Andrews 062615

GRADUATES

Weapons School graduates to receive hallowed patches, Page 2

DCMILITARY.COM

COMMUNITY

AIR FORCE NEWS

Hidden heroes share message of hope, Page 3

Application window opens July 1 for Career Intermission Program, Page 4

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

DOD, Marines host first Wounded Warrior Games strapping himself in a wheelchair during the practice session.

The sound of rubber “I have a lot of admirawheels screeching and mettion for them. This game is al clanging together could physically very tough,” said be heard across the gymnaAyala, a veteran of 36 years. sium as wounded warrior “But at the same time athletes competed against I was privileged that they each other during a wheelallowed me to join in with chair basketball practice them. I could feel the camasession in preparation for raderie and team work of the Department of Defense adaptive sports,” he said.

2015 Wounded Warrior “But more than that, I Games on Marine Corps sense the intangibles, the Base Quantico June 18. psychological piece of it.

These athletes were This is why we do these among more than 250 men games. It’s a holistic apand women from the total proach to reintegrating force, active duty, reserve them back into society, no and guard gearing up for matter what branch they the week-long Military come from. I think it’s also a Adaptive Sports (MASP) testament to military mediProgram competition held cine,” Ayala said.

PHOTOS BY BOBBY JONES/ANDREWS GAZETTE June 19 - June 28.

According to Ayala, it “We like to find people Maj. Gen. Juan G. Ayala, USMC Commander, Task was the first time that the who have that edge to com- Force Warrior Games shoots against Marine Cpl. DOD has sponsored the Marcus Chischilly during a scrimmage game. pete,” said Cpl. Marcus paralympics style sports Chischilly, a wheelchair games. “Prior to 2010, the basketball participant. “We “Spirit and discipline is with in the field of battle. games were held by the U.S. want them to not care how what going to be one of the Wheelchair basketball beOlympics Committee and awful they play, initially, biggest things for me, and comes our new battlefield this year the Marine Corps but to want to excel at a camaraderie is a must. The and we fight together as a are hosting the games. level where they’ll be able to “I view it as a privilege,” majority of us just recently team,” Chischilly said. compete, no matter what,” Ayala said. “I think it’s imMaj. Gen. Juan G. Ayala, exclaimed Chischilly, an ac- got out of the Marine Corps, portant as a nation that tive duty member assigned so we really want to cling on USMC Commander, Task we take care of them. It’s to Wounded Warrior Battal- to and be around the guys Force Warrior Games joined we have bled and sweated in the scrimmage game, ion San Diego. see GAMES, page 3

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015 | VOL. 4 NO. 25

PARTIAL ROAD CLOSURE ON CONCORD AVENUE

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

District Court hosts ribbon cutting for Self Help Resource Center

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

Prince George’s County District Court celebrated the grand opening of a second Self Help Resource Center (SHRC) during a ribbon cutting ceremony in Upper Marlboro June 17. The free walk-in clinic’s purpose is to help people with civil legal cases in the district court.

“As of today, we have helped more than 906 people since it opened its doors on Mar. 31,” said Tiffany

Hanna Anderson, administrative judge. “Our self-help resource center is going to be a great benefit for all the citizens of Prince George’s County and the surrounding counties.”

The first Self Help Resource Center opened in 2009 to citizens of Glen Burnie, in Anne Arundel County. The center served litigants with civil cases statewide. The facility not only has walk-in services, it has telephone and online chat services. In 2014,

23,000 people were helped by the SHRC attorneys. Approximately 18,000 of those people were helped online.

“There are 12 to 15 people serviced in the walk-in clinic daily by three attorneys in the center,” said District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey. “I figure it’s quite an accomplishment for the selfhelp center’s legal aid staff as they shepherd these individuals before they go to court. This facility is a critical resource for the county.”

Morrissey said he was most excited about “the phone call-in center, the chat center and the Internet/email part of the self help model that we have.”

“My hope is to regionalize other walk-in centers in Maryland, in particular, in the west and on the Eastern Shore,” Morrissey said.

Morrissey expressed, with help from Pam Harris, state court administrator, that he would like to com-

see SHRC, page 4

Concord Avenue, across from the Community Commons, will be partially closed June 29 through July 2. One lane will be open at all times, please use caution and follow the instructions of construction workers.

Physical therapy helps airman dance back to good health

BY SENIOR AIRMAN MARIAH HADDENHAM 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

“If I was still in the same position that I was in before, I would be so depressed, and it probably would’ve affected my career if it hadn’t been for physical therapy,” said Tech. Sgt. Crystal Lee, Defense Information Systems Agency systems control watch officer.

Lee incurred injuries to both her knees during several assignments and rigorous training overseas, which would lead to several years of physical therapy and an MRI revealing multiple torn menisci in both knees.

“The first time I realized I was having issues, it was 2003, I was stationed in Korea,” Lee said. “I had issues going up stairs or walking long distances. My knees would get really achy and swell up. I didn’t go to the doctor until 2004, when I was stationed in Aviano, Italy.”

A dancer since the age of three, Lee real-

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

Tech. Sgt. Crystal Lee, Defense Information Systems Agency systems control watch officer, waits for her physical therapy to start on Joint Base Andrews on June 11.

ized that the pain was starting to affect not just her physical abilities in the military but her dancing abilities.

Her passion for dance drove her to start physical therapy three times a week in an effort to get back to working and dancing without pain.

“The training was a lot more physical in Italy than it had been in Korea,” Lee said. “We were running constant-

see DANCE, page 5

Andrews Gazette

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Hot tickets around town June 26

Music Is Life!

6 p.m.

Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, University of Maryland, College Park A soulful musical celebration in honor of the life and work of Wayne K. Curry, former Prince George’s County Executive. ($) Call 301-405-2787, or visit www.theclarice.umd.edu.

June 26

Montpelier Summer Concert Series 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Montpelier Mansion, 9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel Enjoy a variety of performances on the west lawn of the mansion grounds. Bring a blanket or chair.

Free. Call 301-776-2805, or visit www.history.pg parks.com.

June 27-28

Great American Backyard Campout Patuxent River Park, 16000 Croom River Road, Upper Marlboro Designed for first-time campers, this event provides an opportunity for families to connect with nature and instill a love of the great outdoors. Enjoy camping, nature hikes, animal programs, adventure activities, campfire programs and s’mores. Reservations required. ($). Call 301-627-6074 or visit www. pgparks.com.

June 27

Taste of National Harbor 4:30-7 p.m.

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor The second Taste of National Harbor, in the atrium gardens of Gaylord National Resort, will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. Sample food from award-winning harbor restaurants and producers with fine wines, craft beers, liquors and more. Door prizes from National Harbor businesses. The event raised more than $40,000 last year. ($). Call 301965-4000, or visit www.gaylordalert.com.

June 28

Sunday Sunset Concerts: United States Air Force Band’s Airmen of Note 7-8 p.m.

Allen Pond Park, 3330 Northview Drive, Bowie Enjoy a variety of concerts at Allen Pond Park.

Concert goers should bring a blanket or chair. Concerts are canceled in case of inclement weather. Free.

Call 301-809-3011, or visit www.cityofbowie.org.

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

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

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

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

Friday, June 26, 2015

Weapons School graduates to receive hallowed patches

BY STAFF SGT. SIUTA B. IKA

99TH AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

When the first five graduates of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School’s Joint Terminal Attack Controller Weapons Instructor Course receive their diplomas during the school’s class 15-A graduation June 27, they will also be awarded the coveted graduate patch of the USAFWS and enter into an elite group of “patch wearer” brethren.

The graduates will join 24 JTAC Advanced Instructor Course - the course’s former name - graduates who will also receive patches, as the first and only enlisted patch wearers in the school’s 66-year history.

“JTACs provide vital close air support integration for our sister services and allied nations. These warriors are asked to perform amazing feats in the midst of chaos, and their importance to the theater air-ground fight cannot be overstated,” said Gen. Hawk Carlisle, the commander of Air Combat Command.

“They are trained and skilled.They are the instructors of instructors for our en-

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO

A combat controller, deployed with a U.S. Army Special Forces team in Afghanistan, searches for targets to provide close air support during an engagement with insurgents.

tire JTAC force and consistently provide critical combat leadership. They have saved lives because they are very good at what they do. It is time we recognize them as such,” said Carlisle.

Wearing the WIC patch gives them instant, noticeable credibility as experts in air-to-ground tactics, techniques, procedures and in the integration of all aspects of theater air, space and cyber power,” said Carlisle.

Each graduate from the five-and-a-half month JTAC course has completed 23 full-mission profiles and de-

voted 752 total hours in the classroom and on the range to complete the course’s curriculum.

The first JTAC Advanced Instructor Course cadre graduated in December 2012 and the first student class graduated June 2013, with the USAFWS injecting these tactical and strategic leaders back into the force every six months since the course’s inception.

According to its official fact sheet, the USAFWS teaches graduate-level instructor courses that provide the world’s most ad-

vanced training in weapons and tactics employment.

The goals of the courses are to train students to be tactical experts in their combat specialty while also learning the art of battlespace dominance.

Weapons school graduates are extensively familiar not only with the weapons platform or system they have been trained in through their career path, but also in how all Air Force and Defense Department assets can be employed in concert to achieve synergistic effects.

is responsible for the operation of RAOs at JBAB, Joint Base Andrews, Md., and Dover AFB, Del. Following her retirement from active duty in 1999, she was a human resources manager for 13 years for several government contractors.

cally stayed with the enlisted ranks, officers have their own traditions with challenge coins. The “first salute” coin or a “silver dollar” salute honors enlisted personnel who help officers achieve their commission status. The coin tradition exhibits commendable service, a lively legacy and supports unit morale. Although coins are different, they tell a story for each recipient.

Retiree Corner Health Care Concerns

Senior Defense Department medical leaders have concern over military health care reform as part of the overall Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission. Its recommendations were sent to the president in January. “We’re making it easier to access care in the system by focusing on quality, safety and making performance data more transparent,” Jonathan Woodson, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs said. Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Mark Ediger, Air Force surgeon general, said requiring airmen and their families to “navigate a complex system of insurance marketplace on a recurring basis” could increase their

stress. Non-active-duty beneficiaries comprise 67 percent of the total DOD beneficiary population — 83 percent of inpatient care and 79 percent of the high-acuity workload.

New Council Representative

Retired Maj. Lisa A. Forester, Centreville, Va., has been named to the USAF Retiree Council, succeeding retired Chief Master Sgt. Charles E. Lucas, Springfield, Va. Both are volunteers in the Retiree Activities Office (RAO) at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB).

The council is the Air Force chief of staff ’s liaison with the retiree community. It meets annually at the Air Force Personnel Center in Randolph AFB, Texas. As the council’s Area XII director, Forester

Coin Traditions

Throughout their military career retirees collected many things. Coins are an example. From those presented by the president, a commander, or first sergeant, the coin value is determined by each individual. The tradition originated during World War I. More recently, the Airman’s coin is presented to those completing basic training.

It marks the transition from “trainee” to airman.

Though the legacy typi-

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 26, 2015

Hidden heroes share message of hope

BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation announced its 2015 Caregiver Fellows — three of whom are representing the Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. area: Tammie K. Gillums of Gainesville, Va.; Nodira Murodkhujaeva-Hughes of Washington, D.C.; and Rebecca Porges of Olney, Md. These representatives will serve as advocates and spokespeople for the 5.5 million parents, spouses, children and other loved ones caring for wounded, ill and injured warriors. Each has a personal journey, each with its own unique challenges and lessons, but there is a unifying message of strength, encouragement and hope for others in the same situation.

Porges’ caregiving journey started in August 2012 when her husband was medevaced from Afganistan to Joint Base Andrews then to Fort Belvoir. “I quit my job right there. I told my boss I would not be at work anymore, got in the car with clothes on my back to meet the medevac.”

Her husband underwent full-time treatment at Fort Belvoir for approximately two and a half years. During that time, she learned she was not only his caregiver, but his advocate.

“I had to let the doctors know what his cultural situation was like and to let the doctors know not just how he was in response to the examination, but how he was functioning at home.

“What caregivers are facing is that doctors know how patients are responding a to very con-

COURTESY PHOTO

Rebecca Porges, a coordinator for Caring for Caregivers, became caregiver for her husband in 2012 when her husband was medevaced from Afghanistan to Joint Base Andrews.

trolled test they would perform within the examination room, but also explaining how they are functioning at home and why. My husband might be able to walk and memorize a list of three words, but that doesn’t mean he can put together a schedule. Caregivers are really important for that reason.”

Through all the tests, Porges recognized a beacon that helped her make it through the journey.

“You have to maintain sense of humor because it gets pretty dark and stressful. Maintain sense of humor because stress is a killer. Stress will break you down and I know that first-hand.

Find ways to be happy, ways to do self care. Take care of yourself, getting yourself medical care.

Developing and building a support network is super important.”

“Yes, there is grieving process that you go through because all of a sudden this person who was your life person who was responsive to you whom you love—or your son, or your daughter, or

father or mother, whomever it is—they are not the same partner and they don’t have the same relationship with you.

And they can’t have the same relationship with you. All of a sudden you’re taking care of them and that’s emotionally draining and it frustrating it’s stressful.

"It feels like it’s going to go on forever—for some people it does, for some people for whom it never changes, there are some service members coming back that are not going to recover at all its OK to grieve its OK to go through the grieving process. You will learn to find a new normal.”

“My support system saved our lives. When we first got to Belvoir, we didn’t know anyone there were no organizations for caregivers; there was no organized support for caregivers. We went to an appointment at Walter Reed and saw they had all these organizations and support for caregivers. I just thought we have to get this to Fort

GAMES, from page 1

Athletes were welcomed by keynote speaker, Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter. Among other VIPs in attendance was Adm. James Alexander “Sandy” Winnefeld Jr. Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; British Defence Attache, Maj. Gen. Richard Cripwell; and Maj. Gen. Howard D. Stendahl, Air Force Chief of Chaplains.

Keynote speaker, The athletes proudly Defense Secretary, marched in cadence with Ashton B. Carter their perspective “service addresses audience songs” onto the makeshift members during the parade grounds in front of 2015 Department of the Marine Corps Museum as family members, friends Defense Wounded Warand spectators cheered in rior Games at Marine support of them.

Corps Base Quantico, “Sports provide a place Va. to come together to learn, the least we can do for our to grow, rehabilitate,” said wounded warriors in and Carter. “As we wait for the torch to light the Warrior out of uniform.”

Representing all Games caldron, I can see branches of the armed the fire that burns in each of you. The fire to compete services, U.S. Special Opcannot be extinguished and erations Command and that it inspires us. The warthe British Armed Forces, rior athlete in you proves the sports contest included that our people never give archery, cycling, field, shot up. You inspire your fellow put, track, shooting, sitting warriors and you inspire volleyball, wheelchair bas- me.” ketball and swimming.

A highlight of the cerThe opening ceremony emony was when Marine was held June 19, at the Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green National Museum of the accepted the torch and Marine Corps in Triangle, passed it on to Special OpVa. erations Command wound-

see HOPE, page 5

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ed warriors, who passed it down the succession line of competitors. Green then accompanied the Marine hosting team members carrying the torch and lighting the caldron to officially start the games to thunderous cheers.

According to the Warrior Games media guide, the purpose of the DOD Warrior Games is “to promote athletic reconditioning of wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans by encouraging participation in physical and cognitive activities, inspiring physical fitness, mental strength, peer support and encouraging new opportunities for growth and achievement.”

The Military Adaptive Sports Program has assisted more than 150,000 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans at 325 structured camps and clinics since its inception.

The games will culminate with closing ceremonies on June 28, highlighting a Wheelchair Rugby Exhibition supported by participants from each of the service branches and the Special Operations Command.

Andrews Gazette

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BOBBY JONES/ANDREWS GAZETTE

District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey, left, is accompanied by other Maryland District Court judiciary members during a ribbon cutting ceremony to open a second District Court Self Help Resource Center in Upper Marlboro June 17.

SHRC, from page 1 bine with the entire judiciary system to handle all types of legal matters, by having a centralized call-

in center so that wherever an individual is across the Maryland, there’s one number that can be dialed into to have an attorney on the phone at anytime of

the day or night to assist you. “Our goal is to make sure that we provide access to everyone needing legal services.”

The District Court Self-

Friday, June 26, 2015

Help Resource Center will be able to help with civil matters, including landlord-tenant issues, small and large claims up to $30,000, debt collection, return of property, and peace and protective orders.

Additionally, there are 24 Family Law Self Help Centers located in courts throughout Maryland to provide assistance as self represented litigants in family matters, including child custody, adoption and divorce.

For more information about the Self-Help Resource Center call 410260-1392 or 410-260-1848 or visit: www.courts.state. md.us/legalhelp/districtct selfhelpctr.html.

Free Quicken Loans National tickets available Tickets available for military, affiliates on first-come, firstserved basis starting July 1 The Quicken Loans National, in partnership with Lockheed Martin Corporation, will once again distribute free tickets to military personnel in honor of their service to the nation.

The 2015 edition at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia, welcomes fans for a week of golf competition as 120 top PGA Tour players vie for a share of the $6.7 million purse, July 28 to Aug. 2.

Quicken Loans National is a stop on the PGA tour and boasts an impressive list of champions: K.J. Choi, Tiger Woods, Justin Rose, Nick Watney and Bill Haas. The event raises funds and awareness for the Tiger Woods Foundation, while paying tribute to the armed forces.

Tickets will be available to all Department of Defense personnel, including Coast Guard (active duty, Reserve, retired, National Guard, dependents and civilians) at designated ITT/ITR offices within a 150-mile radius of Washington. Tickets will

be available for distribution at the ITT/ITR offices beginning July 1.

All tickets will be available on a first-come, firstserved basis and must be picked up in person. You must have access to the installation to pick up tickets. For those living outside the immediate Washington, D.C., area, ticket requests can be made to the Pentagon on your behalf through a local ITT/ ITR office.

Advance military tickets are available at the bases only and are good for any one day of choice, Wednesday July 29 through Sunday Aug. 2, with a limit of four military tickets per person.

For those who are active duty, reserve, retired or National Guard and are unable to pick up a complimentary ticket at one of the participating ITT/ ITR locations, one complimentary grounds ticket per day to the tournament can be secured online by verifying your status with SheerID. –Tiger Woods Foundation

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, June 26, 2015

HOPE, from page 3

DANCE, from page 1 ly on hard surfaces and my knees were already giving me issues, so I don’t think the repetitive running helped.”

While in Italy, Lee was participating in an exercise when she fell on both knees while carrying heavy equipment in the field. She returned to physical therapy, now in more pain than ever.

In 2006, Lee restricted herself to belly dancing as a low impact exercise to help her build up her muscles, lose weight, and protect her knees from further injury.

Following her assignment in Italy, Lee was stationed in New Mexico where she decided she’d been in and out of therapy and that the pain was too much. She was given an MRI where she finally discovered her multiple torn menisci..

“I opted for surgery in 2010, and following my surgery I was so depressed,” Lee said. “I had never had knee surgery, so I had no idea what to expect and I thought I would never be able to dance again.”

Lee’s depression affected her normally positive demeanor at work, but she slowly began to heal with the help of physical and occupational therapy.

“I tell all my patients, if they are willing to do the work I will guide

5

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

Tech. Sgt. Crystal Lee, Defense Information Systems Agency systems control watch officer, goes through an exercise with Dr. Katherine Rainey, 79th Medical Wing physical therapist, on Joint Base Andrews, June 11. Lee progressed through her therapy and remains close with the staff that helped her along the way.

and recovery,” Lee said.

“I’m fortunate that I had something I cared for so deeply that motivated me to get better and kept me going because it can be a discouraging process.”

As she improved through her physical therapy workouts, she advanced the styles and techniques of her dancing once more.

Lee progressed through her therapy and still remains close with the staff that helped her along the way.

“Her positivity motivated me as well,” Rainey said. “I’m very high energy myself, and her positivity and determination to get better not

them back to health,” said Dr. Katherine Rainey, 79th Medical Wing physical therapist. “Pain influences behavior and I have seen what can happen to people who come to therapy but don’t do the work themselves. They have to do the work, do the exercises and want to get better.”

With the help of Dr. Rainey, Lee set a series of small and specific goals for herself.

With each goal she met, the positivity she was known for at work began to shine through.

“My suggestion to anyone in physical therapy is to channel your passion into your health

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only for her health but to continue her passion, was refreshing.”

Lee’s determination to dance again coincided with the goals she set with Dr.. Rainey. Though her knees still give her problems at times, she is back to work, back to dancing, and says she feels like her happy self once again.

“It took me about a year to heal fully, where I felt I was almost back to 100 percent and I wish I could just thank them because they gave me my life back,” Lee said, tearfully. “You have your job sure, you have your family, but they gave me back my passion.”

ber but for the caregiver.

Our lives are stressful.

One of the most stressful Belvoir.” things that can happen to Having developed a a person has happened. shared camaraderie with “My goals are infamiliar faces in the waiting room, Porges and oth- fluencing public policy ers developed a support and providing as much network. It was when as support to as many the USO at Fort Belvoir caregivers by whatever opened that the caregiver means possible - providgroup took off, “Within ing as many resources as the first few weeks we possible to these families had over 30 people. Now we have over a 150 fami- because they’ve earned lies we work with around it someone needs to help the country — when they these families.

Her message is one medically retire and move away we still work of strength in numbers with them.” and support. “There is “We’ve worked re- strength in numbers we ally hard over the last are a lot stronger. Don’t few years to make sure be afraid to speak up the military community never be ashamed of your sees that caregivers are an absolute essential situation, reach out to part of the rehabilita- other caregivers and othtion team and I feel it’s er people. Reach out help important that the rest each other. We can’t surof the world knows this, vive without other people too. Those caregivers are helping us. I can’t survive an essential part. I think without other caregivers it’s important that the stepping in to help me.” medical community recognize that caregivers are Editor’s note: This is critical to the health and the first in a three-part well-being and safety of series profiling local 2015 the service member.”

Elizabeth Dole FoundaWith all she has tion Caregiver Fellows. learned, navigating the healthcare process, Porg- Next week: Tammie K. es has an eye on influenc- Gillums of Gainesville, ing public policy. “Law Va., who separated from and policy makers who the Army in 2012 to dediare making judgment de- cate herself full-time to cisions about benefits and the care of her husband resources, I think it’s essential they realize what and family. With her opwe are going through. portunity as a fellowship That it’s important that recipient, Gillum hopes we have healthcare not to take the mystery out of just for the service mem- caregiving.

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Andrews Gazette

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Application window opens July 1 for Career Intermission Program

BY DEBBIE GILDEA

AIR FORCE PERSONNEL CENTER PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The Air Force Career Intermission Program application window opens July 1 for eligible airmen interested in taking one to three years off active duty for personal or professional needs.

Applications must reach the Air Force Personnel Center no later than Aug. 31, with the total force selection panel scheduled to convene Sept. 29.

The program, in its second year, allows up to 40 top-performing regular Air Force and career status Active Guard or Reserve officers and enlisted members to be inactivated and transferred to the Individual Ready Reserve, receiving partial pay for up to three years, before returning to active duty.

During the 2014 pilot program, 35 regular Air Force, Guard and Reserve airmen were approved to participate.

The Career Intermission Program allows participants to retain full medical and dental benefits for themselves and their dependents, as well as exchange and commissary benefits.

Participants also receive a stipend of 1/15th of their monthly basic pay.

In addition, members will be allowed an Air Force-funded permanent change of station move to anywhere in the U.S. when entering the program, and a move to their base of assignment when they complete the program.

Return to duty following a Career Intermission Program intermission is the key to the program. Top performers with bright futures won’t have to separate to take care of personal or other professional concerns, and once they return to active-duty service, those airmen will bring greater experience, education, knowledge, commitment and passion to their career, said Col. Arch

Bruns the AFPC Personnel Services director.

While participating in the Career Intermission Program, airmen will be required to maintain all Air Force standards, including health and fitness and be ready to fully resume their duties.

Airmen approved for CIP will incur a service commitment of two months for every one month of CIP participation.

General information and complete eligibility criteria are available on the myPers website. Select the appropriate component and corps from the drop down menu and enter “Career Intermission Program” in the search window. Links to component specific application procedures will be available July 1.

For more information about Air Force personnel programs go to myPers, https://mypers. af.mil/.

Friday, June 26, 2015

GIRL SCOUTS DELIVER COOKIES TO JBA

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/ STAFF SGT. NICHELLE ANDERSON

Airman 1st Class Miguel Davila, 779th Medical Support Squadron medical logistics technician, carries a case of Girl Scout Cookies to a pallet during Operation Cookie Drop at Joint Base Andrews, June 16. This case and hundreds of others were donated to service members and their families by Girl Scouts Troops for Operation Cookie Drop/Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson Council. Last year more than 90,000 boxes of cookies were donated to service members around the world.

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