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COMMENTARY Celebrating Asian American, Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Page 2

DCMILITARY.COM

HEALTH

BUSINESS

Hypertension, the silent killer, Page 6

Veteran business owners sought for training program, Page 3

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

FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015 | VOL. 4 NO. 18

‘Paws’ for retirement

BY SENIOR AIRMAN MARIAH HADDENHAM

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

PHOTO BY LESLIE C. SMITH

Tommy Marrow, Lane Riley and John Driscoll – Raiders of the Night – prep to start the 2 a.m. leg of the Carry the Load, a 27-mile relay from West Point, N.Y., to Dallas.

A journey to bring back the meaning of Memorial Day

BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

It’s 2 o’clock in the morning in Bowie. There are few cars—much less people—around in the darkened shopping center parking lot. Alone in the Chick-Fil-A parking lot sits a large touring bus, wrapped in images of service members and first responders. It is only upon approaching the bus do you see a little movement— three people readying for a 5-mile trek to Landover by bicycle.

John Driscoll, Lane Riley and Tommy Morrow taking on the moniker Raiders of the Night (for the night shift they take on during the relay) prep for the next leg of the relay.

Each has special reasons for taking on the challenge.

see RELAY, page 5

COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE BRINGS B-17 TO JBA

Members of Joint Base Andrews recognized the accomplishments of three military working dogs during a retirement ceremony May 1.

Sam, Guero and Besy served approximately seven years each under the care of their handlers at the 11th Security Support Squadron, with the exception of Besy, whose career started at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.

“With a sense of smell 20 times more powerful than a human’s, MWD’s are a vital asset to Air Force operations and are considered essential for detection of explosives, narcotics and can be used as attack dogs when necessary,” said Tech. Sgt. Manuel Garcia, 11th Security Support Squadron military working dog section training supervisor.

Combined, these MWD’s completed more than 31,000 search hours and cleared approximately 297,000 vehicles. Their efforts provided detection capabilities for more than 180 foreign heads of state and dignitaries transition-

BY BOBBY JONES

Braden Licciardi, an event participant, gets inside the ball turret of the B-17G Texas Raiders at Joint Base Andrews, May 4. See photos on page 4.

ing through the National Capital Region, and supported more than 100 missions for the Department of State and United States Secret Service.

During the ceremony, all three dogs were awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and were officially retired from service.

“Besy, Guero and Sam have blazed their trail following in the legacy of those canines who have served before them,” said Joseph Rector, 11th Security Forces Group director.

“They have made Joint Base Andrews a safer place to work and live.”

The Military Working

Dog Adoption program, enacted by Congress in 2000, allowed adoption of retiring dogs to law enforcement agencies, former handlers, and other persons capable of caring for the dogs. Thanks to this, following the ceremony, the dogs were collected by their new families.

Airmen meet Avon 39 challenge STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

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

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

Guero, military working dog, yawns after receiving his Meritorious Service Medal during a retirement ceremony on Joint Base Andrews, May 1. After being officially retired during the ceremony, Guero left with his new adoptive family.

Surrounded by a sea of more than 2,000 exuberant and colorfully clad participants, Senior Master Sgt. Demetrica Jefferis and Tech. Sgt. Jenne Markovitz prepared mentally and emotionally to participate in the 2015 Avon 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer near the Washington Monument on May 2. The walk drew approximately 260 cancer survivors.

The Airmen, both survivors of breast cancer, became friends and shared their sto-

ries of triumph with other survivors while attending monthly meetings of a new breast cancer support group called Together in Pink, established by Jefferis at the Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center on Joint Base Andrews more than a year ago.

It would be their first walk in the annual event with participants from all over the nation. They were committed to completing the combined length of 39.3 BOBBY JONES miles – 26.2 miles on May 2 and 13.1 miles on May 3.

Senior Master Sgt. Demetrica Jefferis gets high fives Jefferis wore several as she passes by a tunnel of supporters during mile see AVON, page 3 one.

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Hot tickets around town May 8–9

11th Annual Green Man Festival Roosevelt Center, Crescent Road and Southway Drive, Greenbelt Join us, rain or shine, for two days of “green” celebration and fun in beautiful Historic Downtown Greenbelt! Festival activities will reconnect us to the folklore of ancient civilizations through science, art, music and myth by featuring many local artists, musicians and performers from Maryland as well as other parts of the country. Visit www.greenbeltgreenmanfestival.org.

May 8

Live At Montpelier: Ken Navarro 8 p.m.

Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel During the past 25 years, Ken Navarro has performed in every major U.S. city and has had numerous Top 5 hits on national radio. He began his recording career in Los Angeles performing and recording with artists like Doc Severinsen, Nell Carter, John Patitucci, Ann Jillian and Alex Acuna, and has shared the stage with artists such as Spyro Gyra, Chuck Mangione, Najee, Chris Botti, The Rippingtons, Jean-Luc Ponty, Keiko Matsui, David Benoit, and many others. ($) Call 301-377-7800 or visit www.arts.pgparks.com.

May 10

Mother’s Day Brunch & Jazz Noon–4 p.m.

Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex, 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover Come celebrate all mothers, while enjoying a delicious catered Brunch and listening to the sounds of smooth Jazz. If that is not enough, participate in a Fashion Show and model your most elegant, impressive spring hats. ($) Call 301-583-2400 or visit www.pgparks.com.

May 10—Sept. 27

Movies on the Potomac 6 p.m.

National Harbor, 137 National Plaza, National Harbor Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars-and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor on Sundays. The 2015 season runs through Sunday, Sept. 27. Meet us at the Plaza’s big screen for a evening of ocean breezes and all-ages fun! Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the show! Free. Call 1-877-NATL-HBR or visit www.nationalharbor.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

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

Friday, May 8, 2015

Commentary Celebrating Asian American, Pacific Islander Heritage Month

BY DR. ROBERT B. KANE AIR UNIVERSITY, DIRECTOR OF HISTORY

In 1978, Congress established Asian-Pacific American Heritage Week to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans to U.S. history and culture. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush extended the celebration to the entire month.

On Oct. 23, 1992, Congress officially designated May of each year as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Americans of Asian or Pacific Islander ancestry to the rich heritage and cultural fabric of the U.S. The theme for 2015 is “Many Cultures, One Voice: Promote Equality and Inclusion.”

Congress selected May for this celebration because it includes the anniversaries of the arrival in the U.S. of the first Japanese immigrants on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the first transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, partially by the labor of thousands of Chinese immigrants The term “Asia-Pacific Islands” includes the continent of Asia; the Pacific island groups of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia; the island groups of the Western and Central Pacific, such as the Philippines

Dec. 7, 1941, and housed 120,000 Japanese-Americans who had been living in Pacific Coast states.

They, like the Tuskegee Airmen, fought prejudice at home, as well as tyranny overseas, during World War II.

By May 1945, the 442nd RCT and the 100th IB, fighting in Italy and southern France, had become the most highly decorated U.S. military units of their size.

COURTESY PHOTO/NASA They had accumulated STS-51L crew members pose during a break in more than 18,000 individcountdown training in the White Room at Launch ual decorations for bravPad 39B in November of 1985. From the left are ery, including 18 Medals Christa McAuliffe, Gregory Jarvis, Judith Resnik, of Honor; 52 Distinguished Francis “Dick” Scobee, Ronald McNair, Mike Smith Service Crosses; and 9,500 and Ellison Onizuka.

Purple Hearts, with many Soldiers earning multiple and the Marianas; and Ha- launch from the Kennedy awards. In addition, the waii, the 50th state of the Space Center, Florida, on two units collectively reU.S. About 5 percent of the Jan. 28, 1986. Congress ceived seven Presidential population of the U.S. is of posthumously promoted Unit Citations.

Asian or Pacific Islander him to colonel, and the Air One of the most wellForce renamed Sunnyvale known members of the descent.

Perhaps the most well- Air Force Station, Califor- 442nd RCT was Daniel known Air Force member nia, after Onizuka on Jan. K. Inouye, the first U.S. of Asian-Pacific Islander 26, 1994. The Air Force of- congressman of Japanese ancestry is Ellison Onizu- ficially closed the installa- ancestry and the second ka. Born in 1946 in Ha- tion in September 2011. longest-serving senator.

Another part of the During World War II, he waii, he entered the Air Force in January 1970 and Asian-Pacific American received a battlefield comflew a variety of aircraft, heritage is the Army’s mission and promotion eventually logging more 100th Infantry Battalion to second lieutenant. He than 1,700 flying hours. In and the 442nd Regimen- also received many decoJanuary 1978, he became tal Combat Team, which rations to include the Disan astronaut candidate for was made up of Japanese- tinguished Service Cross, Americans from Hawaii which was later upgraded NASA. Onizuka flew his first and others that were held to the Medal of Honor space shuttle mission in detention camps. The in 2000. He is among 30 aboard the Discovery in detention camps were es- Asian-Americans who have January 1985. He was a tablished by the U.S. gov- received America’s highest mission specialist aboard ernment in February 1942 military award. He served the orbiter Challenger in result of the attack on as U.S. senator from Hawhen it exploded a little Pearl Harbor by the Japa- waii from to 1963 until his over one minute after nese Imperial Navy on death on Dec. 17, 2012.

Retiree Corner Wi-Fi in Commissaries

Commissary patrons now have Wi-Fi access. Many patrons come to the commissary with smart phones and tablets. Wi-Fi helps them maximize their commissary benefit, said a Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) spokesman. Anyone can access the store’s Wi-Fi from the sales floor area. Users must accept the DeCA’s “terms of service” agreement and some websites are blocked. Patrons with questions about access should contact the store’s customer service representative.

Claims Processing Improved

More than 1.3 million

veterans received decisions on their VA disability compensation and pension claims in 2014—a record number, surpassing last year’s production by more than 150,000 claims. This second year of record-breaking production comes as VA continues to transform the way it provides benefits and services. The disability claims backlog (any disability claim pending longer than 125 days) was reduced by 60 percent from the peak backlog in March 2013. Accuracy of VA’s decisions continues to rise from an 83 percent in 2011 to a 90 percent accuracy level today. At the medical issue level, accuracy is at 96 percent. VA once processed 5,000 tons

of paper annually. Today, it processes 93 percent of its disability claims electronically. For more information on VA benefits and programs, call 1-800-827-1000.

Circle the Date

Retiree Appreciation Day, hosted by the 11th Wing, will be observed Saturday, Oct. 27, at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. The annual event alternates between JBAB and Joint Base Andrews. Retired Col. Jim Daugherty, director of Retiree Activities Offices at both bases, made the announcement in conjunction with Col. Brad Hoagland, 11th Wing commander. Activities will be centered at the Bolling Club, starting with

a Health Fair offered by the 579th Medical Group at JBAB. Annual influenza immunizations are scheduled for the fair. Ballroom presentations will provide information updates on a variety of subjects of interest to the military retirement community. The Bolling Exchange and Commissary are also expected to provide special sales incentives.

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

Andrews Gazette

Friday, May 8, 2015

AVON, from page 1 pink several pink satin strips with the names of cancer survivors and donation supporters around her waist, while Markovitz wore a pink sash with the word survivor across it.

“I’m wearing the names of survivors who suffered from this disease and people who died as a public display in honor to them and tribute to their fight. In doing this, it’s not just their name I’m carrying. It’s the burden, the pain, fatigue and struggle of them telling their loved one I have cancer, only to leave them alone. All of these things went through my mind as I did the walk,” said Jefferis, Air Force Element Department of Defense superintendant and First Sergeant.

“I’ve supported the fight against breast cancer for a long time, because my mother passed from it, and my cancer is actually genetic. It runs through the family on my mother’s side,” said Jefferis.

A cancer survivor of just over 14 months, Jefferis is thankful to be spared from the long-term treatments that can some time take their toll on cancer victims.

“Mine was detected very

early on. I was diagnosed with a common, but less lifethreatening form of breast cancer called Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), but I needed a bilateral mastectomy because it was in both breasts. I didn’t need chemo, I didn’t have to go through treatment for radiation or hormone therapy,” said Jefferis, an Air Force veteran of 26 years.

“When I retire this summer, I would like to start volunteering and enlist the support my Air Force counterparts,” Jefferis shared.

A few years ago, Markovitz found out that she was in stage two of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ cancer while stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base as a medical logistics technician. She noticed a lump in her breast but thought it to be harmless because she was young, in good physical shape and didn’t have any family history of cancer.

“I’d gotten a 97 on my PT test. I thought I was superhealthy,” said Markovitz.

Fortunately, she mentioned the lump to one of her friends in the Women’s Health Clinic, who advised her to come to the clinic immediately. Six months later, she was diagnosed with cancer.

At one point in her career, Markovitz thought her current job as an Airman Leadership School instructor was in jeopardy. She was selected for the special duty assignment at the 707th Force Support Squadron Airman Leadership School at Ft. George E. Meade prior to her diagnosis. Her new bosses questioned if she could perform her job with this disease.

“I knew that I could do the job. But by the time I started teaching I was ‘bald as a bat’,” said Markovitz jokingly. “At first, it was somewhat of a distraction, because the students didn’t know about my cancer.

Eventually, I used my story in my teaching to further motivate them. I believe that surviving the cancer helped me to overcome any challenge after that,” said Markovitz, now a four-year cancer survivor.

Although the both were newcomers to the event, they enjoyed the new found friendships and stories they heard along the way with veteran walkers.

“When the walk got tough, I thought of those moments of fear, doubt, insecurity and I pushed myself, thinking if I can go through treatment and surgeries, I

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absolutely can do this.”

Markovitz painfully recounted when she went underwent chemo therapy, noting, “I had such bad neuropathy that I couldn't walk sometimes at all while going through the treatments. It hurt so badly. A lot of it really came down to digging deep and grabbing what I had down in there and pushing through whatever the feat may be,” Markovitz said.

“The walk ended with a wonderful and emotional closing ceremony that re-solidified my connection with every person there: The crew that made it possible, the walkers that walked for someone they loved, someone going through treatment right now, the walker that walked for everyone, Avon for creating the event, all the hospitals and clinics who treat patients, the universities that research cures and better treatments and the survivors that still fight today,” added Markowitz.

“The entire weekend was awesome and I'll definitely be doing it again.”

For more information about AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer, visit www.avon39.org or join the #Powerof39 conversation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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Veteran business owners sought for training program Apply now for the National Center for VIP training program at the Bolger Center Hotel and Conference Center in Potomac from June 9-11.

Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) is an educational program for owners, principals and Clevel executives of veteran-owned businesses. The VIP is a 27-hour, three-day comprehensive certification program designed for veteran businesses to increase their ability to win government contracts. To date, 446 veteran-owned businesses have graduated from the program.

The VIP classes are offered to one executive from each enrolled businesses.

Class size is limited to 50.

The program is funded

by Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation, partners and VIP sponsors, and is of no cost to participants. Enrollment is open to veteranowned businesses nationwide.

Eligible applicants: 1. Must be an owner,

principal or C-level executive for a veteran-owned business 2. Have been in business for at least two years with a minimum of three full time employees 3. Have experience working on Federal government contracts as a prime and/or sub-contractor to a prime 4. Be a small business.

VIP is for veteran business executives with interest in best business practices in these areas: accounting/budgets/developing rates; compliance; contracting—teaming, joint ventures, RFI; financing/capital management; human resources; insurance; marketing, proposals and capture management; program management/internal controls.

For more information or to apply, please visit www. nationalvip.org.The Bolger Center Hotel and Conference Center is located at 9600 Newbridge Drive.

–Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, May 8, 2015

Commemorative Air Force brings B-17 to JBA

B-17G Texas Raiders, sits on the flightline at Joint Base Andrews, May 4. The aircraft was on display to commemorate Victory in Europe Day which will be celebrated today. The Texas Raiders is a Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress that is part of the Commemorative Air Force, a nonprofit organization located out of Midland, Texas.

Chief Master Sgt. Todd Cole, 89th Airlift Wing command chief, walks through the bomb bay of the B-17G Texas Raiders at Joint Base Andrews, May 4.

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

Capt. Denise Duriga, 11th Wing Protocol chief, looks out the window of the B-17G Texas Raiders at Joint Base Andrews, May 4. Texas Raiders is one of two in the Commemorative Air Force organization and one of 11 still flying.

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, May 8, 2015

RELAY, from page 1 Experiencing his first year, Riley comes from a military family, “It has been impressed upon me that the freedom we enjoy everyday wasn’t really free. It was a good way to show appreciation. This perhaps provides a way for people in my generation to honor and celebrate Memorial Day.” “I don’t necessarily come from a military family like Lane does; but when you are asked to do something like this and you really do see that Memorial Day has become more or less a vacation day you can’t say no,” shared Driscoll in his second year of participating.

Marrow, retired Army and 20 years as a firefighter, is one of the drivers for the bus for the relay. He shared, “It was such an opportunity, a way for us to remember. You meet so many people and as you are walking you quickly get to know people and their stories – strangers no longer after that. I drove last year and I didn’t hesitate to do it again.”

This journey started in West Point, N.Y., on April 28 and will only end once they

The relay team joins with several local walkers to start the first Washington, D.C. leg of the relay just after sunrise.

reach Dallas on Memorial Day weekend – some 2,000 miles later. It was on May 4th that this journey passed through Maryland.

What is this journey about? It is Carry the Load, a 27-day relay that provides a way to honor and celebrate military, law enforcement, firefighters and rescue personnel who have sacrificed for this country, as well as their families.

According to the creators, it is a way to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day while raising money for non-profit partners.

This nonprofit was

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founded by Clint Bruce and Stephen Holley, two former Navy SEALs. The genesis of the relay was when Bruce had become frustrated with what Memorial Day had become— just another day off from work and not about sacrifice. Bruce strapped on a pack and walked, honoring fallen brethren and sharing their pain.

Driscoll hops on the bicycle and Riley jumps in the chase car. It is a quick 20 minute trip to the next leg’s starting point. People at the gas station approach the bus, intrigued by the pictures and “Restoring

the True Meaning of Memorial Day” emblazoned across the side.

It becomes apparent this scene repeats itself numerous times during the journey as they share story after story of people inquiring about their passage with many joining the relay spontaneously. It was 4 a.m. when they began the next leg from Landover to cross over into Washington, D.C. They asked, “Do you want to walk?” It was then that the reporter joined the numbers of spontaneous journeymen.

During the trek, Riley shared stories of those

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that have joined the relay on different legs.

“People start talking and start sharing – they talk about their experiences, about their loved ones. It’s somewhat healing. There have been many stories that really touched my heart,” Riley shared.

It is still dark while crossing the D.C. line; the walkers stop for a quick selfie to mark the milestone.

While walking along the road – somewhat precarious in some places – there are horn beeps as people look over to see the American Flag and the Carry the Load Flag the walkers are carrying.

As dawn appears, the next meeting point is at hand. There are team members there to greet with high-fives and a great big bear hug from Bruce.

“It started out for me just being really angry – the reason I started walking was because I was mad; to now, to just not being angry at all. How can you be angry after seeing this? How can you be angry when a reporter walks up at two in the morning trying to figure this thing out; and then just walks because they just get it. You can’t stay angry after that,” Bruce said

“For me, one of my big missions is to continue to pool the numbers of people who need to see that this still matters and that these sacrifices matter. And, then, extend that recognition to what I call the sacrificial services: law enforcement, fire fighters rescue/EMT personnel. The risk is that you could not come home at night;and they do it over and over again.We’ve taken a lot of ground in helping the nation celebrate Memorial Day. We want to take the whole month of May to honor these other men and women who have sacrificed for us and say, ‘Hey, what you do matters,’” Bruce noted.

“Every year I look forward to these spontaneous moments – I love when people sign up – but those spontaneous moments when someone walks up to you and goes, “Hey what are you doing?’ and you tell them and they say, ‘Okay I’m walking’,” Bruce shared.

Visit CarryTheLoad. org to join the relay, make a donation, or volunteer.

Follow Carry the Load on Facebook, Twitter (@CarryTheLoad) and Instagram; share who you are carrying with the hashtag #CarryTheLoad.

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Friday, May 8, 2015

Year-round tax strategies

While getting a large tax refund is nice, it’s not much of a benefit to allow the government to hold your money until it refunds your overpayment. By changing your withholding amount, you might receive more money on your paycheck that you can save in an interest-bearing savings account throughout the year.

There are rules about how much you must have withheld or paid in estimates to avoid IRS penalties. Consult your tax advisor to make sure you are properly covered.

Fund your 401(k),

403(b), TSP or traditional IRA. By deferring wages into your pre-tax retirement plan, you will keep your taxable income lower.

With these plans, you can save money for retirement and enjoy the benefits of getting tax-deferred compounding of earnings within the accounts.

Maximize your flexible spending account.

Contribute pre-tax earnings to an employer-sponsored health or dependent care flexible spending account. You can reduce your tax liability and use the money saved for medical,

dental and dependent care expenses.

Give. For 2015, you can gift anyone in the amount up to $14,000 without having to fill out a gift tax return. If you’re married, both you and your spouse can give gifts, doubling the $14,000 to $28,000. Just make sure that the gifts are given by Dec. 31.

Estimate taxes if you’re self-employed. To avoid an underpayment penalty on the unpaid amount, your estimated tax must be at least the lesser of the following: 90 percent of the tax liability shown on

the return for the current year or 100 percent of the tax liability shown on the return for the prior year.

You may want to use the “safe planning” technique to avoid a possible underpayment penalty, where you make estimated tax payments of at least 100 percent (or 110 percent if the AGI was in excess of $150,000 for the prior year) of the actual tax liability for the prior year.

Learn more by visiting the Andrews Federal Online Education Center at www.andrewsfcu.org/mem bereducation.

U.S. AIR FORCE/79TH MEDICAL WING

Dr. Derric Whiteside, 779th Medical Operations Squadron, Internist, takes the blood pressure of Senior Airman Timothy McSheehy, 779th Medical Operations Squadron, Medical Technician.

Hypertension: The silent killer “I didn’t want to cut my life short” William Gage, Air Force retiree

BY MAJ. DERRIC WHITESIDE

779TH MEDICAL OPERATIONS SQUADRON

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High blood pressure, called hypertension, is one of the most common conditions seen in a doctor’s office. Blood pressure is identified through screening with the use of a blood pressure machine, or manually by a technician. It’s often called the “silent killer” because patients typically do not feel when their blood pressure is elevated but the elevation can cause a heart attack, stroke, kidney damage or even premature death.

“High blood pressure places stress on the kidneys and is particularly dangerous for those with uncontrolled diabetes or kidney disease, who may already have injury to their kidneys.

The extra stress from high blood pressure could lead to needing dialysis. Individuals with diabetes or kidney disease, regardless of age, should maintain their blood pressure at 140/90 or less,” said Lt. Col. Assy Yacoub, Internist, 779th Medical Operation Squadron.

“Those under age 60 should maintain a blood pressure of 140/90 or less.

Those over age 60 should maintain a blood pressure of 150/90 or less. Individuals are diagnosed with hypertension when their blood pressure is greater than 150/90 on two separate occasions,” said Yacoub.

“It is very important to monitor your blood pressure and follow up with your doctor when you notice that your blood pressure is not in the normal range.

Your physician will advise you on the best option to get your blood pressure under control. Typically, this includes a lifestyle modification such as weight loss through diet and exercise.

A low salt diet is recommended along with moderate aerobic activity for at least 30 minutes a day, three to five days a week. If that does not work, medication may be required,” said Yacoub.

“I suffered from high blood pressure for over 20 years and more recently diabetes. I didn’t want to cut my life short so I made some simple changes to my lifestyle, which included, watching my diet, limiting salt and sugar, and exercising three times a week.

With the help of Dr. Whiteside, I’ve been able to control my diabetes without insulin and have reduced my blood pressure,” said Mr. William Gage, an Air Force retiree and patient of Dr. Whiteside.

“I monitor my blood pressure several times a day to ensure it remains under 140/90 and always take my medication at the same time each day. If my pressure goes up I take time out to rest. I also follow up with my doctor about four times a year,” said Gage.

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