Fort Meade Soundoff March 27, 2014

Women’s DayPost observance honors female contributions

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UPComInG eVenTsWeDnesDay, 11 a.m.-1 P.m.: Child Abuse Prevention Month - Family Assistance Ctr.aPrIl 4, 6:30 a.m.: Sexual Assault Awareness Run - McGlachlin Parade FieldaPrIl 10, 11:30 a.m.: Holocaust Remembrance Observance - McGill Training Ctr.aPrIl 12, 9-11 a.m.: Breakfast with the Easter Bunny - The Conference CenteraPrIl 12, noon-3 P.m.: Easter Egg Hunt - Youth Center

aUTomaTIonTesting to begin for new entry system at two security gates

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Soundoff!́vol. 66 no. 12 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community March 27, 2014

photo by nate pesce

‘none tougher’Joe Bowser, a member of the USA Warriors hockey team, takes control of the puck during a hockey game Friday in laurel. The team, comprised of area retired and active-duty service members with vA-rated disabilities, aims to use the sport of hockey as a rehabilitation tool. The program features a standing hockey team and a sled team, in which players sit in individual sleds and propel themselves with sticks in both hands. For the story, see Page 12.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! March 27, 2014

Our garrison commander, Col. Brian P. Foley, has assigned his staff to make presentations on the U.S. Constitution at our monthly Commander’s Call.

For more than 200 years, the U.S. Constitution has been a living document, maintaining the original prin-ciples upon which our nation was founded while at the same time changing with the country, as reflected in its amendments.

While the U.S. Constitution itself outlines the basic structure of the federal government, its 27 amend-ments address many subjects but primarily focuses on the rights of individual American citizens.

Understanding the history of the Constitution and its amendments will assist all of us in more fully appreciating these rights and responsibilities as they have evolved over time.

Years ago, I wanted to take closer look at this 238-year-old document. (It was 87 years old when President Abraham Lincoln said “Four score and seven years ago” in the Gettysburg Address).

I thought about the oath I had sworn to defend. I even went as far as taking an online course about the constitution at Concord Law School, which to be honest, was not as helpful as some other law courses. There are many complex and technical issues that go along with understanding the Constitution and what groups have to do to have standing to challenge a constitutional issue.

I also did some analysis on how safety fits in with the Constitution.

On Dec. 29, 1970, Congress passed the Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act. The law gave the federal government the authority to set and enforce safety and health standards for most of the country’s workers.

The ability of Congress to make law applicable to all the states on safety was decided by the Supreme Court’s findings on the Commerce Clause: “The U.S. Congress shall have power to regulate commerce among several states.”

I have noticed safety changes as you cross borders. I was in the safe-ty office at Fort Campbell, Ky. A lot of people don’t realize that Fort Campbell is in two states, Ten-nessee and Ken-tucky.

When a mili-tary installation does not have law in an area, the Assimilative Crimes Act (ACA) (18 U.S.C.A. § 13) provides adoption by Congress of state criminal laws for areas of exclusive or concurrent federal jurisdiction if the crime is not punishable under federal law.

So at Fort Campbell, a trip from the safety office to the post headquarters would involve a change in traffic laws.

Of course, some changes for the military aren’t applicable.

A trip on a motorcycle from Fort Meade north to Pennsylvania involves a change in the law for helmets. In Pennsylvania, law enforcement will not stop you for lack of helmet, but Department of Defense Instruc-tion requires all military members to wear helmets at all times.

My reference today to a law regarding motorcycle safety is not by chance. It is hard to believe after this year’s cold winter we will soon be riding motorcycles again.

I am particularly impressed with the modern safety apparel. It provides protection from the impact of a fall and also protects the body from the consequences of a high-speed slide.

They are also light so they are comfortable in sum-mer when, if memory serves, it will be hot again. These items also have great reflective qualities so that a rider doesn’t need a vest.

But before you jump on your motorcycle, take a few minutes and ensure you and your bike are ready for the ride.

Editor’s note: For more information on motorcycle safety and training, go to the Installation Safety Office website or call the ISO at 301-677-2396.

How safety fits in with the Constitution

Commander’s Column

Cont ent sNews............................. 3 Sports..................................10

CrimeWatch................. 8 Movies.................................17

Community................. 16 Classified.............................21

Editorial StaffGarrison Commander Col. Brian P. foleyGarrison Command Sgt. Maj. thomas J. latterPublic affairs officerChad t. Jones [email protected], Command informationPhilip H. Jones [email protected] 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 410-332-6300or email [email protected]

If you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are experiencing distribution issues, call 877-886-1206 or e-mail [email protected]. 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

CorrectionIn last week’s story about Fort Meade’s Fam-

ily Child Care program, Taylor O’Connor, 4, daughter of Thomas and Sheila O’Connor, was misidentified. Soundoff! regrets the error.

KirK Fechter, Director installation Safety office

Commander’s Open DoorGarrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley

hasanopendoorpolicy.Allservicemembers,retirees,government

employees, family members or communitymembersage18orolderareinvitedtoaddressissuesorconcernstothecommanderdirectlybyvisitingFoley’sofficeonMondays from4to6p.m.atgarrisonheadquartersinHodgesHall,Bldg.4551,LlewellynAvenue.

Visitors are seen on a first-come, first-servedbasis.Noappointmentisnecessary.

Formoreinformation,call301-677-4844.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil March 27, 2014 SOUNDOFF! �

News

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

Fort Meade’s new Automation Installa-tion Entry system at two security gates will undergo an endurance testing period for 30 days beginning Tuesday.

The far right lanes at the Reece Road and Route 32 gates will allow for AIE traf-fic from 1 to 9 p.m. during the endurance testing and system validation period.

Once testing is complete and as more people are registered into the AIE system, the Directorate of Emergency Services will open more lanes to use the technology.

The AIE system, which was installed at garrison gates during the past several months, is designed to electronically vali-date DoD identification credentials against authoritative databases in near real-time. A registered DoD ID card must be used to gain access to the post through the system.

“The premise is to speed vehicle access, reduce guard requirements and improve the identification vetting process,” said Joseph Shinskie, chief of the Physical Security Division at DES.

The goal of the AIE system is to use technology to increase security for Soldiers, family members, DoD civilians, retirees, contractors and visitors to the installation by electronically validating driver identifi-cation.

The widespread availability of fake mili-tary identification documents has made it imperative that the garrison use technology to better detect fake credentials.

The AIE lanes may be changed periodi-cally to ensure all components of the system are working properly during the testing and validation phase. Signs will be posted at the gates to indicate which lanes are open for AIE use.

The system will increase the traffic flow at the gates and provide a means to verify identification by using a personal ID num-ber during periods of increased force pro-tection conditions.

Those who voluntary register in the program will be granted access to the post through the AIE gate lanes by swiping their DoD-issued identification card or Common Access Card into the system card reader.

All DoD cardholders, retirees, family members, Reservists and National Guards-men can gain access through the automated system.

Shinskie said that ID information for DoD cardholders who live in the Fort Meade area and are registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting

Testing begins for automated gate entrySystem was uploaded into the AIE system last November.

However, DoD cardholders who arrived at Fort Meade after Nov. 1 must register to use the AIE system. Registration is held weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Demps Visitor Control Center at 902 Reece Road.

The registration process takes about 10 minutes and includes taking a digital photo, fingerprinting, establishing a four-digit per-sonal ID number and entering a digital signature.

The AIE system allows registered drivers to act as “trusted travelers,” which means only they have to swipe their ID card, not each passenger in their vehicle. The term “trusted traveler” only applies to service members and their spouse, retirees and their spouse and DoD civilians who have been issued a CAC card.

Those who are not registered in the AIE system can still gain access to the post through the gate lanes that are not identi-fied for the AIE system. Gate guards will validate their ID cards.

Shinskie said that gate guards will be

open for business

Manuel Villabla fills up his truck’s gas

tank at the Army and Air Force Exchange

Services’ Express on Saturday afternoon. The retail portion of

the new 8,420-square-foot facility, located at Mapes Road and 6th Armored Cavalry

Road, opened last week. The $5.6 mil-lion facility features six gas pumps and a 4,985-square-foot

store that includes an Arby’s that will open

later this month.

photo by noah scialom

available at AIE and non-AIE lanes to provide assistance to motorists.

Editor’s note: Information for this article was provided by the Directorate of Emer-gency Services.

photo by stephen ellmore

Sgt. Thomas S. Easton, a Department of the Army gate security guard, swipes a driver’s Common Access Card in the Automation Installation Entry system at the Reece Road gate on Tuesday morning.


News

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

Everyone should take some time in their lives to reflect on whether they have displayed the traits of courage, character and commitment.

This is the message that Christine Altendorf, director of the Sexual Harass-ment/Assault Response and Prevention Office, Army G-1, gave during her guest speech for the garrison’s observance of Women’s History Month.

The theme of this year’s observance is “Celebrating Women of Character, Courage and Commitment.”

“I want to challenge all of you today to give yourself 15 minutes and think about your life as they relate to these three words. ... It will be eye-opening for you,” Altendorf said.

The hourlong event was sponsored by First Army Division East and Fort Meade’s Equal Opportunity Office.

In addition to Altendorf ’s presen-tation, the sponsors paid tribute to two Gold Star Wives who attended the event.

Col. Timothy Newson, chief of staff for First Army Division East, welcomed the audience.

He also recognized Mary Moore, wife of the late Command Sgt. Maj. Ben-jamin Moore Jr., and Violette Kogut, wife of the late Mikolaj Kogut, a senior enlisted Soldier, who are both Gold Star Wives.

“Your love, compassion and support allowed your service member to pursue this profession of arms,” Newsom said. “You are and will always be a member of this family of service men and service women who have contributed so much to the defense of our nation.”

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Jason Logan, chaplain of First Army Division East, gave the invocation. The audience stood for a recording of the National Anthem by the U.S. Army Field Band’s Soldiers’ Chorus.

President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week, according to the National Women’s History Project website.

That same year, Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski, then a member of the House of Representatives, and Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah co-sponsored a congres-sional resolution for National Women’s History Week 1981.

Fort Meade observes Women’s History Month

In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month to recognize, honor and celebrate the achievements of American women.

In her speech, Altendorf highlighted the achievements of Harriet Beecher Stowe, Susan B. Anthony and Helen Keller.

“These people have been given gifts that others can try to emulate,” she said.

However, Altendorf asked, how can everyone work to emulate such role models when the task seems daunting?

“What is it that we need to do as normal everyday civilians, females,

males and Soldiers, as we make our way through life so that we can emulate what we have seen?” she asked.

Altendorf said she reviewed her own life and found there were pivotal times when she either displayed courage, char-acter and commitment, or fell short of the mark.

She recalled that when she was pursu-ing a doctoral degree and in the midst of a divorce, she found the courage to tell her father, a staunch Catholic, about her decision.

“Even though I broke a commitment, I did build some courage,” Altendorf said.

During her nearly 20-year career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Altendorf volunteered to work in Iraq in 2004, and also worked in Afghanistan in 2012. Both experiences taught her a lesson in commitment.

Last June, while serving as the chief of the Environmental Division at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Wash-ington, D.C., Altendorf was tapped by Lt. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg, deputy chief of staff, Army G-1, for her current position.

Altendorf said that as a civilian out-side of the Army, she could approach the issue of sexual harassment and sexual assault from a different perspec-tive and ask questions.

“It’s an interesting dynamic. I very much like what I’m doing right now,” she said of the 18-month assignment.

In closing, Altendorf encouraged the audience to take the time to learn who they really are.

“Push yourself a bit further each and every day. ... Stand up for what you believe in,” she said. “Give your all in everything you do.”

Newsom and Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley presented Altendorf with a plaque of appreciation.

Afterward, Moore and Kogut each received a yellow rose. Both women said they appreciated the recognition.

“I think it’s an honor. ... Every year, the Army lets us know that they have not forgotten us,” said Moore, who came with her 19-year-old daughter Krystal.

“I’m proud to be an Army wife,” Kogut said. “It teaches you to share.”

photo by noah scialom

Christine Altendorf, director of the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Office, Army G-1, speaks about the importance of courage, character and commitment during Fort Meade’s annual Women’s History Month observance on March 20 at McGill Training Center.

‘I want to challenge all of you today to give yourself 15 minutes and think about your life as they relate to [courage, character and commitment] ... It will be eye-opening for you.’

christine altendorf, director sexual harassment/assault Response and prevention office, army G-1


News

Story and photo by Sgt. Amy Christopherson704th Military Intelligence BrigadePublic Affairs

After spending several Thursday morn-ings conducting training in first aid skills, Soldiers with Headquarters and Opera-tions Company, 741st Military Intelli-gence Battalion, 704th MI Brigade, put their skills to a test during a situational training exercise on March 14 at Fort Meade.

The company ruckmarched to the train-ing area on March 13 and spent the morn-ing training and reinforcing medical skills at stations that focused on one skill each.

After practicing evacuating a “casu-alty,” treating bleeding injuries and burn wounds, preventing and controlling shock, and restoring breathing, the company rucked back to its point and returned to the office for the rest of the day.

The next day, the Soldiers again rucked to the training area to begin the STX. Ser-vice members split into two groups for the first run through the exercise, applying the skills developed through previous training in realistic scenarios.

After both teams went through once, they combined for a final run-through.

They were instructed to move tactically as a team, react to contact when necessary

and apply first aid as needed. After apply-ing first aid, teams called in a nine-line medevac request and transported their casualties for evacuation, while continuing to react to “enemy” contact.

Capt. Ryan Marvin, the commander of HOC, said he was pleased with this culmi-nating event to this quarter’s training.

“The Soldiers had a chance to take the knowledge they gained yesterday and apply it in realistic scenarios,” he said. “And we mixed in tactical movement to contact techniques, which we don’t get to do very often.”

After completing the scenario, the com-pany gathered to discuss the event and brainstorm things the Soldiers found help-ful and things that could be improved.

Soldiers agreed it was a good opportu-nity to get out of their offices and spend time training as a team.

Sgt. Jason Brown, a signals collection analyst who participated in the training event, said it’s important to maintain skills that aren’t used very often.

“It was good training, very exciting,” Brown said. “It was nice to do something different, using real-life scenarios and brush up on our existing skills. We don’t do this stuff every day, so it’s important to keep the skills sharp.”

Soldiers test medical skills in realistic field scenarios

Members of the 704th Military Intelligence Brigade evacuate a “casualty” during a situational training exercise on March 14 at Fort Meade, applying skills developed through previous training in realistic scenarios. After applying first aid, teams called in a nine-line medevac request and transported their casualties for evacuation, while continuing to react to “enemy” contact.

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News

By Yosefi SeltzerAttorney, Legal Assistance Division

Unfortunately, divorce is commonplace for far too many military families. The first step for many is to legally separate.

Different states define “legal separation” differently.

Although some states allow spouses to continue residing in the same household or even to periodically continue a physical relationship with each other, Maryland is traditional. To be legally separated, the state requires both spouses to live under separate roofs and to cease all sexual intimacy with each other.

Grounds for divorce vary across the 50 states. Some states are referred to as “no-fault” divorce states, which means neither party has to prove grounds for divorce. (Adultery, cruelty of treatment or incarcera-tion are common grounds for divorce.)

One of the spouses merely has to assert there are unspecified “irreconcilable differ-ences.”

Once again, Maryland is more tradition-al. There are several grounds for divorce in Maryland: adultery; desertion for more than 12 months; cruelty of treatment toward the spouse or child; insanity and confinement in a facility for at least three years; imprison-ment for at least 12 months of a minimum three-year sentence; one-year separation; or excessively vicious conduct toward the spouse or child.

These must be proved through evidence

(eyewitness testimony, video or audio record-ings, or proper admission of documents or statements), which usually means the party pursuing such a divorce must hire an expe-rienced attorney to present the case.

Typically, even if one or more of these bases for absolute divorce is present, the parties choose to pursue a divorce under the grounds of one-year separation. This requires the parties to reside separate and apart (not under the same roof) for at least 12 months and not have a physical relation-ship with each other for the same amount of time.

Maryland courts are strict in the sense that if the couple lives apart for 11 months, but has a one-night fling, the 12-month separation clock will restart.

If you intend to pursue a voluntary separation divorce in Maryland, you must strictly abide by these provisions if you want your divorce to be finalized as soon as possible.

Couples in Maryland could separate for 12 months and ultimately secure a voluntary separation divorce without a written agree-ment. But it typically makes sense for them to execute a written separation agreement when they begin the separation term.

A separation agreement is a voluntary contract between the parties that divides up property (such as household goods, land or houses, and investments, savings and retire-ment plans) and debts, and determines who will be responsible for paying ongoing bills.

The agreement also can serve to spell out spousal support and child custody, visita-tion rights and support obligations. It also helps lay the foundation for the final divorce because the parties usually will resolve many of the points of contention between them.

If the couple have children together, it is particularly beneficial to have a separation agreement to spell out visitation rights, cus-tody and support obligations. Otherwise, the parties may end up battling over who gets the kids on Christmas Eve or which parent must pay for the child’s braces.

The separation agreement will govern the separation period. So if one of the par-ties violates its terms, the other can seek recourse from a judge.

Because the agreement will establish in which state the divorce will be ultimately filed, it must be drafted to comply with that state’s laws. An agreement that conflicts with the state’s laws can be rejected by the judge.

As a result, do-it-yourself or fill-in-the-blank separation agreements create a mul-titude of legal problems. Therefore, it is advisable to consult an attorney experienced in the state’s laws before signing a separation agreement.

To schedule an appointment with an attorney at the Fort Meade Legal Assistance Office, call 301-677-9504 or 301-677-9536.

Editor’s note: A second article on separa-tion agreements will address child support and custody matters, division of property and jurisdictional matters.

Military separation and divorce in Maryland

April 20 - Postwide Ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service – 7 a.m., Chapel Center

Protestant ServicesApril 13 – Palm Sunday Episcopal Service – 8:30 a.m., Post Chapel

April 13 – Palm Sunday Traditional Protestant Service – 10:30 a.m., Post ChapelApril 13 – Palm Sunday Contemporary Protestant Service – 10:30 a.m., Cavalry Chapel

April 13 – Palm Sunday Gospel Protestant Service – 11 a.m., Chapel Center

April 16 – Living Last Supper (hosted by Gospel Congregation) – 7 p.m., Chapel CenterApril 18 – Tenebrae Service of Shadows – 2 p.m., Post Chapel

April 20 – Easter Sunday Episcopal Service – 8:30 a.m., Post ChapelApril 20 – Easter Sunday Traditional Protestant Service – 10:30 a.m., Post ChapelApril 20 – Easter Sunday Contemporary Protestant – 10:30 a.m., Cavalry Chapel

April 20 – Easter Sunday Gospel Protestant Service – 11 a.m., Chapel CenterCatholic Services

March 28, April 4 & 11 – Stations of the Cross & Lenten Supper – 6:30 p.m., Chapel CenterApril 13 – Palm Sunday Masses – *Regular Sunday Mass Schedule

April 17 – Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper – 7 p.m., Chapel CenterApril 18 – Good Friday Stations of the Cross – noon, Chapel Center

April 18 – Good Friday Celebration of the Lord’s Passion – 7 p.m., Chapel CenterApril 19 – Holy Saturday Easter Vigil – 8 p.m., Chapel Center

April 20 – Easter Sunday Masses – *Regular Sunday Mass Schedule *Regular Catholic Weekend Mass Schedule: Saturday: 5 p.m. Cavalry Chapel; Sunday: 9

a.m. Chapel Center; 12:15 p.m. Post Chapel. There will be no 5 p.m. Mass at Cavalry Chapel on Holy Saturday, April 19. Regularly scheduled noon Mass will be held at the Post Chapel, except April 17 and 18.

Spring religiouS ServiceS on Fort Meade

March 11, Driving while impaired by alcohol; driving while under the influence of alcohol; attempt by driver to elude uniformed police by fleeing on foot; failure to return and remain at the scene of accident involving attended vehicle damage; resisting or interfering with arrest; malicious destruction of property: Inves-tigation revealed that Vehicle 1 struck Vehicle 2. Vehicle 1 then struck Vehicle 3 and left the roadway going through the fence line. The driver of Vehicle 1 then fled the scene on foot onto Fort Meade/National Security Agency property. NSA police conducted a search of the area and found Driver 1, who was uncooperative. They could detect a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath. The driver was transported to the Directorate of Emergency Services, where he agreed to submit a breath sample, with a result of .22 percent blood alcohol content.

CommunityCommunityCrime Watch

Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services

For week of March 17-23:• Moving violations: 38• Nonmoving violations: 2• Verbal warnings for traffic stops: 29• Traffic accidents: 11• Driving on suspended license: 3• Driving on suspended registration: 0• Driving without a license: 0

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! March 27, 2014

News

The formation will run the desig-nated route as one group.

For more information, call Linda Winkels at 301-677-4719 or email [email protected] ,or call Carol DeBarto at 301-677-5229 or email [email protected].

• April 11: “Breaking the Silence” at 1:30 p.m. at McGill Training Center ballroom, 8452 Zimborski Ave.

The guest speaker is Monika Korra, who was kidnapped and raped in 2009.

The presentation is open all service branches.

While attending Southern Methodist University in Texas on a track scholar-ship, Korra — a Norwegian student — was abducted and brutally sexually assaulted as she walked back to her dormitory with a friend.

Korra will share her story and the steps that she took toward healing. She talks candidly about what she’s been through and how she recovered.

Korra found her way back to a nor-mal life, and she hopes to inspire oth-ers that may have faced challenges in their lives. While the crimes committed against her were horrific, Korra’s talks confront these issues head-on in a way that uplifts and inspires her audience.

• April 23: Denim DayArmy civilian personnel are autho-

rized to wear appropriate jeans to work to promote discussion of the misconceptions that surround sexual violence.

For more information, call Sta-cey Hale, installation sexual assault response coordinator, at 443-845-0876 or email [email protected].

Each April, the DoD and other organizations across the country com-memorate Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The Army, Navy and Air Force sex-ual assault response coordinators, or SARCs, and Army partner command Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) personnel at Fort Meade have joined together to plan various events.

Events include:• Changemaker’s Breakfast/Victim

Advocate Recognition: Monday, 9-10:30 a.m. at Potomac Place Neigh-borhood Center

Victim advocates representing all branches of military service and com-munity leaders are invited for break-fast.

• “Got Your Back”: Tuesday through April 17

This program applies information learned about perpetrators’ motives and behaviors in order to devise suc-cessful bystander-intervention strate-gies, and decrease community tolerance for sexual violence.

This even is open to all service branches.

• Tuesday to April 3: 9 and 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. at McGill Training Center

• April 9-10: 9 and 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. at National Security Agency, Friedman Auditorium

• April 14-15: 9 and 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. at McGill Training Center

• April 16: 9 and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at NSA, Friedman Auditorium

• April 17: 9 and 11 a.m. at NSA, HQ9A135 conference room

• April 17: 1 p.m. at NSA, Friedman Auditorium

Other events• Joint Service Sexual Assault Aware-

ness Day of Action Community Run: April 4 from 6:30-8 a.m. at McGlachlin Parade Field.

Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Thom-as J. Latter will meet with all senior enlisted advisors before 6:20 a.m. at the gazebo area.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month schedule of events

Connect with Fort Meade at Facebook.com/ftmeade

FORT MEADE ARMY EDUCATION CENTER: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. FridayAdvising hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday or call 410-672-2117Claudia Velazquez, Coordinator of College Services www.aacc.edu

Visit our office at the Fort Meade Army Education Center to learn about AACC’s many education programs for active duty, veterans and dependents:

• How transfer options allow you to complete a four-year degree

• Career advising and workforce training for continued career development

• Interest-free tuition payment plans and other payment options

• Online, weekend and evening classes for flexible scheduling

• Opportunities for spouses and dependents, including the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account program that provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance to eligible military spouses

• Early College Access Program classes for high school students

• AACC Military and Veteran Resource Center

• Classes at Fort Meade High School, AACC at Arundel Mills, Center for Cyber and Professional Training, Glen Burnie Town Center, AACC’s Arnold campus and many other locations in the county

For a challenging education that directly applies to the real world, look no further than Anne Arundel Community College.

FREE ADVICE.Just one of the ways we’re “military friendly”


Cover Story

photos by nate pesce

The USA Warriors huddle before the start of the second period of Friday’s game at Laurel. The USA Warriors provide camaraderie and an outlet for players to talk about their hardships with people who have undergone similar situations.

RIGHT: Staff Sgt. Andrew Young shoots during USA Warriors’ hockey game. The team includes experienced and new players, with volunteer coaches training the team at weekly practices.

active-duty service members with VA-rated disabilities and aims to use the sport of hockey as a rehabilitation tool.

Players compete on a standing team or a sled team, in which players sit in individual sleds and propel themselves with sticks in both hands.

The team practices once a week in Rockville and competes nationwide in tournaments and charity games.

The program was established in 2007 by an Army staff sergeant recovering from a 20-foot fall from a helicopter that broke his neck and lower back, and shattered his ankle.

To get back onto the ice, he picked up sled hockey and the USA Warriors pro-gram was born with the motto: “None tougher.”

What initially started as sled clinics transformed into something even rarer — a standing team for service members battling injuries including double leg amputations.

Joe Bowser was among the first Sol-

diers recovering from an amputated leg to compete upright.

While serving in Iraq a decade ago, Bowser was struck by a rocket that severe-ly injured his right leg from the knee down. But as a lifelong hockey player from Ohio, he wasn’t going to let the injury end his time on the ice.

By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

From the rinks of Rochester, N.Y., to the rare frozen surfaces in Saudi Ara-bia and Kuwait, Mark Stoessel played hockey for the majority of his life.

But when the injuries of his 17-year Army career began to mount, the for-mer college hockey player’s future on the ice was in doubt.

That was until 2010 when Stoessel, the director of Fort Meade’s Soldier and Family Assistance Center, found a new home on the ice with other service mem-bers battling to overcome both physical and invisible wounds from their time in the military.

“You get out there on the ice and you don’t even think about how bad your knees are going to hurt tomorrow, or how much it hurts,” Stoessel said. “You’re just thinking about playing the greatest game in the world.”

Known as the USA Warriors, the team is comprised of area retired and

Wounded warriors take to the ice to heal

‘We’re still a combat team. Our mission is just a whole lot different. Instead of fighting bad guys, now we put the little black disk in the net.’

Joe bowser Usa Warriors player

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil March 27, 2014 SOUNDOFF! 13

“I basically cut my leg off so that I could play hockey,” he said. “The way it was, there was no way I’d be able to — and that’s if they could even salvage it. I just told them to go ahead and take it. I wanted to play hockey.”

The transition to skating with a pros-thetic leg was a challenge for Bowser. When ice skating, players depend on the ankle to make routine movements such as stopping and turning. Without an ankle, Bowser had to learn to make adjustments with his knee instead.

“It was a whole learning experience,” said Bowser, who is now serving as a staff assistant for the secretary of the Army for issues regarding wounded Soldiers.

Bowser has been playing with the USA Warriors on-and-off for several years and has seen a handful of wounded service members come and go — usually better off than when they arrived. The team, he said, provides camaraderie and an outlet for players to talk about their hardships with people who experienced similar situ-ations.

“For us, it’s not just a good way of getting out there to play, but it’s also a bit of therapy,” Bowser said. “It’s a great healing device.”

Stoessel, who deals with wounded ser-vice members on a daily basis at the SFAC, said the program is an “awesome” way for injured military members to over-come their challenges.

“It just does so much for them,” he said. “It’s a great group of guys.”

While the team includes several expe-rienced hockey players learning to adapt their game to their abilities, the USA Warriors also provides a training ground for new players as volunteer coaches help train the teams during their weekly prac-tices.

Among those introduced to the sport through the team are Fort Meade’s Sgt. Justin Fallon and Staff Sgt. Andrew Young.

A year ago, the two Soldiers who are members of the installation’s Warrior Transition Unit, had never played orga-nized hockey.

“I’ve always wanted to play,” said Fal-lon, who is recovering from a traumatic brain injury and back injuries. “I never ice skated and I wanted to. So I saw the opportunity and took it.”

Young, who grew up in New York, had played hockey in his driveway as a child, but never competed on an ice hockey team. After suffering two traumatic brain injuries in 2006 and 2008, the idea of play-ing ice hockey seemed far-fetched. Young has now been playing with the USA War-riors for nearly a year.

“It’s amazing, it’s the best feeling ever,” he said. “It’s the best therapy. It encom-passes everything. It’s meeting your social needs and your physical needs.”

Although Fallon said he will never fully recover from his wounds, the team and the challenges presented by playing ice hockey have helped him on his journey.

“A lot of guys, when they get out, they’re used to being part of a team, part of a unit,” he said. “This is a good way to do that and work together with like-minded people who have been through what you’ve been through. And you can turn around and help people who are starting to go through what you’ve already been through. It’s good.”

For Young, the team provides a sense of unity that service members miss when they separate from the military.

“It gives you something that was some-what taken away from you when you leave the military — that sense of brotherhood,” he said. “This gives it back.”

Mark Adams, a Vietnam-era veteran who plays with the team, agreed.

“Not only do you have the great oppor-tunity to play the game, you’re almost in the same environment you were in the mil-itary — you’re always depending on each other, fast and furious action,” Adams said. “You have to handle your part of the game, so no matter how bad you feel, your teammates are depending on you.”

Although the jerseys are far different than the ones the players wore when they served, team members still see themselves as a military unit — just of a different breed.

“We’re still a combat team,” Bowser said. “Our mission is just a whole lot different. Instead of fighting bad guys, now we just put the little black disk in the net.”

Editor’s note: For more information about the USA Warriors, visit USAWar-riorsHockey.org.

Staff Sgt. Andrew Young (standing) of the Fort Meade Warrior Transition Unit talks with his teammates between shifts in a hockey game last week in Laurel. Young, who is recovering from two traumatic brain injuries, joined the USA Warriors nearly a year ago.


SportS

Story and photo by Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

For the second consecutive week, the National Capital Region Marines got the best of the Patriots after Fort Meade fell to a 20-point deficit in the first half.

Despite a comeback attempt that brought the Patriots within 6 points of the lead, Fort Meade was unable to over-come the large deficit and closed out the regular season with an 83-73 loss to the Marines (10-4) on Sunday.

The defeat locks Fort Meade in as the fourth seed in this weekend’s champion-ship tournament with an 8-6 record.

“It always hurts to lose a game,” said Mike McKenzie, who scored 12 points for the Patriots.

Sunday’s loss comes a week after the Marines defeated the Patriots 80-75 in overtime. Much like the previous meeting, the Marines took an early 15-8 lead Sun-day as the Patriots struggled to rebound.

The Marines continued to control the game through the half en route to a 46-26 halftime lead. All of the Patriots were held to single-digit scoring in the first half as Deion McClenton led the team with 7.

At the start of the second half, Fort Meade’s defense slowed down the Marines’ attack and the offense began to pull the Patriots back into the game. By the midway point in the half, the Patriots were within 10 points.

Fort Meade continued to cut into the lead and come within 5 points of tying the game with little more than a minute left as the Marines led 77-72. However, missed free throws late in the half allowed the Marines to secure the 83-73 win.

“We missed 19 free throws and gave up so many offensive rebounds, we quit counting,” said head coach Ronny Cun-ningham. “That’s the game right there.”

McClenton led the Patriots with 17 points, while Wallace Ruffin scored 16 in the loss.

Cunningham said the struggles come from a lack of urgency early in the games.

“We just can’t put 40 hard minutes together,” he said.

With the loss, the Patriots are set to play Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (7-7) in the opening round of the Wash-ington Area Military Athletic Conference this weekend. The teams split their regu-lar season meetings with the home team winning both times.

McKenzie said the team will be ready for the tournament but need to focus on defense and playing as a team if they want to make a deep run.

Cunningham agreed, saying the post-season is all about a team’s mindset.

“Now everybody is 0-0; this is like a new season,” he said. “It doesn’t matter about your seeding, everybody still has to go play.”

Patriots close season with loss

Patriots’ Deion McClenton shoots during Sunday’s home game against the National Capital Region Marines. The 83-73 loss locked the Patriots at the No. 4 seed for the Washington Area Military Athletic Conference championship tournament this weekend.

Sports ShortsRunning clinic

Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center Physical Therapy, the Community Health Promotion Council, and the Army Wellness Center will host a running clinic on April 4 from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at the Army Wellness Center, 4418 Llewellyn Ave.

The free program is open to active-duty service members, retirees, family members and DoD civilians of all running levels.

The clinic will include a health care screening, skills and drills to improve running techniques, and demonstrations.

Space is limited. Registration is required.For more information or to register, call 301-677-2006.

Old Joe Golf TournamentThe Fort Meade Officers’ Spouses’ Club’s ninth annual Old Joe Golf

Tournament will be held May 2 at Patuxent Greens Golf Club in Laurel.Registration is open to the first 25 teams to register (four players per team).Registration and payment are both due by April 18.Cost is $80 per player and includes greens fees and cart, breakfast, barbecue

lunch, goodie bags, bounce-back card, and unlimited beer, water and sports drinks.

Prizes will be awarded for first-, second- and third-place teams as well as a putting contest, longest drive, straightest drive and closest to the pin.

For more information email Paige Hansen at [email protected].

Spring sportsRegistration for spring sports is underway at Parent Central Services, 1900

Reece Road.Spring sports include soccer, swimming, baseball, track, flag football and

basketball.Participants can register at the CYSS Central Registration Office at 1900

Reece Road or online at https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/meadecyms.html.For more information, call 301-677-1149 or 1156.

Flag FootballChild, Youth and School Services’ Youth Sports is now offering NFL Flag

Football through USA Football for ages 6 to 13.Cost is $55 per player and includes an NFL-branded jersey, flag football

belt, game shorts and participation trophy.Two practices and one game will be held each week at the Fort Meade

Youth Sports Complex.Games will played Friday evenings.Flag football will be played as a spring and fall sport.For more information, call 301-677-1329 or 301-677-1179.

Coaches neededChild, Youth and School Services’ Youth Sports is looking for coaches for

flag football and soccer.For more information, call 301-677-1329 or 301-677-1179.

For more Fort Meade sports, visit quickscores.com/ftmeadesports.


SportS

Jibber Jabber will return next week.

As always, if you have any comments about Jibber Jabber or anything to do with the world of sports, e-mail [email protected]. or follow him on Twitter @ctjibber.

Jibber-Less

Meade Mustangs weekly roundup onlineFor this week’s Meade High Mustangs roundup featuring baseball and softball, go to ftmeadesoundoff.com/sports.

Fort Meade Public Affairs OfficeChad Jones, Fort Meade’s public affairs officer and the author of Jibber Jabber, is out

of the office today.That said, he didn’t want this week to go by without sharing some information

regarding the standings of contestants who are participating in the Meade TV, Fort Meade Public Affairs Office and Corvias Military Living 2014 NCAA Challenge.

There are 57 entries in this year’s competition. It’s pretty safe to say that this year’s tournament has lived up to its billing as March Madness, and the exciting matchups will continue this weekend with the Sweet 16 set for today and Friday.

After last weekend, we have 30-plus contestants who already have been mathemati-cally eliminated from the competition, leaving approximately 25 contestants with a shot at winning our contest.

The high score, thus far, belongs to Staff Sgt. Michael O’Rourke of Army Cyber Command. If Louisville wins the championship, he can’t be caught.

Two-time champion Raul Schuett from the garrison’s Plans, Analysis and Integra-tion Office is still very much in the running. Currently, he’s tied with five other con-testants in third place.

The good news is that Jibber columnist Chad Jones can still finish in the top three, if Michigan State wins it all. The bad news is that there are a couple of contestants with higher scores than Chad, and they also have Michigan State as their top choice.

To Chad’s credit, he correctly picked nine teams competing in the Sweet 16, and six teams that have a chance to be in the Elite Eight. Chad also has all four teams of his Final Four still alive.

There are still too many variables and different picks by contestants to see how this year’s competition is going to shake out.

Michigan State is by far the remaining favorite in our field. Also, all 57 entries picked Duke to win their first round game. (The 14th-seeded Mercer Bears pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the tournament last week by knocking off the third-seeded Duke Blue Devils, 78-71).

Only one of our top five selected Stanford to make it to the Sweet 16.The top-seeded team, Florida, was not a popular pick for the national champion-

ship. However, a Florida championship can vault Command Information Chief Phil Jones to the top spot. (No one ahead of him has the Gators picked to win it all.)

Good luck and enjoy this weekend’s games.

March Madness lives up to expectations

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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 [email protected] or call 301-677-5602.

Proclamation signing The Fort Meade community is invited

to attend the garrison commander’s proclamation signing for Child Abuse Prevention Month on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Soldier and Family Assistance Center, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave.

The event will feature entertainment and presentations by child abuse-prevention experts. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, call Army Community Service at 301-677-5590 or go to www.ftmeademwr.com.

Gold Star Wives TeaIn honor of Gold Star Wives Day,

Fort Meade’s Survivor Outreach Services Program will host a Gold Star Wives Tea on April 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Soldier Family Assistance Center Building, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave.

Gold Star Wives Day is designated to recognize the sacrifices of the wives and families of fallen service members who died on active duty or as a result of a service-connected cause.

Gold Star Wives of America Inc. provides service, support and friendship to the widows and widowers of fallen military personnel.

For more information, email Voncile C. Farmer at [email protected].

Tax Center updateThe Joint Installation Tax Center has

saved more than $387,800 in filing fees, generated more than $3 million in tax refunds, and has saved the average client more than $300 in tax preparation fees.

The deadline to file the federal 2013 tax return is April 15.

Active-duty personnel, military retirees and their dependents can schedule an appointment to have their taxes prepared at 301-677-9366.

CID recruitingInterested in becoming a CID agent?Monthly recruiting briefings are held

by the Criminal Investigation Division on the first Tuesday of every month at 1 p.m. at the Fort Meade CID Office, 855 Chisholm Ave.

The next recruiting briefing is Tuesday.For more information, call Sgt. 1st

Class Matthew Allen at 301-677-1687 or go to cid.army.mil.

Miss Fort Meade PageantThe first annual Miss Fort Meade Pag-

eant will be held June 7 at the Meade Middle School Auditorium, 1103 26th St.

Girls ages 4-21 are eligible to compete. Contestants must be a resident of Anne Arundel County.

The Miss Fort Meade pageant empha-sizes academic achievement and commu-nity involvement.

For more information, go to the pag-eant website at univeralsupremebeauty.com or email [email protected].

Family Fun FairFort Meade’s annual Family Fun Fair

will be held April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at McGill Training Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave.

The free event is open to the public.The event will feature performances

by SKIES classes; a youth skateboard park; pony rides, inflatable and challenge rides; informational health and Youth Services booths; arts and crafts stations; face painting; games; raffle drawings; giveaways; and prizes.

For more information, go to ftmeademwr.com.

Romp ‘n Stomp Fun FairThe annual Romp ‘n Stomp Fun Fair

will be held April 29 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Youth Center, 909 Ernie Pyle Road.

The event is being held in observance of Child Abuse Awareness Month and the Month of the Military Child.

For more information, call 301-677-5590 or email Colaina Townsend, victim advocate/parent support coordinator at Army Community Service, at [email protected].

Death noticeAnyone having claims against or

indebtedness to the estate of Senior Airman Christian Miltersen should contact 1st Lt. Dan Bond, Summary Court officer, at 240-373-6186.

Moms Support GroupA psychologist from the Behavioral

Psychology Department at Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore will facilitate a workshop focusing on home safety on April 24 from 9:30-11 a.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center, 4998 2nd Corps Blvd.

Children ages 4 and younger are welcome.

Registration is required at Army Community Service, 830 Chisholm Ave.

For more information, call Colaina Townsend or Michelle Pineda at 301-677-5590.

Resiliency seminarThe Fort Meade garrison will host

a two-day resiliency seminar for Army and joint service military and DoD civil-ian leaders (company level and higher) from May 12-13 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McGill Training Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave.

Approximately 70 slots are available.RSVP to Linda Winkels at linda.

[email protected] or call 301-677-4719. or Chris Thiel at [email protected] or call 301-677-4381.

For more information, visit http://csf2.army.mil/exec-course.html.

Free classesThe Navy Fleet and Family Support

Center offers a variety of classes at its new facility at 2212 Chisholm Ave.

The free classes are open 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.• Credit Management: Monday, 1-3 p.m.• Financial Counseling: Available every

MondayTo register or for more information, call

301-677-9017 or 301-677-9018.

OSC scholarship applications

The Fort Meade Officers’ Spouses’ Club has posted its 2014 scholarship applications on its website at www.fortmeadeosc.org/scholarships.

Applications must be postmarked by Tuesday.

College-bound, high school seniors and dependent children currently enrolled in college can apply for the merit scholarship.

High school seniors with an outstanding academic record also will be considered for the Etta Baker Memorial Scholarship.

A Military Spouse Scholarship is also available.

For more information, email the OSC scholarship chair at [email protected].

NEWS & EVENTS

EDUCATION


moviesCommunity news & notes

Grilling & ChillingGrilling & Chilling, for grades six to

eight, will be held Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the Youth Center.

The event will feature hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages.

Participants must register at the center.

For more information, call 301-677-1437.

Teen cookoutA teen cookout for grades nine to 12

will be held Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the teen center.

The cookout will feature hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages.


Breakfast with Easter Bunny

The annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny will be held April 12 from 9-11 a.m. at the Conference Center.

For more information, go to ftmeademwr.com.

StorytimeThe Children’s Library at Kuhn Hall

offers pre-kindergarten Storytime on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at the Children’s Library in Kuhn Hall, 4415 Llewellyn Ave.

• Today: “Reading Makes Us Happy” - Stories, songs and fingerplay about bunnies


Kids Craft ClubThe Kids Craft Club for toddlers and

preschoolers will meet April 15 and May 6 at 9:30 a.m. at the Arts and Crafts Center.

Fee is $5 per session. Cost includes a craft, snack and juice.

Space is limited. Registration is required.

To register or for more information, call 301-677-7809.

Romp ‘n StompRomp ‘n Stomp playgroup for children

age 5 and younger and their parents meets Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. from September to June at the Youth Center

gym at 909 Ernie Pyle St., and from June to August at the Boundless playground on Llewellyn Avenue.

For more information, call 301-677-5590 or email [email protected].

Out & About• America’s VetDogs will host the

Fourth Annual Annapolis 5K Run & Dog Walk on April 27 at 8 a.m. at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis.

The opening program begins at 8:45 a.m. The timed race begins at 9 a.m. The dog walk will follow at 9:05 a.m.

An awards ceremony will take place shortly after the race ends at approximately 10 a.m.

Proceeds benefit America’s VetDogs, a nonprofit that provides guide and service dogs, free of charge, to disabled veterans of all eras at no cost.

Retired Staff Sgt. Brian Pearce, who suffered a traumatic brain injury and vision loss while deployed in Iraq, and his America’s VetDogs guide dog Gunner will be the guests of honor.

Registration will be held through April 14. Cost is $35 for Naval Academy students and alumni, veterans, and active-duty service members, and $40 for civilians. All pre-registrants will receive a free pet first-aid kit and event T-shirt.

Walk-up registration at the event costs $45.

To “virtually participate,” supporters can register for $25, fundraise in their community and take on a 5K run or walk in their hometown. An event T-shirt will be provided. To register online, go to 5K.VetDogs.org.

For more information, contact community fundraising/events manager Jaime McGrade at 631-930-9054 or email [email protected].

To learn more about America’s VetDogs, go to www.VetDogs.org.

• The Bowie Baysox will open the season at home against the Harrisburg Senators on April 3 at 6:35 p.m. at Prince George’s Stadium.

Gates will open at 5 p.m. for a Happy Hour event featuring corn hole, free snacks and $2 Budweiser and Bud Light drafts until 6:30 p.m.

Chris Monaghan will perform in the picnic pavilion from 5-6 p.m. and will sing the National Anthem.

Kids Opening Night will be April 4 at 6:35 p.m. The game will feature ballpark experiences for children and a Scholastic

Book Giveaway to the first 250 youngsters ages 3-12.

Single game tickets are available online at baysox.com or by calling the box office at 301-464-4865.

• Retired Officers’ Wives’ Club will sponsor its next monthly luncheon on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Club Meade.

The event’s annual “Spring into Summer” fashion show features fashions from the Fort Meade Exchange modeled by ROWC models.

Cost of luncheon is $18. Reservations are required by today at noon. For reservations, call your area representative or Betty Wade at 410-551-7082.

For more information, call Genny Bellinger, ROWC president, at 410-674-2550.

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

The next prayer breakfast is April 3.There is no cost for the buffet; donations

are optional. All Fort Meade employees, family members, and civilian and military personnel are invited.

For more information, call Diana Durner at 301-677-6703 or email [email protected].

• 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 Annapo-lis Road, Odenton, in the banquet hall in back of the building. The next meeting is April 3. 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 April 3. For more informa-tion, visit namiaac.org.

• Families Dealing with Deployment meets the first and third Monday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Meuse Forest Neighborhood Center. Children welcome. The next meeting is April 7. For more infor-mation, call 301-677-5590 or email [email protected].

• Fort Meade TOP III Association meets the second Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m. at the Courses. The next meeting is April 9. The association is open to all Air Force active-duty and retired senior noncommis-sioned officers. For more information, call Master Sgt. Jonathan Jacob at 443-479-0616 or email [email protected].

YOUTH

RECREATIONMEETINGS

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 Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. (The Fort Meade Theater will no longer be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays.)

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

Today through April 6

Friday: “12 Years a Slave” (R). In the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. With Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong’o.

Saturday: “Robocop” (PG-13). In 2028 Detroit, when Alex Murphy - a loving husband, father and good cop - is critically injured in the line of duty, the multinational conglomerate OmniCorp sees their chance for a part-man, part-robot police officer. With Joel Kinnaman, Gary Old-man, Michael Keaton.

Sunday: “Pompeii” (PG-13). A slave-turned-gladiator finds himself in a race against time to save his true love, who has been betrothed to a corrupt Roman Senator. As Mount Vesuvius erupts, he must fight to save his beloved as Pom-peii crumbles around him. With Kit Harington, Emily Browning, Kiefer Sutherland.

April 4: “About Last Night” (R). Follow two couples as they journey from the bar to the bed-room and are eventually put to the test in the real world. With Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall, Joy Bryant.

April 5: “Non-Stop” (PG-13). An air marshal springs into action during a transatlantic flight after receiving a series of text messages that put his fellow passengers at risk unless the airline transfers $150 million into an off-shore account. With Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Scoot McNairy.

April 6: “3 Days To Kill” (PG-13). A dying CIA agent trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter is offered an experimental drug that could save his life in exchange for one last assign-ment. With Kevin Costner, Hailee Steinfeld, Connie Nielsen.

News & Politics

Fort Meade Soundoff March 27, 2014