rader Dental Clinic, Building 525 on the FortMyerportion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, will closefor mandatory staff trainingWednesday, Feb. 26 from7:30 to 11:30 a.m. In addition, there will be no “sickcall” at the Rader Dental Clinic – from 7:30 to 9:30a.m. – but all other appointmentswill still occur. In anemergency during this time, report to the Fort BelvoirDental Clinic between 7 and 7:30 a.m. or return toRader the following day. For more information, call703-696-3460.

Hormone therapy 101 for prostate patientsThe prostate cancer support group is sponsoring

a presentation on hormone therapy 101 for prostatecancer patients by Dr. Michelle Ojemuyiwa, Feb. 6,from 7-8:30 p.m. at the River conference room, thirdfloor of the America Bldg. at Walter Reed NationalMilitary Medical Center. It will also be availablevia video teleconference at Fort Belvoir CommunityHospital in the Oaks Pavilion, first floor, room 332.Spouses and partners are invited. Military identifica-tion is required to access Walter Reed. Those withoutan ID should call the 301-319-2900 at least two busi-ness days prior to the meeting for base access. Formore information, call retiredCol. JaneHukak at 301-319-2918 or email [email protected].

The five love languages of childrenParents bring your children, up to age 5, Feb. 13

from10-11:30 a.m. for a time of play, crafts and stories.Parents will be given an overview of the concept of alove language and a copy of the book “The Five LoveLanguages of Children.” The book includes instruc-tions for the love languages mystery game for familiesto play at home. Class is held in the Army CommunityService classroom in Bldg. 201 on the Fort Myerportion of the joint base. Registration is required. Formore information and to register, call 703-696-3512 oremail [email protected].

Test your free–throw skillsThe Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium on the

Henderson hall portion of JBM-HH will have a freethrow contest Feb. 14 starting at 12:30 p.m. Theevent is open to authorized patrons age 18 and older.Registration is required and runs through Feb. 11.Contestants have one minute to shoot 15 basket-

balls from the free-throw line. The contestant whomakes the most shots will be declared champion.Prizes will be awarded for the top three performers.For more information, call 703-614-8759. To regis-

News Notes

CommunityBy Julia LeDoux

Pentagram Staff Writer

Randall Sheets’ fingers glided effortlesslyacross the keys of the organ at Old Post Chapelon the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and the beginning of a smiletugged at his lips as he brought one of the mostused musical instruments in the country to lifeJan. 28.“We do a thousand funerals a year,” said

Sheets. “Four a day, five days a week and ifyou think about that, that’s been happening fordecades now.” The nearly 80-year-old organ wascommissioned by then Maj. George S. Patton Jr.,was installed in the chapel in 1934-1935 and hasbeen in almost constant use ever since.Along with Alvin Gustin and Glendon Frank,

Sheets serves as a ceremonial organist for thebase chapels.About 70 percent of the trio’s work week is

spent supporting Arlington National Cemetery’smission, he said.After 16 years behind the keyboards here,

Sheets said he is still moved by each ceremony.“It still gives me chills sometimes when I walk

out and see the caisson and when you hear aboutthese men and women, about their lives, whatthey’ve done. It’s just really humbling,” saidSheets, who began studying music in 4th gradeand earned his doctor of musical arts from TheUniversity of Maryland.Sheets said many World War II veterans

whose funerals are held at the Old Post Chapelhave also had their weddings there and some-times even these same veteran’s children havebeen baptized and married there.“In many ways, this is the Army’s home

chapel,” he said. “It’s rewarding to be part of thatkind of history. I’m just one spoke in the wheel.”In addition to funerals, the ceremonial organ-

ists also perform at weddings and at special pro-grams during the Advent and Lenten liturgicalseasons, as well as special programs such as theChristmas and Epiphany concert held earlier

this month at Old Post Chapel.Sheets said the hectic holiday season and the

fact that the Christmas season ends 12 daysafter Dec. 25 made Jan. 5 the perfect date to holdthe event.“People aren’t pulled out every night of the

week for functions, and it’s still the Christmasseason,” he said.The concert opened up with performances

by trumpeter Charles Seipp and flutist CarolKilroy. The Chapel Ringers also performed andthe audience sang several hymns. The Fort MyerEcumenical Choir, composed of the choirs of theCatholic and Protestant congregations, sangothers.“It was a really nice idea to pull the congrega-

tional communities together,” noted Sheets.In all, 120 people attended the performance

and approximately 35 musicians performed.“It really is very rewarding when something

like this comes together and you can feel thatenergy,” he said. “In this particular program,when we got to the last piece, which was TheFirst Noel, it just gives you goose bumps.”

Music means history at Old Post Chapel

PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE

Randall K. Sheets, Old Post Chapel ceremonial organ-ist, plays the organ in the Old Post Chapel on JointBase Myer-Henderson Hall Jan. 28. Sheets was theorganist at the Christmas and Epiphany concert at OldPost Chapel Jan. 5.

see NEWS NOTES, page 5

News Notes, from page 1

By Jim DresbachPentagram Staff Writer

On separate occa-sions in the arts andentertainment world,a father’s career over-laps with his son’s work.Martin Sheen has actedwith Charlie Sheen.Professional baseball’sKen Griffey Sr. andKen Griffey Jr. becameSeattle Mariner team-mates and hit back-to-back home runs in 1990.Now on Joint Base

Myer-Henderson Hall,a father-son duo withThe U.S. Army Band“Pershing’s Own” willbe making modern-dayhistory.During TUSAB’s

T u b a - E u p h o n i umWorkshop, Sgt. Maj.Donald (Don) J. PalmireJr. andStaff Sgt. DonaldJ. (DJ) Palmire III willbecome the first fatherand son team to performtogether with the bandsince the 1940s, accord-ing to The U.S. ArmyBand.Don’s instrument of

choice is the euphonium,while DJ is a Pershing’sOwn percussionist.Both are Marine veter-ans and alumni of theArmed Forces School ofMusic. When DJ joinedPershing’s Own inDecember, it was justa matter of time beforetheir musical talentsmeshed.“We’re kind of the

first playing duo sinceWorld War II,” Donsaid. “This is reallycool since I’m the chair-man of the workshop,and [it is cool] to havemy son playing [Jan. 30]when I’m playing a piece

which was written forme as a solo. We boththought that his first jobwould be a funeral outin [Arlington National]Cemetery, but his firstperformances with theband are going to bewith us.”The Palmire combi-

nation will again teamtogether Feb. 1 duringthe grand tuba-eupho-nium concert scheduledto begin at 7:30 p.m. atBrucker Hall.Don has been a

member of The U.S.Army Band since 1994,and DJ has also beena part of the band in asupporting role – he’sbeen a fan and frequentspectator as a child andteenager.“The entire time

through elementaryschool, I was comingto concerts and seeingevents on the Mall inthe summer and comingto Twilight Tattoos,”DJ said. The youngerPalmire explained thathis love of music grewwhile in high schoolinto his college years ashe studied for an edu-cation degree. DJ thenchose a career path thateventually led him toPershing’s Own.“I moved from

wanting to be an educa-tor to wanting to be aperformer, and my dadwas very instrumentalin me being here,” DJsaid.Though they share

the same name right“down to the suffix,”as DJ pointed out,the newest Palmire toTUSAB is determinedto make his own namearound Brucker Hall.

“Having a Marinemusic background ofplaying marches every-day and marching inthe cold was expected,”said DJ. “Something Iam trying to overcome isthat there are so manypeople here who haveknown me growing upas a little kid. I’m tryingto create my own name.I have to also find a wayto be apart from dad andcreate my own image.”The Palmire musical

union is not the onlystory taking shapeduring the annual tuba-euphonium workshop.The three-day eventwill be highlighted byevening concerts, recit-als, picture exhibits,classes and lectures bybrass impresarios fromaround the globe. The

workshop began Jan. 30and concludes Feb. 1.The eldest Palmire

noted that the workshoplineup is quite variedthis year and is packedwith home- grown jointbase talent plus visitingensembles and a musicaltribute to a late com-mander.“A big centerpiece to

our workshop is goingto be our command ser-geantmajorRossMorgantribute recital because hewas our first commandsergeant major, and hejust passed away thispast September,” Donsaid. “Not only was heour first command ser-geant major, but he wasone of the founders of thetuba-euphonium work-shop.” See workshopschedule on pg. 6.

Banded together: Father,son achieve TUSAB rarity


Sgt. Maj. Donald J. Palmire Jr., euphonium player in TheU.S. Army Band’s Concert Band, right, and his son StaffSgt. Donald J. Palmire III, a percussionist in The U.S. ArmyBand’s Ceremonial Band, pose for a photo in the lobby ofBrucker Hall on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Jan. 27.There has not been a father-son team in The U.S. ArmyBand since the 1940s, according to The U.S. Army Band.


By Terri Moon CronkAmerican Forces Press Service

Military spouses who need guid-ance on education and careershave a new online tool at theirfingertips, a program analyst forthe Spouse Education and CareerOpportunities program, known asSECO, said in a recent interview.My Individual Career Plan, or

MyICP, allows spouses to build avirtual career roadmap based ontheir specific goals and objectives,Lee McMahon said.MyICP launched Jan. 10 on

Military OneSource’s MySECOwebsite, the primary access pointfor the Defense Department’sSpouse Education and CareerOpportunities program, McMahonsaid.“SECO provides expert career

and education guidance to militaryspouses worldwide,” she explained,

“supporting them in four careerlifecycle stages: career exploration,education, training and licensing,employment readiness and careerconnections.”The MyICP tool is available for

all active duty Army, Navy, AirForce and Marine Corps spousesand to National Guard andReserve spouses as well, McMahonsaid, noting that it’s also open tospouses for up to 180 days aftertheir servicemember separates orretires from the military. Spousesmust first register at https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil touse it. Surviving spouses of mili-tary members who died while onactive duty also are eligible.To illustrate how MyICP works,

McMahon used the example of anursing student military spousewho has just moved to a new dutystation and wants to see whatopportunities exist in the new area.

Licensing requirements are anissue for nurses, McMahon notes.So once logged on and after click-ing on “manage my individualcareer plan,” the spouse wouldbegin to build a MyICP by select-ing licensed and student. Next,the spouse would go to the occupa-tion page to find nursing, whichwould generate information fromthe Labor Department. The spousewould then select topics from thechallenges and growth opportuni-ties category. This category mayinclude topics such as child careand relocation or time-manage-ment skills.The self-service wizard then pro-

duces a MyICP, McMahon said,which recommends activities tomeet a person’s career and educa-tion goals based on the selectionsmade.TheMilitary SpouseEmployment

Partnership, a component of SECO,

is composed of more than 200 com-panies and organizations thathave committed to hiring militaryspouses, she added, so MyICP alsoincludes the ability for users to seewhich of MSEP’s partners mighthave jobs in the user’s occupation,and provides a link to check thecompany’s openings in the chosenfield.McMahon encouraged all mili-

tary spouses in search of suchopportunities to try the MyICPtool.“We would love to hear their

feedback,” she said, noting thatusers can submit their input on theMySECO website by clicking onSECO satisfaction or the feedbackbutton.Military spouses who have addi-

tional questions or need more infor-mation about using the MyICP toolcan call Military OneSource at1-800-342-9647.

MyICP gives military spouses new career-planning tool

By George MarkfelderJFHQ-NCR/MDWPublic Affairs

The Army Commendation Medal and three cer-tificates of achievementwere presented toU.S. ArmyMilitary District of Washington Soldiers during theMDW Career Counselors of the Year recognitionaward ceremony held at Fort McNair, Jan. 24.Staff Sgt. Shaun C. Holman is the MDW Career

Counselor of the Year and was presented the ArmyCommendation medal by MDW CommandingGeneral Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan. Buchananalsopresented certificates of achievement to theotherMDW competition finalists Sgt. 1st Class Patrick B.Burnish, Staff Sgt. Christopher P. McCuiston andStaff Sgt. Paul P. Melendez.Holman recently participated in the Headquarters

Department of the Army, Secretary of the ArmyCareer Counselors of the Year competition andscored highest in the written exam section butdid not win the top honor. That milestone went toArmy Career Counselor of the Year Staff Sgt. EricDetheridge of Intelligence and Security Command(INSCOM).“MDW’s career counselors are highly trained,

non-commissioned officers and are the end result ofa very arduous qualification process,” said MDW’s

Command CareerCounselor, Sgt. Maj.Willene Orr. “Our careercounselors act as per-sonal agents on behalfof commanders andthe Department of theArmy through the ArmyRetention Program. AllSoldiers have a careercounselor available tothem and those counsel-ors can usually be foundat the battalion levelsand above.”Holman has been

assigned to MDW sinceOct. 2012 and works asan installation careercounselor at Fort Belvoir,Va. This is the seventh time he has been awardedan Army Commendation Medal in his career anddeployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in2003.Army career counselors are the subject matter

experts on all facets of Army life to include reenlist-ment, transfer of education benefits and reclassifica-

tion of Soldiers from one career field to another.“The Career Counselor of the Year competition is

important because it provides a chance for our coun-selors to display their self development and enhancestheir chances at promotion,” said Orr. “They alsohighlight what excellent high quality Soldiers wehave in the career counselor field.”

PHOTO BY GEORGE MARKFELDER

Staff Sgt. Shaun C. Holman is presented a memento of appreciation by U.S. ArmyMilitary District of Washington Command Sgt. Maj. David O. Turnbull and MDWCommanding General Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan during the MDW CareerCounselors of the Year recognition award ceremony held at Fort McNair, Jan. 24.

MDW retention experts recognized

ter, visit http://conta.cc/1jzDxTk or go to the MCCSwebsite at www.mccsHH.com/smithgym.html for aregistration link.

Gospel Service Black History Monthcelebration

The JBM-HH Gospel Service will host its BlackHistory Month celebration Feb. 15 from 2-4 p.m. atMemorial Chapel on theFortMyer portion of the jointbase. Rev. Dr. Leonard Smith, pastor of Mount ZionChurch in Arlington will be the guest speaker withmusic from Frederic Yonnet, urban jazz harmonicistandPatrickLundy andTheMinisters ofMusic. Therewill be a dinner following the program. Keeper of thecommunity awards will be present to Maj. Gen. (Dr.)Nadja West, Joint Staff surgeon; Carlton W. Kent,16th sergeant major of the Marine Corps (retired);Rev. Perry A. Smith, III, civil rights and communityactivist; Fisayo Quadri and Machelle Reynolds. Formore information, call Anita Laury at 571-259-6231or Jesenia Navaroo at 786-521-3504.

Henderson Hall CONADPentagon road show

CONAD(ConsolidatedAdministration)willconducta road show at the Pentagon everyWednesday unlessotherwise advised. The road show will be located inRoom 4B548 (Division of Public Affairs ConferenceRoom) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. CONAD will continuewith the road shows every Wednesday at the samelocation in order to provide administrative supportfor the Marines who work in the Pentagon. CONADsends e-mails to Marines who are due to have theirtriennial audits, dependent over 21 audits and CSBaudits completed on a weekly basis.For more information, call 703-614-7171.

USAREC requests recruiters returnFormer detailed recruiters can earn a $4,000

bonus if they reclassify to MOS 79R and return toU.S. Army Recruiting Command. NCOs must be astaff sergeant or sergeant, have less than 12 yearstime in service, and currently be in an overstrengthor balanced MOS. Time of service as a 79Rmust bea minimum of 36 months. See your career counselorfor more information.

Anger managementLearn about the basic principles of emotions man-

agement Feb. 19 from 9-11 a.m. in the ACS classroominBldg. 201 on theFortMyer portion of the joint base.

Get specific information about the impact of unman-aged anger and get resources on how to recognizeand manage the anger triggers in your own life.Registration is required. Formore information and toregister, call 703-696-3512 or email [email protected].

AOWCGWA February luncheonThe Army Officers’ Wives’ Club of the Greater

Washington Area will host its February luncheonFeb. 20 in the Koran Room of the JBM-HH OfficersClub 10:30-11:30 a.m. The international showcase isthismonth’s theme.Showcasing thearts fromaroundthe world, AOWCGWA’s international members,along with their embassies, will highlight the impor-tant and interesting arts from their countries.Luncheon cost is $20. Reservations must be

received no later than Feb. 11 and can be madeonline through PayPal at www.AOWCGWA.org orby mailing the reservation form, which can befound online or from the reservation chair, and a$20 check made out to AOWCGWA to AOWCGWAReservation, attn: Mara Work, 2647 S. Kent St.,Arlington, VA 22202. For more information, call 910-364-5319.

Marines modify female physical fitness testtimeline

The Marine Corps has modified changes to itsfemale physical fitness test timeline with phase oneof the program now extended to June 30. Accordingto MARADMIN 035/14, over the past year, Trainingand Education Command has studied the PFTpull-up performance training with a focus on improv-ing physical fitness and female PFT standards. Thatdata collection validated many assumptions andexpanded the data set on the use of the pull up as auniversal metric for physical strength. Data collec-tion will continue as the Corps continues to assesschanges to the PFT and develops a standard thatensures the physical readiness of all Marines.Further, High Intensity Tactical Training (HITT)

sessions are offered at the Cpl. Terry L. SmithGymnasium at the Henderson Hall portion ofJBM-HH. All sessions are instructor led. Open ses-sions take place Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridaysfrom 6:30-7:30 a.m. (session one), and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (session two). Unit sessions are by reser-vation only. For additional information, visit http://www.mccshh.com/HITT.html.

Second Indianhead Division Associationholds reunion

The Penn-Jersey branch of the Second IndianheadDivision Association will hold its annual reunion atthe Continental Inn in Lancaster, Pa., May 2-4. Allveterans of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division areinvited. For more information, call Jack Woodall at610-274-1409 or email [email protected].

TownHall closedDue to a ruptured pipe that has caused significant

water damage to the interior of Town Hall, Bldg.234 on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, the building is closed for an unspeci-fied period of time. Public Works personnel areworking as quickly as possible to return the buildingto a serviceable condition. For more information, call703-696-3290/3291.

Ruach warriorTheruachwarrior(ruachisaHebrewwordmeaning

spirit of God) is a weekly, non-denominational Biblestudy eachWednesday from 11:30 a.m. to noon in thechapel, Bldg. 29, first floor, on the Henderson Hallportion of the joint base. Refreshments will be served.Everyone is invited to participate for a lively discus-sion. Call 703-614-9280 for more information.

Work and family stress workshopsMarine and Family Programs offers workshops on

coping with work and family stress on an ongoingbasis. Sessions are held Tuesdays, 2:30-4 p.m. in theconference room of Bldg. 12 on the Henderson Hallportion of JBM-HH. To register, call 703-614-7204.

Weingarten noticeIn accordance with the requirements of 5 USC

7114 (a)(3), this is to advise bargaining unit employ-ees that:An exclusive representative of an appropriate unit

in an agency shall be given the opportunity to be rep-resented at any examination of an employee in theunit by a representative of the agency in connectionwith an investigation if (a) the employee reasonablybelieves that the examination may result in disciplin-ary action against the employee and (b) the employeerequests representation.

Please send your news notes to thePentagram at

[email protected].

News NotesNews Notes, from page 4


PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. LUISITO BROOKS

RangerSoldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) participate inan assessment to determine who will represent the unit in the 2014 Best RangerCompetition, Jan. 21, on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. The competition includedevents like a two-mile run, weight lifting and two separate foot marches.

2014 Tuba-Euphonium

Workshop schedule

The U.S. Army Band is proud topresent its annual Tuba-EuphoniumWorkshop. The workshop featuresconcerts, recitals, exhibits, masterclasses and lectures by leading lowbrass authorities from around theworld.The 2014 workshop began Jan. 29,

and closes tomorrow, Feb. 1. Eventson all four days are free and open tothe public. No tickets or reservationsare required. There is no registrationfee and any tuba or euphonium playeris invited to bring his/her horn forreading sessions.Due to sequestration-related cut-

backs to TDY funds for military par-ticipants, we will not be hosting theArmed Forces Tuba-EuphoniumEnsemble (AFTEE) this year. Wehope to be able to support AFTEE inthe future.The workshop will take place at

Brucker Hall on FortMyer. FortMyeris located across the Potomac Riverfrom Washington, D.C., and is acces-sible by Interstates 395 and 66 and byU.S. Route 50. The remainder of theschedule is as follows:

Friday, Jan. 31• 8a.m. -GroupWarm-Up-David

Thornton• 9 a.m. - Military Musician

Showcase Recital• 11 a.m. - Kansas University

All Star Alumni Recital, Scott

Watson, conducting• 12 p.m. - Exhibits Open• 12:30 p.m. - Euphonium Recital

- David Thornton• 2p.m. - TubaRecital -Dr.Aaron

Tindall• 3p.m. -Recital -DavidThornton• 4:30p.m.-PennStateUniversity

Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble,Velvet Brown, conducting

• 5:30 p.m. - Exhibits Close• 7:30 p.m. - The U.S. Army

Orchestra featuring Staff Sgt.Toby Furr, euphonium; Dr.Aaron Tindall, tuba; DavidSaltzman, tuba

Saturday, Feb. 1• 8 a.m. - Mock Service Band

Auditions• 8a.m. -CollegeTeachersRecital

featuringDr.AndyLarson,tuba;Dr. Justin Benavidez, tuba; andDr. Nathan Gay, euphonium

• 10 a.m. - Eufonix Quartet• 11:30 a.m. - Command Sgt.

Maj. (Ret.) Ross N. Morgan, Jr.Tribute Recital

• 1 p.m. - Stars and Stripes Tuba- Euphonium Ensemble

• 2:30 p.m. - Open ReadingSession - Dr. Dennis AsKew,conducting

• 4:30 p.m. - Tennessee TechUniversity Tuba - EuphoniumEnsemble, R. Winston Morris,director

• 7 p.m. - Pre-concert Chat withcomposer/conductor Johan deMeij

• 7:30 p.m. - Grand Concert - Sgt.1st Class Jason Ham, eupho-nium; David Thornton, eupho-nium; JáTtik Clark, tuba

Wright said the new facility will also be morecost effective and secure, allowing the jointbase to “modernize with better equipment,”said Wright.“It will be an extensive process,” she said.“What’s most important is that this is another

example of our effort to update and improvethe antiquated infrastructure here at the joint

base,” added JBM-HH Commander Col. FernO. Sumpter following the groundbreaking cer-emony.The new hub will serve as the workplace

for 27 employees, including contractors andDepartment of Army civilians, who work atthe NEC. These staff will continue to workfrom the old facility until the new structure iscompleted, which is expected around January

2015.The $3.6 million construction contract was

awarded to NextiraOne Federal in May, 2013,with Black Box Network Services GovernmentSolutions performing the work. Funding forthe project was awarded from the Army’sCommand Information Office (CIO)/G6 throughthe Installation Information InfrastructureModernization Program Office.


The official party for the Jan. 28 ground-breaking ceremony of the new communica-tions building at Joint Base Myer-HendersonHall pose for a photograph. Peter Thompson,senior vice president of Operations,Black Box Network Services GovernmentSolutions; Col. Maria A. Biank, commander,93rd Signal Brigade, Fort Eustis; Egon F.Hawrylak, deputy Commander, Joint ForceHeadquarters National Capital Region andthe U.S. ArmyMilitary District of Washington;Col. Fern O. Sumpter, commander, Joint BaseMyer-Henderson Hall; and Lynise K. Wright,Director, Network Enterprise Center, JointBase Myer-Henderson Hall deputy director,NEC-NCR.

Comm., from page 1

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press Service

While President Barack Obama’sState of the Union speech Jan. 28was dominated by domestic con-cerns, he also addressed nationalsecurity issues.“Tonight, because of the extraor-

dinary troops and civilians whorisk and lay down their lives tokeep us free, the United States ismore secure,” Obama told membersof the House and Senate and othergovernment leaders gathered in theHouse of Representatives chamber.The president touted his efforts

to end the wars in Iraq andAfghanistan. When he took officein January 2009, he noted, 180,000Americans were serving in Iraqand Afghanistan. Today, the warin Iraq is over and the war inAfghanistan is entering its finalmonths. All of the troops are out ofIraq, and 60,000 Americans havebeen withdrawn from Afghanistan,with about 38,000 Americans stillserving in the country.“With Afghan forces now in the

lead for their own security, ourtroops have moved to a supportrole,” Obama said. “Together withour allies, we will complete ourmission there by the end of thisyear, and America’s longest warwill finally be over.”Next year, the United States

will continue to support a unifiedAfghanistan, he said. “If the Afghan

government signs a security agree-ment that we have negotiated, asmall force of Americans couldremain in Afghanistan with NATOallies to carry out two narrowmissions: training and assistingAfghan forces, and counterterror-ism operations to pursue any rem-nants of al-Qaida,” Obama said.“For while our relationship withAfghanistan will change, one thingwill not: our resolve that terroristsdo not launch attacks against ourcountry.”It is still a dangerous world, the

president said. “While we haveput al-Qaida’s core leadership ona path to defeat, the threat hasevolved, as al-Qaida affiliates andother extremists take root in dif-ferent parts of the world,” he said.The threat remains in Yemen,

Somalia, Iraq and Mali, and theUnited States must work with alliesto disrupt and disable the terrornetworks. “In Syria, we’ll supportthe opposition that rejects theagenda of terrorist networks,” thepresident said. “Here at home, we’llkeep strengthening our defenses,and combat new threats like cyber-attacks. And as we reform ourdefense budget, we have to keepfaith with our men and women inuniform, and invest in the capabili-ties they need to succeed in futuremissions.”America must remain vigilant,

the president said, and while theAmerican military is the bedrock

of security, it does not and cannotact alone. “As commander in chief,I have used force when needed toprotect the American people, and Iwill never hesitate to do so as longas I hold this office,” Obama said.“But I will not send our troops intoharm’s way unless it’s truly neces-sary, nor will I allow our sons anddaughters to be mired in open-ended conflicts. We must fight thebattles that need to be fought, notthose that terrorists prefer fromus — large-scale deployments thatdrain our strength and may ulti-mately feed extremism.”The United States will continue

to aggressively pursue terroristnetworks through more targetedefforts and by building the capacityof foreign partners, Obama said.The United States must move off

a permanent war footing, the presi-dent emphasized. “That’s why I’veimposed prudent limits on the useof drones – for we will not be saferif people abroad believe we strikewithin their countries withoutregard for the consequence,” hesaid. “That’s why, working withthis Congress, I will reform oursurveillance programs – becausethe vital work of our intelligencecommunity depends on public con-fidence, here and abroad, that theprivacy of ordinary people is notbeing violated.”The president also called on

Congress to lift the remainingrestrictions on detainee transfers

and allow the administration toclose the prison at GuantanamoBay, Cuba. This is needed, Obamasaid, “because we counter terrorismnot just through intelligence andmilitary action, but by remainingtrue to our constitutional ideals,and setting an example for the restof the world.”The president said the diplo-

matic power of the United States– backed by the threat of force –“is why Syria’s chemical weaponsare being eliminated, and we willcontinue to work with the interna-tional community to usher in thefuture the Syrian people deserve –a future free of dictatorship, terrorand fear.”American diplomacy has halted

the progress of Iran’s nuclearprogram and rolled parts of thatprogram back for the very firsttime in a decade, the presidentsaid.The United Nations sanctions

helped to make this opportunitypossible, the president said. “Butlet me be clear,” he added. “If thisCongress sends me a new sanctionsbill now that threatens to derailthese talks, I will veto it. For thesake of our national security, wemust give diplomacy a chance tosucceed. If Iran’s leaders do notseize this opportunity, then I willbe the first to call for more sanc-tions, and stand ready to exerciseall options to make sure Iran doesnot build a nuclear weapon.”

Obama talks Afghanistan, Iran, Syria in SOTU address


PHOTO BY SGT. ALVIN WILLIAMS JR.

Sgt. David E.Martin assists a veteran during a visit to the Veterans AffairsMedical Centerin Washington, D.C., Jan. 25. Marines from Headquarters Marine Corps Henderson Hall,volunteered at the medical center to assist in the 2014 Winterhaven Homeless StandDown, an annual event that is designed to provide aid with health care, benefits andaccess to more than 70 community and government resources. The program is meant tohelp the department’s commitment to end veteran homelessness by 2015.

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government resources, according to the website.For the past 20 years, the Washington, D.C., VA Medical Center has opened

its doors to hundreds of homeless and at-risk veterans for its annual stand down.Presented with the opportunity to volunteer at the event, local area Marines

and Sailors answered the call, according to Kea Matory, Henderson Hall’sFamily Readiness program trainer.“They were excited at the opportunity to give back to veterans who served

before them,” said Matory.During their visit to the medical center, the Marines and Sailors answered

patients’ questions and escorted veterans to their proper destination withinthe medical center. The medical center treats more than 50,000 veterans andhas some 500,000 outpatient visits each year, according to the medical center’swebsite.“So far it’s been pretty hectic,” said Pfc. Manuel Barragan, when asked how

the effort was going. “[There have been] lots of people coming and going, but itfeels great to be able to help them.”Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric Shinseki, was also on hand to support

the veterans and the volunteers as he toured the medical facilities. SecretaryShinseki took the time to shake hands with theMarines and Sailors, then posedfor a group photo with them.“This [was] not only an opportunity for theMarines and Sailors to do more for

their community locally, but historically as well,” said Matory.The feeling was mutual.“Even though I’m just giving directions, it makes me feel useful because there

is something to be said about helping others who have been in your shoes,” saidBarragan. “They served their country, and thatmakesme feel pretty awesome.”

Volunteers, from page 1

By Petty Officer 1st Class Eric BrownUSS Arlington Public Affairs

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. JonathanGreenert joined nearly 400 crew membersaboard the amphibious transport dock shipUSS Arlington (LPD 24) in a ribbon-cuttingceremony to honor the victims of the Sept.11, 2001 terrorist attacks by opening a shiptribute room Jan. 24.The tribute room, which honors the 184

heroes and victims killed in the terroristattack on the Pentagon Sept. 11, 2001, wasfunded by donations from private individuals,civic organizations and corporate sponsors tothe Hampton Roads Navy League.The new room is located just aft of the

bridge on the ship’s fourth level.“It’s a solemn place with many images from

that day in 2001,” said Greenert. “But it alsohelps us to remember what this ship is allabout.”On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, five

hijackers aboard American Airlines Flight 77crashed an airplane into the west wall of thePentagon, in Arlington County, Va. Similarterrorist attacks occurred in New York Cityand Somerset County, Pa.Arlington is the second of the Navy’s three

amphibious transport dock ships named incommemoration of the worst incident of ter-rorism in U.S. history.“Arlington is a multi-mission ship, com-

bining expeditionary and amphibious opera-tions and is a very high-demand asset witha very bright future - it’s all just a matter ofhow much we can give of her at any time,”Greenert said.The tribute room’s mahogany display cases

and commercial-grade flooring were built fordesign capability and durability, ensuringit will inspire generations of Sailors andMarines serving aboard USS Arlington for the40-year projected lifespan of the ship.The highlight of the room is a quilt featur-

ing the names of the 184 eighth grade stu-dents from Thomas Jefferson Middle Schoolin Arlington, Va., who sewed the quilt, whichwas then hand-assembled by artist DianneBraden Lumpkin. Other artifacts include asection of an I-beam and remnants from thePentagon.Prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony,

Greenert and Arlington Commanding OfficerCmdr. Darren Nelson addressed the ship’screw, members of the Navy League and 9/11Pentagon first responders.“We open this room today to show our Sailors

our heritage and to help them understand howArlington got her name,” Nelson said. “We cannever forget that terrible day, but we need toteach our Sailors that our nation, our Navyand our ship are forever resilient. We willalways stand up against terror and terrorism.We have the strength, honor and fortitude tocontinue the fight as long as it takes.”Arlington is the eighth in Navy’s San

Antonio class of ships, designed to be the mostsurvivable amphibious vessels ever put to sea.The third in the U.S. fleet to bear the name,Arlington was commissioned April 6, 2013.The ship combines 21st century amphibiousshipbuilding and warfighting technologies tosupport current and future Marine Corps air-craft and landing craft, and will be capable oftaking nearly 1,200 Sailors and Marines intoharm’s way.

USS Arlingtonopens 9/11tribute room


two-month training program on Marine Corps BaseQuantico. There was also a correlation betweentheir fitness tests and their success in the field, hesaid.There are also new height requirements. To be

considered for the assignment, Marines now haveto be at least 5 feet 4 inches tall.Flanagan said that Post One, the main watch

post at U.S. embassies and consulates, is built tocertain standards, and Marines below the heightrequirement will not be able to see their surround-ings without obstructions.Staff noncommissioned officers now have higher

aptitude requirements as well. SNCOs must earna general technical score of 100 on the ArmedServices Vocational Aptitude Battery, increasedfrom the old score of 90.Like the fitness tests, there was a relation-

ship between success on the general technical andsuccess on post, Flanagan said.“They’ve got a great deal of responsibility,”

Flanagan said of Marine Security Guard SNCOs.Since they are required to interact with high-rank-ing officials, including heads of state, the increasedstandards are appropriate, he said.SNCOs remain the only MSGs who are allowed

to be married or maintain sole custody of theirkids while serving on the duty, but the new regula-tions stipulate that they are now unable to havea child under the age of nine months. They arealso unable to have a family member assigned tothe Exceptional Family Member Program, whichassists Marine families with special needs.Applicants also need to have an adjudicated

security clearance in order to make sure the processgoes as quickly as possible. MSG school is only atwo-month program, but obtaining the needed topsecret security clearance can take longer than that,so having the adjudicated clearance makes thingseasier, Flanagan said.Flanagan said these new regulations were minor

and would not affect the number of applicants to theMSG program.“Marines are having really great success in the

MSG program and we expect more of the same,” hesaid.Marines seeking to apply for the assignment

or more information on prerequisites shouldcontact their unit’s career planner/career retentionspecialist.

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Saturday, February 8th

FREE HOME BUYER SEMINAR

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Imagine working side be side with distinguishedattorney-professors on real cases. For those whowant to make a difference, who like being part of aspirited community providing legal services to ourmost vulnerable residents, there’s no better legaleducation. As the only public law school in thenation’s capital, it’s affordable too - with numerousscholarship opportunities. To learn more, visit ourwebsite at www.law.udc, e-mail us [email protected] or call 202-274-7341.

•The School of Law invitesVeterans to applyfor Fall 2014!

•Tuition Preference forVeterans

•The School of Law participates in severalVeterans programs

• Full-time and Part-time evening JDprograms available

• Spring OPEN HOUSE March 22, 2014

MSG, from page 1

PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. BEN K. NAVRATIL



From top:Top: Soldiers from the 3d U.S.Infantry Regiment (The OldGuard), fold the American flagover the casket of Sgt. PeterC. Bohler, a UH-60 Blackhawkcrew Chief with the FortRiley, Kan.-based 1st CombatAviation Brigade, 1st InfantryDivision, in Arlington NationalCemetery, Jan. 23. Bohler,from Willow Spring, N.C., waskilled when the helicopter hewas in crashed Dec. 17 inNaw Bahar, Afghanistan. Fiveother Soldiers were killed inthe crash.Middle: Soldiers assigned tothe Caisson Platoon, 3d U.S.Infantry Regiment (The OldGuard) lay to rest Sgt. PeterC. Bohler.Bottom: Staff Sgt. WilliamForsee, Charlie Company, 3dU.S. Infantry Division (The OldGuard,) stands watch over thecasket of Sgt. Peter C. Bohler.

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SPECIAL RATES FOR MILITARYAND FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

BarcroftApartments is now offering its gardenapartments with 10% discount for military personnel

&Month to month leases available.

Efficiency...................................$934-$955One Bedrooms..........................$1010-$1045Two bedrooms...........................$1215-$1300Three Bedrooms Plus Electric.....$1350-$1395Townhome.................................$1400

• Park right at your door in this park-like setting.• Walk to elementary and high school or Army NationalGuard Readiness Center.

• Take the express bus to the Pentagon, Ft. Myer,Henderson Hall or Ballston in 12 minutes.• Cats welcome. No dogs.

(703) 521-3000Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9-5 • Call for Saturday hours

Please refer to ad when calling

BARCROFTAPARTMENTS1130 South George Mason Drive • Arlington, VA 22204

At Columbia Pike and So. George Mason Drive

A month. All utilities paid.Carpeting optional.

Some Restrictions Apply

All prices subject to change.

FOR RENTFAULKNER

3 bedroom 2, bathrambler and Faulk-ner with 2 livingrooms and garage.$1400 a monthplus $1400 securitydeposit.

FOR RENTCOBB ISLAND

Beautiful waterfronttwo story housewith 4 bedroomsand 3 bathrooms, 2living rooms, wraparound porch, pri-vate pier and pri-vate gated en-trance. $2400 amonth plus $2400security deposit.

301-904-6036

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ADOPTION:A Nurturing Family For Your Baby.Stay-at-home Mom, Education,

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Pharmacy/PhlebotomyTech TraineesNeeded NowPharmacies/ hospi-tals now hiring.No experience?Job Training& Placement

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JOB PLACEMENTASSISTANCEOffered.

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8261

Newspaper & Web Ad SalesComprint Military Publications publishes 8 newspapers, 2 websites and14 special sections and is looking for an energetic, organized salesrepresentative to sell advertising into our media. Must be able to work wellunder weekly deadlines and pressures of meeting sales goals. Prefersomeone with print and/or web advertising sales experience. Position is inGaithersburg office and hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. M-F. Territory isNorthern VA.

We offer a competitive compensation & comprehensive benefits packageincluding pension, 401(k) & tuition reimbursement.

If interested, please send resume and cover letter with salaryrequirements to: John Rives at [email protected]. EOE



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