Andrews 012315

COMMENTARY My journey as a victim advocate, Page 2

DCMILITARY.COM

SCIENCE

U.S. Naval Academy 2015 Summer STEM Program accepting applications now, Page 7

AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD.

AFDW/A1 embraces world-wide mission: ‘We’re here to help’ over the world, and we want to reach them in a more effective manner,” said Captain Denise Duriga, A1 executive While people often know officer. “We have such a large the Air Force District of Wash- and diverse worldwide misington for its Honor Guard, sion; we want to reach out Air Force Band and rapid con- and let them know we’re here tingency response, they may to help them.” not realize that AFDW has an Celisa Stephens, division operational mission support- director, challenged her staff ing Airmen around the world. to develop ways to better comCivilian and military Airmen municate with AFDW’s cusworking in embassies, joint tomers. One of the goals of and exchange offices, Depart- the directorate is to help Airment of Defense agencies, the men find resources regarding Pentagon, and other unique all facets of their career field, units are administratively as- so AFDW Airmen are always signed to AFDW. equipped with the support The AFDW Manpower, Per- they need to fly, fight and win, sonnel, and Services Division she said. staff serves approximately “The establishment of an 51,000 military and civilian AFDW Manpower, Personnel Airmen stationed in more and Services website will enthan 3,900 elements through- sure better support for miliout the National Capital Re- tary and civilian Airmen who gion, across the United States, may be located in small units and in over 100 countries. throughout remote regions of Airmen assigned to these the world,” said Stephens. types of units sometimes enThe site is available counter difficulty finding help at: www.afdw.af.mil/units/ for personnel related issues. manpower,personnelandserv “We service customers all ices.asp BY 2ND LT. ESTHER WILLETT AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON PUBLIC AFFAIRS

CMIT Academy Public Charter School is set to welcome new students at new location

BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

The Chesapeake Math and IT (CMIT) Academy Charter School South will open the 2015-2016 school year in a new location. Currently located in District Heights, the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) focused school will open on 9988 Fallard Drive in Upper Marlboro – just east of Joint Base Andrews. The new location will provide the opportunity for growth and provide a central location for many of the

attendees of the school. There are 150 openings available for the 6th grade; and parents can visit PGCPS.org and check the charter school link for an application. The deadline is Jan. 30 for the next school year.

The Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation (CLF) uses a specific school model to operate four schools in Maryland; three of which are in Prince George’s County – CMIT Academy, CMIT Elementary and CMIT South; and CLF, open since

see CMIT, page 6

COMMUNITY AKA Chapters Host MLK Day of Service, Page 4

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 | VOL. 4 NO. 3

Twelfth Night Ball goers trip the light fantastic

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

The Riverdale House Museum Mansion held its annual Twelfth Night Ball festivities, which included ballroom dancing for approximately 50 invited guests in Riverdale Park, Jan. 17. The staff of the landmark mansion catered a lavish 18th-century party with period-inspired cuisine and refreshments in the east wing before the evening culminated with the crowning of the king and queen of the ball and their grand march.

According to Samantha Ferris, Riverdale House Museum Mansion Education Coordinator, the Twelfth Night dates back 200 years ago; it was the end of the holiday season, and was much bigger than Christmas. “It was usually celebrated 12 days after Christmas, normally, January 6, during the Catholic Feast of the Epiphany, celebrated in Eastern and Latin PHOTO/BOBBY JONES countries. Ferris explained that the party was a little past the Queen Thea Chimento is escorted by King Bill Gawne, during see BALL, page 5 their Grand March ceremony.

457th Airlift Squadron, transporting senior leaders Borowski took command in August 2014, of the only ac11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS tive-duty C-21 squadron in the United States.

The 457th Airlift Squadron One of the first challenges he is stationed on Joint Base An- faced was the loss of two planes drews, Maryland, but is a part to budget cuts. of the 375th Air Mobility Wing “It was challenging when I at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. first got here, dealing with the Although they are a geo- Air Force downsizing and mangraphically separated unit and ning,” Borowski said. “However, a small squadron, their mission it’s was nice receiving great is essential to senior leaders support from the 89th Airlift and the Air Force.

Wing and 11th Wing.”

“Our mission is to transport The unit continues to receive leaders, primarily within the support from the 89th and 11th U.S., to key destinations with Wings such as communication, as little as 48-hour notice,” Lt. airfield support, safety and othCol. John Borowski, 457 AS er necessary support. commander, said. “The unit is The C-21’s, assigned to the currently flying two missions a see LEADERS, page 7 day.”

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS RYAN J. SONNIER

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS RYAN J. SONNIER

1st Lt. Jeff Morrow, 457th Airlift Squadron pilot, inspects landing gear during a pre-flight check of a C-21 Jan. 9 on Joint Base Andrews.

Andrews Gazette

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Hot tickets around town January 23-24

Shot in the Dark Friday, Saturday 8 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m.

Bowie Playhouse, White Marsh Park, Bowie, MD Prince George’s Little Theater Inc. presents A Shot in the Dark about a good hearted, guileless child of nature hauled before the magistrate on a charge of murder, having been found unconscious, nude, and clutching a gun, with her lover dead beside her. What is most shocking to the magistrate is the complete frankness with which she describes her life as a parlor maid and her affairs with both the dead chauffeur and her aristocratic employer.

For more information or tickets, 301-937-PGLT (7458) or pgltinfo@gmail.com

January 23-February 28

Glancing Back & Looking Forward: 100 Years of African American Culture And History In Prince George’s County Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd., Laurel, MD 20708 This exhibition features information about the lives of selected Prince Georgians who had a variety of occupations and community roles through photographs, artifacts, and excerpts from interviews. Everyday People Making History will convey the personal stories of participants and highlight the ways in which they were, and still are, a part of history in Prince George’s County. Free 301-3777800; www.pgpparks.com

January 23-26

MAGfest: 13th Annual Music & Gaming Festival Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD 20745 MAGFest is a four day long party dedicated to the appreciation of video game music, gaming of all types, and the community. The festival runs 24 hours a day, and offers consoles, arcades, tabletop, LAN, live video game cover bands, chiptunes, vendors, guest speakers and much more. For more information, visit www.magfest.org, www.gaylordnational.com

January 23- February 1

Comedy of Errors Friday/Saturday 8 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m.

Laurel Mill Playhouse, 508 Main Street, Laurel, MD Shakespeare comedy. Production from WATCH award-winning director Joshua McKerrow. General admission $20; students 12 and younger, active duty military and seniors 65 and older $15. For reservations call 301-617-9906 and press 2. For more information, visit www.laurelmillplayhouse.org.

COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS Andrews Gazette is published by Comprint Military Publications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force or any branch of the United States military.

The appearance of advertising in these publications, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the products and services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, martial status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non merit factor of the purchases, user or patron.

Maxine Minar, president mminar@dcmilitary.com John Rives, publisher

jrives@dcmilitary.com

Deirdre Parry, page design dparry@gazette.net Leslie Smith, editor lsmith@dcmilitary.com Bobby Jones, photographer bjones@dcmilitary.com

Friday, January 23, 2015

Commentary

My journey as a victim advocate outside of a training environment.

This person mattered, and I wanted to show her empathy and compassion during this difficult time.

When I was a teenager, I saw Her trust in another person had a movie about a college student been violated, and I was trying to who was raped by her brother’s show her that she could trust me. fraternity brother at a party. I re- I knew that would not be an easy member being saddened by what task to accomplish, but it was imhappened to her; not only by the portant to be there through this act of sexual assault, but by how very scary time. the school’s administrators and Even with all the training I students treated her when she de- went through, nothing would cided to come forward. The school have prepared me for that first didn’t want to believe her, because encounter. I was looking at someher rapist was loved by the school. one who had survived one of the Other students stared at her and most difficult experiences to live judged her behavior that night. through. Feelings of anger and That movie and its message sadness arose within me. Words have stuck with me for more than and thoughts flooded my brain, 15 years. I have wanted to be able but I was finding it difficult to to help victims of sexual assault speak them aloud. for a long time --I just wasn’t sure Fortunately, I wasn’t going how. through this alone. The SARC was Then, I learned about the Sex- there, being my guide and mentor, ual Assault Prevention and Re- walking us both through the prosponse program. After learning cess. Her presence and guidance about the victim advocacy pro- helped put my mind and body at gram, I immediately signed up ease, knowing I would have somebecause I wanted to make a dif- one to turn to when problems or ference. questions came up.

Last year, I received a phone When we went to the hospital, call from the Sexual Assault Re- it was the first opportunity to sit sponse Coordinator saying some- with my new client and talk with one would be coming in the next her alone. While we waited for the day to fill out a report. After hang- nurse to come collect evidence, I ing up the phone, I began to pray struggled to find words that would that I would be able to provide the begin to build her trust in me. She right amount of comfort and sup- didn’t know me--why should she port she would need throughout possibly trust a complete strangthis entire process. er? I tried to come up with the The next day, I met my first right things to say, but the only client. My anxiety was up, and I thing I tell her was that I would was feeling very nervous because be her rock, and that I was here this was my first time doing this for whatever she needed on her

BY STAFF SGT. MARIA BOWMAN 375TH AIR MOBILITY WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

road to recovery.

By the time we met with the Office of Special Investigations the next day, I was beginning to feel like my presence beside her was a blessing. I started to feel hopeful, and I started to believe that my time spent advocating on her behalf would be successful.

Throughout that long day of interviews and listening to her talk about what had happened to her, I began to fully understand how strong she was. I knew I needed to be strong for her too.

When that was completed, the focus shifted to the relationship I would build with her. After hearing her talk about herself and the struggles she was having, I began understanding her. No longer nervous that I would mess things up, my confidence in my abilities grew.

Over the next year, we would talk about how her case was progressing. Whenever she had a question I didn’t know, I felt really comfortable talking it over with the SARC or the Special Victims Council. The SVC was her legal advisor when it came to anything concerning her victim rights or the upcoming court martial.

Having the SARC and the SVC as resources made it a lot easier to successfully advocate for her and make sure she was getting what she needed. Since the SVC was located nearby, it was easy for me to talk with her and get advice. It also helped to build trust in her, because I could see that she re-

see ADVOCATE, page 6

Retiree Corner New Carts Offered

Four area commissaries are among 40 stores offering grocery carts designed for special-needs children. Called “Caroline’s Cart,” it enables special-needs children – or adults under 250 pounds – to accompany shoppers instead of pushing both a wheelchair or stroller and a grocery cart. The new carts are available at Bolling, Fort Meade, Fort Belvoir and Quantico.

They have handles that swing away to allow easy access to the seat. A platform below the seat serves as a footrest. With the occupant facing the cart operator, the seat contains an adjustable harness for support.

Two 8-inch wheels and four casters provide maneuverability and stability. Brakes help ensure safety while loading or unloading the passenger. Carts are located near the entrance and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Top Rating for Village

Charity Navigator, an independent charity evaluator, has award-

ed the Air Force Enlisted Village at Shalimar, Fla., with a 4-star rating for sound fiscal management practices and commitment to accountability and transparency. Charity Navigator works to help charitable donors make informed decisions by evaluating the financial health of over 5,000 nonprofits nationwide.

“Only one out of four earns 4 stars,” said Ken Berger, president of Charity Navigator.

“We’re delighted,” said retired CMSAF Jim Binnicker, Air Force Enlisted Village president and CEO. “This rating demonstrates that we take our fiduciary and governance responsibilities very seriously.”

Air Force Enlisted Village is a non-profit organization that provides a home near Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field for surviving spouses of retired enlisted military members. For more information, visit www.afev.us.

Aid to Homeless

Approximately $300 million in

VA grants will help approximately 115,000 homeless and at-risk veterans and their families. More than 300 grants are shared in all 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives provide services to low-income veteran families (those making less than 50 percent of the area median income) living in – or transitioning to – permanent housing. Temporary financial assistance may be available for rent payments, utility payments, security deposits and moving costs.

VA committed over $1 billion in FY 2014 to strengthen programs that prevent and end homelessness among veterans.

The Retiree Activities Office is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit the office in Building 1604 at California and Colorado Avenues or call 301 9812726. Call before your visit to ensure a volunteer is on duty. The RAO has a website at www.andrews.af.mil.

Friday, January 23, 2015

Andrews Gazette

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‘Have you ever served?’

A simple question with far-reaching impact “What we have done is distributed nationwide a simple pocket card that Have you ever served? is labeled have you ever This is the question the served in the military American Academy of and leads nurses through Nursing (AAN) has set a series of questions of: forth as its latest initia- have you or someone tive concerning Veterans’ close to you ever served healthcare. in the military – when This initiative started did you serve; what was in started in 2012. The your job in the military; American Academy of did you experience enemy Nursing Board of Direc- fire or combat; or do you tors approved and con- know if you were exposed vened an expert panel to chemicals or gases deon military Veterans’ molition of munitions or healthcare. pesticides – any of those “We found in the hazardous substances. summer of 2011 that “The idea is to enthere were really a lot of courage nurses to ask healthcare needs of vet- the very simple question erans of the military that ‘have you ever served in were not being addressed. the military?’ It’s not a The board approved the question that is routinely creation of this expert asked. We know that it’s panel on military vet- only a small percentage erans healthcare where of individuals who refellows in the academy ceive service through the come together to develop VA and many more indipolicy initiatives around vidual who have served the needs of the military in the military are beVeteran population,” said ing served by community Cheryl Sullivan, CEO of providers – nurses and the American Academy of other healthcare providNursing. ers – and so it’s a way the The AAN was first ap- healthcare professional proached by First Lady can document in the Michelle Obama and Dr. medical record whether Jill Biden’s office in the an individual had served White House about mak- or not. ing a commitment to “Ultimately, what we their initiative Joining want to do is increase Forces, which is a public the appropriate access and private sector initia- to healthcare services tive to strengthen service to individuals who have members, veterans, and served; and increase their families. provider awareness of “In turn we were service-connected healthasked to come up with care issues and increase our own initiative so we the number of nurses and created what we termed providers in the private ‘Have You Ever Served sector who are screening in the Military?’ as our for military service so initiative to meet the they can complete milipledge to Joining Forces. tary service histories,” This, we believe, will fun- Sullivan explained. damentally change the “Individuals receive manner in which nurses better care, more prompt and other healthcare pro- care, more efficient care, viders conduct health as- and care that is directed sessments of individuals more toward their miliwho have served in the tary service. It’s a very military,” said Sullivan. simple question but it is “Nurses are health- interesting that this has care’s equivalent to boots really caught on around on the ground and are the country. We have conuniquely positioned to tacted well over 9,000 facilitate the change and n u r s e s i n d i v i d u a l l y, ensure vital information throughout all 50 states; is obtained and recorded and those include nurses as to improve the health- who are chief nursing ofcare provided to our vet- ficers in health systems, erans and their families. who are in federally

BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

qualified health centers, those who are in mental health clinics. We have contacted nurses who are state legislators as a way just to get that question out there. We are encouraged by the response we are receiving.”

The AAN received a grant from Chamberlain College of Nursing joining the Bob Woodruff Foundation as well as being recently notified that the Purple Heart Foundation is planning on funding the initiative as well.

“The bottom line is: we want to ensure that the individuals who have served our country are appropriately served through the healthcare community.

“The idea behind this is to prompt that question if we could universally have that question being asked by all nurses across the United States, so that the medical record is documented, that perhaps when someone presents – say with a respiratory illness – that could lead to the question have you ever served in the military. And perhaps they were exposed to open air burn pits in Iraq or Afghanistan and perhaps this could literally decrease the time between symptoms and diagnosis. That is at the heart of this; to have individuals that serve our country receive better healthcare and more efficiently.”

The initiative was born out of the State of Connecticut, started a number of years ago under Linda Schwartz, now the VA Assistant Secretary for policy and planning. The idea behind the initiative came to the Academy when Schwartz, a fellow, shared the state idea, Sullivan shared.

Sullivan shared that Schwartz was able to offer the anecdotal evidence of having someone ask that question, and this was indeed someone who had service the country in a particular area, and they were able to make a much faster di-

agnosis of what the individual had.

“Right now we have an awareness campaign; and we are trying to have people be encouraged, particularly nurses, to ask the question. Also, we have an outreach to a number of veteran or-

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ganizations. We want the service members also to be aware of this question.

And, if their own healthcare provider doesn’t ask it, to have them volunteer the information that they in fact did serve and this is the country in which they served and

this is what they may have been exposed to or this at least what their job was. It’s all about improving appropriate access to healthcare individuals and to increase the provider awareness of service-connected healthcare issues.”

Andrews Gazette

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Friday, January 23, 2015

Prince George’s County Maryland AKA Chapters Host MLK Day of Service

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

The Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Incorporated, Iota Gamma Omega, Upsilon Tau Omega, Psi Epsilon Omega, Theta Nu and Eta chapters joined hands to host its third free Community Service Fair for county residents at the Beltway Church of Christ in Camp Springs on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 19.

Billed under the theme, “Lifetime of Service,” the Prince George’s County chapters hosted a panel of local county and law enforcement members who addressed community service-related issues. The panel included Phil Lee, President of the Kettering Civic Federation and Chairman of the Community Public Awareness Council, Corporal J. R. Mercer, Prince George’s County Police Department, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. members, Van Rawls.

Dwight Deneal and John Greene.

The event served as the point discussion for panelists, who challenged local organizations, the local community and youth in particular, to get more involved in community service-related projects.

“I think Dr. King would be pleased to see how far we’ve come, but we need

Amanda Odorimah, law student and community volunteer, questions teenagers about what role the social media plays in their generation and how it could best be used to support a community service project in commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. holiday day of service during a work shop.

PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

Left to right: Robin Long, Tanglewood Regional School; Tia Belton, Vice President, Upsilon Tau Omega; Winchester Smith, Veterans Forever Soldiers founder, Veteran’s group; Shawn Jackson Wilson, President, Psi Epsilon Omega; Deidre N. Jackson, Vice President, Iota Gamma Omega; Danaeka Spear, President, Upsilon Tau Omega; CASA rep; Penny Gerber, Court Appointed Special Advocate Association, Saran T. Baker, President, Iota Gamma Omega; and Nicola F. Kennedy, Vice President, Psi Epsilon Omega.

to re-energize and rejuvenate our communities,” said Deneal. “I believe that we are far from the dream that Dr. King realized.”

Van Rawls stated, “I believe if Dr. King were alive today, he would ask why there was only 17 percent voter turnout recently. I believe that in order to reinvigorate ourselves we need to think about what it really cost to earn the right to vote and once we reflect on how we came to earn this right, and talk about in

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our schools and our communities. Only then will I believe we will begin to understand what it is to be a servant in the community and become invigorated again.”

Ingrid M. Turner, service moderator commended the panel for participating in the discussion and took an audience poll of how many youth donated their service and time to their communities.

“All of you have volunteered at least two hours in community please stand,” said Turner, joining the audience in a vigorous applaud for a significant amount of young male and female volunteers standing.

Wanting to see how many young volunteers would still remain standing, she repeated asked those who have volunteered more than 20 hours remain standing.

Still further challenging the number of young volunteer records, Turner finally asked if there’s anyone that has volunteered more than 130 hours, the volunteers began to sit down. In the end,

two young ladies would remain standing with a combined number of 877 community service hours between them.

Da’ Jon Pegres, an 18-year-old student at Potomac High School donated a total of 240 hours, while Roxanne Richards, a 21-year-old Washington Adventist University student was the last person standing with a total of 637 community service hours.

Turner commended them for their commitment, inviting the selfless volunteers to the stage to congratulate them personally and award them with gift certificates.

“Thank you for what you do for your community and thank you for what you continue to do.”

After, the young members and the audience attended individual workshops relating to various subjects that would challenge them to come up with community service projects in commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. At the conclusion of the fair, the hosting so-

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Dwight Deneal, left, addresses an audience member’s question during a panel discussion at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service program at the Beltway Church of Christ, in Camp Springs, Md. Jan. 19. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. members, Van Rawls and John Greene.

Winchester Smith, Army veteran and Veterans Forever Soldiers founder, talks with Dianne Hines, AKA member about his organization. His organization was among several in attendance at the event.

rorities presented donations to the Veterans Forever Soldiers, Court Appointed Special Advocate Association, and Tanglewood Regional School in Clinton for children with special needs and disabilities.

“What a grand total we have received in donations,” said Nicola F. Kennedy, Psi Epsilon Omega Vice President.

“We collected a total of

$855 in gift cards, more than 600 seasonal items including clothes, coats, scarves hats and socks, and we collected over 5,000 items in diapers, baby wipes and tissues,” said Kennedy. “And we collected for these three organizations to let everyone know this is a not a day off, but a day on to better serve those who need help in the community.”

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Friday, January 23, 2015

Andrews Gazette

5

BALL, from page 1 normal celebration time-frame because there was a bicentennial reenactment down in New Orleans for the Battle of 1812.

“Quite a few of our re-enactors and our dance masters were involved in that celebration, so we decided to push this event back until now.”

Party-goers were welcomed

by Katherine Spivey, who portrayed the Lady of the House, Mrs. Rosalie Calvert, original owner of the mansion.

As guests arrived dressed in PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES the best period attire, Spivey greeted and engaged them Dance Master James Wass, left, leads a group of dance particiin conversation, never once pants during an 1800-period dance lessons. breaking character of the late Mrs. Calvert, wife of George Guests were drawn by the thentic, certainly the Kent’s Calvert, grandson of Charles music into the Gallery room. Waltz, which was danced durCalvert, 5th Lord of Baltimore.

Dance Master, James Wass, ing that period. I enjoy dancSpivey noted in reference to the Twelfth Day, the Christmas led the anxious group in per- ing and teaching and this holiday is not just the one day; forming the intricate details event puts them together,” said it encompasses twelve days of of personally-tailored dance Wass, a professional square feasting, which is an old cus- lessons from songs of the 1700 dance caller and dance teacher tom, dating back to Roman and 1800’s, while accompanied of 25 years. “So this event gives by musical professionals, Kar- me a way of talking to people times.

“So in those days, when the en Ashbrook, playing the ham- about several different styles winter set in and the days were mered dulcimer; her husband, of dance.”

At the conclusion of the evedreary and cold, the people Paul Oorts, on harp guitar; and Andrea Hoag on fiddle. ning, Katherine Spivey, a.k.a. took the opportunity to visit “I’ve been coming here and Rosalie Calvert announced the and feast, entertain with music, jokes, merry making and teaching dance lessons for the most coveted recognition of the an aurora of festivities to re- past 15 years,” noted Wass. evening – Thea Chimento’s mind them that winter would “The dances date back to the selection as queen, and Bill come to an end by the dawn of 1670’s to as late as 1804, but Gawne king during the tradispring,” said Spivey. the dances are reasonably au- tional crowning ceremony, giv-

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Thea Chimento, newly selected Queen of the Ball, Dance Master James Wass, center observe as Bill Gawne, receives crowning as King of the Ball during a traditional ceremony at the Twelfth Night Ball held at the historic Riverdale House Museum Mansion in Riverdale, Md. Jan. 17.

ing them bragging rights for the year.

Dance Master Wass called the room to order and led the new king and queen during the opening dance of their grand march.

Riversdale House Museum History/Museum specialist, Ann Wass, Ph.D., summarized the historical significance of the annual event.

“The winter holidays were a time of entertaining both local and out-of-town guests in the early 19th century. Hosts welcomed their guests with fine dining and dancing, and Twelfth Night marked the end of the holiday season. The Riversdale Ball gives guests an opportunity to step back in time in the elegant home of the Cal-

vert’s, one of the elite families of Maryland,” noted Wass.

“Participants enjoy periodinspired music and dances, an elegant ball supper prepared from historic recipes, the traditional crowning of the king and queen of the evening, and the welcoming presence of Mrs. Calvert herself in her period finery.”

Riversdale is a national historic landmark that is a restored, five-part, stuccocovered brick plantation home built between 1801 and 1807.

The museum is open to the public for docent-guided tours and for a variety of special events, Fridays and Sundays, noon to 3:30 pm, and other times by appointment.

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Andrews Gazette

6

ADVOCATE, from page 2 ally cared about helping my client in whatever way she could.

Then the court martial began. I knew I had to be emotionally ready to take care of my client through a very stressful time in her recovery.

While I sat in silence during other people’s testimony, my mind was working hard to stay focused and not get upset.

When my client took the stand to talk about what had happened to her, an array of emotion came flooding in, but mostly, I felt proud. I knew her hard times over the past year had paid off, and she was standing up for herself, saying what had happened to her was not right.

When the trial concluded, and I heard the verdict, my only concern was for my client. This was another chapter in her life, and it was closing.

The stress of the pretrial hearings and the court martial were over. Now, I knew she would be able to continue down her path toward being a survivor.

Throughout my experience this past year, I have felt thankful for the people I have worked with. The SARC

and the SVC were always available and willing to talk me through any questions I had. They always made sure my needs were being taken care of, too. The commanders and first sergeants I met with took our concerns or needs very seriously and worked hard to make sure they were met. The legal office always took time to discuss the case in great detail, so we would know what to expect in the courtroom.

Because of what I went through last year, and knowing the people and resources available to me and my client, I have faith in our SARC’s office and the VA’s who volunteer to make a difference in someone’s life. They have changed me and given me confidence in my abilities, which helped me reach out when my client needed someone to be in her corner and believe her story.

I know my client is a survivor, and I have faith that she will continue to thrive even after she is standing on her own. I am proud to have been a part of this organization. I feel good about helping someone during a difficult time in her life--we are both stronger today because of what we went through together.

Friday, January 23, 2015

CMIT, from page 1 2005, operates the Chesapeake Science Point in Anne Arundel County.

With more than 100,000 square-feet for a high school and middle school; the new school will open in two phases with everything ready for the middle school when the new school year starts – ready to accommodate 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.

This school will include a few additional amenities, including an indoor soccer field; 250-person auditorium to hold special assemblies or activities; and several labs – science, physics, and robotics to include underwater robotics.

Many of the extracurricular activities, such as music and drama, are offered in club form with many of them specific to STEM activities.

The model for startup is to start with the middle school and add a grade each year.

“One thing specific to our school model is we put kids on the path to college in 6th grade.

They are taking high school credits in 6th grade,” Sarah Blair, Public Relations and Outreach Coordinator, noted.

“We like to see kids to excel and that’s why we teach up; we don’t make everyone take the same courses. If we see they are capable of taking a higher level course, then they take a

PHOTO/LESLIE C. SMITH

Principal Treesa Elam-Respass and Sarah Blair, Public Relations and outreach Coordinator, pictured in the lobby the Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation Guidance and Alumni Center. The center offers many clubs and opportunities for the students of CMIT.

higher level course. Once they are in the higher grades there are some opportunities to take advance courses online.” Blair shared that they’ve even had an eighth-grader take pre-calculus and students taking geometry in middle school.

“Many of our students are put on a path to potentially graduate with an associate degree. We have an extensive relationship with Prince George’s

County Community College and many students maintain dual enrollment, which is paid for

by CLF” said Principal Treesa Elam-Respass “We get them to thinking about this level of education at a very young age; so they know they are going to college as early as kindergarten,” Blair commented.

Noting the Lego room, Respass noted, “A lot of time in STEM learning often miss engineering piece in the designing, so the students are learning that at an early age to design,” said Respass. More than play, Legos are part of a lesson plan with learning objectives. The school uses a number of handson activities to teach students, as well as, put forth an effort to bring technology into every aspect of education in every class.

When noting the dedication of the staff, Blair shared, “It’s not unusual for the teachers to spend their weekends in the school adding to their classrooms. They want to keep going; and to motivate the kids.”

“All the principals have worked hard to find those teachers that are going to go above and beyond. When we look at the job they’ve done in CMIT South, it’s so impressive with teachers and staff – and the parents are amazing as well.

They’ve already created, in one year, that feeling of family,” Blair added.

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, January 23, 2015

U.S. Naval Academy 2015 Summer STEM Program accepting applications now

BY LIEUTENANT TENG K. OOI

PHD, USNA/NAVAIR RESERVE

Program Applications for the 2015 Naval Academy Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Summer Program are now open at w w w. u s n a . e d u / a d m i s sions/STEM. Session dates include June 1-6 for rising ninth graders; June 8-13 for rising 10th graders; and June 15-19 for rising 11th graders.

This annual summer program is designed to expose young people to STEM concepts and technologies and to encourage ninth-11th graders to pursue a course of study in engineering and technology throughout high school, college and beyond.

The aim is to integrate STEM-focused concepts across the curricu-

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PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

STEM students participate in a variety of hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics activities, and have the opportunity to interact with Naval Academy faculty and midshipmen, who serve as role models and mentors for the students.

lum and pave the way for students to succeed academically in mathematics and science and help put them on a path towards successful STEM careers. An effective and practical way to stimulate student interest in

STEM is to show how mathematics and science are applied to create exciting technologies.

The 2015 STEM program will showcase the latest in technological advances in a wide variety of science and engi-

neering topics to include energy and light, infrastructure, transportation, cybersecurity, environmental challenges, flight and fluids, automation, simulation and modeling, biometrics and robotics.

Students participate in project-based modules using a hands-on, realworld approach to solving design and analysis problems at the Naval Academy’s world-class laboratory facilities. This unique learning environment promotes engineering “habits of mind” such as critical thinking, optimization, innovation, creativity, and team work. It exposes students to a problem-based environment outside the traditional classroom.

The 2015 Summer STEM Program looks to offer a great start to a student’s career in science and engineering.

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LEADERS, from page 1 457 AS, are one of the smallest jets in the U.S.. military, having a maximum load of eight passengers and two crewmembers. Having a crew of two has come as a big change for some pilots.

“One of the biggest adjustments from flying C-130s is that I have no crew,” Capt. Danny Samson, 457 AS pilot. “It is just the co-pilot and I.” Samson, like all pilots, has faced multiple challenges he had to overcome during a mission.

“In December 2014, I was on a mission when the plane’s avionics system stopped working properly, causing us to resort to raw navigational and magnetic aids,” Samson said. “When we landed, we switched planes. During the next flight, we received a bleed air leak notification, causing us to dump fuel and make an emergency landing.”

For Samson, that mission was his most challenging flight. Usually, if challenges arise, they are every day issues from maintaining the aging planes to dealing with the weather.

Despite challenges the unit constantly faces, the 457 AS continues to overcome and showcase their expertise while airlifting the nation’s leaders, Borowski said.

“Since my arrival, I’ve only come more impressed by morale, commitment and pride that the unit has for the mission and each other,” he said.

For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,

visit www.dcmilitary.com.

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, January 23, 2015

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