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Airman’s Hawaiian roots, leadership qualities find soil in Md.
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Intramural soccer may come to JBA BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER
Are you all about soccer? A group of dedicated, local players hopes to launch Joint Base Andrews’ first-ever Intramural Soccer league. If enough players express interest, the league will receive funding. “I’m out talking to everyone I can to get this up and going,” said Ashley Mata, a civilian on JBA who is spearheading the effort. Interested players must be active duty or dependent of
an active duty service member, DoD civilian or contractors stationed on Andrews. All players must be at least 18 years of age. Contact your unit sports representative about putting together a team of ten committed players. If your squadron does not have enough interested players, individuals in that squadron can sign on to be in the players’ pool and fill in gaps for other teams. For more information, contact Ashley Mata at 301-981-7101 or ashley.wolfe@afncr.af.mil.
Team Andrews gives back with So Others Might Eat
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013 | VOL. 2 NO. 20
URBAN COWBOYS RIDE IN FORT WASHINGTON
Speed camera signs in Brentwood rev up driver confusion BY TIMOTHY SANDOVAL PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE
Residents want a speedy solution to a Brentwood speed camera with signs surrounding it that some say is confusing. The speed camera is on the 4500 block of 34th Street in Brentwood, near Thomas S. Stone Elementary School in Mount Rainier. The street saddles the two municipalities, with Mount Rainier’s lanes on the side where the school is and Brentwood maintaining the other side. Speeders going down a hill in front of the school are caught by the camera on the Brentwood side of the street. Some residents said the problem is that the speed limits on the street are inconsistent, with the Mount Rainier side 25 mph and the Brentwood side 15 mph. There also is confusing signage on the streets, they said. On both sides of the street, signs with lights at the top of them say: “Speed limit 15 mph when flashing,” leading some residents to think the speed
limit changes when the lights are not on - even though the speed limit remains 15 mph on the Brentwood side when the lights aren’t flashing. On other streets near the school, the speed limit is 25 mph, leading to further confusion, residents said. Other signs on 34th Street say: “Speed limit 15 mph, photo enforced, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.” Brentwood Police Chief Jason Copeland said the speed limit is 15 mph at all times on the Brentwood side of the street. The camera takes photos of the license plates on vehicles going 12 mph or more over the speed limit, and the vehicle owners are issued a $40 citation, he said. “I feel like it’s a trap that they are trying to make money off of,” said Mount Rainier resident Deborah Hutton, who estimated that she has received at least 10 tickets from the camera, which has been in place for about three months. “There are two conflicting signs, and I don’t understand how that is
see SPEED, page 6
Prince George’s interim superintendent to stay on until August BY JAMIE ANFENSON-COMEAU PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE
Alvin Crawley, the Prince George’s County Public Schools interim superintendent, has delayed his June 3 resignation, said school system spokesman Briant Coleman. “He’s willing to stay until school reopens in August,” Coleman said. On April 25, Crawley informed the Board of Education of his intent to resign effective June 3. Crawley’s contract was set to expire July 1. Coleman said Crawley was unavailable for comment due to graduations this week. Crawley replaced William Hite, who left PGCPS to head the Philadelphia public school system in September 2012. Crawley, who had been serving as deputy chief of programming for the District of Columbia Public Schools Office of Special Education, accepted the job of interim superintendent in July 2012.
Board of Education chairwoman Verjeana Jacobs (Dist. 5) said Crawley wished to ensure a smooth transition for the start of the next school year. Jacobs said the board is pleased Crawley will be staying on. “Dr. Crawley has been a very good superintendent,” Jacobs said. “He jumped in at a time when we were still dealing with the departure of Dr. Hite and he really held down the fort.” Crawley had declined to comment on the resignation, but Jacobs attributed it at the time to the passage of legislation changing the school system’s leadership structure. The legislation, House Bill 1107, signed into law April 9, allows the county executive to choose the next superintendent from among three candidates put forth by a state-appointed search committee, as well as allowing the county executive
see INTERIM, page 7
PHOTO/BOBBY JONES
A posse of urban cowboys take a Sunday ride May 26 down Allentown Road in Fort Washington, Md.
Officer of the Year seeks recognition for four-pawed partner BY JAMIE ANFENSON-COMEAU PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE
They come from different lands - one from Pennsylvania, the other from the Netherlands. They don’t speak the same language, but since they were paired together over two years ago, Laurel police officer Jesse Conyngham and his German shepherd partner, Gaston, have been inseparable as they work to nip crime in the bud. Earlier this month, Conyngham was named Laurel’s Officer of the Year, in recognition of his hard work, high number of arrests and role as a department use-of-force trainer and in community activities such as fundraising for Maryland Special Olympics, said Laurel Police Chief Rich McLaughlin. “He’s a well-rounded and very capable officer,” McLaughlin said. “He and his dog have been responsible for a number of arrests. They work very well together and have been a very successful team. We’re fortunate to have them both.” Conyngham thinks Gaston should be recognized for his work as well, and has nominated him for the Hero Dog Award, given out by the American Humane Association. Now in its third year, the Hero Dog Award was created to honor courageous canines, AHA spokeswoman Jody Frusch said. “It’s to really show the vital bonds between humans and dogs, and that’s really what the American Humane Association is all about,” Frusch said. Conyngham, a five-year veteran of the department, had 90 arrests in 2012, and nearly half of them were drug arrests made with Gaston. During one incident in 2011, Gaston helped police seize 17 pounds of marijuana, Conyngham said. “It was on a call for the vice
PHOTO/JAMIE ANFENSON-COMEAU
Laurel Police Officer Jesse Conyngham recently was named the department’s Officer of the Year, while his K-9 partner, Gaston, is under consideration for the Hero Dog Award from the American Humane Association.
unit for Anne Arundel County,” Conyngham said. “He alerted on a package that was being mailed [from a package shipping business] and so they wrote a search warrant to seize the narcotics.” Gaston is trained to uncover drugs, and in a number of other areas, which Conyngham said fall under the category of “patrol work.” “He does location tracking, human scent tracking, either for criminals or for missing persons. If somebody walks across a field, he can track where they walked. He does article searches, building clearing, area searches,” Conyngham said. Gaston is one of 15 dogs nomi-
nated for the Hero Dog Award in the law enforcement/arson dog category. The Hero Dog Award is determined by online voting at herodogawards.org until July 30. The owner or handler of the winning dog in each of eight categories will receive $1,500 for their favorite charity. The one voted Hero Dog 2013 will receive an additional $5,000. If Gaston wins, the money will go to Vested Interest in K9s, a nonprofit organization run out of Boston that raises money to purchase bullet- and stab-proof vests for K9s, Conyngham said.
see DOG, page 3
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Andrews Gazette
HOT TICKETS
Commentary
Memorial Day memories
Around Town May 31
Anthony “Swampdog” Clark 7 p.m. 10440 O’Donnell Place, St. Charles, Md. Hear live blues along the lake and shop from a local farmers’ market. For information visit www.stcharlesmd. com.
June 1
NFL vs Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Gates open 6 p.m.; game starts 7 p.m. Bowie Baysox Stadium, 4101 Crain Highway, Bowie, Md. Redskins Josh Morgan, Fred Davis, Darrell Young, and EJ Biggers; Philadelphia Eagle Desean Jackson; Atlanta Falcon Asante Samuel; veteran Dallas Cowboy Robert Bailey and other NFL players will play the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team to benefit the Yellow Ribbon Fund, the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team and the Wounded Warrior Project. See some true heroes, and meet professional athletes, too.For information or tickets visit www.MCOPRO.com World Folk Music Association benefit concert 7 p.m. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Dekelboum Concert Hall, University of Maryland, University Boulevard and Stadium Drive, College Park, Md. Get your folk and bluegrass on. For information call 866-412-5943.
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. mminar@dcmilitary.com John Rives, publisher
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Chris Basham, editor cbasham@dcmilitary.com Deirdre Parry, page design dparry@gazette.net Bobby Jones, photographer bjones@dcmilitary.com
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BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER
Our family never really did Memorial Day by the book. My father’s birthday falls right near the holiday, so usually we gathered for a big barbecue in the backyard, with steaks on the grill and a cake. Every year, Dad would make some comment about how the parades and fuss were for him, for his birthday. A few years ago, he started talking about his time in the Air Force, from before I was born. He’d pull out his scrapbook from his stint in Korea, and we’d chuckle over the young Airman and his friends in the photos. Mom never wanted him to share those stories, but if she happened to leave the room he would tell me and
my sons a few things--precious snippets of his past, and America’s past, that I could never get from any other source. He also told me of his return to the States. They were warned not to look too military, not to let anyone see their uniforms. Vietnam-era protesters still managed to suss them out, and spit at my father and his fellow service members as they got off the plane, here at home. Forty years later, he was still proud of his time in the service, still angry at those whose protests against our government’s wartime policies turned against the young men and women who gave their energy and heart--and often their lives--in service to all of us, no matter what our opinion. And he could
still speak enough Korean to order a beer and flirt. The honor guard at my father’s funeral just about broke my heart. I don’t know how they did it, but somehow the Air Force sent a young Airman who looked remarkably like my father in those old photos. It was like seeing him restored, young, healthy and whole, with a lifetime ahead of him. That Airman honored my father, and gave my family comfort at a difficult time, even though my father was one of the lucky ones to come home from war and live to see children and grandchildren, a satisfying career and a retirement of his choosing. We don’t barbecue anymore. Each year on Memorial Day, we stand with America, and we remember.
Retiree Corner COURTESY OF THE RETIREE ACTIVITIES OFFICE
Col. Noyes honored
June 1
Maxine Minar, president
Friday, May 31, 2013
Retired Lt. Col. Ron Noyes of Bowie, Md. recently received the Volunteer Excellence Award, the Air Force’s highest recognition for volunteer service, in honor of more than 20 years’ service in the Joint Base Andrews Retiree Activities Office. He was nominated for the award, authorized by the Air Force Chief of Staff, by Col. William Knight, 11th Wing Commander. In addition to weekly tours of duty in the RAO, Colonel Noyes established a “retiree” link from the base website that has attracted worldwide attention from the retiree community.
TRICARE changes coming
Some military retirees and their families will be moved to TRICARE Standard coverage Oct. 1 when long-delayed reductions take place to areas where the TRICARE Prime option is offered. New contracts limit Prime networks to regions within a 40-mile radius of military treatment facilities and in areas
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Ron and Betty Noyes
affected by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure process. Each of the 170,000 affected beneficiaries will be notified by TRICARE of the change from Prime to TRICARE Standard. Active duty members and their dependents and TRICARE For Life beneficiaries are not affected by this change. Provisions will allow Prime beneficiaries who see providers outside the 40-mile service area to remain in Prime if they reside within 100 miles of an available primary care manager and sign an access waiver. Out-ofpocket, fee-for-service cost of TRI-
CARE Standard would cost a bit more, depending on the frequency of health care use and visits. No cost applies for preventive care such as mammograms, vaccines, cancer screening, prostate examinations and routine check-ups. Officials estimate the changes will lower overall TRICARE costs by $45 million to $56 million a year, depending on the number of beneficiaries who choose to remain in Prime.
Four Doolittle Raiders remain
The death of retired Maj. Thomas C. Griffin earlier this year leaves four of the original 80 Doolittle Raiders. They crewed 16 B-25 bombers under the command of then-Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle, flying from the USS Hornet to bomb Japanese cities in 1942. Lt. Col. Richard Cole, Lt. Col. Edward Saylor and Staff Sgt. David Thatcher attended the 71st and final reunion in April. Lt. Col. Bob Hite was unable to attend. All are in their 90s. The reunion includes a ceremony surrounding
see RETIREE, page 5
Friday, May 31, 2013
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Andrews Gazette
President surveys Oklahoma tornado damage BY MAJ. JON QUINLAN
507TH AIR REFUELING WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
President Barack Obama landed here on his way to Moore, Okla. to survey the tornado devastation and meet with victims and first responders May 26. The president shook hands and spoke with Tinker AFB employees’ families and first responders on the flightline here before traveling to Moore. The president encouraged people to continue to help. Many Tinker AFB members were personally affected by the EF-5 tornado that swept across Moore May 20. Tinker AFB employees lost more than 165 homes, another 200 were damaged and uninhabitable, and more than 130 homes were damaged but habitable, according to base officials. At a press conference in Moore, the president highlighted that he is behind
them every step of the way. “When we say that we’ve got your back, I promise you, we keep our word,” the president said. “We’ve seen incredible outpourings of support from churches, from community groups who are helping folks begin to recover. People here pride themselves on the ‘Oklahoma Standard,’ being able to work through disasters like this, and to come out stronger on the other side. And that’s what we’ve been seeing this week.” The president spoke about the efforts ahead while standing with Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin and other state and federal officials. “Our hearts go out to you...this is a strong community with strong character,” the president said. “There’s no doubt they will bounce back. But they need help.” In addition to Oklahoma National Guard, federal and state workers, more
HQ AFDW holds 1st retreat ceremony at Jones Building
than 600 Airmen from Tinker, Altus and Vance AFBs in Oklahoma volunteered to assist residents in recovery. “I was humbled but glad to help our fellow Oklahomans in their time of need,” said Maj. Cody Whittington, a volunteer and 507th Air Refueling Wing executive officer. “It really is all about giving back to the community that has supported the military for so many years.” Obama’s signing of a disaster declaration within hours of the storm has helped speed aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. More than 450 FEMA personnel are working on the ground in Oklahoma and they, along with volunteers have delivered 43,000 meals, 150,000 liters of water and thousands of cots, blankets and tarps, according to FEMA representatives. Tech Sgt. Lindsay Newton, a member of the 507th Maintenance Squadron,
met with the president at Tinker AFB, but wishes it was under different circumstances. “I was thankful to be given the chance to meet the president and I’m amazed by the support of the community,” she said. “Our home was damaged, but we are fortunate compared to some folks that lost everything or loved ones. I’m amazed at all of the donations and support everyone has provided. I know that Oklahomans are really pulling together now and a lot of progress is being made towards clean up and recovering.” More information on disaster relief efforts can be found at the Tinker AFB website at www.tinker.af.mil. (Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Affairs contributed to this report)
AFDW COURSE GIVES JBA PERSPECTIVE TO INCOMING COMMANDERS
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/SENIOR AIRMAN STEELE C. G. BRITTON
DOG, from page 1 The Laurel Police Department recently was awarded vests from the organization for its five K-9s. Conyngham said he hopes to give back to the organization. He said police dogs put their lives on the line as much as, if not more than, human officers, and deserve protection as well. Unlike human partners, K-9 partners go home and live with their handlers when they’re not on duty. This creates a special bond between the two, Conyngham said. U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/SENIOR AIRMAN TABITHA N. HAYNES
Headquarters Air Force District of Washington Airmen fold the flag during HQ AFDW’s first retreat ceremony at the Jones Building May 16 on Joint Base Andrews, Md. The “Retreat” ceremony is meant to signal the end of the official duty day. The ceremony, steeped in history, is a time for all to stop and show respect. BY AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Headquarters Air Force District of Washington held its first retreat ceremony at the Jones Building May 16 on Joint Base Andrews, Md. The “Retreat” ceremony is meant to signal the end of the official duty day. The cer-
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emony, steeped in history, is a time for all to stop and show respect. As one of the U.S. Air Force’s three direct reporting units, AFDW executes Air Force operations and supports Joint Force and Inter-Agency operations in the National Capital Region while providing superior support to combatant commanders and Air Force elements worldwide.
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AFDW course gives JBA perspective to incoming commanders Incoming commanders to Joint Base Andrews look inside a UH-1N Huey Helicopter during a tour of the 1st Helicopter Squadron as part of the Air Force District of Washington Commanders Course May 15 at JBA, Md. The 1HS has maintained support within the National Capital Region and on JBA since the 1970s.
“It’s not like anything you’ve seen,” he said. “Most of the K-9 handlers become inseparable from their dogs.” Gaston works hard, but likes to clown around when he’s off-duty, Conyngham said. “Even working dogs need some time to just be a regular dog when they’re off-duty,” Conyngham said. “He’s more like a pet dog when he’s off-duty. He’s like a puppy. He’s very playful. He likes to hang out and play with my other dogs.” This story originally appeared in the May 28 edition of the Prince George’s Gazette.
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Andrews Gazette
Friday, May 31, 2013
Airman’s Hawaiian roots, leadership qualities find soil in Md. BY SENIOR AIRMAN STEELE C. G. BRITTON
AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Being a great leader doesn’t require trophy shelves or pockets full of money for most people. Leadership can be as simple as integrating what generations of hardworking family members have passed on and applying it to daily life. Maj. Elisa Hammer, 779th Aeromedical Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight chief, carries on the legacy of her grandparents and greatgrandparents as a leader and follower of Airmen here in Maryland. “I don’t fear working really hard,” said Hammer, native of Hawaii. “It is my job to enforce worker protection against occupational health hazards, such as chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and physical threats at Joint Base Andrews.” Hammer’s team works regularly in aircraft maintenance hangars measuring chemical exposures in fuel cells and tests airflow in ventilation systems while validating proper protective clothing and respirators. Outside of the industrial workplace, the bioenvironmental technicians ensure safe drinking water to the base community. Behind the sweat of the bioenvironmental Airmen is a sense of togetherness that Hammer embraces with her flight members through team training, sports activities and an occasional barbecue to let loose. “We all come from different parts of this country and we
Maj. Elisa Hammer, 779th Aeromedical Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight chief, and Staff Sgt. Jesse Ford, 779th AMDS bioenvironmental engineering technician, inspect equipment in the X-ray survey vault, May 2, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Hammerís team also works regularly in aircraft maintenance hangars measuring chemical exposures in fuel cells and tests airflow in ventilation systems while validating proper protective clothing and respirators.
are each other’s family,” Hammer said. “I like our flight to feel that sense of cohesion and teamwork.” As Hammer makes time for her Air Force family, she also makes time for herself. While stationed at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, Hammer became interested in the sport of stand-up paddleboarding. Hammer began paddleboarding in Hawaii and continues to paddleboard while stationed at Joint Base Andrews. “After a long week of work, it’s nice to spend the weekend on the water,” she said. “It really relaxes me, it refreshes my spirit and it takes me away from the stress. I forget about the desk, I forget about email and I’m out here on the water--just me and my board.” Hammer continues the dream of her great-grandparents who
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/SENIOR AIRMAN STEELE C. G. BRITTON
Maj. Elisa Hammer, 779th Aeromedical Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight chief, stands with her paddleboard gear prior to hitting the water, May 3, in Arlington, Va. Bioenvironmental engineer and Airman during the week, water-bound on the weekends, Hammer pulls her way of life and leadership style from generations of hard-working family members in Hawaii.
came to the beaches of Hawaii to raise their children in a new land of opportunity. Through hard work, grit and patience, their dream has come true. “Their dedication has led me to soar by obtaining my engineering degree from the University of Hawaii, giving back to my family and devoting my professionalism and passion to this nation as a U.S. Air Force Airman,” Hammer said. “There is never a dull moment in bioenvironmental engineering and it is an honor to serve alongside these bright Airmen.”
Maj. Elisa Hammer, 779th Aeromedical Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight chief, and Staff Sgt. Emanuel Valen, 779th AMDS bioenvironmental engineering technician, test air ventilation in an aircraft paint booth, May 2, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Outside of the industrial workplace, the bioenvironmental Airmen also ensure safe drinking water to the base community.
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children to see their Primary Care Manager annually to ensure normal growth and development. While at the clinic, your child’s PCM will complete the paperwork for school and/or sports physicals,” said Sarda. If your child has already had a physical in the last year, the PCM can complete the paperwork without an appointment. Even if a child is not sure what sport they want to play, parents can schedule the physical, which is good for 365 days. Beat the rush! Call 888-999-1212 today to schedule a sports/school physical with your child’s provider.
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Andrews Gazette
Friday, May 31, 2013
MORNINGSIDE SWEARS IN NEW MAYOR
Director details furlough plans for DOD schools BY KAREN PARRISH
AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
PHOTO/CHRIS BASHAM
The Town of Morningside’s incoming Mayor Kenneth “Chrys” Wade signs the mayoral oath of office after an official swearing-in ceremony held May 20 at the Morningside Fire Department. Town Council members James O. Ealey and Todd Mullins were also sworn in.
Morningside Town Council meets BY ALEX COLLINS INTERN
The Town of Morningside Town Council met May 21 inside the Morningside Fire Department. After council members congratulated new mayor Kenneth “Chrys” Wade and returning council members Todd Mullins and James O. Ealey on their election, the council passed a FY 20132014 budget. Anticipated revenue for the fiscal year is $2,014,489; out of that, public safety was allotted $1,185,184 and highway maintenance $586,864. The recreation budget was $15,000 and the total budget was $2,042,248. Mayor Wade thanked residents for the large election turnout and said he is looking forward to working the next two years with the council. A recreation committee representative discussed preparations for the Fourth of
RETIREE, from page 2 80 silver goblets with the name of each raider inscribed. The men toast their fallen comrades and turn over their goblets. There also is a bottle of cognac from 1896, the year of Doolittle’s birth. The final two survivors will open the bottle. The Retiree Activities Office is open 10
July parade, calling for organizations, church groups and individuals interested in participating in the parade to contact the Recreation Department. The Fire Marshall requires permission from Benjamin Foulois Creative and Performing Arts Academy before authorizing a fireworks display for the town. Tey have not heard back from the school but the parade should go on as scheduled this year. A Morningside Police Department representative expressed concerns about recent break-ins; police have two suspects and are taking statements from residents. Council members and residents discussed the possibility of starting a newsletter, mass e-mail or flyer to provide regular announcements of information of use to members of the town. The next Town of Morningside Town Council meeting will be held 8 p.m. June 18.
Students, teachers and parents of the Defense Department’s schools can be confident that despite the department’s upcoming civilian furloughs, the school year will start on time, the Department of Defense Education Activity’s director said today. DODEA operates schools overseas and at some U.S. locations for the children of military families. In an interview at the school system’s headquarters at the Mark Center here, Marilee Fitzgerald told the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service that while her workforce will be affected by the coming furloughs, leaders are working together to ensure the least possible impact on students. “We’ll take a five-day instructional loss,” Fitzgerald explained. “Fortunately, this is occurring in the DOD schools, where there is probably no group of teachers who are better prepared for this kind of challenge.” Fitzgerald explained that like other DOD employees, 12-month DODEA employees -- including headquarters workers, principals and others -- will be scheduled for up to 11 furlough days to begin no earlier than July 8. Nine-month DODEA employees, including teachers and some staff members, will be scheduled for up to five furlough days beginning in September, she added. “The goal of all of our teachers -- and everyone, really, in DODEA -- is to try to ensure that there is the least disruption possible to the educational life and experience of our children,” she said. “You know, we’re in the teaching and learning business. That’s what we do. And we’re not going to sacrifice one minute that those children are in front of us, to try and help them gain the kind of knowledge that they will need to be successful in the school year.” DODEA schools will be open, but will not conduct regular classes on furlough days, she said. Fitzgerald explained that many school employees, including host-
a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit the office in Building 1604 at California and Colorado Avenues or call us at 301981-2726. Our e-mail address is rao(at) andrews.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; Under “Helpful Links” click on “Retirees Activity Office” for information on retiree subjects, including past copies of “Retiree Corner.”
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nation employees in overseas schools, are exempt from furlough. “We can still do extracurricular activities [on furlough days], but those activities must occur after the school day,” she said. The director added that furlough days will not be scheduled on standardized testing days, and will most often happen on a Monday or Friday, to regulate students’ schedules as much as possible. Fitzgerald noted that DODEA’s teachers are attuned to the needs of their students, who change schools and even countries of residence frequently, often while also dealing with the challenges of having a parent deployed to a war zone. The teachers will focus on making the best possible use of the classroom time they do have, and will give students extra reading assignments and homework to help them make up the loss of classroom time, she added. Fitzgerald noted that education research indicates instructional time is crucial, and that from an educator’s perspective, five days should be added to the school year, not subtracted from it. “We’re going to be watching that carefully, and our teachers are acutely aware of that research,” she said. “They understand the challenge here in trying to help our children make up, if you will, for that instructional loss. ... We’re hoping the effect will be minimal.” Fitzgerald said the question of maintaining school accreditation -- which the current plan will maintain -- was important when the issue of furloughs arose. She said she had been troubled a few months ago, when early discussions spoke of possible 22-day furloughs. “This was a great concern to the department,” she said. “There are threshold requirements in our accreditation standards, and we felt that if we went below 175 days of classroom instruction, we were really threatening our accreditation process. Fortunately, the department was able, even in this very severe budget crisis, to ensure that we
see SCHOOL, page 8
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Andrews Gazette
Hurricane Preparedness Week starts June 1 COURTESY OF THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:
To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. Know your surroundings. Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted. Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you. Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.
Make plans to secure your property:
Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking. Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof
to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage. Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts. Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage. Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down. Determine how and where to secure your boat. Install a generator for emergencies. If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor. Consider building a safe room. Hurricanes cause heavy rains that can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. Everyone is at risk and should consider flood insurance protection. Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your property or business from flood damage. To learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your business, visit the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration web site,www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419.
Friday, May 31, 2013
GREEN KNIGHTS MILITARY MOTORCYCLE CLUB COMMEMORATES MEMORIAL DAY
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Green Knights Military Motorcycle Club commemorates Memorial Day Representatives from five Green Knights Military Motorcycle Club chapters gathered May 25 and 26 in the D.C. suburbs for the club’s annual Memorial Day commemoration. Each year, the group hosts a long ride for local bike riders as well as those in town for the Rolling Thunder prisoner of war/missing in action awareness ride. Riders from the International/Joint Base McGuire chapter; Chapter 1, also based at Joint Base McGuire; Chapter 20 for the National Capital Region; Chapter 37, from Joint Base Charleston and and Chapter 58 out of Shaw Air Force Base participated in the gathering. “We had a great time! I think we had 38 bikes and 40 riders. We had a long ride Saturday, and a big barbecue after the parade Sunday,” said Chapter 20 Secretary Dave Doane.
Arlington ceremony honors fallen service women BY MARINE CORPS CPL. CHRISTOFER P. BAINES DEFENSE MEDIA ACTIVITY
PHOTO/TIMOTHY SANDOVAL
On both sides of 34th Street near Thomas S. Stone Elementary School in Mount Rainier, signs with lights at the top of them say “speed limit 15 mph when flashing,” leading some residents to think the speed limit changes when the lights are not on - even though the speed limit remains 15 mph on the Brentwood side when the lights aren’t flashing. Half of the street is maintained by Brentwood and the other half by Mount Rainier.
SPEED, from page 1 legal, but I have been told that it is.” Copeland said he has met with residents about the camera. He said he was unsure who placed the signs with flashing lights, but he would look into possibly getting them removed. He said residents now should know to slow down on 34th Street and denied that the camera was there to generate revenue. “You don’t want a ticket? Slow down,” Copeland said, adding that the town placed another camera on Windom Road near the school six months ago. “Now that everyone knows there is a camera right there, we should not get any tickets because the word is out. It is not a money thing; it is a safety thing.” Copeland declined to say how much money has been collected for the town from speed cameras, or how many violators they have caught, referring The Gazette to other town staff. The Gazette made a Maryland Public Information Act request May 23 to obtain data on May 23. Mount Rainier Police Chief Michael Scott said he had prob-
lems with the placement of the camera because he did not see a speeding issue on 34th Street. He said the city previously had a speed camera on the street and did not collect any violations for 30 days before moving it. He acknowledged that the speed limit on the Mount Rainier side is higher. Mount Rainier has speed cameras near the school at the 3000 block of Queens Chapel Road and on Arundel Road, where Scott said foot traffic for schoolchildren is higher based on observations from officers in his department. Scott said residents confused about the signage near the speed camera on 34th Street should contest it in court. “The basic premise is that if an individual there gets a speed camera citation based on the fact that they are legitimately confused about the citation, they should go to court,” Scott said. “That is their right and that is the appropriate thing to do.” This story originally appeared in the May 28 edition of the Prince George’s Gazette.
The Congressional Caucus on Women’s Issues and senior women enlisted military members gathered at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial May 22 for the 16th annual recognition ceremony. An acknowledgement and wreath laying ceremony is held every year near Memorial Day to honor fallen servicewomen. The wreath, provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, was placed in front of the pool at the memorial. After the wreath was placed, members of the caucus and the honorees placed a long-stemmed rose in honor of the fallen around the memorial’s pool. Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught, the first Air Force female service member to attain the rank of brigadier general in the comptroller career field, spoke to all in attendance, highlighting the changes that have occurred throughout the years, such as Veterans Affairs benefits and having access to a broader array of career fields. “Just recently we’ve had that major change that women are no longer prevented from serving in
U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. CHRISTOFER P. BAINES
Retired Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught speaks to the honorees and members of the Congressional caucus on women’s issues during the Women in the Military wreath laying ceremony at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery on May 22.
combat by virtue of being women,” Vaught said. Among the servicewomen honored during the ceremony was Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Angela M. Maness, who is slated to be the first female sergeant major of Marine Barracks Washington. “It is an honor and a privilege to be selected ... to take a post, any post, but to be identified as a sergeant major to go to our old-
est post, it is a privilege,” Maness said. To Maness, it’s not about being a female Marine, she said, but being a Marine through and through, no matter the gender. “Words of wisdom, not just for female Marines, for every Marine; do your job, stay in the fight and do the best job you can do for your boss, for the Corps, for America,” Maness said.
Libraries launch ‘Have Book - Will Travel’ summer reading program BY DEBBIE GILDEA
AIR FORCE PERSONNEL CENTER PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Summer is just around the corner and it won’t be long before the kids get bored. Head them off at the pass with adventures and activities hosted by your local library. Air Force libraries have launched the summer reading program, “Have Book - Will Travel!” and are planning a host of activities for children, teens and adults designed to encourage the love of reading. Program participants can also win prizes for reaching their reading goals, said Margie Buchanan, the Air Force Personnel Center libraries branch chief.
“Reading is a critical skill for children and adults alike,” Buchanan said. “Successful careers and lives depend on strong reading and comprehension skills, so we’re committed to helping people learn to love reading early, and supporting their love of reading throughout their lives.” Base libraries throughout the Department of Defense will sponsor special events and themes. All participants will establish reading goals for the program and those who meet their goals will be eligible for special prizes, Buchanan said. The annual summer reading program is more than just fun, though. Research shows that reading over the summer pre-
vents summer reading skills loss. “Studies indicate students who read recreationally outperform those who don’t. Students read more when they can choose materials based on their own interests,” Buchanan said. “Our libraries are committed to supporting lifelong learning and educational enrichment for all our families.” Registration is underway at more than 250 DOD libraries. Interested readers can go to their base library for more information, or visit http://ila.org/dodsumread. For more information about other library programs and quality of life initiatives, visit the AFPC Services website at https:// www.usafservices.com.
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Friday, May 31, 2013
AFDW Airmen share their stories during NSSC BY TECH. SGT. TAMMIE MOORE
AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Key Air Force leaders and think tank scholars gathered to discuss the force’s strategic vision and contributions to national defense during the 5th Annual National Security Scholars Conference here May 16. Event attendees, including the Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Staff of the Air Force, spent the day focusing on how to operate in contested environments while keeping America’s Air Force the most capable service in the world. Throughout the conference there were discussion panels and breakout sessions. These provided Air Force leaders and think tank members an opportunity to discuss and debate strategic discussions decisions facing the Air Force, Department of Defense and national decision makers. Three Air Force District of Washington Airmen participated in a discussion panel sharing their Air Force stories.
1st Lt. Sarah Batzer-Frye
Batzer-Frye, 779th Medical Operations Squadron critical care nurse, shared her experiences serving at Forward Operating Base Orgun-E, Afghanistan, located close to the Pakistan border. During her deployment, she spent six months working with two Army forward surgical teams. In this role, she was responsible for assisting with the stabilization of battlefield injuries from improvised explosive device blasts to sniper attacks and mortar strikes. She told the group about what happened at her FOB Sept. 16, 2012, when her FST received six critically wounded Soldiers injured by an IED blast during a dismounted foot patrol. While helping to stabilize the soldiers’ injuries, BatzerFrye spotted a military working dog and
handler who were also victims of the blast. She realized the dog needed emergency medical care, and following her direction, the trauma team responded by inserting a chest tube for the dog while also addressing the handler’s life-threatening injuries.. Batzer-Frye felt honored to share her Air Force experiences with the group. “It was amazing and overwhelming at the same time,” she said. “It is important for our leaders to see different perspectives. It is easy for them to get hung up on the numbers. But we were able to share a human perspective with them.”
Tech. Sgt. Jason Sitzes
Sitzes, 1st Helicopter Squadron helicopter flight engineer, also discussed his deployment to Afghanistan with the group. Sitzes deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan for a year to help prepare members of the Afghan air force for independent operations. One month into his deployment, Afghanistan experienced unusually heavy rains resulting in an Afghan rescue call. Sitzes and his fellow crew members arrived on scene in an Afghan Mi-17 helicopter to find two Afghan men clinging to the roof of their flooded truck, struggling desperately to stay above the rising water. The hoist installed on the helicopter was not capable of safely lifting both men from the roof of the truck, so the team quickly devised a plan to make an approach at a low hover next to the truck and then on-load the men via the aircraft’s crew entry ladder. Sitzes provided approach calls that directed the pilot to position the helicopter within inches of the stranded vehicle. Once the pilot stabilized the helicopter in a precise hover above the rushing water, Sitzes stepped out onto the aircraft lad-
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY JIM VARHEGYI
1st Lt. Sarah Batzer-Frye (left) a critical care nurse working for the tri-service team at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, Fort Belvoir, Va., talks about her deployment to Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom during the Air Force’s annual National Security Scholars Conference being held at Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 16. Batzer-Frye, along with Tech. Sgt. Jason Sitzes (center), an evaluator flight engineer assigned to the 1st Helicopter Squadron, 11th Wing, Joint Base Andrews, Md., and Staff Sgt. Jennifer Powell (right), a pallbearer with the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., talked about their Air Force experiences and answered questions from conference attendees. Jointly hosted by the Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, the annual forum brings Air Force senior leaders and foreign policy and international security experts together to discuss the Air Force’s strategic direction and its contribution to national defense.
der and pulled the men off of the truck and into the helicopter one at a time. “I never hugged someone so tight in my life,” he said. “Afghans watching the rescue take place took a video of it. The best part of the video is when we leave and you can hear the crowd clapping. That was pretty amazing. They were proud to
see an Afghan helicopter with an Afghan flag being used for the rescue.” Sitzes stressed to the group of Air Force leaders and think tank members how important working as a team was for the rescue.
see STORIES, page 9
SecAF: Sequestration hits AF readiness, modernization BY JIM GARAMONE
AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
Sequestration has hit the Air Force particularly hard, impacting its force structure, readiness and modernization, senior Air Force leaders said May 24 at the Pentagon. Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley and Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, the chief of staff, said Congress must provide a solid budget number so the Air Force can ground its planning in reality. The Air Force understands it must do its part to work through the debt and deficit reduction problem, Welsh said. “We just want to get to the bottom line or the new top-line budget ... and get on with preparing our Air Force to remain the best in the world,” he said. Sequestration has hit the Air Force hard and the effects are felt throughout the full range of accounts from force structure to readiness to modernization, Donley said during his last scheduled news conference as secretary.
On April 26, Donley announced plans to step down June 21 as the Air Force’s top civilian after serving as secretary for nearly five years. “Twelve combat-coded squadrons have stopped flying, and important training has been canceled,” Donley said. “Weapon system sustainment reductions will delay maintenance, increase costs and create backlogs. The impending civilian furlough will hamper us further and will impact morale and reduce productivity across the Air Force.” Even before sequestration there was a readiness crisis in the Air Force, the secretary said. “The readiness hole that we have been trying to dig out of just got deeper, and we are facing a readiness crisis from which it will take many months to recover,” he said. And it is not just operations and readiness accounts that are at risk, said Donley, noting the Air Force needs modernization -- in aircraft, missiles, and capabilities. “As advanced technologies proliferate
JBA Buzz How did you observe Memorial Day? “I asked my son if he knew the reason we were off. He said answered no, so I showed him photos of some my military friends on Facebook and explained to him that the day off was to pay tribute to the Master Sgt. Tara service members Burgdolf, Air who came before National Guard us.” Reserve Center financial management systems analyst
“My family and I always visit Arlington National Cemetery to pay our respects to fallen service members.”
Staff Sgt. John Goodhile, 744th Communications Squadron quality assurance evaluator
“I spent time with my friends and went camping and kayaking at Clear Mountain Lake, Va.”
Staff. Sgt. Megan Kuyper, 779th Surgical Operations Squadron surgical technician
“I recently had a friend pass away. I went to their gravesite to pay my respect.”
Airman 1st Class Tiffany Ludwig, 11th Force Support Squadron customer support representative
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/SCOTT M. ASH
Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III field questions from members of the Pentagon press corps at the Pentagon, May 24. During the press briefing, Donley and Welsh addressed the force structure, readiness and modernization challenges the Air Force is facing in the current fiscal environment.
around the globe, these cutbacks in modernization would put at risk the Air Force capabilities this nation will need in the
decades ahead,” Donley said. “Despite our near-term and long-term concerns, we are working to ensure that our most significant Air Force priorities remain on track, including the fifth-generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the KC-46 tanker, and the long-range strike bomber.” Aircraft must support the warfighters, but budget cuts mean that airmen cannot train for full spectrum operations, Welsh said. “And our readiness continues to decline, even while calls for potential nofly zone or air policing operations in response to Syrian violence are reaching a new crescendo,” he said. “We’re still the best Air Force in the world,” Welsh said. “And our great airmen will rely on experience and their unmatched dedication to succeed in any operation that we’re asked to execute. But atrophied skills elevate risk, and stagnant proficiency will only grow over time if we can’t restore some sense of budget normalcy. And so that’s what we’re hoping for.”
Upcoming 11 FSS Manpower & Personnel Flight Closures The Military Personnel Section, Manpower Office and NAF-HR will have the following upcoming closures. Please put these dates on your calendars as a reminder. June 4 - Closed 8:30 a.m. - noon for the 11th Wing Resiliency Day; will open noon - 3:30 p.m. June 26 - Open 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.; closed 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. for a Squadron Function. June 27 - MPS will be closed all day for
the standard MPS training day. We will resume normal business operations on the immediately following days, unless otherwise noted. Appointments are being rescheduled with customers individually to accommodate any previously held appointments or briefings. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused and appreciate your patience in allowing us to participate in the activities of our Squadron and Wing.
INTERIM, from page 1
stay on as interim superintendent until the new CEO is chosen. Baker education advisor Christian Rhodes said Baker’s primary reason for asking Crawley to stay on is stability. “The reality is we still have the important business of closing school out for the year and the important business of preparing for the next school year,” said Rhodes. “It is good for the stability of the school system, as we begin the CEO search, to have someone willing and able to do the work, and who has demonstrated a willingness to put the needs of our children first.” This story originally appeared in the May 28 edition of the Prince George’s Gazette.
and County Council to appoint four school board members, and removes most of the board’s authority over the superintendent, who will be called the school system’s Chief Executive Officer. Crawley was named a candidate for the superintendent position prior to the legislation, but withdrew his name the day before the bill’s final passage. County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D) announced during a “Unity Breakfast” with school board members on May 23 that he would ask Crawley to
For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,
visit www.dcmilitary.com.
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Andrews Gazette
Team Andrews gives back with So Others Might Eat
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JOSHUA R. M. DEWBERRY
Team Andrews volunteers prepare meals for guests at So Others Might Eat in Washington D.C. on May 21. Service members can find out how to give back to the local community with SOME by contacting Chapel One at 301-981-2111. BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JOSHUA R. M. DEWBERRY 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
A group of Team Andrews volunteers drove to Washington D.C. on May 21 to give back to the local community and work hand-in-hand with So Others Might Eat, feeding the less fortunate. Base volunteers can take a bus ride together and contribute their time and food donations to SOME from the base Chapel One on the third Tuesday of each month. “It was a win-win situation because the less fortunate guests, as well as the SOME workers welcomed us with open arms,” said Master Sgt. Gregory Ramacciotti, 11th Wing Staff and Comptroller Squadron First Sergeant. “As military members, we learned not to take things for granted and to care for one another.” The interfaith, community-based organization SOME exists to provide food, clothing and counseling for the poor and homeless people of Washington D.C. “SOME contributes to breaking the cycles of abuse and poverty by providing mental health, dental care, treatment centers and housing; the organization gives people an opportunity to give back to the community,” said Betty Washington, Andrews Chapel One SOME coordinator.
01039976B
Team Andrews volunteers prepare food for guests at So Others Might Eat. SOME is a non-profit organization which feeds homeless and less-fortunate families and people. The volunteers served approximately 400 meals.
Anyone over the age of 13 can volunteer. “This group had many volunteers, allowing us to easily feed about 400 people,” said Washington. “Much of the food passed out was donated by base residents. Helping people in need couldn’t have been possible without people’s generosity.” For further information on how to contribute by collecting food and/or volunteering with this organization and others like it, contact Chapel One at 301-981-2111.
Friday, May 31, 2013
SCHOOL, from page 5 took a fewer number of days so that we wouldn’t in any way compromise our accreditation.” She said DOD places great value on its education activity and its educators and staffs, who run schools around the world and on military installations across the country. “They’ve made great investments in the education of our children, and they certainly understand the importance that a quality education has to our nation, [and] to the recruitment and retention of a quality workforce. ... I think they demonstrated that when they reduced the number of furlough days for our employees,” she said. Furloughing school employees demonstrates the depth of crisis facing DOD, Fitzgerald said. “I found every opportunity, every effort being made, to ensure that we would not have to furlough,” she added. “[Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel] himself, in his letters, has said he came by this decision with great pain and great regret.” DOD, DODEA, and every other agency devoted to securing the nation’s future are struggling under the current budget and deficit conditions, Fitzgerald noted. “I don’t think the department would make this decision if it weren’t for this financial crisis,” she added. DODEA is not planning to conduct further furloughs beyond the coming school year, she said. “That can’t become a routine,” she added. “I believe the department is committed to this investment that it’s making in the education of the children, so budget cuts would have to come from other sources, within DODEA and within the department itself, to try and avoid impacting the educational program. We would just have to stop doing certain things.” Fitzgerald said around the world, DODEA’s employees will work to keep morale high and their focus on the children, but she acknowledged the furloughs would have an effect.
“This is going to be a very difficult time for our families and our employees,” she said. Still, Fitzgerald said, she’s confident her workforce will “push through” the professional and personal difficulties that a loss of classroom time and a loss of pay will bring. “It’s not a heavy lift to keep our teachers motivated,” she said. “In fact, during times of great crisis, you will see our teachers ... be the first ones to tell you, ‘Let’s stay focused on the mission.’” Educators are people whose career choice is motivated by love of the work, she pointed out. “They believe they can make a difference in the lives of these children,” she said. “That characteristic is actually present in all DODEA employees. That’s what makes DODEA so special.” From the headquarters to each individual school, she said, “our focus is on the children. It’s not about us, it’s about them.” Her entire workforce understands the challenges they’re facing with a five-day instructional loss this year, Fitzgerald said. “I would tell you that the prevailing feeling is, while there is great disappointment and concern ... during this whole process, the one thing I think you’ll find in DODEA is that they will rally, and they will look back on this -and they want everyone to do so -- with the sense that, ‘Yes, those were tough times, and we performed magnificently,’” she added. Principals are now working to schedule the precise furlough schedules their schools will observe, Fitzgerald said. She added that parents should contact their local school offices and websites for more information on furlough schedules. “I can say this to all of our parents: the school calendar shows a report date, an opening of school, and that won’t change,” she said. “These furlough days ... are not going to be taken, probably, until after the Labor Day holiday. So teachers, parents, children should report to school on time.”
For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,
visit www.dcmilitary.com.
Commission on AF structure to meet The National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force will hold its first public hearing Tuesday, June 4 in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. President Obama and the chairmen and ranking members of both Armed Services Committees recently appointed eight members to serve on the Commission. The 2013 National Defense Authorization Act directed the establishment of this commission. The Honorable Dennis M. McCarthy, retired Marine Corps Lieutenant General, is the Commission’s chairman and the Honorable Erin Conaton is the vice chair. The other Commission members are: F. Whitten Peters; Les Brownlee; retired Air Force General Raymond Johns, Jr.; retired Lieutenant General, Air National Guard Harry M. “Bud” Wyatt, III; Dr.
Janine Davidson and Dr. Margaret Harrell. Dr. James A. Blackwell has been appointed Executive Director. The Department of Defense sponsor is Mr. Michael L. Rhodes, director of Administration and Management. The Commission will conduct a comprehensive study of the Air Force’s structure to determine if and how the structure should be modified to best fill current and future mission requirements with available resources. The first public hearing will be June 4 in the Rayburn House Office Building. The Commission’s report to the President and Congress is due Feb. 1, 2014. The Commission will consider whether the Air Force: - Meets current and anticipated requirements of the combatant commands - Achieves an appropriate balance between the regular and re-
serve components, taking advantage of the unique strengths and capabilities of each - Ensures that the regular and reserve components have the capacity to support current and future homeland defense and disaster assistance missions in the United States - Provides a sufficient numbers of regular members to provide a base of trained personnel from which reserve components could be recruited - Maintains a peacetime rotation force to support operational tempo goals of 1:2 for regular members and 1:5 for reserve members - Maximizes and appropriately balances affordability, efficiency, effectiveness, capability, and readiness For more information about the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force, contact dfoafstrucomm@osd.mil.
STORIES, from page 7
stationed in Germany, Powell’s close uncle passed away. At the funeral, she watched an Honor Guard team give her uncle military honors. This inspired her to become part of her base Honor Guard team. After experiencing the impact she had on the lives of others as they grieved the loss of their loved ones, Powell knew she wanted to continue this tradition on a larger scale. “When I was done with my tour there, I knew I wanted to continue this service to those who served,” she said. “At the funerals, you can hear the family members say how much they appreciate what we do. It can be overwhelming.” She discussed how physically demanding being a pallbearer is. Caskets can weigh anywhere from 600 to 800 pounds. So the
pallbearers have a very vigorous physical fitness routine and standards they must meet. Powell enjoyed sharing her Air Force story with the group. “I don’t think a lot of them understand what the Honor Guard does,” she said. “What we do is something that needs to be done; it is a tradition that needs to continue.” After each Airman shared their stories, they took questions from audience members. These questions ranged from whether the Airmen felt the general public understood their mission to what they would say to someone thinking about joining the Air Force. After everyone spoke, the group praised the three AFDW Airmen for their service and the sacrifices they have made.
“I didn’t do this by myself,” he said. “There was a crew. I’m honored and humbled to be able to share our story.”
Staff Sgt. Jennifer Powell
Powell, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard pallbearer, is one of two females qualified to carry fallen heroes to their final resting place and is the only active female pallbearer on the team. She is also the only female NCO currently assigned to the fly-away team. This group of Airmen responds when a senator, former president or current holders of their positions pass away. She shared the story of how she decided to apply for the Air Force Honor Guard. While
9
Andrews Gazette
Friday, May 31, 2013
Ask the Lawyer
May I lie to a civilian? BY MATHEW B. TULLY Q. I know lying to someone in the military can be a crime, but what about false statements made to civilians?
A. You are correct in noting that lying in the military can be a crime. More specifically, a false official statement could qualify as a violation of Article 107 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. For a lie to qualify as an Article 107 offense, it must be made as an official statement that a service member knows to be false and is uttered with the intent to deceive. For a statement to be official it must be “made in the line of duty.” Additionally, the rank of whomever the service member attempted to deceive with the false official statement is irrelevant, according to the Manual for Courts-Martial. Whether a service member’s lie told to a civilian qualifies as a false official statement under Article 107 hinges on whether it was made in the line of duty. In other words, did it pertain to a government function? In short, lying to a civilian may not be a UCMJ crime, so long as it is not made in the line of duty. But be careful, states have varying laws against false statements made to police officers or other authorities and in some cases a lie could constitute fraud. For example, U.S. v. Jordan C. Passut (2013) involved an Air Force Senior Airman who was convicted at general court-martial of, among other things, making false official statements, forgery, making and issuing worthless checks by dishonorably failing to maintain sufficient funds, and falsely altering a military identification card in violation of Articles 107, 213, and 134.. The Airman, who had a history of bouncing checks, had made false statements to a civilian employee at a bank called the Armed Forces Bank located on base. He claimed his military identification card had been damaged in a work-related accident,
when in fact he had damaged it. He also provided the employee with another service member’s Social Security Number, claiming it was his own. He similarly made false statements to employees at the Army and Air Force Exchange Service when attempting to cash checks there. The Airman appealed to the U.S. Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals, claiming his false statements to the bank and exchange service did not satisfy the “official” element of an Article 107 offense. The exchange service, the court noted, has a “unique relationship to the military and its installations.” It is “governmental in nature and military in purpose” and “under the control of military authorities.” As such, the Airman’s false statements to exchange service cashiers were official. In contrast, the Airman’s false statements made to the bank employee were found not to be official, because, “[d]espite its name, this bank is not affiliated with the military.” It was a civilian bank that just happened to be located on an air base. Consequently, the court said, “[t]his tenancy relationship does not transform the Armed Forces Bank into an instrumentality of the United States or make its employees’ actions ‘military functions.’” The court set aside and dismissed the specifications relating to this institution. Service members charged with making a false official statement should immediately contact a military law attorney. Depending on the circumstances, a lawyer could show that the statement was true, that the service member believed it to be so, or that it was not made in the line of duty. 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.
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Children learn stress reduction techniques Capt. Jordan L. Simonson, Clinical Psychology Resident at Malcolm Grow Medical Clinic and Surgery Center, visits children in the Child Development Center to teach them Progressive Muscle Relaxation and diaphragmatic breathing. Both are evidenced-based stress management techniques. “Teaching them the skills offered an alternative way to cope with stress, sad Simonson. “I volunteered because I have a strong interest in prevention and in community outreach. Teaching youth early on about ways to cope with stress can prevent emotional and mental distress in the future. Kids are also good models for one another. Hopefully the skills taught can be passed on to siblings and friends through social learning.”
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Andrews Gazette
CAPTION THIS
Friday, May 31, 2013
SPEAKING OUT: FORMER POWS TELL THEIR STORY
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/STAFF SGT. NICHELLE ANDERSON
Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Norman A. McDaniel speaks to members of the Company Grade Officers Club during a meeting May 21 at The Courses on Joint Base Andrews, Md. Norman became a Prisoner of War after his plane was shot down in North Vietnam in 1966. James H. Warner, a former United States Marine Corps Captain, also spoke of the five years and five months he spent as a prisoner of war after his F-4B Phantom was shot down in North Vietnam.
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.
Chaplain’s Thoughts
LONG & FOSTER REAL ESTATE
Things the Recruiter never told me
SANDY ORBITS CRS, GRI REALTOR®
Office: 301-893-6193 Cell: 301-643-9693 email: sandy.orbits@LNF.com Web: sandyorbits.LNF.com
Force Chaplaincy seemed to offer ministry with a touch of adventure and challenge. By challenge, I mean, the church that I served at really never asked or cared about how many push-ups I could do, but the Air Force seemed to think it was important. So I listened, I prayed, and I joined. That decision altered my life’s path. The Air Force is picky when it comes to its ministers, so I had to complete my master’s degree, become ordained, have several years of ministry experience, and be endorsed by an ecclesiastical body. That process stretched me in a number of ways. I sometimes felt as though the Air Force was sifting their candidates through the cruel tool of sheer endurance. I survived and advanced through the stages of being a Chaplain Candidate (2nd Lt.), Reserve Chaplain attached to Hurlburt Field (1st Lt.), and was selected to active duty, where I was stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. in the summer of 2009 as a Captain. All told, the process lasted five years. I now sit with a little over nine years of service under my belt and can safely say that no one really told me the complete truth! The typical knock on recruiting practices according to our young Airmen is that the promises of the service do not quite mirror the actualities experienced. I wholeheartedly agree, albeit from an entirely different perspective. Up until the writing of this of this piece I have been blown away by the incredible journey on which the chaplaincy has taken me. No person or tool prepared me for the absolute ride of my life.
BY CHAPLAIN (CAPT.) SHANE WALKER
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As chaplains, we’re privy to stories and details of people’s professional and personal lives. You name it; we’ve heard it. With certain settings come familiar flavors and varieties. For example, a deployed chaplain must assume that he or she will most likely have a healthy helping of relational triage opportunities. Likewise, if you’re assigned to a civil engineer squadron or security forces squadron, then you prepare to talk deployment and reintegration. Another wellknown counseling fountainhead is found in the basic training environment. The classic statement told by generations of young Airmen and heard by scores of sympathizing and loving chaplains is: “My recruiter never told me it would be like this!” Let’s be honest, we’ve all lived it, told it, or at least heard it! Once the dark days of beautiful San Antonio are behind, a new light begins to shine on the face of the once fragile trainee, and the realities of the real Air Force materialize with all the trimmings. Life is good again! There is not a hard push in the recruiting world for prospective chaplains. There are a few recruiters available, some literature, and a web site. I read the pamphlets, asked the questions, and weighed my decision. At that point in my ministry, I had spent five fulfilling years at a local church, but I felt there was something more that I was being called to do. The Air
The short span of nine years has spawned so many great memories. In that time, military ministry has taken me from the relative safety of the civilian pulpit and has thrust me into a life that has continually astounded and even involved me in events that will be written about in history books. Never did they tell me that I’d be on special operations helicopters decked out with night vision goggles and watch as gunners blasted away with .50-caliber machine gun. Never did I imagine that part of my job would be to function as a representative of the Holy while playing football with pararescuemen. I never dreamed that my calling would take me over the skies of Afghanistan with the men and women who represent the tip of the spear in the fight against the enemies of our liberty. And now, I have been given the great privilege of serving at Joint Base Andrews and have been tabbed as the Chaplain for the 89th Airlift Wing. How was I to know that my future parishioners would be NASA scientists and Navy SEALs? No one warned me about that! Frankly, I’ve been misled, and I’m more than thrilled about it. I recently read another passage from a different recruiting source, and it puts into perspective how I might explain to another unknowing soul who might think about the possibilities of the Air Force Chaplaincy. It states, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” Anyone interested?
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
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.
For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,
visit www.dcmilitary.com.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Andrews Gazette
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Andrews Gazette
Friday, May 31, 2013