Andrews 041715

COMMENTARY

BASE NEWS

Social media and the myth of the disappearing photo, Page 2

DCMILITARY.COM

Health coaches guide path to wellness

BY KATHLEEN CANFIELD

779TH MEDICAL SUPPORT SQUADRON

You’ve decided it’s time to resolve those nagging issues with weight, diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure or asthma that have been weighing you down. Did you know you have a coach? The Disease Management team at the 779th Medical Group (779 MDG) wants to help you on the journey to optimal health and wellness.

Disease Managers, also known as health coaches, are nurses who work closely with provider teams to help patients and their families better understand and manage their medical condition to avoid potential problems and maintain or improve their overall health.

Disease managers help patients navigate a wide range of classes and programs available at the 779 MDG. The Diabetes Self-Management and Education program is certified by the American Diabetes Association and includes two four-hour sessions. Other classes provide information on hypertension, high cholesterol, weight management, tobacco cessation and fitness.

“Patients often feel more comfortable talking to a nurse in a more casual setting about their healthcare. We discuss barriers that may be preventing them from reaching their health goals and together we come up with a treatment plan that works for them. It’s very rewarding to see patients make positive changes in their lives,” said Capt. Ekemini Emah, 779th Medical Group Disease Manager.

see HEALTH, page 3

Recycling Center keeps JBA green, Page 4

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

HEALTH

Eye exam event for service animals, Page 5

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 | VOL. 4 NO. 15

Vinson Hall series honors Vietnam veterans night, I was guarding democracy 8,000 miles away.

President John F. Kennedy Gen. Colin Powell spoke was assassinated the day before The Vinson Hall I landed back in America Retirement Community after my first tour in Vietas they hosted a Vietnam nam,” Powell said.

War 50th Commemoration After a second tour, series on April 10 and 11 in Powell, now a major, reMcLean, Va. alized a lot had changed The series included with the mounting casusymposiums with a panel alties abroad and so had of Vietnam veterans and the American consensus leading experts, movies, at home. “The American and guest lecturers, Major people were turning away General Alan B. Salisbury from the war. Antiwar and Powell. The series demonstrations and prolooked to educate the local tests spread.” community about the VietAfter surviving a hePHOTOS/BOBBY JONES nam War and to honor the licopter crash during his community’s veterans. second tour Powell headed Gen. Colin Powell presents the Vietnam Veteran pin to resident veterans at a VinPowell culminated the son Hall Retirement Community during Vietnam 50th Commemoration on April 11. home. two-day commemorative “We came home not to series as the key note Powell shared experi- parades, but often to abuse Saigon.” speaker, chronicling his Powell was a 25-year- encing the trials of having and disrespect,” said Powmilitary career and honorold infantry captain re- his foot pierced by a spiked ell. “Although unappreciating Vietnam veterans for cently married with a child trap while searching for ed then, over time, the natheir service. on the way when starting Viet Cong in the jungles; tion has come to appreciate During his talk to the to returning to a U.S. in the service and sacrifice of his one-year tour.

Vinson Hall residents, he “I was excited to be turmoil during the tumul- our Vietnam veterans. The spoke about his experience there,” said Powell, ad- tuous times of racism and Vietnam Wall is the most in Vietnam and the valor of dressing a capacity-filled segregation of the ‘60s - visited memorial in all of his fellow Vietnam veterroom of veterans living having to leave his wife Washington,” said the forans as being equivalent to at Vinson Hall. “I felt the and new-born son with his mer Secretary of State.

Gen. Colin Powell gives World War II veterans, as “I am often asked how mission was important be- father in an Birmingham, well as the military mem- the keynote address at we restore honor to the Alabama where people cause it was part of Presia Vinson Hall Retirement bers fighting in AfghaniCommunity in McLean, Va. dent Kennedy’s strategy where being hosed and Vietnam veterans,” said stan today.

Powell. “My answer is simwas for us to help South dogs let loose.

“Vietnam as you all of Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“So while my father-in- ply, they never lost their Vietnam defeat the Viet know was without ques“For me it began 52 plus Cong threat and keep the law was standing guard honor. They answered the tion one of the most conyears ago, Christmas day country from falling under over my wife and infant nations call. They went troversial American wars,” son with a shot gun every said the former Chairman of 1962 when I landed in communist rule.” see VETERANS, page 3

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

‘MAX IMPACT’ ON OPENING DAY

Congressman shares life story at Oxon Hill Branch Library

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

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

Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Carson, U.S. Air Force Band Max Impact vocalist, sings “God Bless America” on opening day at Nationals Park. See story on page 5.

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System hosted a free, meetthe-author book signing event with U.S. Rep. James Clyburn at the Oxon Hill Branch Library in Oxon Hill on April 9 Congressman Clyburn discussed the memoirs of his book titled “Blessed ExperiPHOTO/ BOBBY JONES ences: Genuinely Southern, Audience members listen intently to Congressman Proudly Black.”

James Clyburn during his book signing event at the see BOOK, page 6 Oxon Hill Branch Library on April 9.

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Hot tickets around town April 18

Celebrate Arbor Day 10 a.m.

Acorn Hill Park,3209 Stonybrook Drive, Bowie This event celebrate the importance of tree-planting in the community. Free. Call 301-809-3061 or visit www. cityofbowie.org.

April 18

Celebrate Earth Day at Montpelier 1 p.m.

Montpelier Mansion, 9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel Show the earth some love! Come to Montpelier for an afternoon of fun,creative,and educational Earth Day activities. Free. Call 301-377-7817 or visit history.pgparks.com.

April 18

Nick Moss Band 8 p.m.–midnight American Legion Post 41, 905 Sligo Ave., Silver Spring Featuring guitar-fueled blues, along with a mix of soul, funk and rock ‘n’ roll, the Nick Moss Band has been nominated for a Blues Music Award and played alongside greats such as Big Bill Morganfield and Anson Funderburgh. Call 301-322-4808 or visit dcblues.org.

April 18-19

Marching Through Time Marietta House Museum, 5626 Bell Station Road, Glenn Dale Multiperiod military reenactment from 1st century Romans through the Vietnam War. Experience camp and domestic life, military drills, period merchants and more. Call 301-464-5291 or visit his tory.pgparks.com.

April 24

Asian & Pacific Islander American Heritage Month Opening Reception 7 p.m.

Newton White Mansion, 2708 Enterprise Road, Mitchelleville Annual celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. Dances of Japan and India, hands-on crafts from the Pacific Islands, Chinese martial arts, a panAsian snack buffet, and popular henna decorations are featured. Reservations required. Call 301-249-2004 or visit history.pgparks.com.

Editor’s note A story on page 4 of the April 10 edition of Andrews Gazette provided an incorrect company name.

The correct name is Annapolis Community Acupuncture. Andrews Gazette regrets the error.

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

Tiffany Arnold, page design tarnold@gazette.net Leslie Smith, editor lsmith@dcmilitary.com Bobby Jones, photographer bjones@dcmilitary.com

Friday, April 17, 2015

Commentary

Ten seconds later and that picture still exists

BY LIZ JACOBSON USAFE-AFAFRICA PUBLIC AFFAIRS

There is a conversation many teenagers have had with their parents or friends, me included.

“Hey, don’t worry! It’ll be fine.All of the pictures I send disappear after ten seconds.

That’s how Snapchat works.”

While many teenagers only share their silly faces with friends, there are a growing number of teenagers sending inappropriate content that “will disappear.”

High school students all feel a certain level of anonymity or safeness that does not exist while using the Internet and apps like Tinder, Omegle, Chat Roulette, Instagram, and Snapchat.

Unfortunately, it is incredibly simple for the receiver to take advantage of the sent content, and through the picture may disappear after 10 seconds, it can actually last a lot longer than that.

While these apps can easily be used inappropriately, the apps themselves are not bad, but should just be used responsibly.

It is easy to protect yourself from online predators, but it is rarely done. The most effective way to keep information secure is to lock any social media accounts and turn all privacy settings on. Many people spend their time clicking on pictures and profiles but it is impossible to know who is viewing your profile. It could be a friend from school or it could very

easily be an online predator.

Before friending or accepting anyone’s follow request, it is necessary to actually know who they are. Social media is a great tool for keeping in touch with friends, new or old, and family members, but it is important to use caution and be responsible.

I have many friends that pride themselves on the fact they have over one, two, or ten thousand followers. This is a dangerous because it is impossible to be safe with so many unknown people seeing so much of their lives.

That behavior and feeling of invincibility starts early. I remember during middle school that Omegle was the next best thing on the Internet. At sleepovers or on a Saturday afternoons, young girls and boys would sit around a laptop and pretend to be whomever they thought of, giving off silly answers and laughing at the accents they pretended their user to have. However, we all knew that unless you wanted to see the “gross stuff” you had to turn the camera off. Many of us have since moved on from this fear and feel that sending pornographic content over apps is okay.

This attitude towards sharing everything on the Internet has also lead to unfortunate, yet completely avoidable situations. Why do so many teenagers participate in an activity that can have so many bad repercussions?

Teenage girls reported

to Dosomething.org and the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy that there are three major reasons for their sending of nude photos: as a joke, to feel sexy, or because of peer pressures.

Sending inappropriate photos is not a joke nor will it boost a person’s confidence.

While it may be a thrill at first, the psychological damage could deteriorate a girl’s or boy’s self-esteem. Peer pressure is a horrible, but a real-life thing. Everyone experiences peer pressure at some point or another in his or her lifetime, but your body, whether you are male or female, is yours.

For teenagers, Snapchat is the most common app where pictures are shared.

Snapchat is available for anyone, regardless of age and it is based on the idea of pictures disappearing forever after 10 seconds. Despite this, it is easy to either screenshot the picture or use a third-party app that will save the picture automatically for you.These pictures can be used against the sender at the receiver’s convenience.

Even two people that have a trusting relationship should not partake in this kind of activity for two reasons: First, it could be considered illegal. Second, it can easily be shared or shown to others that were not the intended audience.

According to Dosomething.org, 17 percent of “sexters” share the mes-

sages they receive with others, and 55 percent of those share them with more than one person. Everyone wants to believe that their friends would never betray them, but we have all seen the stories of a girl’s pictures being spread around school as a prank or because she made someone mad. These situations are so damaging to a person’s confidence and reputation. It is common to think that someone in a close circle is not going to end up like those girls or boys, but it can easily happen to anyone with just the click of a button.

The number of people sharing inappropriate pictures is increasing. Sources say that 1 in 5 teenagers are sharing provocative photos, but it may be even scarier that the senders are getting younger. It is hard to imagine that 7th and 8th grade students are sending such mature content, but it is happening.

I have a younger sister and I believe that it is my job to warn her and educate on her on the dangers of sexting and online predators. Everyone in high school should be doing this as well.

Do not encourage it by talking about how much fun and how safe it is in the locker room. Do not make it seem okay to these young, impressionable girls and boys.

Do not be afraid to stand up against pressures of sending inappropriate photos across the Internet.

world are dedicated to finding and bringing our sons and daughters home and providing continued support to their families,” she said. The Missing Persons Branch in the personnel center at Randolph AFB, Tex., shares responsibilities in this mission with the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Office’s Past Conflicts Branch. at Dover AFB, Del. “Our job will never be done until they all come home,” Kolb said

Henderson Hall. Additional expansion to the south is planned in 2018 in an area adjacent to the Air Force Memorial, along Columbia Pike. The site was formerly occupied by the Navy Annex.. The cemetery, opened during the Civil War, attracts some 4 million visitors annually. Nearly 300,000 veterans and their dependents are buried there. More than 20 funeral services are conducted daily.

mation and health information. In return the caller offers prescribed cream medications. Tricare and its contractors never call and ask for personal identifying information or health information. Beneficiaries should be wary of unsolicited attempts for personal or health information, either by phone or in person.

More Burials at Arlington

Tricare Scam

Retiree Corner Search Goes On

Nearly 1,500 Airmen are still missing and unaccounted-for from various conflicts. There are more than 83,000 Americans still unaccounted-for, according to the Defense Department.

Many service organizations reach out to the military services’ respective casualty affairs offices for help locating family members of those still unaccounted-for from past conflicts. “Leave No One Behind” and “You Are Not Forgotten” are more than mottos or words on a flag,” according to Sandra Kolb, Air Force Missing Persons Branch chief. “The sentiment behind those words drives our mission.

DoD personnel around the

Arlington National Cemetery plans to open “an additional 27,282 burial opportunities” in 2016. Expansion of the present cemetery will be to the north, on 27 acres, bordering Joint Base Myer-

The Defense Health Agency, Office of Program Integrity has received a significant number of inquiries from Tricare beneficiaries regarding unsolicited attempts by “call enters” for personal identifying infor-

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.

Andrews Gazette

Friday, April 17, 2015

VETERANS, from page 1

HEALTH, from page 1

boldly into danger; they bled, they died, and came home with injuries,” Powell said. “I’m always proud of my Vietnam service.

“We should also pay tribute to the allies who supported the Vietnam War effort. We will never forget the 58,000 young Americans who gave their lives. We must never forget those who were injured or wounded. We should never forget our POWs and those who are still missing. We must make sure that we will never be satisfied that this war has finally to come to an end, until we have accounted for those who are still missing.”

Powell called for all Vietnam veterans in the room to come to the stage so he could present each veteran with the distinguished Vietnam Veteran pin.

Other featured special guests were Major General Alan B. Salisbury, USA (Ret); Jim Knotts, CEO of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund; along with many distinguished Vietnam veterans.

Michael Train, who served both as an Army Staff Sergeant and Navy 1st Class Electrician, was among the Vietnam veterans to listen to General Powell speaking and receive a Vietnam Veterans pin.

“It was an extreme honor to meet General Powell,” said Train.

“I totally agree with what Gen. Powell said about Vietnam veterans never having lost their honor,” said the 66-yearold veteran.

“I was on a flight with a young business man coming home and he said, ‘I’d change into civilian clothes if I were you.’ I said, ‘why?,’ and he said, ‘you’ll find out,’ “ relayed Train.

“So, when we landed, I headed to the nearest men’s room; but I never made it. A guy walking in the opposite direction spit on me and called me a ‘baby burner.’

And, being overseas, I had no idea what he was talking about; because when I left, the United States was firmly behind me.

“But, I’m extremely proud of my service. I flew 263 plus combat missions in helicopters. Two thirds of those were search and rescue missions which were all successful. A lot of them were dangerous but we made it out alive.

So I’m very proud of that.

They can’t take that away from me,” Train said.

Behavioral health providers are another critical component of the team.

They work within primary care clinics to help address and resolve factors related to behavioral change, medication adherence, and treatment compliance.

Ask to speak with a Disease Manager at your next primary care appointment or call the Disease Manager at 240-612-1142 or 240-6121248 for more information about one-on-one sessions, classes, and programs.

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

Gen. Colin Powell joins the West Point Glee Club in singing a special musical tribute, performing various songs from the WW II era and joint service anthems while holding the Vietnam War Memorial Flag. Powell joined the WPGC in paying tribute to all of the joint services.

CARPENTER APPRENTICESHIP

Applications for Carpenter, Millwright, and Pile Driver apprenticeships will be accepted by Mid-Atlantic Carpenters’ Training Centers on the following dates: April 20 - May 15, 2015. Applications will be accepted from 8am-1pm only.

The test date is Thursday, May 21, 2015.

A non-refundable $20 administrative processing fee is required. Money orders only. Anyone interested should call 301-736-1696 for further details.

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U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/KATHLEEN CANFIELD

779th Medical Operations Squadron disease managers, Capt. Ekemini Emah and LaDonna Walters discuss an upcoming class on diabetes.

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CHIEF CODY SHARES THOUGHTS AT FIRST SERGEANT’S SYMPOSIUM

Friday, April 17, 2015

Recycling Center keeps JBA green

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS RYAN J. SONNIER

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

PHOTOS BY U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/SENIOR AIRMAN MARIAH HADDENHAM

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody speaks at the Air Force District of Washington’s First Sergeant’s Symposium, April 9, on Joint Base Andrews. The event included four days of training and provided insight into the responsibilities of being an additional duty first sergeant. Approximately 130 first sergeants attended the course.

The recycling center reminds Team Andrews that recycling is not only an Air Force requirement, but also a Department of Defense obligation.

“Installation recycling programs remain important in several ways; they ensure we address requirements to meet solid waste diversion goals,” Col. Dean Hartman, Mission Support Group commander, said.

“They demonstrate sound environmental stewardship and prove that the DoD enterprise is an active stakeholder in addressing the sustainable practices and the prudent use of resources.”

For Timothy Hammond, JBA Recycling Center site manager, the Green Procurement Program is the most important initiative to the JBA community. It mandates that units purchase products made from recycled materials, along with environmentally friendly products, energy and water efficient products, alternate fuels, and

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

Rick Coleman, Joint Base Andrews Recycle Center lead recycling technician, operates a fork lift at the center. The Air Force mandates base units to divert 60 percent of solid waste into reusable or recycled material.

alternate hazardous or toxic materials.

“The importance of reaching these goals benefits the Andrews community by reducing the cost of solid waste disposal,” Hammond said. “The program also shows the civilian community that Andrews is committed to working with them to reduce waste generation - extending the life of the local landfill.”

The recycling center accepts the following: scrap

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metal, plastic and glass containers, metal food and drink containers, cardboard, lead acid batteries, expended brass ammunition, used oil, and office paper to include books, magazines and newspaper.

“We encourage members to contact us if they need additional bins, signs or education on how the recycling program works,” Hammond said. “Our estimated cost avoidance through recycling is $1 million.”

The materials collected at the JBA center go to various facilities in the area and overseas. The cardboard and paper typically go to paper mills in Virginia, plastic and glass go to the local materials recovery facility, and metal goes to Baltimore.

JBA also participates in the annual Earth Day, an event intended to raise awareness and inspire people to take action to address environmental issues and problems.

“During Earth Day week, we have planted trees, cleaned up creeks and community outreach to local schools,” Hammond said. “We also participate in America Recycles Day in October, highlighting the recycling program, alternative energy, composting and environmentally friendly chemicals.”

The recycling center is available to those with base access and is located at 3350 Celmer Lane.

For more information on keeping JBA green, contact the recycling center at 301-981-0644.

Friday, April 17, 2015

Andrews Gazette

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Registration begins for Service Animal Eye Exam event

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

Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Carson, U.S. Air Force Band Max Impact vocalist, sings “God Bless America” on opening day at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C., April 6, while New York Mets players face the American flag.

‘Max Impact’ on opening day

I’m about to portray.”

Carson takes the job of 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS representing Airmen seriously and tries to portray On opening day at Na- excellence in every note. tionals Park, April 6, Senior “It’s about all the other Master Sgt. Ryan Carson, men and women that wear U.S. Air Force Band Max the uniform or wore the Impact vocalist, sang ‘God uniform before me,” Carson Bless America’ to a crowd of said. approximately 40,000.

Davis said, he does not Military support for worry when Carson peropening day was a Joint service effort that also in- forms because he knows he cluded a fly over by two will crush it.

F/A-18 Hornets, drummers Carson’s rendition of from the U.S. Navy Band, ‘God Bless America’ earned the U.S. Joint Service Color him a standing ovation.

Guard and U.S. Army ChoCarson summed it up rus Quartet. simply.

“When you want the “You’re out there singing best of the best in Wash- patriotic music as a military ington, D.C., and you want member to a patriotic crowd professionals you go to the in the nation’s capital; red, military,” said Tom Dawhite and blue Washington vis, Washington Nationals senior manager of enter- Nationals, can’t get better tainment, marketing and than that.” broadcasting.

The United States military was featured throughout the game.

This is not the first time Carson has performed in front of thousands of sports fans and this is not the first time he has sang at Nationals Park, but in his mind there is always worry.

“These events are always crazy, not because of the amount of people or exposure, but because you’re out there representing the Air Force,” Carson said. “We practice excellence in the Air Force and I get worried about the level of excellence

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS PHILIP BRYANT

The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) is gearing up for the Eighth Annual ACVO/ StokesRx National Service Animal Eye Exam Event this May. The goal of the ACVO/StokesRx National Service Animal Eye Exam Event is to provide as many free screening exams as possible to eligible Service Animals across the U.S. and Canada throughout May. These Service Animals include formally trained guide, handicapped assistance, detection, military, search and rescue, and certified-current, registered therapy animals, which all serve the public.

There are more than 200 participating ophthalmologists in close to 40 states across the U.S. and five provinces across Canada. This year, clinics and hospitals around the DC area—in Virginia (Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Leesburg, and Vienna) and Maryland (Annapolis, Frederick, Gaithersburg, and Huntingtown)—will be participating in the annual event.

Since the event’s inception in 2008, more than 30,000 Service Ani-

mals have received free screening eye exams— more than 7,000 in 2014.

To qualify, Service Animals must be “active working animals” that were certified by a formal training program or organization, or are currently enrolled in a formal training program.

The certifying organization could be national, regional or local in nature. Owners/agents for the animal must first register the animal via an online registration form at ACVOeyeexam .org. Registration ends April 30.

Once registered online, the owner or agent will receive a registration number and will be allowed access to a list of participating ophthalmologists in their area.

Then, they may contact a specialist to schedule an appointment, which will take place during May. Times may vary depending on the facility and are filled on a firstcome, first-served basis, so clients should try to register and make appointments early.

– American College of Veterinary Opthalmologists, Stokes Pharmacy

GUN SHOW

Two F/A-18 Hornets fly over Nationals Park on opening day, April 6. Military support for opening day was a Joint service effort including, Navy Band drummers, Joint Service Color Guard, Army Chorus Quartet and an Air Force Band vocalist.

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, April 17, 2015

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

Congressman James Clyburn chats with an audience member at a book signing at Oxon Hill Branch Library .

BOOK, from page 1

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The book, which was released last May, chronicles his life story from his beginnings in South Carolina to his success in congress.

In opening remarks, Oxon Hill Branch Library Director Kathleen Teaze recognized special guest, Councilwoman Donna Edwards, who introduced Clyburn.

“His experiences are unique to himself, but they are also unique in the history of this country,” said Edwards. “I have learned tremendously from Mr. Clyburn. He is not only a great leader, but he was a great mentor to me as a new member of Congress,” Edwards added.

Clyburn thanked the library for facilitating his event and jokingly acknowledged that his original interest in the library system came solely due to his interest in a librarian, now his wife.

“When I was at South Carolina State I spent a lot of time in the library. But I rarely spent little time with the books. The young lady that I’m married to was that librarian. I went around the library following her and it was because of her that I would even pick up a book,” Clyburn said.

During his conversation with the audience about certain excerpts from his book, Clyburn talked about how various pieces of legislation were passed or held up due to certain caveats.

Clyburn noted a big part of what his book is about is his life experience intertwined with his public service. “It’s also about my life experiences of growing up in Sumter, South Carolina.

Few people ever think about the fact that ‘Brown versus Education,’ that moved this country forward, started in the little town of Summerton, S.C. It all started with two people who were not highly educated, but wanted a better life for their children and were willing to make the sacrifice and file that lawsuit.

“This book is replete with those kinds of experiences,” said Clyburn, who noted that his experiences were not always pleasant. “But as I stated in the introduction of my book I considered them to be blessings. I realized that sometimes you had to look back on the experience to see the blessing.”

Inspired by his writings, an older woman who said she knew Clyburn’s family expressed how proud she was of his life success.

One of the youngest audience members named Jamie Thurmond, asked Clyburn why he wanted to write a book.

“I wanted to write this book based on my thoughts of being a southerner, and an African American in the South. After engaging in conversation with her for a moment, Clyburn said, “You may turn out to be a writer someday.”

“I want to be a book writer, but I also want to help animals by becoming a veterinarian,” said Thurmond, 9.

After the lecture, Clyburn autographed his book for audience members.

Thurmond enjoyed the conversation with Clyburn.

“It meant a lot to me to meet Mr. Clyburn. I’m thankful for being here.”

Friday, April 17, 2015

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