andrews_051713

3

5

Police boost car seat inspections to harness child safety

DCMILITARY.COM

8

JBA honors National Police Week

Biggest Loser Challenge pays off

FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013 | VOL. 2 NO. 19

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

459TH AEW PREPARES TO DEPLOY

Black and Missing Foundation hosts 5K to honor missing minorities

BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER

When Natalie Holloway disappeared from a 2005 high school graduation trip to Aruba, the world looked for the blonde, blue-eyed girl.

The three young woman who recently escaped from a nondescript house in Cleveland, Ohio were remembered in their community and sought for a decade, before Amanda Barry finally was able to escape, knowing that her name alone was enough to tell 911 operators. But what about Dashad “Sage” Smith, an African American, transgendered woman missing from Charlottesville, Va. since last year? Have you heard of her?

Do you know what she looks like? If you saw her, would you realize who she was? People of color, when they are missing or victims of other crime, don’t always get the same attention from law enforcement, the media or a sympathetic public that white victims may receive.

“I don’t think the disparity in coverage is overt or intentional, but people are talking,” said Derrica Wilson, co-founder of the Landover Hills-based Black and Missing Foundation Inc., a

501(3)c nonprofit dedicated to helping families of color get the same assistance from law enforcement and the media that white families receive when a family member goes missing.

Minority crime victims are often ignored out of a perception that crime is the norm in minority-populated neighborhoods: that people of color are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, be involved with gangs, run away or otherwise fall off the radar of the community. Members of the media sometimes downplay crimes committed in minority neighborhoods, out of a desire to not seem racist. And overwhelmed police departments can have a hard time putting together all the clues of a case fast enough to save an endangered life.

Wilson’s career in law enforcement spans more than a decade; she is still the only African American, female officer to have served on the Falls Church police force, before becoming an investigator with another government agency in the region. Her sister-in-law Natalie Wilson, whose background is in public relations and outreach, joined forces with her in 2008 to found BAMFI. The two see their

see MISSING, page 6

NCR families invited to ‘Grow in Love’ PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

Members from the 459th ARW file out of the headquarters building May 10.

Approximately 60 members from the 459th Air Refueling Wing are deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.The unit will deploy to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, where they will provide aerial refueling.

BY TECH SGT. LISA TOMLINSON

11TH WING CHAPLAIN’S ASSISTANT

459th Air Refueling Wing maintainers prepare to change a tire on a squadron KC-135 aircraft.

An Air Force District of Washington-wide, Joint Base Andrews Chapel-sponsored, “Grow in Love” marriage resiliency experience is scheduled for May 29 - June 1, 2013 at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, D.C. The workshop is designed to revive struggling marriages, prepare dream-filled, engaged couples and help refresh mature marriages.

This experience will begin Friday night and continue Saturday morning at the JBAB Chapel Center, concluding with a fancy date night that evening.

All meals will be supplied and professional resources will be provided to participants at no cost. Child care will be provided free of cost at the JBAB Child Development Center.

Major (Chaplain) Jack Stanley, from the Andrews chapel, modeled this workshop on the Chaplain’s Religious Enrichment Development Operation program used by the Navy Chaplain Corps. His adaptation was authorized by the United Methodist Church, which originally created and published the material.

For more information or to make reservations, call the Andrews Chapel at 301-981-2111.

Coming soon to an undisclosed location near you

BY SENIOR AIRMAN LINDSEY A. PORTER

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Whether you’re trudging through another grinding work commute, stationed abroad away from family, or in need of a little daily reprieve, listening to music can often invoke feelings of comfort and raise morale - no matter where you’re located.

Recently, U.S. Air Forces Central Command tapped into this musical oasis with “Vector,” an eight-person, deployed band stationed out of Joint Base AnacostiaBolling in Washington, D.C. Vector holds the title of the Air Force’s most recent deployed musical unit, following the tradition of deployed bands dating back as far as World War II, when the Airmen of Note performed with Glen Miller.

Air Force Bands are notified they’ve been tasked to fulfill the AFCENT Band requirement by the Pentagon, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs. Then, that unit’s band commander provides members of its band to body the next AFCENT Band. From there, members band together and become AFCENT and the Air Force’s current deployed band.

Vector is currently traveling the Area of Responsibility and playing their part in the AFCENT Band mission by bringing a taste of home to each undisclosed location they visit.

“We perform songs that are on the playlists of many service members - top hits in genres from pop to funk,” said 1st Lt. Dustin Doyle, AFCENT Band officer in charge. “AFCENT Bands like Vector engage audiences and of-

fer them a time to get away from the stressors of any given day.

Our upbeat and energetic performances bring a taste of home to the deployed warfighter.”

Along with raising and maintaining the morale of America’s deployed, Vector also fulfills AFCENT’s multinational partnership mission. Using music as its medium, Vector performs as a means to silence many existing stereotypes about the United States and its uniformed military.

“By playing modern, popular music for local audiences, AFCENT Bands bring a better understanding of the U.S. Air Force and America to countries throughout Southwest Asia and the Middle East,” said Lt. Col. Sean McKenna, AFCENT director

see VECTOR, page 4

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/SENIOR MASTER SGT. GEORGE THOMPSON

Tech. Sgt. Paige Martin, vocalist for the U.S. Air Forces Central Command Band “Vector,” is aided by students during their performance at a host nation school in Southwest Asia March 28. The AFCENT Band tours throughout the AOR to promote troop morale, diplomacy and outreach to host nation communities.

2

Andrews Gazette

HOT TICKETS

Commentary

It’s hard to see it coming

Around Town May 17

U.S. Navy Cruisers 7 p.m.

10440 O’Donnell Place, St. Charles, Md. See the Navy’s Rock band live along the lake and shop from a local farmers’ market. For information visit www. stcharlesmd.com.

May 18

Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sites throughout Charles County See eight historic properties and the Caleb W. Jones Skipjack, and learn about War of 1812 history and the life of watermen on the Chesapeake Bay. For information or tickets visit www.mhgp.org.

May 20

The Stoop Storytelling Series presents: Eureka!

7 p.m. cocktails and live music from the Manly Deeds; 8 p.m. show Centerstage Theater, 700 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, Md. Hear seven stories about the thrills and consequences of scientific, political and emotional discovery. For information visit www.stoopstorytelling.com.

Now through Sept. 1

David Levinthal: War Games Wednesdays -Sundays starting at 10 a.m.

Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. See 40 years’ worth of photographs and action figurepopulated dioramas of simulated historic war zones to reflect on the intersection of play and war. For information visit www.corcoran.org.

COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS

Andrews Gazette is published by Comprint Military Publications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force or any branch of the United States military. The appearance of advertising in these publications, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the products and services advertised.

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

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

jrives@dcmilitary.com

Chris Basham, editor cbasham@dcmilitary.com Deirdre Parry, page design dparry@gazette.net Bobby Jones, photographer bjones@dcmilitary.com

01039933B

Friday, May 17, 2013

BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER

The other day I mentioned in passing that I had seen something “in the parking lot at Blockbuster.” The man I was speaking with stopped me cold.

“There’s a Blockbuster? They still exist?”

And, well, they do, sort of. That same video store has posted “going out of business” signs as of yesterday, and is apparently serving as a clearinghouse for several other franchises hoping to sell their stock, store furnishings and even the giant gumball machine in the lobby. I’m not much of a DVD person; for me, movies need a

giant screen and a tub of salty popcorn, but I will miss that gumball machine.

That Blockbuster has been less than two miles from home for the past 18 years. I can’t really remember, though, when was the last time I wanted anything from it. The parking lot has been mostly empty for a long while, and the staff seemed desperately lonely for someone ---anyone! to come in and browse, chat a little, and liven the place up. Yesterday, though, wrapped in Store Closing banners, the place was hopping.

My son and I went, because he had a particular movie he knew he’d like to own. We parked at the far end

of the lot, in one of the last available spaces, and walked in to a Blockbuster busier than it had been in the previous 15 years: lines snaking through the candy aisle, staff frantically restocking shelves to replace DVDs as customers found their favorites. If things were like that every day, the store would never close.

My son and I talked about it. At 21, he can’t quite remember a time when people would drive to a video store, hoping one of the new movies would be in stock. Last year, his younger brother spent months trying to get a job there, mainly because

added. “Those with conditions determined to meet the educational needs of our residents will be considered for appointments, probably starting in October and running through next summer.”

service members returning to civilian life and provides tax credits for employers who hire unemployed or disabled veterans. For more information, call VA at 1-800-827-1000.

Unemployed vets get paid training

The 11th Wing’s annual Retiree Appreciation Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 26, at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. The salute to all military retirees and their families is hosted by Retiree Activities Offices at Joint Base Andrews and JBAB and alternates between the two bases. A health fair, vehicle registration and ID card renewals augment ballroom presentations and vendor offerings. A special buffet lunch is also planned.

see COMMENTARY, page 8

Retiree Corner COURTESY OF THE RETIREE ACTIVITIES OFFICE

Call in for dental care May 29

Military retirees and eligible dependents in the National Capital Area are again invited to participate in a dental screening program that could lead to potential treatment for selected members. For the 19th straight year, the 79th Medical Wing’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at Joint Base Andrews and Joint Base AnacostiaBolling is offering dental examinations. Interested persons should call the Bolling Retiree Activities Office at 202-767-5244 from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 29. Calls at any other time to the RAO or dental clinics will not be honored. Dental technicians will review the caller’s dental history, looking for conditions that meet the needs for resident training.

Selected retirees and dependents will be scheduled for examinations Wednesday, June 5, at the Andrews dental clinic and Wednesday, June 26 at the Bolling clinic. Col. Jeffrey Denton, director of residency training, said they plan to offer examinations to as many as 96 people – 48 at each location. “Results of the exams will be reviewed by the dental staff,” he

Unemployed veterans ages 35 to 60 can apply for up to 12 months of paid training through a program sponsored by the Departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs. Of about 900,000 U.S. veterans who are unemployed, nearly two thirds are between ages 35 and 60, according to the Labor Department. The program provides training assistance equal to the monthly full-time payment rate under the Montgomery GI BillActive Duty program, which pays $1,473 per month. Participants must be enrolled in a community college or technical school program approved for VA benefits and leading to an associate degree, non-college degree or certificate. Occupations include jobs in construction, machine operation, transportation, preschool education, health care and many other fields.

Labor officials said the department will offer employment assistance to successful participants. The program strengthens transition assistance for

Save the date

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, May 17, 2013

3

Andrews Gazette

Police boost car seat inspections to harness child safety

BY DANIEL J. GROSS

PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE

After hearing about a recent child car seat inspection event where 100 percent of the car seats inspected were either improperly installed, recalled or deemed unsafe, Lisa Gottman, 44, of Bowie pulled into a site on Crain Highway to have her 11-month-old daughter’s car seat checked out Wednesday when Prince George’s police were holding their latest round of free inspections.

“When I found out that so many seats were installed incorrectly I thought, ‘There are so many kids out there unsafe,’” she said, referencing the importance of keeping her own daughter, Rita, safe. “She is so precious. I don’t want her to die from one incorrectly installed car seat.”

After her 30-minute inspection, her seat was found correctly installed and in safe condition, but according to police, Gottman’s case is an anomaly.

Since beginning car seat inspections in mid-2011, police said they find that at nearly every inspection event at least 90 percent of the seats are deemed unsafe.

Inspectors said the troubling statistics stem from a variety of issues including parents struggling with complicated installation instructions and parents taking hand-me-down car seats that are outdated or expired.

“There’s such a wide variety of seats and instructions may not be clear, and sometimes parents just don’t read them. We go through a full inspection and we’re not going to put it in for them the right way. We

PHOTO/DANIEL J. GROSS

Lisa Gottman, 44, of Bowie, has her car seat inspected May 8 by Prince George’s County Police and technicians from Maryland Kids in Safety Seats, a statewide nonprofit designed to reduce injuries and deaths of children riding in vehicles through safety education.

teach them to do it to empower them,” said inspector Tracy Whitman of Kids in Safety Seats, a statewide nonprofit that aims to reduce the number of child fatalities and injuries in vehicle crashes through education and training.

Two children have been killed in vehicle crashes in Maryland as the result of unsafe car seats in 2013, said Joyce Beck, a

community outreach specialist for county police. Numbers for 2012 were not immediately available.

“Just one is way too many,” said Beck. “A lot of what this is doing is educating.”

County police have worked with Kids in Safety Seats to help provide free car seat checks several times per month, said Cpl. David Redmond, a patrol officer who vol-

unteered to receive training on inspecting car seats.

Redmond said the department alternates times they host the free events to accommodate different schedules. At times events will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or noon to 4 p.m. on weekdays or Saturdays.

Kids in Safety Seats has trained 28 county police during four-day certification courses.

“As a patrol officer, I’ve observed a lot of improperly installed seats and some children I’ve seen didn’t have car seats at all,” said Redmond. “As the word is getting out, we’re getting a lot more participation from the community.”

He said they inspected about 20 vehicles from their previous two inspections.

During the events, outdated or recalled car seats are replaced with new ones on site made possible through a Prince George’s County Federal Credit Union donation, Beck said.

Redmond said as the summer season arrives and more drivers will be on the roads, county police will try to hold at least three car seat checks per month.

Even though Gottman’s car seat was deemed safe for her daughter, she said she was going to ask every mother at her baby and toddler exercise group to get their child safety seats inspected as well.

“I have to tell other moms,” said Gottman. “Hopefully people take advantage of this.”

This story originally appeared in the May 9 edition of the Prince George’s Gazette.

MOAA’s 5K walk/run raises money for local wounded warrior

BY NANCY CARR

Threats of rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of Military Officers Association of America staff, family and friends May 11, at Jones Point Park in Alexandria, Va. for the MOAA Wounded Warrior 5K Walk/Run. The event was held to raise funds to assist U.S. Army Reserve Specialist Jay Briseno and his family.

Briseno was seriously wounded while serving in Iraq, suffering full paralysis and blindness. His injuries require his family to provide full-time care. Azalea Charities, Helping a Hero and the Quality of Life Foundation joined forces to help provide a specialized home for Jay and his family, but funds are required to purchase and install the equipment needed to improve Jay’s quality of life.

MOAA, headquartered in Alexandria, hosted the 5K Walk/Run to help raise those funds.

“A lot of people don’t know what they can to do to help wounded warriors. After several staff members and I met Jay and his family, we felt helping one family in our community was a great way to start,” Vice Adm. Norb Ryan, Jr., President of MOAA said. “I want to thank the entire MOAA team who contributed money (more than $7,000), time and effort making the MOAA 5k walk/run such a huge success. It was an amazing day and I couldn’t be more proud of everyone who pitched in to make it happen.”

1038423B

Among the runners were Jay Briseno’s father, Joseph, a retired Army veteran; and his sister, Malerie.

“Many thanks for your time, support and inspiring attitude yesterday at MOAA 5k Walk/Run Fundraising event for Jay’s future home,” Joseph Briseno wrote in an email to the staff. “Your dedication and sunny personality made all the difference in my son’s life. Please extend our gratitude for all the volunteers, participants and supporters.”

Special thanks goes to MOAA staff members Laura Stotz, Assistant Director of MOAA’s Member Service Center and retired Marine Corps Col. Ana Smythe, Director of MOAA Member Service Center, for organizing the event.

All funds raised will go to the Azalea Charities Aid for Wounded Soldiers project which provides comfort and relief items for Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who are sick, injured or wounded from service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Azalea Charities has agreed that 100 percent of the funds raised by MOAA in this event will go directly to the Briseno family to outfit the home as required to provide for Jay’s care. Azalea Charities is a 501(c)(3) public charity and 100 percent of donations are deductible for Federal income tax purposes.

Additional donations can be contributed via mail to: Attn: Laura Stotz, MSC 201 N Washington St

PHOTO/JIM PARTAIN

From left, Vice Adm. Norb Ryan, Jr., President of MOAA; Malerie Briseno; Joseph Briseno Sr.; Laura Stotz and retired U.S.M.C. Col. Ana Smythe share a moment at the MOAA 5K walk/run.

01039936B

4

Andrews Gazette

Friday, May 17, 2013

Lingering staffing problems outshine new fire equipment

BY DANIEL J. GROSS

PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE

The unveiling of new fire engines and ladder trucks May 8 was bittersweet, as moments later officials gathered to discuss Prince George’s County’s $152 million deficit and how it could impact the fire/EMS department.

The department’s new equipment — $5.8 million worth of new apparatus that includes fire engines with larger water tanks and ladder trucks with higher reaches — was paid for over a three-year span, officials said. However, as the new items are being implemented, fire officials worry that staffing levels will suffer.

The county’s proposed $3.24 billion fiscal 2014 budget includes county employee cuts through early retirement programs, potential layoffs and furloughs. After the equipment unveiling, the County Council and executive branch staff heard arguments for maintaining staffing levels from Fire Chief Marc Bashoor and will reconvene at a later date to vote on a final budget.

Bashoor said the department may “face some challenges” depending on how many county employees take the optional buyout, for which about 500 are eligible.

He said, preliminarily, the county fire/

PHOTO/DANIEL J. GROSS

A new ladder truck for the College Park Fire/EMS Station 812 was one of several new department apparatus unveiled during a news conference May 8.

EMS department will have fewer personnel due to the loss of a 35-member recruit class cut in fiscal 2013 due to revenue shortfalls.

According to budget documents, at the start of fiscal 2014, the county anticipates having 58 sworn personnel vacancies in the fire/EMS department through attrition

and other factors, but only having funding to fill 31 of those vacancies.

“We recognize things are tight. We’re significantly lower than where we need to be based on the staff paradigm we are at today,” Bashoor said. “It hurts us from a response-time perspective.”

Bashoor said funding more personnel

is increasingly important with the current attrition rate of losing three members per month and as the department prepares to build several new fire stations in the more rural portions of the county, noting that it takes roughly 30 personnel to staff a station.

“As you build budgets in the coming years, you have to take that into account, otherwise we’re going to be building empty buildings,” he said.

County Council Chairwoman Andrea Harrison (D-Dist. 5) of Springdale said the council is still committed to funding public safety to the fullest extent possible and that the budget is not yet finalized.

“We are committed to public safety and that will not change,” she said.

Barry Stanton, the county’s deputy chief administrative officer for public safety, said the recent apparatus funding has been a sign of the county’s goal to improve public safety in Prince George’s. He said he is “very comfortable” with County Executive Rushern Baker’s budget proposal and said officials will have to see how things materialize with early retirement options and furloughs before determining exact funding for the fire/EMS department.

This story originally appeared in the May 9 edition of the Prince George’s Gazette.

VECTOR, from page 1 of public affairs. “Through music, an AFCENT Band employs a tailored, high-energy performance to help strengthen relationships and build partnerships throughout each region they visit.”

Because of this two-fold mission, a majority of Vector’s performances take place at unconventional venues.

“AFCENT Bands have partnered with U.S. Embassies in many of the places they traveled, as well as performed concerts and workshops at local schools and children’s hospitals,” said Doyle.

This year alone, AFCENT Bands including Vector have performed at more than 270 musical engagements, with 105 located out in respective communities. Along with juggling this year’s constant performance schedule, Vector is individually responsible for the movement of their more than 3,000 pounds of stage equipment between each location.

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/STAFF SGT. NICOLE MANZANARES

The U.S. Air Force Central Command Band “Vector” performs during the U.S. embassies National Day event March 27.

The AFCENT Band tours throughout the AOR to promote troop morale, diplomacy and outreach to host nation communities.

“Our pallet of gear contains our speakers and everyone’s individual boxes,” said Senior Master Sgt. Matt Ascione, Vector guitarist. “Every set has to be repeatedly built and torn down, sent through scanners at airports, and carried by each member.”

1037869B

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/SENIOR AIRMAN SCOTT SALDUKAS

Tech. Sgt. Paige Martin, Air Force Central Command Band “Vector” vocalist, performs on The Boardwalk at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, April 16.

Vector has set stages in six countries and been lauded by a total audience of more than 10,000 people.

“AFCENT Bands are always received warmly and openly off base,” said McKenna. “Many fans line up for photos and autographs after the concerts. It’s heartening to see the impact these Airmen have on people in the region, some of whom speak little or no English.”

Ascione agrees. By bringing music to these remote countries, Vector is not only fulfilling their AFCENT Band mission, but is also transcending countless cultural boundaries.

“It’s amazing to see that, although many student audiences don’t speak much English, they are no different than students in the States,” said Ascione. “They laugh

and sing the words to the songs they know.

They giggle at some of the guys in the band. Some swoon over our lead female vocalist. It’s a real treat to see all of that.”

Despite warm receptions, some may be skeptical about the pertinent role Vector, AFCENT and their music play in the actual day-to-day fight.

“I was asked some time ago, ‘What does a band bring to the fight?’” said Doyle.

“Seeing it firsthand and being involved with the mission, it’s rewarding to say that AFCENT Bands build partnerships, develop relationships on behalf of leadership and raise the morale of those we serve alongside. Being able to get audiences to laugh and smile together is a powerful act. AFCENT Bands accomplish all of this through music.”

1038421B

5

Andrews Gazette

Friday, May 17, 2013

JBA honors National Police Week

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Joint Base Andrews peace keepers performed a retreat ceremony May 13 in front of the base Visitor Control Center to honor fallen law enforcement officers and kick off the 51st annual National Police Week, celebrated May 1317.

Guests in attendance included Col. Greg N. Urtso, 11th Wing/Joint Base Andrews vice commander; Lt. Col. Eric Goepner, 11th Security Forces Group commander; Chief Master Sgt. William B. Sanders, 11th Wing/Joint Base Andrews command chief and retired Col. Steve Hutches, Eagle Chapter Security Forces Association.

Other National Police Week events held on base and in Washington, D.C. included a candlelight vigil, the 11th Annual Honor Guard Competition, a golf tournament, the Firearm Ruck Challenge, ceremonies at the National Peace Officers Memorial, Jail-N-Bail and a Battle of the Badges sports event at JBA. Special guest speaker Lt. Col. Mark Walsh, Commander U.S. Honor Guard, said, “I was honored to be asked to speak today. It’s always been a special time for me when we honor our fallen law enforcement officers and build camaraderie with our local police departments that surround our military installation, protecting our families while we deploy and defend our national interests abroad. At this retreat cer-

A cadre of 11th Security Forces Squadron honor guard members performs a flag folding ceremony.

emony we are here to honor the 120 fallen officers lost in the line of duty in 2012 and the 41 officers lost in the line of duty this year.”

Walsh recounted the heroic acts of of police who rushed to the theater in Aurora, Colorado and to Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut and the recent, selfless heroics of officers from the Boston Police Department and the metro area who searched for, killed and captured the Boston Marathon bombers.

“Today, more than ever our enemies home and abroad have chosen...disenfranchised citizens and homegrown, violent extremists,” said Walsh. “To combat this trend we need to cultivate strong relationships with our law enforcement partners while they’re

on the front line protecting our society.”

Walsh recalled an article which he found meaningful as he prepared to speak at the retreat ceremony.

“The article entitled ‘Sheep, Wolves and Sheepdogs,’ by David Grossman reminds me of the sacrifice law enforcement officers make daily to defend our nation. Grossman commented that most people are kind and decent citizens who are not capable of helping each other, except by accident or extreme situations. He refers to them as sheep. But then there are the law enforcement officers, representing sheepdogs, warning sheep about potential dangers of wolves preying on them,” he said.

“Sheepdogs live to protect the sheep and confront the

JBA Buzz

wolf. They have the capacity for violence but love for their fellow citizen. They’re warriors, and walk the hero’s path.”

Tech. Sgt. Chad Goff then gave a briefing on National Police Week.

“The ceremony served a two-fold purpose. First, it allows each of us to pay respect to the flag that each of us has taken an oath to support, protect and defend,” said Goff. “It also allows us the opportunity to pay tribute to our comrades who served and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

11th Security Force Group leadership posted a wreath during the ceremony, followed by the playing of taps. Sergeant Goff then read the names of fallen military and local law enforcement members.

PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

Members of the 11th Security Forces Squadron render a salute.

Guest speaker Lt. Col. Mark Walsh, Commander U.S. Honor Guard, addresses Joint Base Andrews law enforcement officers during the kickoff Retreat Ceremony held May 13 in observance of National Police Week.

A cadre of 11th Security Forces Squadron members performed a flag folding ceremony and a 21-gun sa-

lute for the fallen officers.

The retreat ceremony concluded with a bagpipe rendition of ‘Amazing Grace.’

JUST PLAYIN’ AROUND

What is a mother?

“A mother is loving and caring. She’s always there when you want her and when you don’t.”

“A mother is a mentor to their son or daughter, and they’re caring and compassionate.”

Master Sgt. Jennifer Bounds, 201st Airlift Squadron flight attendant

Airman 1st Class Calvin Cooper, 89th Communications Squadron radio frequency transmissions apprentice “Someone who provides unconditional love, sacrifice, guidance, care, without any expectations in return.”

Tech. Sgt. Sherrell Moorer, 89th Airlift Wing unit deployment manager

“A mother cares for all children. I take care of my daughter and all of her friends.

A mother is someone who has to protect them and get them whatever they need.”

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

Michael Harris II, of Ft. Washington, Md. enjoys a cool spring day practicing his horn while strolling down Brinkley Road May 9.

You Can Count on YOUR

Master Sgt. Maryann Valdez, 11th Comptroller Squadron financial management Individual Mobilization Augmentee

We’ll have you riding in style!

10%

Discount to All Military & Government Personnel with I.D.

NOW OPEN Delicious North Carolina BBQ & Soul Food

10%

• Catering • Banquet Room MILITARY DISCOUNT • Full Bar • Karaoke & Live Jazz and More!

Clinton Location 6410 Coventry Way

Luxury Cars

We have the most diverse fleet in the region.

• Unlimited choices, Unlimited mileage • Special programs available if vehicle is stolen or damaged

Phone: (301) 868-7001

Mitchellville Location Phone: (301) 336-5000

www.LevisRestaurant.com

01039935B

MON - SAT 11:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M. SUNDAY 12 NOON - 9:00 P.M. EXTENDED BAR HOURS FOR NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT

Sports Cars

All Vehicle Rentals www.nextcar.com

01039942B

in Coventry Plaza

• Free customer pick-up • Serving MD, DC, & VA

240-581-1325 Joint Base Andrews PAX River Fort Meade/NSA

6

Andrews Gazette

Friday, May 17, 2013

Airman faces challenge at Warrior Games as TBI victim

BY TECH. SGT. MARESHAH HAYNES AIR FORCE NEWS SERVICE

By looking at him, you would never be able to tell he is a battle-tested, combatinjured Airman. He is a testament to invisible wounds and just how their effects can become visible in everyday life.

Capt. Mitchell Kieffer is a mathematician at heart and an operations research analyst at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. The three-time Air Force triathlete and personal trainer was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., working at the Air Force Research Laboratory there when he got the opportunity he had been waiting for - a deployment.

He had volunteered to go into an engineering job at AFRL to increase his chances of deploying. He got his wish in 2010 and left for Iraq with a team from the Army Corps of Engineers.

“I was an Air Force guy in an Army uniform,” Kieffer said. “I was attached to the Baghdad Resident Office, and I volunteered to be an operations officer for them.

I planned and executed a lot of movements to the different project sites. We were there to build police stations, hospitals, telecommunications centers, tank facilities for their Army and all sorts of stuff.”

Keiffer said for the most part, the deployment went smoothly. He had been there for five of the six months of his deployment and traveled “outside the wire” more than 40 times without incident. Typically, he and his team would use lightly armored SUVs when they were going downtown and mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles on the outskirts of town.

On this particular day, things were different.

“We were going to a place that was a one-way-in, one-way-out type of a place, so that’s really not the best case scenario,” Kieffer said. “And this time instead of taking MRAPs, we were in the lightly armored SUVs because the MRAPs were in the shop that day.”

Other factors soon led to a tragic chain of events. According to Kieffer, there was no close air support available, and the team was going out later in the day than normal.

“Basically, we got ambushed,” he said.

“The first out of the four vehicles got hit by a conventional (improvised explosive device). Our vehicle, the third vehicle, almost simultaneously got hit by an explosively formed penetrating IED, so it’s basically like a copper plate that has the munition behind it, and forms a slug and basically punches through anything.

“That went through our vehicle like butter about two feet in front of my forehead, and I was sitting on the blast side.”

Three of the four vehicles in the convoy were hit. In addition to the EFPIED, the attackers sprayed the vehicles with automatic weapons fire and rocket propelled grenades.

“I was knocked out for a few seconds.

I can’t really remember,” Kieffer said.

“Then I woke up inside (the vehicle) and the major, my boss, was next to me screaming and I was just like, ‘What the heck is going on here?’ All of the lights and AC displays were dislodged. They were hanging by the wires. The entire inside was fragged with the copper frag-

ments, the interior was all ripped; smoke was inside.” “’I was like, ‘What do I do?’ I was like, ‘OK, he’s higher ranking than me,’ so I basically just laid on top of him and let the contractors do what they needed to do to break contact to get out.”

The British contractors were able to subdue the attackers and all four vehicles in the convoy managed to make it back to the base. The team changed their flat tires and fixed whatever damage tthey could before making the two-hour drive back to base with three busted vehicles.

“It was an act of God that we all made it out, especially with our vehicle being fragged,” Kieffer said. “Before I left, my cousin Chris gave me this four-way medal that St. Christopher is part of, and he’s the guardian of travelers. That was the main reason for Chris to give me this, so I never took it off since the day he gave it to me. And I have yet to take it off, except when I have x-rays or when I wear my blues and whatnot. I feel like that had a great deal to do with me getting out alive.”

Once they arrived back at the base, each person on the team was examined by the doctors. It seemed everyone was fine until it was Kieffer’s turn. He wasn’t able to pass a preliminary traumatic brain injury test. He was sent to the hospital in Baghdad for doctors there to observe his condition.

“While I was there, things weren’t getting better,” Kieffer said. “I used to joke around with the British contrac-

see WARRIOR, page 10

MISSING, from page 1 work, done out of their homes after a full day at their paying jobs, as a calling.

“Tamika Huston was from my hometown. It was painful to see her family struggle to get media coverage,” said Derrica Wilson, remembering the case of a young, African American woman who went missing from Spartanburg, S.C. in 2005 and was later found murdered.

Wilson’s frustration with the limited resources and assistance available to Huston’s family and others like them led her to ask her sister-in-law to consider creating a national organization dedicated to helping families, law enforcement and the media to work together to find missing people of color, and help them and their families recover once the missing person has been found. The pair and a small but growing team of paid staff and volunteers speak at community venues, provide safety tips and promote awareness of specific missing persons cases through social media and an e-newsletter, and teach “stranger danger” classes to school groups.

“We are understanding our purpose and being obedient to the assignment,” said Derrica Wilson. “When you’re doing what you’re supposed to do, the right people are in your life. When I mentioned the idea to Natalie she was very supportive.”

The pair’s mission is threefold, Natalie Wilson said: they work to raise awareness of missing persons of color, to help families conduct searches and to teach people personal safety skills.

From a law enforcement perspective, explained Derrica Wilson, young people of color under 18 who disappear are often classified as runaways, regardless of a family’s conviction that their loved one would never just leave on their own without a trace.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Sisters-in-law Natalie Wilson, left, and Derrica Wilson brought together their skills in public relations and law enforcement to help find missing people of color. Black and Missing Foundation Inc. has helped 120 families find their missing loved ones since the nonprofit was incorporated in 2008.

“There’s no Amber Alert, no coverage,” said Derrica Wilson. “I’m working on training. Law enforcement doesn’t have the tools.”

Part of that is because the information tracking procedures required in a missing persons case can be extensive and very time consuming. Officers are required to enter information from their reports into the National Crime Information Center database, an FBI site which corrals information on a wide range of crimes into one place. Though that centralized warehouse of information can hold the clues to help law enforcement agencies work together, “It’s a lot of paperwork,” said Derrica Wilson.

Natalie Wilson said that diminishing diversity in newsrooms, a decline in the number of minority reporters, and a determination by media outlets to report only “the news people want to see,” keeps minority missing persons cases out of the spotlight. Among the Latino community, many missing persons cases go unreported due to the language barrier and concern by some that reporting a missing person will call attention to victims or family members who may have entered the country illegally.

Families can take simple steps to help law enforcement and the media make the most of a missing person search. BAMFI recommends taking photos of family members, especially clear head shots, every three to six months, to have recent pictures available if they are needed. If a person goes missing, the family should call the police immediately to file a report. BAMFI’s website includes a checklist families can use to ensure that they have provided local law enforcement with all the information they need, as well as a missing person flyer template. And if the case seems to be ignored by the officer assigned to it, Derrica Wilson said that families have a right to request that

Facilities on base change hours for Memorial Day

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS J OSHUA R. M. DEWBERRY 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Many base facilities are slated to close or reduce hours of operation May 27 as Team Andrews celebrates Memorial Day. The base library, The Club at Andrews and the East Fitness Center will be closed. The West Fitness Center will be open for normal operating manned and unmanned hours, but all classes will be cancelled.

The Andrews Base Exchange will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Commissary will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Freedom Hall Dining Facility will be operating on a standard holiday schedule as well.

Despite tradition, the base pool and splash park will not open this Memorial Day as extensive repairs are being made.

“The pool and splash park is a facility our community looks forward to enjoying every summer,” said Alison Mabins, 11th FSS Outdoor Recreation director. “Our customers’ safety is our number one priority, and the pool liner must have a smooth surface to avoid our patrons being cut.”

Mabins said the 11th Civil Engineer Squadron is hard at work and are targeting an opening date of June 20.

another detective be assigned to the case, although those requests can require a lot of follow-up and pressure from the family.

“The community plays a part, too. People need to report what they know,” said Natalie Wilson. “We’ve created an anonymous tip line, if a potential witness has no trust of law enforcement. Nine times out of ten, there’s some type of trail. Someone knows something. People need to come forward, to give the family closure.”

Sadly, in many cases “closure” is the best families will achieve. Of the 120 missing persons BAMFI has helped to locate since 2008, 73 were found deceased.

In some cases, BAMFI provides financial assistance for families who have exhausted their savings in searching for a loved one and cannot afford to provide a funeral.

The Wilsons are pushing for new legislation to help witnesses and victims come forward, including changes in sex trafficking laws that tend to punish prostituted women more severely than pimps.

“People who come forward need to know they’re protected,” said Derrica Wilson.

Though modern social media can help get information out to the public quickly, today’s fast-moving society also poses challenges for those searching for missing people, Derrica Wilson said. “(Amtrak’s high-speed rail route between Washington, D.C. and the Northeast), the Acela sells electronic tickets with no ID when you get on the train.

Just because you’re missing from D.C., doesn’t mean you’re still there, or that your identity hasn’t been altered. If a person goes missing at 1 p.m., by the 4 o’clock news they could be in New York, Boston --anywhere.”

BAMFI is sponsoring the Hope Without Boundaries 5K run/walk to honor missing persons of color May 25 at National Harbor in Fort Washington, Md., featuring appearances by journalist Jacque Reid, actresses S. Epatha Merkerson and Aunjanue Ellis and radio personality Michael Baisden. Race day registration begins at 7 a.m. For information on the 5K, assistance and resources for finding a missing person, to join a support group for families, offer anonymous tips on missing persons cases or to volunteer, visit www.bamfi.org.

Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Alan H. Michaels • Sam J. Hamam • Jared W. Lamb 01039934B

• Serving the Community for Over 33Years!

• Convenient office hours by appointment.

• Affordable Whitening Systems Available • Braces for adults and children including Invisalign (invisible braces) • White Fillings • Digital X-Rays • Root CanalTreatment

Most Major Insurances Accepted

Premier

01039943B

301-868-0777

9015 Woodyard Rd., Ste. #104 Clinton, MD 20735 www.clintonfamilydental.com

7

Andrews Gazette

Friday, May 17, 2013

Prince George’s NAACP backs Baker’s school system changes

BY JAMIE ANFENSON-COMEAU PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE

The Prince George’s County NAACP announced Tuesday morning it is throwing its support behind legislation giving the county executive more control over the Prince George’s County school system.

“It is time to put the madness aside. It is time for the community to come together for our children, and that is what we are trying to do,” said Bob Ross, president of the county chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Ross said his organization’s executive committee voted 21-1 to withdraw from a coalition of community groups seeking to force House Bill 1107 to a referendum vote after meeting with members of the coalition and County Executive Rushern Baker III (D) on May 7.

The bill, signed into law in April, gives the county executive the power to pick the next superintendent from three candidates named by a state-appointed board as well as appoint three members to the school board, with the County Council appointing a fourth, and to choose the board’s chair and vice chair, all beginning June 1.

Currently, the school board selects the superintendent.

“We were opposed to HB 1107 and we went to Annapolis fighting tooth and nail,” Ross said. “But we had to make a decision. Who were we fighting for? We are

fighting for the children of Prince George’s County.”

Ross said the change came after the committee considered the timeline of a successful effort to bring the bill to referendum; the referendum would not be voted on until fall 2014 and, if successful, would not take effect until January 2015.

“The time period to bring this to a referendum would be almost two years before we could get a superintendent, and that was the deciding factor, the time,” Ross said.

The decision marks a significant break with the education watchdog organization Citizens for an Elected Board. The two organizations worked together in 2002 when the elected school board was replaced by an appointed board, and fought successfully to restore an elected board in 2006.

“I’m clearly disappointed in the decision of the [NAACP] executive committee to join with the political forces of the county to shut out the voice of the people in the governance of the schools. It’s clearly counterhistoric,” said Janis Hagey, co-chair of Citizens for an Elected Board.

Hagey said there are benefits to waiting until 2015, saying it would give time for all sides to get together and decide how to move forward.

The coalition still plans to collect signatures for a referendum vote. It needs 8,000 signatures from regis-

Ask the Lawyer Can commanders badmouth a service member accused of a crime?

BY MATHEW B. TULLY

Just because a commander has the power to convene a court-martial, does not mean the commander with convening authority, or any other commanding officer, is allowed to prejudice the trial of the accused service member. Article 37 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice prohibits convening authorities and commanding officers from censuring, reprimanding, or admonishing the court or any member, military judge, or counsel “with respect to the findings or sentence adjudged by the court, or with respect to any other exercises of its or his functions in the conduct of the proceedings.”

When convening authorities or commanding officers insert themselves into courts-martial proceedings by speaking poorly of the accused or attempting to sway other members’ opinions about him or her, such actions could amount to what is called “unlawful command influence.” While not a rampant problem, the military’s highest court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, recently identified unlawful command influence as “the mortal enemy of military justice,” in U.S. v. Adam D. Douglas (2010).

Douglas, for example, involved an Air Force recruiter who was convicted at special court-martial of false official statement, distribution of methamphetamine, carnal knowledge, and sodomy of a child under 16 years old in violation of Articles 107, 112a, 120, and 125. After learning of an ongoing investigation into the recruiter’s misconduct, a senior recruiter ordered him to not contact a witness participating in the investigation and other unit members for non-work matters without prior approval.

The commander also openly disparaged the recruiter.

To co-workers at the recruiting station and surrounding federal building, the commander expressed certainty of the recruiter’s guilt. Additionally, the commander intimidated potential witnesses from providing character references, and he intimidated the recruiter from complaining to the Inspector General about this unlawful command influence.

Depending on the circumstances, military judges may propose remedies to unlawful command influence. In response to the unlawful command influence in Douglas, the judge provided several remedies. They included providing the trial and defense counsels with time to jointly draft a memorandum directed at potential character references. The judge also rescinded the disparaging commander’s no-contact orders, and he made strong recommendations to limit the commander’s comments on the case and to have the accused removed from the commander’s supervision.

The recruiter appealed his conviction, claiming the judge should have dismissed the charges in light of the unlawful command influence. CAAF noted that military judges have “broad discretion in crafting a remedy to remove the taint of unlawful command influence, and we will not reverse so long as the decision remains within that range.” Under the circumstances, CAAF found the judge’s remedies in Douglas did fall within this range.

Service members who have been charged with a crime should immediately contact a military law attorney who can protect them against unlawful command influence.

Depending on the circumstances, if a commander attempts to influence the court-martial findings or sentencing, a lawyer can push for remedies.

Mathew B. Tully is an Iraq War veteran and founding partner of the law firm Tully Rinckey PLLC. E-mail questions to askthelawyer@fedattorney.com. The information in this column is not intended as legal advice.

11SFS Notice of light barrier change Attention Team Andrews: Headquarters Air Force is implementing a new lighting procedure to follow when entering and exiting gate barriers slated to begin July 1.

Currently, vehicles go on flashing yellow and stop on red. When the change begins, vehicles will proceed through the barriers when no lights are present and they will stop on flashing yellow. Please be mindful of this change in procedure taking place in upcoming weeks.

1038641B

tered voters by May 31 to prevent the bill from going into effect June 1, and 24,000 signatures by June 30 to force the legislation to a vote of Prince George’s County residents.

Deborah Sell, president of Prince Georgians for an Informed Citizenry, a community advocacy group that has taken a leadership role in the coalition, said an informational meeting is planned for 6:30 p.m. May 24 at the Sasscer Administration Building in Upper Marlboro.

Christian Rhodes, education adviser to Baker, said the county executive supports people’s right to exercise their rights, but said that waiting two years to install a permanent superintendent could have a detrimental impact on education.

“We’ve had emails from hundreds of county residents saying they support the bill,” Rhodes said. “They’re ready to move forward and so are we.”

Rhodes said that county government has received more than 160 applications for the four appointment school board positions.

“All top-notch candidates; we’ve got business leaders, CEOs, leaders of nonprofits. I think that’s a testament to how much community support the county executive has,” Rhodes said.

This story originally appeared in the May 14 edition of the Prince George’s Gazette.

8

Andrews Gazette

Friday, May 17, 2013

Biggest Loser Challenge pays off

JBA CELEBRATES CAREER DAY AT LOCAL ELEMENTARY

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

From left, third place winners, So Ho Team; 1st Place winners, Jewels Team and 2nd Place winners, Triple Threat pose for a Biggest Loser Challenge Teams victory photo.

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/STAFF SGT. AMBER RUSSELL

11th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters, Airmen 1st Class Scott Burdick and Tevin Charles race to don their gear in record time as Airman Jared Becker times them to show local elementary kindergartners fire safety skills, May 3 at a career day event. The children applauded their efforts afterward.

The Biggest Loser Challenge paid off in substantial dividends as the three winning teams received awards and prizes during a brief recognition ceremony held May 14 at the West Fitness Center.

The Jewels Team took first place with a total team weight loss of 50 pounds. The team won a $50 outdoor recreation gift card, T shirts and water bottles.

COMMENTARY, from page 2

Petty Officer 2nd Renelyn Barretto, Naval Support Activity Washington culinary specialist, brings her talent for baking to a local elemetary school career day event.

11th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters, Airmen 1st Class Scott Burdick and Airman Jared Becker answer questions from a kindergarten class.

Burdick donned his gear in record time to demonstrate the urgency their career field requires.

the place was so dead he’d have plenty of time to work on homework or to practice drawing. He ended up taking a position at a local gas station, and I’m sure he’s glad of that, since the reasons he had for considering it his dream employer turned out to be the same reasons the store won’t be employing anyone, a few weeks from now.

Video stores are antiques, phantoms, things of the past. I kind of feel sorry for whoever depended on this particular store for their livelihood. When it opened (and I am old enough to remember when video stores were an exciting, new concept), I am sure they believed they had

D47031

SSavings avings u p ttoo up $6,200 $6,200

Prices include all applicable Rebates and Incentives (Military, College Grad, Retail Trade Assist)

22013 0 1 3 Dodge D o d g e Dart D a r t SE SE

DD35027

$18,885 MSRP M S R P $18,885

rice Sale Sale P Price $15,988 $15,988

Plus taxes, tags, and freight Prices include all applicable Rebates and Incentives (VW Conquest)

D o d g e Caravan Caravan 2013 2 0 1 3 Dodge DD37028

SSavings avings u p ttoo up $4,100 $4,100 Prices include all applicable Rebates and Incentives (Military, College Grad, Retail Trade Assist)

R a m 1500 1 5 0 0 Quad Q u a d Cab Cab 2013 2 0 1 3 Ram

SSavings avings u p ttoo up $7,500 $7,500 Prices include all applicable Rebates and Incentives (Military, Returning Lessee, Trade Assist)

r a n d Cherokee C h e r o k e e Laredo Laredo 22014 0 1 4 JJeep e e p GGrand

2013 2 0 1 3 Jeep J e e p Wrangler W r a n g l e r Unlimited U n l i m i t e d Sport Sport

MSRP M S R P $33,490 $33,490

SSavings avings up u p ttoo $3,900 $3,900

E71516

rice Sale Sale P Price $29,888 $29,888 Plus taxes, tags, and freight Prices include all applicable Rebates and Incentives (Military, Returning Lessee)

found a cash cow that would never stop providing for them.

Now, well...it’s just a building full of things most people don’t want all that much.

It’s hard to know, at the start of things, how they’ll turn out.

Starting a business, entering a relationship, signing on for anything that you hope will last a lifetime is always going to be a risk. All we can hope is that those risks are worthwhile, and that at the end of things, no matter how they turn out, there are people who want to celebrate the memories you’ve made together along the way.

Also, Hello Kitty candies are at deep discount. I think I may actually spring for those. And maybe Stan and Kyle bobbleheads, too.

TE” SELL A B H RE UY OR G S A “C U B SAYIN O Y VER AY OF E N WHE OUR W K YOU IT’S THAN

DARCARS CJDR of Marlow Heights 22013 0 1 3 CChrysler h r y s l e r TTown o w n & CCountry o u n t r y TTouring ouring

Triple Threat Team won second place, losing a combined total of 27.5 pounds. They won a $25 gift card, T-shirts and water bottles. So Ho Team took third place, with a combined team loss of 12.5 pounds. They won a $15 Subway gift card, T shirts and water bottles.

The teams accumulated points for their weight loss while attending Health and Wellness Center classes during a two-month period.

“LongandFoster.com - The only address you need” Never before has Home Ownership been within your reach & this is why working with a Long & Foster Agent keeps adding up We sell 1 out of every 5 homes in the state of Maryland & We have 40+ years of experience in assisting thousands of Buyers & Sellers & Long & Foster is the #1 Independently owned Real Estate Co. in the US & Most importantly, we’re right here in your own backyard

Prices include all applicable Rebates and Incentives (Military, Returning Lessee, College Grad)

BEST-TRAINED & BEST EQUIPPED REAL ESTATE AGENTS

LONG & FOSTER, SOUTHERN MARYLAND’S #1 CHOICE

01039945B

5060 Auth Way Marlow Heights, MD 20746

Sales: Service: Parts: (888) 845-0392 (888) 845-1528 (888) 856-5760

www.southernmaryland-homes.com

Teresa Burkhart Branch Manager

410.535.1000 800.231.2913

1038112B

See what it’s like to love your dealership

A nation’s tribute

BY SENIOR AIRMAN LINDSEY A. PORTER

PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/STAFF SGT. TOREY GRIFFITH

Col. Gina Humble, 11th Operations Group commander, left, and Lyn Gosman, professional painter and Humble’s hairdresser, reveal “A Nation’s Tribute” during a small ceremony at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling January 2013.

characterize the specific functions of each unit and would eventually be used as a print for numerous 11th OG going-aways, Gosman reacted with enthusiasm.

“I like challenges,” said Gosman. “I have no military background and I knew selecting the particular moment in time that would best reflect the overall mission would be my two biggest difficulties. I wanted to portray not just the technical aspects of the jobs, but also the deeper meaning behind what you all do. All these thoughts eventually evolved into staging a mock funeral.”

Despite demanding schedules and varying unit calendars, Humble and Gosman located a day at Arlington where each unit could recreate a full honors funeral for the painter to reference. During the reenactment, 11 OG Airmen performed their specific Arlington role as if it were the real deal, only this time, letting Gosman’s

camera bob in and out of the ceremony. By the day’s end, Gosman had snapped more than 300 referencing photographs.

Combining this drive for complete accuracy, along with an 11th OG Airmen’s already acute attention to detail, Gosman went further and even borrowed specific items to use to create the painting’s color palette.

“Lyn even borrowed a pair of my blues pants to reference for accurate color,” said Humble. “She went down to the finest detail to make sure everything was correct about the painting.”

After more than 6 months, innumerable military manuals read and countless Internet sites visited, “A Nation’s Tribute” was finally revealed to Humble and her staff during a small ceremony at the 11th OG headquarters.

“It was sort of like those make over shows where you don’t see the product until you walk in with the star of the show,” said Humble.

“When I saw it, I was really proud of the result and what it means in terms of what we do here.”

With more than 200 hours of Gosman’s work spent researching, referencing and painting, “A Nation’s Tribute” was finally finished.

“Even though it was difficult to paint, it was enjoyable,” said Gosman. “I learned a lot and it opened up a whole new world that I didn’t know about before.”

Touched by her friend’s painting and honored by its homage to the 11th OG mission, Humble hopes the painting serves to forever illustrate the mission of the Air Force’s premier ceremonial units.

“It will be an honor to give something back to this unit after I leave,” said Humble. “That painting is my gift to the unit; I hope it will hang there for many years.”

1033525B

01039946B

Pilot collaboration brings virtual classes, programs to students

BY JAMIE ANFENSONCOMEAU

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

It’s 7 a.m. and keyboards are clicking and printers are already humming in the command section of the 11th Operations Group at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. Home to the group’s command staff, this office is the epicenter for all operations concerning the U.S. Air Force Band, Honor Guard and Chaplaincy. Despite the fast-paced environment, it’s here where “A Nations Tribute” can be found, patiently hanging among the hustle.

Commissioned by Col. Gina Humble, 11th OG commander, “A Nation’s Tribute” is a visual reminder of the group’s daily, no-fail mission at Arlington National Cemetery.

Through this watercolor snap shot, each 11th OG unit is captured performing an aspect of their unique roles during an Arlington full-honors funeral.

“The idea of the painting came from thinking of an 11th Operations Group farewell gift,” said Humble. “I thought, ‘What’s the one place where each unit comes together?’ and that was of course at Arlington.

When I then thought of having this painting commissioned, Lyn was who came to my mind.”

Lyn Gosman is Humble’s hairdresser and has known the commander since Humble moved to the area in 2007.

“Lyn knows my background as the ops group commander and my personal connection to Arlington,” said Humble. “She is also a talented artist. She runs her hairdressing business out of her home so I had the opportunity to see her work up close each time I visited her.”

When asked to create a piece that would accurately

9

Andrews Gazette

Friday, May 17, 2013

Traditionally, a school has been defined by its walls, but a new pilot program is breaking down barriers by allowing students to take part in programs at other schools virtually.

The pilot program, a partnership with Bethesda-based global security technology and aerospace company Lockheed Martin, will provide technology at Fairmont Heights, Suitland and High Point high schools that will let students participate in classes taught at one of the other campuses. The program, being piloted at the three schools at a cost of $125,000, aims to provide access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics resources between schools, said Vennard Wright, director of Prince George’s County Office of Information Technology.

“If Fairmont Heights is doing something, and Suitland wants to take part in it, they can,” Wright said.

Students will be able to digitally “raise their hands,” signaling the teacher that they have a question, which the teacher could answer privately or share with the rest of the class.

Students also will be able to access additional content material from home, such as class videos, and send questions to the instructors outside of school.

Exact details for classes have not yet been worked out, Wright said.

“It’s Facebook from a technology standpoint, Skype for classroom usage,” Wright said. “This is the sort of technology students are already using, but it’s geared towards an academic usage.”

Wright said the program will allow schools to share access to STEMrelated events, activities and resources and in the future could allow access to other programs as well.

All three schools in the pilot have STEM programs, Wright said.

The program will be tested by student interns with the county’s Office of Information Technology during the summer, Wright said, with the goal of expanding it to other high schools in the next school year.

Christian Rhodes, education adviser to County Executive Rushern Baker III (D), said the county executive is “pretty passionate” about the program.

Rhodes said the three schools were chosen because they are a part of the county executive’s Transforming Neighborhoods Initiative, an effort by county government to focus leadership and resources on six troubled areas in the county facing economic, public safety, academic and other challenges.

Rhodes said the county hopes the program can be expanded to include all of the TNI schools.

“What we’re looking to do is to standardize student opportunities across the board. All students should have an opportu-

see STEM, page 10

10

Andrews Gazette

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.

Clinton high school mourns loss of student

BY DANIEL J. GROSS

PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE

While Surrattsville High School principal Kristi Holden watched seniors receive awards during an end-of-year ceremony, she received startling news that a junior at the school was killed in a car crash nearby.

Delante Clark, Jr., 17, of the 10800 block of Slippery Elm Court in Clinton, died on impact when striking a tree off Brandywine Road around 3 p.m. May 8, Prince George’s police said.

Clark was driving his white Acura when, for unknown reasons, it left the roadway and went into the tree line, said Cpl. McKinney, a county police spokesman.

McKinney said Clark was pronounced dead on scene. Police said Clark was found to have been wearing a seat belt.

A day after the fatal crash students and staff at Surrattsville were mourning the loss.

“I just know he was a nice young man with a quiet spirit. Kids loved him and teachers loved him and we’re all being affected by this,” Holden said, who said the school had grief counselors available for students May 9.

Clark was in several advanced placement courses including AP biology and AP language. He was also a member of the school’s

JROTC and played on the junior varsity football team for his first two years.

Holden said students made a large banner to memorialize Clark, decorated his locker in the school hallway and wrote sympathy letters that were delivered to Clark’s family May 9.

“He has a very supportive family both at home and here at school,” Holden said, who said the school community will take part in funeral services when they are scheduled.

Holden said Clark’s younger brother, a sophomore at Surrattsville, attended school the day after the crash to “try and stay focused, and to keep his mind off of what was going on.”

As of May 15, the county police department’s collision analysis and reconstruction unit were still trying to determine why Clark left the roadway and if speed or alcohol were factors. Police said weather was not a factor though rain showers were forecasted throughout the day of the crash.

“It’s all part of investigation as far as cause of crash,” said Charnay Anderson, a spokeswoman for the department.

A phone number for Clark’s residence could not be located.

This story originally appeared in the May 9 edition of the Prince George’s Gazette and was updated May 15.

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.

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.

Jewish

Roman Catholic

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

STEM, from page 9 nity for STEM studies, not just those who attend schools with STEM programs, and this technology will help them achieve that,” Wright said.

Lockheed Martin will host the online space that the schools can access, as well as a central repository for software and materials. Cisco Systems Inc. will provide some of the teleconferencing equipment, said Christine King, Lockheed Martin’s director of emerging markets.

King said the program combines Lock-

Reconciliation by appointment, call 301981-2111 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.

heed Martin’s technological expertise with its mission to help provide students with the tools for academic development.

“Also, our team on this project are all alums of Prince George’s County, so they’re very excited, very passionate about giving back, and Lockheed Martin wants to ensure that there will be a continuing supply of highly trained potential employees from Prince George’s County,” King said This story originally appeared in the May 13 edition of the Prince George’s Gazette.

Friday, May 17, 2013

WARRIOR, from page 6 tors, and we would make fun of each other and banter back and forth. I was so slow mentally it felt like English was a second language because the processing speed was so slow. They would ask me how I’m doing and it would take a bunch of time to figure out what they said, to hear it, to break down the message, to figure out what they’re trying to get across and how I would respond.

That’s a long time to say, ‘I’m good.’ So the bantering back and forth stopped.”

Besides not being able to keep up with the quick-witted conversations with his comrades, Kieffer said he was worried he wouldn’t be able to do the things he really enjoyed.

“I was pretty darn scared because I always felt like school was pretty easy,” Kieffer said. “I was a math guy and I enjoyed intellectual kinds of things. It scared me quite a bit. It actually brought me to tears one time thinking I was going to be that slow forever.”

Kieffer spent a week in the hospital in Baghdad and then returned to the United States to be treated. He said after a month he began healing but he still faced some huge challenges. His TBI not only affected his cognitive thinking skills; physically it left him to deal with excruciating headaches that nothing could soothe.

He tried to keep his injury under wraps but an upcoming assignment would put him to the test. Prior to being wounded, the Purple Heart medal recipient was accepted into the Air Force Institute of Technology’s engineering graduate school program. Just six months after returning home from his deployment, he was scheduled to start school.

“The first assignment I did there took me seven hours straight sitting at a computer,” Kieffer said. “I had to get it done. I had to figure everything out, and it was so frustrating because I knew it shouldn’t be (this hard). It was a probabilities and statistics course and this was stuff I had known for a long time and had mastered before.”

As Kieffer pushed himself to keep up with his studies, he stumbled upon a treatment for his TBI. “As time went on in the program, that seven-hour assignment became five hours and then four hours and after a year and a half in school those assignments were taking an hour and a half, two hours tops,” he said. “I think that

U.S. AIR FORCE GRAPHIC, PHOTO/DESIREE PALACIOS

Capt. Mitchell Kieffer sprints at the Academy indoor track during the Wounded Warrior Games Training Camp held in Colorado Springs, Colo., April 17.

has been my best therapy for improving my cognitive capabilities after the traumatic brain injury. It’s been basically just doing mental workouts.

“I thank God that I was able to go that assignment because I don’t know if I would’ve had the motivation to do all that learning on my own,” he said.

He also used his time in school to research the issues he and other injured, ill and wounded Airmen were facing and used it as the subject of his thesis.

These days, Kieffer continues to exercise his mind and his body.

Since his injury, Kieffer married his wife, Ana Maria, and inherited two daughters, Ana Paula and Ana Cristina.

The couple was married in his wife’s native Peru and her family only speaks Spanish. Kieffer said learning to speak Spanish as part of a bilingual family is something that helps him keep his cognitive skills sharpened.

“I noticed that if I don’t do anything intellectually, it’ll start to fade again,” he said. “That stuff goes if I have lack of sleep or high stress. Now it’s just a point of coping with it.”

Keiffer, who has scored 100 points on every active duty physical training test he’s taken, continues to work his muscles in his personal training business and as an athlete in the 2013 Warrior Games. He will represent the Air Force in the Ultimate Champion - a pentathlon-style event that pits warriors from each branch of service, including Special Operations Command, against each other for the title of Ultimate Champion.

No matter what the score cards say, the resiliency and gumption displayed by wounded warriors like Kieffer, pushing through their pain - physically and mentally - has already earned them the title of champion.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Andrews Gazette

11

12

1038682B

Andrews Gazette

Friday, May 17, 2013