Soundoff February 26, 2015

Lesson pLanMeade teachers learn about post growth, resources

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UpCoMInG eVenTsToday, 9 a.M.-4 p.M.: Financial Readiness Fair - McGill Training CenterMarCh 5, 1 p.M.: Community public listening session, Q&A - McGill Training CenterMarCh 5, 4-6 p.M.: Right Arm Night - Club MeadeMarCh 18, 9 a.M.-2 p.M.: Technical Job Fair - Club MeadeMarCh 21, 11 a.M.-2 p.M.: Brunch with the Easter Bunny - The Conference Center

new dIGsArmy detachment cuts ribbon on renovated student barracks

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Soundoff!́vol. 67 no. 8 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community February 26, 2015

photo by spc. tia sokimson

focus on springA cedar waxwing eats a small apple from a crab tree near the Fort Meade Credit Union last november. The photo, titled “Preparation Due South,” was taken by Spc. Tia Sokimson, 7th Signal Command, 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera), who won second place in the 2014 Army Digital Photography Contest in the Animal Division. The annual contest celebrates photographic skill from two divisions (Active Duty and other Eligible Patrons). To see all the winning photos, go to armymwr.com/recleisure/artsandcrafts/.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! February 26, 2015

Commander’s Column

Cont ent sNews............................. 3 Sports..................................11

PlacesofWorship...... 16 Movies.................................15

Community................. 13 Classified.............................17

Editorial StaffGarrison Commander Col. Brian P. foleyGarrison Command Sgt. Maj. rodwell l. forbesPublic affairs officerChad t. Jones [email protected], Command informationPhilip H. Jones [email protected] dijon [email protected] Editor & Senior Writer rona S. Hirsch Staff Writer lisa r. rhodesStaff Writer Shari rosendesign 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.

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Greetings, Team Meade.In case you haven’t noticed, it’s truly winter

at Fort Meade right now — especially after the last couple of snowstorms and the frigid cold weather we’ve been forced to deal with the past couple of weeks.

Fortunately, we are able to take comfort in knowing that despite winter’s stormy weather we continue to live and work in a safe environment — thanks to the dedication and professional effort put forth every day by our Department of Army security guards and the borrowed military manpower provided by our service members.

And for all they do to provide us with this level of safety and security, I want to thank our post guards.

We average about 57,000 vehicles per day driving onto Fort Meade. We are blessed to have a guard force that remains vigilant to the threats against our post. These security guards professionally conduct their job while standing on their feet eight to 12 hours a day, in all types of weather and temperature extremes.

Not only do they endure harsh weather con-ditions and a challenging work environment, they also may be called upon to selflessly put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of others as a quick reaction force.

Many of the service members who man our gates are highly specialized and trained intelli-gence and communications analysts who accept an additional duty to augment the DA security guard force.

Working together, they are truly our first line of defense in keeping this installation safe, 24 hours a day.

So when you have an opportunity to speak to one of our security guards, be sure to thank them for their service and commitment to our community. Their efforts are highly appreci-ated.

Also this month, Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley and I had the opportunity to speak to the volunteers of the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training workshop. The class included Army, Navy and Air Force service

members who were equipped with the neces-sary tools to identify some-one who may be a suicidal risk.

There is nothing more important than helping others in distress and getting individ-uals the appropriate help to cope with life situ-ations. The training is open to all active-duty service members, Reservists, DoD civilians and military contractors.

There are so many people in despair, look-ing for a better way to deal with life. Please consider taking the ASIST training. You can learn how to better listen and care for people who are having thoughts of suicide. You will be surprised at the positive impact you can make in someone’s life.

Another winter note: Thanks for all your patience as we continue the clearing of snow and ice from the roads on post.

I leave you with a few safety reminders to help you stay safe for the remainder of the season.

Every winter, people are injured or killed because they are unprepared or overconfident on snowy, icy roads. Before you set out on a snowy trip, even if it’s just a short drive to the store, keep the following in mind:

• Make sure your vehicle has ample antifreeze, the windshield is clean and your vehicle has plenty of de-icing windshield washer fluid.

• Keep your headlights clean and in working order.

• Verify that tires have tread and are properly inflated.

• Have your battery tested to avoid being stranded in the cold with a car that won’t start.

• Equip your vehicle with a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, warm clothes and a blanket.

And perhaps the most important tip today:• Remember to keep your cellphone with you

while traveling and have a working charger. You never know when you will need to make an emergency call.

Enjoy the rest of this winter and the beauti-ful snow!

Giving thanks to our security guards

Garrison command sGt. maj. rodwell l. Forbes

CorrectionIn the photograph accompanying the article

“Fort Meade’s USO provides variety of programs” published Feb. 12, Seaman Recruit

Johnathan Kalaygian was misidentified. Soundoff! regrets the error.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil February 26, 2015 SOUNDOFF! �

News

ership has been supportive of the instal-lation in providing much-needed funding for widening Route 175 to six lanes.

The colonel also mentioned his sup-port of Fort Meade schools partnering with tenant organizations to enhance the education of students.

Manor View has been paired with the 741st Military Intelligence Battalion.

During a brief question-and-answer session, Foley was asked whether there is a formal garrison policy that allows ser-vice members to become more involved

with Fort Meade schools.Foley said although a formal policy

is not in place, he will take the request to partner commanders at their next meeting.

After the presentation, teachers said they were glad Foley took the time to visit.

“I appreciate hearing that he finds our jobs just as important as anyone else’s,” said Lisa Short, a second grade teacher at Manor View. “It’s good to know that he supports us.”

Barry Gruber, principal at Manor View, said Foley’s visit was beneficial for the staff.

“With more than 50 percent of the staff being new to Manor View this year, including myself, it was an excellent opportunity for us to hear some back-ground information on Fort Meade as well as the direction in which things are headed,” Gruber said.

Next year, Foley plans to conduct a new-teacher orientation meeting for all educators at Fort Meade schools.

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

Earlier this week, Garrison Com-mander Col. Brian P. Foley spoke to teachers and administrators at two Fort Meade elementary schools about DoD growth and construction projects on the installation.

Foley spoke at Manor View on Mon-day afternoon and Pershing Hill on Tuesday.

His visits are part of an ongoing effort to visit all seven Fort Meade schools, and introduce new teachers and administra-tors to the installation and to keep them abreast of developments on post.

In addition, Antoinette Parker, Fort Meade’s new school liaison officer, and Lorian Traver, a Child, Youth and School specialist, gave educators an overview of the School Liaison Office and how it sup-ports the Fort Meade schools.

“There is nothing more important than the profession to which you have dedicated your lives,” Foley said. “It is the parents of the children you are teaching and educating every day who are doing the wonderful things in terms of our national defense.”

During his 30-minute presentation for educators at Manor View, Foley called Fort Meade “our nation’s primary opera-tional platform for the defense of our nation in this new cyber domain.”

The installation is now considered the nation’s center of information, intel-ligence and cyber operations due to the presence of U.S. Cyber Command, Marine Corps Cyber Command, Navy Fleet Cyber Command, the National Security Agency and the Defense Infor-mation Systems Agency.

Foley said that Fort Meade is the third largest Army installation in population and the “most joint, nonjoint base” in the country. Fort Meade is unique, Foley said, because it is an Army installation although about 14,000 service members from all five military branches work on post.

Foley explained the demographics of the installation, noting the 117 tenant organizations and a workforce of more than 51,000 military and DoD civilians.

The DoD’s expansion into cyber oper-ations at Fort Meade has led to about $1.8 billion in facility construction due to U.S. Cyber Command growth and NSA recapitalization.

Foley said that the state’s elected lead-

Garrison commander visits Fort Meade schools

photo by noah scialom

Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley speaks to teachers at Manor View Elementary School on Monday afternoon to inform them about DoD growth on post and to update them on current construction projects. Foley visited Pershing Hill Elementary School on Tuesday.


News

By Shari RosenStaff Writer

After more than three years of plan-ning and construction, Fort Meade cel-ebrated the opening of the Signal School Detachment’s refurbished barracks with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Feb. 19.

“[We want] to express our gratitude today to everyone who made this hap-pen and showcase the quality-of-life improvement for our Soldiers,” said Capt. Michael J. Martinez, compa-ny commander of the Signal School Detachment.

Martinez took Garrison Commander Brian P. Foley, Command Sgt. Maj. Rodwell L. Forbes, military officials and guests on a tour of the facility.

The refurbished barracks, located at 8606 6th Armored Cavalry Road, offer larger living quarters. Each room has its own heating system and bathroom.

“I like the new living situation,” said Spc. David Soflin, who lives in the barracks as he trains at the Defense Information School to be a multimedia illustrator. “We also have our own bath-rooms, so there’s no competition in the morning after PT [physical training].”

Martinez said that in the old barracks the boiler would sometimes malfunction and Soldiers would not be able to clean up after exercising.

“[The old barracks] were just a dis-traction [from] their studies because we had to spend so much time fixing things,” Martinez said.

Other renovations include amenities such as a staff duty room where staff can use television screens to monitor the bar-racks in high definition; a study room; computer lab; new laundry facility; and a kitchen equipped with a refrigerator.

“We have a kitchen now, which is a plus,” said Pfc. Javan Johnson, who is training to work with a combat camera unit. “We have a refrigerator. The old barracks can’t compare to that.”

The refurbished barracks house stu-dents in Initial Entry Training at DIN-FOS.

Students moved into their renovated living quarters approximately one month ago, but the ceremony was delayed due to adverse weather conditions.

“We have provided a much better place for Soldiers to live while they are going to school here at DINFOS,” Foley said in his welcoming remarks. “A better place to live will keep [our Soldiers] bet-ter focused.”

Ceremony showcases improvements to refurbished barracks

PHOTO BY PHILIP H. JONES

1st Sgt. Gerald Barber, Signal School Detachment and Capt. Michael J. Martinez, company commander, SSD join Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Rodwell L. Forbes in cutting the ribbon at the Signal School Detachment’s refurbished barracks during a ceremony held Feb. 19. The renovated barracks, located at 8606 6th Armored Cavalry Road, feature spacious bedrooms, a kitchen and computer lab, among other amenities.

NFB TOURS FREEDOM INN National Federation of

the Blind President Mark Riccobono speaks with Mary Ann Johnson and other employees at the

Freedom Inn Dining Facility during a special tour

Monday. Riccobono and his team visited the facility and also met with Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley. The NFB, founded in 1940, is a consumer

organization of blind people working together to improve

opportunities for the blind and the understanding of blindness by the public.

PHOTO BY SPc. PaBLO cHaNg


News


“If I stood on a street corner dressed in a hooded sweatshirt, jeans and Timberland boots, would you say ‘he’s a surgeon, has two kids and lives with his wife?’ ” asked Dr. Wayne Frederick, president of Howard University.

Answering “no” to his own question, Fred-erick continued with his speech.

“Biases that we have exist in all of us,” he said. “[We] must overcome those barriers.”

Frederick was the keynote speaker at Fort Meade’s Black History Month observance held Thursday afternoon at the Defense Information Systems Agency.

He addressed issues such as racial inequal-ity in higher education and preconceived biases of other races.

“The first thing to acknowledge is that we all have biases,” said Anita DeLoach, specialist at DISA’s Equal Opportunity and Diversity Office, who organized the event. “We try to educate others about different cultures, so they can accept [them]. Once we accept that we all have differences, we can start to see the beauty in our differences and all work together.”

The 90-minute presentation also included the singing of the national anthem by Greg-ory Mason, chief of resource management at Defense Media Activity; a performance of the black national anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Tynette Pierre, Fort Meade Equal Opportunity Office specialist; and a buffet.

“I thought it was great,” Faith Adams, who works at DISA, said of the event.

Frederick, a native of Trinidad who moved to the United States to attend Howard Uni-versity at age 16, began his speech by discuss-ing the role models who inspired his career path.

One of his role models, LaSalle D. Leffall Jr., was initially rejected from the two medi-cal schools that accepted African-Americans

Black History speakers discuss racial biases, overcoming barriers

COURTESY OF DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY

Dr. Wayne Frederick, president of Howard University, speaks at Fort Meade’s Black History Month observance held Feb. 19 at the Defense Information Systems Agency. The 90-minute ceremony featured a free buffet and vocal performances.

at the time. LaSalle drove from Florida to Washington, D.C., to convince the president of Howard to accept him and allow him to pursue his dream.

Following his medical school acceptance, Leffall graduated first in his class and later became the first African-American president of the American Cancer Society.

“[Just think of] the barriers he broke,”

Frederick said. Along with LaSalle, other strong African-

American leaders were mentioned through-out the course of the presentation.

In her opening remarks, Chandra Vick-ers, DISA Equal Opportunity and Diversity Office director, spoke about the strength of abolitionist Harriet Tubman and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez.

“They are proof that important things in life don’t come quickly or easily,” Vickers said. “May we remember their stories and live up to their examples.”

The interweaving of these historic Afri-can-Americans’ stories throughout the pre-sentation highlighted the 2015 Black History Month’s theme of “A Century of Black Life, History and Culture.”

“It’s always important to remember what the past was like in order to continue to fight for the things that we still need in our future — for ourselves and for our kids in terms of equality and employment,” DeLoach said.

In his speech, Frederick echoed this senti-ment. He noted the many prominent leaders who transformed the course of history for African-Americans and how they visited Howard to share their viewpoints with other emerging African-American intellectuals.

These leaders included Jackie Robinson, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, who visited Howard University after he was freed from imprisonment in South Africa.

Following in the footsteps of these Afri-can-American leaders, Frederick also wants to improve opportunities in the world of education for African-Americans.

“Even when poor students do well on the SAT [Scholastic Aptitude Test], they are twice as likely to not finish college than their rich counterparts,” he said.

Frederick said he wants to provide financial and educational opportunities to “close the performance gap” between African-Ameri-cans and their Caucasian counterparts.

Among those who attended the event were several busloads of science, technology, engi-neering and math high school students from the surrounding community.

“It was inspiring,” said Kiara Veney, a freshman at North County High School, who attended the presentation with many of her classmates. “It inspired me to go to college and get a better education.”

Did you know that by the year 2020, one in six Americans will be a senior?

The baby boomers will swell the senior popula-tion from 39 million to 53 million within 10 years. This unprecedented growth in the senior popula-tion will come at a cost.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimate that 60 percent of people over the age of 65 will need some form of long-term care. Despite this reality, most wait too long to prepare for their financial needs.

It is important to note that caregiving is not lim-ited to seniors. The needs of wounded warriors and exceptional family members also strain resources.

By default, most caregiving responsibilities are performed by family, friends and other nonprofes-sionals. Although the experience is rewarding, these demands can be overwhelming emotionally, physi-cally and financially.

As part of Military Saves Week, join us at Army Community Service for “Financial Planning for Caregivers” on Friday at 9 a.m. in the Community

Readiness Center at 830 Chisholm Ave.The class will explore the financial impact of

being a caregiver and how to adjust finances to meet caregiving responsibilities.

This information is relevant for anyone providing care for another, including wounded warriors and exceptional family members.

To register, go to FortMeadeACS.checkappoint-ments.com.

For more information, call ACS at 301-677-5590.

ACS workshop explores financial impact of being a caregiver


News


Children and teens who are new to the Fort Meade community will be welcomed this spring by a revamped Youth Sponsor-ship program, coordinated by Child, Youth and School Services.

“The program welcomes new youth com-ing to Fort Meade and gets them ori-ented and acclimated to their new post,” said LaToya Cardwell, facility director of the Middle School and Teen Programs at CYSS.

The Youth Sponsorship program will be relaunched in April to coincide with the Month of the Military Child.

Parents new to Fort Meade are identi-fied through Parent Central Services, which passes a list on to the Youth and Teen Cen-ters to notify prospective youth in middle school through high school about the pro-gram.

A sponsorship day will be held April 22 at the Youth Center to welcome newcom-ers with a welcome bag filled with CYSS trinkets, a key fob chain, bracelets, pencil case, ruler and water bottle, as well as a

meal and tour of the installation. The tour will include a stop at School Age Services and the Teen Center.

The program was revamped to include a tour after additional staffing became available.

Newcomers are matched with Fort Meade youths according to their grade level through the Torch Club and the Keystone Club, two activities sponsored at the Youth Center and Teen Center, respectively.

The sponsor remains with the new guest for a month and helps him or her get acquainted with the student’s new school, community and recreational activities through CYSS.

“It can be very intimidating to come to a new community and not know any new faces,” Cardwell said. “Their sponsor is their point of contact as they get acclimated to their new environment.”

Cardwell says the sponsor and newcomer are free to become friends as their relation-ship grows.

“We help military families by helping their children feel comfortable in their new community,” Cardwell said. “By helping

Youth Sponsorship program welcomes CYSS newcomers

file photo

Fort Meade’s revamped Youth Sponsorship program, which helps young newcomers acclimate to the installation, kicks off April 22. The program is geared to students in middle school through high school, matching them with a peer who helps to acquaint them with school, community and recreational activities.

children to adjust, military parents can focus on their work and mission at Fort Meade.”

A sponsorship day will continue to be held once a month to routinely welcome

new youths to the installation.Editor’s note: For more information about

the Youth Sponsorship program, Call Latoya Cardwell at the Youth Center at 301-677-1437.

By Samson Robinson, Prevention CoordinatorArmy Substance Abuse Program

One in four children in the United States lives in or is exposed to a family environment where alcohol abuse or alcoholism negatively affects their world and their healthy development.

This means that in your apartment building, your neighborhood or among your children’s friends, one in four children of alcoholics could be hiding their embarrassment, confusion, hurt or shame about what’s going on at home.

There is growing evidence that living in these type of families during the crucial devel-opmental years can create a lifetime of mental and physical health consequences, as well as confusion and fear.

Health care professionals who see children have a wide array of opportunities to offer their support during this difficult time.

The National Association for Children of Alcoholics Social Work Initiative began in 2005 with the first of two experts panel meet-ings of social work educators and clinicians, and representatives of the Council on Social Work Education and the National Association of Social Workers.

These meetings identified the core compe-tencies for social workers to address the needs of children living in alcohol- or drug-abusing families.

In addition, Children of Alcoholics Week is held annually around the world during the week of Valentine’s Day. The event is designed to encourage and support children dealing with the effects of addiction on their families.

Children living with addiction in their family — an addicted parent, sibling or other relative — need to know that the addiction and the resulting behavior are not their fault and they are not alone. They also need to hear the message that they did not cause the addiction nor can they control it.

Most importantly, children of alcohol-ics need to know there are people they can talk to like adults in their school, church or synagogue; a friend’s parent; or an extended family member.

Later on in life, adult children of alcohol-ics can sometimes take on the characteristics listed below as a result of being raised in an alcoholic home:

• Isolation, fear of people and fear of authority figures

• Difficulty with identity issues related to constantly seeking the approval of others

• Frightened by angry people and personal criticism

• Becoming an alcoholic yourself, marrying one, or both

• An overdeveloped sense of responsibil-ity — concerned about the needs of others to the degree of neglecting your own wants and needs

• Feelings of guilt associated with standing up for your rights, it is easier to give into the demands of others

• An addiction to excitement• A tendency to confuse feelings of love and

pity, attracted to people who you can rescue and take care of

• Avoidance of feelings related to traumatic childhood experiences

• Low self-esteem: A tendency to judge yourself harshly and to be a perfectionist and self-critical

• Strong dependency needs and terrified of abandonment

• Dysfunctional relationships, denial, fear-ful, avoidance of feelings, poor coping, poor problem-solving, afraid others will find out

what you are really like, etc.• A chameleon, a tendency to be what oth-

ers want you to be instead of being yourself• Lack of honesty with yourself and othersThe following tips can help if you are

struggling with these characteristics or know someone who is:

• Do talk about how you feel.• Do try to get involved in doing enjoyable

things.• Do remember to allow yourself to have

fun.• Do remember that feeling afraid and alone

is normal when you live or lived with alcoholic parents.

• Don’t ride in a car when the driver has been drinking.

• Don’t think that just because your parents are/were alcoholics, you will be one too.

Additionally, there are adult children of alcoholics 12-step, self-help community meet-ings, individual therapy and group therapy facilitated by a therapist.

For more information and resources, contact the Fort Meade Army Substance Abuse Pro-gram at 301-677-7121 or Samson Robinson at 301-677-7983.

Recognizing the needs of children of alcoholics


News

By Jane M. WinandChief, Legal Assistance Division

One of the clients recently seek-ing estate-planning assistance at the Fort Meade Legal Assistance Division showed me a Last Will and Testament written when the Soldier, now a retiree, was preparing to deploy to Vietnam in 1969.

The client was still satisfied with the language in the will and wondered if it was still valid. The client was curious as to whether a will can expire after a certain period of time.

A Last Will and Testament is valid until the testator, the person who created the will, decides to revoke or nullify it. A will is revoked by tearing it up, marking through it with the intent to revoke it, or signing a new will.

Since the Vietnam-era will hadn’t been revoked by the testator, it was still a valid will. So could the client rest easy? Well, not necessarily.

The state laws that govern the probate of wills — the judicial determination of the validity of a will — and the admin-istration of the estates of deceased per-sons have changed over the years.

Prior to these changes, probating the will required locating one or more of the witnesses who signed the will. Imagine trying to round up the witnesses who signed that Vietnam-era will.

In the 1980s, states changed their laws to allow for the addition of a self-prov-ing clause at the back of the will. This extra page, signed by the testator, the witnesses and a notary public, makes it unnecessary in most cases to locate the witnesses.

The probate of the will is much eas-ier with the self-proving clause. How-ever, many old wills lack the self-proving clause. In the case of the Vietnam-era

Battle of willsKnow your state law governing estate planning

Connect with Fort Meade at Facebook.com/ftmeade

client, I prepared a new will with the self-proving clause.

As a general rule, you should review your will and other estate-planning doc-uments every few years to make sure nothing has changed. Perhaps you have had additional children, there has been a divorce or death, or you’ve changed your mind about the person named in your will to serve as guardian of your children.

Furthermore, changes to the law may affect your estate plans and the imposi-tion of federal and state estate tax. Many clients have valid wills but may not have a living will or advance medical directive to govern end-of-life medical decisions.

Many married people simply want to leave their worldly possessions to their spouses. It is possible to simplify the pro-bate process in many of these cases by titling real estate and investments jointly with right of survivorship between a husband and wife.

Some states require a property deed to clearly indicate an intent to hold the property with right of survivorship by using such words as “joint tenants with survivorship” and “jointly with survivor-ship.”

Other states have laws that treat prop-erty, owned by a husband and wife, as held with survivorship. Investments such as stocks and mutual funds may also be held jointly with right of survivorship.

However, before changing the title documents on assets, it is best to con-sider estate tax consequences.

The Fort Meade Legal Assistance attorneys provide advice and assistance on estate-planning matters. We draft wills, living wills, advance medical direc-tives and powers of attorney.

It is a good idea to meet with an attorney to discuss your needs, evalu-ate existing documents for sufficiency, and determine whether additional estate tax considerations or other factors may affect your estate planning.

Should you have estate-planning con-cerns, call the Fort Meade Legal Assis-tance Office to schedule an appointment with an attorney at 301-677-9536 or 301-677-9504.

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News

By Aaron C. RowellInstallation Safety Office

Motorcycle safety is still on the hot topics list and will be until we get a handle on the needless fatalities and injuries resulting from careless riding.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,668 people died in motorcycle crashes in 2013, down 6.4 percent from 4,986 in 2012.

Motorcyclists were about 26 times more likely than passenger car occu-pants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled in 2012 and five times more likely to be injured, according to NHTSA.

Older riders appear to sustain more serious injuries than younger riders. Researchers from Brown University cite declines in vision and reaction time, along with the larger-sized bikes that older riders favor, which tend to roll over more often, and the increased fragility among older people as the causes.

The majority of these mishaps are a direct result of excessive speed and speed too great for road conditions. The second greatest contributing fac-tor is not wearing proper protective gear or not wearing the proper gear correctly.

Some state laws do not require hel-mets; but as military members, all protective gear must be worn for every ride. This includes a helmet that meets Department of Transportation stan-dards.

Most of the fatal accidents involved operators who were properly trained to Army standards. However, lessons learned in training are only good when applied. Some of the fatalities had no training or were operating without a license.

Motorcyclists must keep their riding skills sharp and their attention focused at all times. To aid military personnel, Fort Meade’s Installation Safety Office is sponsoring Motorcycle Safety Foun-dation Basic Rider Courses, Expe-rienced Rider Courses and Military Sport Bike Rider Courses.

Training will be provided at no cost to all tenant military personnel stationed at Fort Meade, and for all active-duty service members Army-wide. Army Reservist and National Guard military members must be on

Motorcycle safety courses offered for all levels

file photo

The Fort Meade Installation Safety Office will sponsor motorcycle safety courses at no cost for all tenant military personnel stationed on post. Courses begin March 10. For more information, go to www.ftmeade.army.mil/pages/safety.

orders to take the training.Training is not authorized for civil-

ian personnel unless their specific gov-ernment work duties dictate the use of a motorcycle.

All courses have limited registration on a first-come, first-served basis. An approved MSF course is mandatory in accordance with Army Regulation 385-10. Department of Defense Instruction 6055.4, DoD Traffic Safety Program is required for all military personnel who ride.

Students taking the ERC or MSRC must bring their own motorcycle with a fully charged battery and a full tank of gas, as well as a valid driver’s license

with motorcycle endorsement, proof of insurance and registration.

Motorcycles will be provided for the BRC. Students who choose to bring their own bike (this is recommended if you have a bike), must bring a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement, proof of insurance and registration. If you use our motorcycles, these items are not required.

Training dates:• Basic Rider Courses: March 10-11

and March 18-19, April 8-9 and April 15-16, May 20-21, June 10-11, July 15-16, Aug. 12-13, Sept. 16-17 and Oct. 8-9

• Experienced Rider Courses: (One Day) March 12, March 20, April 7, April 17, May 22, June 12, July 17, Aug. 14, Sept. 8 and Oct. 6

• Military Sport Bike Rider Course: March 17, April 14, May 19, June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 15 and Oct. 7

Training dates are tentative. If a class is not full seven days prior to commencement, the class can be can-celed. For this reason, the ISO does not post or open the upcoming classes until previous classes are full or completed.

To register, go to https://imc.army.mil/airs/usg_disclaimer.aspx.

For more information, go to www.ftmeade.army.mil/pages/safety/.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! February 26, 2015

News


Fort Meade is one of 13 military instal-lations competing in the UltimateMe/Presidential Active Lifestyle Award Challenge.

The challenge, which runs from Febru-ary to May, is part of the DoD’s Healthy Base Initiative.

HBI is a demonstration project aimed at learning best practices for implement-ing health and wellness programs that enable healthy lifestyles.

Nicky Lowry, Fort Meade’s health promotion program assistant, said the UltimateMe Pala+ Challenge is a col-laboration between DoD and the Pres-ident’s Council on Sports Fitness and Nutrition.

The purpose of the challenge, which is between installations and not individu-als, is to encourage participants to use the UltimateMe website that tracks daily activity and nutrition intake, earning them Pala+ Awards.

DoD is tracking the number of par-ticipants at each military installation and will select the winning installation this spring.

Prizes for the challenge include iPads, Fitbit activity trackers and Pala+ merit badges.

“The whole point of HBI is for the DoD to learn best practices for healthy living that can be taken DoD-wide,” Lowry said. “Is UltimateMe a best prac-tice that should be taken DoD-wide? The competition is a final push to get people

to use UltimateMe as a health tool in order to determine the answer to this question.”

UltimateMe is the DoD’s personal-ized wellness website for service mem-bers, their families, retirees and DoD civilian employees. It helps participants assess their health by tracking their food choices and activity levels and motivates them to make positive changes for better health.

The Fort Meade community can reg-ister for the challenge at http://health.mil/UltimateMe and take the health assessment questionnaire.

The website provides participants with a personal health profile generated from the assessment, which tells them their health age versus their actual age. It

also provides access to fitness and health information.

The competition is open to youths age 6 to 17 and adults age 18 and older.

“The assessment is fantastic,” Lowry said. “It is a good way to learn if you are engaged in factors such as eating properly, exercising and sleeping right to build a healthy lifestyle.”

Lowry said the challenge is an oppor-tunity for members of the Fort Meade community to properly educate them-selves about the importance of health and wellness.

“A lot of people are not fully informed,” Lowry said. “They think they’re exercising and eating right, but they really aren’t. This is a way to teach you that information.”

Meade takes part in UltimateMe fitness challenge

By Claudette RouloDoD News, Defense Media Activity

President Barack Obama signed into law the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act on Feb. 12.

The SAV Act is aimed at reducing mili-tary and veteran suicides and improving their access to quality mental health care.

Hunt was a decorated Marine veteran who struggled with post-traumatic stress. He deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and was wounded in Anbar Province, Iraq, and had witnessed the combat deaths of close

friends.Two years after his discharge and after

repeated setbacks in his medical care, Hunt took his own life in 2011.

“By all accounts, he was selfless and he was brave,” Obama said of Hunt. “And when he died in 2011, it was a heartbreak-ing loss for his family, his fellow Marines and our nation because Clay had already done a great deal of good in the world. And the truth is, he was just getting started.”

Through unimaginable grief, Hunt’s family, friends and fellow veterans made

President signs legislation to prevent veteran suicides it their mission to spare other families the pain they endured, the president said.

“So they shared Clay’s story far and wide,” Obama said. “And they reached out to members of Congress. And they lob-bied and they testified and made personal appeals.

“And thanks to their tireless efforts — and we are particularly grateful to Clay’s family, being able to transform grief into action — today I will sign the Clay Hunt SAV Act into law.”

The president said the best way to honor Hunt “is to make sure that more veterans like him are here for all the years to come and able to make extraordinary contribu-tions, building on what they’ve already done for our safety and our security.”

The SAV Act builds on efforts still in progress to improve Veterans Affairs’ men-tal health care access by:

• Requiring annual third-party evalua-tions of VA’s mental health care and suicide prevention programs

• Creating a centralized website with resources and information about the range of mental health services available from the VA

• Conducting a three-year pilot program using peer support to assist veterans transi-tioning from active duty

• Encouraging collaborative suicide pre-vention efforts between the VA and non-profit mental health organizations

Obama’s proposed 2016 budget also includes more than $7 billion for the VA to continue its focus on expanding and transforming mental health services for

veterans, including treatment for post-traumatic stress, ensuring timely access to mental health care and treatment for military sexual trauma.

“This law will not bring Clay back, as much as we wish it would,” Obama said. “But the reforms that it puts in place would’ve helped, and they’ll help others who are going through the same challeng-ing process that he went through.”

It’s time to eliminate the stigma and barriers that face those who seek help, the president said. Asking for help is hard enough, he said, particularly when you are used to helping others.

“Today, we say again to every person in uniform, every veteran who has ever served, we thank you for your service, we honor your sacrifice,” Obama said. “But sometimes, you know, talk is cheap. And sometimes, you know, particularly at a time when we’ve got an all-volunteer force and so often we can celebrate them at a ball game, but too many are insulated from the impacts.

“We’ve got to also act,” Obama said. “We can’t just talk. So we’re ready to help you begin the next chapter of your lives. And if you are hurting, know this: You are not forgotten. You are not alone. You are never alone. We are here for you. America is here for you. All of us. And we will not stop doing everything in our power to get you the care and support you need to stay strong and keep serving this country we love.

“We need you. We need you. You make our country better.”

Copies of the 2015 Fort Meade

Welcome Guide are available now.

Please call 301-677-5602 or email [email protected] to request guides for

your organization.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil February 26, 2015 SOUNDOFF! 11

SportS


After a cold and icy winter, the Child, Youth and School Services’ Youth Sports program provides a range of activities that allow youngsters to get outside and play.

“It brings them an opportunity to get out, get fit,” said Hunter Davis, director of Youth Sports. “Really with the bigger sports like soccer, that’s great for team-work and communication for the little guys.”

The intramural spring sports that are offered include soccer, softball, baseball, track, National Football League flag foot-ball, lacrosse and tennis.

The coed sports program targets chil-

dren ages 3 to 13. However, some sports like the Highsteppers track team is open to ages 18 and younger.

All intramural sports are completely run by volunteer coaches and CYSS is still seeking more volunteers.

The season begins the last week of March and runs until June 12.

“We try to make it so we’re done about the time that school’s out,” Davis said.

Registration for spring sports began in January and is open until all slots in the program are filled.

“If there are still a few spots open, we try to get all the kids in,” Davis said.

To register a new athlete, parents must visit the Parent Central Services office at

1900 Reece Road. Returning athletes can register online through ftmeademwr.com by clicking on the CYSS tab.

So far, 50 youths have signed up for NFL flag football and 25 have signed up for lacrosse.

Despite the wide age range of the Youth Sports program, activities are tailored to address participants’ respective needs.

A parent participation baseball clinic is offered for 3- to 4-year-olds.

“We just have a coach lead everyone in a drill for that day and then the parents go out and work with their child on that drill,” Davis said.

T-ball is aimed at children 5 to 6 years old; coach pitch is for 7- and 8-year-olds.

Children ages 9 and older have the opportunity to participate in more com-petitive, county sports leagues.

“It gives a chance for some of the older kids that do play in a county sport to get more into that competitive aspect and travel out in the county and play other programs,” Davis said.

Overall, Davis hopes youths register for spring sports and get active.

“We’re trying to get the kids out and being physically active and running around,” Davis said.

Editor’s note: For more information on CYSS Youth Sports, call the Youth Sports office, located at 1900 Reece Road, at 301-677-1179.

Spring sports provide range of opportunities for youths

FILE PHOTO

Youths line up for a soccer drill at the Youth Sports Complex. Soccer, along with National Football League flag football, baseball,softball, tennis, lacrosse and track are the intramural spring sports offered by the Child, Youth and School Services’ Youth Sports program. The season runs from the last week of March until June 12.


Community news & notes

Sports ShortsVolleyball coaches meeting

A meeting for intramural volleyball coaches is scheduled for Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Murphy Field House.

A representative must be present at the meeting to submit the team roster.Only active-duty service members are eligible to participate in the league.For more information, call 301-677-3318 or email beth.d.downs.naf@mail.

mil.

Dollar DaysDollar Days at the Lanes are offered every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 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.

Texas Hold ‘Em Tournaments All service members and civilians are invited to play in the Texas Hold ‘Em

Tournaments held Mondays and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at the Lounge at the Lanes.Tournament is free to enter. Prizes are awarded for the top winners.Food and beverages are available for purchase.For more information, call 301-677-5541.

Youth spring sportsRegistration for spring sports is underway.Spring sports include baseball, softball, tennis, lacrosse, basketball, track,

NFL flag football and soccer.To register online, go to ftmeademwr.com.For more information, call 301-677-1179.

Youth Sports seeks volunteer coachesVolunteer coaches are needed for baseball, softball, tennis, lacrosse,

basketball, track, NFL flag football, and soccer.All volunteers will receive free training and will be certified through the

National Youth Sports Coaches Association.All volunteers must complete a background check.Apply at the Child, Youth and School Services’ Youth Sports & Fitness

Office at 1900 Reece Road.For more information, call 301-677-1179 or 301-677-1329.

Tae kwon doChild, Youth and School Services offers tae kwon do classes for youths of

all ages Tuesdays and Thursday at the Youth Center.Classes are broken into different age groups. Cost is $45 for ages 4 to 6 and

$85 for ages 7–17.For more information, call 301-677-1149.

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

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 [email protected] or call Editor Dijon Rolle at 301-677-6806.

100 percent ID checks at all access gates starts Sunday

Beginning Sunday, Fort Meade will conduct 100 percent identification checks at all of its Access Control Points through March 15.

The effort, directed by Installation Management Command, is designed to count all non-Department of Defense visitors entering the installation.

Visitors should be prepared for longer waits at the gates and the possibility of traffic impacts on the surrounding roads and highways, including Routes 175, 198 and 32.

Fort Meade will conduct these checks for two weeks each month throughout the 2015 calendar year.

IMCOM installations are conducting the count of visitors to ensure Visitor Control Centers are properly staffed. The visitor count is being conducted at all IMCOM installations.

Public listening sessionMaj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan,

commander, U.S. Army Military District of Washington, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region, will host a public listening session March 5 at 1 p.m. at McGill Training Center.

Buchanan and a representative from the Army’s Operations and Plans Office will discuss the Army’s ongoing planning effort to achieve fiscal reductions required by the Budget Control Act of 2011.

Additionally, Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley will discuss ongoing growth at Fort Meade.

Leaders will then take questions from the audience.

All members of the Fort Meade community including current employees, retirees, concerned citizens and family members are invited to attend the session.

The listening session will be live-streamed from the Fort Meade website; individuals will be able to submit questions online.

For more information, call 301-677-1361.

Pepper Road gate openThe Pepper Road gate is now open for

pedestrians and cyclists Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cars and other motorized vehicles are not authorized to access this gate.

Pepper Road is located toward the southeast corner of Fort Meade near Range Control off Route 175 (adjacent to Route 32) in Odenton.

The gate is also close to the MARC station and Odenton Town Center.

The gate opening is part of Fort Meade’s ongoing efforts to improve transportation options to and from the installation.

Technical Job FairA Technical Job Fair will be held

March 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Club Meade.

The event is open to the public.For a list of all attending employers,

go to ftmeademwr.com.

Volunteer Awards BanquetThe Fort Meade Volunteers Awards

Banquet will be held April 16 at 6 p.m. at Club Meade.

Nominations for special awards will be accepted through Monday.

For more information on nomination procedures and tickets, call the volunteer coordinator at 301-677-4128.

Financial Readiness Fair The Army Community Service’s

Financial Readiness Fair will be held today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McGill Training Center.

The free event, which is open to all military services and ranks and to civilians, will feature guests speakers, informational displays and break-out sessions.

Bag lunches will be available for purchase.

For more information, call Army Community Service at 301-677-5590 or the Fleet and Family Support Center at 301-677-9410.

ESC scholarshipsThe Enlisted Spouses’ Club is offering

NEWS & EVENTS

EDUCATION



file photo

RIGHT ARM NIGHTBring your right-arm service member, co-worker or employee for Right Arm Night on March 5 from 4-6 p.m. at Club

Meade for a fun evening of free food, music, dancing, prizes and camaraderie. The event is open to all military ranks and services, and civilians. Reserve your table at 301-677-6969.

scholarships for graduating high school seniors and continuing education students for the 2015-2016 academic school year.

Applicants must be dependent children of service members from any branch: active duty, retired or deceased military personnel; Reservist; or National Guard

The service member must reside in the Fort Meade area.

Application packages must be completed and submitted to the ESC by March 27.

The complete application package and a full list of scholarship requirements are available at www.ftmeadeesc.org/scholarship-oportunities.

For more information, email [email protected].

Corvias educational grantsCorvias Foundation is still accepting

applications for the 2015 educational grants.

Applications must be submitted by May 7.

Grants are given in the amount of up to $5,000 to spouses of active-duty service members stationed at Fort Meade.

Applicants may be in any stage of the educational process.

For more information, go to corviasfoundation.org.

Cooking Matters Commissary Tours

The next Cooking Matters Commissary Tours & Challenge is Sunday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the commissary.

Tours are free and open to all eligible commissary patrons.

Hands-on store tours are offered every hour and teach participants the skills to compare foods for cost and nutrition.

Select tours will receive a $10 coupon.To sign up for the event, go to http://

cmatscommissaryfm.eventbrite.com.For more information, email

[email protected].

Financial, Employment Readiness

Army Community Service offers Financial and Employment Readiness classes to all ranks and services and to DoD civilian employees at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.

Registration is required for each class.

• Financial Planning for Caregivers: Friday, 9-11 a.m.

• Dollars and Sense: Tuesday, 9 a.m.Topics include: basic budgeting,

financial goals and priorities, saving and investing, and managing your credit.

• Banking Basics: March 10, 9-11 a.m.Learn to manage, balance and

reconcile your bank accounts. Topics include: banking and credit union services, and checking account management.

This class serves as refresher training for personnel who have abused and misused check-cashing privileges.

To register or for more information, call 301-677-5590 or go to fortmeadeacs.checkappointments.com.

Free classesThe Navy Fleet and Family Support

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

The free classes are open to DoD ID cardholders including active-duty service members, retirees and their family members, DoD civilian employees and contractors.

Registration is required for each class.• Resume Writing Workshop: Tuesday,

9 a.m. to noonThis workshop will provide tips on

winning resume styles, the importance of cover letters and tips on following up on your resume.

• Stress Management: March 5, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

• Retiree Brief: March 9, 8-11:30 a.m. (within two years of retirement eligibility)

Information will be provided on Tricare, Johns Hopkins Family Health Plan and Navy Mutual Aid Financial Planning/Survivor Benefit Plan.

• Building Healthy Relationships: March 10, 9-11 a.m.

• Ten Steps to a Federal Job: March 10, 9 a.m. to noon

Topics include: how to understand job vacancy announcements, writing a federal and electronic resume, and tracking applications

To register or for more information, call 301-677-9017 or 301-677-9018.

StorytimeThe Children’s Library offers pre-

kindergarten Storytime on Thursdays at

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

YOUTH



9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at Kuhn Hall, 4415 Llewellyn Ave.

• Today: “Quiet as a Mouse” - Storytime about mice

• March 5: “Don’t Be a Square! - Stories about shapes


‘Kick butts’Grades six to eight are invited to the

Youth Center on March 6 from 5-6:30 p.m. for the “kick butts” initiative.

Youths will participate in activities highlighting the harmful effects of smoking as it relates to oral hygiene.


Teen Center eventsThe Teen Center is offering the follow-

ing activities for grades nine to 12:• Driver’s education: Monday to

March 13, 3-6:15 p.m.Cost is $320 and includes 30 hours of

classroom education plus six hours of behind-the-wheel training.

All participants must be registered by Friday with Child, Youth and School Services prior to enrolling.

For more information, call 301-677-1156 or 301-677-1149.

• Zumba: Monday, 5-6 p.m. Class is free.

• Smoothie Day: March 5, 5-6 p.m Create healthy smoothies during this free event.

• Open Mic Night: March 6, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Share you poetry, spoken words, music or comedy at this free event.


Out & About• Maryland Home & Garden Show

will be held Saturday and Sunday and March 6-8 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium.

The annual event features home improvement exhibits, landscaped gardens, a craft show, orchid show (second week only) and free seminars.

Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; March 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; March 7, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and March 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission is $12 for adults; $10 for seniors age 62 and older; and $3 for children ages 6-12. Admission is free for active-duty service members with ID. Admission to craft show is $6.

For more information, call 410-863-1180, ext. 11 or go to http://www.mdhomeandgarden.com.

• The Bowie Baysox will conduct live auditions March 21 at 9:30 a.m. for singers of the national anthem before a home game at Prince George’s Stadium. Gates open for registration at 9 a.m.

The team features a live performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before all 71 home games.

Word sheets are not allowed. All auditions must be done in person. No CDs, cassettes or videos are accepted for review.

Auditions are open to individuals or small groups; instrumentalists are permitted. Large church or school groups interested in performing the national anthem at a game should call the Baysox at 301-464-4880.

• Leisure Travel Services is offering discounted tickets to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which will perform March 25 to April 5 at the Baltimore Arena.

Numerous show times are available. Tickets cost $20.


• The Anne Arundel Genealogical Society will host the program “An African-American Quaker: Journey to Home,” by Margo Lee Williams on March 5 from 7-9:30 p.m. at Severna Park United Methodist Church, 731 Benfield Road, Severna Park.

The event is open to the public. Refreshments will be served prior to the start of the program.

For more information, call Thursday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 410-760-9679.

• Leisure Travel Services is offering tickets to Monster Jam, which will be held Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Tuesday and Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore.

For ticket prices or more information, call LTS at 301-677-7354.

• Families Dealing with Deployment

meets the first and third Monday of every month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Meuse Forest Neighborhood Center. Children welcome. The next meeting is Monday. For more information, call 301-677-5590 or email [email protected].

• Retired Officers’ Wives’ Club will meet Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Club Meade. Bring your family and friends for a rocking “Tis the Wearin’ of the Green” program featuring the Retro Rockets, who will entertain during the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration.

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

Membership dues are $25 per year, but you may join from February through May now for half price.

Members may bring guests to the luncheons, which are held on the first Tuesday of each month except June, July, August and January.

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 March 5.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 301-677-6703.• Meade Rod and Gun Club meets the

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

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

• Swinging Squares Square Dance Club dances the first and third Saturday of the month from 7:30-10 p.m. through May at Meade Middle School. The next dance is March 7. Admission is $6. Square dance attire is optional.

Dance classes are offered Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m. at Meade Middle School. Each class costs $6.

For more information, call Darlene at 410-519-2536 or Carl at 410-271-8776.

• Marriage Enrichment Group, sponsored

by Army Community Service, meets the second and fourth Monday of every month from 3-4 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next meeting is March 9. For more information, call Celena Flowers or Jessica Hobgood at 301-677-5590.

• Calling All Dads meets the second and fourth Monday of every month from 4-5 p.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center, 4998 2nd Corps Blvd. The next meeting is March 9.

The group is for expecting fathers, and fathers with children of all ages. Children welcome. For more information, call 301-677-5590 or email [email protected].

• New Spouse Connection meets the second Monday of every month from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next meeting is March 9. The program provides an opportunity for all spouses new to the military or to Fort Meade to meet and get connected. For more infor-mation, contact Pia Morales at [email protected] or 301-677-4110.

• AARP Chapter 606 will meet March 9 at 12:30 p.m. in the Glen Burnie Improvement Association Hall.

The guest speaker will talk about Fraud Watch.

Chapter dues are due January through March at $4 per person or $6 per couple at sign-in.

Members are reminded to bring food for the North County Emergency Outreach Network, box tops for schools, loose change for charities and used toner cartridges to be reconditioned.

For more information, call Judy Litke at 410-760-6253.

• NARFE Chapter 1519 will meet March 10 at 1 p.m. at the Holy Trinity Church Hall, 3436 Baltimore-Annapolis Road, Glen Burnie.

Lauren M. Parker, Register of Wills, will speak.

Anyone wishing to join this chapter or find out more information concerning the National Active and Retired Federal Employee Association should attend this meeting. Personnel are needed to become active members of the chapter and attend meetings.

For more information, call Diane Shreves, publicity chairman, at 410-760-3750.

• Fort Meade TOP III Association meets the second Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m. at the Courses. The next meeting is March 11. 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 jajacob@

YOUTH

RECREATION

MEETINGS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13


moviesCommunity news & notes

nsa.gov.• Women’s Empowerment Group meets

Wednesdays from 2-3:30 p.m. to provide a safe, confidential arena for the support, education and empowerment of women who have experienced past or present family violence.

Location is only disclosed to participants. To register, call Samantha Herring, victim advocate, at 301-677-4124 or Katherine Lamourt, victim advocate, at 301-677-4117.

• Moms Walking Group, sponsored by Parent Support, meets Thursdays from 8:30-9:15 a.m. at Potomac Place Neighborhood Center. To register, call Colaina Townsend or Michelle Pineda at 301-677-5590.

• Project Healing Waters meets Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at the Soldiers and Family Assistance Center, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave.

The project is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of wounded warriors and veterans through fly fishing, fly tying and outings.

For more information, call Larry Vawter, program leader, at 443-535-5074 or email [email protected].

• Dancing with the Heroes, free ballroom dance lessons for the Warrior Transition Unit, meets Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Argonne Hills Chapel Center in the seminar room.

Participants should wear loose clothing, comfortable shoes with leather soles. No super high heels or flip-flops.

• Spanish Christian Service is conducted Sundays at 1 p.m. at the Cavalry Chapel located at 8465 Simonds St. and 6th Armored Cavalry Road.

For more information, call Elias Mendez at 301-677-7314 or 407-350-8749.

• Couples Communication Group, sponsored by Army Community Services, meets every Monday from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.

For more information, call Celena Flowers or Katherine Lamourt at 301-677-5590.

• 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 Christopher Lassiter at [email protected] or Committee Chairperson Marco Cilibert 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 ages 11 to 18. For more information, email Lisa Yetman, at [email protected] or Wendall Lawrence, Scoutmaster, at [email protected].

• Catholic Women of the Chapel meets

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.

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

Today through March 13

Friday: “The Gambler” (R). Lit professor and gambler Jim Bennett’s debt causes him to borrow money from his mother and a loan shark. Fur-ther complicating his situation is his relationship with one of his students. With Mark Wahlberg, Jessica Lange, John Goodman.

Saturday: “The Wedding Ringer” (R). Two weeks shy of his wedding, a socially awkward guy enters into a charade by hiring the owner of a company that provides best men for grooms in need. With Kevin Hart, Josh Gad, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting.

Sunday: “Paddington” (PG). A young Peruvian bear travels to London in search of a home. Find-ing himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, he meets the kindly Brown family, who offer him a temporary haven. With Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Nicole Kidman.

March 6: “The Boy Next Door” (R). A newly divorced woman falls for a younger man who has recently moved in across the street from her, but their torrid affair soon takes a dangerous turn. With Jennifer Lopez, Ryan Guzman, Kristin Chenoweth.

March 7: “Mortdecai” (R). Juggling angry Rus-sians, the British Mi5, and an international ter-rorist, debonair art dealer and part time rogue Charlie Mortdecai races to recover a stolen painting rumored to contain a code that leads to lost Nazi gold. With Johnny Depp, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ewan McGregor.

March 8: “Strange Magic” (PG). Goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion. With the voices of Evan Rachel Wood, Elijah Kelley, Kristin Chenoweth.

March 13: “Black or White” (PG-13). A grieving widower is drawn into a custody battle over his granddaughter, whom he helped raise her entire life. With Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer, Gil-lian Jacobs.

every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. for prayer and Bible study in the Main Post Chapel, 4419 Llewellyn Ave. Monthly programs are held Mondays at 6:30 p.m. The group is open to all women in the community ages 18 and older — active duty, retiree and civilian — for prayer, faith fellowship, and service. For more information, email Mariana Yinh at [email protected].

• American Legion Post 276 is open to veterans and active-duty service members at 8068 Quarterfield Road in Severn. Breakfast may be purchased beginning at 9 a.m. Lunches may be purchased from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Happy Hour is 4-6 p.m. Dinner may be purchased at 6 p.m. on Fridays and the fourth Sunday of every month.

Membership discounts are offered for active-duty military. For more information, call 410-969-8028 or visit americanlegionpost276.org.

• Odenton Masonic Center, located at 1206 Stehlik Drive, invites the community, local military, fire/emergency services and local businesses to enjoy its breakfast and specialty dinners.

The center offers a fundraising “all-you-can-eat” breakfast every second Sunday from 7-11 a.m. Fundraising specialty dinners are held the third Friday of the month from 5-7 p.m.

Menus vary and are listed on the center’s website at odentonlodge209.net.

• 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 March 13.

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, go to e9association.org.

• Meade Branch 212 of the Fleet Reserve Association meets the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at VFW Post 160, 2597 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie. The next meeting is March 14. Active-duty, Reserve

and retired members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are invited.

For more information, call 443-604-2474 or 410-768-6288.

• Retired Enlisted Association meets the third Tuesday of the month from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Perry’s Restaurant, 1210 Annapolis Road, Odenton. The next meeting is March 17. For more information, visit trea.org or call Elliott Phillips, the local president, at 443-790-3805 or Arthur R. Cooper, past national president, at 443-336-1230.

• Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 254 meets the third Wednesday of every month from 3-4 p.m. in the auditorium of the Airman Leadership School, 8470 Zim-borski Ave. The next meeting is March 18. For more information, call 831-521-9251 or go to AFSA254.org.

• Military District of Washington Ser-geant Audie Murphy Club meets the third Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Dining Facility in Virginia. The next meeting is March 18. All members and those inter-ested in joining the club are welcome. For more information, contact Master Sgt. Erica Lehmkuhl at [email protected] or 301-833-8415.

• Prostate Cancer Support Group meets at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda on the third Thursday of every month. The next meeting is March 19 from 1-2 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the America Building, River Conference Room (next to the Prostate Center), third floor.Spouses/partners are invited. Military ID is required for base access. Men without a military ID should call the Prostate Center at 301-319-2900 at least two days prior to the event for base access.

For more information, call retired Col. Jane Hudak at 301-319-2918 or email [email protected].

• Society of Military Widows meets for brunch the fourth Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Lanes. The next meeting is March 22. For more information, call Betty Jones at 410-992-1123.

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.

News & Politics

Soundoff February 26, 2015