Soundoff June 18, 2015

long legacyMeade community honors 240 years of Army service

page 3

UPcoMIng eVenTSWedneSdayS, 10 a.M.-2 P.M.: Fort Meade Farmers Market - The PavilionJUne 25, 4:30-6 P.M.: Facebook town hall - facebook.com/ftmeadeJUne 29, 10 a.M.-2:30 P.M.: Cooking Matters tour - CommissaryJUly 2, 4 P.M.: Red, White & Blue Celebration - McGlachlin Parade FieldaUg. 1, 7 P.M.: Jazz Ambassadors Summer Concert Series - Constitution Park

HelPIng HandSSpecial insert highlights volunteering on post, opportunities to give

INSIDe

Soundoff!́vol. 67 no. 24 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community June 18, 2015

photo by steve ruark

CommuNIty CommItmeNtRep. John P. Sarbanes (center) addresses audience members as the final signatory at the 2015 Community Covenant Signing ceremony Monday at Reece Cross-ings as other signatory dignitaries and leaders stand behind him. The covenant’s mission is to provide “the Fort Meade military community and those who serve there with the support and resources reflective of their commitment to our nation.” For the story, see Page 10.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! June 18, 2015

Commander’s Column

Cont ent sNews............................. 3 Sports..................................12

CrimeWatch................. 6 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 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.

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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.

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Hello again, Team Meade.Summer is in full swing and I hope everyone is

enjoying the warm weather and long days.Our farmers market is open for business on Wednes-

days from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pavilion, and the pools are ready for swimming. Summer is truly a wonderful time on Fort Meade.

Summer is also a time of transition, and the moving vans have started showing up in our neighborhoods. I want to take this opportunity to personally thank all our departing service members and civilians who have served our nation and the Team Meade community so well, and to welcome all the new partners who are beginning to arrive.

I wish you all the very best in your future assign-ments here, and across our military.

The most significant transition for us so far has been our senior command team. Maj. Gen. Bradley Becker assumed command of the Military District of Washington from Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan on June 9, and Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Guden assumed responsibility as the MDW command ser-geant major on June 2.

Becker comes to us from Fort Jackson, and his experience as senior commander of the South Caro-lina installation gives him a huge jump-start on the job.

We hosted both Becker and Guden for their first visit to the installation Tuesday and look forward to their leadership.

Buchanan leaves us after two years supporting Fort Meade in every possibly way, and we wish him the very best in his next assignment as J3 of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

We continue to make great progress in the fight for resources on Fort Meade and in communicating the importance of this installation to our senior military leaders.

On May 2, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed the Fiscal Year 2016 Military Construction Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2029), which includes $34.5 million to widen Reece Road and Mapes Road east of Cooper Avenue, and their respective gates, to four lanes. This is half of the entire requirement needed to modernize the road infrastructure on Fort Meade. We remain hopeful the bill will be passed by Congress and included in the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act.

We also have made great progress in ensuring our senior leaders are aware that in addition to being our military’s pre-eminent center for information, intelligence, media and adjudication operations, Fort Meade is also our nation’s senior operational platform for cyber defense.

The service members and civilians who work

here have joined the fight for our nation’s indepen-dence, a fight that is being waged on Fort Meade 24 hours a day, every day. This fight is taking place in our world’s new-est domain of human conflict and competition: cyberspace.

It is a fight in which those who seek to compete with, or do harm to our nation, are attempting to limit our independence by stealing our intellectual property and destroying our national infrastructure.

The cyber warriors who are defending our nation against these constant attacks live and work on Fort Meade. They are to be praised and thanked for defending our freedom and protecting our indepen-dence declared on July 4, 1776 and have struggled to protect ever since.

So on July 2, we will kick off our Independence Day weekend with Fort Meade’s annual Red, White and Blue Celebration. The fireworks will be grand, the U.S. Army Field Band will inspire us with their musi-cal talent, and the food and fun will be in abundance. We hope the storms hold off this year!

Hope to see you all there.On July 4, please reach out to a cyber warrior, an

intel analyst, a public affairs professional or a com-munications specialist, and thank them for keeping our great nation free and independent from those who would do us harm.

I personally extend the thanks of my family for all you do, and it continues to be my greatest honor to serve the Fort Meade community.

Have a great summer, be safe, and we’ll see you around post!

In praise of the cyber warrior

COL. Brian P. FOLeyGarrison Commander

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

hasanopendoorpolicy.Allservicemembers,retirees,government

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

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

Formoreinformation,call301-677-4844.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil June 18, 2015 SOUNDOFF! �

News

photos by phil grout

Lt. Col. Alfred Rascon signs a commemorative book recounting the stories of fellow Medal of Honor recipients. About 60 people attended his speech commemorating the Army’s 240th birthday.

The ceremonial cake at Fort Meade’s Army Birthday/Flag Day breakfast, held Friday at Club Meade, is cut by the guest speaker, retired Lt. Col. Alfred Rascon (second from left), recipient of the Medal of Honor; retired Sgt. Maj. Raymond Moran (far left); Sgt. Baiana Wininger, noncommissioned officer of the training room at the 781st Military Intelligence Battalion; and retired 1st Sgt. Boris Spiroff.

have what I have now,” he said.During his speech, Rascon recalled the

day of March 16, 1966. He was a specialist 4 medic assigned to a reconnaissance platoon of the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam. The platoon’s mission was to reinforce a sister bat-talion under intense enemy attack near Long Khanh Province, but the platoon came under heavy fire.

“It was not a good day,” Rascon said as he recalled how he made his way through to aid a wounded machine-gunner as he lay on an open enemy trail.

According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, “Disregarding his personal safety, he [Rascon] jumped to his feet, ignor-ing flying bullets and exploding grenades to reach his comrade. To protect him from fur-ther wounds, he intentionally placed his body between the Soldier and enemy machine guns, sustaining numerous shrapnel injuries and a serious wound to the hip.”

The society further states that Rascon also retrieved an abandoned machine gun, its ammunition and spare barrel, which could have fallen into enemy hands, and saved two

other Soldiers by covering them with his body, absorbing the blasts from the exploding grenades.

Although severely wounded, Rascon “remained on the battlefield, inspiring his fel-low Soldiers to continue the battle,” according to the society.

“After the enemy broke contact, [Rascon] disregarded aid for himself, instead treating the wounded and directing their evacuation. Only after being placed on the evacuation helicop-ter, did he allow aid to be given to him.”

Rascon, who was wounded in the hip by a bullet that went up his spinal cord and out through his collar bone, humorously said that when he was wounded in the face by a hand grenade, he thought: “I’m gonna lose my good looks!”

In May 1966, Rascon was honorably dis-charged from active duty and placed in the Army Reserve. In 1970, he graduated from the Army Officer Candidate School and was com-missioned as a second lieutenant of infantry. He returned to Vietnam for a second tour, serving as a military adviser.

In 1976, Rascon was once again honorably

discharged with the rank of captain, but con-tinued serving in the Reserves until 1984. In 2002, he returned to the Army as a Reserve major in the Army Medical Service Corps and served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

As a Medal of Honor recipient, Rascon said the award, which is given for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty, is “something that is rather difficult to comprehend” and he was only taking care of his fellow Soldiers.

“The thing that we carried with us more than anything else was our friendship and our love for each other,” he said.

Speaking of the American flag, Rascon said the colors symbolize strength and represent the notion that “I don’t give a darn who you are. We’re there for each other.”

After the presentation, Gilbert presented Rascon with a Francis Scott Key chapter memento of an eagle and coin.

Rascon then drew names from a raffle and gave a Medal of Honor coin to Staff Sgt. Jason Olivencia, a human resources officer at DINFOS, and Sgt. Seth Barham, a radio skills instructor at DINFOS.

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

Lt. Col. Alfred Rascon, recipient of the Medal of Honor, said the day in Vietnam when he earned the nation’s highest military honor, was a day that exemplified brotherhood and friendship.

“[That day in combat was about] people of individual colors taking care of each other as one — and that’s what it is about me,” said Rascon, guest speaker for Fort Meade’s annual Army Birthday/Flag Day breakfast.

The 90-minute event, held Friday at Club Meade, commemorated the Army’s 240th birthday and Flag Day, which are observed on June 14. The Francis Scott Key chapter of the Association of the United States Army sponsored the annual breakfast.

Retired Sgt. Maj. Jim Gilbert, president of the chapter and deputy director of training at the Defense Information School, welcomed the audience of about 60 people.

Distinguished guests included Turhan Rob-inson, senior civilian aide for the Office of the Secretary of the Army for Maryland; Command Sgt. Maj. David Redmon, senior enlisted leader for U.S. Cyber Command and senior enlisted advisor of the National Security Agency; and several former garrison commanders.

The colors were posted by the color guard of the 781st Military Intelligence Battalion. Deputy Installation Command Chaplain (Lt. Col.) David Cooper gave the invocation.

Master Sgt. Laura Lesche, a vocalist with the U.S. Army Field Band, sang the national anthem. Retired Sgt. Maj. Raymond Moran, Fort Meade’s “Old Soldier,” led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

In his welcoming remarks, Garrison Com-mander Col. Brian P. Foley, a member of AUSA since 1987, thanked the Francis Scott Key chapter for the work it performs on behalf of Soldiers every day, and the national orga-nization for “lobbying legally in the interests of Soldiers.”

Gilbert, in his introduction of Rascon, called him “a real hero” and a “distinguished warrior.”

“[There is] no better example of selfless service,” Gilbert said.

Rascon, a native of Chihuahua, Mexico, immigrated to the United States with his par-ents Alfredo and Andrea.

“Immigrant by birth, American by choice,” Rascon said of himself.

Although he planned to attend the Uni-versity of California, Los Angeles , he could not afford the tuition and opted to enlist in the Army.

“Without the military service, I wouldn’t

AUSA breakfast celebrates 240th Army birthday


News


There has not been an alcohol-related incident at the 327th Signal Company since Sept. 18, 2008.

As of Friday, its Soldiers have gone 2,468 days without a drinking-under-the-influence charge.

“I think our morale is at the top in the unit,” said Capt. Daniel Manor, commander of the company, which is part of the 21st Signal Brigade at Fort Detrick. “Soldiers love to come to work. Their job performance is outstanding.”

Manor relinquishes command of the com-pany today. He will be replaced by Capt. Jun H. Kim.

Located at Fort Meade, the 327th Signal Company is tasked with providing voice and Internet communications for the president, secretary of defense, joint chiefs of staff, combatant commanders, the military services and other federal agencies.

The 327th Signal Company is known as “The Spartans.”

Four command teams have been com-mitted to a DUI safety plan to educate the unit’s 70 to 80 Soldiers about the dangers of drinking and driving, and the Soldiers are committed to being responsible and looking out for their battle buddies, Manor said.

“The unit has been successful for this long because of our command influence and the emphasis we place on making responsible decisions,” said 1st Sgt. Philip Ayers, the unit’s senior enlisted advisor. “The lives of our Soldiers, family and the lives of our com-munity members are the reason the decision to drink and drive should never be made.”

Ayers provides a safety briefing every Friday before Soldiers are released for the weekend. The briefing covers responsible drinking, professionalism, taking care of one’s family, and the importance of taking care of one’s self.

“My goal is to hit home for every Soldier the importance of not drinking and driving,” Ayers said. “I do not just talk about not doing it. I emphasize the possible outcomes of making bad decisions — children dying, innocent law-abiding citizens dying, and the actual Soldier possibly dying.

“I try to get them to understand how a family’s life could change with such a tragic event, and I hone in on the effects it would have on Soldiers’ lives. I also mention that it ends careers and is a serious law violation at the very best.”

The company has a saying: “Who wants to be the Soldier who takes us to ground zero?”

“Ground zero means we reset to zero days

Unit achieves safety record for not drinking while drivingwithout a DUI,” Ayers said. “No Soldiers wants to be the one to reset our heritage.”

The command team requires Soldiers to devise a plan to get home safely with a responsible driver if they go out drinking. Ayers said the Soldiers should have a least three plans in place.

“I tell them if all three plans break down, use the alert roster,” he said.

The company provides Soldiers with a ros-ter of phone numbers for command leaders who are available to provide them with safe transportation, if necessary.

“We have never had to utilize the plan, but it is an option if needed,” Ayers said.

Sgt. 1st Class Jon Blose, noncommis-sioned-officer-in-charge of Satellite Com-munications at the 327th, served with the unit from 2004 to 2007 and returned in 2011.

Blose said the last DUI incident he is aware of occurred in 2007.

“A Soldier had gone to Baltimore and had too much to drink and was pulled over for a DUI,” Blose recalled. “He had recently gotten promoted and went to celebrate with some people he knew. Unfortunately, it cost him his rank and a lot of time and money.”

Blose said the importance of safety and prevention are a consistent message in the company.

“The leaders now preach that the worst event may not be that you died, but that you cost someone else their life because of a poor choice,” he said. “And no one wants to be the new number zero on the board after the 2,400-plus days that has become a Spartan legacy here.”

Spc. Sean Peacock has been a member of the unit for a year.

courtesy of capt. daniel manor

Soldiers of the 327th Signal Company proudly stand Friday before the company’s sign highlighting 2,468 days of no DUI charges. The company enforces a DUI Safety Program and has not had an alcohol-related incident since Sept. 18, 2008.

SIGNING ONDuring his first visit to the installation as com-

mander of the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, Maj. Gen. Bradley Becker signs a

copy of Fort Meade’s new Community Covenant on Tuesday at garrison headquarters. Becker assumed command from Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan dur-ing a change-of-command ceremony on June 9 at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Va.

The covenant is a pledge between Fort Meade and key government and business leaders to develop

relationships aimed at supporting the needs of the Fort Meade military community by increasing awareness of issues unique to service members and maximizing resources to develop potential

solutions.

pHoto By dijon rolle

“There is consistent communication among the personnel in my unit,” he said. “Everyone is a pretty close-knit group and wouldn’t hesitate to ask for help if it were needed — for example, asking for a ride home if someone had too much to drink or another scenario where someone required assistance.”

Manor said the Soldiers abide by the command’s standards.

“There’s no pushback. The Soldiers are all on board,” he said. “No one wants to bring the family down.”

Ayers said the Soldiers are rewarded for their efforts.

The unit gets a safety vacation day each quarter that is approved by the 302nd Signal Battalion. The company also conducts a safety stand-down day every quarter.

“We also have a safety pledge hanging in our entrance to the facility,” Ayers said. “The Soldiers sign it quarterly.”

Manor said other units can duplicate the company’s success if commanders make “no drinking and driving” a priority.

“The bottom line is taking care of Sol-diers,” Manor said. “What you focus on is what gets results. Incorporate responsible drinking into your safety briefing and make it a part of the culture of the unit.”


News

Story and photo by Alan H. FeilerStaff Writer

Since late May, more than 400 crime-prevention notices have been left on vehicle windshields and at residential doorways by officers of the Directorate of Emergency Services’ Police Services Division.

The goal — to remind residents on post to secure all of their property.

The notifications were issued in the wake of 25 property crimes in recent months, 95 percent of them involving unsecured property such as bicycles, lawn chairs and items in vehicles, said Russell M. Wilson, chief criminal investigator for DES investigations.

There were 25 thefts this year, “not all tied together and not all in the housing area,” he said. Most thefts took place at Heritage Park and Midway Commons.

“There were seven thefts back to back in this area, which caused us to launch the awareness campaign,” Wilson said.

A suspect has been identified by police and is being investigated. Wilson said the thefts have largely discontinued.

Wilson said the objective of the notices — which bear the McGruff “Take A Bite Out Of Crime” logo and image — is sim-ply to inform Fort Meade residents that their bicycles or vehicles are unsecured, or property in their cars may be exposed and attractive to criminals.

Sometimes, he said, officers also want to let residents know that their garages are unsecured.

In general, most property thefts are committed by minors, he said.

Wilson said DES across the Army has been leaving notices with residents for approximately a dozen years, particularly around summertime when schools are out and many new residents move on post.

“It’s all a campaign, a preventative awareness measure and a friendly remind-er,” he said. “There’s an obligation for us to keep property secure, but we can’t be everywhere all the time. We’re just trying to be good Samaritans and give people good input.

“If vehicles are secured, the crimes would be less likely to happen. Secured vehicles deter crime. That’s a proven fact.”

Wilson said beat patrol officers usu-ally ring doorbells and attempt to inform residents face to face about unsecured property before resorting to leaving notic-es. He said officers will personally lock vehicles if residents cannot be contacted, particularly late at night.

Police notices aim to prevent theft of unsecured property

Fort Meade Police from the Directorate of Emergency Services have left more than 400 crime-prevention notices on car windshields and at residential doorways in recent months. The goal is to remind residents to secure all of their property.

On-post crime is down this year from previous years, said Wilson who estimates that a few hundred notices were issued last year about unsecured property.

Wilson said officers find that face-to-face contact with residents or leaving notices tend to be more effective than other means to spread the word about unsecured property issues.

“Officers prefer face-to-face contact,” he said. “Not everyone reads Facebook or Soundoff! or e-blasts. However, when you see something sticking in your wind-shield, it’s a faster way of informing people. It’s not about picking on some-one; it’s awareness.

“Just lock your stuff up. That’s the first line of defense.”

Unsecured property can often lead to identity theft, especially when computers, iPods, tablets, smartphones, prescription drugs or wallets are left in unlocked vehi-cles or unsecured garages, Wilson said.

Fort Meade does not have a high crime rate like communities off post or at larger military installations, he said. But many people who live on post, said Wilson, believe they can leave property unsecured because it is a military installation, which he said is a false assumption.

“We’re in a military environment that’s supposed to be about family and com-munity and business and service,” he said. “So people don’t think [crime] will happen to them here. But it happens to

everyone, everywhere.“You’re susceptible to crime even on a

military installation.”Wilson said Fort Meade is more sus-

ceptible to identity theft than other places because of the high concentration of senior military personnel and civilians with high security clearance working and living on post.

In addition, the community is more vulnerable because Fort Meade is situated between two major cities and is the largest employer in the state of Maryland.

“Higher salary means higher payoff for the criminal,” Wilson said. “If [criminals] get into your car, they can get some of your identity information. If they get your purse or credit cards or laptops, they can take your identity right off it.”

To recover stolen items with any degree of potential success, Wilson suggests keeping the serial numbers, registration numbers and other vital information about electronic items in a safe place at home.

Wilson also recommends only carrying identification cards and no valuable items when patronizing such on-post sites as the gym.

In addition, for surveillance reasons, he suggests that residents inform law enforcement officials about when they are going to be away from their homes for extended periods of time.

In the interim, Wilson said Fort Meade

police officers will continue to leave notic-es at residences with unsecured property, not for punitive reasons but to increase vigilance and awareness.

“I think it’s effective,” he said. “We have a lower crime rate because it’s a modality to reach the community. ... We’re just try-ing to be proactive. We experience lower crime rates the more proactive we are.”

For the most part, Wilson said, recipi-ents of the notices understand and appre-ciate the rationale behind the campaign.

“Crimes could be doubled or tripled if we didn’t issue 500 [notices],” he said. “We’re not trying to be disrespectful but trying to prevent people from becoming victims. Most people understand that, and we don’t get a ton of complaints.

“People don’t want to be victimized. It’s all about awareness.”

Editor’s note: For more information about the notices or other policing matters on post, call Officer Timothy Perkins, Fort Meade’s community policing officer, at 301-677-6540.

June 7, Shoplifting: Security personnel at the Exchange stated that the subject was observed, via surveillance cam-era, shoplifting. An investiga-tion revealed that the subject concealed cosmetics on her person and exited the store without rendering proper pay-ment.

June 12, Larceny of private property: The victim stated she was missing her engagement ring, wed-ding band and promise ring from her night table in her barracks room.

CommunityCommunityCrime Watch

Compiled by the Fort Meade Directorate of Emergency Services

For week of June 8-14:• Moving violations: 15

• Nonmoving violations: 3

• Verbal warnings for traffic stops: 31

• Traffic accidents: 10

• Driving on suspended license: 0

• Driving on suspended registration: 0

• Driving without a license: 0


News

photos by steve ellmore

FARM FRESHA Fort Meade community member (right) picks up a plant and strawber-ries during the opening day of the garrison’s popular farmers market on June 10 at the Pavilion. A variety of vendors were available ranging from retailers of organic honey (above) and soaps and hand-made gifts and crafts to a local farm, which offered fresh vegetables and fruits. The Fort Meade Farmers Market is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pavilion until Sept. 9.


Professional drummer Daveed Korup beat rhythms on drums from West Africa and Istanbul as a group of fifth-graders from Manor View Elementary School followed his lead with hand percussion instruments.

“It was great to be up on stage,” said Eden Goodrich, 11, a fifth-grader who performed with Korup. “I felt like I was in music class playing rhythm sticks.”

Korup, a performing arts specialist at the Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Bal-timore, came to the school on May 27 to introduce the museum’s new “World Drum” program to educate children about music and diverse world cultures.

About 290 students in first- through fifth-grades attended the 45-minute presentation held in the school’s multipurpose room.

The “World Drum” program is part of the museum’s “On The Road” initiative, which brings the Port Discovery experience to ele-mentary school classrooms.

Through “On The Road,” elementary school students “can participate in innovative STEM programs or creative art and music programs,” said Michelle Winner, vice presi-

dent of marketing for Port Discovery.In addition to “World Drum,” the museum

also offers such programs as “Fun with Hai-kus,” “The Kamishibai Show (Japanese Paper Drama),” “Textiles Around the World,” and STEM-based programs that focus on DNA extraction, owl-pellet dissection and animal adaptations.

Winner said the purpose of the “World Drum” program is to introduce students to the instrument, which “has been found in every culture throughout human history and ties us together as a global community.

“From a music standpoint, drumming increases hand-eye coordination and helps enhance memorization skills, pattern recogni-tion, and it builds imagination and curios-ity.”

Manor View, which is an International Baccalaureate Primary Years School, and Pershing Hill Elementary School have each participated in the “On The Road” program.

Port Discovery is now working with the staffs at Meade Heights Elementary and West Meade Elementary schools to bring “On The Road” to their schools in the fall.

In his presentation, Korup introduced stu-dents to hand percussion instruments from

Central and South America and the Carib-bean.

“Percussion has been a part of world cul-tures for the last 10,000 years,” Korup said after the event. “Music can be a tool to learn other things, such as math, social studies and character development.

“I just wanted the students to have a com-munal experience of rhythm by playing the different percussion instruments.”

While playing the drums from West Africa and Istanbul, Korup led students in a percus-sion exercise that mimicked the sound of the wind during a rainstorm.

Some students on the stage tapped wooden instruments carved in the image of crickets, while others played ocean and spring drums to create the sound of rushing water.

Korup then explained how drums can be made from recycled materials. He showed the students a large drum made from the tube of a sewage drainage pipe from Ashville, N.C. The drum was covered in outdoor billboard vinyl.

Korup also displayed a drum made from a recycled, propane gas tank.

Manor View Principal Barry Gruber said that as an IB school, Manor View emphasizes

international and global awareness, along with interdisciplinary learning.

The “World Drum” presentation was a “fun and engaging way” to embrace other cultures and learn about recycling, he said.

“It was exciting to see so many different types of drums made of different materials,” Gruber said. “The program also aligns our music curriculum.”

Ann Colello, a fifth-grade teacher whose students performed onstage, said the event was a great experience for the children.

“The students enjoyed the program and said over and over how cool it was that they were up onstage with him,” she said.

Fifth-grader Joseph Bleifield said he learned a lot.

“It was pretty great,” the 11-year-old said after the program. “I didn’t really think you could make a recycled pipe into a drum. I was surprised.”

Editor’s note: The Port Discovery Children’s Museum is now offering its Salute the Troops promotion of free museum admission for active-duty service members and veterans and $2 off for each guest. A valid military I.D. or discharge papers must be presented for the promotion, which runs until June 30.

Port Discovery’s drum seminar visits Meade schools

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! June 18, 2015

Cover Story

By Alan H. FeilerStaff Writer

Recognizing two former garrison com-manders in attendance — Col. Kenneth O. McCreedy and Col. Edward C. Rothstein — Rep. John P. Sarbanes cracked up the audience at the 2015 Community Cov-enant Signing by jokingly invoking the most famous lyric from the classic Eagles song, “Hotel California.”

“You can check out anytime you like,” he said, “but you can never leave.”

More than 125 dignitaries, government and business leaders from the Baltimore-Washington corridor, as well as supporters of Fort Meade, were on hand Monday morning at Reece Crossings for the hour-long ceremony, which renewed the commu-nity’s commitment to the installation and the covenant initiated in 2011.

The ceremony marked the covenant’s third official signing, the first since 2013.

In his speech, Sarbanes emphasized that the gathering was more than a symbolic gesture.

“Good things don’t just happen,” he said. “Just because there are great people in this area and incredible assets here does

not mean we’ll get the results we seek. You need people to step up and keep the con-versations going. That’s what this covenant has represented from the beginning.”

In the covenant, Fort Meade is recog-nized as “a valued integral component of our region and major contributor to its strength.” The mission of the covenant and the Community Covenant Council is “to provide the Fort Meade military com-munity and those who serve there with the support and resources reflective of their commitment to our nation.”

In particular, the covenant pledges to serve as a unified voice for the installa-tion; increase regional awareness of Fort Meade; and create beneficial partnerships and opportunities on and off the post.

In addition, the covenant pledges to serve as a resource for the garrison com-mander for relevant information on mat-ters related to the surrounding region, and assist the garrison in supporting the missions of its 117 tenant organizations and agencies.

Among the 32 signatories at the cer-emony were Sarbanes; Garrison Com-mander Brian P. Foley; George W. Owings

Leaders recommit to Community Covenant

Photos by steve RuaRk

Linda Greene, chair of the Community Covenant Council, shares her personal experiences working with the Fort Meade community during her remarks at the ceremony.

RIGHT: Rep. John P. Sarbanes explains the accomplishments of the covenant in his remarks about Fort Meade’s vital role in combating cyber attacks.

III, secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs; Anne Arundel Coun-ty Executive Steven R. Schuh; Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman; Laurel Mayor Craig A. Moe; and state Sen. James E. DeGrange Sr.

“Today, we celebrate our accomplish-ments and recommit to this growing, thriv-ing community,” said Elaine B. Rogers, president and CEO of USO Metropoli-tan Washington-Baltimore, who served as emcee.

Foley said the covenant has played a vital role in helping Fort Meade obtain federal, state and local dollars in reno-vating the installation’s infrastructure. In addition, the covenant has helped establish Fort Meade as the nation’s premier cyber defense center.

“So much has been accomplished, and much work remains,” he said. “So, for Fort Meade to continue successfully meeting and executing its 21st-century mission, we must continue to develop 21st-century partnerships ... partnerships that leverage

our vast federal, state and private industry resources whenever possible toward the greater good.”

Foley gave an example of this when he announced a new Anne Arundel Commu-nity College initiative that allows all active-duty service members to pay in-county tuition fees regardless of their residency.

Linda Greene, 2015 chairman of the Community Covenant Council, said renewing support for the covenant on Monday was appropriate during the week of the celebration of the 240th anniversary of the Army’s founding.

She said the council meets monthly to help realize the covenant’s objectives. The council started four years ago with a one-day playground construction project on post, Greene said, and has branched out to establishing strong relations between Fort Meade and such regional outfits as the Baltimore Orioles.

Greene said the council championed the allocation of an additional $10 million in federal funding for the Maryland Depart-

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil June 18, 2015 SOUNDOFF! 11

Slicing through the celebratory cake with a military saber at the 2015 Community Covenant Signing are (left to right): Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman, Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley, Rep. John P. Sarbanes, Command Sgt. Maj. Rodwell L. Forbes and Linda Greene, chair of the Community Covenant Council.

ment of Transportation to widen a key portion of Route 175.

Now, Greene said, the council plans to play an integral role in Fort Meade’s cen-tennial celebrations in 2017, as well as con-tinuing to make Army leaders and elected officials more aware of the installation’s priorities and needs.

“We are one voice for Fort George G. Meade, united in our support for this very important and unique installation,” she said.

Sarbanes said he was honored to attend the ceremony on behalf of the federal delegation. He praised the council for its ongoing commitment to the covenant.

“The covenant itself is not a unique thing. There are covenants around the country between bases and the communi-ties that embrace them,” Sarbanes said. “What is unique is the council, and I want to salute the partners in that council.”

Sarbanes said the council has been highly effective in informing the media and general public about developments at

Fort Meade. He also said the council has been successful in attracting off-post orga-nizations in addressing the installation’s needs.

In addition, Sarbanes lauded Fort Meade for stepping up to combat the threat of cyber attacks.

“Fort Meade is the key to making sure the nation is safe,” he said. “We take a lot of pride in knowing cyber command is strong and doing the best job it can.”

Following the ceremony, attendees gath-ered in the Reece Crossings Community Center for a cake-cutting ceremony and refreshments.

Editor’s note: For more information about the Fort Meade Community Covenant, including a complete listing of Community Covenant signatories and council members, visit www.ftmeade.army.mil/staff/pao/com-rel/communitycovenant/index.html.

Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley discusses the covenant’s critical role in benefiting Fort Meade’s infrastructure.


SportS

photos by daniel kucin jr.

SUMMER SIZZLERRunners take off Saturday morning at the start of Fort Meade’s annual Army Birthday Summer Sizzler 5K outside the Pavilion. The event was part of the Fort Meade Run Series, which is open to the public and includes a 1-mile walk.

So before I get too personal, let me address two things about the NBA Finals.

One, LeBron James did not deserve to win the Finals MVP even though he was clearly the best player on the floor. If it was MVP for the entire playoffs, then James’ selection would have been a no-brainer. However, to be MVP of a series, your team should actually win the series, and Golden State’s Andre Iguodala was the most valuable player to his team.

Second, I’m not sure how to take James coming out and saying he’s the best player in the world. es.pn/1GONtWz It is a true state-ment and kind of refreshing. But on the other hand, it sets a bad standard for humility and is another example of the “Me, my selfie, and I” generation.

To be fair, “The King’s” comment wasn’t nearly as self-serving as “The Donald’s,” but if you are the best (or really rich), you shouldn’t have to tell anyone. wapo.st/1CdJTje

But hey, Ramadan starts today, so I’m not going to break my first fast by being overly critical of James. In fact, I’ll say that even though he’s not as great as Jordan or Magic, neither of those legends would have led this Cavs team as far as LeBron did.

More so, I wanted to tell you that for about 15 hours a few weeks ago, I thought I had cancer. The ordeal really started May 27 when I felt an odd pain in my man region and my kidneys. I know the date because I marked it on my calen-dar, which is a trick I learned from our friends at the Army Wellness Center.

The pain increased over the next four or five days, so I did what most people do when they’ve got a new ailment — I went to WebMD.

My symptoms — dull pain in the back and belly, heavy scrotum, general discomfort in the man zone, urinating like every 10 minutes — sounded a lot like testicular cancer. So I pulled off my first self-exam. bit.ly/1IP6tng

It was easy. I stood in front of a mirror in my birthday suit and looked for swelling or redness. Next, I felt for abnormalities. My right bean checked out fine. When I moved over to the left one, I quickly found a large node where there shouldn’t have been one.

It was the size of a marble, and hard like one too, but there was no feeling when I touched it. Just panic.

I stewed with the thought until the kids went to bed, and then I nonchalantly told my wife, “I have a lump.” This led to another exam!

I am a naturally nervous person, but after my

wife confirmed my findings, I couldn’t sleep well, and the thought of cancer and insurance poli-cies and last words to my children ran through my head until I had an anxi-ety attack.

Things got real shaky the next day at the doctor’s office. She checked off my symptoms, and then did an exam of her own. Afterward, she sent me for an emergency CT scan and urine test. It took two hours for the results to come back.

During that time, I took a meeting with a good friend who kept my mind occupied for a bit. But there was no denying where my head was at.

Laila met me at the doctor’s office for the big reveal. I had been going to my doctor for nearly three years and had never had to be taken back to her office. But I was sure that was going to change.

I was bracing myself for the those words you hear all the time on “Grey’s” — “Mr. Jones, you have cancer.” That was going to be followed by discussions regarding treatment plans and chemo. Fortunately while trolling WebMD, I learned testicular cancer has a five-year survival rate of 95 percent. wb.md/1IkJjlV

Even better, Laila and I never made it to her office. Instead, we were ushered to a corner in the hallway of the clinic. I couldn’t help but think that maybe her office was messy or leak-ing because, why else would you give someone a cancer diagnosis in a full hallway?

“Mr. Jones, you have an infection. You can pick up your antibiotics at the pharmacy.”

The relief I felt was akin to finding my kids after they escape from my eyesight in a crowded place. The tension of pending doom dropped from my shoulders and rushed out through my toes, and I couldn’t help but appreciate every-thing a little bit more.

Two weeks and some antibiotics later, all’s good in the hood. Even though the Healthy Chad Initiative: Surviving Cancer series is on hold, I still thought it would be a good time to tell my dudes out there to listen to your boys, and check yourself.

If you have comments, contact me at [email protected] or hit me up on Twitter @CTJibber.

Check ur self so you don’t wreck ur self

Chad T. Jones, Public Affairs

Officer

Jibber Jabber - OpiniOn

Winners:1. Sean McCormack 17:00.0

2. Chet Mientkiewicz 18:07.6

3. Tim K. 18:33.1

4. Col. Brian P. Foley 18:42.4

5. Aaron Goins 19:21.2

6. Matthew O’Brien 19:33.4

7. Daniel Sipko 19:44.7

8. Stephen Wills 20:03.6

9. Robert Campbell 20:16.5

10. Danielle Thunderhawk 20:23.9

ABOVE: Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley congratulates Sean McCormack, the overall male winner of the annual Army Birthday Summer Sizzler 5K.

LEFT: Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley gives Danielle Thunderhawk a high-five after her overall win among the female runners.


Community news & notes

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

For more information or to submit an announcement, email [email protected] or call Editor Dijon Rolle at 301-677-6806.

VA Resource ExhibitThe Department of Veterans Affairs

Resource Exhibit is today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Exchange.

VA staff will explain benefits and services such as counseling services, the GI Bill, VA home loans and employment.

The staff also will offer guidance to those inquiring on their own behalf, a friend or family member.

Health care enrollment and communication with your VA care team are available at www.myhealth.va.gov. Enroll online at eBenefits.gov.

For more information, go to exploreva.gov portal or email [email protected].

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.

RAB meetingThe next Fort Meade environmental

Restoration Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for July 9 at 7 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriott, 2700 Hercules Road, Annapolis Junction.

All community members are invited to attend.

RAB meetings are held to keep the public informed of Fort Meade’s environmental cleanup and restoration

program, and to provide opportunities for public involvement and open discussion.

Anyone who would like to learn more about the restoration program or become a RAB member is encouraged to attend.

For more information, call 301-677-7999 or visit www.ftmeade.army.mil/directorates/dpw/environment. (Click on the RAB link.)

VBS crew leaders neededVacation Bible School will be held

Aug. 3-7 from 9 a.m. to noon at 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 annual Red, White and Blue Celebration will be held July 2 beginning at 4 p.m. 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 weekly Summer Concert Series from Aug. 1-22 at 7 p.m. at Constitution Park.

The Saturday evening concerts are free and open to the public.

• Aug. 1: Jazz Ambassadors• Aug. 8: Band and Chorus• Aug. 15: The Volunteers

• Aug. 22: Finale concert featuring the Concert Band and Soldiers’ Chorus

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

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 Monday from 9 a.m. to noon on a first-come, first-served basis at Club Meade, 6600 Mapes Road.

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

For more information, call 301-677-5502.

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 submissions to one to two paragraphs. Organization photos are welcome.

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


Dental rep at KimbroughA representative from the Tricare

Retiree Dental Plan (Delta Dental) will be available July 15 from 10 a.m. to noon at Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center in the pharmacy waiting area.

‘Salute to Service’The Fort Meade Public Affairs

Office is seeking service members,

Body toneGaffney Fitness Center is

offering a full-body resistance-training class on Tuesdays from 5:15-6:15 p.m.

Cost is free and open to all authorized users age 18 and older.


Hip-Hop Indoor SpinGaffney Fitness Center is

offering Hip-Hop Indoor Spin, a high-energy cardiovascular workout, on Wednesdays from 5:15-6:15 p.m.

This class combines cycling with upbeat hip-hop and R&B music.

Cost is free and open to all authorized users age 18 and older.


Youth Sports fall registration

Registration 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.

Cosmic BowlingThe Lanes at Fort Meade offers

Cosmic Bowling on Saturday nights from 7-11 p.m.


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 incorporates Latin dance, is open to all authorized users age 18 and older.


Sports Shorts

sports

NEWS & EVENTS

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14



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 fighters 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 fruits, 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 Tuesday 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. They include 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 Monday 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 a new program, NAMI Homefront.

Starting Tuesday, the free education program will be held over six consecutive weeks from 6-8:30 p.m. 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 of these conditions).

The program focuses on the unique needs of military and veteran 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.

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

Cooking Matters Commissary Tours

The next Cooking Matters Commissary Tour & Challenge is 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: Friday, 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.

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

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

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

This eight-hour Foundation of Financial Readiness course is required for all first-term service members and can be found at myarmyonesource.com.

The course can be completed at your own pace. When you have completed the training, print out a copy of your certificate and bring it to ACS to be signed.

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

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.• Meet & Greet: Today, 5-7 p.m.• Effective Communication: Tuesday, 9-11

a.m.• Assessing Higher Education: Wednesday

and June 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.

Summertime kickoffStudents in grades 9 to 12 can help

kick off summer today at noon at the Teen Center.

The event will feature music, food and water activities and is open to members of Child, Youth and School Services and their guests.


Dinosaur campDinosaur camp for children ages 4-6

will be offered Monday through June 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Teen Center.

Students will be actively engaged in hands-on paleontology experiences as they study the dinosaurs of the Mesozoic Era.

Cost is $175 for the week.For more information, call 301-677-

1149.

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 Program manager, at [email protected] or register at myarmyonesource.com.

Weekly playgroupChildren ages 4 and younger are

invited to a weekly playgroup held every Friday from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Family Advocacy Center, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave.

The playgroup features a variety of engaging activities to build strong parent-child relationships.

Space is limited. Registration is required for each session.


Out & About• Leisure and Travel Services, located

at 2300 Wilson St., is offering free tickets to the Bowie Baysox’s Fort Meade Night that will be held Friday at 6:35 p.m. at Prince George’s Stadium.

NEWS & EVENTS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

EDUCATION

YOUTH

RECREATION



The Baysox will honor Fort Meade Service members, retirees and civilian personnel.

The stadium features a children’s park with carousel and free parking. Fireworks will be launched after the game.

Free tickets will not be available game day at the gate.


• 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.

• Prostate Cancer Support Group meets at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda on the third Thurs-day of every month. The next meeting is today 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 Cen-ter at 301-319-2900 at least four business days prior to the event for base access.

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

• Marriage Enrichment Group, spon-sored 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 Monday. For more infor-mation, call Celena Flowers or Jessica Hobgood at 301-677-5590.

• Society of Military Widows meets for brunch the fourth Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Lanes. The next meeting is June 28. For more information, call Betty Jones at 410-992-1123.

• 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 July 2. There is no cost for the buffet. Donations

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


• 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 July 2. For more information, visit namiaac.org.

• 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 Advo-cacy Program Center, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave.

The next meeting is July 6. Children are welcome. Registration is required. For more information, call 301-677-4118.

• 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 July 6.

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].

• Fort Meade TOP III Association meets the second Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m. at the Courses. The next meeting is July 8. The association is open to all Air Force active-duty and retired senior noncommissioned officers. For more infor-mation, call Master Sgt. Jonathan Jacob at 443-479-0616 or email [email protected].

• 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 July 10.

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 July 11. 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.

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News & Politics

Soundoff June 18, 2015