town hallSen. Cardin hosts forum to discuss furlough impact

page 3

UPCoMInG EVEntStoday, 4-6 P.M.: Right Arm Night - Club MeadeSatUrday, 7 P.M.: Army Field Band “1812 Overture” Finale Concert - Constitution ParkMonday, 10 a.M.: First Army Division Change of Command - Parade FieldaUG. 29, 11:30 a.M.-1 P.M.: Post Women’s Equality Day Celebration - McGillaUG. 29, 2-3 P.M.: DMA Women’s Equality Day Observance - Defense Media Activity

BaCK to SChoolSpecial pull-out section highlights school news for Meade cluster

pages 11-14

vol. 65 no. 33 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community August 22, 2013

photo by nate pesce

nothing but blue skies aheadIan Fowler looks for his wide receiver during a preseason practice on Aug. 15. The Fort Meade Cougars youth football teams have been on the practice fields preparing for the 2013 season since late July. The Anne Arundel Youth Football Association season officially gets underway Aug. 30. See the story on Page 19.

Soundoff´

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! August 22, 2013

Commander’s Column

Cont ent sNews............................. 3 Sports..................................18

BackToSchool.......... 11 Movies.................................17

Community................. 15 Classified.............................20

Editorial StaffGarrison Commander Col. Brian P. foleyGarrison Command Sgt. Maj. thomas J. latterPublic affairs officerChad t. Jones Chad.T.Jones.civ@mail.milChief, Command informationPhilip H. Jones Philip.H.Jones.civ@mail.milassistant Editor & Senior Writer rona S. Hirsch Staff Writer lisa r. rhodesStaff Writer Brandon Bieltzdesign Coordinator timothy davis Supplemental photography provided by the Baltimore Sun Media Group

advErtiSinGGeneral inquiries 410-332-6300

allison thompson 410-332-6850 Allison.Thompson@baltsun.com

Michele Griesbauer 410-332-6381 Michele.Griesbauer@baltsun.com

If you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are experiencing distribution issues, call 877-886-1206 or e-mail TP@baltsun.com. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Printed by offset method of reproduction as a civilian enterprise in the interest of the personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by The Baltimore Sun Media Group, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday except the last Thursday of the year in conjunction with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office. Requests for publication must reach the Public Affairs Office no later than Friday before the desired publication date. Mailing address: Post Public Affairs Office, Soundoff! IMME-MEA-PA, Bldg. 4409, Fort Meade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-5602; DSN: 622-5602.

Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, handicap or sex of purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source.

Printed by The Baltimore Sun Co., LLC, a private firm, in no way connected with the Department of the Army. Opinions expressed by the publisher and writers herein are their own and are not to be considered an official expression by the Department of the Army. The appearance of advertisers in the publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army of the products or services advertised.

www.ftmeade.army.milYou can also keep track of Fort Meade on Twitter at twitter.com/ftmeademd

and view the Fort Meade Live Blog at ftmeade.armylive.dodlive.mil.

Soundoff!́Guaranteed circulation:

11,285

Welcome to Fort George G. Meade!As we near the end of summer and the major

military-move season, as well as the beginning of the school year, I want to take this column to ensure that everyone is aware of some of the opportunities avail-able while working and living on Fort Meade.

Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, or BOSS, is an Army program designed to improve the qual-ity of life, volunteerism, and morale of single service members.

On Fort Meade we have adapted the program to Better Opportunities for Single Service Members so that all of our joint service members can take advan-tage of its opportunities. The program on Fort Meade is led by Sgt. Chatonna Powell, whose office is located in the USO-Metro Center.

Powell represents the garrison commander and myself working with the BOSS council and unit BOSS representatives to achieve their goals.

If you’re a single service member, I recommend you subscribe to the BOSS website at www.ftmeademwr.com/boss.php and like their Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FtMeadeBOSS so you can keep informed of upcoming events such as End of Sum-mer Cookout on Sept. 7 at Freedom Village; Busch Gardens overnight trip on Sept. 28; Field of Screams trip on Oct. 5; and support for Honor Flight veterans’ visit to Washington, D.C., on Oct. 12.

Did you know there is a USO on Fort Meade? It is located on the corner of Mapes Road and 6th Armored Cavalry Road, Building 8612, across from the site where the new AAFES Express is being con-structed.

The Fort Meade USO is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. It not only provides a great place for single Soldiers and families to hang out and take a break, but also has a food pantry for military families in need.

The USO also sponsors many special events on the garrison such as the upcoming Panther Racing lunch on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Super Market Sweeps Food Bank giveaway on Aug. 29 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

By the way, if you are looking for a way to volunteer in the community, the USO is always looking for sup-port in order to keep the facility open for its posted hours. For those service members working toward a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, this is an accepted organization.

Fort Meade is centrally located between Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington, D.C. It is an excellent location for service members and their families to take advantage of all the area has to offer.

If you are interested in finding out more about the history of our nation, before taking advantage of all the wonderful museums (Smithsonian) and historic sites (Fort McHenry) in the area, why not stop at the Fort Meade Museum, accessible from both Griffin and Leonard Wood avenues.

Also, take advantage of the various tours, attrac-tions, sporting events and entertainment opportu-

nities while sta-tioned here. If unsure where to start, visit Leisure Travel Services, located inside the Outdoor Recre-ation Center next to the RV Park on Wilson Street, and talk to the staff about what is available in the local area and to plan trips up and down the coast (www.ftmeademwr.com/lts.php ).

Regardless of your preference, from opera to the Orioles, dinner cruise to jousting, they can assist you.

Unfortunately, if you are new to the area sometimes the high volume of traffic can be daunting. Did you know there is a MARC train station in Odenton, just off Route 175? The MARC’s daily runs, Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to midnight, costs $5 each way to Union Station in Washington, D.C. There, you can connect with the Metro and get essentially anywhere in the city.

The light rail station is located at Cromwell Station, 7378 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd. in Glen Burnie, where you can catch a ride into Baltimore with stops within a block of both the Ravens’ and Orioles’ stadiums and a few blocks to the Inner Harbor.

If you haven’t tried these public transportation systems, get out of your comfort zone and give them a try. More information can be found at mta.maryland.gov.

For our service members who have honorably sepa-rated from their respective services, a VA Outpatient Clinic is now open on Fort Meade behind Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center.

Services include general outpatient medical care, preventive health and education services, various medical screenings, TeleHealth services, and referrals to specialized programs and inpatient services available throughout the VA Maryland Health Care System.

For more information about the new Fort Meade VA Outpatient Clinic or to schedule a primary care appointment, call 410-305-5300.

Whether this is your first duty station or your last, regardless of your service, family status or background, chances are the culturally diverse area surrounding Fort Meade will make an excellent opportunity to have some adventures to remember during your tour here.

Remember, as we approach Labor Day weekend and the end of the 100 days of summer, to keep safety in your planning. Whether it is that last time taking out the boat or camping, or simply the backyard barbecue, be safe.

Don’t forget that school will be starting up next week. Look out for children, slow down in school zones, and give yourself some extra time to commute with the buses getting back on schedule.

Things to do and see

Garrison command sGt. maj. thomas j. latter

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 22, 2013 SOUNDOFF! �

News

By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

Although the 2013 furloughs are offi-cially over for many DoD civilians, the government is looking ahead to 2014 when the required days off could return for employees.

To gain a better understanding of the opinions and stances of the civilian work-force at Fort Meade, the American Fed-eration of Government Employees Local 1923 hosted a town hall Aug. 14 at McGill Training Center.

The hourlong forum included Sen. Ben-jamin L. Cardin, addressing congressional resolutions to the furloughs and taking questions from attendees.

“I’m on base frequently; I come here for a lot of groundbreakings, ribbon cut-tings and celebrations,” Cardin said in his remarks. “I thought it was important to be here today when we’re not celebrating.

“In fact, we’re rather angry about what’s happening as far as the federal budget is concerned and the impact it is having on your ability to carry out your mission.”

On Aug. 6, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced that the duration of furloughs affecting hundreds of thousands of DoD civilian employees would be cut from 11 days to six. Although the 2013 furloughs have ended, Hagel said future furloughs are a possibility.

“If Congress does not change the Bud-get Control Act, DoD will be forced to cut an additional $52 billion in FY 2014, start-ing Oct. 1,” Hagel said in the statement. “This presents 40 percent more than this year’s sequester-mandated cuts of $37 bil-

Sen. Cardin talks future furloughs during town hall

photos by philip h. jones

Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin addresses a town hall hosted by the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1923 on Aug. 14 at McGill Training Center. Cardin attended the town hall to hear the concerns of Fort Meade’s furloughed civilian workforce.

Shelley Bazemore of the 902nd Military Intelligence Group poses a question to Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin during a town hall on Aug. 14 at McGill Training Center. Cardin addressed congressional resolutions to the furloughs and took questions during the hourlong forum.

lion. Facing this uncertainty, I cannot be sure what will happen next year.”

The possibility of future furloughs was the main topic at last week’s town hall.

“We have to really pay attention to what is going to happen in October,” said John Gage, former National President of the AFGE. “It does not look pretty.”

During his remarks to the small crowd seated in a classroom at McGill, Cardin said he doesn’t know what will happen in October regarding more furloughs in 2014. But he reassured the group that Congress is focused on resolving the issue.

“We will never allow sequestration to

become the new norm,” he said. “We can’t let that happen.”

Cardin thanked the attendees, who represented the more than 27,000 civil-ian DoD employees at Fort Meade, for their service to the country and working through the sequestration and furloughs.

“Our federal workers have made major sacrifices to help in regards to a budget problem that you did not create,” said Cardin, who serves on the Congressional Committee on Finance. “It was not what we paid federal workers that caused our budget problems.”

Topics during the open forum included money-saving suggestions such as cutting funds for military ceremonies and business travel; force reduction; how the furloughs will affect various other programs; and how employees could be compensated for time and money loss.

“I wanted to come by today and let you know that your federal team will not stand still and say, ‘I guess there’s nothing

we can do and sequestration will be here in October.’ We’re not going to stand still,” Cardin said.

“What we’re going to do, and continue to do, is stand up and stay that we will not accept sequestration.”

Fort Meade services returning to normal hours:• The commissary is open seven days a week.• Army Community Service and the Soldier Family Assistance Center is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.• The Legal Assistance Office is open five days a week. Call for hours at 301-677-9504.Soundoff! will provide a complete list of services returning to normal operating hours next week.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! August 22, 2013

News

By A. J. ColkittLegal Assistance Intern

There’s a new scam that has surfaced to con veterans out of pension benefits called Aid and Attendance, or A&A.

If you are a veteran age 65 or older, you may be approached by a scammer offering to help you get benefits through the Veterans Administration, often for a fee. Be wary of such offers.

You can already apply for A&A your-self without paying a fee with the help of professionals trained and accredited by the VA to help you complete the forms. Unlike the scammers, these profession-als are not allowed to charge a fee.

The scammer also may be trying to get you to purchase an annuity or estab-lish a trust, all with fees that will be paid directly to the scammer.

The scammer also may try to get you to restructure your finances so that you

may qualify for A&A. This will generate even more fees for the scammer.

The eligibility guidelines for A&A are straightforward. You must be older than 65, eligible for a military pension, fall under a certain income bracket, need assistance with daily living tasks, be mentally or physically incapacitated, have strictly limited eyesight, or con-fined to a bed or nursing home.

A&A is not automatically given to veterans; a careful examination is made of each application.

The scammer might try to convince you that you could qualify for these benefits, but won’t tell you that only a very select few qualify.

The scammer may try to advise you to give away assets so that you fall under the income requirements to qualify for A&A. Then the scammer will offer to sell you an annuity or to create a trust in

which you may invest your money.In other words, if you put money

away in an investment, it looks like you need some more cash. What could pos-sibly go wrong?

Transferring your money into trusts or annuities could make you ineligible for A&A. Even if you are accepted by A&A, it may not be enough to cover your expenses in the long-term. If that’s the case, you might then apply for Med-icaid, the government program to assist people who can’t afford medical care.

Medicaid conducts a 60-month review of your account, and if you have moved significant sums of money or assets below market value within the past five years, you are given the rejection stamp.

Of course, the scammers don’t tell you this either.

If you went along with the scammer

and purchased an annuity or trust fund, you may have additional problems. Your investment arrangement may not create the necessary cash flow for you.

To get an annuity, you pay a down payment and you’re set. The basic idea of an annuity is that an insurance com-pany gives you regular payments over the years, but in limited amounts.

If you need money now and try to withdraw some from your annuity, you have a very high price to pay with pen-alty fees. For retirees, this is not the best choice.

For more information through the Veterans Administration, visit va.gov. For more information through the Fed-eral Trade Commission, visit ftc.gov.

You also may call the Fort Meade Legal Assistance Office at 301-677-9504 or 301-677-9536 to schedule an appoint-ment to speak with an attorney.

Be wary of scammers of supplemental pension benefits

Aug. 11, Shoplifting: The sub-ject was observed on camera at the Exchange stealing two condoms.

Aug. 12, Larceny of private property: The victim stated that she secured her wallet and money in a wall locker upon entering her work place. At the end of her shift she noticed that her wallet and money were missing.

Aug. 18, Driving while under the influence of alcohol: A unit observed a vehicle approaching a security gate, swerving within its lane. At the checkpoint the officer detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from the driver. The driver agreed to perform tests to check his ability to drive. He performed poorly. The driver refused to render a breath sample.

CommunityCommunityCrime Watch

Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services

PHOTO by LT. COL. J. DarreLL SiDeS

drive safelyA police traffic enforcement officer uses a LIDAR to determine the exact speed of a vehicle leaving the Reece Road gate. With the increase of speed limits for the outbound lanes of all gates from 15 mph to 25 mph, patrols are now conducting extensive radar and LIDAR enforcement daily to ensure drivers don’t take advantage of the speed limit increase by driving faster than the new 25 mph speed limit.The speed limit entering the gates remains at 15 mph. About 150 vehicles are directed to turn around daily, another hazard that outbound traffic must watch for to prevent an accident.

Connect with Fort Meade at Facebook.com/ftmeade

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! August 22, 2013

News

Story and photo by Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

After graduating from high school, Laura Dexter-Mooty enlisted in the Air Force and trained as a Russian linguist.

Before she ended her four-year tour, Dex-ter-Mooty worked at the National Security Agency in the late 1970s.

Now, decades later, she has returned to Fort Meade as the new USO-Metro coor-dinator.

“I’m coming back home to the home-away-from-home for everyone,” said Dexter-Mooty, who began her new tenure on Aug. 8.

She replaces Queen Waddell, who resigned in late June.

“She’s fantastically qualified to serve the Fort Meade garrison,” said John Falin, the new regional manager for USO Airport Ser-vices and Fort Meade. “I believe she will not only offer sustainability, but also exciting, new and innovative programs.”

In her new position, Dexter-Mooty said she wants to remind the Fort Meade commu-nity of the recreational activities offered by USO-Metro for active-duty service members and their families.

“I want everyone on post to know that we’re here and that this is a comfortable and inviting place to relax, kick back your feet and make new friends,” said Dexter-Mooty, who resides in Ellicott City with her husband, Paul Mooty.

The USO-Metro, located at 8612 6th Armored Calvary Road at the corner of Mapes Road, provides a wide range of ser-vices and programs for service members. That includes a free food pantry and Operation Cinderella, which provides donated special occasion dresses in all sizes for teenage girls.

USO-Metro distributed free backpacks for military children on Wednesday morning.

Oriol Servia, driver of the National Guard IndyCar, will visit USO-Metro for a meet-and-greet lunch on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Servia will sign autographs and take photos with service members and their families.

The event also will feature a simulator show car. A free lunch will be served to the first 300 attendees.

On Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to noon, the Maryland Food Bank will distribute fresh produce for active-duty military families at no charge. Fresh produce is distributed at USO-Metro on the last Thursday of every month.

Prior to coming to Fort Meade, Dexter-Mooty served as the guest services coordina-tor for Grace Community Church in Howard County for nearly a decade. She also worked

USO-Metro welcomes new coordinator

Laura Dexter-Mooty is Fort Meade’s new USO-Metro coordinator. The Ellicott City resident had served in the Air Force as a Russian linguist and worked at the National Security Agency.

as a licensed funeral director at several funeral homes in Howard and Baltimore counties and as a real estate agent.

In the Air Force, Dexter-Mooty served as a Russian linguist at the Iraklion Air Station in Crete. She was then stationed at the NSA.

“I wanted to see the world, so I enlisted after high school,” she said.

Dexter-Mooty, who ended her enlistment at the rank of sergeant, then worked in public relations for an American-Arabian oil com-pany for about a year. She and her husband then started a family and she stayed at home to raise their two children. Paul Mooty now works in the plastics industry.

Dexter-Mooty said she wants to give back to the military because of the commitment of the nation’s service members.

“It’s refreshing to see young men and women volunteer to join and serve,” she said. “We are the best military in the world and we still are the best country in the world.”

Turn old phones into cash at Exchange Mobile Center

Military shoppers who have old cell phones lying around can now trade them in for credit toward a smartphone upgrade at the Exchange Mobile Center.

A trade-in can result in instant credit toward the purchase of a new smartphone, acces-sory or insurance for a new phone. The new program, “Trade-Up and Save,” is available only at Exchange Mobile Center in-store locations in the continental United States.

“This is an eco-friendly program that makes it even easier for military shoppers to buy that hot, new smartphone, upgrade early or just change their mobile look with a colorful new skin or cover,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson.

Shoppers can trade in up to three handsets per transaction. The credit must be applied toward a purchase at that time.

Trade-in values vary depending on model, condition, age and market factors.The Exchange Mobile Center Exchange carries the latest models and accessories.

Experts are available who can assist in understanding features and plans.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 22, 2013 SOUNDOFF! �

News

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

Col. Danny B.N. Jaghab, commander of the U.S. Army Medical Department Activity and Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center, is working hard to meet the medical needs of Soldiers on post.

Jaghab, who also serves as the instal-lation’s director of health services, leads Fort Meade’s new Installation Medical Council. The council was established in March in response to a directive sent last December from the Northern Regional Medical Command.

The council serves “as a collabora-tive forum for medical coordination,” according to an Army memorandum. Jaghab is charged with consulting with the garrison’s senior commanders “on matters regarding the delivery of health care and public health services,” the memorandum states.

“The purpose is to bring together the medical assets of the community and commanders of the units to ensure that we’re meeting their needs. We are strictly here to serve senior commanders on the

installation,” Jaghab said.The council, according to the memo-

randum, works to “ensure compliance with the installation-specific, medical ser-vices plan to address ongoing challenges and new medical issues as they arise.”

Participants include Col. Beverly Maliner, Fort Meade’s Public Health Emergency Officer; Col. Michael Zapor, deputy commander, Clinical Services at Kimbrough; Col. Michael Bell, com-mander, Public Health Command North; Col. James Howell III, commander, U.S. Army Dental Activity; James Getz, Emer-gency Medical Services; Jeffrey McClen-don, installation emergency management officer, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security; and Martin Pate, chief of Plans, Training, Mobiliza-tion, Security and Education for Kim-brough.

The council meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the main conference room on the third floor at Kimbrough. Unit commanders are invited to attend the meeting.

The directive charges participants to “address ongoing challenges while rec-ommending changes in existing and new medical issues as necessary, using exist-ing measures and metrics where possible and develop additional ones as needed ... [and] help identify both redundancies and gaps in the delivery of high-quality health care, dental and environmental services by evaluating population needs and assessing existing programs,” accord-ing to the Army memorandum.

In the months since the council was established, Jaghab and Joanie Rainey, action officer for the council, have been visiting unit commanders to discuss what Jaghab said are the two most pressing health concerns for Soldiers - the no-show rate to appointments at Kimbrough and their medical readiness status.

Jaghab said the number Soldiers who do not show up for their scheduled medi-cal appointments is “pretty excessive.”

“This decreases access to care for the rest of the community,” he said, noting that one Soldier missed 10 appointments in one month.

During his visit, Jaghab provides unit commanders with the medical-readiness status reports of Soldiers who need sup-port.

“Oftentimes, there’s a correlation between missed appointments and their readiness medical status,” Jaghab said.

Rainey said mission readiness is always a top priority.

“Readiness still is paramount to every-thing we need to do,” said Rainey. “... We can’t help improve your health if you don’t show up.”

Jaghab and Rainey have met with senior leaders from 704th Military Intel-ligence Brigade and U.S. Cyber Com-mand.

“So far, everyone we’ve met with has been very receptive,” Rainey said.

Jaghab said the council is an extension of Fort Meade’s ongoing resiliency and wellness efforts.

“We’re trying to make sure we can get our arms around our units and let them know what avenues to use to access care to improve their readiness and their health overall,” he said.

New Installation Medical Council serves garrison

Public noticeProposed plan for Phoenix Military Reservation

The U.S. Army invites the public to comment on a proposed plan that evaluates proposed reme-dial action alternatives to address groundwater at the Phoenix Military Reservation, located approximately one-half mile west of Jacksonville, Maryland.

The site is a sub-installation to Fort Meade.Investigations and studies show no current,

unacceptable human health risks according to guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. However, groundwater directly beneath the site has been impacted by a solvent (trichloroethene, or TCE) and could present health risks in the future if the use of the site changes to residential use.

Phoenix Military Reservation was developed in 1954 as a Nike missile site and was manned by the Army until 1966. After a period of inactivity, the Army leased the property to the Maryland Army

National Guard.The property has been unoccupied since 1982.

The future use of the property is undetermined.

Alternatives evaluated The proposed plan evaluates the following reme-

dial action alternatives:• Alternative 1: No further action• Alternative 2: Monitored natural attenuation

and land use controls• Alternative 3: In-Situ chemical oxidation,

monitored natural attenuation, and land use con-trols

Alternative 4: Directed groundwater recircula-tion, monitored natural attenuation, and land use controls

Preferred response action Alternative 4 is the preferred response action.Under this alternative, groundwater would be

extracted, treated and reinjected.After five years of treatment, natural attenu-

ation would additionally reduce the remaining concentrations. Land use controls would limit use of the property and groundwater.

The preferred response action may be modified or a new alternative may be developed based on public input.

The final response action selected will be docu-mented in a Decision Document that summarizes

the decision-making process. The Army will sum-marize and respond to comments received dur-ing the comment period as part of the Decision Document.

Public comment periodCopies of the proposed plan and the adminis-

trative record have been available for review since Aug. 15 at the Cockeysville Branch Library, 9833 Greenside Drive, Cockeysville, MD 21030.

A copy of the proposed plan is also avail-able at the Fort Meade Environmental Division, 4215 Roberts Ave., Room 320, Fort Meade, MD, 20755.

The public may submit written comments dur-ing the 30-day comment period through Sept. 13.

Comments must be postmarked by Sept. 13 and sent to Mary Doyle, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Meade, Public Affairs Office, 4409 Llewellyn Ave., Fort Meade, MD, 20755-7058. The PAO telephone number is 301-677-5592.

Following the 30-day public comment period, written responses will be prepared and included in the administrative record.

Public meeting The Army invites the public to attend a meeting

on Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, 11200 York Road, Hunt Valley, to discuss the proposed plan.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! August 22, 2013

News

By Installation Management CommandPublic Affairs

With August recognized as Antiterror-ism Awareness Month, the Army is pro-moting a campaign encouraging and train-ing communities to become extensions of the service’s overall force-protection plan.

iWatch aims to heighten public sensi-tivity to indicators of possible terrorist activity while encouraging people to report suspicious behavior to military or civil-ian law-enforcement agencies. In addition, iWatch creates a partnership between on- and off-post organizations.

“Such information or cooperation may reveal a piece of the puzzle that thwarts a terrorist plot,” said Brian Crowley of the Installation Management Command Antiterrorism Branch.

Several installations, especially those

overseas where the threat remains high, have already launched iWatch efforts. Fort Meade is also focusing on individual awareness of antiterriorism precautions during the month.

iWatch empowers Soldiers, family mem-bers, civilian employees and retirees with protecting places where they live, work and play.

However, iWatch isn’t a neighborhood program with volunteers roaming the streets armed with flashlights and radios. Instead, it raises community awareness of what to look for and who to call when something is out of place.

The types of activities and behaviors to iWatch include:

• Strangers asking questions about secu-rity or building security procedures

• Briefcase, suitcase, backpack or pack-

age unattended• Cars or trucks left in no-parking zones

in front of important buildings• Chemical smells or fumesiWatch works by encouraging an indi-

vidual to report unusual or suspicious behavior.

“Eighty to 90 percent of the program is raising awareness levels,” said Stan-ley Andrusczkiewicz, deputy director of emergency services at USAG Bamberg, Germany.

Through iWatch, officials hope to direct the attention of community members accustomed to being wary of threats only from outside the gate, “totally focused on the external and not the internal,” Andrus-czkiewicz said.

That outlook changed Nov. 5, 2009, when a Soldier at Fort Hood, Texas,

opened fire on a crowd. Andrusczkiewicz used the metaphor of a clam to describe the focus of installation security prior to that shooting — a hard, impenetrable shell with a soft interior.

Because of the post shootings, said Andrusczkiewicz, the military became aware of its vulnerabilities on the inside.

“Everyone plays a key role in force pro-tection,” said Mike Britton of IMCOM’s Antiterrorism Branch. “Even a minute detail being reported can stop an incident from happening.”

For more information on the Army’s Antiterrorism Individual Protection mea-sures, call Mark A. George, antiterror-ism officer, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security, at 301-677-7310 or visit www.Acsim.army.mil/readyarmy/index.htm.

iWatch promotes antiterrorism awareness

‘BOSS’ IN THE COMMUNITY

Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas J. Latter (far right)

helps Sgt. Christa Venery and Sgt. Marvin Morris clean the

gutters at the USO-Metro Fort Meade Center on July

23. Members of the installa-tion’s Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers made

repairs to the facility after the building sustained minor

flood damage.

PHoto by Sgt. CHatonna Powell

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 22, 2013 SOUNDOFF! �

News

By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

When Elias Mendez arrived at Fort Meade in March as a guidance counselor for the Sol-dier and Family Assistance Center, he noticed that the installation didn’t offer a Spanish-speaking worship service.

He quickly set out to change that.“I wanted to be able to provide some spiri-

tual services for the Spanish-speaking popula-tion,” Mendez said. “We wanted to be able to provide them worship in their own language.”

Mendez, who serves as a “distinctive faith group” leader, and his wife, Mildred, now lead the nondenominational Spanish Christian Service held every Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Cavalry Chapel.

The couple launched the worship service three weeks ago with modest attendance but expects the congregation to grow.

“I’m hoping that the ministry is going to grow for the benefit of everybody — not for my benefit. We don’t get paid for this,” Men-dez said. “This is something that is voluntary because we love to do it.”

Garrison Chaplain (Col.) Carl Rau said the service is the third of its kind since he arrived at Fort Meade last year. Early on in the planning process, Rau said, he could tell that Mendez and his wife were determined to make the service work.

“I could see that they both had a lot of energy to make this happen,” Rau said.

Rau created a marketing plan with Mendez and launched the nondenominational service at the beginning of August.

“We welcome every one,” Mendez said. “But we do talk about the Gospel of Jesus. That’s what we preach”

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Mendez is excited to offer the service for Spanish-speak-ing members of the Fort Meade community.

Distinctive faith group leaders are nonpaid volunteers who provide religious services in chapels on military installations when special-ized chaplains are unavailable.

“I’m not an ordained minister, but I soon will be,” Mendez said. “I have been preaching the Gospel for about eight or nine years. That’s what I love to do. I’m passionate about it.”

Rau said the couple’s enthusiasm is evi-dent.

“They have a lot of energy and passion,” he said. “That’s what it takes. People sense that.”

Through the service, Mendez aims to help service members become more resilient by assisting them in building their “spiritual fit-ness.”

“There is so much going on in the world right now. People need to strengthen their spir-itual beliefs, and this is something that we are looking forward to do,” Mendez said. “That’s

one of the reasons we wanted this — to help Soldiers work with their spiritual fitness.”

While there is not a large Spanish-speak-ing population on post, Mendez is hoping to spread the word to the diverse communities surrounding the installation to help the service grow and provide support for Fort Meade’s military.

“We are hoping to create something here that a year from now people can benefit from, especially Soldiers,” Mendez said. “Young Soldiers come here to Fort Meade, perhaps for the first time separated from their family and they need some spiritual support. And that is what we want to do.”

Spanish-speaking Christian service offered at Cavalry ChapelChaplain’s Word

THE FUTURE“My interest is in the

future because I amgoing to spend the rest

of my life there.”— Charles Kettering,

American Inventor

By Tony E. DavisOperations Security OfficerFort Meade

Operations security is a key compo-nent of antiterrorism and force protec-tion, helping to protect service members, civilian employees, families, facilities and equipment everywhere by denying information.

Operations security is not a specific category of information. It is a process for identifying, controlling and protect-ing generally unclassified information which, if becomes known to a competi-tor or adversary, could be used to our disadvantage.

One of the first steps to consider when developing an OPSEC process traditionally involves identifying critical information. Service members, civil-ian employees and family members should always be mindful about poten-tial adversaries who seek to discover critical information about our military communities and missions.

Critical information deals with spe-

cific facts about military intentions, capabilities, operations or activities. Even though information may not be secret, it is what we call “critical infor-mation.”

If an adversary knew this detailed information, our mission accomplish-ment and personnel safety could be jeopardized. It must be protected to ensure an adversary doesn’t gain a sig-nificant advantage.

Examples of critical information include:

• Detailed information about the mis-sion of assigned units

• Details on locations and times of unit deployments

• Personnel transactions that occur in large numbers (For example: pay information, powers of attorney, wills, and deployment information)

• References to trends in unit morale or personnel problems

• Details concerning security proce-dures

This information may seem insignifi-

cant. However, to a trained adversary, they are small pieces of a puzzle that highlight what a military unit is doing and planning.

Remember, the elements of security and surprise are vital to the accomplish-ment of our goals and our collective personnel protection.

When it comes to protecting critical information, there are several things individuals can do. They include editing emails for operational security before sending them, using encryption emails to protect sensitive information, and using burn bags to destroy notes and documents with Social Security num-bers, personal records, home addresses and reports that reflect our strengths, assets and future operations.

Where and how you discuss critical information are just as important as with whom you discuss it with. Adverse agents tasked with collecting informa-tion frequently visit some of the same stores, clubs, recreational areas or plac-es of worship as you do.

Determined individuals can easily collect data from trash cans, cordless and cellular phones, and even baby monitors, using inexpensive receivers available from local electronics stores.

Remember, it’s everyone’s job to pro-tect critical information. You cannot afford to let your guard down. Your diligence in OPSEC is key to ensuring our effectiveness in operations and our collective safety.

If anyone persistently seeks informa-tion, notify your unit OPSEC program manager. If you see suspicious activity on or near Fort Meade, call the Fort Meade Police at 301-677-2619.

Editor’s note: August is the Army’s Antiterrorism Awareness Month. Fort Meade’s ultimate goal in preventing a terrorist attack is to include every orga-nization, unit and person in the effort to prevent that possibility.

For more information on the Army’s antiterrorism protection measures, call Tony Davis, Fort Meade Operations Security Officer, at 301-677-2635.

Protecting critical information a vital part of security

Find the Fort MeadereligiouS SChedule

atwww.ftmeade.army.mil.

Look for the “Community” tab then click on “Religious Services” for

schedules, events and contact information.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! August 22, 2013

News

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

On the morning of Aug. 12, more than 100 children sang songs of praise in the sanctuary at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.

The jubilant celebration marked the start of Vacation Bible School, which ended Friday. Sponsored for close to a decade by the Installation Chaplain’s Office, the weeklong ecumenical pro-gram features Bible points reinforced daily through Bible stories, games, crafts and songs.

The program is targeted to ages 4 to 10 and is open to children of active-duty service members of all branches, DoD civilians and retirees.

This year’s program theme was “King-

dom Rock: Where Kids Stand Strong for God.”

“This year’s [objective] was to teach kids that prayer and family will help them stand strong and will encourage them to help one another,” said Marcia Eastland, Protestant Religious Education coordinator.

More than 50 volunteers led 220 chil-dren in activities that emphasized the power of prayer and placing trust in God, family and friends.

Lynn Blackmon, a second-grader at Ridgeway Elementary School in Severn, said she enjoyed hearing stories about Jesus, making arts and crafts, and eating delicious snacks.

“I like learning about God and being kind,” the 7-year-old said.

‘Kingdom Rock’Vacation Bible School strives to encourage youth to have faith

photos by noah scialom

Children sing in the hallway during the installation’s annual Vacation Bible School, which was held at Argonne Hills Chapel Center from Aug. 12 to Friday. This year’s program theme was “Kingdom Rock: Where Kids Stand Strong for God.”

Children participate in an arts and crafts activity dur-ing Vacation Bible School. The weeklong ecumenical program features Bible les-sons reinforced through daily Bible stories, arts and crafts, games and songs.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 22, 2013 SOUNDOFF! 11

illustration by shawn sales

and Judee snyder,

directorate of Plans, training,

Mobilization and security (dPtMs),

Visual inforMation graPhics.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil12 SOUNDOFF! August 22, 2013

Back To School

School Support Services and School Liaison are part of Child, Youth and School Services and work in conjunc-tion with the local school communities to address educational issues involving chil-dren of military families.

CYSS School Liaisons Sarah Bonise and Lorian Tarver, who serve as a link between the installation and the surround-ing school districts, answer the following questions that parents frequently ask.

How do I contact the Fort Meade school liaison?

School Support Services is located at Child, Youth and School Services, 1900 Reece Road.

The office is open Mondays to Fri-days from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The telephone number is 301-677-1227 or 301-677-1749.

Bonise’s email: sarah.e.bonise.naf@mail.mil

Tarver’s email: lorian.m.tarver.nay@mail.mil.

Are the Fort Meade schools Department of Defense schools?

No. The schools located on Fort Meade are operated and governed by Anne Arundel County Public Schools, 2644 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401.

The AACPS telephone number is 410-222-5000. The website is aacps.org.

The interim superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools is Mamie Perkins.

What is the Meade Feeder System?

The Meade Feeder System is the term used to designate the elementary and middle schools that “feed” into Meade High School.

This system includes the following elementary schools: Manor View, Per-shing Hill, Meade Heights, Seven Oaks, Jessup, Van Bokkelen, Brock Bridge, Maryland City, Hebron-Harmon and West Meade Early Education Center.

The middle schools are MacArthur Middle and Meade Middle.

Where does my child attend school?

Your child will attend a neighborhood

school designated by your address.• If you live in Anne Arundel County,

your child will attend Anne ArundelCounty Public Schools (aacps.org).• If you live in Howard County, your

child will attend Howard County Public Schools (hcpss.org).

• If you live in Prince George’s Coun-ty, your child will attend Prince George’s County Public Schools (pgcps.org).

How do you enroll in a charter school?

AACPS has two charter schools in the Meade area:

• Monarch Academy Public Charter School in Glen Burnie, serving kinder-garten and grades one, two, five and six

The telephone number is 410-760-2072. The website is monarchcharter.org.

• Chesapeake Science Point Charter School in Hanover, serving grades six to 12.

The telephone number is 443-757-5277. The website is mycsp.org.

Parents must contact each individual school for enrollment openings.

How old does my child need to be to start kindergarten?

If your child reaches age 5 on or before Sept. 1 of the desired school year, your child is eligible to enroll.

Can I enroll my child in kindergarten if the child turns 5 after the Sept. 1 deadline?

A 4-year-old child who will be 5 by Oct. 15, upon request by the parent or guardian may be admitted to kinder-garten if the child meets the mandated criteria on the required assessments:

• 125 or better on a standardized cognitive ability assessment

• 8th stanine or better on a standard-ized achievement assessment

For more information, see early kin-dergarten enrollment at aacps.org.

Where can I learn more about home schooling?

Contact the Fort Meade Home Schooling Group at ftmeadehome-schooling@verizon.net.

During the school year, the group meets every Friday at the Child, Youth and School Services School-Age Care Center, 1900 Reece Road.

What do I need in order to enroll my child at school?

Once you have determined your neigh-borhood school, call for an appoint-ment to register.

You will need to bring your child’s birth certificate, shot record, current physical, two proofs of residency (your lease or mortgage and a piece of mail such as a utility bill or cable bill that has your name and new address), report card from previous school and IEP (Individualized Education Program) if the child has any special needs.

What is the best school?This is a common question from par-

ents to ask the school liaison.Since educational success differs for

each student and family, we cannot rec-ommend the “best” school for you. We can provide guidance on how to select a school. These decisions are based on the needs of the child, academic and extra-curricular interests, and housing/commuting decisions.

All area schools have successful stu-dents. We can help families choose a school that can best fit their children.

What if my child needs a tutor or extra help?

• CYSS School-Age Care Center, Youth Services and the Teen Center all have homework computer labs with onsite staff ready to help children.

To register, call Parent Central Ser-vices at 301-677-1149.

• Bus transportation to and from the School-Age Care Center and Youth Services is provided from the following area schools: Manor View, Pershing Hill, Seven Oaks, Meade Heights, West Meade EEC, MacArthur Middle and Meade Middle.

The Teen Center is a short walking distance to Meade High School.

• Tutor.com: Military families can get free help from a professional tutor anytime they need it at tutor.com.

Tutors are available online 24/7. This service is also available for adults return-ing to school.

School liaisons answer frequently asked questions

Sarah Bonise

Back-To-School NightsAs parents prepare to send their children back to school next week, there’s one more event to note on the family calendar: Back-To-School Night.More than 77,000 students are expected to enter Anne Arundel County classrooms this year.Back-To-School Nights provide parents with a chance to learn more about classroom procedures, the instruction their children are receiving and the teachers who are providing that instruction.Detailed information on dates and times for schools in the Meade cluster also can be found on the school system’s website, aacps.org.• Meade High School: Sept, 12, 6 p.m.• MacArthur Middle School: Sept. 9, 6 p.m.• Meade Middle School: Sept. 17, 6 p.m.• Manor View Elementary: Sept. 3, 5 p.m.• Pershing Hill Elementary: Sept. 18, 6 p.m.• Meade Heights Elementary: Sept. 17, 6 p.m.• Seven Oaks Elementary: Sept. 11, 6:45 p.m.• Jessup Elementary: Sept. 19, 7 p.m.• Brock Bridge Elementary: Sept. 19, 7 p.m.• Maryland City Elementary: Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m.• Hebron-Harmon Elementary: Sept. 16, 6 p.m.• Van Bokkelen Elementary: Sept. 11, 6 p.m.• West Meade Early Education Center: Sept. 10, 6 p.m.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 22, 2013 SOUNDOFF! 13

Back To School

Michael T. Lyons is the new principal at Meade Middle School. Prior to his appointment, Lyons was an assistant principal at the school for two years. Lyons, whose father served in the Army at Fort Meade, is a graduate of MacArthur Middle School, Arundel High School and Morgan State University.

Story and photo by Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

Michael T. Lyons, the new principal at Meade Middle School, said he is “com-ing full circle.”

The son of a retired staff sergeant stationed at Fort Meade in 1970, Lyons is a graduate of MacArthur Middle School, Arundel High School and Mor-gan State University.

“I’ve always wanted to come back to Maryland,” said Lyons, who previously worked in school districts in California. “So this gave me the opportunity to come back.”

Lyons replaces Bill Goodman, who served as principal at Meade Middle for four years. Goodman is now senior manager for human capital manage-ment at the Anne Arundel County Board of Education.

Prior to his new position as princi-pal, Lyons was an assistant principal at Meade Middle for two years. Before that, he worked for three years as principal of Ronald McNair Middle School, a once low-performing charter school in East Palo Alto, Calif., that had its charter revoked before Lyons came on board in 2008 and turned it around.

“Dr. Lyons has always been very visible and hands-on in his previous capacity as an assistant principal,” said Toni Ndika, president of the school’s Parent Teacher Student Association.

Ndika said the new principal’s major strength is his years in education admin-istration prior to coming to Meade Middle.

Lyons said one of his goals in education has been to make a quality instruction available to all students, particularly low-income students in low-performing schools with few edu-cational resources.

“A lot of times their ticket out is a good education,” Lyons said. “If you lay the foundation for a good educa-tion, when they get to high school then getting to college is not going to be an issue.”

Meade Middle, however, has ample resources for all students including a counselor for each grade level, a social worker, a school psychologist, a speech therapist and a technical staffer, said Lyons said.

“The only thing that’s missing - we need more parent participation,” he said.

New principal leads Meade Middle School

Encouraging more parents to become involved in school activities and volun-teer at the school is one of Lyons’ goals for the year.

Ndika said the PTSA also plans to raise funds to purchase iPads for stu-dents and a marquee for the school.

Lyons advises parents to “have a say-so” in their child’s school. Lyons said one thing he has learned as an educator and as a parent, is that if parents don’t tell educators what their needs are, they will be told what their needs are.

A second goal, said Lyons, is to continue the implementation of the state’s three-year Common Core State Standards Initiative, a national effort “to communicate what is expected of students at each grade level,” according to the initiative’s website.

This will be the third year of imple-mentation in Maryland.

“Common Core is a new way of looking at how we are going to edu-cate and prepare students beyond high school,” Lyons said. “Now we prepare

students for college, career readiness and the workforce.”

According to the website, Common Core will “focus more on core conceptu-al understanding and procedures start-ing in the early grades, thus enabling teachers to take the time needed to teach core concepts and procedures well — and give students the opportunity to master them.”

Lyons said students will be expected to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the content of subjects across all disciplines.

For example, Lyons said that in lan-guage arts, students may be required to read three different articles on a subject and cite multiple references, and show evidence of learning in an essay or oral presentation.

Implementing Common Core will not require a change in curriculum but a shift in instructional practices, Lyons said. Parents are being educated about the initiative as well.

A third goal is for Meade Middle

to meet its Adequate-Yearly-Progress benchmarks in language arts and math, as required by the Maryland School Assessment.

Lyons said the school must provide additional support in language arts for special education students and that he expects the school to meet its AYP requirements in math this year.

Born at Fort Monmouth, N.J., Lyons played football at Arundel High School. He enrolled in the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps in college, but opted out so he could play football on an athletic scholarship.

Lyons credits his high school football coach, Buddy Hepner, for helping him to switch from general studies to college preparatory courses.

Lyons said if it wasn’t for Hepner and the quality education he received at Morgan State University, he “hon-estly could not say” where he would be today.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and then went on to North Carolina Central University, where he earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology.

He was awarded a doctoral degree in education leadership from the Univer-sity of California, Berkley.

Lyons began his education career as a high school counselor and social studies teacher at Archbishop Mitty High School, a Catholic college pre-paratory school in San Jose, Calif. He then served as a school psychologist, assistant principal, principal, and later a school director and assistant superin-tendent in the state before working at Ronald McNair Middle School.

Lyons’ wife, Angelita, works at the National Security Agency. He has two teenage sons. One is a freshman at Meade High School, and the other is a sophomore at Arundel High and a member of the school football team.

He also has four adult daughters and is the grandfather of three boys.

Lyons said he plans to meet with Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley to discuss how Meade Middle can align its goals with the installation.

Lyon’s message to the Fort Meade community is to get involved with its schools.

“They need parent support. Most importantly, volunteer your time,” Lyons said. “Show your child, show your community that you care.”

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil14 SOUNDOFF! August 22, 2013

Back To School

Story and photo by Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

Meade High School is undergoing sev-eral construction and renovation projects that will be completed either by the start of the school year or in 2015.

The most ambitious construction proj-ect is a two-story addition with 12 class-rooms, including one resource room, one teacher planning room, a custodian closet, a storage closet, and mechanical and electrical rooms with restrooms.

The project is currently on hold while the contractor, Whiting Turner Con-struction based in Baltimore, resolves some related matters. However, the proj-ect is scheduled to be completed in about 18 months from the initial start date.

“The addition will help alleviate future issues with overcrowding and provide an excellent classroom environment for our students and staff,” Principal John Yore said.

Meade High is the largest school in the county. Yore said the school system anticipates continued growth. Currently, school enrollment is about 2,300; por-tables are being used to accommodate students.

It has not yet been determined how many more students will be able to enroll once the two-story addition has been

Meade High School gets face-lift

(Left) Tony Niacin, vice president of NGE Inc., a mat hoist company in Roland, Iowa, and Tim Kinyon, the lead installer, prepare a mat hoist ladder at one of Meade High School’s auxiliary gymnasiums on Aug. 21. Contractors are working to place the high school’s wrestling mats, which weigh up to 7,000 pounds, for storage on a mat hoist near the ceiling. The storage of the wrestling mats is part of several renovations at the school.

completed.In June, three contractors began reno-

vating the auditorium with the installa-tion of new flooring, seating and cur-tains. The cost was $265,000.

Renovations to the auxiliary gymna-siums are scheduled to be completed by the end of the month. The gymna-siums will have new basketball back-boards, LED lighting and a hoist sys-tem for large wrestling mats. Partitions will be removed. The project’s cost was $50,000.

“We are excited about the work that has been done,” Yore said. “The audito-rium looks very nice. … The new LED lights look great.”

Three Brothers Construction, which is based in Detroit, will begin building a new concession stand for the school’s baseball field once the required permits have been obtained.

According to Janice Tores, business manager at Meade High, the existing concession stand is in poor operating condition. The cost will be $275,000.

All of the projects are being paid through a combination of funding from the Anne Arundel County Public Schools, the Meade High Athletic Boost-ers Club and grants from the state.

Expo links parents to school system resourcesThe Anne Arundel County Public Schools Office of School and Family Partnerships is partnering with Abundant Life

Church to host the free Back-to-School Expo, providing parents and students with important information as they prepare to return to school.

The expo will be part of the church’s annual Super Saturday Kids Carnival, a free community event, on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Abundant Life Church, 7305 E. Furnace Branch Road, Glen Burnie.

The event will include a mega-sports obstacle course, waterslide, balloon twister, more than 25 game booths, and a food court.

AACPS employees will distribute school supplies, share information and answer questions.Employees on hand include local school principals; school system personnel including representatives of the Title I Office;

and community agency representatives from the Anne Arundel County Department of Health, Anne Arundel County Read-ing Council, and Centro de Ayuda.

Supplies will include information provided by the Maryland State Department of Education about Common Core, the new state standards for reading and math.

Bilingual interpreters will be available to assist Spanish- and Korean-speaking families.“This event has become an annual kickoff for the school year, bringing excitement and relief to many families getting ready

for school,” said Teresa Tudor, AACPS’ senior manager of School and Family Partnerships.“We are always grateful to the many businesses and agencies that continue to not only help with this event, but have enabled

it to grow. Every year we are able to affect more families because of their generosity.”

School Menu PricingThe following price structure has been approved by the Board of Education of Anne Arundel County

Breakfast (full price - all schools) $1.35

Breakfast (reduced price - all schools) .30

Lunch (full price - elementary) 2.60

Lunch (full price - secondary) 2.85

Lunch (reduced - all schools) .40

Milk (all schools) .55

Meal Benefit Applications are handed out at the beginning of the school year. Applications are available through the school office and Food and Nutrition Services office.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 22, 2013 SOUNDOFF! 15

Community news & notes

The deadline for Soundoff! community “News and Notes” is Friday at noon. All submissions are posted at the editor’s discretion and may be edited for space and grammar. Look for additional community events on the Fort Meade website at www.ftmeade.army.mil and the Fort Meade Facebook page at facebook.com/ftmeade.

For more information or to submit an announcement, email Philip Jones at philip.h.jones.civ@mail.mil or call 301-677-5602.

Women’s Equality Day celebration

The Fort Meade community is invited to Women’s Equality Day “Celebrating Women’s Right To Vote” today from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McGill Training Center.

The event is hosted by U.S. Army Cyber Command. Admission is free and open to the public.

The keynote speaker is Del. Jill P. Carter, representing Maryland House District 41. Carter is a member of the House Judiciary Committee; Chair of the Estates and Trusts Subcommittee; the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland; and the Women Legislators of Maryland.

Rear Adm. Margaret Klein, chief of staff, U.S. Cyber Command, will deliver opening remarks.

All Fort Meade service members and civilian employees are encouraged to attend with supervisory approval and without charge to annual leave. Administrative leave is authorized.

For more information, call Sgt. 1st Class Kah at 301-833-2011 or Sgt. 1st Class Palmore at 301-677-6687.

Women’s Equality Day observance

Defense Media Activity will host a Women’s Equality Day observance on Aug. 29 from 2 to 3 p.m. at DMA, 6700 Taylor Ave.

The event is open to all military and civilians on Fort Meade.

Civilian attire is business. Military attire is Class CS.

The guest speaker is Air Force Maj. Gen. Sharon K.G. Dunbar, commander, Air Force District of Washington and 320th Air Expeditionary Wing.

Ray B. Shepherd, director of DMA, will give the closing remarks.

This year’s theme honors the 350,000

women who joined the military during World War II as well as those who are still working toward full equality for women in the U.S. military.

For more information, call 301-222-6843 or email Allison.Highley@dma.mil.

First Army change of command

The mantle of leadership at First Army Division East will pass from Maj. Gen. Kevin R. Wendel to Maj. Gen. Jeffrey L. Bailey in a change-of-command ceremony Monday at 10 a.m. on McGlachlin Parade Field.

The First Army commanding general, Lt. Gen. Michael S. Tucker, will host the ceremony.

The community is invited to attend.Wendel, who took command of

Division East on March 1, 2011, also assumed command of First Army this year from March 14 to Aug. 1, prior to Tucker’s arrival.

Bailey takes command of First Army Division East following an assignment as the deputy chief of staff for operations and training, U.S. Army Forces Command, Fort Bragg, N.C.

For more information, call Amanda Glenn, First Army Division East public

affairs officer, at 301-833-8457 or email amanda.c.glenn.civ@mail.mil.

Finale summer concertThe finale concert of the U.S. Army

Field Band Summer Concert Series will be performed Saturday at 7 p.m. at Constitution Park.

All components of the Army Field Band — Jazz Ambassadors, The Volunteers, The Concert Band and Soldiers’ Chorus — will perform the finale featuring the “1812 Overture.”

For more information, call 301-677-6586 or visit armyfieldband.com.

Death noticeAnyone with debts owed to or by the

estate of Staff Sgt. Stacey M. Hammond must contact 2nd Lt. Jevgenijs Salama-tovs, the Summary Court Officer for the Soldier.

Hammond passed away at her home in Altoona, Pa., on July 24.

To reach Salamatovs, call 202-321-2347 or email jevgenijs.salamatovs@us.army.mil.

Grand Prix jobs BCM Solutions Incorporated is

seeking to hire service members to work 12-hour shifts at the Grand Prix of Baltimore Indy Car Race from Tuesday to Sept. 1.

Day and overnight shifts are available. Pay is $10 an hour.

All applicants must be at least 18 years old with a reliable cell phone and transportation, as well as a photo ID.

To apply, email a resume with a copy of a valid U.S. ID to BCMRecruitingmd@gmail.com.

Community Job FairA Community Job Fair will be held

Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Club Meade, 6600 Mapes Road.

The job fair is open to the public.Come early; anticipate lines. Bring

resumes. Dress for success.A free shuttle service will be available

to the parking lot.For more information, go to

ftmeademwr.com.

Right Arm NightBring co-workers to Right Arm Night

today from 4-6 p.m. at Club Meade.The event features free food, music

and prizes and is open to all ranks and services, and all military and DoD/NSA civilians.

Units may reserve tables at 301-677-4333.

Square Dance ClubThe Swinging Squares Square Dance

Club, which just celebrated its 34th anniversary, dances the third and fifth Saturday of the month from September to the end of May at Meade Middle School.

The first dance of the 2013-14 season will be Sept. 21 from 7:30-10 p.m. Admission is $6. Square dance attire is optional.

For fun, fellowship and exercise, try this modern, western square-dancing.

Dance classes are held Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m. at Meade Middle School, starting Sept. 19.

Each class costs $6. The first two classes are free.

For more information, call Darlene at 410-519-2536 (voice); 410-868-5050 (text), or Carl at 410-271-8776 (voice/text).

NEWS & EVENTS

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil16 SOUNDOFF! August 22, 2013

Community news & notes

AAFES sweepstakesThe Army & Air Force Exchange

Service and Proctor and Gamble have teamed up to give five Exchange shoppers the opportunity to “clean up” in the “Free Tide for a Year” sweepstakes.

Authorized shoppers can enter through Aug. 29 at Exchange stores worldwide for the opportunity to win one of five $1,500 Exchange gift cards.

Entrants must be at least 18 years old. Winners will be announced on or about Oct. 4.

For more information, visit shopmyexchange.com.

OSC Super Sign-UpThe Fort Meade Officers’ Spouses’

Club will host a Super Sign-Up for

Membership on Aug. 29 from 6-8 p.m. at Midway Commons Neighborhood Center.

Meet some new friends and find out what the OSC is all about.

For more information, email membership@fortmeadeosc.org.

Jummah prayers Individuals interested in participating

in Jummah prayers on Fort Meade should call 301-677-1301.

Fort Meade has a room available at Argonne Hills Chapel Center, 7100 Rockenbach Road.

The community also is seeking individuals who would like to join in a morning prayer on Fridays.

Mustangs Preschool Program

Little Meade Mustangs Preschool

Program is open to children ages 3 1/2- 5 years old at Meade High School.

The program runs three days per week from mid-October to mid-May. Tuition is $30 per semester.

Applications are available in Meade High School’s main office.

For more information, email Rebecca Schroeder at rschroeder@aacps.org.

Funded Legal Education Program

The Office of the Judge Advocate General is accepting applications for the Army’s Funded Legal Education Program.

Under this program, the Army projects sending up to 25 active-duty commissioned officers to law school at government expense. Selected officers will attend law school beginning the fall of 2014 and will remain on active duty while attending law school.

Interested officers should review Chapter 14, AR 27-1 (Judge Advocate General’s Funded Legal Education Program) to determine their eligibility.

This program is open to commissioned officers in the rank of second lieutenant through captain. Applicants must have at least two years, but not more than six years, of total active federal service at the time legal training begins.

Eligibility is governed by statute (10 U.S.C. 2004) and is nonwaivable.

Eligible officers interested in applying should immediately register for the earliest offering of the Law School Admission Test.

Applicants must send their request through command channels, including the officer’s branch manager at AHRC, with a copy furnished to the Office of the Judge Advocate General, ATTN: DAJA-PT (Yvonne Caron, Room 2B517), 2200 Army Pentagon, Washington, D.C., 20310.

The application must be received by Nov. 1. Submission well in advance of the deadline is advised.

For more information, call Maj. Nate Hummel, the Fort Meade deputy staff judge advocate, at 301-677-9023.

Fort Meade MARC Shuttle Bus ScheduleDEPARTS

ODENTON MARC

6:22 A.M.

6:47 A.M.

7:09 A.M.

7:42 A.M.

8:20 A.M.

8:52 A.M.

ARRivES AT ADjuDiCATiON

6:32 A.M.

6:57 A.M.

7:19 A.M.

7:52 A.M.

8:30 A.M.

9:02 A.M.

ARRivES AT kiMbROugh

6:35 A.M.

7:00 A.M.

7:23 A.M.

7:55 A.M.

8:34 A.M.

9:05 A.M.

ARRivES AT POST ThEATER

6:38 A.M.

7:03 A.M.

7:28 A.M.

8:00 A.M.

8:38 A.M.

9:08 A.M.

DEPARTS POST ThEATER

2:25 P.M.

3:20 P.M.

4 P.M.

4:35 P.M.

5 P.M.

6 P.M.

DEPARTS kiMbROugh

2:28 P.M.

3:22 P.M.

4:05 P.M.

4:38 P.M.

5:03 P.M.

6:03 P.M.

DEPARTS ADjuDiCATiON

2:46 P.M.

3:25 P.M.

4:10 P.M.

4:41 P.M.

5:06 P.M.

6:06 P.M.

ARRivES AT ODENTON MARC

2:55 P.M.

3:35 P.M.

4:17 P.M.

4:50 P.M.

5:15 P.M.

6:15 P.M.

ARRivES AT DiSA

6:43 A.M.

7:08 A.M.

7:33 A.M.

8:05 A.M.

8:43 A.M.

9:13 A.M.

ARRivES AT DMA

6:48 A.M.

7:13 A.M.

7:38 A.M.

8:10 A.M.

8:48 A.M.

9:18 A.M.

TRAiN DEPARTS MARC FOR

uNiON STATiON3:00 P.M.

4:09 P.M.

4:37 P.M.

5:11 P.M.

5:40 P.M.

6:47 P.M.

TRAiN DEPARTS MARC FOR

PENN STATiON3:51 P.M.

-

4:39/4:56 P.M.

5:09/5:35 P.M.

5:55 P.M.

6:18/6:48 P.M.

TRAiN ARRivES AT MARC FROM uNiON STATiON

6:18 A.M.

6:42 A.M.

7 A.M.

7:37 A.M.

8:16 A.M.

8:47 A.M.

TRAiN ARRivES AT MARC FROM PENN STATiON 5:50/6:18 A.M.

6:41 A.M.

6:53 A.M.

7:13/7:28/7:42 A.M.

8:05 A.M.

8:30 A.M.

DEPARTS DMA

2:15 P.M.

3:05 P.M.

3:45 P.M.

4:25 P.M.

4:50 P.M.

5:45 P.M.

DEPARTS DiSA

2:20 P.M.

3:15 P.M.

3:55 P.M.

4:30 P.M.

4:55 P.M.

5:55 P.M.

Due to the closing of the Mapes Road gate, the MARC Shuttle Bus schedule has been affected. Here are the new hours:

NEWS & EVENTS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

EDUCATION

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 22, 2013 SOUNDOFF! 17

Community news & notes

Career classes, programsArmy Community Service and the Fleet

and Family Support Center offer free classes at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave., to DoD identification cardholders, including active-duty service members, retirees and their family members, DoD civilian employees and contractors.

Registration is required for each class.• Common Sense Parenting, Friday, 11:30

a.m. To register, call 301-677-7836.• Anger Management: Tuesday, 9 a.m.• Medical records review: Appointment

required at 301-677-9017. For more information, call ACS at 301-

677-5590 or the Fleet Center at 301-677-9017.

Volunteer guitarist neededThe Fort Meade Teen Center has an

opening for a volunteer guitarist to head the guitar club.

If you are interested in working with teens in grades nine through 12 to help them hone their musical talents, call the Teen Center at 301-677-6054.

Club MidnightClub Midnight for grades nine to 12

will be held Friday from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Teen Center.

The event is an “end-of-summer jam.”Cost is $2 for registered members of

Child, Youth and School Services and $3 for guests.

For more information, go to ftmeademwr.com.

Block partyA “School’s Back Block Party” for

grades six to eight will be Friday from 3-6 p.m. at the Youth Center.

The event is free for registered CYSS members. Cost is $2 for a guest accompanied by a CYSS member.

The event will feature games and music. The snack bar will be open.

For more information, go to ftmeademwr.com.

Grilling & ChillingChild, Youth and School Services will

offer Grilling & Chilling for grades six to eight on Aug. 30 from 6-8 p.m. at the Youth Center.

The event features grilled hot dogs and burgers, salads, chips and music.

Cost is $5.

For more information, go to ftmeademwr.com.

Out & About• Maryland Renaissance Festival will

be held Saturday through Oct. 20 at 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis. Admission is $7 to $22. For more information, email rennfest.com.

• Maryland State Fair runs Friday through Sept. 6 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium.

Admission is $8 for adults; $6 for seniors age 62 and older; $3 for children ages 6 to 11; and free for ages 5 and younger. Rides are individually priced.

A ticket is required for all fairgoers age 3 and older for concerts held in the racetrack infield.

Events include: “Battle of the Beast” Bull Riding & Barrel Racing, Monday at 7 p.m.; Swifty Swine Racing and Swimming Pig Show, Friday-Sept. 2, at 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Three Days Grace performing Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m.; thoroughbred horseracing, Friday-Sept. 2; professional chainsaw sculptors; and “Milk It Yourself” — learn to milk a cow for a small donation.

For a complete schedule and more information, visit marylandstatefair.com.

• Leisure Travel Services is offering its next monthly bus trip to New York City on Sept. 7 and Oct. 5, with discounts to attractions. Bus cost is $55. For more information, call 301-677-7354 or visit ftmeademwr.com.

• Johnny Seaton and his band, Bad Behavior, will entertain with their rockabilly and Elvis revue on Sept. 7 at the Jessup Community Hall, 2920 Jessup Road, Doors open at 7 p.m.

Advanced tickets cost $20. Tickets purchased at the door cost $25.

The event will feature a silent auction of jewelry, gift cards, Vera Bradley and Coach bags, and a “basket of cheer.”

Refreshments including beer and wine will be on sale.

The event will benefit Camp Corral, sponsored by the Golden Corral at Arundel Mills Mall. The camps, located at 14 different sites across the U.S., benefit the children of injured, disabled or fallen military heroes.

Children, ages 8-15, enjoy a free week of summer camp.

For more information or to hold or purchase tickets, call the event chairman, Dana Herbert, at 410-796-7999 or email ddherbert@maxinter.net.

• Society of Military Widows meets for brunch the fourth Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Lanes. The next meeting is Sunday. For more information, call Betty Jones at 410-730-0127.

• Marriage Enrichment Group, sponsored by Army Community Service, meets the second and fourth Monday of every month from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next meeting is Monday. For more information, call Celena Flowers or Jessica Hobgood at 301-677-5590.

• Single Parent Support Group meets the second and fourth Monday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at School Age Services, 1900 Reece Road. The next meeting is Monday. Free child care will be provided on site.

For more information, email Kimberly.d.mckay6.ctr@mail.mil.

• Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 254 meets the fourth Wednesday of the month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room of Building 9801 at the National Security Agency. The next meeting is Wednesday. For more information, call 443-534-5170 or visit afsa254.org.

• Monthly Prayer Breakfast, hosted by the Garrison Chaplain’s Office, is held the first Thursday of every month at 7 a.m. at the Conference Center.

The next breakfast is Sept. 5.All Fort Meade employees, family

members, and civilian and military personnel are invited. There is no cost for the buffet; donations are optional.

For more information, call 301-677-6703 or email diana.l.durner.civ@mail.mil.

• Meade Rod and Gun Club meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at Perry’s Restaurant and Odie’s Pub at 1210 Annapolis Road, Odenton, in the banquet hall in back of the building. The next meeting is Sept. 5. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. For more information, call 410-674-4000.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness of Anne Arundel County offers a free support group for families with a loved one suffering from mental illness on the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Odenton (West County) Library, 1325 Annapolis Road. The next meeting is Sept. 5. For more information, visit namiaac.org.

• Enlisted Spouses Club meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Midway Commons Neighborhood Center. The next meeting is Sept. 9. For more information, visit ftmeadeesc.org or email membership@ftmeadeesc.org.

YOUTH

RECREATION

MEETINGS

movies

The movie schedule is subject to change. For a recorded announcement of showings, call 301-677-5324. Further listings are available on the Army and Air Force Exchange Service website at www.aafes.com.

Movies start Wednesdays to Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

NEW PRICES: Tickets are $5.50 for adults (12 and older) and $3 for children. 3D Movies: $7.50 adults, $5 children.

Today through Sept. 1

Today & Sunday: “Pacific Rim” (PG-13). Humans pilot giant robots as a means of defense against monstrous creatures. With Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kukuchi, Idris Elba. (3D)

Friday: “Grown Ups 2” (PG-13). Lenny (Adam Sandler) relocates his family back to the small town where he and his friends grew up. With Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock.

Saturday: “The Lone Ranger” (PG-13). A masked lawman and a spirit warrior join forces to fight villains. With Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, William Fichtner.

Aug. 28, 31: “Turbo” (PG). A snail attains the power of super speed, and pursues his dream of becoming a racer. With Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Michael Peña. (3D)

Aug. 29, Sept. 1: “R.I.P.D.” (PG-13). From the great beyond, a cop joins a team of spirit law-men. With Jeff Bridges, Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Bacon. (3D)

Aug. 30: “The Conjuring” (PG-13). Paranormal investigators confront a demonic entity. With Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Lili Taylor.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil18 SOUNDOFF! August 22, 2013

SportS

Sports ShortsIndyCar meet and greet

The USO-Metro will sponsor a Panther Racing meet-and-greet lunch with Oriol Sevia, driver of the National Guard IndyCar, and additional drivers on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fort Meade USO Center.

The free event will feature a simulator show car, autograph cards, photo opportunities and lunch for the first 300 attendees.

Grand Prix discountFor a 10 percent discount on tickets for the Baltimore Grand Prix, enter the

code “DODGrandPrix” when purchasing online.The discount is open to DoD employees and service members.The Grand Prix will be held Tuesday to Sept. 1 near Baltimore’s Inner

Harbor.

New hours at the LanesThe Lanes’ new hours are: Mondays, 4 to 10 p.m.; Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 10

p.m.; Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Fridays, 4 to 11 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Lounge is open Monday to Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.For more information, call 301-677-5541.

Football Fan Fair 5K and 1 Mile WalkThe installation’s annual Run Series continues Sept. 21 with a Football Fan

Fair 5K and 1 Mile Walk at 8 a.m. at Constitution Park.The pre-registration cost for individuals is $15. Cost on the day of the run is

$25.The pre-registration cost for groups of seven to 10 is $75.The pre-registration cost is $45 for a family of three to six people.All pre-registered runners will receive a T-shirt.To pre-register, go to www.allsportcentral.com/EventInfo.cfm?EventID=46037For more information, call 301-677-3867.

Public Affairs Officer Chad T. Jones, author of Jibber Jabber, is out of the office.

As always, if you have any comments about Jibber Jabber or anything to do with the world of sports, e-mail chad.t.jones.civ@mail.mil or follow him on Twitter @ctjibber.

Jibber-Less

Learning at home. Learning in the classroom.

Learning for success.

A FEW EXAMPLES of the many pathways available at HCC for adult students to stay competitive and advance in their careers, include:• Computer Forensics

• Professional ProjectManagement

• EMT/Paramedic

• Teacher Education

Flexible SchedulingOnline • Hybrid • Accelerated

Convenient LocationsColumbia • Gateway • Laurel • Mount Airy

Support ServicesCredit for Prior Learning • Military AssistanceCounseling and Career Services • Financial Aid

Career ProgrammingWorkforce Training • Certifications • Degrees

Visit hcclearningworks.com or call 443.518.1200 to take the next step!Fall Semester begins August 24

Noncredit classes are ongoing

Choose Howard Community Collegefor learning that works for you!

Become aDental Assistantin just 11 weeks

Call To Reserve Your Space! 877-777-8719 • www.datsmd.com

Columbia Open House 7:00 pm 8/26/2013Classes Begin 9/11/2013Century Plaza • 10630 Little Patuxent Pkwy,Ste 410, Columbia, MD 21044

Annapolis Open House 7:00 pm 8/27/2013Classes Begin 9/10/20132623 Housley Road, Annapolis, MD 21401

Germantown Open House 7:00 pm 8/28/2013Classes Begin 9/12/201319512-A Amaranth Drive, Germantown, MD 20874

Westminster Open House 7:00 pm 8/29/2013Classes Begin 9/9/2013412 Malcolm Drive, Ste 100, Westminster, MD 21157

Call To Reserve Your Seat!

• Dental Terminology & Charting • X-Ray Certifi cation Eligibility• Clinical Externship• Sterilization of Equipment &

OSHA Guidelines • Adult CPR• Job Interviewing Techniques

Expanded

Function Courses

available

Classes Begin Soon!

DATSDental AssistantTraining SchoolDT

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil August 22, 2013 SOUNDOFF! 19

SportS

By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

With only a little more than a week before the youth football season kicks off, the esti-mated 130 athletes who will sport blue and yellow on the grid-iron are gearing up for a promising season.

Fort Meade’s Child, Youth and School Services’ football teams have been on the practice fields since late July, preparing for the Anne Arundel Youth Football Asso-ciation season that officially gets underway Aug. 30.

With a higher numbers of participants, Fort Meade is fielding six teams this year.

Cougars’ commissioner Rick Eden said that with a large number of returning play-ers and a consistent line-up of coaches, the continuity on the team could help propel the various Cougars teams to a successful

season.“We have a lot of continuity right now,”

he said. “Continuity helps.”Eden said the teams have been focusing on

the fundamentals and moving into working on plays during the preseason practices.

Despite being smaller in stature than the rest of the AAYFA, the Fort Meade young-sters are skilled and find ways to win when outmatched by size, Eden said.

“Fort Meade is always a little smaller than everybody else, but we’re a little quicker and we’re more disciplined,” he said.

Quarterback Timothy Anderson said his team looks good in the practices and players are excited to take the field.

As the Cougars close out of their pre-season practices, Eden said he is expecting big things from all seven teams this year.

“It’s going to be a good year,” he said.

Cougars football teams prepare for season

Photos by Nate PesceCoach Donald Day demonstrates the center position to Jon’Darius Stone prior to a scrimmage during a preseason practice on Aug. 15. More than 130 Fort Meade youngsters will compete for the Cougars football teams this season.

Fort Meade Cougars quarterback Ian Fowler snaps the ball during practice at the Youth Sports Complex. The Anne Arundel Youth Football Association season officially gets underway Aug. 30.

LEFT: David Nakasone tackles Justin James during drills at last week’s practice at the Youth Sports Complex. The Child, Youth and School Services’ Cougars football teams are gearing up for the upcoming season.