Andrews 022715

COMMENTARY Abbreviated Headline Goes Here, Page 2

DCMILITARY.COM

AIR FORCE NEWS

SPORTS

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

American Legion Post 82 hosts first Military Veterans Stand Down pose of the event is to provide services to retired, active duty and homeless veterans and The impending snow storm their families. We have some did little to deter veterans people here from the state of and their family members Maryland who actually tracks from attending a Military homeless veterans and homeVeterans Stand Down hosted less people.”

The day-long event which at The Harry White Wilmer American Legion Post 82 in featured more than 30 vendors, accommodated more La Plata Feb. 21.

According to George Haw- than 100 veterans who took ley, Plan-it-4-U Planning advantage of the free event owner and Veteran Stand aimed at connecting veterans Down Committee chairman, with numerous agencies and it was the first Military Veter- service providers, Veterans ans Stand Down to be held in Affairs Ebenefits enrollment, St. Charles County for retired assistance with resume writand homeless veterans and ing, assisting homeless vetertheir family members. “It’s a ans in need of shelter assisservice that Charles County tance.

Other services presented should have provided a long time ago; and the active duty to the veterans and their deand retired veterans deserve pendents were medical enrollthis service. I’m hoping to get ment at John Hopkins Hospiat least 50 veterans. Howev- tal, Fleet and Family Support er, if I can just help one vet- Center, Maryland State Deeran in getting their benefits partment of Labor, Licensing I’ll be happy,” said Hawley. and Regulation Disabled Vet“We advertised this event to eran services, and legal repreall of the local military instal- sentation. lations in the Capital Region.” see VETERANS, page 4 Hawley noted, “The pur-

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FRIDAY,FEBRUARY 27, 2015 | VOL. 4 NO. 8

MNCPP hosts Black History and Beyond event

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

Lynnae Lampkins, Tucker Road Community Center program facility manager aid, helps Amina Starks, 7, with an art project at an arts and crafts station set up for children.

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

COMBAT ARMS: READY, AIM, FIRE

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS PHILIP BRYANT

Senior Airman Benjamin Thomas, 811th Security Forces Group response force leader, fires an M4 Carbine during an Air Force qualification course at the firing range Feb. 3 on Joint Base Andrews. Fourteen security forces members from JBA shot in the course to remain qualified for duty.

“Black History and Beyond; Community, Strength, Resilience” was the themed event sponsored by The MarylandNational Capital Park and Planning Commission held at the Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Complex in Ft. Washington Feb. 22.

The Black History Month program featured a musical performance by Kevin LeVar, Gospel recording artist, singer/ song writer, and native Washingtonian.

The keynote speaker was Michael Eric Dyson, PhD, Professor at Georgetown University, where he teaches Theology, English and African American Studies.

Professor Dyson dubbed “the Hip Hop Intellectual” by critics and fans for his extensive study of rap music and the hip hop culture, engaged the audience by sharing his interactions with some of hip hop’s most influential figures, such as Jay Z and Beyonce, Snoop Dog, Nas, and many others.

After the conclusion of the speaking engagement, the audience was invited to attend a workshop series covering: “The Awesome Power of US: Reclaiming Our History,” with Bettina Judd, PhD, who led a discussion on exploring the history of women’s health and its connection to slavery, “The Awesome Power of US: From the Ordinary to the Extraordinary,” with Wheeler Winstead, PhD, MBA. Dr. Winstead discussed the often overlooked ex-

traordinary accomplishment of ordinary black people.

“Finding Yourself In The Movement: Bridging The Gap,” was an open forum led by Archie L. O’Neil, Prince George’s County Fire (EMS) Department Personnel Analyst and former police officer of 23 years, and Sgt. Gregory Ford, Maryland National Park Police Officer.

The open forum workshop engaged the audience in talking freely about police-community partnerships and creating a safer community.

“Embracing Your Past, Present and Future: Cultural Arts’ Dance with Civil Rights was presented by British-born artist, Maria Fentor, who painted a musical and visual journey path for her students to follow throughout the Civil Rights Movement.

Andrews Gazette

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Hot tickets

Friday, February 27, 2015

Commentary

around town

Just American: A century of Black life

Live at Montpelier: James Cotton 8 p.m.

Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, Md. Blues Harmonica player, singer and songwriter James Cotton has performed and recorded with many of the great blues artists. Call 301-377-7800.

14TH FLYING TRAINING WING SAPR COORDINATOR

February 27

February 27

Tigran Trio (Armenia) 7 and 9 p.m.

3800 Clarice Performing Arts Center, University of Maryland, College Park, Md. Trained as a classical and jazz musician, Tigran Hamasyan draws on the influence of Armenian folk music, rock, beatbox and poetry. Kogod Theater. Call 301-405-2787.

February 28

Meet Benjamin Banneker 1-3 p.m.

Montepelier Mansion/Historic Site, 9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, Md. Explore Black History with this family program .

Played by Bob Smith, Benjamin Banneker will visit and to share his work as an astronomer, mathematician, almanac writer and farmer. Residents $4; Nonresidents $5. Call 301-377-7817.

February 28

Highland Tea 2 p.m.

Darnall’s Chance 14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD Celebrate Darnall’s Chance Scottish heritage and enjoy a winter afternoon tea. Participants will enjoy the tastes and sounds of Scotland. Call 301-952-8010.

February 28 - March 1

Secret Circus 7 p.m.; 3 p.m.

The story of a travelling circus in 1930s-era Europe that helps smuggle people deemed physically unacceptable by the rising fascist regime. One refugee must confront her discomfort with the sideshow prodigies even as she seeks their help to flee. Tickets $5. Call 301-397-2208.

February 28- March 1

Harvey 3 p.m.; 8 p.m.

Tantallon Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, MD Harvey is the story of a man with a 6-foot rabbit for a best friend. Comedy. Visit http://www.tantallonplayers.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

BY DAISY JONES-BROWN

Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history.

The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted Harvard-trained historian Carter Woodson. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.

Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history. President Gerald Ford, the commander in chief in 1976, called upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Since then, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme. The 2015 theme, “A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture,” marks a century of officially celebrating black life.

Black life and history itself be-

gan in Africa, affectionately called the “Motherland.” Slaves brought history with them to the United States and adopted the culture of the new land creating a unique culture known as black culture.

Over time this culture would transform itself many times before becoming what it is known as today. So when you experience the celebration of black history month it is an eclectic experience of food, art, music and more..

Over the past century, African American life, history, and culture have become major forces in the United States and the world.

In the beginning few could have imagined that African Americans in music, art, and literature would become appreciated by the global community. Fewer still could have predicted the prominence achieved

by African Americans, as well as other people of African descent, in shaping world politics, war, and diplomacy. Indeed, it was nearly universally believed that Africans and people of African descent had played no role in the unfolding of history and were a threat to American civilization itself. A century later, few can deny the centrality of African Americans in the making of American history.

This transformation is the result of effort, not chance. Confi-

dent that their struggles mattered in human history, black scholars, artists, athletes, and leaders selfconsciously used their talents to change how the world viewed African Americans. The “New Negro” of the post-World War I era made modernity their own and gave the world a cornucopia of cultural gifts, including jazz, poetry based on the black vernacular, and an appreciation of African art. African American athletes dominated individual and team sports transforming baseball, track-and-field, football, boxing, and basketball.

In a wave of social movements, African American activism transformed race relations, challenged American foreign policy, and became the American conscience on human rights. While the spotlight often shines on individuals, this movement is the product of organization, of institutions and institution-builders who gave direction to effort.

African American history is rich in culture, full of struggle and triumph. Even with continued social struggles, each African American is proud when they hear the National Anthem; they enjoy and participate in the democratic society, and defend this country and its freedom, those things that just make them American.

Crash Remains Identified

Life Insurance (“V”) policies, the largest group receiving dividends, will receive total payments of $74 million. About 371,900 policyholders with service before 1956 will receive dividends, averaging $199.

No application to the Department of Veterans Affairs is necessary.

Payments are mailed on the policy anniversary date. Amounts vary on age, type of insurance, amount of insurance, and length of time the policy has been in force. Dividends are linked to returns on investments in securities. Veterans who have questions about their policies should contact the VA insurance center at 1 800 669-8477; e-mail vainsurance@va.gov; or go to www.insurance.va.gov.

Retiree Corner Keep Addresses Current

Remains of 17 service memAddresses for mailings to Air Force retirees are maintained by bers have been recovered from an the Defense Finance and Account- aircraft lost in Alaska in 1952. A ing Service (DFAS). Changes in C-124 Globemaster crashed en this information must be sent to route from McChord AFB, Wash., DFAS. Faulty addresses delay to Elmendorf Air FB, Alaska, with or cancel mail deliveries. A com- 11 crew members and 41 passenmon mistake is made when a re- gers on board. Weather precluded tiree moves to a new location and immediate recovery attempts. In maintains the same bank account. 2012, an Alaska National Guard The retiree check continues to be helicopter crew spotted wreckage deposited but come tax time, the and the Joint POW/MIA Accountretiree is upset over non-delivery ing Command conducted a recovof needed tax return data. Calls to ery operation. The Armed Forces DFAS (800 321-1080) can resolve DNA Identification Laboratory the problem with current mailing used forensic tools and circumaddress. Those with myPay ac- stantial evidence in the identificounts can change their address- cation of 17 service members. The es online. You can FAX it to 800 crash site continues to be moni469-6559 or send it to US Military tored for possible recovery of othRetirement Pay, P.O. Box 7130, ers.

London KY 40742-7130. Survivor VA Insurance Dividends Benefit Plan annuitants can also Some 505,000 veterans who use the 800 321-1080 number. have maintained their governHowever, changes by FAX go to ment life insurance policies share 800 982-8459 or mail to US Mili- $117.4 million in annual divitary Annuitant Pay, PO Box 7131, dends this year. World War II Veterans holding National Service London KY 40742-7131.

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 301 981-2726. Call before your visit to ensure a volunteer is on duty. The RAO has a website at www.andrews.af.mil.

Friday, February 27, 2015

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Sweat, high-fives and rock-n-roll

BY SENIOR AIRMAN NESHA HUMES 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

COURTESY PHOTO / TECH. SGT. ROBERT K. SMITH

Master Sgt. David Foster, U.S. Air Force Band Max Impact electric bass guitarist, poses for a photo near Mesa, Ariz. The band traveled to Arizona to perform at events in support of Super Bowl XLIX.

“How many calories do you think is in this?”

“Have you logged in your work out today?”

“Man, this one entrée equals 400 burpees!”

These were not the quotes I thought I’d hear as I followed the U.S. Air Force premier rock band Max Impact during their trip in support of Super Bowl XLIX. Instead of stereotypical wreckless musicians yelling at the waiting staff when we sat down for our first dinner together, I had five clean-shaven SNCO’s counting their daily calories on fitness applications.

As we engaged in casual dinner talk, it became evident a positive image and fitness was of high importance for these rock stars.

“We’re out on stage as the face of the Air Force,” Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Carson, U.S. Air Force Band Max Impact vocalist said. “We want to make sure we’re doing the Airmen that we’re representing justice.”

As a physical training leader for my unit and a future NCO, it was valuable to see effective team cohesion. The theme, “Fit to Fight,” is engrained in our minds by seeing health pyramids in dining facilities worldwide; yet nutrition takes a back seat when it comes to the physical side of fitness. In order to achieve optimum health, I truly believe you cannot

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/ SENIOR AIRMAN NESHA HUMES

Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Carson, U.S. Air Force Band Max Impact vocalist, rests after a work-out.

out work a bad diet. So, when I see Airmen banding together to embrace the whole-health concept, I am thrilled.

“The app is a lot of fun, we track each other, it keeps us even more motivated,” said Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Carson, U.S. Air Force Band Max Impact vocalist.

“It allows us to think twice on what we consume along with how many calories we’re burning. You know where you stand and you know where you need to be.”

This specific health regime was new for the six-member team, after having a decline in physical fitness testing results; they decided to start fresh.

“We’re hitting the reset button,” Carson, the NCO in charge of the band said.

“Failure is your first chance to try again.

Our goal is to have everyone in the ex-

see SWEAT, page 5

Veterans giving back to veterans in business, community

BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

Darrin Jones, President, American Identity Solutions (All American Protective Services – named for the 82nd Airborne All Americans), looks for the bigger picture in running his business.

With offices in Bethesda, Rockville, and Silver Springs, Jones, a former federal agent and police officer, started his company when he saw the need for a more effective and streamlined procedure for fingerprinting and background checks. “I was working at the police department and I saw people getting fingerprinted with ink and I thought, “why are they doing that when there is technology in the military, or being used by federal agents, that scans it?’ ” Started in 2006, Jones, who served with the Infantry for four years with the 82nd and four years with the Air National Guard light infantry, saw the immediate benefit in hiring veterans.

“When you are in the service you have this camaraderie because you have a common bond for a general purpose, so everyone kind of bonds together to get the mission done. You are all from different walks of life and you may not always agree but you come together to get

PHOTO/LESLIE C. SMITH

Darrin Jones, President of American Identity Solutions, looks to help veterans in business and in the community.

the one goal completed. The same goes in small business: everyone has to come together – they might not like each other – but they have to come together for a purpose and that’s to get the mission done.”

American Identity Solutions’ core course is background checks through biometrics but is developing current

technology found in the military and law enforcement. And are constantly innovating ways to use it in real world security issues. American Identity currently holds an interim patent for an active shooter defense system. In addition they train in fire arms and active shooter situations.

“It’s applying those types of technologies that currently exist – applying it to make the world to make it safer – taking military type technology, that currently exists, and apply it to the civilian world.”

After starting his business, Jones saw another need. He is the creator of a nonprofit Vet Kids (miracles in Maryland). “I saw it as I wanted to help veterans while I’m creating this business – to not be selfish. I wanted something to be the ‘why’ for creating this business. I got together with my wife and said, ‘I want to create this nonprofit.’ ” American Identity Solutions positioned its relationship with camps throughout the region, who use Jones’ company for their background and security checks (mandated by the state), to provide opportunities for the children of veterans and active military coming into the area for medical treatment for an extended period, to participate in these camp activities.

“Rather than have the kids run up and down the hall for five days, we offer them the opportunity to attend the camp while the spouse or loved ones spends time with the loved one gets to spend one-on-one time while they receiving medical care for free.”

The camps range from gymnastic camps, to indoor rock climbing, horseback riding, to overnight, day camps, and summer camps. Opportunities are available year round.

Jones’ organization also works with several companies for transportation, which have already been background cleared, fingerprinted cleared, and certified through the state of Maryland.

“Someone we vet; as a former law enforcement officer, someone I feel comfortable with and someone we know.”

“Families coming into the area for medical services can contact and we check to see if there is a slot available or we have the funds available for the children to attend.

“It’s what military business owners do. When a veteran business owner becomes successful; they tend to give back to veterans. That’s why it’s important, in my mind, to have more veteran business owners.

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Friday, February 27, 2015

New technology cuts out waiting time on crowns

BY STAFF SGT. MATTHEW DAVIS

AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The 779th Dental Squadron is using new computer design technology to make dental operations more efficient and to assist Airmen in maintaining dental mission readiness.

Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Machining has been used by the Air Force to design everything from mission essential equipment to base facilities and is now being used in the dental clinic to make crowns and other similar tooth restorations.

When a restoration is required, the tooth and surrounding teeth are photographed with a camera attached to a chair-side design unit using CAD/CAM technology. The images are incorporated into de-

sign software and a crown proposal is created.

The crown design is sent to a milling unit for fabrication.

A new ceramic crown can be “milled” or cut from a block of ceramic in approximately fifteen minutes. Within an hour, a dental lab technician can have a new restoration ready to deliver the same day. The milling machine can produce multiple restorations in a day, while previous conventional fabrication methods took approximately 4-6 weeks.

“The success with CAD/CAM restorations is excellent and the procedure is more pleasant for patients. Patients generally do not require impression material in their mouth and there is no waiting time in which they are wearing a temporary crown while the permanent crown is being fabricated. The technology is especially useful

when a member needs to deploy quickly,” said Capt.. Luke Cantamessa, 779th Dental Squadron, dentist.

CAD/CAM technology is being integrated across the DOD and will likely follow the same path as digital radiology, which is present in all USAF dental clinics. While not every USAF dental clinic has a CAD/CAM unit, new models and new capabilities are already being developed.

“The cost savings with CAD/ CAM can be applied to other more expensive practices such as implants and surgical procedures. This helps broaden the treatment options available to patients,” said Maj. Nathan Krivitzky, Director of the 779th Dental Squadron Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency Program.

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/STAFF SGT. MATT DAVIS

Michael McCombs, 779th Dental Squadron dental technician, shows the ceramic crown designed using Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Machining technology Dec. 1, 2014 on Joint Base Andrews. Dental technicians are using CAD/CAM technology to make daily operations more efficient and assist Airmen in maintaining mission readiness.

VETERANS, from page 1 Veterans from various war eras benefitted from talking with VA service officers, receiving on-site enrollment support, and collection of various information on other available services.

Tom Calvert, a member of American Legion Post 82 and Army veteran, collected the information for his son, a Marine veteran. “My son wasn’t able to make it here today, so I decided to put a grab bag together for him,” said Calvert. “This Post is a good organization and we have a good commander, Buddy Hindle, who helped to set up this event.”

A victim of Agent Orange exposure, Calvert noted he initially had issues with getting VA assistance when he came home from the Vietnam War. “I was heavily exposed to Agent Orange during the war... But, I met a young lady at Charlotte Hall who sat me down and helped me get my benefits and medical assistance,” said Calvert. “They have a representative here today.”

Phillip Allen, a recently retired Air Force Master Sergeant, came to the event seeking possible job employment.

“I’m looking for a job along the lines of project management.

But I’m actually hoping to land a machinist model maker job that just came up in Annapolis, which would be my dream career,” said Allen. “Basically, I think I would be making project models of aircraft, ships, propellers or different hull designs for the Midshipmen and faculty experiments as well.”

PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

Jenee Bailey, Department of Veteran Affairs, guides Army veteran, James Cooper through the enrollment process of Ebenefits online.

Phillip Allen, a recently retired Air Force Master Sergeant, left, talks with Maryland State Trooper Gregg Harrington, Military Liaison and veteran recruiter about employment opportunities.

Among the various vendors available was Maryland State Trooper Gregg Harrington, Military Liaison and veteran recruiter, talked about the benefits afforded to military veterans who work at the Maryland State Police Department.

“We give five years of active duty for free at the 10-year mark. On top of that, say you come out of the Air Guard or Air Force Reserve, then you receive an additional up to one year equaling four marks of credit; and if you stay in the Guard you get an additional five years of service tacked on. My job is veteran recruiting and I’ll be at the Base Exchange twice a month at Joint Base Andrews

to recruit some Airmen and other service branch members to join our ranks,” said Harrington, a retired Army Sgt. 1st Class.

“I hate to see the military downsize, but I want to see if I can grab some good military members departing or in the Reserves to be a part of organization. My main job is to take care of all the troops and civilians in the Guard and Reserve.

When some of our troopers go on military deployment, we’ll make sure that their family is taken care of. We keep their grass cut, snow shoveled or whatever they might need,” said Harrington.

“We’re like a family readiness group, similar to what the Army has in place. And

I build a training schedule to reintegrate them back into our unit once they return from deployment “I really like this job because I personally left the state police for six and a half years, going on three tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. So I know what it’s like to go and come back and make that hard transition,” said Harrington, whose wife is currently in training to become an Army warrant officer in military intelligence.

“My wife has been on five tours of duty,” said Harrington, a 23-year Army veteran.

“The state police’s values of Espirt De Corp and camaraderie are the same as the military; we’re a band of brothers and sisters,” said Harrington.

Aaron Footman, VA Peer Support Counselor, right, talks with Tom Calvert, a member of American Legion Post 82 and Army veteran, about HUD homes and apartment vouchers for veterans during a Military Veterans Stand Down hosted at The Harry White Wilmer American Legion Post 82 in La Plata Feb. 21.

Friday, February 27, 2015

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Stylist offers tips to smooth transition to civilian world

older, it was just the natural thing for me.”

Coleman offered these You’ve got the resume quick tips for men and together; the interview women looking to step up is set – but what are you their game when it comes going to wear? Sometimes to fashion choices. making the transition “Believe or not, men from military to the civilhave more recommenian working life is more dation and guidelines.” than a change of jobs but Tailoring is number one might even entail a change for men especially pants. of wardrobe.

Women can benefit with Joneé Coleman, former bit of tailoring as well, she Army, an image consulalso advised. tant/associate with Image For women, not only is

by Rita, offers a few tips to it important to know the transitioning military to shape of your body but also start them on the road in it is important to work with their new career. your body. Coleman, advised, When asked, what is “Not only looking at the silsomething a person can houettes that fit your body do right away when makis important but getting the ing the transition, Coleproper undergarments is man joked, “Exhale. That key; because if your foundawould be the first thing.” tion is not correct then ev“Once I transferred erything you layer over top from Fort Gordon in Georwill not be correct.”

PHOTO/ LESLIE C. SMITH gia to the White House, Because fashion is alI sat through a class – Joneé Coleman is an image consultant/associate ways changing, and dewhich my mentor Rita who helps people discover their best look. pending on where you Gworek taught – on how are transitioning to, Coleto help us transfer to that wasn’t as difficult; but I twin, she was inspired to man advised that about 6 duty station. When I saw do know that when other use her fashion savvy in months to even a year, you her and realized she could people don’t have that helping her sister as well want to start going to placreally help us dress – and experience it can be very as her mother. “I would es and looking at people – make it my job to make see what they are wearing I looked around the room overwhelming.

“When I go to teach a sure we had our nails and make a mental note and said yes a lot of us of really need some help – I class the first thing I let manicured, our hair styled, or maybe even start to inthought, ‘wow she’s doing them know is to just relax, and we were looking good,” corporate pieces into your this for everyone in the calm down. And I always as- Coleman said of her and wardrobe. military.’ And that’s when sociate clothing as a civilian her sister. “My mom would “Don’t be afraid of color, it kind of clicked: I’d like to uniform not another whole always ask my opinion on even if you are minimalworld or wardrobe; and that how she looked, too. I think ist a little pop of color can do what she does.”

“Luckily by working sort of takes the sting off perhaps that is where the bring personality to an training came from – in outfit or suit.” at the White House Com- shifting that mindset.”

Coleman had early in- buying certain cuts, silmunication Agency we had For women, to wear houniformed days and civil- klings of her love to help houettes and styles for her. siery or not to wear hosiery ian days so the transition others find their style. A And so, I think when I got often presents a world of

BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

SWEAT, from page 3 cellent category and we’re close.”

In order to achieve the excellent category, a 90 or above on their PT assessment, the team started a new tradition of push-ups and flutter kicks after every stage set-up.

Additionally, while some did high intensity workouts at the hotel, two of the

1050509

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/ SENIOR AIRMAN NESHA HUMES

U.S. Air Force band, Max Impact, members conduct butterfly sit-ups during circuit training at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites gym Jan. 31 in Mesa, Ariz. The band finds various work-outs between high intensity interval training, circuits, weight lifting and running to maintain their fitness goal to be the fittest U.S. Air Force Band unit.

questions when transitioning, Coleman offered that a quick call to the human resource department will help to alleviate the anxiety of that question, especially in the DC Area where it can be quite confusing. “It never hurts to at least go into the interview with leggings or stockings, keeping a spare set on you if you can. Pantyhose in certain locations and professions are still required.

“Also, it’s not about I’m going to work in an accounting firm and all accounting firms are the same. An accounting firm in DC is not going to be necessarily like an accounting firm in LA.” Even if you are unsure after speaking with HR, simply go to the location and “people watch” to get an idea, Coleman suggested.

When it comes to accessorizing, statement pieces can add special touches to your outfit but be aware of the amount and the type.

“I always like to say when I teach my classes your jewelry shouldn’t have its own theme song when you walk into a room,” Coleman joked. “Be mindful of that; especially in an interview.”

For men and women hair care and grooming are very important. “Make sure they can see your face and it’s presentable and they are not distracted by different types of makeup.

I would say clean relatable makeup and simple hair-

styles are best because you want the focus on you.”

Shoes are a very important part of the total look as well. Beyond being neat, clean and properly cleaned for, there are some additional guidelines for shoes.

“For men, the rules still applies make sure your belt matches your shoes; and wear a sock that is complimentary to the shoe.”

For women, shoes start to get a little more complicated. “Be mindful of the setting you are going into and certain styles and heel types can emote different things, even color as well.” Coleman added that the shoe choices of women can say different things whether they mean to be said or not.

Sometimes “the rules” can seem a bit daunting.

How does one find out what is their shape; what silhouettes work best on them; what is their color? Finding the answer to these questions can come from experimenting or trial and error.

However, Coleman offered, “It actually depends on the personality of the person; if they are more inclined to research then there are many different websites available. If the person is more visual then, yes, they can go out and try on different things. If a person doesn’t have that time, then maybe they might want to hire a personal stylist or image consultant

bandsmen were happier cycling the nearby towns to make their ‘fitness’ ride, a bit smoother.

“I feel a sense of freedom while I ride, it helps me unplug from the stress of the day,” Tech. Sgt. Robert K. Smith, U.S. Air Force Band Max Impact percussionist said. “It’s very peaceful, I feel accomplished when I’m done.”

I was impressed when I saw Smith and Master Sgt.

Dave Foster, electric bass guitarist, tote their folded up road bikes into the hotel with their luggage on the first day.

After two weeks with this family of rock stars, I learned what support and accountability can do for a unit. It’s no secret that sometimes fitness is a struggle for some Airmen.

It takes creativity and ongoing communication to build up your team to achieve.

see STYLIST, page 7

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Andrews Gazette

6

Friday, February 27, 2015

Hopes for the Clay Hunt Act Ask the Lawyer

BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

On Feb. 12, President Barack Obama signed the Clay Hunt Act. Named after Clay Hunt, a Marine from Texas who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, the act will focus on three key areas of prevention. The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act will “require annual third party evaluation for VA’s mental health care and suicide prevention programs; create a centralized website with resources and information for veterans about the range of mental health services available from the VA and require collaboration on suicide prevention efforts between VA and non-profit mental health organization.”

Of particular interest to many is just how this new collaborative effort will look. Still in its early initiation, many community organizations are keeping an eye out and remaining optimistic for the resources to open access to veterans who need help.

Andrews Gazette wanted to reach out to several such organizations, and individuals, to see what this bill means to the veteran population and the hopes for the bill.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is a nonprofit based in Arlington, Va., which provides care and resources through national peer support network and connection to grief resources at no cost to surviving families and loved ones.

“This is a great step forward in terms of identifying areas that have been ‘struggles’ for our veterans, from what we hear from our family members, which contributed to the inability to get the kind of care they needed in a timely way and in a comprehensive way,” said Karen Ruocco, Director of Post Prevention Programs for TAPS.

Centralizing resources

Of particular interest to TAPS is the centralizing of community organizations and resources.

“The first piece they talk about is the centralizing of the information on how to get services; that’s something I’ve also been working with other organizations like SAMHSA the DAV the DOD and the National Action Alliance. We’ve been trying to coordinate with communities and come up with something where veterans and families don’t have to go into a community and start trying to figure out where those resources are and get a piece here and a piece there. There should be a one-stop place where the community can go and figure out how to help veterans; and the veterans and families can go and figure out where the resources and the care are,” Ruocca said.

“The other piece about hiring more psychiatrists I think will be really good because what we hear over and over again from the families is that there is a need to see someone right away. Often there are multiple issues that need to be treated and seen right away. There hasn’t been enough psychiatric, mental healthcare, available so they can see someone right

away as well as stay with the same person and have it be consistent.”

“It’s hard enough to talk about their problems and trust that this person is going to help them then that person then leave, or they get switched to another psychiatrist, or they have to wait a long time and that hampers the care,” Ruocca added.

“I’m excited about that part of the bill but I hope in the future we can expand it to all types of mental health care and also any other types of treatment that helps veterans. What we know about the injuries and illness of this population is that they are multilayered – there are moral injuries; there are physical injuries and there’s post traumatic stress, there’s depression and there’s other things. Some of them respond to medication but there are some that do better with some sort of holistic therapies like pet therapy or peer therapy, I’m hoping in the future we can start with psychiatrist and build up to expand into other kinds of mental healthcare and counseling and holistic kinds of therapies.

“Peer-based support can be extremely helpful; sometimes veterans only want to talk to someone who has been through a similar experience. That is a good way to not only mobilize around their experience but can also become a gateway to connecting with professional care. If a battle buddy says, “hey I went for help,” that will decrease the stigma and help make the veteran feel comfortable to reach out for care – that it’s ok to reach out for help.”

Figuring out what is working

“We’re hoping that this will help to see what are we providing and is it working and can we do better?

If we find things that are working – expanding them; and if it’s not necessarily working or not helpful, can we cut them out rather than just having veterans try them and wasting their time. By the time they’re asking for help we want to make sure that what they’re getting immediate, timely, and comprehensive; and that it’s the best practices for treating the type of injuries they are presenting.”

Partnering

“There are so many good organizations out there that have pieces of what they can provide for these veterans. We need to really look at what are best practices, what is helping these veterans then be included in a holistic package for them. We then need to have the community be aware of how to deal with this group culturally – what are the differences, what kind of treatment, what kind of care, how can we include their families and how can we include the community. There are so many people in the community – from the emergency room, to providers, to clinicians, faith-based communities – that can be trained to help veterans to make a transition.”

To find out more about TAPS and its programs or to donate, call 800-959-8277 or visit www.taps.org.

In the coming weeks Andrews Gazette will continue to reach out to organizations and individuals for further exploration and perspectives on this bill.

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BY MATHEW B. TULLY

Q. Does it make much of a difference if a service member accidentally writes one or several bad checks?

A. The uttering and making of worthless checks by failing to maintain sufficient funds is a violation of Article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

And a service member who writes multiple worthless checks can be punished far more severely than someone who commits the same crime but issues only one bad check. That is because the military’s highest court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF), held in U.S. v. Jarrod L. Mincey (1995) that “in bad-check cases, the maximum punishment is calculated by the number and amount of the checks as if they had been charged separately, regardless whether the Government correctly pleads only one offense in each specification or whether the Government joins them in a single specification.”

Even though the court in Mincey was specifically speaking to the charge of uttering bad checks with intent to defraud in violation of Article 123a, the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals recently found in U.S. v. Samuel A. Meixueiro (2013) that the CAAF’s rationale applied to Article 134 bad check cases. This Article 134 offense usually occurs when a service member makes and utters a check for a purchase or to pay a debt and he or she fails to maintain sufficient funds in the account from which a bank would draw to make payment. This failure must be dishonorable and the service member’s conduct must be prejudicial to good conduct and order or service-discrediting. Unlike the Article 123a offense, the Article 134 office does not hinge on the check-issuing service member knowing he or she could not make the payment or his or her having an intent to defraud or deceive, according to the Manual for Courts-Martial.

The appellant in Meixueiro, an Army private first class, was convicted of, among other things, one specification of making and uttering worthless checks by dishonorably failing to maintain sufficient funds. Over a two-month period, he wrote 43 personal checks totaling $7,740.When charging the appellant, the government lumped these 43 individually identifiable checks into a single “mega-specification.” The trial judge sentenced the appellate to a bad conduct discharge, 18 months confinement, reduction in grade, and total forfeitures. The confinement period was lowered to 11 months, in accordance to a pre-trial agreement.

On appeal, the appellant claimed his sentence was inappropriately severe because the trial judge had calculated the maximum sentence of the Article 134’s mega-specification by treating each bad check as a separate offense. The appellant claimed his Article 134 conviction should only have resulted in a maximum six months confinement – not the maximum 21.5 years under the separately treated check calculations.

The court affirmed the findings of guilt and sentence, noting that “[i]n a case involving an Article 134, UCMJ, offense, each instance of check uttering may be counted separately for sentencing, despite being captured in a single specification.”

Service members charged with making and uttering worthless checks by dishonorably failing to maintain sufficient funds should immediately consult with a military law attorney. Depending on the circumstances, an attorney could raise a mistake of fact defense or show the service member’s failure to maintain sufficient funds was not dishonorable.

Along with being a founding partner of the law firm Tully Rinckey PLLC, Mathew B. Tully is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The information in this column is not intended as legal advice.

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Avoid online dangers, unfriendly users on social media

BY AIR FORCE NEWS SERVICE

The internet instantaneously allows you to reach out across the internet superhighway to share information or connect with loved ones. Despite how innocuous this may seem, without taking the proper precautions, your personal information can inadvertently fall into the wrong hands.

“You have to assume that everyone is looking at it,” said Col. Mary Hanson, the senior information security officer of the Air Force Office of Information Dominance and chief information officer. “Think: would my mom be proud if I put this out there?”

It’s not just families looking at what Airmen are posting on social media sites; it’s also employers and, more importantly, unfriendly sources, Hanson explained.

“Social media is a convenient tool but also a dangerous one,” said Phil Withers, the Air Force Special Operations Command’s deputy chief of information and cyberspace operations. “I think of using the Internet like I think of driving a car; it’s a great tool but users need to be cautious.”

According to Air Force Instruction 1-1, “Air Force Standards,” even having unknown followers could constitute relationships that may affect determinations in background investigations associated with security clearances.

Security clearances are not the only things Airmen and their families need to be aware of in the cyber realm. It is estimated that about eight new

STYLIST, from page 5 to either work with them while they are at stores or maybe do the shopping for them, as well as, actually teach them about their body while shopping.”

Coleman advised that pricing and services can vary, with many stylist and image consultants offering ala carte services ranging from body analysis to personal shopping.

It’s not uncommon to pay $110 for body analysis alone, “People look at that and think that’s a lot

users access the Internet every minute as technology spreads to developing countries. On average, there are 1 million victims of cyber-crime across the globe every day, and most of them are new Internet users who could have avoided the attack if they were more educated on cyber security.

“The goal of cyber security ... is to take steps to make sure you are not one of those victims in your professional network life and your home network life,” said 2nd Lt. Kristoff Kalau, the 18th Communications Squadron officer in charge of cyberspace support systems.

There are steps Airmen and their families can take to help protect themselves against unwanted access to their personal information on social media: • Set privacy settings on social media sites to restrict access to posts but do not rely on those settings to be a fail-safe.

This tip applies to any social media platforms you may use. Click here (hyperlink: http://airforcelive.dodlive.mil/ files/2014/10/FB-privacysettings-2014.pdf) for a detailed how-to guide on how to secure your Facebook profile.

• Do not share information that you are not willing to share with the world, as some websites could leak information.

Remember, once you put something out there, you can’t control where it goes.

• Do not post personal information such as your home address or phone number.

• Disable locationbased social networkof money but generally that’s something you only have to do one time. It’s a worthwhile investment especially if you are interviewing for a job that can jumpstart your career.”

Coleman’s final tip, “Always feel comfortable and confident in what you are wearing; because, if you do not, it doesn’t matter what you have on. Your emotions, your confidence, can either make or break and outfit. If you don’t have personality to wear something, it will wear you – wear you down, wear you out, but it will wear you.”

ing, or geotagging, on all social media platforms.

Geotagging is the process of adding geographical identification to photographs, video, websites and text messages.

• Avoid posting work or personal schedules and travel itineraries, especially deployment information and return dates for yourself, a loved one or a unit.

• Be aware of open

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Wi-Fi hot spots in public areas where information can easily be stolen from phones or tablets.

• Do not publicize your association with military forces.

• Be cautious when accepting friend requests and interacting with people online. You should never accept a friend request from someone you do not know, even if they know a friend of yours.

“The bottom line is you need to be aware of who is looking at your information,” Hanson said. “You don’t want to be a target, so be careful and be vigilant.”

If you ever feel you or your family are being threatened or you notice vulnerable information online, be sure to alert the social media platform’s help center and your local Operations Security

(OPSEC) manager for assistance.

(Editor’s Note: Erica Vega, Air Force Special Operations Command, Tech.

Sgt. Steve Grever and Airman 1st Class Zade C. Vadnais, 18th Air Force, contributed to this article.)

(Information courtesy of Air Force Public Affairs Agency, Operating Location - P)

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Andrews Gazette

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