Soundoff May 28, 2015

UPCOMING EVENTS TOday & FrIday, 11 a.M.-4 P.M.:NAF warehouse sale - The Pavilion

(Today - active-duty service members; Friday - open to the public)

FrIday & SaTUrday, 9 a.M.-5 P.M.:Baltimore Recruiting Battalion hosts Army Career Days - Parade Field

JUNE 9, 11:30 a.M.-1 P.M.:Meet The Author event featuring

Antonio Elmaleh - Fort Meade Museum

JUNE 10, 10 a.M.-2 P.M.:Fort Meade Farmers Market

opens for the season - The Pavilion

ON ThE MOVEACS relocation team rolls out welcome mat for incoming

Fort Meade familiespage 6

SaFETy FIrSTAnnual expo spotlights safety, overall wellness

across Fort Meade page 3

Soundoff!́vol. 67 no. 21 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community May 28, 2015

photo by nate pesce

This Bird’s goT our BackStaff Sgt. Ian Bowling of the Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band sings “God Bless America” on Monday — Memorial Day — during the seventh-inning stretch of the orioles-Astros game at oriole Park at Camden Yards. The lifelong o’s fan also sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the game. The orioles hosted nine Fort Meade service members, plus the Fort Meade Color Guard and Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley, for the team’s annual Military Appreciation Day.For the story, see Page 10.

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil� SOUNDOFF! May 28, 2015

Commander’s Column

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

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

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

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

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Hello again, Team Meade.I hope everyone had the opportunity to enjoy the

beautiful spring and summer weather we had this Memorial Day weekend.

The pools are open, the fountain in Constitution Park is running, and we’re planning another huge fireworks display for the Red, White and Blue Cel-ebration on July 2.

School is not yet out, but we are rapidly transi-tioning to summertime mode on Fort Meade.

I want to start this month by thanking Navy Adm. Michael S. Rogers and all who took part in our Massing of the Colors and Memorial Day Remembrance ceremony on May 17.

The U.S. Army Field Band concert was wonder-ful, the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps soloists and U.S. Drill Team were amazing, and the color guards were all impressive.

Special thanks to the Military Order of the World Wars, our garrison staff, and all who worked so hard to make the event another great success.

We have a very busy month of June ahead of us, and I am very pleased with the continued momentum and work being done on and off the installation to support our growth.

Pavement is being striped, work on the commis-sary parking lot has begun, expansion of Route 175 is going strong, and the Senate Appropriations Committee is considering our military construction projects to widen Reece and Mapes roads.

We will break ground on the new Rockenbach Road gate on June 1. Construction is estimated to take 18 months; Rockenbach Road will remain open during the process.

We will conduct a grand opening ceremony with AAFES at the new Exchange as soon as the parking lot is completed. AAFES has tons of free stuff to give away, so you do NOT want to miss that event!

Summer camp at our Youth Centers begins in June as well, and I want to take the opportunity to once again thank our hard working Child, Youth

and School Ser-vices staff.

Our provid-ers open up their facilities well before PT in the morning, keep them open after retreat, and close under only the most extreme conditions. They are held to the very highest state, federal, and national standards, with good reason. No one would argue that our children are our nation’s most precious asset.

Our child care and education professionals charge themselves with caring for our children as if they were their own. They help us as parents educate, raise and prepare the next generation, the future of our nation. For that we owe our deep-est gratitude, and a proverbial standing round of applause.

CYSS Director Cassandra Franklin has been working hard to maximize the efficiency and effec-tiveness of our staff to ensure we are able to support the greatest number of children possible. This has caused the need for some minor schedule changes among our staff, and I ask you to bear with us as we work through the process. All decisions are made in the best interest of our children, families and staff.

So here’s to a big summer ahead! Make safety a priority as we move into the “101 critical days of summer” — the highest risk time of the year. One tragedy can derail much positive effort, so think before you act.

Congratulations and thanks to our Installation Safety Office and partner commands for putting on another world-class safety expo last week.

Looking forward to seeing you around Fort Meade in June!

Summer is here

COL. Brian P. FOLeyGarrison Commander

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 May 28, 2015 SOUNDOFF! �

News

By Alan H. FeilerStaff Writer

Petty Officer 3rd Class Rochelle Fraser of Navy Information Operations Command Maryland didn’t know what hit her.

Trying in vain to walk in a straight line along a stretch of masking tape on the floor of the Fort Meade Pavilion, Fraser whipped off her simulation goggles and saw how far off-course she wound up.

“Who gets that drunk?” the Peoria, Ariz., native who lives in Odenton said to a group of laughing Sailors. “I just can’t imagine being behind the wheel like that. You might not think you’re that drunk, but it shows you really are.”

Fraser tried out the simulated sobriety walk display provided by the NIOC Com-mand Drug and Alcohol Program.

“It’s a good deterrent,” she said of the display. “I’d never want to put myself in that position.”

Fraser was among the estimated 3,500 service members and civilians who attended the annual Installation Safety, Health, Well-ness and Resiliency Expo held May 21.

Sponsored by the Installation Safety Office, the free, three-hour event featured nearly 60 groups, organizations and ven-dors to promote workplace and recre-ational safety; health and wellness tips; and information about minimizing the risk of damage or injury during such summer-time activities as boating, grilling, camping, swimming, fishing and driving.

In addition, interactive simulated activi-ties at the expo offered insights into driving while distracted by texting or under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The “Arrive Alive Tour” simulator consisted of a vehicle wired to computers that replicates the expe-rience of driving under the influence or talking on a cell phone.

“It was very cool to do, but the steer-ing takes a while to get used to,” said Pfc. Andrew Snyder of the 781st Military Intelli-gence Battalion, who attempted to simulate driving while texting.

“If I ever [text while driving], it’s usually for something really important,” said the Minnesota native who lives on post. “But after doing this, I don’t think I’d ever do it again. I got up to 35 or 40 [mph] until crashing.”

Staff Sgt. Mario Romano of the 704th MI said he doesn’t drink and drive, but participating in the simulation was still a valuable experience.

“It can be an inhibitor for drinking and driving,” said the native of Keene, N.H., who lives in Bowie. “It’s fun to do. I’d highly

Expo takes holistic approach to safety, resiliency

recommend it for anyone.”Another activity utilizing special goggles

demonstrated the difficulties of walking a simple curving path after drinking or using drugs.

Meanwhile, other booths and displays focused on fitness, suicide prevention, occu-pational health, audiology, nutrition, and fire extinguisher readiness.

A raffle for prizes was featured through-out the expo. Sandwiches, chips and fruit were provided by the Fort Meade Civilian Welfare Fund.

Among the organizations and vendors were the Community Health Promotion Team, Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Cen-ter, Army Substance Abuse Program, Cor-vias Military Living, Army Wellness Center, Religious Support Office, KitMaster Indus-trial Tools and 3M.

Aaron Rowell, safety and health spe-cialist for the ISO, said the wide range of booths and displays reflected the holistic

approach of the expo, which is held specifi-cally before the start of summer.

“We’re focusing on the whole of the person, whether it’s safety and health or financial or spiritual,” he said. “We want to be all-encompassing to offer an oppor-tunity for all military services to provide the needed information for a successful emphasis on summer safety.”

That approach was highly successful for visitors to the expo, said NIOC Safety Manager Rick McBride.

“My Sailors really like this kind of event where we’re talking about everything for a better service member and a safer environ-ment,” he said. “They’re not just hearing a lecture in a classroom. They get to walk around and meet folks and really learn something.”

Learning and teaching about dental hygiene and oral health were paramount to Pfc. Karlee Catallo of the U.S. Army Den-tal Activity, who manned a display booth

on tooth decay and gum diseases. A native of Rio Rancho, N.M., Catallo said visitors were alternately fascinated and repulsed by her display’s stark photos of the after-effects of candy and soda consumption on teeth and gums.

“I think they’re shocked a bit,” said Catallo, who was distributing free tooth-brushes and dental floss. “But then they realize what they’re doing to themselves and their teeth. Hopefully, this will help.”

That theme was echoed by Petty Officer 2nd Class Grayson Hart of the NIOC Command Drug and Alcohol Program, who was running the booth to show visi-tors — Sailors in particular — the perils of walking and driving while impaired by substances.

“We just want to show people how easy it is to drive and not be safe,” he said. “We’re here to guide Sailors that if they have sub-stance abuse problems, we can help them. That’s why we’re here.”

PHOTO BY DijOn ROlle

Spc. Randy Rivera of the 704th Military Intelligence Brigade takes a drive in the “Arrive Alive Tour” simulator at the Installation Safety, Health, Wellness and Resiliency Expo on May 21 at the Fort Meade Pavilion. The device allowed Rivera to simulate having a blood alcohol level of .11 (above the legal limit of .08).


News

By Lisa R. RhodesStaff Writer

When Jasmine Johnson enrolls at the University of Georgia in the fall, she intends to continue volunteering at the Fort Meade Thrift Shop during school breaks.

The Enlisted Spouses’ Club, which operates the Thrift Shop, recognized the 18-year-old for her commitment to com-munity service during its annual scholar-ship ceremony held May 18 at Argonne Hills Chapel Center.

Johnson was presented with the Evelyn Silva Scholarship Award of Excellence, which is awarded annually to a high school senior who best exemplifies Silva’s dedication to volunteerism and educa-tion.

The scholarship was established in 2011.

“I’m very, very proud to present this scholarship to a deserving young person,” said Silva, a longtime ESC member. “This young woman has volunteered since she was [a child].”

Jessica Morgenstern, chair of the scholarship committee of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association’s Central Maryland chapter, also presented the $5,000 scholarship.

AFCEA contributed $2,500 to the award.

“Winning the award was a great sur-prise and even a greater honor to be the recipient of an award named in honor of Evelyn Silva,” said Johnson, a graduating senior at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney. “I’m proud of myself for all I have accomplished this year that has led to this joyous moment.”

In addition to being recognized by ESC, Johnson was named the Fort Meade Teen Volunteer of the Year in April.

“At first, the recognition seemed strange because I don’t expect recognition as I do it for the satisfaction of helping someone and making a difference,” said Johnson, daughter of retired Air Force 1st Sgt. Frank Johnson and Emilda Johnson, volunteer coordinator for the Thrift Shop Council, after the ceremony.

“Receiving recognition for my efforts is humbling, as I am constantly striving to dedicate my free time to volunteer service.”

Johnson has volunteered at the Thrift Shop for three years, working on the first Saturday, second Thursday and fourth Wednesday of the month for three- to four-hour shifts. Her duties have included

Enlisted Spouses’ Club awards annual scholarshipsESC scholarship winners• Jennifer Bonnell, a graduating senior at Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, Va., who will attend Shenandoah University in Winchester, Va.• Rebecca Bonnell, a junior at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va.• Sarah Crisp, a senior at Old Mill High School in Millersville, who will attend the University of Findlay in Ohio• John Galpin, a sophomore at Clemson University in South Carolina• Sierra Hale, a student at Anne Arundel Community College• Edward Hanson, a senior at Meade High School, who will attend the University of Maryland, Baltimore County• Amani Harris, a senior at the University of Maryland• Talia Lane, a senior at Meade High School, who will attend North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, N.C.• Christopher Loney, a student at Frostburg State University in Maryland• Brittany Miller, a graduate of Anne Arundel Community College, who will attend Salisbury University• Sarah Nakasone, a senior at Catholic High School of Baltimore, who will attend the University of Chicago• Aliceia Pitzen, a senior at Meade High School, who will attend Anne Arundel Community College• Catherine Platt, a junior at Northeastern University in Boston• Michelle Rogers, a senior at Meade High School, who will attend George Mason University in Washington, D.C.• Madison Rumfelt, a home-schooled student, who will attend Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C.• Kinza Shah, a junior at Towson University• McKenna Thomas-Franz, a senior at Meade High School, who will attend Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine• Kimberly Toler, who will transfer to Cornell University in New York from the University of Maryland

sorting and organizing donations, pricing donations, helping the cashier, assisting customers and organizing clothes in the shop’s backroom.

She will study biology in college and plans to become a family physician.

The hourlong ceremony began with the presentation of the colors by Fort Meade Cub Scout Troop 377. Lauren Wyatt, an ESC member and Gold Star mother, sang the national anthem. Chaplain (Maj.) James Covey, the garrison’s Family Life minister, gave the invocation.

This year, ESC awarded a total of $45,000 in scholarships, which includes scholarships to nine graduating high school seniors and nine college students. Scholarships are based on service in school, church and community, as well as participation in sports.

Each student was presented a $2,000 scholarship. Thrift Shop proceeds fund

the scholarships.Garrison Commander Col. Brian P.

Foley, Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Rodwell Forbes and Geraldine Hum-phrey, chair of the ESC scholarship com-mittee, presented the scholarships.

After the presentations, Laura Livings-ton, outgoing ESC president, thanked the club’s scholarship committee and credited the Thrift Shop for enabling the club to increase its number of scholarships each year.

“This event seems to just grow and grow each and every year, and we intend to continue on this trend in the years to come,” Livingston said. “Giving out 23 scholarships was just amazing, and we want to set our sights higher for next year.”

Editor’s Note: For more information or applications for the Enlisted Spouses’ Club scholarships, go to ftmeadeesc.org.

photo by laura livingston

Jasmine Johnson, 18, this year’s recipient of the Enlisted Spouses’ Club’s Evelyn Silva Scholarship Award For Excellence, shows her certificate to the scholarship’s namesake at the club’s annual award ceremony on May 18 at Argonne Hills Chapel Center. A volunteer at the Fort Meade Thrift Shop, Johnson received a $5,000 scholarship to attend the University of Georgia.


News


On her business cards, Pam Anderson — no, not the star of TV’s “Baywatch” but the relocation program manager at Army Community Service — sports the image of a horse-drawn stagecoach.

That’s not because Anderson is a big fan of old Westerns, but because she under-stands all too well what is involved with being on the move as a result of Permanent Change of Station orders.

An Army medic retiree, Anderson “PCSed” nine times during her 22-year military career, including to overseas installations.

“It’s like you’re leaving your comfort zone,” Anderson said of relocating. “You don’t know how things operate [at a new location], and people get butterflies about it all. But once you get there, it could be a blast.”

With PCS season having started earlier this month and continuing through the end of September, Anderson and her colleague, Relocation Readiness Specialist Lou Ran-dall, are in charge of making the transitional period for service members at Fort Meade as smooth as possible.

“We’re here and available for people for any of their relocation needs,” Anderson said. “We’re like an umbrella. We can give information or a contact for information.”

Anderson primarily handles in-process-ing of military personnel and their families, while Randall largely oversees out-process-ing. They assist members of all military branches who are based at Fort Meade.

Last year, Anderson said, nearly 1,600 members of the Army and Air Force and their spouses were in-processed at Fort Meade. (She said there are no statistics for other military branches, or for children).

At least 667 people participated in out-bound processing last year, Randall said.

The objective is to help military person-nel and their families adapt and adjust as well as possible to new military installations, whether here or abroad, Anderson said.

“You want to give people that experience to be able to operate in different atmo-spheres, working with a diverse group of people whether they’re Americans or for-eigners,” she said, alluding to assignments in such places as Germany and South Korea. “You might become settled or content work-ing in one area, but you might go to another area and need some help in adjusting.”

Some of the PCS issues that arise include leaving behind family members during unac-companied tours of duty; financial instabil-ity or concerns; stressful moving, packing

ACS offers guidance to families during PCS season

Photo By Dijon Rolle

A team from Coleman American Moving Services downloads its equipment May 15 at an apartment complex in Odenton. The team was there to help a Fort Meade service member move personal items from the apartment. May through September is known as Permanent Change of Station season when many military members and their families relocate to new duty stations.

and unpacking issues; bureaucratic red tape; and arrangements for relocation of pets.

PCS is particularly difficult for spouses and children of service members, Anderson said.

“It’s sometimes particularly hard on the kids,” she said. “Some of them enjoy it. But they have to relocate and leave friends behind. It’s hard.”

Every Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the ACS headquarters’ Patriot Room at 830 Chisholm Ave., Anderson conducts a newcomer’s orientation for service members and families, and discusses the area’s ameni-ties and points of interest.

She also talks about resiliency training, and arranges for approximately 30 repre-sentatives of tenant organizations to discuss their agencies.

Lt. Col. Eric J, Smith, commander of Headquarters Command Battalion, speaks

to newcomers about Fort Meade’s history and the area’s offerings.

In addition, Anderson gives newcomers a welcome package (with maps, brochures and medical facility information) and a referral list for housing on and off post. She also informs them about such PCS-oriented web-sites as move.mil and militaryonesource.mil.

Anderson said military spouses receive tours of the installation and “goody bags” with information materials about Fort Meade, a cell phone charger, an ACS pen and notepad, and a candy dish.

“You want to make the spouses feel wel-come and comfortable, and let them know we’re here for them,” she said.

To help military families transition suc-cessfully, Anderson and Randall also net-work frequently with schools, social service agencies, utility companies and transporta-tion outfits in Anne Arundel, Howard,

Prince George’s and Baltimore counties.Anderson noted that ACS’s lending closet

offers newcomers such household items as pots and pans, tables, chairs, strollers and cribs for up to 30 days of the time of their arrival. ACS family life consultants also are available “for people having a hard time” in their PCS, she said.

Anderson said she empathizes with PCS-ing service members and their families.

“I went through it myself, so I understand and can share my experiences and knowl-edge,” she said. “Having a retiree in this position is awesome because I can relate. We share our war stories.

“I try to calm them down and relax and reassure them.”

Editor’s Note: For more information about relocation and transitioning, email [email protected] or [email protected], or call 301-677-5590.


News

PHOTO BY TINA MILES

Drown-proofingStaff Sgt. Matthew Cautrell, 780th Military Intelligence Brigade, instructs a fifth-grade student from Meade Heights Elementary School about the proper use of a weighted flotation device during a drown-proofing session at the Arundel Olympic Swim Center in Annapolis on May 8. As part of the Fort Meade’s Partners in Education program, members of the 780th MI volunteered to help students learn about water safety and the skills that will keep them safe in water activities. The goal was to learn to use commonly available items in case someone accidentally falls into the water during an activity.

each year by the impressive backgrounds and professional goals we read in the submissions.

“This is yet another wonderful class of scholars we’re adding to our family.”

The Corvias Foundation awarded the scholarships based on merit and need. Each student was required to respond to four questions that highlighted differ-ent aspects of their lives as students and as members of an active-duty military family.

This fall, students will attend the four-year institution of their choice to pursue their academic careers.

Since 2006, the Corvias Foundation has awarded nearly $6 million through more than 300 scholarships and educational grants to military children and spouses.

Among this year’s recipients are aspir-ing anthropologists, biologists, neurosci-entists, pharmacists and teachers.

The 11 graduating seniors are the chil-dren of active-duty service members sta-tioned at Fort Meade and Aberdeen Prov-ing Ground, Fort Bragg in North Caro-lina, Fort Polk in Louisiana, Fort Riley in Kansas and Fort Sill in Oklahoma.

Nakasone will graduate from the Cath-olic High School of Baltimore and has participated in the Speech and Debate Team and the Quiz Bowl and has been active in her community.

Nakasone will attend the University of Chicago to pursue a degree in biology with a concentration in epidemics. Her father is Maj. Gen. Paul Nakasone of the U.S. Army Cyber National Mission Force.

Online scholarship applications are available each November at corviasfoun-dation.org.

For more information, call 401-228-2836.

By the Corvias FoundationEast Greenwich, R.I. — This year, the

Corvias Foundation awarded 11 college scholarships of up to $50,000 to outstand-ing high school students, marking the 10th class of scholarship recipients.

Sarah Nakasone, representing Fort Meade, was among this year’s scholars.

The Corvias Foundation, the charitable arm of Corvias Group, has been com-mitted to supporting military families in the pursuit of higher education since 2006. Since its founding, the foundation has awarded nearly $6 million in scholar-ships to families of active-duty service members.

The scholarships provide reliable, recur-ring financial assistance over each student’s four years of study, as well as a support network that is committed to the student’s academic and professional growth.

Students receive scholarships in the amount of up to $12,500 per year for four years to pursue a secondary educa-tion at colleges and universities around the country.

“Every year we’re excited to reward hard-working and ambitious scholars with these scholarships,” said Maria Montalvo, foundation executive director. “The foun-dation has been providing scholarships for almost a decade, and I’m still amazed

Corvias scholarship awarded to fort Meade scholar

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http://www.ftmeade.army.mil10 SOUNDOFF! May 28, 2015

Cover Story

PHOTOS BY NATE PESCE

Cheering on Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley in throwing the ceremonial first pitch are (left to right): Spc. James McCann, Spc. Eric Hurtado, Spc. Samantha Van Winkle and Command Sgt. Maj. Deniece C. Williams.

RIGHT: Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley throws the ceremonial first pitch to Orioles pitcher Darren O’Day, with an umpiring assist from the Oriole Bird. This was the second year that Foley threw the first pitch at the O’s Military Appreciation Day.

the stands.Moments later, Staff Sgt. Ian Bowling of

the Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band sang an a cappella rendition of the national anthem.

“It’s the largest crowd I’ve ever performed for,” the Columbia resident, who grew up in Harrisburg, Pa., said later. “I’ve been an Ori-oles fan all my life, so it was really exciting.”

Bowling also sang “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch.

The service members were given free tick-ets to the game, which the Orioles won 4-3. Jerseys worn by the team that day were auc-tioned off online to benefit the Fort Meade Alliance.

“It was pretty surreal,” Staff Sgt. Jeff Sand-strum, a Defense Information School teacher, said of standing near the mound with Orioles pitcher Wei-Yin Chen. “I’ve watched the Ori-oles for a long time, and I’ve always had to sit way up [in the bleachers]. So to be there with the players on the field was pretty cool.”

A native of Baton Rouge, La., Sandstrum attended the game with his wife, Erika, and

their 4-year-old son Aiden.“He’s a huge fan,” Erika Sandstrum said of

her husband. “It was just amazing to see him out there. I’m very proud.”

Spc. Eric Hurtado of the 55th Signal Com-pany (Combat Camera) said he was moved by the players’ kind words on the field.

“They were very patriotic and proud to have us there by their side,” he said. “It was definitely nerve-wracking to be out there, but you just keep saluting and stay steady.”

A Los Angeles native and lifelong Dodgers fan, Hurtado admitted to having conflicted feelings about being on another team’s turf.

“But I do have a great affinity for what the Orioles do,” he said. “It’s great how they bring us here on Memorial Day. Baltimore is a real down-to-earth city and has a lot of apprecia-tion for the military.”

Sgt. James McCann, also of the 55th, admitted he isn’t a big baseball fan, but enjoys Orioles games “because they keep the crowd engaged.”

A Winchester, Va., native who lives on post, McCann said he was overwhelmed by


Spotting a cluster of well-attired Fort Meade service members huddled Monday morning near a concession stand at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Christina Gamache couldn’t stop herself.

A resident of Providence, R.I., Gamache went over and thanked the group for their service, only moments after a U.S. Naval Academy midshipman did the same thing.

“I always do that. My dad was in the Air Force for 24 years,” said Gamache, who planned to visit Arlington National Cemetery the next day. “We always have to remember the people who serve in the military and the sacrifices they make for our country — espe-cially today, on Memorial Day.”

Gamache was among the nearly 29,000 Baltimore Orioles fans to be in attendance for the team’s annual Military Appreciation Day. Amid applause, Orioles announcer Ryan

Wagner said that in honor of the military’s commitment “to protect our country and make the ultimate sacrifice for freedom, we thank you.”

Prior to the game against the Houston Astros, Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley was given the honor of throwing the ceremonial first pitch.

“I want to thank the Orioles for their con-tinued outstanding support of the Fort Meade service members, civilians and families that work so hard every day to keep our nation safe,” Foley said after the game. “Monday’s military tribute was greatly appreciated, and it was a true honor for me to participate.”

Nine Fort Meade service members sub-sequently took the field alongside Orioles players at their respective positions and stood at attention as members of the Fort Meade Color Guard marched single-file to center-field. Holding an American flag and flags of the military branches, the color guard faced

Meade honored at Orioles’ Military Appreciation Day

http://www.ftmeade.army.mil May 28, 2015 SOUNDOFF! 11

the Orioles’ tribute.“It’s great they have such a recognition

of the sacrifices that service members make for this great country,” said McCann, who attended the game with his wife, Hannah. “I’m just a stand-in for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Hopefully, I can represent them as well as they deserve.”

For Sgt. 1st Class Alexander Croteau of the Fort Meade Color Guard, the game had a special personal meaning.

“I was born on Memorial Day,” said the Hanover resident who hails from Melbourne, Fla. “[The holiday] was a driving factor for my military service.

“I’m here to honor those who have fallen. I just want to make sure we conduct our-selves as professionally as possible and with honor.”

Pfc. Angelica Vasquez attended the game — her first O’s game ever — with her friend and fellow member of the 55th, Pfc. Saman-tha Van Winkle.

A San Diego native who lives on post, Vasquez called the game “an incredible

ABOVE: Standing in centerfield and displaying the flags of the United States and its military branches are members of the Fort Meade Color Guard during Military Appreciation Day on Monday at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

RIGHT: Shortly before the game, Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley receives some pitching tips from Orioles hurler Darren O’Day, who attended the Orioles’ baseball clinic for Fort Meade youths earlier this month.

Flanked by Spc. Samantha Van Winkle (left) and Spc. Chenee Brooks are (left to right): Orioles infielders Steve Pearce, Everth Cabrera, J.J. Hardy and Manny Machado.

opportunity.“We get so wrapped up with work and

everything and the day-to-day stuff. This reminds me why I joined [the military].”

Editor’s Note: To view more photos, visit the Fort Meade Flickr page at flickr.com/pho-tos/ftmeade.

Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph (center) receives big high-fives from his teammates after hitting a home run in the second inning. The Orioles went on to beat the Houston Astros 4-3.


SportS

Sports ShortsWeekly fitness challenge

Complete any of the weekly challenges at Gaffney Fitness Center this month and receive a Strong Bands wristband.

The challenges include: swimming 2 miles per week, running 10 miles each week or attending five group fitness classes.


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 June 13 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.Pre-registration 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 12:15-12:50 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 is offering 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.

Youth tennis, dodgeballRegistration for summer sports is underway.Summer sports will include tennis and dodgeball.To register, go online at ftmeademwr.com or call 301-677-1179.

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

Four hundred and six words wasted all because a curly-haired little leaguer made a play. But boy, what a play.

Your Fort Meade Cougars were squar-ing off with Brooklyn Park Red on Tues-day evening and just plated 5 runs in the top of the fifth to take a 3-run lead. Not to be denied, Brooklyn Park started the bottom of the fifth by putting runners on first and third with no one out.

With the tension on the field as stifling as the humidity, Brooklyn Park’s next hitter came up to the plate — a scrappy, determined dude who already collected two hits. After he fouled off the first pitch with a grunt, it was obvious he was look-ing for a third.

The coach/pitcher grooved him a waist-high ball, which the batter sent skyward.

Now, in coach-pitch baseball, a high pop fly to the pitcher is pretty much a double because kids seem to scatter from the ball like it is a grenade, with the bravest of children meekly holding out their gloves where they think the ball may land.

Of course, they wouldn’t know for sure because most of the time their eyes are closed.

Well, this ball made it way past the mound and was a few feet past sec-ond base — a certain 3-run, go-ahead homer.

BP’s first-base coach was so confident, he sent his player running to second with-out tagging up.

Catching pop flies is something Coach Mike and I have been working on with the kids since we started practice in April.

“Run to the ball, glove up, away from your eyes, and don’t forget to call it,” are my normal instructions.

“The ball won’t hurt you if you catch it,” Coach Mike adds. “That’s what your glove is for.”

My boy Yusuf has heard this since he was 4, but up until approximately 7 p.m. on Tuesday, the lesson hadn’t stuck. My boy is a good baseball player for a 7-year-old, but with pop flies he’s a little more timid than most.

So, of course, this moon shot was heading right for him, and I was petri-fied.

This play was literally going to impact the rest of the night, if not his life,

and the thought of my boy’s dis-appointment if he dropped the ball was already weighing on me.

I had never felt so helpless as my boy fought off the hazy sun and followed the ball as it drifted farther behind second. I knew he was going to trip, or sneeze, or get run into, or encounter some act of God.

Something was going to keep him from catching the ball even after he calmly called out, “I got it. I got it.”

Then, Yusuf reached out his glove and he got it!

It took everything I had not to run out to second base and hug him right then and there as I screamed out, “Yusuf Dempsey Jones!”

I was so proud and relieved and giddy. That moment was the payoff for years of coaching — plus interest. It was my “Par-enthood” moment. bit.ly/1BoV73V

My boy, on the other hand, was as cool as former Detroit Tigers second baseman “Sweet” Lou Whitaker as he ran to sec-ond and touched the runner to complete the double-play.

The player on third did tag up and score, but so what? We were still up by 2, and the potential rally was thwarted. After the inning ended, my son jumped into my arms and then got mad respect from his teammates.

Six outs later, we won the game.As I walked off the field with my son

still beaming over his “big catch,” I knew my boy was gonna be all right because if he can catch a pop-up, what can’t he do?

So, yeah, I had to scrap my 406 words on LeBron’s ascension to King, and I apologize that you are not going to see the “Little House on the Prairie” clips I had cued for you.

They were pretty awesome, but my boy took a big step toward manhood on Tuesday, and I’m one proud dad.

If you have comments on this or any-thing to do with sports, contact me at [email protected] or hit me up on Twit-ter @CTJibber.

Catch of a lifetime

Chad T. Jones, Public Affairs

Officer

Jibber Jabber - OpiniOn


Community news & notes

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

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.


‘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].


Resident surveyCorvias Military Living, the military

housing division of Corvias Group, is

NEWS & EVENTS

file photo

Farmers market to open in JuneThe Fort Meade Farmers Market, which will run from June 10 to Sept.

9, will be held every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fort Meade Pavilion.

Open to the public, the farmers market will feature a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, breads, hot food lunch options and more.

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

asking all residents to complete the 2015 Headquarters Department of the Army Residential Communities Initiative Resident Survey.

The survey provides on-post residents with an opportunity to provide feedback to the Army, RCI and Corvias on how their housing needs are being met.

An electronic survey was emailed to all residents May 7. A separate survey will be distributed to unaccompanied service members at Reece Crossings.

Residents must submit the online survey by June 7.

Residents who do not receive a survey or who have questions, should email [email protected].

Residents who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing to win $250. One $250 prize will be awarded for each of Fort Meade’s five communities.

All residents who complete the survey will also be entered into a grand prize drawing to win $1,500.

All survey answers are strictly confidential. Personal data is not tabulated, and the survey does not

identify the resident.The feedback provides the Army

and Corvias with vital information to evaluate the current state of the partnership and guide future improvements to the housing facilities and residential services.

NAF warehouse saleThe NAF Property Warehouse Sale will

be held at the Fort Meade Pavilion.Items include campers, exercise

equipment and paintball trailers.• Active-duty service members: Today,

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Open to the public: Friday, 11 a.m. to

4 p.m.All items will be sold “as is” and must

be moved at the time of purchase.Cash and carry only. No refunds, no

returns.For more information, go to

ftmeademwr.com.

Army Career DaysBaltimore Recruiting Battalion is

hosting Army Career Days on Friday

and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at McGlachlin Parade Field.

The free interactive event is open to the public and will highlight career opportunities and benefits of service.

Career representatives from multiple active and Reserve Army units and career fields will be available to answer questions.

A flight crew with a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter also will attend.

Entertainment will be provided by The Volunteers of the U.S. Army Field Band, the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and the Army Caisson and Drill Team.


Army Birthday BreakfastThe Francis Scott Key, Fort Meade

Chapter, Association of the United States Army will host a breakfast June 12 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.

Freedom Inn opens indefinitely to DoD civilians

Until further notice, the Freedom Inn Dining Facility will start allowing DoD civilian employees, contractors and retirees to dine in the facility Monday and Friday for breakfast and lunch, and Tuesday through Thursday for lunch only.

This is a trial basis.The following rules must be adhered to:• Service members in uniform are

priority through the entire serving time.• DoD civilians, contractors and

retirees are allowed to enter from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.

• All food is to be consumed in the dining facility.

• No large bags are allowed.• Carry-out for civilians is not

permitted.Violation of any of these rules may

result in loss of privilege to dine in the facility.

For more information, call Christine L. Griggs, food program manager, at 301-677-9350.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14


Community news & notes

Meet the authorA “meet the author” event featuring

Antonio Elmaleh, author of “The Ones They Left Behind,” will be held June 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fort Meade Museum, 4674 Griffin Ave.

Bring a brown-bag lunch.The free event is open to the public.“The Ones They Left Behind” is a sweep-

ing account of post-Civil War America told through the eyes of Harriman Hickenlooper, a Civil War veteran who sets out to heal the wounds of a country by recreating Sherman’s March to the sea.

Harriman’s fictionalized journey is inspired by an actual Union veteran soldier’s march for peace in post-Civil War America.

For more information, go to ftmeademwr.com.

‘Samplers and Genealogy’The Anne Arundel Genealogical

Society is offering the program “Samplers and Genealogy” featuring collector Cindy Steinhoff on June 4 from 7-9:30 p.m. at Severna Park United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 731 Benfield Road, Severna Park.

Guests are welcome.The program will be preceded by

refreshments and socializing, and followed by introductions and a short business meeting.

Steinhoff is director of the library at Anne Arundel Community College and a member of several needlework groups: Embroiders Guild of America, Loudoun Sampler Guild, and Annapolis Historic Needlework Guild.

For a genealogist, a sampler can provide clues to family history. Samplers were typically made by girls ranging from age 6 to the mid-teens. In addition to the stitcher’s name and age frequently found on samplers, girls often stitched names, birth dates and death dates of family members.

For more information, go to www.aagensoc.org or call the organization at the Kuethe Library at 410-760-9679.

Lunch and LearnKimbrough Ambulatory Care Center

hosts a monthly brown bag Lunch and Learn on the second Tuesday of the month on the first floor of the Rascon Building, Building 2481, adjacent to Kimbrough.

The next lunch is June 9 at noon.The topic is “Proper Nutrition and

Exercise.”The 30-minute lecture will be followed

by a question-and-answer session.For more information, call Capt.

Tanya Bolden at 301-677-8625.

Preschool openingsOpenings for the preschool program

at Meade High School are available.Enrollment is open to ages 3 1/2 to

5.The program runs from late October

until the first week of May,Cost for three days a week is $40

per semester.For applications, go to the main

office at Meade High School.For more information, email

Rebecca Schroeder, preschool lab program director, at [email protected] or call 410-674-7710.

Cooking Matters Commissary Tours

The next Cooking Matters Commissary Tours & Challenge are Friday and June 15 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 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.• Resume Writing Workshop: Tuesday,

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

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

• Dollars and Sense: Tuesday, 9 a.m. to noon

Topics include: basic budgeting, financial goals and priorities, saving and investing, and managing credit.

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.• Stress Management: Tuesday, 9-11

a.m.• Medial Records Review:

Appointment requiredTo register or for more information,

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

StorytimeThe Children’s Library offers pre-

kindergarten Storytime on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at Kuhn Hall, 4415 Llewellyn Ave.

• Today: “D is for Dinosaur” - Stories about dinosaurs


Graduation celebrationGraduating high school seniors are

invited for a graduation celebration on Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the Teen Center.

The event will feature cupcakes, balloons and a gift.


Also, look for coverage of the Meade High School graduation in the June 11 issue of Soundoff!

Youth Center classesThe Youth Center is offering the

following programs:• Dance classes for ages 3 and older:

Tuesday and Thursday through June 11.Cost is $35 and up, depending on age

of child and class.• Tumbling classes for children ages

18 months and older: Monday and Wednesday through June 10.

Cost varies with child’s age.To register or for more information,

call 301-677-1149.

Out & About• Savage Fest returns June 6 from 10

a.m. to 5 p.m. at Baldwin Common and Carroll Baldwin Hall, corner of Foundry and Baltimore streets in Savage.

The event will feature live music, magic shows, craft vendors, community information booths, food vendors, pony rides, a moon bounce, petting zoo and raffles. For more information, go to savagecommunityassociation.com.

• Blue Star Museums — a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and more than 2,000 museums across America — is offering free admission to active-duty service members and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, through Labor Day, Sept. 7.

Participating Maryland museums include: American Visionary Art Museum, National Museum of Civil War Medicine, B&O Railroad Museum, Walters Art Museum, Baltimore Museum of Art, National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, Maryland Historical Society, Reginald F. Lewis Museum and the Sports Legends Museum.

For more information or a complete list of participating museums, go to http://arts.gov/national/blue-star-museums#!MD. or call the National Endowment for the Arts at 202-682-5400.

• National Trails Day walk event will be held June 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kinder Farm Park, 1001 Kinder Farm Park Road, Millersville. The 5K and 10K route begins between 9 and 1 p.m. at the River Birch Pavilion.

The new KFP Visitors Center features displays from early farm life in Anne Arundel County.

A new Tobacco Barn Museum was opened recently. Antique tractors and a working sawmill are in the farm complex area. The Kinder Farm House will be open for tours. Several modern playgrounds are in the park.

For more information, go to www.mdvolks.org/freestate/; email [email protected]; or call 410-437-2164.

• 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

NEWS & EVENTS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

EDUCATION

YOUTH

RECREATION


moviesCommunity news & notes

The movie schedule is subject to change. For a recorded announcement of showings, call 301-677-5324. Further listings are available on the Army and Air Force Exchange Service website at www.aafes.com.

Movies start Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

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

Today through June 14

Friday & Saturday: “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2” (PG). Mall cop Paul Blart heads to Vegas with his teenage daughter before she heads off to college. But safety never takes a holiday and when duty calls, Blart answers. With Kevin James, Raini Rodriguez, Eduardo Verastegui.

Sunday: “Unfriended” (R). A group of online chat room friends find themselves haunted by a mysterious, supernatural force using the account of their dead friend. With Heather Sossaman, Matthew Bohrer, Courtney Halverson.

June 5 & 7: “Avengers: Age of Ultron” (PG-13). When Tony Stark and Bruce Banner try to jump-start a dormant peacekeeping program called Ultron, things go horribly wrong and it’s up to Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting its terrible plans. With Rob-ert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo.

June 6 & 12: “The Age of Adaline” (PG-13). A young woman, born at the turn of the 20th cen-tury, is rendered ageless after an accident. After many solitary years, she meets a man who com-plicates the eternal life she has settled into. With Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Harrison Ford.

June 13: “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.

June 14: “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.

guests, to the museum located at 35 Market Place in Baltimore.

Port Discovery also will offer free “Museum on the Road” programs to several schools at Fort Meade.

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

• Enjoy wine, craft beers and food from a variety of local restaurants and caterers today from 5-9 p.m. at the Howard County Conservancy, 10520 Old Frederick Road, Woodstock.

Listen to bluegrass while strolling through the Conservancy’s three-acre native plant garden. Browse the large silent auction of artwork, getaways, dining and more.

Admission costs $55. For more information, go to http://www.hcconservancy.org.

• Tickets are available at Leisure Travel Services for the UniverSoul Circus performance on Tuesday at Security Square Mall in Baltimore. Cost is $19.50.

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

• The U.S. Army Soldier Show will perform June 9 at 7 p.m. at the Warner Theatre. in Washington, D.C. The production is a high-energy song and dance show performed by active-duty Soldiers.

The free event is open to the public. Tickets are required and will soon be available at Leisure Travel Services, 2300 Wilson St.

For more information, visit ftmeademwr.com or call 301-677-7354.

• Leisure Travel Services is offering its next monthly bus trip to New York City on June 13, with discounts to attractions. Bus cost is $60. For more information, call LTS at 301-677-7354 or visit ftmeademwr.com.

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

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 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].

• 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 June 4. There is no cost for the buffet. Donations

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

For more information, call 301-677-6703.• Meade Rod and Gun Club meets the

first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at Perry’s Restaurant and Odie’s Pub at 1210 Annapolis Road, Odenton, in the banquet hall in back of the building. The next meeting is June 4. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. For more information, call 410-674-4000.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness of Anne Arundel County offers a free support group for families with a loved one suffering from mental illness on the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Odenton (West County) Library, 1325 Annapolis Road. The next meeting is June 4. For more information, visit namiaac.org.

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

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

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

• Marriage Enrichment Group, sponsored by Army Community Service, meets the second and fourth Monday of every month from 3-4 p.m. at the Community Readiness Center, 830 Chisholm Ave. The next meeting is June 8. For more information, call Celena Flowers or Jessica Hobgood at 301-677-5590.

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

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

• Moms Walking Group, sponsored by Parent Support, meets Thursdays from 8:30-9:15 a.m. at the Family Advocacy Program, 2462 85th Medical Battalion Ave. To register, call 301-677-3617.

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

The project is dedicated to the physical

and emotional rehabilitation of wounded warriors and veterans through fly fishing, fly tying and outings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, email Cubmaster Christopher Lassiter at [email protected] or Committee Chairperson Marco Cilibert at [email protected].

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

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

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

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

MEETINGS

News & Politics

Soundoff May 28, 2015