Soundoff June 11, 2015

well doneMeade Soldiers dig deep to surpass AER goal

page 3

UPCoMInG eVenTSFrIday, 7:30 a.M.: AUSA Army Birthday Breakfast - Club MeadeMonday, 10 a.M.: Community Covenant signing - Reece CrossingsJUne 25, 4:30-6 P.M.: Facebook town hall - facebook.com/ftmeadewedneSdayS, 10 a.M.-2 P.M.: Fort Meade Farmers Market - The PavilionJUly 2, 4 P.M.: Red, White & Blue Celebration - McGlachlin Parade Field

‘dreaM Job’New leader takes the reins at Defense Information School

page 6

Soundoff!́vol. 67 no. 23 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community June 11, 2015

photo by Nate pesce

Megan McHugh, a senior at Meade High School, holds up her cellphone to take a “selfie” with Chasidy McKinney (center) and RaeQuon McGee before the processional. The graduation ceremony for Meade High’s senior class of 438 students was held Friday afternoon at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro. For the list of graduates and more photos, see Pages 11-14.

self- rewarding

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! June 11, 2015

Commander’s Column

Cont ent sCrimeWatch............... 10 Sports..................................16

Graduation2015........ 11 Movies.................................19

Community................. 17 Classified.............................21

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 alan H. feilerdesign Coordinator timothy davis Supplemental photography provided by the Baltimore Sun Media Group

advErtiSinGGeneral inquiries 410-332-6300or email [email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

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

Soundoff!́Guaranteed circulation:

11,285The sights, sounds and smells of summer are

everywhere — especially the smells of wonderful foods on the grill: steaks, hamburgers, hot dogs, rockfish and veggies.

There’s nothing like outdoor grilling. It’s one of the most popular ways to cook food. But a grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. Grills get very hot and can cause burn injuries.

Did you know that July is the peak month for grill fires, and roughly half of the injuries involv-ing grills are thermal burns?

Here are a few safety tips that community members should review before breaking out the grill.

Grilling safety tips• Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should

only be used outdoors.• The grill should be placed away from struc-

tures and from under eaves and over hanging branches. Fort George G. Meade Regulation 420-7 requires 10 feet for grills.

• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grill.

• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grill and in trays below the grill.

• Never leave your grill unattended.• Always make sure that your gas grill lid is

open before lighting it.

Charcoal grills

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. A charcoal chim-ney starter will allow you to use newspaper as fuel.

• If you use starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.

• Keep charcoal fluid and all other flammables away from children and heat sources.

• There are electric charcoal starters that do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.

• When you finish grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.

Propane grillsCheck the gas tank hose for leaks before using

it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles.

If the grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.

If the leak does not stop, call the fire depart-ment.

If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire depart-ment. Do not move the grill.

If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 15 minutes before relighting it.

Editor’s note: For more information on grilling safety, call 301-677-3417.

Avoid barbecue blunders

Capt. Shaun m. bagley Fort meade Fire prevention Office

Commander’s Open DoorGarrisonCommanderCol.BrianP.Foleyhasanopendoorpolicy.Allservicemembers,retirees,governmentemployees,familymembersand

communitymembersage18orolderare invitedtoaddress issuesorcon-cernstothecommanderdirectlybyvisitingFoley’sofficeonMondaysfrom4 to6p.m.atgarrisonheadquarters inHodgesHall,Bldg.4551,LlewellynAvenue.

Visitors are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment isnecessary.

Formoreinformation,call301-677-4844.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil June 11, 2015 SOUNDOFF! �

HAPPY 240tH

BIRtHDAY!Phoungdung Nguyen, a baker at the Free-

dom Inn Dining Facility, applies the finishing

touches to a celebra-tion cake in honor of

the U.S. Army birthday — June 14. Festivities

are being held over the coming week in recog-nition of 240 years of selfless service to the nation. For an event listing, see Page 17.

PHOTO BY STEVE ELLMORE

Story and photo by Alan H. FeilerStaff Writer

This year’s Army Emergency Relief cam-paign conducted at Fort Meade raised almost $135,000, the bulk of it from the contributions of active-duty service members.

Donations from service members eclipsed this year’s original $55,000 goal by 55 percent. Service members contributed $85,075, while military retirees donated $49,471.

“This goal [was] a pretty dramatic increase from last year,” said Maj. John Schoenfeldt, executive officer of Headquarters Command Battalion. “The only way to achieve this [was] through more active involvement through the commands. The active-duty contribution side of this campaign directly [results in] Soldiers helping Soldiers.”

The average service member at Fort Meade donated per capita more than $20. The histori-cal AER average is around $10 per Soldier.

AER coordinators at Fort Meade say increase in participation was a large reason for the gain this year, with a 32 percent rise in unit participation from fiscal year 2014.

Fiscal year 2015 AER at Fort Meade differed from past campaigns. Its focus this year was on the direct solicitation of service members.

“We focused this year on active-duty only as the retiree campaign is now being centrally managed by Department of the Army AER office,” Schoenfeldt said.

In 2014, more than $100,000 was raised

Meade’s AER campaign raises nearly $135K

by Fort Meade’s AER campaign, of which $50,736.27 was donated by service members.

This year’s campaign, which ran from March 1 to May 15, was overseen by HCB on the military side and by Army Commu-nity Service/Army Emergency Relief on the civilian side.

Fort Meade AER coordinator Capt. Larry Summers attributed the increase in contribu-tions in 2015 to a synchronized communica-tions network; more social media outreach; and enhanced commander involvement.

“The single largest reason for increased suc-

cess this year was the push to have informed contact with Soldiers about what AER is before they were given a chance to donate,” Schoenfeldt said.

“In previous years Soldiers were given a slip and maybe an informational packet. This year we had guidelines of what contact meant to help spread the word about what AER is.”

Funds raised by the AER campaign go directly to aiding Soldiers and their families during such crises as emergency leave or unex-pected debts.

The AER campaign also has reciprocal

agreements with other service branches, allow-ing them to receive AER assistance.

Financial assistance, in the form of a no-interest loan or grant, can be used in a wide range of circumstances including emergency transportation, car repairs, rent, and medical or funeral expenses.

Fort Meade contributions are pooled with other installations supporting the broader Department of the Army and Department of Defense populations.

Summers said among the standout units at Fort Meade that contributed in 2015 were the 741st Military Intelligence Battalion, which raised more than $10,000 and was the instal-lation’s highest donating unit; Signal School Detachment, which raised almost $8,000; and the 782nd MI Battalion, which had the highest per capita donation rate of $60 and raised a total of more than $7,500.

“Units on Fort Meade deserve appreciation for what they have done to help AER take care of Soldiers, retirees and dependents well into the future,” Summers said. “Thank you to Fort Meade for your personal and moral courage in this year’s campaign, and please keep in mind that AER is ‘Always There.’ ”

The fiscal year 2016 AER campaign kicks off next March. The goal is to increase contri-butions by 15 percent for 2016, said Summers.

Editor’s note: For more information on Fort Meade’s AER campaign, call ACS at 301-677-5590 or 301-677-5768. For more information on AER, visit www.aerhq.org/dnn563.

News

The AER themometer sign stands at the corner of Ruffner and MacArthur roads.


News

PHOTOs BY sTEVE ELLMORE

CANDY CRUSHStaff Sgt. Adrian Reece (far right), a digital media instructor at the Defense Information School, receives a supply of Skittles Darkside: The Other Side of the Rainbow (above) for his unit on June 4 from Carl Willis (left), a maintenance worker for the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation NAF Support Division. The USO of Metropolitan Washington donated a surplus of candy to military installations through-out Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

U.S. Office of Personnel ManagementThe U.S. Office of Personnel Manage-

ment has identified a cybersecurity inci-dent potentially affecting personnel data for current and former federal employees, including personally identifiable informa-tion, or PII.

Within the last year, the OPM has undertaken an aggressive effort to update its cybersecurity posture, adding numer-ous tools and capabilities to its net-works.

As a result, OPM detected in April a cyber intrusion affecting its information technology systems and data. The intru-sion predated the adoption of the tougher security controls.

OPM has partnered with the Depart-ment of Homeland Security’s Computer Emergency Readiness Team and the FBI to determine the full impact to federal personnel.

OPM continues to improve security for the sensitive information it manages and evaluates its IT security protocols on a continuous basis to protect sensitive data

to the greatest extent possible.Since the intrusion, OPM has instituted

additional network security precautions, including: restricting remote access for network administrators and restricting network administration functions remote-ly; a review of all connections to ensure that only legitimate business connections have access to the Internet; and deploying anti-malware software across the environ-ment to protect and prevent the deploy-ment or execution of tools that could compromise the network.

As a result of the incident, OPM will send notifications to approximately 4 million individuals whose PII may have been compromised. Since the investiga-tion is ongoing, additional PII exposures may come to light. In that case, OPM will conduct additional notifications as necessary.

In order to mitigate the risk of fraud and identity theft, OPM is offering cred-it report access, credit monitoring, and identify theft insurance and recovery ser-vices to potentially affected individuals

through CSIDR, a company that special-izes in these services.

This comprehensive, 18-month mem-bership includes credit monitoring and $1 million in identity-theft protection services at no cost to enrollees.

“Protecting our federal employee data from malicious cyber incidents is of the highest priority at OPM,” said OPM Director Katherine Archuleta. “We take very seriously our responsibility to secure the information stored in our systems, and in coordination with our agency partners, our experienced team is constantly identi-fying opportunities to further protect the data with which we are entrusted.”

Additional information is available on the company’s website, www.csid.com/opm (external link), and by calling 844-222-2743. (International callers can call collect at 512-327-0700.)

GuidelinesOPM has issued the following guidance

to affected individuals:• Monitor financial account statements

and immediately report any suspicious or unusual activity to financial institutions.

• Request a free credit report at Annu-alCreditReport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.

Consumers are entitled by law to one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit bureaus: EquifaxR, ExperianR, and TransUnionR for a total of three reports every year. Contact infor-mation for the credit bureaus can be found on the Federal Trade Commission website at ftc.gov.

• Review resources provided on the FTC identity theft website, identitytheft.gov. The FTC maintains a variety of consumer pub-lications providing comprehensive informa-tion on computer intrusions and identity theft.

• You may place a fraud alert on your credit file to let creditors know to contact you before opening a new account in your name. Call TransUnionR at 1-800-680-7289 to place this alert. TransUnionR will then notify the other two credit bureaus on your behalf.

OPM to notify employees of cybersecurity incident


By Alan H. FeilerStaff Writer

Telling the military’s story will remain in strong hands and continue to be told best by men and women in uniform, said Col. Martin Downie, the new commandant of the Defense Information School.

During a ceremony conducted June 4, Downie assumed command from outgoing acting commandant Air Force Lt. Col. John S. Hutcheson.

In March, Hutcheson replaced Col. Jer-emy M. Martin, who became commandant in 2011 and will retire July 1 after a 30-year Army career.

During his tenure, Martin oversaw the largest expansion of DINFOS in recent years — nearly 80,000 square feet to accom-modate a student enrollment increase from 2,500 to 3,000.

Hutcheson will return to his role as DIN-FOS deputy commandant, a position he previously held for eight months.

“Thank you giving me the trust to lead this organization,” he said to the DINFOS leadership team. “Your support for me has been incredible, and I know you’ll provide the same level of support to Colonel Down-ie. He is the right leader to help us chart the course for the future and take the school to new heights.”

Downie expressed his gratitude to Hutcheson for his performance during the transition, as well as to the DINFOS leader-ship team.

“I am humbled and honored to lead such an incredible team of professionals who are so dedicated to teaching the art and the science of communicating successfully in today’s complex and challenging informa-tion environment,” Downie said.

“It’s now my duty and my honor to con-tinue that tradition of excellence that you have established. ... No one tells our story better than we do, and no one trains our people to tell it better than you do.”

Downie said military journalists in the 21st century face major challenges in com-municating to the public. He said they must remain effective and cutting-edge in how they tell stories.

“Fewer and fewer Americans have military experience and most are glad to turn away from more than a decade of war,” Downie said. “But if this job was easy, they would have asked somebody else to do it. ...

“I promise you this: You will get my level-best every day to ensure we have what we need to remain the best at what we do.”

A native of Springfield, Mass., Downie, 48, earned a Bachelor of Science degree

DINFOS welcomes new commandant

from Syracuse University in New York. He also has a Master of Arts in communica-tion (public relations management) from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Master of Arts in security studies from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (now called the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy).

In addition, Downie is a graduate of Army Ranger, Airborne and Air Assault schools.

From 2005 to 2009, he worked for the Army’s Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, serving as an executive officer as well as heading plans and media operations teams.

From July 2012 to last month, Downie served as chief of public affairs at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe NATO in Mons, Belgium.

DINFOS — the Department of Defense’s premier center for public affairs and visual information training — is responsible for training members from all branches of the military, DoD civilian employees and inter-national military personnel in public affairs, print journalism, photojournalism, photog-

raphy, television and radio broadcasting, lithography, equipment maintenance and other forms of media.

As the 19th commandant of DINFOS, Downie leads a team of approximately 400 military, civilian and contractor profes-sionals in training nearly 3,000 students in various public affairs and visual information disciplines. He is responsible for overseeing such vital DINFOS functions as plans and information technology, human resources, financial management and logistics.

Downie said the DINFOS comman-dant position was his “dream job,” and he recalled attending the school in 1998 while classes were largely held in trailers.

“I’m so proud to return,” he said, mar-veling at DINFOS’ growth over the years. “Your reputation is absolutely outstanding across the DoD and around the govern-ment.”

Downie thanked his wife, Wendy, his step-son Andrew, and all of his mentors through-out his career. He pledged to take DINFOS to the next level of its mission.

“It’s a special trust and responsibility that we share now as we honor our heritage of

excellence and push on together into the 21st century,” Downie said. “Together, we will ensure that no matter what the changes are in the information environment, the men and women in uniform and civilian clothes who sacrifice so much every day will have their stories told professionally and effectively.”

Moderated by retired Sgt. Maj. Jim Gil-bert, deputy director of training at DINFOS, the change-of-command ceremony featured a procession by the DINFOS Color Guard, the singing of the national anthem by Sgt. Susan Noga, and an invocation delivered by DINFOS Command Chaplain (Navy Lt.) Todd DeLaney.

In his remarks, Defense Media Activ-ity Director Ray B. Shepherd praised Hutcheson for doing a “great job” in the transition. Under Downie’s leadership, he said, DINFOS will continue “to produce great leaders in communications” not only for the military but the nation as well.

“Students will get invaluable skills here they can use for the rest of their lives,” Shepherd said. “You’re going to make great contributions to this country.”

Photo by Steve ellmore

At the Defense Information School’s change-of-command ceremony on June 4, Col. Martin Downie becomes the school’s 19th commandant. Downie, 48, succeeds Air Force Lt. Col. John S. Hutcheson, who will return to the position of DINFOS deputy commandant.

News


News

Story and photo by Brian Murphy902nd MI Group

Thanks to today’s technology, the entire world is seemingly just a click away. Everything from computers to tab-lets, from smart phones to smart watches, makes information instantly available.

While many people are content to use electronic devices to keep in touch with loved ones, order dinner or watch videos on the Internet, others use modern tech-nology for far more harmful reasons.

That is why the 902nd Military Intel-ligence Group has the Cyber Forensics Team.

“Once the subject of an investigation has been identified, we take a look at any digital media they have,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jerrod Stone, officer in charge of the Cyber Forensics Team, 310th MI Battalion, 902nd MI Group. “In general, we provide investigative sup-port by imaging, acquiring or examining digital media to assist in counterintel-ligence investigations.”

Cyber forensics is the process of extracting information from computers or electronic devices to serve as digital evidence.

“A field office will open an investiga-tion and then they’ll send us hard drives, thumb drives — anything like that — to have us take a look to see if that person is doing anything they shouldn’t be,” said Sgt. Shane Orsburne, who has been with the Cyber Forensics Team since June 2013.

If it sounds challenging, that’s because it is. To effectively accomplish their mis-sion, members of the Cyber Forensics Team must be experts in forensic tech-niques and procedures, standards of prac-tice and a host of other areas.

“When you first begin this job, not only are you learning how to be a counterin-telligence agent, but you’re also learning how to become a technical expert in this field,” Stone said.

“It usually takes about six months to get someone trained up and certified. And then, with three-year tour lengths, you’re looking at very limited utility of that person once they’ve attended all of the required training.”

Realistically, those six months of train-ing serve as a solid baseline for a new member of the Cyber Forensics Team. But it takes much longer to ensure an examiner is better than just competent at the job.

“I would say, depending on the person, you’re looking at a year to a year and a

Intense training required to qualify for Cyber Forensics Team

Sgt. Shane Orsburne, a member of the Cyber Forensics Team since June 2013, loads his equipment into a travel case before heading out on his next mission. The team, which is part of the 902nd Military Intelligence Group, uses cyber forensics to extract information from computers or electronic devices to serve as digital evidence.

half before a new examiner can truly be relied upon to be a mission lead,” Stone said.

Orsburne admits that when he first came into the career field, he knew next to nothing about cyber forensics. But he kept an open mind about this new chal-lenge and now believes it’s one of the best decisions he ever made.

“It’s funny,” Orsburne said. “Before, I could barely turn on a computer without it blowing up in my face. So when I found out I was going to go into cyber, I pretty much thought it would be impossible for me.”

After completing his first enlistment as an infantryman, Orsburne wanted to try something different, so he reclassified into the intelligence world in 2012.

“Once I got here and started taking the classes, I was able to get a pretty good grasp on everything,” he said.

To be certified with the Cyber Foren-

sics Team, examiners must complete Defense Cyber Investigations Training Academy courses such as: Introduction to Networks and Computer Hardware, Computer Incident Responders Course and Windows Forensics Examinations.

Because technology changes and evolves on a daily basis, these cyber foren-sic professionals must continually keep pace and educate themselves on what is out there and the ever-changing ways to collect data.

“Technology advances much quick-er than equipment procurement or our training does, so we constantly have to re-evaluate our tactics, techniques and procedures,” Stone said.

To truly excel in this career field, though, examiners must go above and beyond the occasional training oppor-tunity.

“This isn’t something where you can just come in, do the job while you’re at

work, and then go home and completely forget about it,” Orsburne said. “If you want to do the job effectively, you’ve got to constantly stay on top of what’s current.

“This is definitely a hands-on type of job. If you’re not paying attention to everything that is out there, you’re going to get left behind.”

Conversely, because the gadgets and technology are constantly changing, the job never feels boring or mundane, said Orsburne.

“You never know what is going to be handed over to you for an examination,” he said. “Whatever it is, you’ve got to be able to know what you’re working with and know how you’re going to go about examining it.

“You’ve got to stay current with the latest technology. Otherwise, you’re not going to be able to do the job effec-tively.”

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! June 11, 2015

News

Story and photo by Tina MilesPublic Affairs, 780th MI Brigade

Just as Soldiers in any other warfare domain — land, air or sea — have to train, cyber Soldiers have to train for combat in the cyber realm. They train to fight, as do all military personnel.

One officer in A Company, 781st Mili-tary Intelligence Battalion, 780th MI Bri-gade devised an innovative way to con-duct training. 1st Lt. Alexander Farmer, executive officer, A Company, created and spearheaded a Cyber Developmental Men-torship Exercise.

It was the first unclassified force-on-force network exercise ever conducted by the 780th MI, which leveraged experiences from across the Cyber Mission Force.

The exercise, held May 19 at McGill Training Center, was open to all members of the 780th MI and select mission partners. It unified the efforts of National Mission Teams, Cyber Protection Teams and Com-bat Mission Teams under one combined team, and allowed them to coordinate and increase their ability to work together.

“The overall purpose of the exercise was to reinforce agile and adaptive leadership in the cyber domain while also increasing the capability of all the work roles of the CNMF [Cyber National Mission Force] to work together and solve ill-defined prob-lems,” Farmer said.

Participants completed challenging exer-cise scenarios in a virtual environment, which allowed them to improve their tech-

781st MI takes part in new cyber network exercise

Soldiers of the 781st Military Intelligence Battalion, 780th MI Brigade participate in a Cyber Development Mentorship Exercise conducted May 19 at McGill Training Center. It was the first unclassified force-on-force network exercise ever conducted by the 780th MI, which leveraged experiences from across the Cyber Mission Force.

June 3, Shoplifting: AAFES loss prevention personnel stat-ed that earlier that day, the subject took cosmetics and put it into her purse without rendering proper payment and then exited the building.

June 6, Shoplifting: AAFES loss prevention personnel stated that the subject concealed property on herself and exit the store without rendering proper payment.

CommunityCommunityCrime Watch

Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services

For week of May 25-31:• Moving violations: 38• Nonmoving violations: 6• Verbal warnings for traffic stops: 48• Traffic accidents: 5• Driving on suspended license: 1• Driving on suspended registration: 0• Driving without a license: 1

For week of June 1-7:• Moving violations: 39• Nonmoving violations: 9• Verbal warnings for traffic stops: 21• Traffic accidents: 3• Driving on suspended license: 1• Driving on suspended registration: 0• Driving without a license: 0

nical proficiency to be better postured for real-world operations.

A control system, linked to a video game environment, was specifically written for this exercise by Farmer and 1st Lt. Stephen Rogacki, CMF section leader, B Company, 781st MI.

Players had to successfully degrade, dis-rupt and destroy/manipulate their oppo-nent’s systems, while supporting the video game’s tactical requirements and denying the same to their opponents.

“We [781st MI] have very smart and high-ly trained Soldiers,” Rogacki said. “They are expected to be able to employ their skills in dynamic, chaotic and uncharted opera-tional environments. However, this ability is not often tested.

“The exercise allowed our battalion to test the technical, analytical, leadership and

communication skills of the teams as they engaged physical and virtual threats to their spacecraft.”

The scenarios required agile and adaptive problem-solving in support of cyber opera-tions. They also reinforced practical lessons to participants on how to operate as part of a joint environment, from leadership to the lowest level and across all work roles in the Cyber Mission Force — all in an enjoyable atmosphere.

“This training exercise afforded teams the opportunity to have fun while further developing their skills in cyber defense, cyber offense, vulnerability analysis and software development,” said Lt. Col. Brady Stout, commander, 781st MI.

“These skills are all critical in our nation’s ability to fight and win within cyberspace.”

Summer's for

Everyone @ HCC!Summer's for

Everyone @ HCC!

howardcc.edu

u Earn college credit in as littleas 5 weeks

u Sharpen your skills orenhance your credentials

u Explore apersonal interest

Register NOW for credit coursethat fit your schedule.Classes fill fast – register TODAY!

Courses and programs for kids,seniors, and everyone in betweenn.

es

A graduate holds a diploma from Meade High School after crossing the stage. The graduation ceremony for Meade High’s senior class of 438 students was held Friday afternoon at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro.

C l a s s o f 2 0 1 5

GRADUATION

Meade High School

Photos by Nate Pesce I More graduation photos online at ftmeadesoundoff.com and flickr.com/ftmeade

Editor’s note: The list of graduate names was provided by the Anne Arundel County Public School System. Because of publication deadlines, some students’ names might have been provided prior to final review of requirements. Some students listed might not have completed all requirements to graduate.

Oona A. Abban, Olutumi O. Abioye, Akeem S. Addison, Akinbode R. Adebusuyi, Janel K. Adkins, Courtney A. Agnew, Assad Ajanah, Ayodeji S. Akinkuade, Mirtha G. Alas, Mariam S. Alem, Gabriel J. Alfaro, Devante D. Allen, Yahtil T. Allen, Lindsay N. Alley, Christopher G. Altman, Leilani D. Alvarenga, Hannah L. Amacker, Ablavi E. Amaglo, Ariel

A. Amores, Norene Joy P. Arce, Briana A. Arrington, Monica R. Arroyo, Jalexus G. Ashley, Christopher O. Ashton

Diamond A. Badger, Kierra M. Bailey, Damien M. Balaska, Alexis Ball, Varsha L. Balram, Tilmon L. Bannister, Saul Barajas Jr., Amaya I. Barksdale, Bry-Nia P. Barnes, Carí A. Beasley, Malisa D. Beatty, Tia J. Beaty, Reginald B.

Belgrave III, Courtney L. Bennett, Tyler D. Bennett, Neal Bhalodia, Rahul S. Bhatti, Sean H. Blair, Aicha J. Bomou, Jenifer N. Bonilla, Kiara M. Bonner, Lawrence K. Boyd Jr., Portia F. Bridges, Dashawn G. Brooks, Gary H. Brooks, Adara J. Brown, Ebonique P. Brown, Jordan N. Brown, Kevin T. Brown, Myesha M. Brown, Troy W. Brown Jr., Imani M. Buggs, Jasmine

A. Burley, Leland A. Burnham, Dajon A. Burns, Joshua W. Butera, Daniel E. Butler, Donald Byers

China J. Campbell, Nailah I. Campbell, Tiler B. Carlton, Tamira O. Carr, Kade E. Castle, Justen L. Caudill, LaDaijah N. Chambers, Jordan T. Chaney, Denys I. Chavez, Chukwuma T. Chidebe-Ubannwa, Jazmine L. Chisolm, Jae K. Choi,

Alexis S. Clark, Malik H. Clark, Roggie Clark, Isaiah J. Clarke, Patrick T. Clay, Jayda L. Clow, Habeeb G. Coker, Byron A. Cordon, Marielena A. Corona, Florentino Coronado, Brandon Corpuz, Karina G. Cortez, Christina M. Couture, Lyndsie Cox, Carlos A. Cruz, Ariana L. Cuello, Joshier P. Cunanan, Kiera M. Cupid, Amber N. Curtis

GRADUATIO

NC l a s s o f 2 0 1 5 Meade High School

Hunter DaFoe, Darius J. Daniels, David I. Darby, Renee C. Davall, Diamond T. Davis, Malik S. Davis, Abigail K. Dean, Toni Ann DeGuzman, D’Andre T. Demps, Remi T. Dennis, Mariah N. DeShazo, Lexus K. Dewitt, Briallen M. DiFrancesco, Dallas Z. Dillard, Nicholas A. Dirubbo, Emily L. Ditchkofsky, Mariah J. Dorsey, Stanley A. Dorsey Jr., Mariah I. Dorsey-Williams, Noah S. Douglas, Emoni D. Dowling, Serene D. Duke, Samantha L. Dulsaeng, Vincent D. Dunbar, Jamie A. Dunphy, Tykeara M. Dunscomb, Danikka P. Duro, Monica A. Duro, Shaí A. Dyer

Antonio M. Eaton, Cody Edwards, Tunde O. Elliot, Caezar D. Emmanuel, Alexandra Eng-Nguyen, Dustin L. Enzor, Haylee Evans, Rachelle A. Evans

Marielle Fabregas, Juan D. Fajardo, Peter Joe C. Fernandes, Brian D. Fields Jr., Alexandra E. Fife, John B. Fisher, Daren O. Fletcher,

Diadelfa Flores Peralta, Mario A. Fonseca, Tanzania A. Forbes, Terien J. Fort, Samantha Fortner, Alicia D. Franklin, Jamall E. Freeman, Richard A. Freeman Jr., Yesenia Y. Fuentes-Sosa

Andrew S. Gabbard, Jarin M. Gaines, Nia A. Gaither, Troy D. Gaither, Ashley E. Garcia, Crystal M. Gibis, Carmela L. Gilbert, Jacob A. Giles, Joshua F. Giles, De’Ante K. Gillis, Martin M. Goba, Jaed Z. Godwin, ReGale D. Goings, Brandon J. Golabek, Jamauri D. Goldwire, Juan-Miguel Gonzalez, Cheyenne Goodwin, Matthew J. Grant, Tionne E. Green, Donovan A. Grimsley, Jazzmyn N. Gross, Edith Guardado-Martinelli, Willy A. Guerra, Esmeralda M. Guzman, Valentina Guzman

Michael R. Haga, Christina I. Hall, Alexis M. Hamilton, Jordan M. Hammond, Tayontre E. Hannah, Caleb M. Hansen, Edward T.

Hanson, Michael A. Hardee, Diamond N. Harris, Jacob R. Harris, Kalena M. Harris, Adena J. Harrison, Seyauni U. Harrison, Bree D. Hart, Taylor L. Harter, Sylania N. Hayes, Kiara S. Henderson, Marbella I. Hernandez, Jose A. Hernandez Chavarria, Jose E. Hernandez-Escamilla, Carlos J. Hernandez-Figueroa, Emily C. Hernandez-Ortiz, Gonzalo H. Herrera-Guzman, Luis E. Herrera-Guzman, Asa J. Hicks, Paris S. Hicks, Netayu M. Hill, Bradley H. Hills, Briana F. Howard, Tiara E. Howard, Whitney J. Howard, Kristine M. Howell, Dominique J. Hudson, Malik L. Hunley, Brianna M. Hunter, Deion S. Hunter, Tenesha Hunter, Kenneth A. Hypolite

Isiuwa U. Igodan, Nithya A. Industrious

Alexis B. Jackson, Cyan S. Jackson, Darius Jackson, Maisha P. Jackson, Adrian J. Jarin, Steven J. Jasper, Sabri K. Jemli, Kiara Y. Jiles, Ciara R. Johnson, Darius M. Johnson, Dasia J. Johnson, Nicole P. Johnson, Sapphire L. Johnson, Teiko T. Johnson, Tianna R. Johnson, Taylor J. Johnston, Clifford Jones Jr., Esperanza M. Jones, Jatwan W. Jones, Khmya T. Jones , Myonta D. Jones, Tamaya I. Jones, Tiffany M. Jones, Alexia M. Jordan

Makaylah K. Keith, Afroza Khaleque, Dakota S. Kinard, Princess A. Kinard, Devan T. Kraft, Marianna D. Kurban

Asia A. Lane,

Talia K. Lane, Nancy Lara, André R. Latson Jr., Isaiah M. Law, Aisha M. Lawal, Mohammed T. Lawal, Duong T. Le, Ramon L LeBron III, Jason S. Lee, Kiarra M. Lee, Justus M. Lewis, Ta’ler B. Lewis ,Richard E. Longobardi, Alexander S. Lutz

NaShiya D. Maber, Juliette R. Mack, Gabrielle I. Madike, Chloe Maisttison, Briana A. Malcolm, Kyra C. Malloy, Michael P. Marchese Jr., Alyssa J. Mariano, Brandon A. Marin, Blanca L. Marquez Claros, Cristian S. Marrero, Rachel M. Martin, Elizabeth B. Martinez, Brooke E. Mason, Von Joshua P. Matheny, Zemoria M. Mathis, Breanna C. Matthews, Micah Mays, Mark H. Mbwana,

Class Valedictorian Kyndall Nicholas receives her high school diploma from Principal John Yore.


Damani M. McCastle, Jordan A. McClung, RaeQuon I. McGee, Megan C. McHugh, Chasidy McKinney, Jalyn M. McQueen, Malik J. McSwain, Wolfgang A. Meeker, Giovanny Mejia, Sinthia N. Mejia Mendoza, Jonathan E. Mendoza, Miguel A. Meza, Dynaisia L. Miller, Sarah M. Miller, Sidney Miller, Christopher J. Mills, Cinita L. Mines, Francis A. Mireku, Nathaniel L. Mnkande, Deqwan T. Monroe, Erica R. Moore, Alberto J. Morales Ferrer, Reveca Moreno, Breanna K. Morrow, Naya L. Moyer, Jaclyn C. Mullan, Sebastian N. Munoz Yanez, Katelyn G. Murphy, Irene M. Mustapha

Angela M. Nagle, Wali M. Naqvi, Kitana J. Neely, Michael D.

Joseph A. Ramirez, Tyler Reyda, Andy M. Reyes, Michael J. Reynolds, Quiana S. Richards, Jordyn K. Riddick, Elijah T. Roberts, Maria D. Robertson, Chantil C. Robinson, Imani C. Robinson, Shyheem Q. Robinson, Jidlaf L. Rocha, Amber L. Rodriguez, Michelle E. Rogers, Natalie N. Rojas, Chalice I. Rosine, Eakkarat Ruenrom, Migdalia I. Ruiz-Acevedo, Darmont Russell

Graduating seniors line up before the processional at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro.

Negrette-Barsallo, Chaz C. Nelson, Patrick Nessler, Darrin J. Neumeister, Kyndall R. Nicholas, Uriel A. Nieto-Martinez, Jayda K. Nisbet, Tre’von M. Noble

Gavriella A. Odutola, Giovanni Michael C. Ogo, Emmanuel A. Orji, Kevin G. Orozco-Teo, Kiana O. Osborne, Aderonke T. Oyemade, Oluwadamilola E. Oyinloye

Jessica N. Parker. Haley Patel, Jackson C. Patton, Tanara M. Pearson, Aja’Lyn M. Peeke, Saraya V. Perry, Enrique R. Pineda, Tariq A. Pitt-Bey, Aliceia N. Pitzen, Emonty J. Plattenburg, Dalan E. Plummer, Rayunda L. Powell, Brittney M. Prestridge, Charles K. Pridgen II

Abeerah Qadir, Jonae Queen

Graduates read the commencement program while seated at the Show Place Arena.

Class Salutatorian Edward Hanson delivers his address at the graduation for 438 students.

BELOW: Kierra Bailey is filled with emotion as she crosses the stage.

Sean Blair waves to his family as he crosses the stage Friday.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil June 11, 2015 SOUNDOFF! 13

C l a s s o f 2 0 1 5

GRADUATIO

NMeade High School

Arthur S. Saka, Jaymelle M. Salvatierra, Christopher O. Samayoa, DominiQue C. Sampson, Samantha L. Saunders, Michael J. Schnitzer, Jeulisa M. Scott-Walter, Fatima D. Seasay, Gabriel O. Seidu, Jacob R. Seitz, Ashley Serpa, Raven E. Sessoms, Javiayre Settle, Yvanne M. Seuhou, Sumbul Shaikh, Scout D. Sharer, Osheyana Shipman, Dominique L. Simmons, Zachiriana Simmons, Ja’ria I. Simms, Nyla Simms, Tyhrai J. Sizer, Brianna R. Smith, Carmia A. Smith, Kasey L. Smith, Yasmine J. Smith, Austin D. Song, Jared A. Soriano, Alejandra N. Sorto,

Abdul A. Sow, Aason R. Sparkman, Silas T. Spranza, DeAndre E. Spriggs, Bruce D. Spruell Jr., Wayne D. Stalnaker Jr., Cameron E. Stinson, Indya M. Stovall, Lamiyah T. Straughn, Bridget C. Strom

Tracey E. Tekyi, Armani D. Thomas, Jade A. Thomas, Kayla N. Thomas, McKenna L. Thomas-Franz, Gopal J. Topiwala, Daniella C. Toussaint, Sabian S. Toussaint, Kyler A. Townsend, Kenny L. Tran, Nhu Tran, Treasure M. Trimuel, Emily E. Tudor

Alexis A. Vasquez, Jonathan S. Vasquez,

Kimberly C. Vega, Vicky Victoriano, Alison R. Vincitore, Tien X. Vo

Benjamin Waga, Ashley D. Wagner, Elijah J. Washington, Jerry L. Washington Jr., LaTia C. Webb, Teja D. West,

Brianna N. Wheatley, Nya U. Wheeler, Tremayne A. Whitaker-Brown, Azaria R. Whitaker-Bryant, Markees White, Calvin L. Williams, James P. Williams II, Joel A. Williams, MeAuni E.

Williams, Olivia J. Wingo, Isaac P. Wise, Ada Wong, Gregory E. Woods Jr., Kristen N. Wooten, Jordan Wright

Ali S. Yazdani

Devon M. Zollinhofer

Members of Meade High School’s senior chorus sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at their graduation ceremony.

Elijah Washington and Kyler Townsend joke around before the start of the graduation ceremony on Friday afternoon.



SportS

Story and photo by Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

Computer systems can do just about anything these days — including leading a group exercise class.

In July, Gaffney Fitness Center will offer free, group exercise classes led by a computer kiosk system called WELL-BEATS.

Classes will be offered Monday through Friday, during Gaffney’s off-peak hours, which are 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.

WELLBEATS is a fully automated and integrated high-definition, audio-visual system that presents group exer-cise classes, which are led by a certified instructor, on a projector. The classes range from yoga/pilates, kickboxing and step to dance, spin, metabolic condition-ing and senior fitness.

The classes will be held downstairs in Gaffney’s group fitness room.

Sylvia Garcia, Gaffney’s new fitness coordinator, said the facility is using WELLBEATS to complement its live instructor-led classes.

“This helps fill in the gaps,” Garcia said. “We rely on members of the com-munity to serve as instructors, but there is a high turnover rate. So for continuity and consistency, this is a new way to offer a variety of classes.”

Garcia attributes the high turnover rate to the fact that most fitness instruc-tors are often active-duty or active-duty family members who must leave because of a permanent change of station or deployment.

WELLBEATS class modules are offered in 20-, 35- and 50-minute sessions and include instruction for beginners, intermediates and advanced exercisers.

“You can pick and choose a level where you do well, and the exercise is interval-based at higher and lower intensity so you have a better chance of success to meet your fitness goals,” Garcia said. “It really is fun.”

Katie Harrington, a swim instructor at Gaffney, has taken the WELLBEATS kinetics and yoga classes.

“I really like kinetics,” she said. “There were different levels and class-time lengths, and it offered a good intensity.”

Although the instructors were virtual, Harrington said they were still “good and engaging” and would recommend a WELLBEATS class to other people.

In April, six Gaffney instructors under-went four hours of training on operating the kiosk system. They also participated in a WellBeats demonstration class.

Garcia said the new classes are ideal for people who don’t consider themselves gym rats.

“Not everyone is a gym person,” she said. “With WELLBEATS, your chance to really feel like you’ve had a successful workout session is greater. You follow the program and set your own pace, and that fosters a positive experience.”

Editor’s note: For more information on WELLBEATS or other fitness classes at Gaffney Fitness Center, call Sylvia Garcia, the facility’s fitness coordinator, at 301-677-2349 or email [email protected].

WELLBEATS audio-visual system coming to Gaffney Fitness Center

Sylvia Garcia, Gaffney Fitness Center’s fitness

coordinator, stands beside

the WELLBEATS kiosk in Gaffney’s

group fitness room. WELLBEATS is a

high-definition, audio-visual system that projects group

exercise classes led by a certified

instructor.

The first time I ripped LeBron James in print was in 2005 when I wrote a piece for Hoopsworld.com describing how then-Detroit Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince outplayed James.

The title was something like, “When the prince crowned the king.” I remember lower-casing the word “king” as a way to emphasize the nonsensical, then-unearned nickname.

I went back to the James-bashing, royalty metaphor a few years ago by describing James as “a prince in king’s clothing” because of how he abandoned Cleveland and took a path never traveled by the truly great. You never saw Jordan or Magic or Bird leave their team when things got tough to join someone else’s squad like James did when he joined D-Wade in Miami.

I think my hating reached its peak after James came up short in his first attempt to win the championship with Miami.

However, two championships, four NBA finals appearances and a few MVP awards later, my transition from King Hater to a “Witness” bit.ly/1KpUmit is complete.

My turn to the Dark Side was incremental. It started with admitting the obvious: LeBron is the most physically gifted player in the history of the NBA. The dude has the size of Karl Malone bit.ly/1Tbhy7L, the speed of Iverson bit.ly/1FIZ716 and can jump like Jordan. bit.ly/1L1mf1H

Then came the realization that his skill set is as unique as his gifts. He truly is as versatile as Magic Johnson bit.ly/1HrknwT, but with superior athleticism. Admitting that was hard because there is no athlete in the history of sports I like more than Magic.

People always want to talk about Jordan being the greatest player ever, but Magic’s accomplishments are pretty unrivaled. The dude won a high school championship, a col-lege championship and an NBA champion-ship — all in a four-year span.

And it’s not like Magic was a scrub. He was maybe the greatest high school player in Michigan history. He was an All-American at Michigan State, and he all but clinched the 1980 NBA championship with the single-greatest game in NBA Finals history when he played all five positions and dropped 42 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and dished out seven assists against Philadelphia in Game 6.

OK, I know this piece is about James.Even after recognizing LeBron as the most

physically gifted and skilled player in basket-ball history, I was still reluctant to say he was

anywhere near the GOAT (greatest of all time).

That’s because he shied away from big moments. Unlike Kobe or Michael, LeB-ron passed up big shots — and not just because it was the better basketball play. He legitimately was scared. Then, of course, he punked himself by going to Miami.

But as we await Game 4 of this year’s finals — James’ fifth finals in a row — I think I am finally ready to admit that James isn’t just physically gifted and skilled. He is also tough and clutch. He has willed his team to a 2-1 series lead over a superior Golden State Warriors team.

Cleveland has played most of these finals without its second- and third-best players - Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love - and Cleve-land is 4-0 in those games. James is averaging nearly a triple-double a game (40 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists per game).

In Game 2, James collected his fifth, career triple-double in the finals and 13th in the playoffs. Both of those are second in NBA history behind a former point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers named Magic, who has an NBA record-eight, triple-doubles in finals and 30 in the playoffs. (That’s right, I said 30!)

But beyond James’ staggering numbers, which he has always collected, James is mak-ing some clutch shots this year. His 3-pointer in Game 1 propelled Cleveland into overtime. Then in the fourth quarter of Game 3, when his team had just given up most of its 20-point lead, and right after Stephen Curry silenced the crowd with a deep 3-pointer, James deliv-ered the dagger with a 3-pointer of his own followed by four, clutch free-throws.

LeBron didn’t do those things early in his career, and now the most physically dominant, skilled player in the history of the league has transformed himself into one of the most clutch.

He still has a bit to go to replace Jordan, Johnson, Kareem or even Bird on the all-time greats list. But as of now, Kobe and Tim Dun-can have been usurped by “The King.”

If you have comments on this or anything to do with sports, contact me at [email protected] or hit me up on Twitter @CTJibber.

The King and I

Chad T. Jones, Public Affairs

Officer

Jibber Jabber - OpiniOn


Community news & notessports

Youth Sports fall registrationRegistration for fall sports is underway.Fall sports include: NFL Flag Football, tackle football, volleyball, tennis,

soccer and cheerleading.Youth Sports is seeking volunteer coaches for every sport.To register or for more information, go to ftmeademwr.com or call 301-677-

1179 or 301-677-1329.

Fort Meade Run SeriesThe annual Fort Meade Run Series continues with the Army Birthday

Summer Sizzler 5K on Saturday at 8 a.m. at the Pavilion.

Other runs in the series include:• Football Fanfare 5K: Sept.

19, 8 a.m., Constitution Park• Ghosts, Ghouls & Goblins

5K: Oct. 24, 8 a.m., The Pavilion• Turkey Trot 5K: Nov. 21, 8

a.m., Murphy Field House• Reindeer Run 5K: Dec. 19, 8

a.m., Murphy Field HouseAll runs are open to the public

and include a 1-mile walk.Preregistration for individuals

costs $15. Registration on event day costs $25.

Preregistration costs $45 per family of three to six people and $60 on the day of the event.

Preregistration for groups of seven to 10 runners costs $85.All preregistered runners will receive a T-shirt.For more information, call 301-677-3318.

Cosmic BowlingThe Lanes at Fort Meade offers Cosmic Bowling on Saturday nights from

7-11 p.m.For more information, call 301-677-5541.

Zumba classesZumba is offered Wednesdays from noon to 12:45 p.m., Tuesdays and

Thursdays from 7-8 p.m., and Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Gaffney Fitness Center.

The free class, which combines Latin dance and exotic music, is free and open to all authorized users age 18 and older.

For more information, call 310-677-2349.

Aqua ZumbaGaffney Fitness Center offers Aqua Zumba, a class blending Zumba and

water resistance, on Mondays from 4:15-5 p.m. in the Gaffney pool.The free class is open to authorized users age 18 and older.For more information, call 301-677-2349.

Football referees wantedCYSS Youth Sports is looking for volunteer NFL Flag Football referees for

ages 6-12.If interested or for more information, call the Youth Sports office at 301-

677-1329 or 301-677-1179.

Sports Shorts 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.

Facebook town hallGarrison Commander Col. Brian P.

Foley will host a Facebook town hall on June 25 from 4:30-6 p.m.

The online town hall is an opportunity to post Fort Meade-related questions, comments and suggestions on the garrison’s Facebook page: facebook.com/ftmeade.

Foley and other garrison leaders

will respond to posts on Fort Meade’s Facebook page during the town hall.

For more information, email Steve Ellmore at [email protected] or call 301-677-1109.

707th ISRG change of command

Air Force Col. Kevin Dixon, commander of the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, invites community members to the 707th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group change of command.

Air Force Col. Jon Rice will relinquish command to Air Force Col. Ricky Mills during a ceremony scheduled for June 16 at 9 a.m. at McGlachlin Parade Field.

VBS crew leaders neededVacation Bible School will be held

Aug. 3-7 from 9 a.m. to noon at

NEWS & EVENTS

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

240th ARMY BIRthDAYArmy birthday breakfast

The Francis Scott Key, Fort Meade Chapter, Association of the United States Army is hosting a breakfast Friday at 7:30 a.m. at Club Meade in celebration of the Army Birthday/Flag Day.

The guest speaker is Medal of Honor recipient retired Lt. Col. Alfred Rascon.

Tickets cost $10 and are available at the Fort Meade Community Credit Union.

A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.Unit leaders wishing to purchase blocks of tickets should contact retired Sgt.

Maj. Jim Gilbert at 301-875-3521.

Army birthday lunchCelebrate the 240th Army Birthday at the Freedom Inn Dining Facility on

Friday from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.The following meal will be served: ribeye steak, teriyaki salmon, breaded

chicken breast, baked potato, rice pilaf, corn on the cob, steamed broccoli and assorted desserts.

Cost is $9.05. Meal prices are increased for this special meal.

Army Birthday Summer Sizzler RunThe annual Fort Meade Run Series continues with the Army Birthday

Summer Sizzler 5K on Saturday at 8 a.m. at the Pavilion.

Community Covenant signingFederal, state, county and local leaders will join Garrison Commander Col.

Brian P. Foley in the signing of the Community Covenant, in conjunction with the Army’s 240th birthday, on Monday at 10 a.m. at Reece Crossings apartment complex on post.


Community news & notes

Argonne Hills Chapel Center.This year’s theme is “Weird Animals.”Crew leaders are needed. No teaching

or preparation is involved.Crew leaders guide small groups of

children through various stations and join in the fun.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and pass a background check before July 13.

Marcia Eastland will initiate background checks.

The success of this program relies heavily upon the number of crew leaders volunteering. The number of children permitted to attend is based on the crew leaders recruited.

For more information, call Eastland at 301-677-0386 or Sheila Stewart at 301-677-6038.

Independence Day celebration

Fort Meade’s annul Red, White and Blue Celebration will be held July 2 at McGlachlin Parade Field.

The free event is open to the public.The celebration will feature the U.S.

Army Field Band’s Jazz Ambassadors, a disc jockey, free inflatable attractions, and a variety of food and novelty vendors.

Fireworks display will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.

For more information, go to ftmeademwr.com.

Summer Concert SeriesThe U.S. Army Field Band will

present its annual Summer Concert Series on Aug. 1, 8, 15 and 22 at 7 p.m. at Constitution Park.

The Saturday evening concerts, which are free and open to the public, will feature various components of the Field Band.

For more information, go to armyfieldband.com.

Water main flushingAmerican Water started its annual Water

Main Flushing Program.The program aims to remove any

buildup of sediment in the water lines.Flushing may result in some temporary

discoloration and the presence of sediment in the water. These conditions are not

harmful and should be of very short duration.

Limit use of water between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to help prevent discolored water reaching service lines to your residence.

If you notice an increase in discolored water at your residence, flush all faucets inside for 15 minutes.

If the water does not clear up, contact the Water Treatment Plant at 443-591-0909. This number is monitored daily, 24/7.

Areas that may be affected from planned flushing through Friday:

• Mapes Road between O’Brien Road and Zimborski Avenue

• 6th Armored Cavalry Road• O’Brien Road between Mapes Road

and Dutt Road• Grant Road• Simonds Street between O’Brien Road

and Zimborski Avenue• Zimborski Avenue• York Avenue• Dutt Road• Cain CircleStreets adjacent to Cooper Avenue,

Mapes Road and Rock Avenue may see a temporary change in their water during flushing activities.

Hiring commissary baggers

The Fort Meade Commissary is accept-ing applications for up to 30 bagger positions.

Positions are open to family members of active-duty service members between the ages of 15 and 19.

Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis on June 22 from 9 a.m. to noon at Club Meade, 6600 Mapes Road.

Applicants must come in person and present a valid military dependent ID card and Social Security number.


2016 Welcome Guide submissions

The Fort Meade Public Affairs Office is compiling information for the 2016 Fort Meade Welcome Guide and Telephone Directory.

Garrison organizations, partner commands, and installation clubs and service organizations are requested to submit a brief summary about their organizations.

Consider including information regarding the organization’s mission, date of unit activation, and unique attributes as part of the brief descriptive

paragraphs.Also include the organization’s

address, main telephone number and important secondary phone numbers, and organizational email address.

Limit submission to one to two paragraphs. Organization photos are welcome.

Email submission to Philip Jones at [email protected] before July 10.


Dental reps at KimbroughA representative from the Tricare

Dental Program (Met Life ) will be available Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon at Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center in the pharmacy waiting area.

A representative from the Tricare Retiree Dental Plan (Delta Dental) will be available July 15 from 10 a.m. to noon in the pharmacy waiting area.

The representatives will answer dental insurance questions and provide handouts.

‘Salute to Service’The Fort Meade Public Affairs

Office is seeking service members, police and fire personnel to participate in a special “Salute to Service” project sponsored by radio station DC 101’s sister station WBIG 100.3.

The Washington, D.C., station is looking for service members, police and fire fighter to salute on air as part of a “Salute to Service” segment.

If you are interested in participating, email [email protected].


Farmers marketThe Fort Meade Farmers Market is

open every Wednesday through Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pavilion.

The farmers market features a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, breads and hot food lunch options.

For more information, call 301-677-3579 or 301-252-8688.

Investing in higher education

Army Community Service will host

“How to Invest for Higher Education,” presented by the Better Business Bureau, on June 23 at 9 a.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.

Tax-advantaged accounts to help meet the costs of higher education are available. The most popular are the Section 529 plans: prepaid tuition, which allows you to lock in some or all of tomorrow’s education at today’s prices, and the more popular savings plans that allow you to invest to meet those future costs.

Coverdell Education Savings Accounts also allow you to invest for tomorrow’s education in a tax-advantaged manner.

Uniform Transfer to Minors Act/Uniform Gifts to Minors Act accounts may offer some tax advantages as well.

A lesser-known and more flexible tool is the ROTH IRA. Although these were created for retirement, contributions — not growth — can be withdrawn at any time for any reason with no negative tax consequences.

Prior to funding these vehicles, it is important to understand what they can and can’t do, their advantages and disadvantages as well as how they impact financial aid.

To register for the class, go to fortmeadeacs.checkappointments.com.

Repaying student loansArmy Community Service is

sponsoring a class on strategies to repay federal student loans.

The class will be held June 22 at 9 a.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave.

The speaker is Dr. James Copeland from the Department of Education.

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

NAMI HomefrontThe National Alliance on Mental

Illness is offering its newest program, NAMI Homefront.

The free education program will be held over six consecutive Tuesdays from 6-8:30 p.m., starting June 23, at 1101 Memorial Chapel, University of Maryland, College Park in the conference room.

NAMI Homefront is open only to family members/caregivers of service members/veterans who are dealing with PTSD and mental illness (or showing signs).

The program focuses on the unique needs of military and veteran

NEWS & EVENTS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

EDUCATION


movies

Community news & notes

communities, such as post-deployment and post-discharge transitions.

The course is designed to help family members understand and support their loved one while maintaining their own well-being.

The trained teachers of this course are also family members.

To register, email [email protected] or call 301-429-0970.

Cooking Matters Commissary Tours

The next Cooking Matters Commissary Tours & Challenge are Monday and June 29 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 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 Readiness 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 Readiness:• Pre-Deployment Brief: June 19,

9:30-11 a.m.This program is open to active-duty

service members scheduled to deploy within the next two months.

Learn about different support programs and resources available to you and your family. Spouses and children are welcome.

• Home Buying: Tuesday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m.

• Repaying Student Loans: June 22, 9-11 a.m.

• Investing For Education: June 23, 9-11 a.m.

• First-Term Financial Readiness (online): June 23, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Financial Planning for Care Givers: June 30, 9-11 a.m.

Employment Readiness:• Interviewing Skills: Tuesday, 9 a.m.

to noonTo 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.• Pre-Separation Brief: Today, 9-11:30 a.m.Assistance in transitioning to civilian life• Time Management: Tuesday, 9-11 a.m.• Meet & Greet: June 18, 5-7 p.m.• Effective Communication: June 23, 9-11

a.m.• Assessing Higher Education: June 24-25:

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.• Deployment Brief: June 25, 10-11:30

a.m.• Budget For Baby: June 26, 11 a.m. to

12:30 p.m.• Building Healthy Relationships: June 30,

9-11 a.m.• Medial Records Review: Appointment

requiredTo register or for more information, call

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

Teen Center activitiesThe Teen Center is offering two events

in observance of Caribbean-American Heritage Month:

• Caribbean cooking: Today, 5:30 p.m.• Caribbean-American Heritage:

Today and Friday, 5 p.m.For more information, call 301-677-

6054.

Teen Leadership orientation

The 4th Annual Teen Leadership Challenge Orientation, for ages 13-18, will be held June 30 from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information, email Marie Miles, Army Volunteer Corps coordinator, at [email protected] or register at myarmyonesource.com.

Out & About• Honfest Bawlmer 2015 will be

celebrated Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10

p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. on 36th Street in downtown Hampden in Baltimore.

The free event will feature continuous live music, a Mashed Potato dance contest, an oyster shucking contest, “Hairspray-The Musical” preview, the Singing Lucys, Swami YoMahmi: “The Original Sideshow Geek,” Baltimore’s Best Hon Contest and the Little Miss Hon Contest.

For a complete schedule and more information, go to honfest.net.

• The Bowie Baysox will host the second annual Helicopter Candy Drop following the 2:05 p.m. game Sunday at Prince George’s Stadium against the Portland Sea Dogs.

Children ages 12 and younger in attendance will be invited to participate in a candy drop in the outfield. A helicopter will drop thousands of pieces of candy for youngsters to collect.

Children also will be treated to free cake in celebration of Louie the Mascot’s Birthday Bash. Fans who bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Louie Holiday Hope Toy Drive will be entered into a raffle to win Baysox prizes.

For more information, go to baysox.com or call 301-805-6000.

• BOSS (Better Opportunities for Single Service Members) is sponsoring an overnight trip Saturday and Sunday to Virginia Beach. Cost is $50 and includes lodging and paddle boarding. For more information, call 301-915-5389.

• Port Discovery Children’s Museum and OneMain Financial have joined forces to Salute the Troops.

From now until June 30, all active-duty military personnel and veterans will receive free admission, plus a $2 admission discount for each of their guests, to the museum located at 35 Market Place in Baltimore.

For more information, go to portdiscovery.org or call 410-727-8120.

• Leisure Travel Services is offering its next monthly bus trip to New York City on Saturday, with discounts to attractions. Bus cost is $60. For more information, call LTS at 301-677-7354 or visit ftmeademwr.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, 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 Saturday. 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.

• Families Dealing with Deployment meets the first and third Monday of every month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Family Advocacy Program, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave. Children welcome. The next meeting is Monday.

The group is for families experiencing an upcoming or current deployment, or who have recently returned from deployment. For more information, call 301-677-5590 or email [email protected].

• Calling All Dads, for expecting fathers and fathers with children of all ages, meets the first and third Monday of every month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Family Advocacy Program Center, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave.

The next meeting is Monday. Children are welcome. Registration is required. For more information, call 301-677-4118.

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 $6 for adults (12 and older) and $3.50 for children. 3D Movies: $8 adults, $5.50 children.

Today through Sunday

Friday: “The Age of Adaline” (PG-13). A young woman, born at the turn of the 20th century, is rendered ageless after an accident. After many solitary years, she meets a man who complicates the eternal life she has settled into. With Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Harrison Ford.

Saturday: “Monkey Kingdom” (G). A nature documentary that follows a newborn monkey and its mother as they struggle to survive within the competitive social hierarchy of the Temple Troop. Tina Fey narrates.

Sunday: “Little Boy” (PG-13). An 8-year-old boy is willing to do whatever it takes to end World War II so he can bring his father home. With Jakob Salvati, Emily Watson, David Henrie.

YOUTH

RECREATION

MEETINGS

News & Politics

Soundoff June 11, 2015