Fort Meade SoundOff November 8 2012

army strongIMCOM seeks former Soldiers for civilian workforce

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UPComIng EVEntstoday, 3 P.m.: Veterans Day Observance - Fort Meade MuseumFrIday, 7 P.m.: “Laugh Out Loud” Comedy Show - Club MeadeWEdnEsday, 9 a.m.-2 P.m.: Veterans Job Fair - Club MeadeWEdnEsday-noV. 16, 7-9 P.m.: Harvest Fest Revival - Argonne Hills Chapel CenternoV. 15, 11:30 a.m.-1 P.m.: Native American Heritage Observance - McGill

WatCH d.o.g.s.Pershing Hill hosts dads, kids pizza party to address youth needs

page 8

Soundoff!́vol. 64 no. 45 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community november 8, 2012

In honor of those who

servedVeterans Day, which annually falls on Nov. 11, honors and thanks military personnel who served the United States. The observance is marked by parades, religious services and appropriate ceremonies across the country. Today, Fort Meade will host the post’s observance at 3 p.m. at the Fort Meade Museum. See pages 14 and 15 for articles about other post events celebrating Veterans Day.Photo by noah Scialom

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! November 8, 2012

The election is over, and Veterans Day is upon us.Both of these events are extremely important to

us as Americans and as enlisted service members because it is our responsibility to select our com-mander in chief and to recognize those individuals who have served this nation before us, and with us, in the profession of arms to keep our nation free.

As the senior enlisted advisor to the garrison commander, I have the privilege and responsibility to share the things I see from my foxhole that are important to Team Meade’s enlisted service-member community.

This monthly column is one way I hope to do that.

In my first column I will talk about two things that I believe are the foundations for the professional volunteer military forces we have today: standards and discipline.

Standards are formal, detailed instructions: describable, measureable and achievable.

Leaders must know, communicate and enforce high but achievable standards. The standards of indi-viduals who have selected the profession of arms are more rigid and extensive in order to meet the mission to defend the nation and represent the United States as its ambassadors to the world.

These standards, whether established by regula-tions, doctrine or local Standard Operating Proce-dures, become the accepted norms for the profes-sional. Adherence to the standards, the strive to exceed them, and the discipline to execute your duties in a professional manner is what gains you the trust of your subordinates, peers, seniors and the American public we serve.

Professional standards build credibility.The standard bearers for any U.S. military orga-

nization are its noncommissioned officers who con-stantly set the example and enforce the standards.

In superior organizations, meeting the standard is expected. Exceeding the standard becomes the norm. Coaching, mentoring and counseling subor-dinates and peers are key elements in continuing to reinforce the standards and instill discipline in our professionals.

Holding individuals to the standard is not always easy for enlisted leaders. But habitually enforcing the

standards creates a disciplined force that will pay off in critical situa-tions.

Discipline is doing what is right. Self-dis-cipline is at the core of discipline. However, for ser-vice members, it must grow beyond that to become a mind-set: a professional value to ethically and morally execute their duties.

Discipline as an individual can then be molded into discipline as a unit, as a force, to achieve any mission above the standard.

One of the best ways for everyone to uphold the standards and demonstrate they are a disciplined ser-vice member is to make on-the-spot corrections.

Whether you identify an issue with someone’s uniform, see an unsafe act or find a piece of litter on the ground, everyone should be trying to uphold the standards and make a correction to improve our performance as a team.

Point out to the individual what is wrong with their uniform. If they outrank you, do so in a respectful, disciplined manner. Put safety in the forefront by stopping any unsafe act immediately. And pick up that piece of trash even though you saw three other people walk by it.

Every time someone lacks the discipline to make an on-the-spot correction, he or she unknowingly sets a new standard for those that observe them, a lower standard.

Again, it is my privilege to serve as your garrison command sergeant major, and I ask you to please keep these words in mind as we celebrate this Veterans Day weekend.

More importantly, continue to enforce the stan-dards that have set this nation’s service members apart and demonstrate the discipline that has gained you our nation’s trust.

Team Meade!

Standards and disciplineCommander’s Column

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

TroubleTicket............... 4 Movies.................................22

Community................. 20 Classified.............................23

Editorial StaffGarrison Commander Col. Edward C. rothsteinGarrison 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 Patuxent Publishing Co.

advErtiSinGGeneral inquiries 410-332-6300

allison thompson 410-332-6850 [email protected]

Michele Griesbauer 410-332-6381 [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 Patuxent Publishing Co., a subsidiary of 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: 301-677-1361; DSN: 622-1361.

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 Patuxent Publishing Co., 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.

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Command sgt. maj. thomas j. latter garrison Command

Commander’s Open DoorGarrisonCommanderCol.EdwardC.Rothsteinhasanopendoorpolicy.Allservicemembers,retirees,governmentemployees,familymembersandcom-

munitymembersage18orolderare invited toaddress issuesorconcerns to thecommanderdirectlybyvisitingRothstein’sofficeonMondays from4 to6p.m.atgarrisonheadquarters inHodgesHall,Bldg.4551,LlewellynAvenue. (Thisweek itwillbeTuesdayduetoVeteransDay.)

Visitors are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is neces-sary.

Formoreinformation,call301-677-4844.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil November 8, 2012 SOUNDOFF! �

News

By Bill BradnerInstallation Management Command

Army civilians serve alongside Soldiers every day, in every theater.

From state-side garrisons to forward operating bases in Afghanistan, Army civilians write contracts, deliver goods, manage networks, operate ranges, manage business operations and provide support functions that would otherwise present distractions to training and wartime opera-tions.

There are vacant civilian positions throughout the U.S. Army Installation Management Command that need to be filled so IMCOM can provide world-class customer service and deliver programs and services to Soldiers, civilians and families.

Throughout the command, about 40 percent of civilian employees have served in uniform.

For Soldiers considering taking off their uniform, continuing their career with the Army as a civilian is a logical transition choice, said Col. Francis Burns of the office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management at headquarters, Department of the Army.

Federal service may be an ideal oppor-tunity for wounded warriors and disabled veterans through a process called “Sched-ule A” appointment authority.

Using Schedule A, qualified candidates with disabilities can be hired noncom-petitively. This speeds up the recruitment process, helping wounded warriors gain employment while filling critical vacancies

quickly.Schedule A benefits both the employer

and potential employee by assisting those with disabilities to gain federal employ-ment and by shortening the hiring process, which averages 102 days using traditional methods.

For example, IMCOM headquarters placed six interns in less than 45 days using the Schedule A appointment authority and the Wounded Warrior database.

“Schedule A cuts through a lot of the red tape,” said Rufus B. Caruthers, the IMCOM Equal Employment Opportu-nity director. “The hiring action can take as little as two weeks. It can happen just that fast.”

Many opportunities are available for Soldiers transitioning out of the Army, regardless of their status, to continue their service by joining the IMCOM team.

Many of the benefits are obvious: paid job-related training and education, com-prehensive benefits packages and leave-accruement rates based on time-in-service. In addition to opportunities in the U.S., civilians serve around the world in loca-tions such as Japan, Korea, Europe and Puerto Rico.

There are also many not-so-obvious benefits. The sense of camaraderie and teamwork is strong in the civilian work-force, and is cultivated just as carefully as it is among active-duty Soldiers.

Another similarity to serving on active duty is the emphasis Army civilians place on values.

“There’s not much difference in how you feel about your job and how you conduct business in and out of uniform,” said retired Sgt. Maj. Willie Wilson, who works for IMCOM and runs the Army’s World Class Athlete Program. “And in most Army civilian positions, you’re still taking care of Soldiers and their families. I’m glad that’s still part of my job description.”

Training and leader development are also as pervasive in the civilian workforce as they are in uniform. The Civilian Edu-cation System, modeled after the Army Non-commissioned Officer Education System, provides a full spectrum of con-tinuing education and career development courses.

Civilians are first exposed to the training at in-processing to their first duty station, and have access to schools and virtual classes to help them progress from entry level to senior executive service.

IMCOM leads the way in workforce development initiatives that include yearly opportunities for developmental assign-ments, structured mentoring programs, and an academy dedicated to instruction of installation management professionals.

IMCOM also has developed the IMCOM Enterprise Placement Program to help ensure the command can keep employees in the organization once hired. IEPP matches job vacancies at Army installations around the world with quali-fied IMCOM employees already serving in another capacity.

The voluntary referral and placement

IMCOM seeks to hire, retain former Soldiers in Army civilian workforce

PHOTO COURTESY OF INSTALLATION MANAGEMENT COMMAND

Lori Mann (right) an Army Career and Alumni Program counselor offers career guidance to a Soldier at the ACAP center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. More than 2,000 civilian positions are available worldwide throughout the U.S. Army Installation Management Command.

program is designed to give employees affected by structure and resourcing changes the opportunity to relocate and find the best fit to continue serving the Army family.

“We owe it to our dedicated civilians and to the Soldiers we support to do everything we can to keep a highly moti-vated, highly qualified workforce in place to maintain our infrastructure and sustain our Army,” said Lt. Gen. Michael Ferriter, IMCOM commanding general.

Ferriter said more than 2,000 posi-tions are available worldwide throughout IMCOM.

To learn more about the IEPP or civil-ian job opportunities within the Installation Management Command, visit the IMCOM homepage at imcom.army.mil.

Basic information about Schedule ASchedule A: The basics for those with disabilities

1. Wounded warriors or disabled persons seeking a position in the federal government should register with one or more of the following agencies:

• The Employer Assistance and Recruiting Network, http://earnworks.com, is a free service that connects employers with active-duty, veteran and civilian disabled job candidates.

• The Workforce Recruitment Program, http://wrp.gov, is a recruitment and referral program that recently graduated students with disabilities through both sum-mer and permanent jobs.

• Veterans and wounded warriors should contact the

Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment & Train-ing Service at dol.gov/vets/welcome; the Hire Hero’s pro-gram at hireheroesusa.org; and the Wounded Warriors project at woundedwarriorproject.org.

• Other resources include the Office of Personnel Management’s disability site at opm.gov/disability and the federal government’s one-stop website for people with disabilities, their families, employers, veterans and service members: disabilityinfo.gov.

2. Once registered, the selective placement coordina-tor or disability program manager at the agency taking advantage of the Schedule A hiring authority will search the databases above, as well as counterparts at other agencies, and provide a list of qualified disabled candi-dates to the hiring authority.

Schedule A: The basics for employers1. Hiring managers should coordinate with their

agency’s selective placement coordinator or disability program manager, usually found in the garrison’s EEO offices, and describe the competencies required for the position.

2. The SPC/DPM will consult with numerous resourc-es, including local colleges and universities, the Wounded Warrior program, EARN and the Department of Labor’s Workforce Recruiting Program and develop a list of eli-gible candidates. No job announcement is required.

3. The hiring official reviews the list, conducts inter-views and makes a selection. Hiring officials also have the option of not selecting from the list and using the traditional hiring process.

4. Once a selection decision is made, the agency’s human resources office makes an offer to the candi-date.

For more information, visit your local EEO or Wounded Warrior office, or go online to disabilityinfo.gov.


The following roads are scheduled for restriping and repaving:

• Wilson Street, Monday• Rock Avenue, Nov. 12• 85th Medical Battalion Avenue and

4th Street, Nov. 19• 5th Street, today and Nov. 19• Cooper Avenue, Friday and Nov. 19• Building 2468 parking lot, Llewellyn

Avenue, today and Nov. 19

Please allow extra time and exercise caution while driving in these areas.

News

Nov. 2, Damage to government property: Person(s) unknown byunknown means broke a window out of a storage shed next to the

Rock Avenue Outdoor Pool rest-room, entered the shed, painted graffiti and symbols on the walls, and rearranged the ceiling tiles.

Construction ZoneOngoing construction and renovations

on Fort Meade

CommunityCommunityCrime Watch

Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services

tug of war XV

Coach Phil Stellar of Annapolis encourages Soldiers from Fort Meade during “Tug of War XV” on Saturday in Annapolis. The annual event, which is billed

as the longest tug-of-war over water in the world, featured 14 teams battling through seven rounds for bragging rights for

neighborhood residents of Eastport and Annapolis.

The “tug” featured a 1,700-foot rope stretched from Second Street and Severn Avenue

across Spa Creek to Susan B. Campbell Park on the Annapo-

lis City Dock. The event was originated by the Maritime

Republic of Eastport in 1998 when residents of Eastport felt excluded from Annapolis when the Compromise Street Bridge

was closed for repair.

Photo by Sgt. Walter reeveS

On the lookout for theftthe Directorate of emergency Services is actively working to keep

neighborhoods safe.Families residing on post should remember to ensure that windows

and doors to homes, cars and garages are locked at all times, regard-less of time of day.

although the crime rate in military housing is lower than off post, it is important to remember that Fort Meade is not immune to crime. to protect your family and belongings, remember to take an active role in deterring crime.

remain aware of your surroundings and immediately report any suspi-cious activity to the Fort Meade Police at 301-677-6622 or 6623.


News

Story and photo by Tina MilesPublic Affairs Office780th MI Brigade

Twenty-nine Soldiers in the 781st Military Intelligence Battalion, 780th Military Intelligence Brigade, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Com-mand raised their hands and recited the Army Oath of Re-enlistment during a formal ceremony held Oct. 26 at the Pentagon.

The ceremony was led by Lt. Gen. Rhett A. Hernandez, commanding gen-eral, Army Cyber Command.

While all re-enlistment ceremonies are unique and impactful to the person-nel involved and the families and units supporting them, this re-enlistment was noteworthy for the ranks of the Army Cyber community.

Two years after the activation of ARCYBER in October 2012, and one year after the activation of the 780th MI Brigade, the Army established its first cyber specific military occupational specialty — the Cryptologic Network Warfare Specialist.

Twenty of the re-enlistees were CNWS, committed to continue serving the cyber community.

Lt. Gen. Mary A. Legere, the Army’s deputy chief of staff for intelligence, said in a speech on Oct. 23 to the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual conference in Washington, D.C., that it takes about five years of training to become one of the Army’s best cyber operators. CNWS Soldiers must pos-sess a unique combination of technical computer knowledge, operational capa-bilities and analytical skills.

“Growing the Army’s Computer Network Operations expertise remains an Army priority,” Legere wrote in a November 2011 memo as the INSCOM commanding general last year.

Hernandez also addressed the signifi-cance of the new MOS as he reflected on the activation of the Army Cyber Command.

“Two years ago I wrote a simple vision,” he said. “When I wrote the words ‘cyber warrior,’ I had you in mind — a professional team of elite, precise, trusted and disciplined cyber warriors.”

In addition, 22 of the 29 Soldiers re-enlisted for the first time. The 29 Soldiers, who range in age from 20 to 40, consisted of 23 males and six females, and 14 noncommissioned officers. The diverse group was made up of many

Army builds team of elite cyber professionals

Twenty-nine members of the 781st Military Intelligence Battalion, 780th Military Intelligence Brigade, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command recite the Army Oath of Re-enlistment during a formal ceremony led by Lt. Gen. Rhett A. Hernandez, commanding general, U.S. Army Cyber Command, at the Pentagon on Oct. 26. Twenty-two of the 29 Soldiers re-enlisted for the first time.

cultural backgrounds including Asian and Hispanic.

Combined, they total 163 years already served and 164 more as a result of the re-enlistment.

Family members from as far as Penn-sylvania and Texas attended the ceremo-ny. Two married couples were among the re-enlistees.

While lauding the importance of these new Army “cyber warriors,” Hernandez cautioned those in attendance as to why the country needs them in the first place: adversarial threats attacking and

infiltrating the networks are real and continue to grow.

“These Soldiers are on the frontline daily,” Hernandez said. “People, not technology, out-think and out-maneu-ver those threats.”

Col. Jennifer Buckner, commander, 780th MI Brigade, expressed pride for all Soldiers who rededicated their lives to the Army.

“While it is extremely exciting that so many of the Soldiers re-enlisted as Cryptologic Network Warfare special-ists, it must also be noted that the nine

Soldiers who re-enlisted in other [mili-tary occupational specialties] are also of great value and support to the 780th MI Brigade. They are all cyber warriors.”

As Soldiers pledged to continue to serve, standing before the monument to national defense, CNWS Soldiers sig-nify the Army’s commitment to defend against threats into the future.

“I could think of no better place for this ceremony — the Pentagon,” Her-nandez said. “You are our best. ... You are our nation’s strength, today and our future.”


News

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

One of the things Marine Gunnery Sgt. Jamir Burton missed most during his six-month deployment to Afghani-stan was being involved with the educa-tion of his two school-age children

So after his recent return home, Bur-ton was one of more than 90 men to participate in a kick-off for the WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) program held Oct. 23 at Pershing Hill Elementary School.

WATCH D.O.G.S. is a father involve-ment initiative of the National Center for Fathering, a nonprofit educational organization based in Kansas City, Mo., that provides research-based training and resources so that men are equipped to address their children’s needs.

The organization’s goal is to reverse the cultural trend toward fatherlessness by helping every dad learn how to be a father. WATCH D.O.G.S. organizes

fathers and father figures to volunteer in local schools to provide positive male role models for students and to enhance school security.

Pershing Hill hosted a Dads/Kids Pizza event in the school’s cafeteria to encourage fathers and father figures to join the initiative and pledge to volun-teer at least one day during the school year.

Pershing Hill Principal Tasheka Green said the school adopted the pro-gram because it benefits students and encourages parental involvement.

“The positive partnership between home and school increases student achievement both academically and socially,” Green said.

According to the National Center for Fathering, 72 percent of Americans consider fatherlessness to be the most significant family or social problem fac-ing the nation.

A 1997 study conducted by the

Pershing Hill hosts WATCH D.O.G.S. father initiative

photos by noah scialom

Mackenzie Maki, 6, eats pizza with her father Navy Collection Cryptologic Technician 1st Class Matthew Maki at the WATCH D.O.G.S. Dad/Kids Pizza event at Pershing Hill Elementary School on Oct. 23.

National Center for Education Statistics found that when fathers are involved in their children’s education, children are more likely to get good grades, enjoy school and participate in extracurricu-lar activities.

Sgt. 1st Class Algrish C. Williams, an administrative supervisor with the Defense Programs Support Activity, is the WATCH D.O.G.S. coordinator. He organized the Dads/Kids Pizza event, which included a short film about the program’s objectives. Participants then signed up to volunteer at the school.

“The men in attendance were very impressed with the overview of the program,” Williams said. “This is an excellent way for dads to connect with other dads and help build a network community with a safety net for our children while in school and outside of school.”

Williams, whose daughter Regine is

a third-grader at Pershing Hill, said he wanted to help launch the program because his parents were not involved in his education when he was a child.

“As a father of three, I will be in the schools as long as I have children going,” Williams said. “... The bottom line here is that dads make a difference. We can do that by getting involved with our children and those that don’t have dads available in their life.”

Green said volunteers will assist teachers and staff in the classroom, hallways and front office. Volunteers also will monitor students when they arrive at school and during lunch and dismissal.

Staff Sgt. Eric Avelar, of the 742nd Military Intelligence Battalion, came to the event with his two children.

“It sounded like a good program,” Avelar said, noting he is unable to attend school functions because of his work schedule.

Avelar said he wanted to be more involved in his children’s lives.

“This was a good opportunity,” he said.

Avelar’s 9-year-old daughter Alejan-dra Cervantes agreed.

“I feel happy,” the fourth-grader said. “I’m happy that he came.”

Col. Rich Patterson gives his 8-year-old daughter Katherine a hug at the WATCH D.O.G.S. Dads/Kids Pizza event. More than 90 men signed up to volunteer at the school as part of an initiative to encourage fathers to be more involved in their children’s lives.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! November 8, 2012

News

By Navy Seaman Nicolas N. LopezAfter only four weeks, the Defense

Information School has reached 78 percent of its Combined Federal Campaign goal.

DINFOS, which overshot its previ-ous goal by more than $10,000 last year, has assisted the Chesapeake Bay Area CFC in becoming the third larg-est CFC in terms of money raised so far this year.

“We have exceeded our halfway mark toward our goal toward the end of this week,” said Sgt. 1st Class Brian Lehnhardt, the administra-tive noncommissioned officer for the Visual Communication Directorate and a part-time basic still photogra-phy instructor. “Our goal this year is $20,000. Currently, DINFOS has received $15,678 in online contribu-tions.”

Lehnhardt is a volunteer for the CFC at DINFOS, helping the pro-gram run smoothly and providing opportunities such as the CFC donut and coffee breakfast on Oct. 24.

“We just started the fourth week of the campaign this week; so all things considered, we’re doing well,” Lehnhardt said. “As far as the big pic-

ture, we’re third on post, about fourth or fifth regionwide. ... We’re keeping up with the big units.”

DINFOS Commandant Col. Jer-emy Martin praised the efforts of the DINFOS CFC staff.

“Our staff who manage the CFC program do an exceptional job of ensuring contact with all our students and staff and they help everyone give to the organization of their choice,” Martin said.

Lehnhardt said he is confident that DINFOS will reach its goal.

“We’re at a very good pace to do that,” he said. “We’re still only in the fourth week of this campaign, so we have lots of time. Our goal is to make $20,000, and since we’re already at 78 percent, we don’t have far left to go.”

DINFOS on pace to surpass 2012 CFC goal

Photo by Navy SeamaN NicolaS N. loPez

Col. Jeremy Martin, commandant of the Defense Information School, receives a Combined Federal Campaign flyer from Sgt. 1st Class Brian Lehnhardt at the CFC donut and coffee breakfast on Oct. 24 at DINFOS. The event was held to inform students and staff about the campaign.

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News

By Capt. William BiggersFort Meade Legal Assistance

With the holidays just around the corner, most of us are simply trying to adjust our finances to get through the next month. But it’s time to start thinking about tax season.

As the saying goes, an ounce of preven-tion is worth a pound of cure. So while you’re planning out holiday finances, keep these tax tips in mind to help ease the stress of the new year:

• Tax Tip 1: Start gathering all of your paperwork now.

Employers begin to send out W2s in mid-January and the beginning of Febru-ary. There are also some years where the IRS does not even have all necessary forms printed until January or February.

However, individuals can begin their tax preparations by gathering other necessary papers and materials. Take a day out of the holiday season to gather necessary receipts, materials to support credits and exemp-tions, and to think of questions you may have for your tax preparer.

It is also important to take the time to be proactive in researching changes to tax laws that may affect you and your family.

If you have not already done so, Decem-ber is a great time to begin gathering these materials and to start a tax folder for the upcoming tax season.

• Tax Tip 2: If you’re deployed or deploy-ing, don’t stress about the filing deadline.

The IRS and most state Departments of Revenue extend the deadline to file taxes for service members deployed to a combat zone.

If you know you will be deployed dur-ing tax season, IRS Publication 17 will tell you if your deployment zone qualifies as a “Combat Zone” for a deadline extension.

Those deployed or to be deployed dur-ing tax season should ask their spouse or immediate family member to collect and organize pertinent papers and forms so that upon returning home, the service member is not scrambling to gather tax materials to meet the extended deadline.

Service members are allowed an auto-matic two-month extension to file 2012 federal tax returns and to pay any federal income tax due if they are in military or naval service and are on duty outside the

Start preparing for tax season

United States and Puerto Rico.• Tax Tip 3: Show your holiday spirit by

volunteering at the Fort Meade Tax Center for the upcoming tax season.

There is no better way to give back to your Team Meade community than by helping Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Guardsmen get their taxes prepared for free.

We are still in need of volunteers for both administrative and tax preparation positions.

It’s never too early to start preparing for the upcoming tax season.

Follow these simple tips and you’ll find that the process is a lot smoother this year.

Even if you can’t volunteer this tax sea-son, get your taxes prepared at no charge at the Fort Meade Tax Center at 4217 Roberts Ave.

The center opens Jan. 28 and will start scheduling appointments in January.

To volunteer at the Fort Meade Tax Center or for more information about volunteering, call Capt. William Biggers at the Legal Assistance Division at the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate at 301-677-9086.

Legal Assistance Office hours The hours of operation for the Fort Meade Legal Assistance Office are:• Monday: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.• Tuesday: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.• Wednesday: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m.• Thursday: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.• Friday: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

The office is closed for lunch each day from noon to 1 p.m. The office also closes for training every Wednesday at 2 p.m.Power of Attorney drafting and notaries services are available on a walk-in basis during normal hours of operation. Attorney counseling is provided by appointment only.For more information, call the Legal Assistance Division at 301-677-9504 or 301-677-9536.

Howard Community College salutes our military personnel and their families this Veterans Day and everyday.

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Contact one of our military and veterans’ affairs specialists:

Of�ce of Records, Registration and Veterans’ Affairs

10901 Little Patuxent ParkwayColumbia, MD 21044

443-518-4514 [email protected]/military

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Cover Story


Speaking at Manor View Elementary School, Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin dis-cussed the importance of Veterans Day and the sacrifice of service members and their families.

Cardin’s visit on Monday morning was part of Operation Caring Classroom, an annual education initiative administered by the Armed Forces Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C.

According to the foundation’s website, the goal of Operation Caring Classroom is to educate children about Veterans Day and to help youngsters understand the sacrifice service members and their families make each day.

At the event, Manor View Principal Donna O’Shea said 98 percent of the school’s students have a parent in the military.

Manor View participated in Operation Caring Classroom because the students “need to see how valued their parents are as veterans and their sacrifice for the country,” O’Shea said. “They often don’t hear that.”

In addition to participating in Opera-tion Caring Classroom, the school will provide pastries for parents on Monday — Veterans Day — from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. Parents also will have an opportu-nity to visit classrooms.

Cardin spoke before an assembly of students in third, fourth and fifth grades. The senator began by asking children about the meaning and significance of Veterans Day.

Several students said the day was set aside to recognize those who have served in the armed forces. Others said it was a time to say thank you to Soldiers who have fought in the nation’s wars for freedom.

One child said Veterans Day is an opportunity to celebrate military fami-lies.

“If your mother or father or both serve in the military, you’re part of a military family,” Cardin said. “Military families are the ones who really protect our country.”

Cardin then conducted a mini civics lesson and asked students about the role of the Senate and the work of senators and members of Congress.

“The Senate and Congress make laws,” Cardin said. “We’re a democratic coun-try. We’re elected. We make the laws that

Senator’s visit celebrates Veterans Day

photo by nate pesce

Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin speaks to students at Manor View Elementary School on Monday morning about the importance of Veterans Day. The senator’s visit was part of Operation Caring Classroom, an annual education initiative administered by the Armed Forces Foundation based in Washington, D.C.

everybody has to live by.”Cardin called the Constitution “a won-

derful document,” and spoke about the importance of the Bill of Rights.

“Why do we have a democracy? Why do we have our freedom? ... What was George Washington before he was presi-dent?” Cardin asked. “He was General Washington. He led our Solders to free-dom.”

Cardin also asked students to name countries that do not have the same rights as Americans. The students mentioned China and Egypt.

Countries throughout the world “look to America as a beacon of hope and opportunity,” Cardin said. “So what we do here is focused on around the world.”

Students also had the opportunity to ask Cardin questions such as if the sena-tor liked his job and if his job was hard.

“If you like what you do, work becomes

a lot of fun,” Cardin said. “So I spend a lot of time doing what I do. I enjoy it. I think it’s neat. I find it very rewarding.”

Cardin said that in addition to the parades and festivities on Veterans Day, the observance is also a time to renew the nation’s commitment to service members by ensuring that the military has “the best equipment” and provides “the best training.”

“We should show our thanks to mili-tary families by making sure that they have what they need,” he said.

When service members transition from their military careers and become veter-ans, the nation must “help them because they helped our country” with adequate health care and opportunities for educa-tion and jobs, Cardin said.

He then asked the children to raise their right hand to become student sena-tors and to go into their communities to “let people know how proud you are to

be part of a military family.”By educating their peers and people

in their communities about the realities of military life, “there is a better chance that we’ll have the right type of policies in the country that will support our mili-tary, support our military families and keep our military strong,” Cardin said. “So our freedoms are protected and our world is a safer place to be.”

After the assembly, 10-year-old Ashley Anderson, whose father serves in the Coast Guard, said it was exciting to see Cardin.

“He was very knowledgeable,” the fourth-grader said.

Nathan Landry, also a fourth-grader, said the assembly was fun and that the event reminded him of why Veterans Day matters.

“It’s important,” the 10-year-old said, “because it’s a good time to say thank you for serving in the wars.”

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil November 8, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 15

Cover Story


Veterans are not asking for a handout.That is the message retired Brig. Gen.

George B. Price shared in his speech at the installation’s Veterans Appreciation Day Luncheon on Saturday.

“Veterans are asking to be assimilated in the population at the same level they left,” Price said. “They’re not begging for some-body to do something for them. They’re asking for those entitlements and benefits that they earned.”

Price was the guest speaker at the annual luncheon held at Club Meade.

“It was very moving to hear someone who is saying what we feel,” said retired Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jack Matthews, a Vietnam veteran.

The three-hour event attracted more than 250 people, twice the number of those who attended last year.

“People were very enthusiastic,” said Lianne Roberts, president of the Retired Officers’ Wives’ Club, a co-sponsor of the event. “People wanted to celebrate our ser-vice members.”

Other sponsors included the Associa-tion of the United States Army; Enlisted Spouses Club; Military Officers’ Associa-tion of America; Military Order of the

World Wars; Officers’ Spouses’ Club; and The Retired Enlisted Association.

Retired Col. Ed Cramer served as emcee of the event, which included the traditional Fallen Comrades Ceremony and a perfor-mance of patriotic songs by the West Point Alumni Glee Club.

Garrison Chaplain Col. Carl Rau gave the invocation. Patricia Baker, president of the ESC, led the recital of the “Pledge of Allegiance.” Mary Gray, president of TREA Chapter 24, sang the National Anthem.

Before Price’s speech, Rep. John Sar-banes made brief remarks to pay homage to veterans and the military.

“This is such an important recognition of our veterans,” Sarbanes said.

The congressman said that although this is an election year, the country is united behind veterans.

“When it comes to our veterans, there is a solidarity that is a tribute to what it means to be a patriot in America that I think is singular and exceptional in the world,” Sarbanes said. “We come together across party lines, across all walks of life to honor the sacrifice and commitment that our Soldiers make.”

Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein welcomed the audience.

Veterans honored at annual post luncheon

photos by noah scialom

Brig. Gen. George B. Price speaks about the nation’s commitment to veterans at the installation’s annual Veterans Appreciation Day Luncheon on Saturday. The three-hour event, held at Club Meade, was co-sponsored by the Retired Officers’ Wives Club and seven other Fort Meade and civic organizations.

“What a great morning and an oppor-tunity to spend with you, from our Buffalo Soldiers, from World War II veterans, to Korea, to Vietnam and to the wars that are existing today,” he said.

The one- to two percent of men and women who serve in the military, said Roth-stein, “serve our country strong.”

The strength behind those service mem-bers are their families, friends and home communities, he said.

Price began his speech by calling his visit to Fort Meade “a homecoming. ... There’s enough camaraderie and good feelings to go around.”

Fort Meade was his last active-duty assignment in a career that included serving at every level of command and staff, from platoon leader to assistant commander and battalion staff.

From 1976 to 1978, Price served as the chief of staff of First Army.

Veterans, he said, deserve the nation’s “undying and untiring support” as they transition from their military service to civilian life.

“They deserve the same dignity and pride that you would heap upon somebody if they were a great athlete that just hit the home run that won the World Series,” Price said.

Contrary to the often-common portrayal of veterans as in distress and homeless, Price said most veterans “are adjusted, are

successful in their second careers, have made enormous contributions to our country and are moving on with their lives.”

But for those who do face obstacles, “we’re obligated to take care of those vet-erans that need help,” Price said. “[Help] is a little broader requirement than just saying ‘thank you.’ ”

Veterans need to feel welcome, respected and appreciated for their service and for the contributions they continue to make to society, he said, and the nation must value the world view that veterans bring to the table.

“Let’s be sure to capitalize on their skills,” said Price, noting that veterans know first-hand the value of life, service and sacrifice.

To close his speech, Price said it is time for the nation “to come together for a com-mon cause. ... [Let’s] make things right for the veterans and everyone else who is disen-franchised by the system, and be proud to be an American.”

Retired Staff Sgt. Tyrone Johnson, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Odenton Chapter, Post 5712, said he was impressed by Price’s remarks.

“He brought up a lot of points that we need to think about ... that veterans don’t want a handout, but a hand up,” Johnson said. “We’re not asking for anything we didn’t earn. Assimilate us back into society. We’re back. Just accept us as we are and let us live our lives.”

The Fallen Comrades Ceremony is a tradition at Fort Meade during the Veterans Appreciation Day Luncheon. A table was set to honor fallen comrades killed in war, missing in action and prisoners of war.


News

By Deirdre Smith and Nancy ReedKimbrough Ambulatory Care Center

November is National Diabetes Month, a time to increase awareness about a disease that has reached epidemic, if not pandemic, proportions.

The number of Americans affected by diabetes mellitus is out of control. In 1958, according to the Centers for Disease Con-trol and Prevention, 1.6 million Americans were diagnosed with diabetes. In 2010, 21.1 million Americans were diagnosed with the condition.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes mellitus. In a nutshell, diabetes mellitus occurs when there is too much sugar in the blood stream, which can be caused by a deficiency in the body’s hormones, the body’s metabolism, or both.

Preventing and controlling diabetes is criti-cal. All forms of diabetes increase a person’s risk for heart disease. Sixty-five percent of people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.

Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or suffer a

stroke than people without diabetes. Diabetes also greatly increases the chance of kidney, eye and nerve diseases.

While there is no known cause for type 2 diabetes, it is well established that certain risk factors increase one’s chance of developing the condition. The more factors a person has, the higher the risk.

Several of these risk factors, such as age, gender, race and family history, cannot be changed. However, the primary risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes is central obesity. The more fatty tissue a person has, especially in the abdomen, the more resistant a person’s cells are to insulin. Insulin is the hormone that lowers the amount of sugar in the blood.

The increasing rates of diabetes mellitus in the U.S. are directly proportionate to the increasing rates of obesity. People can reduce their personal risk of developing type 2 dia-betes by achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. This can be accomplished by eating a healthy diet and being physically active.

What a person eats is a major factor in weight loss. Healthy eating is essential for person with diabetes, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. It’s really all about controlling the

amount of carbohydrates in a person’s diet.Foods that contain carbohydrates can

affect blood sugar if they are eaten in exces-sive amounts. Carbohydrates are actually needed to give the body energy, so a person needs to eat carbs each meal. The trick is to know how many carbs to eat.

Carbohydrates are primarily starches, such as bread, rice, cereal, pasta and starchy veg-etables like potatoes, corn, peas and lima beans.

Fruits contain natural sugars that can increase blood sugar. People should keep their fruit servings the size of their fist and have no more than three servings per day.

Not all dairy products are created equal. Milk and yogurt contain about the same amount of carbs as starches and fruit, but cheese has very few carbs. However, cheese has a good deal of fat, which can increase a person’s risk for heart disease. So it is recom-mended to eat no more than one serving for cheese each day.

What is a carb? In general, a serving of a carb or a carb choice is about one cup for most foods. That equals eight ounces or the size of a tennis ball.

How many carbs should be eaten? A gen-eral rule of thumb for women is three to four carb choices per meal. Men can eat four to five carb choices a meal.

Remember to include snacks along with meals. If you eat breakfast and then a mid-morning snack, all the foods count as break-fast.

Juices can be tricky, but it is the portion size that matters the most. A 4-ounce serving of juice, or a one-half cup, contains about one carb choice, or about 15 grams of car-bohydrate. But 16 ounces of bottled juice has about 60 grams of carbs. That is the same as eating four slices of bread or four pieces of fruit.

If you drink juice, it is important to keep that portion size small and only have one glass per day.

It is a good idea to eat non-starchy veg-etables. They have very few carbs, are low in calories and contain fiber. People can make half of their plate vegetables and keep starchy foods to just one-quarter of the plate.

In general, people with diabetes should meet with a registered dietitian who can help them figure out the best foods to eat.

Prevent, control diabetes with healthy diet

By Dr. Jennifer EvansKimbrough Ambulatory Care Center

Have you been thinking about quitting tobacco? You are not alone.

When surveyed, more than 70 percent of tobacco users were interested in quitting and more than two-thirds of those that relapse would like to try again.

There are many options available to support reducing, modifying and quitting tobacco products.

In celebration of the Great American Smokeout on Nov. 15, Kimbrough Ambu-latory Care Center will offer quick enroll-ment into the Tobacco Cessation Program.

The local program will then provide support through various approaches dur-ing the transition off nicotine. TRICARE prime beneficiaries can stop by the Wellness Center Conference Room at 2480 Llewellyn Ave. on Nov. 15 to enroll between 7:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Many resources are available for those interested in quitting tobacco:

• Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center

Tobacco Cessation Program; Call 301-677-8435 for enrollment.

• TRICARE’s online Smoking Cessa-tion Program: Telephone support service at 1-866-459-8766 or online training and tools at www.ucanquit2.org.

• National Quit Hotline: Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for tele-phone support service.

• Internet resources:• smokefree.gov• quitnet.com• http://ffsonline.org/• cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/how_

to_quit/you_can_quit/index.htm• lungusa.org/stop-smoking/ Quitting tobacco is one of the leading

ways to improve one’s health and reduce the risk for serious medical consequences, although it is also one of the toughest changes for a person to make.

The Great American Smokeout challeng-es tobacco users to abstain from tobacco for one day. Know that there is continued help to extend that day to a lifetime.

Kick tobacco habit during Great American Smokeout

By Capt. Bernard OrtegaKimbrough Ambulatory Care Center

Fort Meade has its own Warrior Transi-tion Unit, a specialized unit that provides personalized, compassionate and future-oriented care for the Army’s wounded, ill and injured Soldiers.

November is Warrior Care Month. Long gone are the days of medical hold units. The “T” in “WTU” places emphasis on not only delivering world-class care, but on helping every wounded, ill or injured Soldier to successfully get to the next step, whether it’s while remaining in uniform as a service member or transi-tioning as a productive civilian veteran.

To that end, six elements comprise the cadre: a care management team that con-sists of a primary care physician; nurse case managers; clinical social workers; noncommissioned officers to guide each Soldier through the process; an admin-istrative support staff; and a specialized team of rehabilitation specialists.

Rehabilitation specialists help facilitate physical recovery, next-step counseling,

and referrals into education, employment and internship programs.

The Fort Meade (Alpha Company) WTU is subordinate to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center War-rior Transition Brigade.

If you or someone in your chain of command has a medical condition that requires complex care management and more than six months of duty limitations, use your chain of command to contact our Intake Review Board at [email protected].

You will receive assistance to complete a command referral packet, which will be reviewed by Warrior Transition Brigade leadership.

Warrior Transition Unit provides specialized care

NO ONE DOES COMMUNITY NEWS LIKE WE DO

A Baltimore Sun MediaGroup Publication


Religion

Fort Meade 2012 Holiday Religious services, activitiesDATE SERVICE TIME LOCATIONNov. 14-16 Harvest Festival Revival 7 p.m. Chapel CenterNov. 22 Thanksgiving Day Mass 10 a.m. Post ChapelDec. 2-6 Reconciliation Services (Catholic) 5:30-6:30 p.m. Post ChapelDec. 2-6 Advent Retreat (Catholic) 7-9 p.m. Post ChapelDec. 9 Episcopal Service of Lessons & Carols 4 p.m. Post ChapelDec. 11 Hanukkah Luncheon Celebration 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Chapel CenterDec. 12 Fort Meade Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony 5 p.m. Parade Field (near gazebo)Dec. 24 “Happy Birthday Jesus” Mass (for children) 5 p.m. Chapel CenterDec. 24 Christmas Eve Midnight Mass 10 p.m. Chapel CenterDec. 24 Episcopal Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7 p.m. Post ChapelDec. 24 Episcopal Christmas Eve Carols/Service 10:30/11 p.m. Post ChapelDec. 25 Christmas Day Mass 12:15 p.m. Post ChapelDec. 31 New Year’s Vigil Adoration 4-4:45 p.m. Post ChapelDec. 31 New Year’s Vigil Mass 5 p.m. Post ChapelDec. 31 Gospel Watch-Night Service 10 p.m. Chapel CenterJan. 1 Mary, Mother of God 12:15 p.m. Post Chapel

Times of the regular weekend Protestant and Catholic services during the day will remain the same (if not noted). For more information about religious services, call the Garrison Chaplain’s Office at 301-677-6703.

Chaplain’s WordHAPPINESS

“Derive happiness in oneself from a good day’s work, from illuminating the fog that surrounds us.”

— Henri Matisse

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.

Connect with Fort Meade atFacebook.com/ftmeade

To advertiseor subscribe410.332.6517ChesapeakeHomeandLiving.com

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SportS

By Brandon BieltzStaff Writer

From the 30-yard line, Marine Pfc. Armand Powell could hear the roar of the crowd at University of Maryland’s Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium.

As eager football players and fans pre-pared for an Atlantic Coast Conference match-up Saturday between Georgia Tech and the University of Maryland, Powell and more than a dozen other Fort Meade service members stretched a large Ameri-can flag across the grid iron.

“I always like coming out to events like this,” Powell said. “It’s amazing.”

Airmen, Marines and Sailors from the Defense Information School joined Air Force Col. Michael Downs, commander of the 707th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group, and four Soldiers from Headquarters Command Battalion in helping the university in cel-ebrating its Military Appreciation Day at College Park.

The Fort Meade service members par-ticipated in pregame events, including the coin toss, and were recognized during the game.

“It means so much for us to come out to a Maryland football game,” Downs said. “It means a lot to these guys. There’s so much sacrifice for our Soldiers, Airmen and Marines, and having this level of appreciation means a great deal.”

The Military Appreciation Day events began with the DINFOS service members extending a 40-foot flag on the field dur-ing the National Anthem.

Airman 1st Class Joshua Goodnight, a journalism student, said he had some previous experience handling the flag such as raising and lowering the flag during Reveille and Retreat. But unveil-ing the flag in front of more than 30,000 people, however, provided a little change to the task.

“I’ve never done anything like this before,” Goodnight said. “This is some-thing new.”

Immediately before the game, Downs conducted the coin toss at the 50-yard line. Excited to participate in his first coin toss, Downs said he also was looking forward to seeing his nephew Sean Poole — a punter for Georgia Tech.

“I can’t wait to see him out there,” he said.

During the game, Soldiers from Head-quarters Command Battalion were rec-ognized in the end zone and received applause from the large crowd.

Meade participates in UMD Military Appreciation Day

photos by lloyd fox, baltimore sun

More than a dozen Fort Meade service members participated in the University of Maryland’s Military Appreciation Day prior to Saturday’s game against Georgia Tech.

Service members who participated in the appreciation day also were given seats to catch the game. Several DINFOS stu-dents said it was a pleasant change from the school routine.

“It’s nice to come out and be part of the community and get off base,” Good-night said.

Downs said the event provides the young service members with an opportu-nity to relax and enjoy a football game.

“They’re just new to the military, get-ting accustomed to our way of life and being a professional,” he said. “To come out here on a great football day to watch a great football game — you can’t beat that. I’m sure they’ll love every minute of it.”

Air Force Col. Michael Downs, commander of the commander of the 707th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group, greets a referee before conducting the coin toss at a University of Maryland football game. The university celebrated Military Appreciation Day at Saturday’s game.


SportS

Sports ShortsIntramural basketball meeting

A coaches meeting will be held Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. at Murphy Field House for those interested in forming an intramural basketball team for the winter.

Each team is asked to send a representative to the meeting. The league will begin Jan. 19.

For more information, call 301-677-3318.

Turkey Trot 5K Run and 1-Mile WalkThe installation’s annual Run Series continues with the Turkey Trot 5K Run

and 1-Mile Walk on Nov. 17 at 8 a.m. at Murphy Field House.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 $85.The pre-registration cost is $40 for a family of three to six people. On the

day of the event, the cost is $60 per family.All pre-registered runners will receive a T-shirt.The next run will be the Reindeer 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk on Dec. 15 at

Murphy Field House.For more information, call 301-677-7916.

Ski clubThe Sun, Snow, Surf Ski Club at Fort Meade is seeking new members for

its 2013 trips.The club, which organizes a variety of athletic activities including ski trips,

bicycling, hiking and social activities, travels across the country and Europe.The club also sponsors activities in the area.For more information or to join, call Bill Bishop at 301-604-2113 or email

[email protected].

EFMP BowlingThe Exceptional Family Member Program is sponsoring its monthly

bowling event on Nov. 19 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Lanes.Exceptional Family Members will receive a free shoe rental and one game.

Other family members will receive discounted games and shoe rentals.Registration is required by Nov. 16.For more information, call 301-677-7836 or email theresa.r.strawhecker.

[email protected].

NFL SundayThe Lanes’ lounge is a showing venue for NFL games this football season,

with the exception of local blackouts, on eight, 42-inch high-definition flat-screen televisions. Food service and full bar are available.


Texas Hold ‘emTexas Hold ‘em no buy-in games are played Mondays at 7 p.m. at the Lanes.Games are free and open to the public.For more information, call 301-677-5541.

Dollar DaysThe Lanes offers Dollar Days every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Bowlers receive a game of bowling, shoe rental, a hot dog, hamburger,

small fries, pizza slice or small soda for $1 each.For more information, call 301-677-5541.

As promised last week, things have got-ten better in my wide, wide world of sports partially because I was able to participate in the University of Maryland’s ongoing Terps for Troops program on Saturday, but mostly because Michigan kept the Little Brown Jug by beating Minnesota.

Nonetheless, after re-reading last week’s column, I must say that questioning my loyalty to “The Star” was reckless, irre-sponsible and darn near treasonous. It doesn’t matter if we have won only two playoff games since 1995, or that Tony Romo and Jason Garrett have the clock management skills of a child, or that Jerry Jones is unfit to be a president or GM, much less both.

I stuck with Dallas after the catch, you-tube.com/watch?v=0V1Dx_McGrw., and laughed until I cried at Leon Lett youtube.com/watch?v=gUYVifM0vCQ.

I suffered through 1-15 and celebrated three Super Bowl rings. And after I spent another sleepless Sunday night figuring out how Dallas could possibly be 3-5 after losing to Atlanta, I knew that I’d be sticking with “The Boys” through this and any other nonsense they might put me through.

And to prove that, and properly apolo-gize for the notion of forsaking “The Boys,” I gave my photo a couple of extra column inches so that you, Jabber Nation, would realize that I’m a Cowboy until I die (even if Dallas is the team that leads me to my grave).

That proclamation aside, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the valiant attempt a few members of Jabber Nation made to get me to follow their teams. For example, our friend and Fort Meade’s resident security guru, Doug Wise, was quick to send me this message and invitation:

Subject: Waivering (sic) Loyalty Steeler Nation, like our great American

Nation, is a melting pot that accepts all true sports fans, so yes, even you would be welcomed with outstretched arms.

According to the press, the Ravens are a team of the past because the mighty Ray Lewis is injured and may not return, and after all he was a one-man team; why con-sider the Ravens?

My response to Doug was that I’d rather be stabbed in the eye with a hot poker than be a Steelers fan. Besides, I shower too much.

Of course, our resident historian, Robert Johnson, couldn’t be outdone by Wise, so he sent me this pitch for his team:

Subject: CowboysAccording to your most recent Jibber Jab-

ber, you may be in the market for a new NFL franchise to follow. Congratulations on mak-ing such an intelligent choice vis-à-vis your Cowboys fandom; it’s about time you put it behind you. But the Ravens? I mean, come on, the best thing you can say about the face of the franchise is he lied to police in a murder investigation. He single-handedly makes the steelers look like a group of decent citizens.

I suggest you follow the 9-time NFL Champion Chicago Bears instead. Think about the players you get to care about: Tillman, Urlacher, Peyton (sic), Singletary, Sayers, Butkus, etc. etc.

Looking forward to seeing you in navy blue and burnt orange.

First, I admire Johnson’s proper use of the semicolon and refusal to uppercase the word “steelers” even when he was insulting the Ravens. I, too, will lowercase steelers from this moment forth.

The problem is, the only good things that came out of Chicago are the Blues Brothers, pizza and supposedly popcorn. So, no Bob, I will not follow the Bears.

As mentioned before, I will stick with Cowboys.

However, this being the season for debate, I’d be interested in hearing some other folks’ rationale on why I should follow their teams.

Post your response as a comment under this column on the Fort Meade Facebook page, or add it to the Fort Meade Live Blog at ftmeade.armylive.dodlive.mil.

And of course, if you have comments on this or anything to do with sports, contact me at [email protected].

I love me the D

Chad T. Jones, Public Affairs Officer

Jibber Jabber - OpiniOn


Community news & notes

The deadline for Soundoff! community “News and Notes” is Friday at noon. All submissions are posted at the editor’s dis-cretion 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.

Commissary holiday closings

The Fort Meade Commissary will close Monday at 5 p.m. in observance of Veterans Day.

The commissary also will close Nov. 22 for Thanksgiving. It will reopen Nov. 23 at 7 a.m. for early-bird shopping and regular store hours at 9 a.m.

For more information, call the commissary at 301-677-7465.

USO/BWI salute to veterans

The 9th Annual USO/BWI Marshall Airport’s “Salute Our Nation’s Veterans & Military Families” will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshal Airport, international terminal, upper level.

The keynote speaker is Maj. Gen. Sharon K.G. Dunbar, commander, Air Force District of Washington.

A reception will be held in the USO Lounge immediately following the ceremony. Parking in the hourly garage will be validated.

RSVP by Friday at 410-859-7026.

Comedy showThe 2012 Laugh Out Loud Comedy

Tour will perform Friday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Club Meade.

The show features Josh Blue, winner of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” and the GIs of Comedy.

Cost is $5 in advance and $8 at the door.

Tickets are available at ftmeademwr.com.

Tax Center volunteers needed

The Fort Meade Tax Center at 4217

Roberts Ave. is in need of volunteers to help provide free tax assistance and electronic filing for Soldiers, retirees and their families.

Both tax preparer and administrative assistance positions are currently available.

No tax experience is required. All training and certifications are provided.

Training starts in January. The tax center is open until the end of April.

To volunteer or for more information, call Capt. William Biggers at 301-677-9086.

Exchange fee-free layaway The Army & Air Force Exchange

Service’s Holiday Layaway program is now fee-free.

Shoppers simply select their gifts for layaway and stop by customer service to complete the layaway process.

“Fee-free” means that while the Fort

Meade Exchange collects an initial $3 processing fee for new layaways, that amount is returned to customers, via an Exchange Merchandise Gift Card, upon final payment and pickup of their items.

In addition, toy layaways will be extended through Dec. 23.

Also, today through Dec. 16, Fort Meade shoppers can place computers, laptops, iPads and netbooks on layaway.

A deposit of 15 percent is required when starting the layaway process. See customer service for program details and eligibility.

Harvest Fest RevivalThe Missionary Ministry of the

Argonne Hills Gospel Service invites the community to its “Harvest Fest Revival 2012” on Wednesday and Nov. 15 and 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center, 7100 Rockenbach Road and Grandea Avenue.

For more information, call Michael Eaton at 410-446-5307.

Car seat checkThe Fort Meade Fire Department and

state of Maryland will host a free car seat check on Nov. 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Demps Visitor Control Center parking lot at the intersection of Route 175 and Reece Road.

No appointment necessary.To ensure proper fit, bring the vehicle

and car seat owner’s manuals and the child who will be using the seat.


Cutest Kiddo ContestThe 3rd Annual Facebook Cutest

Kiddo Contest for Exchange Facebook fans will be held through Dec. 6.

The grand prize is a Disney cruise trip for four to the Bahamas, plus a $500 Exchange gift card,

The first-place prize is a $2,000 Exchange gift card. The second-place prize is a $1,000 Exchange gift card.

Each of the five third-place winners will receive a $500 Exchange gift card.

To enter, fans should submit their cutest kiddo photo and complete an online entry form at facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX.

Fans will vote on which photos should win.

The photo submission period ends today. Fan voting period begins Friday and ends Dec. 6. Winners will be announced Dec. 12.

Full contest rules can be found on the Exchange Facebook page.

Donate to Ticketline Program

Donate your unused tickets to USO-Metro’s Ticketline Program.

Support our troops by donating tickets to sporting and entertainment events in the Washington-Baltimore region for local service members to attend in your place.

Tickets are redistributed to active-duty service members and their families at no cost.

All ticket donations are considered in-kind donations.

To donate tickets or for more information, email [email protected] or call 703-881-8490.

Karaoke NightThe next Karaoke Night will be Nov.

15 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the 11th Frame

file photo

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGEFort Meade will commemorate Native American Heritage Month on Nov. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McGill Training Center, 8542 Zimborski Ave. The 780th Military Intelligence Brigade is hosting the observance. The theme is “Heritage of Service.” The free event is open to the pub-lic.

The keynote speaker is historian David Hatch, who will discuss the history of Native American code talkers who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and whose efforts saved thousands of lives during World War II.

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 the Fort Meade Equal Opportunity Office at 301-677-6687; the Equal Employment Opportunity Office at 301-677-6298; or the 780th MI Equal Opportunity Office at 301-677-2755.

NEWS & EVENTS



Lounge at the Lanes.The event is held the third Thursday

of the month.For more information, call 301-677-

5541 or visit ftmeademwr.com.

ROWC seeking new members

The Retired Officers’ Wives’ Club of Fort Meade is seeking new members.

The group meets at Club Meade for a luncheon and program on the first Tuesday of each month, from September through December and February through May.

The group also sponsors a Summer Lunch Bunch from June through August for members interested in keeping in touch over the summer.

Regular membership is extended to spouses, widows and widowers of retired officers and to retired officers of all branches. Associate membership may be extended to adult caregivers and relatives of the household, OCS members, DoD employees who retired at the grade of GS-9 or GGD-9 and above, to local government retirees of the equivalent professional rank as the DoD members, and to veterans who served as officers in the military but separated from the service before retirement.

Membership dues are $25 per year. Members may bring guests to the luncheons.

For more information, call Lianne Roberts, ROWC president, at 301-464-5498.

EFMP support groupFamilies Helping Families Support

Group will meet Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Army Community Service, 830 Chisholm Ave.

Registration is required by Monday.Reneé Yniguez Cotton, the military

family navigator for the Military Coalition of Families for Children’s Mental Health, will be available to hear your concerns.

Cotton also will give a presentation on the Family Leadership Institute, a free service that trains parents to be better advocates for their children.

For more information, contact Kelly Gibson at [email protected] or call 301-677-4473.

Veterans webinarIn honor of Veterans Day, University

of Maryland University College, — which was founded in 1947 in part because of the need to educate returning

soldiers from World War II — will host an employment webinar on Monday from noon to 1 p.m. in support and appreciation of the nation’s veterans.

The free webinar, “From Military to Civilian: Tips to Help Veterans Find Employment,” is open to the public.

Veterans can register at http://www.umuc.edu/event-detail.cfm?customel_dataPageID_1416=190995.

Army Education WeekThe Fort Meade Army Education

Center will celebrate “American Education Week” from Tuesday to Nov. 16.

An information briefing on how to achieve certification while pursuing a degree will be held Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 55th Combat Camera, 831 Chisholm Ave.

Representatives from the following school will provide an overview of their certificate programs and answer questions: University of Maryland, University College; Webster University; Central Michigan University; Stratford College; Trident University; and Anne Arundel Community College.

Seating is limited.For more information, email john.

[email protected] or call 301-677-6421.

Bible studyA six-week, no-homework Bible study

program is held Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.

Remaining sessions will be Nov. 15 and 29, and Dec. 6 and 13.

Find hope and inspiration as the class studies “Living Victoriously in Difficult Times” by Kay Arthur.

To register, call 301-677-3785.

Couples evening studyProtestant Women of the Chapel is

offering to couples a free evening study of the book, “The Marriage You’ve Always Wanted,” on Thursdays at 6:45 p.m. through Dec. 20 at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.

Free child care is provided.For more information, call 301-677-

6035 or email [email protected] or visit ftmeadepwoc.org.

Auto care coursesThe Automotive Skills Center at 6530

Taylor Ave. offers monthly courses from 1 to 3 p.m.

Cost is $10 per class.Active-duty service members, DoD

civilians, retired and Reserve personnel and their family members are eligible.

An FMWR card is required to use the center. New patrons must first view a 20-minute safety video, then attend a 10-minute briefing.

The following courses are offered:• Nov. 18: Basic Welding 101• Dec. 2: Proper procedures for replacing

timing beltsFor more information, call 301-677-5542.

Story TimeThe Medal of Honor Memorial

Library offers pre-kindergarten Story Time on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10 a.m. or 10:30 to 11 a.m.

For more information, call 301-677-5522 or 301-677-4509 or visit ftmeademwr.com.

Out & About• The Laurel Historical Society

Tasting Laurel series concludes tonight with “Tasting Laurel: A Community Conversation,” which will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Laurel Museum, 817 Main St. During the potluck supper community members can talk about the food in the community and how it affects our lives. Main dishes will be provided. RSVP with a side dish, dessert or drink.

Programs are free and open to the public. For more information, visit laurelhistoricalsociety.org, email [email protected], or call 301-725-7975.

• The 2012 Waterfowl Festival will be held today through Sunday at 40 S. Harrison St., Easton. Events include fly fishing demos, birds of prey demos, retriever demos, painting demos, a calling contest, and a Wine, Beer and Tasting Pavilion. The festival concludes Sunday at 2 p.m. with a Veterans Day Concert in Thompson Park.

Children’s activities include a Kids’ Fishing Derby on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Kids’ Art Activities including soap carving. For a list of

events, times and ticket costs, visit waterfowlfestival.org.

• Maryland Irish Festival will be held Friday from 6 to 11 p.m., Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. General admission for ages 18 to 62 is $15. Tickets for seniors age 62 and older cost $10. Cost for youths ages 12 to 17 is $5. Children under 12 attend free. There is no charge for active-duty service members with ID card.

This annual celebration of Irish culture features local, regional and international Irish music and dance; traditional cuisine; cultural exhibits and workshops; and a variety of quality vendors of Irish goods. A children’s play area features bouncy castles, activities and games.

For more information, visit irishfestival.com.

• Fort Meade E9 Association meets the second Friday of every month at 7 a.m. in the Pin Deck Cafe at the Lanes. The next meeting is Friday. The association is open to active, retired, Reserve and National Guard E9s of any uniformed service. All E9s in this area are invited to attend a breakfast and meet the membership. For more information, visit e9association.org or call 410-551-7953.

• Officers’ Spouses’ Club will conduct its November luncheon on Nov. 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Main Post Chapel, 4419 Llewellyn Ave. RSVP by Saturday at fortmeadeosc.org.

The theme is, “Make It, Bake It, Fake It.” Bring an item you have made, baked or faked to make or bake to be auctioned during the luncheon.

Lunch will be catered by Boston Market. Cost is $15. No walk-ins.

• Single Parent Support Group meets the second and fourth Monday of the month from 6 to 8 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, call Rikki Ford, Parent Support coordinator, at 301-677-3617 or email [email protected].

• Enlisted Spouses Club meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center. The next meeting is Monday. For more information, visit ftmeadeesc.org or email [email protected].

EDUCATION

YOUTH

RECREATION

MEETINGS

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22



• Spouse Connection meets the second Tuesday of every month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood, 4998 Second Corps Blvd. The next meeting is Tuesday. The program provides an opportunity for all spouses in the Fort Meade community and surrounding area to meet and get connected. For more information, call 301-677-4110 or email [email protected].

• Bridging the Gap deployment support group, sponsored by Army Community Service, meets the second Tuesday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center. The next meeting is Tuesday. For more information, call Sharon Collins at 301-667-4116 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 Wednesday. The association is open to all Air Force active-duty and retired senior noncommissioned officers. For more information, call Master Sgt. Jonathan Jacob at 443-479-0616 or email [email protected].

• Meade Branch 212 of the Fleet Reserve Association meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at VFW Post 160 on Route 170 in Glen Burnie. The next meeting is Wednesday. Active-duty, Reserve and retired members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are invited. For more information, call 410-761-7046 or 301-262-6556.

• Retired Enlisted Association meets the third Thursday of the month from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Perry’s Restaurant, 1210 Annapolis Road, Odenton. The next meeting is Nov. 15. For more information, visit trea.org or call Mary Gray, the local president, at 410-916-5385 or Arthur R. Cooper, national president, at 443-336-1230.

• Meade Area Garden Club will meet Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. at the Jessup Community Hall located at the corner of Route 175 and Wigley Avenue. The speaker, David Shover of Modern Designs LLC, will demonstrate and discuss “Holiday Arrangements.” A bake sale also will be held at this meeting.

The community is welcome; no reservations are necessary. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call Pat Loosarian, membership chairman,

at 410-519-6443, or Sharon Durney, club president, at 410-761-5019.

• 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. The next meeting is Nov. 19. For more information, call Rikki Ford, Parent Support coordinator, at 301-677-3617 or email [email protected].

• Protestant Women of the Chapel meets Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center. There are eight different Bible studies to choose from. This year’s theme is Generation 2 Genera-tion. Free child care is provided. For more information, call 301-677-6035 or email [email protected] or visit ftmeadepwoc.org.

• Spouse PTSD Support Group meets Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Soldier and Family Assistance Center, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave.

The support group, sponsored by Behav-ioral Health Care Service, the Religious Support Office and the Army Substance Abuse Program, is for spouses whose loved ones are exhibiting symptoms of PTSD. Learn valuable tools and resources to understand PTSD and how to cope.

To join or for more information, call 301-677-8870.

• Military Council for Catholic Women is open to all women ages 18 and older for prayer, faith, fellowship and service at the Main Post Chapel.

Mother’s Prayer & Apologetics meets Tuesdays from 9:45 a.m. to noon when Anne Arundel County schools are in ses-sion. Monthly programs are held Mondays from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

For more information, email Beth Wright, president, at [email protected] or call 305-240-1559.

• Fort Meade Homeschool Co-op meets Fridays at 9:30 a.m. at 1900 Reece Road. For more information, call Kelli Stricker at 410-674-0297 or email [email protected].

• Cub Scout Pack 377 invites boys in first through fifth grades,, or ages 7 to 10, to attend its weekly Monday meetings at 6 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.

For more information, email Cubmaster Tom Johnston at [email protected] or Committee Chairperson Elizabeth Johnston at [email protected].

• Boy Scout Troop 379 meets Mondays at 7 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center on Rockenbach Road. The troop is actively recruiting boys age 11 to 18. For more information, email Lisa Yetman, at [email protected] or Wendall Lawrence, Scoutmaster, at [email protected].

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 for adults (12 and older) and $2.50 for children.

Today through Nov. 30

Today: “Trouble With The Curve” (PG-13). An aging baseball scout takes his daughter on a road trip. With Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams, Justin Timberlake.

Friday, Sunday & Nov. 15: “The Possession” (PG-13). Parents become a bit concerned with their daughter’s obsession with an antique wooden box that may carry a dark secret. With Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Kyra Sedgwick, Natasha Calis.

Saturday, Wednesday & Nov. 16: “Premium Rush” (PG-13). In Manhattan, a bike messenger picks up an envelope that attracts the interest of a dirty cop, who pursues the cyclist throughout the city. With Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Shannon, Dania Ramirez.

Nov. 17, 18, 21: “Won’t Back Down” (PG-13). Two women who are dissatisfied with their chil-dren’s school try to make a difference. With Mag-gie Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis and Holly Hunter.

Nov. 23, 28, 30: “End of Watch” (R). Police partners form a close bond, and also share a chal-lenging life on the street. With Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Peña.

Nov. 24, 25, 29: “House at the End of the Street” (PG-13). A mother and daughter move next to a house with a deadly past. With Jennifer Law-rence, Max Thieriot, Elisabeth Shue.

MEETINGS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

WHERE THEY’RENEEDED MOST.

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We are hiring for specific cyber intelligence positions in the Information Systems industry… if this is YOU, apply TODAY!

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To learn more about these opportunities and to apply, please visit jobs.meetngc.com/careers/Information-Systems-Essex

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Fort Meade SoundOff November 8 2012