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Medical Group volunteers clean JBA for Earth Day
DCMILITARY.COM
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Family Advocacy Program plants Pinwheels for Prevention
AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD.
Prince George’s Community College student overcomes obstacles to achieve BY TIMOTHY SANDOVAL PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE
Juanita Artis wasn’t on track to be accepted to the University of Maryland, College Park. After losing her father, uncle and grandmother over the course of her sophomore year at New Hope International High School in Landover Hills, she struggled in school and ultimately graduated in 2008 with a 1.2 GPA. Now Artis, 22, will graduate from Prince George’s Community College in Largo with a 3.48 GPA. A committee of faculty and administrators selected her to deliver the student address at PGCC’s 54th commencement May 23 to share her story of overcoming tragedy and taking advantage of a second chance. Artis will receive an associate of applied science degree in criminal justice and associate of arts degree in psychology and will study criminology at UM in the fall. “It was comforting,” Artis, who
lives in Landover, said of receiving her acceptance letter to the University of Maryland. “It just took me a little long to get there, but I got there nonetheless.” Artis has cared for her mother, Deanna Artis, who has suffered from breast and intestinal cancer for 10 years, which she said contributed to her state of depression in high school and frequent absences. “It definitely left me in a state of confusion,” Artis said. “I kind of lost any sense of self during that time. I really did not do too much of anything ... Overall, it was very disheartening and very hard to try to make sense of what I wanted to do or what I needed to do anymore.” When she started attending classes at Prince George’s Community College in spring 2009, she said, she was encouraged by professors at the school who were accommodating of her situation with her mother.
see COLLEGE, page 9
Hummingbird feeders are a labor of love BY MELINA MESHAKO
MASTER GARDENER UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION
My husband has a seasonal household chore he doesn’t seem to mind: he hangs and maintains the hummingbird feeders from late April to late September. By the first weekend in May, the allyou-can-eat nectar stations for hummingbirds are open at our house. To take on this annual ritual to nurture one of nature’s smallest birds, below are a few considerations for selecting, mounting and maintaining hummingbird feeders. The tasks are labeled “His” and “Hers” indicating our household’s division of labor. Your family may have a different solution than ours, dependent upon personalities and family size. No matter how you share (or do not share) this task, enjoy the hummingbird season!
see HUMMINGBIRDS, page 10
PHOTO/MELINA MESHAKO
Hummingbird food doesn’t need to be red, so long as the feeder has some red on it for the bird to notice.
J.P. Hoyer CDC hosts Pizza & Kite Day
FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2013 | VOL. 2 NO. 16
Runners ‘beat feet’ at Andrews
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/STAFF SGT. BRITTANY E. JONES
Medals were handed out to all participants of the Joint Base Andrews Half Marathon. BY STAFF SGT. TOREY GRIFFITH
11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
A rhythmic roar composed of 194 pairs of running shoes broke the silence of the spring morning here April 20 as participants of the inaugural Joint Base Andrews Half Marathon began their 13.1-mile trek to victory. Ranging from novice to more seasoned in experience, the runners represented every military branch stationed in the National Capital Region - enlisted, officer and civilian. Female racers showed up in full force with Brenda Shrank finishing first overall with a time of 1:24:08. Sandra Griffin took second in the female category at 1:37:57, and Brianna Schmid took third place with a time of 1:39:40. Kristopher Epps headed up the male category at 1:24:50, followed by Timothy Noonen at 1:25:31, and Louis Navarro finished third with a time of 1:26:03. The complete list of times is available at www.racepacket. com/rsltwrap1.php?id=3279. The race was initiated by the Andrews Chief ’s Group for the purpose of promoting unity between the various units and services who work here before a schedule of inspections that have often been described as “rigorous” by base leaders. “Colonel Knight, Colonel
A half marathon participant finishes the last leg of the race. A half marathon is 13.1 miles.
Urtso and I were talking about the Marine half marathon,” said Chief Master Sgt. William Sanders, 11 Wing/Joint Base Andrews Command Chief, as he described the event’s conception. “We’d heard a couple
individuals attempted to sign up, but it closed out so early. As the conversation drifted to the heavy inspection cycle coming up, we talked about doing some-
see MARATHON, page 7
Clinic and Surgery Center hosts Personalized Medicine Research Study BY BOBBY JONES
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
If you could identify the diseases most likely to damage your health, would you want to know? What would you do to manage or prevent a potentially life-threatening disease by changing your behavior? Often we may see signs of oncoming medical conditions in our family medical history or due to a negligent lifestyle. Malcolm Grow Medical Clinic and Surgery Center offered Air Force active duty service members the opportunity to participate in a Personalized Medicine Research Study April 11, with the goal to understand how it can be used to improve health. The study is part of the Air Force Patient Centered Care Initiative, sponsored by the Air Force Medical Support Agency
and conducted in collaboration with John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and the independent, nonprofit Coriell Institute for Medical Research. Andrews participants at a station inside Malcolm Grow deposited a saliva sample into a tube for later testing. “When an individual gives a sample of their saliva into a test tube, their DNA is extracted from their saliva and genetic testing are performed on those samples,” said Erynn S. Gordon, MS, CGC, Genetics Counseling director at The Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ. “Just like you lose dead cells from your skin, you lose cells from the inside of the cheek, also.” Gordon, an associate investigator on the study, noted, “We’ve been to several Air Force bases around the country and we start-
ed recruiting in the Air Force Medical population January of last year. However, the institute has been doing the study in a civilian population since late 2007.” Study participants filled out baseline questionnaires about their medical history, family history and lifestyle. That information, in addition to their genetic information, is used to provide information back to them about the personalized risks of common diseases like heart disease, diabetes and melanoma. The actual testing of samples is not performed until the surveys are completed online at the convenience of the participant, in the privacy of their home. Participants can then access their results online. “We send them an email when a new result is ready for them to view,” said Gordon. “They log into a secure web portal to view that
information and they can contact us for more information or assistance. Interpreting the information are two board certified genetic counselors.” Gordon said the counselors are master-level trained professionals who talk to people about the meaning of genetic information, provide guidance on how to use that information and work with them on psychologically adjusting to it. There is also a pharmacist available to talk to people about results that relate to how they would respond to different medications. “In this case we’re dealing with common conditions like heart disease and diabetes, where they are actionable,” said Gordon. “People can change their diet or their lifestyle, or they can stop smoking
see STUDY, page 3
PHOTO/BOBBY JONES
Erynn S. Gordon, MS, CGC, Genetics Counseling director at The Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ, discusses how DNA will be extracted from a volunteer participant’s saliva sample.
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Andrews Gazette
HOT TICKETS
Commentary
Where did the time go?
Around Town April 26
Skyfall 6 p.m. Base theater The Air Force Assistance Fund presents James Bond’s SKYFALL. Admission is free but donations are accepted to support the AFAF. Snacks and beverages will be available. Doors open at 5 p.m.
April 27
Washington National Military Appreciation Day vs Cincinnati Reds 1:05 p.m. Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. The Nationals are offering 3,000 complimentary tickets for Military Appreciation Day. Claim up to two tickets (box office opens at 10:30 a.m.) per military ID. Additional tickets are available at a 50 percent discount with military ID. For information or to purchase tickets visit www.nationals.com/patriotic.
April 27
Montpelier Festival of Herbs, Tea and the Arts 10 a.m. Montpelier Mansion, 9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel Md. The whole family can visit artists and herb, art and crafts vendors; have lunch; make a kite and fly it, create art, see live animals and play on a hands-on history playground. For information visit www.pgparks.com.
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
Chris Basham, editor cbasham@dcmilitary.com Deirdre Parry, page design dparry@gazette.net Bobby Jones, photographer bjones@dcmilitary.com
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Friday, April 26, 2013
BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER
My baby is 17, today. I can hardly believe it. Last week, I saw him in a school production of To Kill a Mockingbird and I am pretty sure that even if I were not his mother, I would have found his portrayal of Walter Cunningham riveting and deep. He is handsome and witty and tall and doesn’t mind leaning down to give his mother a kiss on the cheek in the middle of the school auditorium, surrounded by fellow thespians and a girl who looks like she may be girlfriend material. As we sat together, he and I, listening to a panel discussion after the play, a kid in the row ahead of us turned around and said the same
thing people have been saying since he --and most of his brothers-- were little boys. “Is that your mother? That must be where you got your crazy hair.” And it is. Three of my four sons were lucky enough to inherit their mother’s wild curls: hard to tame, but as we’ve all learned together, hard to ignore, too. People remember us, and remember that we are related. Each of my boys tells stories of being stopped in the hall, or in a store or a restaurant, and asked--are you his brother? Is that your mom? Are you related? It’s like we’re part of a distinctive club. We are a set, and shall always be, even as we all grow up and try new things and live wherever life’s hope takes us. The boys have my sense of humor, too, and my flair for the ridiculous.
Just ask the family dentist, who insists the boys and I report to him and all the patients in the lobby about our latest attempt at life-as-art. If you want to meet a kid who can touch his own uvula with his tongue, or play bass upside down, or sing the entire score of Little Shop of Horrors, or stop traffic on a quiet, country road with the mere impersonation of an invisible rope, it almost certainly is one of my four boys you need to see. My men, now...almost all of them are legally, officially, absolutely men. I look up at my youngest son and I am just so thrilled to know him, to share him with his friends and the world. I have no idea what his future will bring, but I can’t wait to watch him create it. Happy Birthday, Gregory. You make me proud.
$203.3 million last year for morale, welfare and recreation activities. Shoppers who take advantage of their benefit at the exchange, online at www.shopmyexchange.com or over the phone through the exchange catalog help make the military community a better place to live and work. Purchases made in the past 10 years have provided more than $2.4 billion to military programs such as youth services, base functions, gyms and aquatic centers. Exchange support to the military in FY 2011 was not limited to Airmen ($68.8M) and Soldiers ($121.3M). Because AAFES operates at Marine and Navy locations, funds were also returned to Marines ($12.1M) and Sailors ($1.1M).
ties will be tobacco-free by September. The medical treatment campus encompasses the facility as well as its parking lots, lawns and “other outdoor areas contiguous with the medical treatment facility.” Tobacco use is also prohibited for Airmen in uniform or during school hours in training courses to include professional military education, officer training school, technical training and inter-service training programs. TRICARE beneficiaries who use tobacco are encouraged to review resources at DoD’s tobacco cessation website, www.ucanquit2.org.
Retiree Corner COURTESY OF THE RETIREE ACTIVITIES OFFICE
EVRs are over
Veterans don’t have to complete an Eligibility Verification Report to ensure pension benefits anymore. A new process will confirm eligibility for benefits, freeing Department of Veterans Affairs staff to focus on eliminating the compensation claims backlog. VA will work with the Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration to verify continued eligibility for pension benefits. VA estimates it would have sent nearly 150,000 EVRs to beneficiaries this year. All beneficiaries receiving VA pension benefits will receive a letter explaining these changes and providing instructions on how to continue to submit their unreimbursed medical expenses. For information, call 1-800-827-1000.
The Exchange pays
Service members and their families dining and shopping at Army and Air Force Exchange Service facilities generated a dividend of
No tobacco allowed
Tobacco use is prohibited on Air Force installations except in designated tobacco areas and housing units. Tobacco use includes, but is not limited to, cigars, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, stem pipes, water pipes, hookahs and smokeless products that are chewed, dipped, or sniffed. All medical treatment facili-
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 us at 301 981-2726. Our e-mail address is raoandrews.af.mil. Call the office before your visit to ensure a volunteer is on duty. The RAO has a website at www.andrews.af.mil, click on “Retirees” for a wealth of information on retiree subjects, including past copies of “Retiree Activities Corner.”
Friday, April 26, 2013
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Andrews Gazette
MEDICAL GROUP VOLUNTEERS CLEAN JBA FOR EARTH DAY Since the first Earth Day in 1970, volunteers have taken the time to work on Earth-friendly projects on a small scale, close to home and work. Joint Base Andrews volunteers, including several from the 779th Medical Group, worked together to care for the environment on base for Earth Day, celebrated throughout this week on JBA with clean-up efforts, children’s activities, and hazardous waste collection events.
PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES
Saliva samples in test tubes wait to be submitted to The Coriell Institute for a Personalized Medicine Research Study.
STUDY, from page 1
PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES
Volunteers from the 779th Medical Group clear trash and debris from the south end of Joint Base Andrews.
Brad Jordan, a contract environmental program manager, cleans debris from a culvert passageway near the fence line on Joint Base Andrews on Earth Day, April 23.
and try to reduce the risk, but in cases outside of this research, genetics counselors often work with people who are being tested for serious, often life-threatening conditions, so there’s a lot more psychological adaptation that has to happen in those cases.” The institute gives the participants the research study results for a variety of commissions over time, doling out one to two results per month, to avoid overwhelming the individual with too much information to digest. “We had been running this study in the civilian population for some years, and the Air Force came to us and asked us if we would consider executing the same study within an Air Force Medical Service population, with the idea of training the trainers. So we get Air Force medical personnel comfortable with genetic information through their own personal experience,” said Gordon. Part of the goal of the research study is to evaluate what people do with the information once they receive it. “We know that these are actionable cases, so if they change their diet and lifestyles and make other behavioral changes they can reduce their risk, but do people actually do that? Because there are lots of public health messages out there and there are lots of people who don’t follow them, so do people respond to genetic information differently and how do they actually use it. And can it be used to improve health outcome. So that’s really the goal of the research study,” Gordon said. In the long term, as we start seeing
Airman 1st Class Brent Long, 779th Medical Group environmental engineer, collects trash from a marshland area on Joint Base Andrews during an Earth Day clean-up.
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An Airman examines a test of her saliva sample.
the outcome of this study, the Air Force wants to implement personalized medicine in standard, clinical care. The USAF is not ready to implement this widely in clinical care yet. All results are held confidential, and sharing of information with a Primary Care manager is entirely voluntary. “We don’t submit any information into their Air Force medical records. It is entirely confidential. Eligible research study members must be active duty, Reserve or retired military,” Gordon said. “We are already at 75 percent of our goal, because we did 1500 over our travels in the last year,” said Susan Dulaney, Director, Government Affairs and Policy and project manager for the study. “Our goal is to reach 2000 participants.”
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Andrews Gazette
Friday, April 26, 2013
JBA’S FLAGS HONOR BOSTON VICTIMS
PHOTO/MELINA MESHAKO
Visitors Center fly at half mast April 20 in honor of the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing.
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Andrews Gazette
Friday, April 26, 2013
FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAM PLANTS PINWHEELS FOR PREVENTION
PHOTO/BOBBY JONES
Capt. Melanie Roserie, 779th Medical Operations Squadron clinical social worker, left, and 1st Lt. Chelsea Arnold, 779 MDOS clinical social worker, plant colorful pinwheels along the landscape in front of the William A. Jones, III Building.
Volunteers from across Joint Base Andrews joined to support “Pinwheels for Prevention” April 18. Sponsored by the JBA Family Advocacy Program, the pinwheels were set up at specific points around Andrews to raise awareness of and help prevent child abuse. April is nationally recognized as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month.The pinwheels represent hope, health, and happiness. This uplifting symbol of childhood represents our efforts to ensure the healthy development of children, while recognizing that child development is a building block for community and economic development. The Family Advocacy Program is dedicated to ending the cycle of child abuse by promoting individual well-being and healthy family relationships.
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Civilian and military members from the 779th Medical Operations Squadron recognize “Pinwheels for Prevention” to Help Prevent Child Abuse by putting pinwheels along the landscape in front of the William A. Jones, III Building.
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Pinwheels spin in the wind for Child Abuse Prevention month, while The flag flies at half-staff in honor of the victims of the Boston Marathon terrorist attack.
PHOTO/BOBBY JONES
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Volunteers from the 779th Medical Operations Squadron display “Pinwheels for Prevention.
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Andrews Gazette
Prince George’s County schools win in CSTEM competition BY JAMIE ANFENSON-COMEAU
PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE
Prince George’s County Public Schools took home 13 first-place finishes in the 2013 National Communications, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, or CSTEM, Challenge Competition, held April 9 in Houston, Texas. The annual competition for elementary, middle and high school students features competitions in robotics, mural, environmental stewardship, geographical information systems, sculpture and creative writing and a quiz bowl. Hosted by Houstonbased CSTEM Teacher and Student Support Services Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting hands-on learning experiences in communications, science, technology, engineering and math, the competition is in its eighth year. Port Towns Elementary School of Bladensburg won first place in the el-
ementary school division in Robotics, Creative Writing, Green/Environmental Stewardship and the STEM Quiz Bowl. William Wirt Middle School of Riverdale won first place in the middle school division in Mural, Sculpture, Geographic Information Systems and the STEM Quiz Bowl. Bladensburg High School won first place in the high school category in Mural, Sculpture, Creative Writing, Geographical Information Systems and Green/Environmental Stewardship. “This is a fascinating competition that gives our students the opportunity to be creative and innovative while solving problems,” said Alvin L. Crawley, interim superintendent. “I am very proud of our students and staff who have put in countless hours preparing for this national competition.” This story originally appeared in the April 18 edition of the Prince George’s Gazette.
Friday, April 26, 2013
J.P. HOYER CDC HOSTS PIZZA & KITE DAY Parents were invited for kite flying, pizza and refreshments with their children April 23 at the Judith P. Hoyer Child Development Center on Joint Base Andrews.
PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES
Miles Bond, 3, flies his kite and mother, Kim, observes.
Julian Lopez, 3, catches a breeze with his kite.
Upper Marlboro town clerk given statewide recognition BY DANIEL J. GROSS
PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE
Upper Marlboro’s town clerk, M. David Williams, received the “Clerk of the Year” award during a quarterly meeting of municipal clerks. Williams received the award March 14, during the Maryland Municipal Clerks Association quarterly meeting in Greenbelt. According to Upper Marl-
boro town officials, there were seven MMCA clerks nominated for the prestigious honor from cities and towns across the state. Williams will be recognized during a formal ceremony at the Maryland Municipal League annual convention in June. This story originally appeared in the April 18 edition of the Prince George’s Gazette.
Marlene Richardson, Judith P. Hoyer Child Development Center lead program technician, repairs kites for children during a break.
JBA Buzz What are your pet peeves?
Maurice Weir, Boat U.S., Director of Telecommunications
Rosalea Knight, Professional Sports Care and Rehab clinic director
“My first peeve is against people who load toilet paper on the roll backwards. I dislike people who drive slowly in the fast lane. And I particularly hate people who play chicken with you by driving their car directly towards you in the hopes of scaring you off the road.”
“I don’t like messiness or things out of place. I don’t like it when my husband divides his clothes into separate piles; dirty clothes and clothes he’s only worn for an hour. I would like him to just put them away. I hate when my puppy spreads her toys all over the house.”
“I dislike dirty dishes left in the sink. Because I’m a detailoriented person, I like organization. So I dislike someone who is disorganized. I don’t like people who are not on time.”
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Brandon Cleary, University of Maryland Kinesiology student
Darren Crudup, George Washington University information technology support analyst
“Mean people are a pet peeve for me. These types of people create so much negativity and confusion in the world, which causes people not to trust one another. Good always defeats evil. Reckless drivers are another pet peeve of mine. It’s amazing to me how people who drive recklessly have no problem putting other people’s lives in danger, not to mention their own. Lastly, my final pet peeve is profanity-laced rap music. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve pulled into a mall parking lot or gas station and had to listen to somebody with their windows down blasting that filth. It is so disrespectful to everyone in the area and especially to elderly people and children. Just not cool!”
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Andrews Gazette
Friday, April 26, 2013
Andrews staff sergeant has long run ahead BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS AARON STOUT
11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/STAFF SGT. BRITTANY E.JONES
Staff Sgt. David Nicholson, 779th Aerospace Medical Squadron NCO in charge of presidential support, runs during his lunch hour April 8 at Joint Base Andrews, Md., to prepare for the upcoming JBA Half Marathon. Nicholson said he knew running would always be part of his life when he crossed the finish line during his first half marathon in Seoul, South Korea.
It’s a cool spring afternoon on Joint Base Andrews as he regulates his breath because he has been running. He poured his blood, sweat and tears into training for an event that is important to him and historic for Joint Base Andrews. Staff Sgt. David Nicholson, 779th Medical Group NCO in charge of presidential support, was training for the Joint Base Andrews Inaugural Half Marathon. The event held for April 20 is sponsored by the Joint Base Andrews Chief ’s Group. Like many Airmen, Nicholson took up running to improve his Physical Training scores, but found it to be a great way to blow off stress and unwind. “I was inspired to run my first half-marathon when I was stationed at Osan Air Base, Korea,” Nicholson said. “The USO offered free registration to the 2007 Seoul Half Marathon and I’ve been running long-distance ever since.”
Participating in the half marathon has a wide variety of benefits; it is more than just winning a trophy, said Chief Master Sgt. William Sanders, 11 Wing/Joint Base Andrews Command Chief, a coordinator for the half marathon. “When you’re out training it contributes to readiness,” said Sanders. “When you’re training, whether it’s a 5k, 10k, half marathon or marathon, you are conditioning your body and more likely to be successful with the Air Force mission.” During this training season, Nicholson said there were several factors impacting his training routine, but he hasn’t let that prevent him from working toward his goals. “No training plan is set in stone, and there are plenty of times that life and the mission have gotten in the way of my training plan,” he said. “The best way to deal with it is to just stay flexible.” Nicholson has devised a training regimen that allows him to
1ST AIRLIFT SQUADRON WINS TWO OUT OF THREE AGAINST 11TH SFS In a series of Intramural Volleyball games between 1st Airlift Squadron and 11th Security Forces Squadron teams April 17 at the West Fitness Center, the 1st AS won two out of three games, with the final score 15 to 12 over the 11 SFS.
see RUN, page 8
JBA INTRAMURAL VOLLEYBALL STANDINGS TEAM
WINS
LOSSES
TOTAL GAMES
WIN %
PAG
5
0
5
100%
11 CES
5
0
5
100%
NGB
4
1
5
80%
11 LRS
3
2
5
60%
WSA
3
2
5
60%
11 SFG (2)
3
3
6
50%
11 SFG (1)
2
2
4
50%
89 COMM
2
2
4
50%
1st AS
3
3
6
50%
779 MDG
2
3
5
40%
844 Comm (1)
1
3
4
25%
NCWDG
1
4
5
20%
844 Comm (2)
0
5
5
0%
ONI
0
4
4
0%
PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES
Sonny Vaa, 11th Security Forces Squadron player, returns a volley during the second half of game three against Chuck Oliver, 1st Airlift Squadron defender.
Brandon Moorer, 1st Airlift Squadron player, spikes a return for a point.
Autumn Carr performs a bump pass to set up a fellow teammate.
MARATHON, from page 1
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/STAFF SGT. BRITTANY E. JONES
Above: A man takes a photo of a runner seconds before he crosses the finish line of the Joint Base Andrews Half Marathon. Right: A child of a half marathon participant holds a sign near the finish line April 20 at Joint Base Andrews, Md. The child’s mother was participating in her first half marathon.
Runners eat snacks and drink water after completing the Joint Base Andrews Half Marathon. Kristopher Epps, half marathon participant, crosses the finish line at one hour, 24 minutes and 48 seconds. Epps was the first male runner to finish the half marathon.
thing to bring us all together to kick it off.” Sanders pitched the idea to the Chief ’s Group, who in typical senior NCO fashion, made it happen. Proceeds from the event were donated to the Wounded Warrior Project, the Fisher House, and the Military and Family Readiness Center here. Despite this being the first race of its kind here, organizers and racers agreed things went well. “It was a great race,” said Master Sgt. Russell Gately, a force management specialist at the Air National Guard Readiness Center here who ran the race. “I have run 21 half marathons, and they had everything covered. I thought it was well attended and they did a great job, organization-wise. I hope the race gets bigger every year.” The Chief ’s Group and the coordinating committee have taken an armful of lessons learned as the make plans for next year’s race. Details about this year’s race and next year’s can be found at http://www. jbamarathon.com/Home_Page.html.
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Andrews Gazette
Friday, April 26, 2013
Becoming a sexual assault victim advocate
JBA HOSTS FAMILY FEST 2013 Joint Base Andrews hosted Family Fun Fest 2013 and a Half Marathon April 20. Sponsored by the JBA Chief’s Group, the 13.1-mile run was open to all service members and dedicated to the memory of victims of the terrorist attack on the Boston Marathon.
BY STAFF SGT. DAICIA JONES
JOINT BASE ANDREWS SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM ADVOCATE
PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES
Robert Richardson, 6, tries to lasso a stationary longhorn.
Master Sgt. Shani Prewitt, one of the lead singers for Max Impact, the premier rock band of the United States Air Force, gives a crowd-pleasing performance to entertain marathon participants and Joint Base Andrews members during Family Fest 2013.
An 11th Security Forces Squadron patrolman warms his hands under a lamp during a Joint Base Andrews Family Fest.
Senior Airman Brianna Schmid, 1st Airlift Squadron flight attendant, drinks water after taking third place in the women’s category of the inaugural Joint Base Andrews Half Marathon April 20.
Runners finish the Joint Base Andrews half marathon.
Col. Bill Knight, 11th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander, poses with the top-placing female runners at the Joint Base Andrews Half Marathon awards ceremony.
Navy Yeoman 2nd Class Lovejeanne Wright, Naval Air Facility Washington, prepares to receive her medal for crossing the finish line.
Have you ever had a friend, loved one, or even just an associate who was involved in a sexual assault, and you felt helpless? Have you had the desire to help them or support them, but didn’t know how? If so, you may be a wonderful candidate to become a Sexual Assault Victim Advocate. When I first entered the military, I was given brief after brief about sexual assault prevention, and I didn’t understand why. According to the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, there were approximately 19,000 sexual assaults in 2011; out of those 19,000, it is estimated only 13.5 percent of the survivors reported the assault. From the time I heard about the different issues we have with sexual assault in the military, I wanted to help; however, I didn’t know where to begin. The flight commander at my previous base was the Alternate Sexual Assault Response Coordinator; because she was an officer, I assumed only officers could help the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program. I knew nothing at all about becoming a part of the SAPR program until I got
to Joint Base Andrews. I was going through my emails and I noticed an email from my first sergeant about becoming a Sexual Assault Victim Advocate. I wanted to delete the email but I decided to read it instead. I realized the Victim Advocate program is for officer or enlisted and focuses on supporting survivors and eradicating support for tolerance of sexual assault. The application process to become a victim advocate was very straightforward for me; request application, fill it out and request approval from my supervisor and commander. Once my application was completed, I was interviewed for the position. Now that I have applied and been vetted, I had to complete 40 hours of training. It was important that I paid attention and really understood what I was being trained on and what being a victim advocate was really about. The job is extremely sensitive. There are still many people in the military who have been victims of sexual assault, but because they don’t feel the support of others, they keep it to themselves. Because of my training, I am now equipped to support survivors and let them know they are not alone in this. Though sometimes it is demanding, actually being able to support a survivor makes it all worth it. I encourage everyone that would like to volunteer for a duty that stands for eradicating the stigma of sexual assaults, and supporting the victims to look into becoming a victim advocate. The Air Force is big and we can use all the support we can get. For more information, contact the Joint Base Andrews SAPR program at 301-981-1442.
Death notice ATTENTION ALL PERSONNEL: 1st Lieutenant Brittne Lynn regretfully announces the death of Senior Airman Thomas Richardson. Anyone having claims against or indebtedness to the estate of Sr. Airman Thomas Richardson contact 1st Lieutenant Brittne Lynn Summary Court Officer, at 202-404-7328.
RUN, from page 7
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keep up with mission requirements while improving his run time. By running three times during the week and two long runs on the weekends, he noted steady improvement in his run. “The most challenging aspect of my training this season has been the weather,” he said. “It can be hard to find the motivation to use the treadmill on cold, rainy days, but that won’t stop me. My goal is to beat my personal record of 1 hour 39 minutes ... I’m not quite there yet, but I always perform better on race day.”
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Friday, April 26, 2013
Sexual assault prevention a year-round effort is to raise awareness and to promote the prevention of sexual violence through use of special events and public education. “Sexual assault is a crime and won’t be tolerated,” said Col. Michael Minihan, commander of the 89th Airlift Wing. “We pause to raise awareness of sexual assault in April, but we don’t stop when the month ends. We all have a role in preventing sexual assault every minute of every day.” Awareness campaigns are important, but faceto-face dialogue is the best way for leaders to engage with their Airmen, said
BY MAJ. JOEL HARPER 89TH AIRLIFT WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Recognizing sexual assault awareness during April is important, but eliminating the crime is a year-round effort that requires face-to-face engagement with leaders. Leaders and sexual assault victim advocates from the 89th Airlift Wing paid special, no-notice visits to Airmen in their units this week in an effort to promote awareness. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month across the Department of Defense. The goal of this month, according to DOD,
Master Sgt. Heidi Huff, volunteer victim advocate for Joint Base Andrews. “When leaders take a stand, Airmen listen, and believe,” said Huff. “Campaigns are important, hand-outs are great. Awareness months are awesome, but can be forgotten. Nothing replaces face-to-face contact and candid conversations with our leaders.” With sexual assault being one of America’s most unreported crimes, face-toface interaction with leadership is important, said Staff Sgt. Christine Kim, flight attendant for the 1st Airlift Squadron.
CAPTION THIS
Send your silly captions for this week’s photo to cbasham@dcmilitary.com. The funniest ones will be used in a future edition of the Andrews Gazette.
COLLEGE, from page 1 Dawn Lewis, a psychology professor who taught Artis in three classes, said Artis sometimes told her she would need to miss class due to “personal matters,” but was never late on assignments and was always professional. “I think we are going to see really big things from Juanita,” Lewis said, noting that Artis received an A in all three courses. “I think we are going to see a leader in Prince George’s County or, if not a leader in Prince George’s County, a leader in Maryland.” Artis joined two prestigious honor societies — Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and Psi Beta Honor Society — and served as the Student Government Association president this year after being elected by her fellow students the previous year. Clover Baker-Brown, a professor of communications at the school, who chaired the committee that selected Artis to speak at the commencement, said her story could inspire anyone, not just students of the school. Artis was selected because she presented her speech well in front of the committee and had an uplifting story, Baker-Brown said. “Her story truly epitomizes how Prince George’s Community College transforms lives,” Baker-Brown said. “Prince George’s Community College gave her a second chance to be the best that she can be. I think that she took that opportunity and she seized it. She seized every ounce of it.” This story originally appeared in the April 23 edition of the Prince George’s Gazette.
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“It was reassuring to hear that leaders take the issue to heart,” said Kim. “It tells people that if you’re a victim, you don’t need to be ashamed or to hide -you can come forward, and we will help you.” Help is just a click, call, or text away. If you have been sexually assaulted, please call the Joint Base Andrews 24/7 Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Response Helpline at 301-981-SARC (7272) or 202-767-SARC (7272). Assistance is also available by calling the DoD Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247 or by visiting www.safehelpline.org.
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY MAJ JOEL HARPER
U.S. Air Force Col. Mike Minihan, right, commander of the 89th Airlift Wing, and Chief Master Sgt. Eddie Webb, 89th AW command chief, discuss sexual assault prevention with victim advocates April 17 at Joint Base Andrews. Face-to-face engagement and continued engagement with Airmen is crucial to eliminating sexual assault, said Minihan.
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Andrews Gazette
K-9 STANDS OUT AS TOP DOG
HUMMINGBIRDS, from page 1 How to choose a hummingbird feeder (hers) This labor of love begins with choosing the hummingbird feeders. If you don’t already have a hummingbird feeder (or two), here’s what to look for:
Color:
Hummingbirds really love the color red. To them it is a sign that there is an abundance of nectar within. Look for a feeder with a red container, red feeding portals or red feeding tubes. This year, I’m considering retrofitting my pretty, blue art glass feeder with a red replacement feeding tube to see if our resident hummingbirds will finally use it. It’s worth a try.
Number and Size:
Hummingbirds are territorial, so it is more about the number of feeders you have available and not about the size of the feeders if your goal is to attract numerous hummingbirds. How many hummingbirds do you usually have in your yard? If this is your first experience as a hummingbird chef, you may want to buy several small, single feeders. If all of the sugar solution is gone within three to four days, then your hummingbird restaurants are a hit and you could try larger feeders or more feeders next year to accommodate their demands.
Configuration of feeding stations and perches:
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS NESHA HUMES
Staff Sgt. Samantha Navarrete, 11th Security Support Flight military working dog handler presents a 2012 K9 Medal for Exceptional Service to her dog Besy during a ceremony April 19 at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Besy was one of only two honored in 2012 for demonstrating exceptional acts in the War on Terror. This is the first time an Air Force team has received this award.
Religious Services on base Islamic
Prayer Room in Chapel 1 Annex Daily Prayer Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Prayer Service Friday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Jewish
Kiddush/Sabbath dinner Friday, 6 p.m. All are welcome. To RSVP and for location contact: Rabbi, Capt. Schechter at 240-671-2270 or sarah.schechter@ us.af.mil. You can find a complete listing of Yom Kippur services in the National Capital Region through www.jewishindc.com.
Protestant:
Sunday Services Chapel 2, Traditional Service 9 a.m. Base Theater, Contemporary Service 10 a.m. Gospel Service 11:30 a.m. Tuesday Family Night at Base Theater Family meal 5 p.m. Christian Education and AWANA Kid’s Program 6 p.m.
Roman Catholic
Reconciliation by appointment, call 301-981-2111 Daily and Saturday Mass have been temporarily suspended. Chapel 1, 1345 W. Perimeter Road. Mass Sunday, 8:30 a.m. Chapel 2, 3715 Fetchet Ave. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) classes Monday, 6 p.m. For information, pastoral counseling and religious accommodation of all faith traditions call 301-981-2111 or visit the chapel office at 1345 W Perimeter Road.
Feeders come in many shapes: hanging cylinders with three or four portals on a feeding base; hanging glass bottles with feeder tubes; hanging art glass ornaments with feeding tubes and plastic ovoids with four to five portals, reminiscent of a 50s sci-fi space ship with window suction cup attachments. For any design, consider how many portals or feeding tubes the feeder has. Our hummingbirds always chase each other away; having more than one feeding portal is a waste on these birds. Yet we do have two feeders with four portals adorned with plastic flowers so that we can view these ace flyers from different angles as they feed. A perch on the feeding station is a good feature to look for when selecting your feeder, especially if you are trying to photograph your eat-and-fly nectar lovers. Most hummingbirds will eat while they hover, but a perch will encourage them to linger between feedings. If you didn’t buy a feeder with a perch, don’t worry. Look for the hummingbirds at rest on a nearby branch.
Ant traps and bee guards:
These two items are great features because it will make the cleaning task more pleasant and much easier. After a few years of continuous summer ant parties on the hummingbird feeders, we started using ant traps. Simple water traps work well when they’re filled with water. The ant traps also provide water for the hummingbirds. This year I mistakenly bought an ant trap with an anti-ant chemical in it for my new single feeder instead of a water ant trap. I probably should have read the label. However, now that we have one, we’ll have an opportunity to see which ant trap type works best. I’ll let you know the outcome of my experiment next year. This is also the first year I became aware of bee guards for hummingbird feeders. The bee guard is a small plastic cage that attaches to the end of a feeder tube or portal. The small openings keep bees out while allowing the long hummingbird beak to reach the nectar. My new single feeder has a bee guard as part of its assembly; you can also buy bee guards separately to retrofit your existing feeders. When to hang up the hummingbird feeder (hers) Three signs tell you it’s time to remind him that it’s time: If you have azalea or rhododendron bushes in bloom, see hummingbirds in your yard or if it is the last weekend in April or the first weekend in May, it’s time to hang up the hummingbird feeders. If you know where the feeders were stored for the winter, now is the time to hang them on the living room floor lamps for an easy, visual reminder to your designated feeder mounter. Where to hang or mount a hummingbird feeder (his & hers) If you have one feeder, hang it on or near a window that you look through often. A shady area near blooming plants or shrubs is best. You could also add a feeder to your hummingbird garden, or plant a hummingbird garden near your designated feeder location. Hummingbirds are voracious eaters and won’t mind feeding from any nectar smorgasbord you’ve provided in your yard. Hummingbirds are territorial. If you are hanging several feeders, hang them on different sides of the house to minimize conflicts and encourage more hummingbirds to visit.
Friday, April 26, 2013
How to mount the hummingbird feeder (his) My husband excels in this. We have toggle clips and pulleys for easy access to the feeders. As an engineer he enjoys the challenge of hanging a feeder from a tree branch on a hillside near my office window. You can, however, use a less elaborate system and hang your hummingbird feeder from a staked metal hanging plant hook or a wall-mounted plant hanger. Suction cup mounting for light plastic feeders is another option that is part of this type of feeder’s assembly. My new addition to our feeder collection, the single feeder, has a small wire stand with a hooked end that can be used in flower pots and planters. I wonder if I place this one myself whether I can persuade my husband to fill and maintain this one, too.
What to feed hummingbirds (his)
Give this task to the cook in the family. Make a feeder solution of 4 parts water to 1 part white sugar (no dye or coloring required). Combine the mixture in a pan. I’m told stirring is not necessary. Heat the solution and let it boil for two minutes. Allow the sugar mixture to fully cool before filling the feeder. You can refrigerate the left-overs for use later. 4 to 1 mixture 1 cup water to ¼ cup sugar 2 cups water to ½ cup sugar 4 cups water to 1 cup sugar Do NOT use honey or artificial sweeteners. These products can be harmful to hummingbirds. Remember to tell others in your household that the clear liquid in the pan on the stove is for the birds. I’m embarrassed to say how many times I’ve thrown the hummingbird solution out to clean the pan left on the stove - thinking it held only water. How to maintain a hummingbird feeder (his) There are three things to remember about maintaining the feeder: Change or replace the sugar solution every three to four days. If the feeder is empty, shorten the time between fillings or buy an additional feeder. You have several hungry birds! Clean the feeder when you change the solution. As the summer temperature gets hotter, remember to check and refill your ant trap water regularly. (This task can be subcontracted out to other members of the household.) Plastic feeders cannot be placed in the dishwasher and some will not tolerate hot water. I know this from experience; the plastic will shrink and the feeder will be ruined if you clean it in the dishwasher. Small cleaning brushes are useful and available online or at the same retail location where you bought your feeder(s). When to take the hummingbird feeder down (hers) After you think you’ve seen the last hummingbird of the season, keep the feeder up for another 2 weeks for any stragglers. Usually by late September, all of the hummingbirds have migrated south for the winter. To prevent damaged feeders, take the feeders down before the first freeze. Usually the end of hummingbird season occurs about the same time I’m moving the last of my deck plants inside to their winter home. This is also around the time I remind my husband to turn off the water to the outside faucets. Bundling this feeder task with the other fall house tasks makes it easier to remember. How to take down, clean and store the hummingbird feeder for the next year (his) When all hope of another hummingbird sighting is gone, my husband reluctantly takes down the hummingbird feeders. Although he has done all of the work feeding our tiny, entertaining flyers, he will also clean and store the feeders at the end of this task cycle. Actually, I don’t even know where he stores the feeders. I’m assuming they are in a nice, dry place where they won’t get broken. Use soap and water for the final cleaning and rinse thoroughly. To prevent mold growth, make sure your hummingbird feeder is dry before storing it for the winter. Remember to thank your family for indulging you in this sweet, shared labor of love.
Resources
BOOKS Stokes Beginner’s Guide to Hummingbirds – Donald & Lillian Stokes Enjoying Hummingbirds in the Wild and in Your Yard – Larry & Terrie Gates
WEBSITES
www.hummingbirds.net www.hummingbirdworld.com www.nationalzoo.si.edu/SCBI/MigratoryBirds/WebCam/hummingbirds.cfm
For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,
visit www.dcmilitary.com.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Andrews Gazette
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Friday, April 26, 2013