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Wingmen show their true colors
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“Geri-Hatrics” play for love of sport and community
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Max Impact rocks Ft. Belvoir USO Center
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2013 | VOL. 2 NO. 22
SCHOOL ENDS ON A SOGGY NOTE
PHOTO/BOBBY JONES
A Geri-Hatrics player prepares to shoot the puck as goalie Uli Boegli prepares to defend during a scrimmage. BY BOBBY JONES
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
The locker room rumbles with laughter and sometimes bawdy jokes as senior citizens get ready for hockey practice at The Gardens Ice House in Laurel, Md., taunting and poking fun at one another like childhood rivals. It’s all in the spirit of camaraderie, said Kevin McMahon, team facilitator for the Geri-Hatrics, a senior ice hockey team. “Primarily, we provide a hockey venue that fosters competition, camaraderie and fun for recreational hockey players over 50 years old. We also support several charities including the Washington Ice Dogs, a member of the American Special Hockey Association which provides programs for developmentally challenged children and adults, as well as Hockey 4 Hope, (a program for inner city children in D.C. at Fort DuPont),” said McMahon, an active team player since 2007. “The team name, created by Bill Wellington, team founder, is a play on words - “geriatric” and “hat trick” is when one player scores three goals in one game,” said McMahon. The team competed in the National Senior Winter Olympics held in 2000 at Lake Placid. The 70-year-old category reached its pinnacle of success when it won Olympic gold during the NSG Sept. 2008 in Providence, RI. The team motto, “You’re Never Too Old!” appears the moment the seasoned players hit the ice, with boisterous chatter and congratulatory pats on the back after completing an intricate, synchronized play. Even the
team’s jersey’s is light-hearted: the playful logo displays a set of dentures biting down on a hockey stick. Among the more than 100 veteran hockey team members, several played on college or club teams, organized leagues and semi-pro level teams. Many have more than 40 years of experience on the ice. One member stands out due to his speed and experienced play. Alan Hangleben, a former Washington Capitals defenseman now on the Geri-Hatricks 60s team roster, generously loans his pro skills to the highly seasoned team. “It’s great to play with these guys, because their attitudes are great and I enjoy the camaraderie,” said Hangleben. “I just assist the guys by getting them into position so they can score a goal, or give them a pass.” When asked if he was the team ‘ringer,’ Hangleben humbly noted, “I’m just trying to give back to a game that was so good to me. And some of these guys have only been skating for about four or five years. Some didn’t even start until they were 60,” said Hangleben, also a Los Angeles Kings and Hartford Whalers, National Hockey League veteran. Hangleben was reflective about the toll of injuries that have plagued his post-career health. “I’ve had four knee operations and can’t run anymore. It’s also hard to walk or even go up and down stairs,” said Hangleben. “However, skating has been a good workout for me. There’s no impact or pounding on my knees like with running,
PHOTO/BOBBY JONES
An Imagine Andrews Public Charter School student scurries happily through a downpour.
Suitland Bog a hideaway for rare, carnivorous plants BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER
see HOCKEY, page 5
Dances with weeds BY MELINA MESHAKO
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Just call me “Weed Dancer.” I have a lot of plants in my yard that others disparage as weeds. I enjoy the summer splash of flowering color with nectar that benefits the bees and the butterflies. This year, I’m more than dancing in my weeds. I’m attempting to identify them and learning a few facts and surprises about weeds.
Lesson one:
Calling a plant a weed is subjective. Your preferences
determine whether a plant is weed and then whether it’s good or bad. The National Park Service’s book, “Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas,” says that the term “weed” is a subjective word used to describe any plant growing wherever someone wishes it did not; can include native and non-native plants.” With that definition, my blue-eyed star grass is a welcomed yard guest; the Japanese maple seedling growing inches from the driveway is a weed. This was not what you expected, was it? I’ll make weeding simple
see WEEDS, page 7
PHOTO/CHRIS BASHAM
Senior Park Ranger and Suitland Bog Manager Chris Garrett checks for Common Pitcher Plant Mosquito larvae inside a pitcher plant. The larvae live inside the plant’s pitcher, nourished by the carcasses of insects which are, unlike this nonbiting mosquito, dissolved by enzymes secreted by the plant.
Turn onto Suitland Road just outside the base and it feels as if you’re going from bustling military installation straight to the heart of the city. If you don’t slow your roll, that’s exactly what will happen. Stop on the way, instead, at the Suitland Bog Natural Area for a quiet walk through an unusual habitat for more than 300 species of plants, some of which are on the Maryland Natural Heritage Program’s list of rare, threatened or endangered species. Classified as a Maryland Coastal Plain bog, the Suitland Bog is one of perhaps 30 northern hillside bogs in the area. Unlike a true bog, generally found in New England or northern Europe, northern hillside bogs are not kept wet only by the rain. Fed by underground aquifers that collect in pools, the bog remains moist and in some areas wet throughout the year. That makes it the perfect environment for plants not often seen in drier areas; carnivorous pitcher plants, tall Royal ferns, tiny rose pogonia orchids, native azaleas, sweet bay magnolias and twisted ground rushes thrive there. Bogs like the one at Suitland
see BOG, page 7
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Andrews Gazette
HOT TICKETS
Commentary
Free to be a Freegan
Around Town June 14
D.C. Jazz Festival: Jazz meets the Latin classics 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street N.W., Washington, D.C. Conductor/saxophonist/clarinetist and NEA Jazz Master Paquito D’Rivera join an all-star ensemble playing Piazzolla, Lecuona, D’Rivera, and others. For information visit http://www.dcjazzfest.org/.
June 15
Community Pride: Celebrating the Culture of Community 1 p.m. Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture, 830 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Md. Children ages 6-12 become “mayors” of their own communities and design their own towns, holidays and line dances. For information visit http://www.rflewismuseum. org/.
June 15
19th Century Baseball Evolution with baseball historian Richard D’Ambrisi 2 p.m. Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum, 216 Emory Street, Baltimore, Md. Explore a hands-on display of reproduced uniforms, equipment, documents, books and other accessories used by a mid-19th century baseball player; the history of the development of the sport in Maryland and across America; myths; laws and more. For information visit http://www. sportslegendsatcamdenyards.com.
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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.
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Friday, June 14, 2013
Chris Basham, editor cbasham@dcmilitary.com Deirdre Parry, page design dparry@gazette.net Bobby Jones, photographer bjones@dcmilitary.com
BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER
I’m cheaper than most people you know. Trust me. It was OK, too, until the day my son saw me wearing Ashley’s shoes. Ashley was a nice enough girl, apparently. At the end of the school year, she happened to be among the dozens of students at my son’s school who abandoned (ahem!) perfectly good clothing to the lockers. Imagine my shock and excitement when I opened the dumpster to drop in some stuff from my car and found half a dozen large, black bags filled with new and nearly new clothes. I dumped my trash, hauled the good stuff home, ran about seven loads of laundry and donated most of it to the thrift store. A bunch of savvy teenage shoppers came home with pricey, designer items, thanks to deliveries like that. But Ashley’s adorable little black shoes from Wet Seal fit my feet perfectly. All I had to do was cover the doodle she’d written on the side of her shoe in permanent marker. I don’t remember what Ashley had
written, but I do remember my son looking down and saying, “No, Mom. No. You can’t wear shoes you got out of the garbage. I KNOW that girl.” I can, and I do. My son still calls them my “garbage shoes,” but they fit, they are wearing like iron, I get compliments on them wherever I go and since I paid nothing for them I don’t mind if they get a little muddy. They are, in a word, perfect. Since we moved into our apartment my son has become a lot more open to his mother’s Freegan ways. A “Freegan,” if you haven’t heard, is a person determined to avoid spending money on stuff. Some do it for moral reasons, to protect the environment or to make a statement about materialism in our culture. Me, I do it because it’s cheap. So far, aside from the occasional dumpster dive to gather last year’s fashions, I’ve planted a thriving garden mainly using scraps from food I purchased at the grocery store. My bell peppers, started from seed, are starting to bloom. I’ve had all the celery I want since last August because of the stub end of a single bunch I purchased nearly a year ago.
If I don’t grow it, I try to get my food from the monthly SHARE distribution. My furniture comes from thrift stores, cast-offs and, yes, that spot next to the dumpster where people leave things too heavy and too nice to throw away. And I am always trolling Freecycle online for the latest thing someone has decided they no longer need. This week, while editing Melina Meshako’s informative “Dances with weeds,” I mentioned to her that I would be a good candidate for “Weed Chef,” because of my explorations with dandelions. They’re great in salad, and work in any stir-fry that you’d normally make with some other bitter, leafy green. Whether you use dandelion greens from your own yard or some other area, make sure they haven’t been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides before you pick them. Wash them as thoroughly as you would anything that grows in dirt, and stir-fry them with a little salt, sugar, black pepper and garlic. Extra points if you do it all wearing shoes you found in the high school dumpster.
presents the interment flag and plays Taps. If a seven-person team is able to support, it will also act as pallbearers and a firing party. Additional support for retiree funeral honors remains available from authorized providers such as veteran service organizations or Reserve Officer Training Corps units, as resources permit. Funeral honors remain unchanged for veterans at two persons. Active duty funeral honors are performed by a 20-person detail. Requests for military honors are normally made through funeral directors.
from you. Through Aug. 1, an online survey is available at www.commissaries.com, clicking on “take our survey.” “We’re asking for input from our regular shoppers, occasional shoppers and non-shoppers alike,” said Tracie Russ, DeCA spokesperson. “Responses will be analyzed and used to improve the commissary for all our patrons.” The survey takes eight to 12 minutes to complete. “Time spent will have meaningful impact on future improvements at commissaries worldwide,” Russ said.
Commissary survey
TRICARE beneficiaries have many pharmacy options, including mili-
Retiree Corner COURTESY OF THE RETIREE ACTIVITIES OFFICE
Funeral honors cut
Air Force Services has reduced its minimum support for military funeral honors of retirees due to sequestration, said Brig. Gen. Eden Murrie, director of Air Force Services. The Air Force previously provided a seven-member detail for all retiree funerals and now requires only a two-member detail. “We cherish the service and sacrifice of our retirees,” General Murrie said. “While we had to adjust the Air Force requirement as a result of sequestration, commanders still have latitude to provide seven-member details if local resources permit.” The two-person team folds and
Whether you shop at your local commissary or not, the Defense Commissary Agency wants to hear
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see RETIREE, page 6
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Andrews Gazette
Friday, June 14, 2013
Summertime - Inspires fun, requires safety BY STAFF SGT. AMBER RUSSELL 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Once again the earth has made its path around the sun, bringing us to longer days and shorter nights. The hot summer sun can ignite a primal instinct for freedom, fun and adventure in the human spirit. Before stepping out to enjoy the warm days ahead, be mindful the Critical Days of Summer are in full swing. Whether the warm days ahead of us are filled with vacations, family gatherings, road trips, motorcycle rides, parties or simply blessed work, keep in mind the time period of May 24 to Sept. 3 marks the season where preventable mishaps escalate. Here are some tips to help the Air Force meet its goal of zero preventable fatal mishaps and an injury-free summer.
Take care of your wingman
The Air Force Core Values of Integrity First, Service before Self, Excellence in All We Do, promote a culture of interdependence. We must depend on one another on and off duty to ensure safety accomplishing missions or enjoying the nightlife.
Alcohol awareness: Sober is safer
Your safety and the safety of others may depend on your ability to think clearly and make informed decisions, often in a mo-
ment’s notice. With the consequences in mind of the dangers of alcohol (DUI’s, injury and death) form a plan beforehand and stick to it. Choose to stay sober or have a designated driver. Know your limit for alcohol intake. Think before you drink.
Private motor vehicle safety
Reckless behavior behind the wheel includes excessive speed, driving while intoxicated, no seat belt use or extreme maneuvers (surfing, racing, etc.); 86 percent of fatal car crashes (as of Sept. 30 2011) were attributable to these factors. Proper maintenance will help keep you on the road and out of the ditch. Tires, brakes, lights and fluids should be checked often by a qualified mechanic.
Burns, scalds, soft tissue injuries, abrasions and cuts are just a few of the accidents that can occur when grilling.
Preventing heat injuries
The potential for heat-related illnesses and injuries increase during the summer, but this is also preventable harm. Staying hydrated can prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Applying a high-SPF sunblock can prevent the short-term damage of sunburn and long-term damage of sun poison and other hazards.
Summer weather
School’s out for summer! Travel for the season must always include planning and risk management. Before you hit the road, consider the long distance driving risks as well as how you pack your car.
It’s not always sun and games during the Critical Days of Summer. Lightning, tornados, typhoons and hurricanes are unique weather hazards that can be extremely dangerous. Stay informed by paying close attention to weather reports, plan ahead with an emergency kit and non-perishable food and seek shelter immediately in case of an emergency.
Barbecue safety
Water-safety
Proper trip planning
Warm weather brings us together! Word to the wise; let somebody who knows what they’re doing manage the meat or at least supervise. Novice and experienced grill mates should know safety rules and show respect for the dangers of fire. Neglect causes mishaps.
For many, water sports are an important part of summer. Preventing tragedy takes many forms. Examples include: learn lifesaving techniques; learn CPR; know your water sport vehicle and the limitations of the machine; know your skills and stay within those boundaries; ensure safety
JBA SPOUSE FORUM FOCUSES
equipment is operational and never mix alcohol with water activities. The following information can save lives. Don’t drink alcoholic drinks while boating. Driving a boat while intoxicated will get you the same results as driving an automobile while intoxicated.
Countering fatigue
Mental fatigue of feeling sleepy often and being unable to concentrate may be life threatening; especially when the sufferer has to perform some tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery. It’s crucial to remain hydrated by drinking water. Avoiding caffeinated drinks such as coffee, alcohol, soda and “energy” drinks, which often have the opposite effects of hydration will help counter the effects of lethargy. Getting sufficient rest can help; although, if symptoms of fatigue persist consult your physician. By looking out for the health and wellbeing of ourselves and one another, staying informed and planning ahead, we can minimize and eliminate needless accidents and injuries over the Critical Days of Summer.
CAPTION THIS
ON DISASTER PREP
PHOTO/CHRIS BASHAM
Staff Sgt. Eric Reist of the 11th Civil Engineer Squadron Readiness and Emergency Management Flight speaks to a group of service members and spouses at the Joint Base Andrews Spouse Forum held June 11 in the Military and Family Support Center. Reist gave information and tips on how to prepare for natural disasters, terrorist attacks and even less dramatic challenges like winter storms. For information on how to prepare your office, car and home for all sorts of dangerous events, visit www. BeReady.af.mil. Personnel with CAC access can click on the purple globe at the bottom of their computer screen to sign on for AtHoc alerts to their computer, mobile device or telephone. The next JBA Spouse Forum will be presented in September.
For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,
Send your silliest captions for this week’s photo to cbasham@dcmilitary.com. The funniest ones will be used in a future edition of The Andrews Gazette.
visit www.dcmilitary.com.
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Andrews Gazette
WINGMEN SHOW THEIR TRUE COLORS
Friday, June 14, 2013
Putting boots down; getting business off the ground BY STAFF SGT. AMBER RUSSELL 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS ERIN O’SHEA
Team Andrews service members play team sports June 4 during Wingman Day on Joint Base Andrews, Md. Wingman Day is designed to teach airmen and coworkers to work with individuals who have similar or conflicting personalities to their own. Airmen and civilians participated in various activities as a way to foster better communication within their units. Staff Sgt. Robert Jones, 11th Wing Comptrollers finance technician, discusses his team’s qualities during a “True Colors” presentation for Wingman Day. Team Andrews service members answer questions on a survey about their personalities and lifestyles during Wingman Day.
In an effort to assist transitioning members to civilian life, each month, Team Andrews Military and Family Support Center offers an intensive two-day workshop for those interested in starting a business. The two-day sessions give participants in-depth information on writing a business plan market research, legal insight and financing. “Our program, From service to start-up: Operation Boots to Business, is here to give veterans an actionable plan, to translate their experience and leadership abilities into launching a new venture,” said Linda Logan, M&FSC program director. “We also aim to give members a realistic idea of everything involved in starting a business and make known the resources available to them.” Unleashing leaders with military backgrounds into society boosts veteran-owned businesses and creates jobs. According to the most recent U.S. Census data, there are about 2.5 million veteran-owned businesses, which have employed 5.8 million individuals. During the seminar, Henry Turner, University of Maryland Small Business and Technology Development Center management counselor, discussed the importance of identifying a target market and knowing key competitors in order to develop a competitive strategy.
“The most essential information I would like participants to gain from my presentations is focusing on customers’ needs and understanding the marketplace,” said Turner. “When it comes to customers you have suspects, prospects and at the core, customers. By teaching them to conduct market and industry analysis, we help entrepreneurs learn how to convert as many as possible into customers.” Turners’ focus was on teaching the participants how to create SMART goals, he said. “Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely,” said Turner. By beginning with the end in mind, participants can create a road map to success, he added. “Create a personalized, eight-step plan,” said Turner. “The first four steps should be short-term goals, beginning with how much you would like to make. The last four goals should be long-range, ending with an exit strategy.” Transitioning service members, veterans and spouses with a desire to start a business are all eligible to take the next workshop, scheduled for June 24 and 25. For further information on the workshop, call the M&FSC at 301-981-7087.
Ask the Lawyer What if it’s not my stash? BY MATHEW B. TULLY
Q. What happens if you’re found to be in possession of an illegal drug, but it doesn’t belong to you? A. If someone else’s marijuana or prescription drugs somehow end up in a service member’s possession, that is a hot potato that the inadvertent possessor does not want to hold on to for very long. Either destroy the drugs or turn them over to authorities as soon as possible. Depending on the branch of the military, there may be a regulation in place requiring service members to report military crimes, such as a friend’s use or possession of an illegal substance (that ended up in their possession). Failures to report such wrongdoing could expose service members to a charge of failure to obey a regulation in violation of Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. If law enforcement authorities find a service member to be in possession of an illegal substance that does not belong to him or her before he or she is able turn it in or destroy it, the charge will likely be wrongful possession of a controlled substance in violation of Article 112a. In this situation, with the help of a military law attorney, the service member could raise a defense of innocent or inadvertent possession. The reason for any delay in turning in or destroying the illegal substance will play a big factor in whether this defense is available to the service member. For example, U.S. v. Joshua J. Martineau (2012) involved an Air Force Airman first class who pleaded guilty to, among other things, wrongful possession of hydrocodone. The Airman claimed to have found hydrocodone pills while cleaning his car. He believed they belonged to an acquaintance and put them in a cigarette pack. He claimed he planned to throw the drugs away, but he was apprehended by police only 20 minutes after discovering them. The
U.S. Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals said it was unclear whether the Airman innocently possessed the hydrocodone, in part because the military judge failed to inquire into whether the Airman had a chance to dispose of the drugs in the short period between his discovery of them and his apprehension. Ultimately, the court said the judge abused his discretion in accepting the guilty plea on this specification. It set aside and dismissed the specification. In contrast, U.S. v. James A. Angone (2002) involved an Army staff sergeant who was convicted of, among other things, wrongful possession of marijuana. This charge stemmed from an incident that occurred while he was being escorted from unrelated, civilian confinement to his arraignment. With his escort, the staff sergeant stopped at his home to get a uniform. There, in his bathroom medicine cabinet, he found a marijuana cigarette that he claimed belonged to a roommate. Fearing its detection, the staff sergeant grabbed the cigarette, but the escort quickly noticed it in his possession. The staff sergeant attempted to raise a defense of innocent possession, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces rejected it. Given that the staff sergeant attempted to conceal the marijuana cigarette from his escorts rather than attempting to hand it over to them or destroy it, the court upheld his conviction. Service members charged with wrongfully possessing a controlled substance should immediately contact a military law attorney. Depending on the circumstances, an attorney could help them raise a defense of innocent of inadvertent possession. 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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Andrews Gazette
Friday, June 14, 2013
John Buchleitner, 77, pulls down the cage mask on his helmet.
HOCKEY, from page 1 because the skating is a fluid motion. I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’d rather do this than play organized hockey. In organized hockey you run into too many of the wanna-bees with attitudes. In here, everyone is just having fun.” David Sanbourin, 71, has played hockey since he was 30 years old. “I’m from New England and the other guys I play with are from all over: D.C. New York, Sweden etc.,” said Sanbourin, who looks more like a member of the Rolling Stones with silver hair, tanned skin and an earring. “We’ve all known each other for years and years. It’s like a fraternity here. It’s fun. If it wasn’t, we wouldn’t be here.” Steve Galeski, Geri-Hatrics co-director, is instrumental in helping to coordinate events during the year including the teams’ “Winterfest” and an annual tournament in March for 26 teams. “This is an event associated with the Maryland Senior Olympics,” said Galeski. “We work with the staff of the ice rink, scheduling times for games, and we appreciate the encouragement and the support we receive from the
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Gardens Ice House and use of the facility. We also purchase uniforms, equipment and manage our 60s and 70s teams that travel to several senior hockey tournaments,” said Galeski.”The level of camaraderie with the Geri-Hatricks in some ways exceeds that of when I was on active duty. Clearly, we Geri-Hatricks are a band of aging ice warriors. I have been playing ice hockey since my early teens, have played in high school and while attending college.” Galeski said that at least 40 percent of the Geri-Hatricks are veterans. “Our founder, Bill Wellington, flew planes during the Burma campaign in World War II,” said Galeski. The team includes lawyers, bankers, businessmen and women, trades people, store owners, veterinarians, surgeons, physicians, dentists, an airline pilot and wounded warriors. Some have been wounded in combat, including four members wounded in the Global War on Terror, including Galeski, who served as a Navy surgeon. “The Geri-Hatricks themselves is a loosely knit, nonprofit, charitable organization of likeminded, aging hockey warriors dedicated to playing hockey as long as we can and giving back to our local
PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES
Geri-Hatrics wait their turn to get into the game.
Team members hit the ice for a practice session June 11 at the Gardens Ice House in Laurel, Md.
community,” said Galeski. The team’s newest charity is a scholarship for disadvantaged children in the developmental youth programs at The Gardens Ice House. “I’m 64 and when I’m playing hockey I feel like I’m 14. It’s a great game for all ages but especially at our age it allows us to continue playing the game we came to love as kids,” concluded Kevin McMahon. “We are just a bunch of 60-year-old kids having fun.”
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Alan Hangleben, a former Washington Capitals defenseman gets dressed for the bi-weekly practice. Hangleben loans his pro talents to help his fellow teammates hone their hockey skills.
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Andrews Gazette
Friday, June 14, 2013
Andrews: Powered by innovation BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JOSHUA DEWBERRY
11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Team Andrews members from the 11th Logistics Readiness Squadron answered the call to innovate as the Air Force faces a slashed budget this year. Thomas Main, 11th LRS Deputy Chief; 2nd Lt. Luke Muldoon, Deployment and Distribution Flight Commander; Master Sgt. Ted Vandenbrink, Vehicle Management Superintendent; and Tech. Sgt. Moreed Kamal II, Vehicle Operation Control Center supervisor realized Andrews could save more than $10,000 per year by changing the way they acquired cars used to transport distinguished visitors. By leasing less-expensive vehicles through the General Services Agency versus paying for commercial leases through local dealerships, annual lease costs were reduced by almost 50 percent. This idea not only saved money at Andrews, but caught the attention of the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Larry Spencer, who is heading up the “Every Dollar Counts” campaign, an effort to unleash and harness the creativity of Airmen to help lessen the financial impact caused by sequestration. “I am so proud of all the hard work
you’re all doing,” said Spencer as he handed each a coin during a ceremony June 6 at the LRS vehicle operations center. “It’s great ideas like this that we need to implement Air Force-wide.” Spencer said this and similar ideas could have exponential savings that would free up funding for higher readiness priorities, such as squeezing in extra flying hours and getting more aircraft and engines into depots for overhaul and repairs. “Sequestration has definitely made it harder to accomplish the mission, but we have been thinking of ways to make it happen on a smaller budget,” said Main. “Knowing our Airmen made a difference during these challenging times is a great feeling. Working with them is what keeps me coming back to work every day.” Kamal said the collaborative effort between the four Airmen was nothing more than common sense. “The cars we will acquire through the GSA leases will do the same things that the more expensive cars did,” he said. “They also have the added benefit of costing less. At the end of the day, isn’t that what we’re trying to accomplish?”
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS ERIN O’SHEA
Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Larry Spencer speaks with Airmen from the 11th Logistics Readiness Squadron June 6 on Joint Base Andrews, Md. Spencer coined four Airmen who collaborated on an idea to save the Air Force money. The Airmen found less-expensive leases for distinguished visitor transport vehicles, which will save more than $10,000 per year.
Out of adversity, a hero is born way he carried himself. What was most impressive was his message. “Resilience is always important in life, I never met a real life superhero be- particularly military life, but over the fore. Much like many people from my last decade it has become one of the most generation, I grew up reading comics, important aspects of being an Airman,” admiring the hero’s ability to overcome said Resiliency Man. “Our service memalmost any obstacle no matter the situ- bers have been deploying more, working ation. So when I was asked if I wanted long hours, juggling family life and getto be the one to interview Joint Base ting the job done with less personnel and Andrews’ own home-grown superhero, less resources. It is truly amazing what they are able to accomplish, but it has there was no way I could say no. By day he is a mild-mannered re- not been without its challenges.” Having triumphed over adversity porter, but by ... later in the day under almost any circumstance he transforms time after time, Resiliency Man said, into (dramatic music) Resiliency Man! maintaining resiliency can be difficult His sole mission is to fight inflexibility and there are a lot of misconceptions and failure to adapt wherever it is found. about what true resilience is. “Many people think being resilient is At our first meeting, I didn’t know something they have to deal with themwhat to expect. Up until just before I selves, but I’m here today to spread the wrote this article, no one had ever seen message: your Air Force and your wingResiliency Man, but I was definitely famen are here for you,” said Resiliency miliar with his work. Though I had never Man. “Air Force and 11th Wing leaderseen him before, I could tell it was him ship have created many valuable profrom his Slinky-like stride and confident grams to help Airmen cope with nearly any situation. And as always, be a ACDelco takes pride in offering parts that are engineered to high standards and takes pride in good wingman and help offering you the right parts for your vehicle. Find those in need.” out how ACDelco excels in these fine products: As we continued our We Are Right Around the Corner... discussion, Resiliency Alternators Batteries Man talked about some Nobody has a better replacement of the many factors that Approved by limited warranty. GM for OE play a part in deterwarranty ring resilience. He addreplacements. ed, without the proper For Your Automotive Needs! amount of flexibility, AirPREMIUM PARTS AT QUALITY PRICES! Your neighborhood AC Delco Supplier! men are susceptible to Hyattsville Alexandria Sterling stress and other serious 4919 Lawrence St. 646 S. Pickett St. 43671 Trade Center Place Hyattsville, MD 20781 Alexandria, VA 22304 Sterling, VA 20166 stress related symptoms. 703-661-8400 301-864-4455 703-504-4949 Dumfries “Without resiliency, we Glen Burnie 17885 Fraley Blvd. Waldorf Essex 101 North Langley Rd. 1414-8 Fuselage Ave. 3490 Rockefeller Ct. Dumfries, VA 22026 are unable to adapt to adGlen Burnie, MD 21060 Middle River, MD 21220 Waldorf, MD 20602 tel 703-221-3322 410-761-7100 301-932-8600 fax 703-221-3320 443-772-0680 versity, trauma, tragedy,
threats, or even significant sources of stress such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace and financial stressors,” the superhero said. “Sometimes it is easy to feel like there is no way out or a problem is too big to overcome, but that just isn’t true. Sometimes it’s just difficult for us to see the solution, being so close to the problem. That’s why we need to seek help when we need it.” Some of the programs offered at Joint Base Andrews include: - Mental Health - Resiliency - Alcohol & Drug Prevention & Treatment Program - Family Advocacy - Health and Wellness - Sexual Assault Response - Equal Opportunity - Chaplains In addition to those programs, there are many other avenues people can pursue if they need help. Many of them can be found on the Air Force District of Washington web site. “If you don’t know where to go for help, talk to your supervisor, wingmen, first sergeant or even your commander,” he said. “We are all Airmen and never want to see our friends, coworkers, superiors or subordinates struggle. The bottom line is, you are not superhuman; if you need help, get it.” His message left a lasting impression on me. The next time I run into an insurmountable obstacle I just have to remember, Resiliency Man is here, fighting adversity by offering knowledge and information about the resources available and creating a flexible force for the future.
BY STAFF SGT. KRIS LEVASSEUR
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tary pharmacies, home delivery and 56,000 network pharmacies. Military treatment facility pharmacies fill prescriptions free of charge, up to a 90-day supply for most medications. Not all medications are available at MTF pharmacies. TRICARE’s formulary search tool, http://pec.hd.osd.mil/ formulary_search.php, lists what is available. Registered users may also request refills at www.tricareonline.com. Home delivery can be used when traveling on a temporary assignment or moving to another TRICARE region. Prescriptions are mailed in the United States and its territories. Beneficiaries can get up to a 90-day supply for most medications with minimal out-of-pocket costs. Beneficiaries can sign up for automatic refills or request them by mail, phone or online. The home delivery option is recommended for prescriptions needed on a regular basis. Beneficiaries using a retail network pharmacy can get up to a 30-day supply. Certain vaccines are covered for zero copayment at participating network pharmacies. Call 1-877-363-1303 or visit www.express-scripts.com/tricare to find a participating pharmacy. TRICARE provides a world-class pharmacy benefit to eligible uniformed service members, retirees and family members, including beneficiaries age 65 and older. For more information, visit www.tricare.mil/pharmacy or contact Express Scripts customer service at 1-877-363-1303. The Retiree Activities Office is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit the office in Building 1604 at California and Colorado Avenues or call us at 301-981-2726. Our e-mail address is rao@ 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.”
COMCAST PRESENTS “THANK YOU” CARDS TO LOCAL SERVICE MEMBERS
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First Class Russ Helms reads a “Thank You” card at the USO of Metropolitan Washington. Comcast employees in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C., personalized more than 7,000 cards for active duty service members as part of Comcast Cares Day, the company’s annual, nationwide day of service. Comcast also recently presented a $1,000 grant to the USO-Metro.
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Andrews Gazette
Friday, June 14, 2013
Business briefs
Development brings options BY M.H. JIM ESTEPP
GREATER PRINCE GEORGE’S BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE/ANDREWS BUSINES AND COMMUNITY ALLIANCE
PHOTOS/CHRIS BASHAM
Bogs are dominated by sphagnum moss. While alive, the moss can absorb up to 10 times its weight in water. After a long period of time at the bottom of a lake, the moss can turn into peat, as shown on the right. The Suitland Bog does not have a lake, so its moss does not form peat.
BOG, from page 1 are also dominated by spongy sphagnum moss. “This is a remnant place. Where glaciers came down, plants adapted, and when the glaciers receded the plants slowly expanded to fill the space,” said Bog Manager Chris Garrett, who cares for the bog as part of his duties as a Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Senior Park Ranger for the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation. The bog became known for its rare and carnivorous plants and heavy carpet of sphagnum moss more than one hundred years ago. In the 1950s, however, botanists were no longer the only ones interested in Suitland Bog. It was turned into a gravel pit, mined and largely deforested until the mid-1970s, when the M-NCPPC purchased 20 acres of the land, declaring it the Suitland Bog Natural Area. Another section of land was developed as housing. “People thought the bog would be totally gone by the 1980s,” said Garrett. “There was horrible erosion, no trees; the plants were getting buried. A lot of old plants on the list (of endangered and rare species found in the bog by researchers in the early 1900s) are not here anymore.” M-NCPPC built berms and planted trees to hold back eroding soil, and installed fencing around a portion of the bog to keep out dirt bikers and others who might carelessly destroy a habitat known for its quiet beauty. Over the past 35 years, Suitland Bog Natural Area has regained many of its original features, although it certainly can’t be considered an undisturbed area. Gravel from the pit mines is still visible along some parts of the walking trail that leads visitors through the bog. The Suitland Bog offers scheduled tours led by Garrett on selected Saturdays throughout the summer. Visitors can also contact Garrett directly to arrange for a group tour at another time, or just walk through without a guide. The best way to get to know the plant and animal inhabitants of the Suitland Bog, however, may be to volunteer. To maintain the bog, Garrett cuts
The Spatulate-leaved Sundew traps tiny insects on its sticky leaves.
A pitcher plant fills with water, where insects drown and are dissolved to create nutrients for the plant.
down and removes some trees, to allow sunlight to reach the smaller plants. He also pulls, sprays and mows smaller invasive, non-native plants like Japanese stilt grass. Without at least some vigilance, bogs like the one at Suitland are vulnerable to encroachment by trees and nonnative plants, turning them into swamps or marshes. Arrange to spend a few hours helping Garrett maintain the bog and you’ll learn about the area’s plants and wildlife, get a little exercise and help protect an unusual ecosystem tucked into a pocket of forest right near the city. To schedule a tour or volunteer at Suitland Bog Natural Area, call 301-627-7755 or email chris.garrett@pgparks.com.
JBA Buzz What is your definition of a father? “To me, the definition of a father is a man that provides for his family financially and teaches his children the difference between right and wrong. He’s also a spiritual person.”
“My definition is a man who takes care of his business, being a husband and a father.”
Nettie Bloodsaw, Temple Hills, Md. resident/ Joint Base Andrews Commissary cashier
Magdalena Lopez, Wife of Master Sgt. William Lopez, 89th Operations Support Squadron superintendent
Sharon Carey, Temple Hills, Md. child care provider
“First of all he should be an example and mentor to his children. My husband is a great father. He’s very involved with our kids. I give him an A+. We also know that as parents we are the first line teachers for our kids.”
Delores White, Upper Marlboro, Md. resident/retired Air Force spouse
“My father always provided us with love and nurturing. He taught us how to set our goals and work hard to achieve them. Lastly, he said put God first in all you do and the rest will follow.”
Ever heard of the ICSC? In the military, the use of acronyms is as commonplace as a performance metric is to businesses outside the gate. On rare occasions, a civilian acronym, in this case that of the International Council of Shopping Centers, impacts those living on America’s bases. Every year, Prince George’s County sends a delegation out to the annual ICSC convention in Las Vegas; those delegates look to bring attractive retail and dining options home with them. Far too many times in the last two decades, county representatives have returned home with the knowledge that their more wealthy regional neighbors have brought home the prize. In some ways, the May 2013 Vegas trip was similar, but, in ways that we hope will have repercussions for decades to come, Prince George’s County, especially very close to the gates at Joint Base Andrews, has started to earn victories. Andrew Carnegie once said, “You cannot push anyone up the ladder unless he is willing to climb.” Prince George’s is climbing on its own, and with the help of a business community that is engaged in recognizing the need to provide goods and services to the hard-working men and women of our United States military and their equally deserving families. We know Rome wasn’t built in a day, and we also know that small steps can bring about great journeys. One such step, finalized in Las Vegas, could be part of a stampede of opportunity into a new Prince George’s County. Roses, a department store that has been in business nearly 100 years, is coming to Forestville Plaza, just a few minutes from the main gate. It’s a huge win for a center that has seen little in nearly two decades, but is receiving a facelift, just as the county-through the diligence of business, elected and civic leaders-sees one of its own. Part of that facelift is because a global partner has come to Prince George’s County. Just across Route 4 from the east side of the base, sitting on nearly
500 acres of land, is Westphalia, a project owned by the Walton Group, a company whose name stretches throughout the world; they are launching Phase One of their project this month with town homes, apartments, a 150-room hotel and 450,000 square feet of retail coming into play soon. Walton has also pitched a proposal, largely financed on their own, to provide a five-mile bus rapid transit from the Branch Avenue Metro to Westphalia, with stops at Joint Base Andrews. As the shopping season ramps up for the holidays, Prince George’s welcomes Tanger Outlets this fall, and options the county has sought for a long time will sit a few miles down the road at National Harbor, bringing more than 80 stores, including outlets for Calvin Klein, H&M, IZOD, Gap, American Eagle Outfitters, Tommy Hilfiger, Banana Republic, Chico’s, Brooks Brothers and more. Couple that with the news that the state’s department of Housing and Community Development is moving to New Carrolton in a $500 million project, filled with living, playing and retail options, and the outlook, within ten miles of Joint Base Andrews, gets a whole lot brighter. In a tomorrow that is much sooner than you think, thousands of hard-working men and women, and their families, get a great many more options, much closer to home. It’s a win for the county, and it’s a win for Joint Base Andrews. How often do you see that in Vegas?
WEEDS, from page 1 for you: Remove every plant you find in the wrong place. You decide whether you want to label any of your plants “weeds.” A helpful book, “Good Weed Bad Weed” by Nancy Gift offers an easy way to ID weeds and confirmation that I am not alone in my appreciation of yard weeds. The book divides weeds into three categories: Bad Weeds, Not-So-Bad Weeds and Good Weeds. This easy-to-use book has a few surprises, including labeling dandelions as a “good weed.” It also has recipes for pie, quiche, tabbouleh and salads using good and bad yard weeds. Due to this year’s research, I may consider leaving my dandelions in place next year; their tap roots aerate my compact soil and their flowers provide nectar to the bees and other insects. The University of Maryland Extension Home and Garden Information Center’s very helpful online weed photo gallery is also divided into 3 classifications: Grassy Weeds, Broadleaf Weeds and Woody and Viney Weeds. They make no judgments as to whether they are “good” or “bad,” however they do indicate if the weeds are invasive, non-native plants which can harm humans or the environment.
PHOTO/MELINA MESHAKO
Woolly Mullein grows up to 10 feet tall, and disappears after two years.
And this brings me to lesson two:
Use several research sources before you make a decision about your weeds; don’t rely on your memory. After three recent hours of pulling Virginia creeper from our trees and yard, I decided to refresh my memory about this “weed.” I remembered seeing a photo of it in “Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas.” Since I loosely consider non-native plants “weeds,” I thought I had identified an unwanted interloper in my yard. What I didn’t remember was that the Virginia creeper is listed as a Native Alternative for Vines in the back of the book. “Shoot, fire and little swordfishes!” as my Aunt Sis would say. Now what?! Remembering that not all native plants are “good,” I needed to do more research. Luckily, I found confirmation that others thought Virginia creeper was a weed, too. It is listed as a Viney Weed on the HGIC website; other websites call it “aggressive” and “difficult to control.” Good. I’m not alone in my assessment! For me, any plant that climbs on trees is a nuisance weed even if it does turn red in the fall like Virginia creeper and poison ivy. These weed vines kill trees and plants
Cherokee Rose blooms in my yard.
by blocking necessary sunlight. I suggest that you remove aggressive, climbing vines while you can and while your trees and plants are still healthy. A note of caution about poison ivy: Do NOT burn or mulch it; the chemicals in the plant can burn your lungs. The website www.poison-ivy.org can help you identify poison ivy in its many shapes and forms and provides instructions on how to remove and dispose of it properly. For my personal weed categories, I’ve added two more to Nancy Gift’s list: “Very Bad Weeds” include climbing vines like English ivy and poison ivy; the “Interesting Weeds” category captures plants like the five- to 10-foot tall woolly mullein, which only lives 2 years. Feel free to make up your own categories. While you’re at it, you might create a gardening name for yourself. Anyone want to be known as the “Weed Chef?”
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Andrews Gazette
Friday, June 14, 2013
Max Impact rocks Ft. Belvoir USO Center BY SENIOR AIRMAN LINDSEY A. PORTER
11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Max Impact, The U.S. Air Force Band’s premiere rock ensemble, became the first musical group to perform at the USO Warrior and Family Center on Ft. Belvoir, Va., May 22. The newly opened center is home to state-of-the-art amenities and invites all visitors to take a break while enjoying brand-new lounging areas, complimentary snacks and state-of-the-art interactive entertainment options. To help promote the USO’s mission on Ft. Belvoir and kick off the summer season, Pamela Horton, USO Bethesda program manager, invited Max Impact to perform at the newly opened center in conjunction with a free, community-wide barbecue. “This center has just opened and we want everyone to know we’re here,” said Horton. “Max Impact’s up-
Tech. Sgt. Chad J. Randolph, Max Impact audio engineer, assists The U.S. Air Force Band’s premiere rock ensemble during their set at the newly opened USO Warrior and Family Center.
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/SENIOR AIRMAN LINDSEY A. PORTER
Master Sgt. David Foster, Max Impact electric bass player, performs for a crowd at the USO Warrior and Family Center on Ft. Belvoir, Va., May 22. Max Impact performed at the newly opened center in conjunction with a free community-wide barbecue in order to garner awareness of future USO-sponsored events.
lifting music has definitely helped draw a crowd. Hopefully after this performance
Religious Services
everyone will come out to enjoy the other unique opportunities the Ft. Belvoir
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.
BY STAFF SGT. AMBER RUSSELL
11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Jewish
Kiddush/Sabbath dinner Friday, 6 p.m. All are welcome. To RSVP and for location contact: Rabbi, Capt. Schechter at 240-671-2270 or sarah.schechter@us.af.mil. You can find a complete listing of Yom Kippur services in the National Capital Region through www. jewishindc.com.
Protestant
Sunday Services Chapel 2, Traditional Service 9 a.m. Base Theater, Contemporary Service 10 Gospel Service 11:30 a.m. Tuesday Family Night at Base Theater Family meal 5 p.m. Christian Education and AWANA Kid’s Program 6 p.m.
Roman Catholic
Reconciliation by appointment, call 301-981-2111 Daily and Saturday Mass have been temporarily suspended. Chapel 1, 1345 W. Perimeter Road. Mass Sunday, 8:30 a.m. Chapel 2, 3715 Fetchet Ave. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) classes Monday, 6 p.m. For information, pastoral counseling and religious accommodation of all faith traditions call 301-981-2111 or visit the chapel office at 1345 W Perimeter Road.
Team Andrews’ members are among a select group of individuals who can promote the fact that providing “world-class support,” is simply a part of the mission. Adhering to a responsible attitude and maintaining an undying commitment to success ensures optimal performance. To gauge effectiveness of mission readiness and execution, Headquarters Air Force District of Washington and the 844th Command Group are undergoing Unit Effectiveness Inspections June 3 to 8. “I believe that attitude is critical,” said Col. Bill Knight, 11th Wing/ Joint Base Andrews Commander. “Every Airman should know their job and
be proud to talk about it. You cannot smile through a broken process.” At a recent commander’s call, Knight stated there are three important acts of respect to focus in on at all times: practicing customs and courtesies, proper dress and appearance and having a sense of urgency. Customs and courtesies play a large role in building morale, discipline, esprit de corps and mission effectiveness. The courtesy of a junior member to salute a senior officer reinforces respect for our chain of command. When the duty day ends and the first note of the national anthem sounds off, remember respect for the flag is equally important. While in uniform be sure to stand at the position of attention and face
the flag or the sound of music if the flag is not visible. Render salute as “To the Colors” begins, holding it until the last note subsides. Drivers should stop and observe the tradition peacefully in their vehicle. While outdoors in civilian attire, stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Additionally, dress and appearance are of equal importance not only as a matter of self-respect but respect for service. The detailed attention placed into grooming and keeping uniforms in regulation standards can be a reflection of each Airman’s ability to follow regulation standards through proper wear of the uniform. Lastly, having a sense of urgency without sidestepping important procedures can accomplish each
mission successfully while keeping operations tempo up to speed. Aware the U.S. Air Force is now working with reduced resources, which can bring on more innovative ways to get there job done, Knight had one final message. “When speaking with inspectors, be transparent and deliberate where we are falling short due to resource constraints,” he stated. Overall, the inspections are a form of feedback, letting each unit know how and where improvements need to be made to increase mission effectiveness. Seeking out the best way to provide “worldclass” support is not a new concept at Joint Base Andrews, but business as usual.
Weather the weather whatever the weather BY STAFF SGT. TOREY GRIFFITH
11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
H H THE RÉSUMÉ EXPERT H H “Mobile Service”
n Federal/Civilian/Military Transition Résumés n n Database Input n Résumé Writing Training n n KSA’s n Job Search Assistance n
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event is a perfect example of what we’re both all about.” By pairing up for this event, Max Impact and the Ft. Belvoir USO have helped start off an eventful summer on Ft. Belvoir. “We’re really grateful to The U.S. Air Force Band and Max Impact for coming out here to show their support,” said Horton. “Everyone seemed to really enjoy their performance.”
P’s and Q’s for UEI; Business as usual at Andrews
on base
H H NON-EMPLOYMENT RELATED SVCS H H
USO will have going on here all summer.” In addition to the free
barbecue, the USO center on Ft. Belvoir is slated to host numerous family-friendly events in the coming months to include several date and moviethemed nights. “We love playing for the USO,” said Master Sgt. Ryan Carson, Max Impact lead male vocalist. “Our mission and the mission of the USO are so similar - we want to give back to service members and their families. This
As summer arrives in the National Capitol Region, many Team Andrews members are busy planning trips to the beach, cookouts and family trips to local sites. Nuisances like sunburns, bugs and traffic may put a damper on those plans, but nothing can suck the fun out of a hot summer day like a fast-moving and powerful thunderstorm. While twisters aren’t as common here as they are in the Midwest, tornado-
Worship Guide
Call 301-670-7106
CAMP SPRINGS COMMUNITY CHURCH 8040 Woodyard Rd., Clinton, MD • 301-868-3030 Dr. James Lowther, Pastor www.campspringschurch.com Sunday: Sun. School 9:45am, Worship Services 11:00am & 6:00pm Wednesday: AWANA, Teen Clubs, Adult Prayer & Bible Study 7:00pm An Independent Bible Centered Church • In the Baptist Tradition - Missionary minded Affiliated with IFCA International • Nursery Available All Services
producing thunderstorms do still occur, bringing with them the possibility for localized flash flooding (especially in low-lying areas and older communities where the storm drainage system is out of date), coastal flooding, damaging winds and hail. Advances in meteorological science and more sophisticated technology have significantly increased predictability and warning times; these storms still take many by surprise. Thunderstorms can become violent quickly and bring a range of threats as they sweep through the area, so situational awareness is vital. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, flash flooding is the number one storm-related killer in the United States, taking more than 140 lives annually. As little as six inches of fast-moving water can sweep one off one’s feet, and even the heaviest off-road-ready vehicles can be swept away by as little as two feet of water rushing over a road. When water enters a home or building, electric and gas utilities present significant dangers and should be shut off before the water reaches wall outlets, breaker boxes and gas appliances like water heaters. Another form of electricity, lightning, kills more people annually than tornados or hurricanes. It is impossible to predict and was responsible for 28 fatalities in 2012, according to The
National Weather Service. Large hailstones and straight-line winds can also wreak havoc on persons and property. Hail can range in size from the diameter of a pea to a softball, and sometimes larger. Strong winds can damage homes and trees, and the debris can become a barrage of deadly projectiles. Stay indoors and away from windows when these phenomena are present. “Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms,” according to http://www. ready.gov/tornadoes. “A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long.” The key to surviving deadly severe weather is being aware and having a plan, and the Air Force’s “Be Ready” website,http:// www.beready.af.mil, advises to “get a kit, make a plan and be prepared.” The site has a host of resources for planning for any type of natural or even man-made disaster, and even a mobile app for Android devices (the Apple App is in development). “Before an emergency happens, be sure to sit down with your family and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go, and what you will do in an emergency.” http://www.beready. af.mil/basicpreparedness
advises. “Write down where your family spends the most time, such as work, school, and other places you frequent. Schools, daycare providers, workplaces, and apartment buildings should all have site-specific emergency plans that you and your family need to know about.” The “Be Ready Kids” page, http://www.beready. a f. m i l / j u s t f o r k i d s, offers downloadable, printable and colorable activity sheets for children ages 4-12 that inform them about weather safety and what to do in the event of a natural disaster. Additionally, the Air Force recommends families should discuss the following: * Escape Routes * Family Communications * Utility Shut-off and Safety * Insurance and Vital Records * The Elderly and People with Special Needs * Safety Skills * Caring for Animals * Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit If a natural disaster should strike the area, Team Andrews members should expect an accountability recall soon after. For information about Andrews’ operating status, call the Straight Talk Lines at 301981-5995/2273 or check the Andrews website or social media pages.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Andrews Gazette
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Andrews Gazette
Friday, June 14, 2013