Andrews 061215

ENTERTAINMENT Fun things to do around town, Page 2

DCMILITARY.COM

COMMUNITY

AIR FORCE NEWS

Teaching seniors to fight back, Page 5

Maintenance scheduled on main gate,

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

Joint Base Andrews inducts 14 honorary commanders BY 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS Joint Base Andrews welcomed 14 community and civic leaders into the 2015 Honorary Commanders Program during an induction ceremony luncheon, May 29, at The Club.

The Joint Base Andrews Honorary Commander Program encourages an exchange of ideas and experiences, as well as friendships between key leaders of the base’s surrounding communities, JBA commanders and Airmen. In addition, it allows base commanders and their units to learn more about local leaders and the local community.

“This program allows us to partner with civilians in the community and empower them to learn more about our mission, specifically that of the Air Force and Navy,” said Col. Brad Hoagland, 11th Wing/JBA commander.

see COMMAND, page 6

AIRMEN OF NOTE JAZZ UP MUSIC FEST

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. CHAD C. STROHMEYER/RELEASED

U.S. Air Force Band Airmen of Note members perform during the Great American Brass Band Festival at the Norton Center for the Arts in Danville, Ky., June 5. See story on page 6 .

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN PRESTON WEBB/RELEASED

Col. Bradley Hoagland, 11th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander, speaks with Senior Andrews Ambassador, Jim Estepp, Andrews Business & Community Alliance president and chief executive officer and his wife, Nancy, during the Joint Base Andrews 2015 Honorary Commander Luncheon May 29, at The Club, Joint Base Andrews.

Honor on the menu at Mission BBQ

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

It is standard in Americana living for people to show their patriotism during the playing of the National Anthem at any sports arena, be it professional, collegiate or high school. That same spirit of patriotism is also alive and well within the confines of the Mission BBQ in Colombia, Md. Bill Kraus and Steve Newton have built a solid chain of down-home Americana barbecue restaurants, where patriotism is served warm and daily with a side of barbecue for the American heroes who protect, serve and save.

Every day at noon, even

FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015 | VOL. 4 NO. 23

BOBBY JONES/ANDREWS GAZETTE

Mission BBQ founder Bill Kraus chats with patrons.

during the busy lunch hour as customer’s stream into restaurant, several mounted flat-screen televisions set to various sports events fade to

black. An announcement is broadcast on the PA system asking everyone in the restaurant to please stand for the National Anthem. The

restaurant staff, along with a mixed crowd of active-duty, retired veterans, and local patrons, stops to pay honor by saluting or putting their right hand over their heart as the National Anthem starts to play on the televisions.

“By playing the National Anthem, we offer just what we think is perspective to remind people how proud we are of our country and what we believe our business stands for, and more importantly, what our heroes have stood for,” said Kraus, founder of Mission BBQ. “Mission Barbecue is nothing other than the story of my best friend and I [and our] love of barbecue, love for

see BBQ, page 4

Comedy show will support scholarships Alexander-Adams, the sorority’s public affairs officer. Private school students The Southern Prince who live or attend school George’s County Commu- within those districts are nity Charities Inc. and the also eligible.

Upsilon Tau Omega chapAlexander-Adams said ter of Alpha Kappa Alpha that applications for scholSorority Inc. have joined arships are given to stutogether to support the ed- dents who have high acaucation of Prince George’s demic achievement and to County students bound for students from low-income college through comedy. homes.

On June 26, the local orDanaeka L. Spear, the ganizations are sponsoring AKA chapter’s president, the Cultured Pearls Com- said Joe Torry would headedy Show at the University line the show. Comedians of Maryland’s Clarice Smith Joe Recca, Travis Spencer Performing Arts Center and Christina Wilson, aka — Kay Theater, in College “Elevation,” would also be Park, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. featured.“These are comeDoors open at 7 p.m. The dians who value education proceeds from the show will and support our efforts benefit the SPGCCC Edu- to raise funds for scholarcation Scholarships. ships for our students,” said “Every year we give Spear. out scholarships to graduTorry, a nationally ating high school seniors known actor and comein districts, 7, 8 and 9 of dian, said he was passionsouthern Prince George’s ate about the significance County and we give a of young people pursuing scholarship to a student at higher education.

Morgan State who majors in education,” said Marcia see COMEDY, page 3

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

Andrews Gazette

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Hot tickets around town June 12

Hyattsville Summer Jam Series 6:30-8:30 p.m.

City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin St., Hyattsville Held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the second Friday of the month from May 8 through Sept. 11, this event includes food (burgers, chicken and hot dogs), a beer and wine garden, musical entertainment, a moon bounce and Mandy the Clown. Free. Call 301985-5021, or visit www.hyattsville.org.

June 12

Cork to Fork Dinner 6:30-9 p.m.

Romano’s Winery and Vineyard, 15715 Bald Eagle School Road, Brandywine An exceptional dining experience where local food and wine come together. Food will be prepared by local caterer Pineapple Alley. ($) call 301-7521103, or visit www.romanowinery.com.

June 13

Uncorked: A Saturday Wine Event 6-9 p.m.

Snow Hill Manor, 13301 Laurel-Bowie Road, Laurel Sample wine from Maryland wineries, enjoy music, and learn about art. ($) Call 301-249-2004, or visit www.pgparks.com.

June 13

Juneteenth 1-5 p.m.

Walker Mill Regional Park, 8840 Walker Mill Road, District Heights The 8th Annual Juneteenth Celebration will be held at Walker Mill Regional Park. This is a free family event open to the public, and will be held rain or shine. Call 301-446-3232, or visit www.pgparks. com.

June 13

Celebrating the Potomac 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Accokeek Foundation at Piscataway Park, 3400 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek A day of music, food, and activities highlighting the cultural and environmental importance of our nation’s river. This year’s festival will feature: rockabilly band Jumpin’ Jupiter, river-related “envirotainment” and ukulele lessons for kids and adults, upcycled eco-craft making station, “trash-free Potomac” games from Alice Ferguson Foundation, living history cooking and fishing demonstrations and much more. ($) Visit accokeekfoundaton.org for more information.

COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS Andrews Gazette is published by Comprint Military Publications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force or any branch of the United States military.

The appearance of advertising in these publications, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the products and services advertised.

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

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

jrives@dcmilitary.com

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

Friday, June 12, 2015

EODs conduct training at JBA sentiment.

“You need to be able to 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS notice the tiny, little differences in your teammate’s Explosive ordnance dismood or what they’re thinkposal Airmen conducted ing while you’re on an operatraining on Joint Base Antion,” D’Angelo said. “Even drews, June 4. if they’re your team lead, EOD’s responsibilities it’s your responsibility as a include countering impromember to make sure they vised explosive devices, digsee your point of view before nitary support sweeps, air making a final call. If you base recovery, and flightline don’t, you could wind up in support for any aircraft cara situation you don’t want rying munitions that may be to be in.” damaged.

Having a high degree of “The large part of our knowledge of their coworkmission on Andrews is Seers and being in such a close cret Service support,” said environment fosters camaStaff Sgt. Luke Mefford, raderie throughout the caU.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN PRESTON WEBB/RELEASED 11th Civil Engineer Squadreer field, Grisham empharon EOD training and quali- Staff Sgt. Luke Mefford, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron sized. ty assurance technician.“We Explosive Ordnance Disposal training and quality “Friendships and espirit actually perform the most control technician, inspects a patch of discolored dirt de corps are never someSecret Service support mis- with a metal detector. thing that’s difficult to forge sions out of any other EOD in EOD. These guys are like for specialized training op- tiple devices for them to brothers,” Grisham said. unit in the Air Force.”

To maintain readiness portunities. These include find, and attaching them to “Being EOD is about confor both stateside and de- air assault school, advanced pressure plates that could tributing to something largployed scenarios, JBA EOD robotics training, mountain be set off by shifting only a er than yourself and knowtechnicians must constantly warfare classes and other few ounces of weight on the ing the people on your left undergo various forms of fast-paced wartime exercis- device. and your right are doing the es EOD Airmen might find Though their ingenuity same thing. They’ll always training and exercises. was put to the test, Mefford be there for you and you’ll “The biggest challenge interesting.

Mefford and Senior Air- and D’Angelo successfully always be there for them.” that [EOD] has now, is how do we transition from 14 man Aaron D’Angelo, 11th located, uncovered and disMefford claims his coyears of wartime to peace?” Civil Engineer Squadron posed of the buried devices. workers motivate him to Mefford credits their continuously improve. said Senior Master Sgt. Jer- EOD technician, participatemiah Grisham, 11th CES ed in a short-notice exercise success, both during this “If you’re not pushing EOD superintendent. “How to simulate a possible situ- exercise and in the field, to yourself or your teammates do we retain and motivate ation they could face while teamwork and camaraderie. to improve, you need to step “The basis of this career aside. If we’re not pushing Airmen that joined to go to deployed.

Tech Sgt. Kevin Cum- field is trust,” Mefford said. ourselves to be better, it war so we don’t lose their experience and keep them mings, 11th CES EOD NCO “If you can’t trust the guy causes complacency.” Mefin charge of training, set the next to you, you can’t work ford said. “Complacency is sharp for the future?”

To keep his Airmen in- scenario to the technician’s with him.” what causes people to get spired, Grisham searches disadvantage, burying mulD’Angelo mirrors this hurt and even die.”

BY SENIOR AIRMAN PRESTON WEBB

Retiree Corner New Leadership

Retired CMSgt. Brooke McLean is the new president and CEO of Air Force Enlisted Village in Shalimar, Fla. He fills the vacancy created by the death of retired CMSAF Jim Binnicker in March.

McLean is responsible for overseeing the operations of Teresa Village, Bob Hope Village and Hawthorn House, carrying out AFEV’s mission of providing a home to widows of retired airmen, mothers of active-duty service members and retired military couples. There are nearly 400 residents in two independent living facilities and 65 residents in Hawthorn House, an assisted-living and memory-care facility. McLean had served as AFEV’s director of development. He served in the Air Force for 30 years, primarily as

a logistics planner.

Many DFAS Services

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service offers enhanced tools for its customers. Military retirees have 1099R tax statements for the past five years available online 24/7. These often help in filing or refiling tax returns, for loan applications and other personal financial business. Verification of pay, formatted on DFAS letterhead, can also be downloaded for printing. Another tool allows those subject to commercial debt or courtordered garnishments of pay to view court documents used to establish those debts and garnishments via their myPay accounts. Combined Federal Campaign contributors are no longer restricted to

approved charities within the CFC region where they work. More information on these and other myPay features is available at www.dfas.mil/ mypayinfo.html.

Retirement Home Cemetery

The Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery, one of two national cemeteries maintained by the Department of the Army, is located on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Northwest Washington. From 1861 to 1864, the cemetery accepted thousands of soldiers’ remains from 17 of the 25 Union states, filling the 6-acre cemetery. An additional 9 acres were added in 1883. A vehicular gate on Harewood Road features a double iron gate with stone piers. Just

inside the gate are the superintendent’s lodge, built circa 1867, and the Logan Mausoleum, the cemetery’s most prominent monument. The cemetery is the final resting place of 21 recipients of the Medal of Honor.

The cemetery is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office telephone number is 877 907-8585.

Visitors to the cemetery may also be interested in President Lincoln’s Summer Cottage on the grounds.

The Retiree Activities Office is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit the office in Building 1604 at California and Colorado Avenues or call 301 981-2726. Call before your visit to ensure a volunteer is on duty.

The RAO has a website at www.andrews.af.mil.

Andrews Gazette

Friday, June 12, 2015

Maintenance scheduled on main gate outbound lanes

3

Echoes of Nature ‘brings nature to you’

BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

The outbound lanes at the Main Gate on Joint Base Andrews will be closed June 15 through July 1, due to construction.

and Westover Drive will be open daily from 3-6 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS p.m. for individuals departing the installation.

The outbound lanes at According to the 11th the Main gate on Joint Security Forces Squadron, Base Andrews are schedturn-around procedures uled to be closed June will be modified and may 15-July 1, due to construccause delays. tion. Inbound lanes and All other gates will not the Visitor Control Center be affected and will conwill be open normally.

To ease traffic conges- tinue to perform under tion during this time pe- normal operations. It is riod, the West Gate, adja- recommended for patrons cent to building 1500, will to give themselves extra be open 24/7 for outbound time to and from the intraffic only. Addition- stallation and avoid using ally, the outbound lanes the Main gate when posat Westover Gate, also sible.

For more information, known as Old Main Gate, located at the intersection contact 11 SFS at 301of North Perimeter Road 981-8575.

BY SENIOR AIRMAN MARIAH HADDENHAM

Security Forces Police Blotter The Security Forces Blotter is intended to keep members of the Joint Base Andrews Community informed and aware of the crimes and offenses that occur throughout the base each week. If you have any information that may help Security Forces solve a crime or prevent a criminal act, please contact BDOC (Base Defense Operations Center) at 301981-2001, crime stop line 981-2677 (COPS, or the investigations section at 301-981-5656).

June 5, 7:50 p.m.: Security Forces responded to a loud noise complaint at Bldg. 1690. Security Forces made contact with the individual and briefed them on quiet hours.

June 6, 3:07 a.m.: Security Forces responded to a domestic disturbance at Liberty Park Base Housing. Security Forces made contact with the in-

dividual. The individual was apprehended and charged accordingly.

June 7, 2:17 a.m.: Security Forces responded to a loud noise complaint at Bldg. 1657. Security Forces made contact with the individual, contacted their first sergeant and briefed them on quiet hours.

June 7, 3:20 p.m.: At the Main Gate, Security Forces stopped an individual attempting to bring an illegal substance on base. The individual was detained and charged accordingly.

June 7, 5:53 p.m.: Security Forces responded to an anonymous tip through the “LiveSafe” App reporting individuals practicing archery in Liberty Park Base Housing Area. The individuals were briefed and directed to the archery range.

Echoes of Nature, based in Bowie, is a nonprofit started in 2002 by Echo Uzzo, education director.

The company started with a simple idea — to visit day cares and schools in her community — and has grown since its initial inception. Currently the organization has a staff of instructors Sarah Wolfe, Lisa Garrett, Alex Simpkins, and animal care specialist Anna Turner, along with Uzzo’s husband, Michael Uzzo, executive director.

“It was just going to be me,” Uzzo joked. She started with the idea that she wanted to bring the natural experience of animals to children in the area. “Especially with the little guys you can’t just put them on a bus and take them somewhere.We present to ages 2 through 8th grade, visiting day cares, early learning centers and schools — both private and public. With the school programs, we follow the state curriculum, so we tie in with what they are learning at the time.”

Sparked by her natural inclination toward animals, Uzzo discovered a path in which to share her passion with others. “I was going to be veterinarian. I grew up in rural North Carolina.

LESLIE C. SMITH/ANDREWS GAZETTE

Michael Uzzo, executive director Echoes of Nature, tells Bowie International Festival attendees about the red-tailed hawk.

You either did research or were a veterinarian — and I wasn’t doing research, not on the live animals.

In college, I received an internship with the North Carolina Natural History Museum and that started the path of doing interpretive work with live animals and audiences.”

“I worked with the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News, Virginia and lot of what I do is what I gained from them, their style,” said Uzzo, who has also worked with the Baltimore Zoo Educational Department.

Wanting all to experience this up-close look at nature, Echoes of Nature started visiting all types of organizations at different

locales. “We also go to adult facilities anywhere from independent living all the way through nursing rehab — so all stages,” Uzzo said.

Schools, businesses and organizations are able to invite the organization to their location for a live experience with animals.

They also participate in numerous types of events around town such as Earth Day on Fort Meade to local festivals.

The organization also conducts several after school nature clubs in the area, as well as, running summer camps at client locations such as the Chesapeake Art Center, along with a weekend program

see NATURE, page 5

COMEDY, from page 1 “While most people only see my funny side, I have a serious side when it comes to how important getting an education is to me, especially a college education,” said famed comedian Joe Torry. “The Bachelor of Arts degree I received from Lincoln University has helped me to have longevity in a career I love, and it allows me to help others through my youth and community programs called Giving Back the Love Foundation. I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this scholarship fundraiser being sponsored by the Southern Prince George’s County Community Charities Inc., in partnership with the Upsilon Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. because we share a commitment to helping our youth achieve success.”

Spear added: “This is definitely a great event to come to and would make a great pre-Father’s Day gift.

Come out, have fun and laugh it up with us. Our hope is to raise as much as $28,000 by filling all 552 seats at the show.”

The money raised from the event will benefit scholarships slated for 2016.

The show is for adults only 18 and older. Free parking is available in Lots 1B and Z. For more information about tickets visit thecla rice.umd.edu/ticketingdiscounts. Tickets cost $50.

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Andrews Gazette

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BBQ, from page 1

BOBBY JONES/ANDREWS GAZETTE

Patrons pay tribute as the National Anthem plays at Mission BBQ.

Clinton Location 6410 Coventry Way (301) 868-7001

1051169

Delicious North Carolina BBQ & Soul Food

www.LevisRestaurant.com

country. I wanted to build a business that had purpose, meaning and significance,” Kraus said.

Kraus and Newton opened their first restaurant in Glen Burnie on Sept. 11, 2011 with a mission.

“That was intentional.

It was 10 years after the world changed. We’re going to change it back by reminding people what’s still great about our country. Because what we think is still great about our country is its heroes,” said Kraus.

“And we’re just proud and humble to be able to serve our heroes,” said Kraus.

Kraus’ grandfather was an Army World War I veteran, and his father served during the Korean conflict.

Currently Kraus’ oldest son, Andrew, has served in the Marines for the past five years, and his younger son, Alex, just finished a year at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Kraus views his business as an opportunity to give back and say thanks. He said that a portion of everything at Mission goes back to the community, in terms of fire and police charities.

“On the military side, we support the USO, Honor Flight Network and we have

Friday, June 12, 2015

a strategic partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP),” said Kraus.

According to Kraus, with the charity nights and the sale of their American Hero’s Cups, Mission Barbecue’s recent annual contribution to the WWP was in excess of $415,000.

“We’re just trying to do our part for those who have given so much, here’s our chance to give back to let them know that they have our support,” Kraus said.

As you look around the restaurant, the walls are covered with military memorabilia from patrons — of loved ones who once served in the armed forces. Kraus encourages his customers to bring in their photos or items to be displayed and honored in the establishment.

“So much of what you see on the walls is shared with us. So every Mission BBQ is different because they reflect the community of heroes who grew up there,” Kraus said.

“Working for a brand that’s giving back to our community as well as our veterans is fantastic,” said George Thomas, a Mission BBQ employee of only seven weeks, noting his enthusiasm working for Mission BBQ. “Now that I’m working here I feel that I’m serving

for my granddad, George L. Thomas Sr. “Every day I come to work I’m blessed to be able give it back to him from the heart,” said the native Washingtonian.

“I enjoy atmosphere here, especially at noon when we stop to play the National Anthem. I think that should be done everywhere, not just at this restaurant,”Thomas said.

As Kraus walks through his business, he quietly carries two squadron patches in his pocket as a constant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice two military members suffered during their tours of duty. First Lt. Brendon Mooney, U.S. Navy seal who was killed Sept. 21, 2010 and Lt. Valerie Cappelaere Delaney, who was killed during a training accident on March 11, 2013.

“I carry the patches as a constant reminder of the why we’re doing what we’re doing to serve, honor and thank the memories of folks like them.They will never be forgotten at Mission BBQ,” Kraus said. They will forever live amongst the heroes on display here at Mission BBQ,” Kraus shared.

Mission BBQ has several locations in Maryland including Laurel, Glen Burnie, Columbia and Annapolis.

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, June 12, 2015

NATURE, from page 3

Teaching seniors to fight back

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

when you retaliate or try to escape,” said Thomas.

Once a safety director and head of the emergency response locally, shared home safety tips on how to use a fire extinguisher in case of fire.

“Many of you think you know how to use an extinguisher, but if you have a ring of fire surrounding you, you’ll probably panic, especially if you have Alzheimer’s or dementia. You should be more concerned, though, with having an escape plan rather fighting a fire,” said Thomas, who has a degree in engineering and environmental research. “Self defense is not always physical,” said Thomas, I need to know how to defend myself if my house catches fire.”

Thomas also introduced pickpocket scams and purse-snatching scenarios to the audience to help them in safe guarding their valuables and identity theft.

The session concluded with invited guests from the Bladensburg law enforcement community who came out to inform the residents about other resources available. For more information about future events contact Thomas at 202-251-1030 or send an email to tkdram blers@yahoo.com.

St. Philip the Apostle Catholic School Now Offering

ROLLING ADMISSION!

Schedule a visit with us!

ly Tours available weekrsd ay

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thu 9a.m.-11a.m.

301-423-4740

See for yourself why so many parents consider St. Philip the Apostle a “hidden gem” in Prince George’s County.

5414 Henderson Way Camp Springs, MD 20746

1051166

When it comes to crime, particularly robbery, assault — and sometimes unfortunately, worse — it would seem some of our most vulnerable citizens would be our senior citizens. Dr. Clifford Thomas is a senior citizen for whom an unsuspecting, would-be robber would be best served to not run into in a dark alley, due to his extensive years of training in several disciplines of martial arts since 1964.

According to the 61-yearold grandmaster, he is the only black belt to have earned four martial arts doctorate degrees, including martial arts education, martial arts science, martial arts medicine, and philosophy and martial arts sciences.

“As a senior citizen, you shouldn’t have to peer out your window from between blinds and be afraid. I want seniors to be able to take care of themselves,” said Thomas, a 10th-degree black belt.

On June 8,Thomas, CEO of We Lead By Example Inc. — Tae Kwon Do Ramblers Self-Defense Systems, held a free senior safety and selfdefense workshop to teach safety and practical selfdefense methods for senior 55 years and older at the Bladensburg Community Center.

In cooperation with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation Northern Area, Thomas welcomed more than 20 seniors to the three-hour session.

The 6-foot, 2-inch tall, 200-plus pound martial artist uses a walker as he waits on pending knee operation.

However, don’t be misled by the seasoned instructor’s ability. At the beginning of the class, Thomas shared a recent incident from a couple of weeks ago.

“I was at the service station pumping some gas when a couple of young teenagers ran up on me and one said, ‘You know what this is.’ I said, ‘No, what is this?’ ‘We’re going to rob you and then beat the crap out of you,’” Thomas relayed.

Thomas realized that they saw him as helpless

and defenseless, and especially vulnerable because he was using a walker. “I told the boldest one that I would dismantle a certain part of his anatomy and make him eat it,” said Thomas. Fortunately, the commitment in Thomas’ voice was enough to scare them off.

“None of you have to be afraid,” added Thomas.

During the demonstrations, he enlisted the help of Susan McCutchen, one of his second-degree brown belt students and Tae Kwon Do Ramblers Self-Defense Systems program coordinator, to expose senior citizens to the natural weapons they have at their disposal, such walking canes, purses and fingernails. The “street smart” techniques will enable them to protect themselves against crime and increase their chances of survival.

Thomas also showed the motivated seniors different striking techniques they could deploy against an attacker, including using their cane to break collar bones, jabs to the solar plexus and groin, block punches and trip the assailant to the ground, before making a hasty retreat.

“You only have two seconds to act. The first is when the moment they attack you and the second is

there once a month.

When Uzzo visits locations, “They’re going to see at least four live animals and there are usually props that go along with it.

Some of our younger guys can’t touch the live reptiles so if we have a turtle we bring a turtle shell and that way they get a visual and a tactile experience.

It’s our goal with every program we do. That is why a lot of the groups we conduct are smaller class sizes, so we can walk and

301.423.4740

http://www.stphiliptheapostlemd.org

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talk and they have that up-close experience,” Uzzo explained.

The organization has plans to eventually open a permanent facility where schools and families will be able to come for programs and visit naturalistic exhibits.“This will allow them to see an animal and when they are out exploring they kind of know what to look for,” Uzzo explained.

There is a large variety to the creatures that will come to visit. “We have 80 ambassadors — five different kinds of mammals; reptiles — snakes, turtles,

lizards; amphibians — frogs and toads — a couple of salamanders; bugs; three birds – the red tail hawk is one; and once in a while fish,” Uzzo said.

“I love doing it I can honestly say I like my work,” Uzzo shared.

Patrons can give a taxdeductible donation to support the programs of Echoes of Nature and to support the animal ambassadors. If you would like to find out more about the organization and their availability, visit EchoesofNature.org.

Andrews Gazette

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Friday, June 12, 2015

Airmen of Note jazz up Great American Brass Festival

BY STAFF SGT. CHAD STROHMEYER

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Airmen of Note, the premier jazz ensemble with the U.S. Air Force Band performed several times this past weekend at the Great American Brass Band Festival in Danville, Kentucky.

Collaborating with several jazz artists such as Wycliffe Gordon, Al Hood and Rex Richardson, the band showcased their talent and dedication to thousands of patrons.

“This type of event fits our mission statement perfectly,” said Master Sgt. Tyler Kuebler Airmen of Note music director. “To come here and inspire patriotism, support those who have served and continue to serve allows us to show America what the Air Force is all about.”

The festival, which brings in approximately 40,000 people every year, has been held in Danville since 1990 and features a wide variety of musicians, food and Americana. With

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS BY SENIOR AIRMAN PRESTON WEBB/RELEASED

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. CHAD C. STROHMEYER/RELEASED

Master Sgt. Tyler Kuebler, Airmen of Note music director, watches as a soloist performs during the Great American Brass Band Festival on June 5.

this being the bands first appearance at the GABBF, giving a great first-impression was vital.

“The fact we were able to collaborate with so many internationally-renowned artists lets everyone know the level of excellence each member possesses,” said Kuebler. “We took this very seriously and spent a lot of time rehearsing each performance.”

With several great musicians packed in to one place, the crowds definitely

got their money’s worth.

“The crowd interaction has been fantastic,” said Tech. Sgt. Paige Wroble, Airmen of Note vocalist. “A lot of people attended and I saw several of children enjoying themselves as well.”

After the performances, band members shared laughs and photos with attendees.

“We get to do what we love,” said Wroble. “We were born to do this and feel honored to share it with the world.”

Marc Bashoor, center left, Prince George’s County fire chief, receives a certificate from Lt. Col. Rockie Wilson, center right, 11th Civil Engineering Squadron commander; Col. Bradley Hoagland, far left, 11th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander; and Jim Estepp, far right, Andrews Business & Community Alliance president and chief executive officer and Senior Andrews Ambassador, May 29, at The Club, Joint Base Andrews.

COMMAND, from page 1

Col. Bradley Hoagland, 11th Wing commander, addresses attendees of the Joint Base Andrews 2015 Honorary Commander Luncheon Ceremony May 29, at The Club, JBA, Md. During the luncheon, each inductee was presented a certificate of induction and an honorary commander lapel pin.

“By doing this we hope to strengthen our relationships with our local neighbors.”

The diversity of JBA’s six wings, two headquarters and more than 80 tenant organizations impact not only missions and surrounding communities in the National Capital Region, but missions across the entire Department of Defense and around the world.

Honorary commanders are invited to attend events on base and in the surrounding communities that Airmen and sailors from Joint Base Andrews support. In turn, HCCs also invite the units they are paired with to participate in events in the local community.

“We look forward to working with the new honor-

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ary commanders,” Hoagland said. “We also look forward to continuing the relationships we have formed with the other 25 honorary commanders still serving.”

During the luncheon, each inductee was presented a certificate of induction and an honorary commander lapel pin.

2015 Joint Base Andrews Honorary Commanders are: n Mrs. Francesca Pellegrino, president and founder of Catholic Coalition for Special Education n Ms. Dorothy “Carolyn” Lowe, District V Coffee Club facilitator n Mr. Dave Dotterer, Mission BBQ director of operations n Mr. Bradley Frome, assistant deputy administrative officer for Economic Development and Public Infrastructure, Prince George’s County n Mrs. Christine Wray, president of MedStar, Southern Maryland Hospital Center n Mr. H. Douglas Rice, principal of Imagine Andrews Public Charter School n Mr. Ellis Watson, chief executive for Councilman Obie Patterson, 8th District n Mr. Anthony Ayers, Capitol Heights Police Chief n Mr. Mark Magaw, Prince George’s County Police Chief n Mr. Marc Bashoor Prince George’s County Fire Chief n Mrs. Lori Arguelles, president and chief executive officer, The Alice Ferguson Foundation n Mrs. Desiree GriffinMoore, executive director, The Community Foundation in Prince George’s County n Mr. Shawn Scarlata, owner and CEO of Blueline Security Services n Mr. Franklyn Johnson, manager, Edible Arrangements Suitland, Maryland.

Friday, June 12, 2015

Andrews Gazette

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, June 12, 2015