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Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Complex opens
DCMILITARY.COM
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Washington Monument becomes art
Stay Focused Adaptive Football Clinic for special needs athletes
AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD.
The Black Widow bites again
ALLENTOWN SPLASH, TENNIS AND FITNESS PARK REOPENS
11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
STORY AND PHOTO BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER
see THOMAS, page 8
Base Pool opened in time for July 4 BY JIM MCKINNEY
Sonya Thomas eats 36.75 hot dogs to rank No. 1 Sonya Thomas’ life changed June 27, 2003, when she joined the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating competition at Coney Island. The Korean native, now living in Northern Virginia and managing the Burger King franchise on Joint Base Andrews, Md., had never participated in a contest like that before. “I wanted to see how much I could eat, and I won, my first time! I ate 18 hot dogs in 10 minutes,” remembers Thomas, now ranked #3 among competitive eaters worldwide and #1 among women. “People say that as a woman it’s ugly, right? But any competition, I like to do it. If it’s gross, I don’t care. I just have to win.” Competitive eating is a sport that has changed since Thomas entered her first contest a decade ago, as more and more competitors learn the tricks that help the best eaters work fast. “It was just normal eating. No dunking. You had to drink water in between,” Thomas said. After that first qualifying round Thomas learned to dunk her hot dogs in water to lubricate the dry, hard-to-swallow buns. During finals the next week, she ate 25 hot dogs in 10 minutes, and was well on her way to fame and respect as “The Black Widow” of competitive eating. She started entering a wide variety of eating contests, and winning—or ranking within the top few competitors—each time. “That’s my nickname, ‘The Black Widow.’ Because, you know, ‘Kill the men! in eating,” Thomas said. Though some contests,
FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013 | VOL. 2 NO. 26
PHOTO/BOBBY JONES
Fort Washington resident Blessing McCane, 19, carefully navigates over a lily pad obstacle course at the Allentown Splash, Tennis and Fitness Park. More photos on page 5.
MORNINGSIDE RESIDENTS CELEBRATE JULY 4TH
With the weather heating up and the sun shining on Joint Base Andrews, base residents look for ways to beat the heat. One of the best ways for DOD card holders to cool down is the base pool. Usually the base pool opens Memorial Day weekend, but due to necessary repairs, the pool officially opened June 21 for the 2013 season. “The pool has overcome many obstacles just to get our doors open,” said Alison Mabins, 11th Force Support Squadron Outdoor Recreation director. “The civil engineer team and our lifeguard staff worked feverishly to get the pool open. The joint efforts paid off. The pool is open and our customers are enjoying it.” Customers are enjoying more than just a standard pool on Joint Base Andrews.. The pool facilities also offer a baby pool, a splash park, a pavilion and a snack room. The pavilion and snack room are available to rent during pool hours for special occasions. The pool and splash park can also be reserved for a fee after normal pool hours. “Joint Base Andrews was looking for a water feature that would bring endless fun to a community filled with families,” said Mabins. “The splash park is equipped with leapers, mushrooms and other interactive water features that provide hours of fun.” She also added that the splash park has no standing water, so it is completely safe for young children. Other than the new features, one thing patrons may notice a little different about the pool this year is a fee to use the facility. In previous years, the pool was supported by appropriated funds. Those funds are no longer available. Mabins says the new fee, that covers everything from life guards to supplies needed to maintain the pool, is
see POOL, page 6
Gate barrier light sequence has changed on base New sequence started July 8 BY STAFF SGT. TOREY M. GRIFFITH 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
PHOTO/BOBBY JONES
Morningside residents enjoy the annual Independence Day Parade July 4th. See more photos on page 7.
Furlough period impacts 79th MDW services BY LT. COL. ROBERT PAZ
During the furlough period of July 8 through Sept. 30, 2013, the 779th Medical Group and 579th Medical Group clinics plan to remain open with no changes to customer service hours. However, during the furlough period patients should anticipate a decrease in access to care in primary and specialty care clinics.
A longer wait time should also be anticipated for patient administration services and ancillary support such as pharmacy, laboratory and radiology. Facility maintenance and information systems support may also lead to patient care delays. The 779th MDG and 579th MDG clinic staff will do their best to minimize impacts on patient care.
The new vehicle barrier lighting sequence took effect July 8 across all Air Force installations and will continue until further notice. The new vehicle barrier light sequence is as follows: No lights on a barrier means the same as a green traffic light; it is safe to proceed across the barrier. A solid yellow light means the barrier is being activated and will rise within three seconds. Do not accelerate across the barrier. Instead, safely stop your vehicle. A solid red light means that the vehicle barrier is deploying in one second. You do not have time to attempt to drive through the barrier. Stop immediately. Attempting to cross the barrier will result in severe damage to your vehicle and injury to yourself and others. The red light will remain on until the barrier is fully lowered. Do not stop or park on top of the vehicle security barriers even if the barrier lights are off. If the vehicle barriers are raised at any time, they will rise with enough force to lift your vehicle off the ground. All previous vehicle barrier guidance is now void. For more information, contact the 11th Security Forces Group facility manager at 301-981-2234.
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/SENIOR AIRMAN BAHJA JONES
A red light means the barrier is about to rise, with enough force to damage your vehicle. Do not attempt to cross the barrier.
A yellow light means the barrier will rise within seconds. Stop before the barrier so that your vehicle does not get stuck over it and damaged when it rises.
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Andrews Gazette
HOT TICKETS
Commentary:
Windows 8 is trying to kill me
Around Town July 12 - 13
Annapolis Irish Festival Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, Route 178, Crownsville, Md. 4 - 10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. Saturday Enjoy traditional and modern Celtic music, Irish dancing, workshops, exhibits, Irish food and children’s activities. For information visit www.annapolisirishfestival.com.
July 13 - 14
Life of the Civil War Soldier Surratt House Museum, 9118 Brandywine Road, Clinton, Md. noon - 4 p.m. The 3rd U.S. Regular Infantry re-enactment group exhibits uniforms, weapons, equipment, drills and living conditions of Soldiers during the Civil War. For information call 301-868-1121.
July 14
Caroline’s Birthday Party - A Special Historic Celebration Riversdale House Museum (4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park, MD 1-2:30 p.m. Caroline, the oldest child in Maryland’s famous Calvert household, was born July 15. Decorate period cupcakes, enjoy games and refreshments, and make a bonnet for your 18” doll. This program is for children ages 5 & up with an adult. For additional information, call 301-8640420; TTY 301-699-2544.
BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER
A couple of weeks ago, my computer died. It wasn’t a sudden thing...it had been in failing health ever since I pulled it out of storage nearly a year ago. First the headphone jack stopped working, but I hate headphones so I didn’t care all that much. The charger wouldn’t always work, but I didn’t usually rely on battery power so that wasn’t enough to make me replace the whole machine. Then there were a few isolated pixels that turned black, and stayed that way. I didn’t mind so much, even when the pixelated blackness covered about an inch of screen. I could scroll around it, I figured. There was no way I was going to replace the computer until it just
COURTESY OF THE RETIREE ACTIVITIES OFFICE
WWI memorial sought
Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, martial status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non merit factor of the purchases, user or patron.
Maxine Minar, president
Slow your roll on JBAB
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.
John Rives, publisher
jrives@dcmilitary.com
Chris Basham, editor cbasham@dcmilitary.com Deirdre Parry, page design dparry@gazette.net Bobby Jones, photographer bjones@dcmilitary.com
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stopped working. Once about seven of the most frequently used keys on my keyboard weren’t functioning, I knew I had waited as long as I could. I threw on some clothes and ran to the only store open that early in the day, where I picked up “the cheapest Toshiba we sell.” I got it home and fired it up, or tried to, and was reminded just how much I hate learning new technology. Tiles? Charms? All that swiping right and left? Arrows that show up on some screens but not others, depending on goodness knows what? I was half tempted to take it right back to the store, or just throw it out my third floor window. It took me a few days before I felt like I had anything like a grasp on the new operating system. I was starting to feel old and incompetent, until I looked
at the public library and found a lot of books on how to make Windows 8 work. Some of those books are thick, mind you. If someone needed to write a 900-page book on how to make sense of my new computer’s operating system, it wasn’t my fault that I sometimes found myself clicking frantically on random things, hoping to find something that looked like my old desktop. I instantly felt better. Only a little better, though. I hate that “I don’t know what I’m doing” feeling more than just about anything. A few weeks in, and I’m finally using my computer without muttering under my breath. It’s not as comfortable as an old shoe, just yet, but I am
receive a base traffic ticket (DD Form 1408) you have 14 days to contest the ticket. Traffic court is held monthly. Points of contact are listed on the traffic ticket. Drivers who accumulate 12 points within 12 months or 18 points within 24 months will have base driving privileges revoked or suspended. Serious infractions are reported to your state licensing authority. Penalties include: Speeding: 3-5 points; failure to yield to pedestrians, 5; most parking, 3; wearing headphones while driving, 3; failure to stop for a school bus, 4. Intoxicated driving results in revocation of base driving privileges for a year.
sidewalk sales, truckload events, in-store promotions and items in value-sized ‘club pack’ formats. DeCA operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a five percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries enhance the quality of life for military members and their families.
see COMMENTARY, page 7
Retiree Corner Interest in a national World War I memorial in the nation’s capital continues. David DeJonge, president and co-founder of the WWI Memorial Foundation, wants Congress to consider a memorial. “There would be no better way to commemorate these brave Americans than to honor them with a memorial on the Mall,’’ he said. Others have expressed concern that the Mall is crowded with memorials. Pershing Park has been suggested as a suitable site for a World War I memorial. It has a statue of General of the Armies John J. Pershing, along with artwork detailing major battles in WWI. Private funds would be needed.
mminar@dcmilitary.com
Friday, July 12, 2013
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling has stepped up its enforcement of driving infractions. Records now document moving violations and illegal parking. Repeat offenders can have their driving privileges on base revoked. If you
Sept. case lot sales canceled
The Defense Commissary Agency has canceled its Sept. case lot sales because of budgetary reductions mandated under sequestration. The cancellation is part of ongoing steps to reduce operating costs. Other steps include a hiring freeze, restrictions for official travel, and postponement of Guard and Reserve on-site sales. Commissaries will continue to offer
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.”
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Friday, July 12, 2013
“Guard Your Health” a new hub for citizen-soldiers, families BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER
The Army National Guard announced June 27 the launch of Guard Your Health (www.guardyourhealth.org). Guard Your Health is a modernization of the Army’s former health site, “Hooah 4 Health.” “We wanted to focus on health promotion, as a basis of readiness,” said Col. (Dr.) Anne Naclerio, Army National Guard chief surgeon. The new site’s tagline, “My Mission. My Health.” was chosen after extensive market research among Guardsmen and their families, to emphasize the personal responsibility Guardsmen have for maintaining their own health and that of their families while working as civilians and serving as Soldiers. More than half of the site’s users are expected to be 18-24 years of age, and the next largest percentage of users falls within ages 25 to 34. “We hit the whole range of folks. Most are interested in information on passing the Army physical fitness test, fitness and having the appearance of fitness, nutrition and weight loss,” said Naclerio, who said that the site also offers information on tobacco and alcohol use, handling stress, maintaining work/life balance and mental health concerns. “A lot of young folks feel healthy if they pass the APFT.” The new site is intended as a hub for Army National Guard Soldiers and families with information and resources on a wide range of topics encompassing the physical, mental,
emotional, spiritual and other health concerns that contribute to wellness for any individual, with a special emphasis on the concerns of citizen-Soldiers performing dual duty as members of the National Guard. “Army National Guard Soldiers face unique challenges because of their dual-responsibilities as Citizens and Soldiers,” said Col. (Dr.) Anne Naclerio, Army National Guard chief surgeon. “The challenges weigh heavily on their lifestyle choices and can affect their comprehensive fitness and readiness. Guard Your Health is a one-stop shop of information tailored for Soldiers and their families, offering motivation and support to overcome challenges and make healthy decisions for the rest of their lives—for themselves, their families and their units.” The website was designed for a new generation of Internet user who may not have a desktop computer or even a home phone, but who carry mobile devices with them throughout their day. Users can view, share and take advantage of resources found through Guard Your Health, including Department of Defense and Veterans Administration programs and other resources provided by nonprofit organizations, even if they only access the Internet through a smartphone or tablet. “I think this is an amazing opportunity for all our Guard families and members to receive valuable information regarding their health and well-being. So often because our Guard community can be separat-
ed by distance, it is critical to have a centralized location to receive great resources about services available and ways we can help build and protect our community,” said Alicia Hinds Ward, who was recently named Armed Forces Insurance 2013 National Guard Spouse of the Year and 2013 District of Columbia National Guard Spouse of the Year and who serves as a Key Spouse for the 113th Logistics Readiness Squadron of the D.C. Air National Guard. “This type of information and open communication from Army National Guard Health Services also helps our families and spouses, therefore building National Guard resiliency for both Air and Army as a whole.” Naclerio, who also serves as Chair, Women’s Health Task Force, Office of the Surgeon General, sees the new site as a great resource for female service members. “There are a lot of unique needs that perhaps have gone unmet for women Soldiers, and that is magnified for the Guard and Reserve,” said Naclerio. “The care their receive is from civilian providers, who may be even less ready to handle those needs than military providers.” Some of those issues, such as how to manage lactation or regulate menstruation successfully while in the field or deployed, are covered in materials on the site. There are video presentations, articles, assessment tools, personal stories of inspiration and other resources all in the same place, to provide the information any
individual needs to help understand, improve and maintain their own health. “It starts with the Soldier. They’ve got to know to ask,” Naclerio said. That base of knowledge can make starting conversa-
tions with their health care providers more straightforward and productive. It’s not all about dealing with illness or doctor’s visits, though. “Health is broader than medicine. Health happens
in the life spaces between doctor’s visits, when a person decides what to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner; when they decide whether to take the elevator or the stairs,” said Naclerio.
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Andrews Gazette
Friday, July 12, 2013
Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Complex opens BY BOBBY JONES
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
The Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Complex opened June 29 in Fort Washington, Md. The facility features a stainless steel butterfly sculpture in a park filled with echinacea and other butterfly-friendly plants, an elevated running track, computer classroom space and two gymnasiums. The building design is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council and is designated to meet a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver rating, in part due to a “green” roof studded with plants above the facility entrance. The 37,000 square foot LEED Silver certified stateof-the-art technology and recreation facility is home to innovative technology and recreation initiatives for people of all ages and abilities. Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D) spoke at the grand opening. “It’s been a long time coming,” said Baker. “But you’re going to watch Prince George’s County rise to what it should be – and what the nation and the world will know where we should be going. Not just because of this new building, but because of the things that are happening here in the southern part of the county – in terms of jobs, entertainment, education and health care.” The facility includes a rock climbing wall, environmental science learning room, media room, multipurpose room, technology wing, Internet café, dance
PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES
Residents participate in a Zumba class.
Prince George’s County leaders release butterflies from envelopes into a butterfly park.
Malik Queen, 12, tries his boxing skills on a Nexersys Workout and Gaming system in the Xtreme Teen lounge and fitness room.
studio and other support spaces for the MarylandNational Capital Parks and Planning Commission Division of Parks and Rec-
reation. The facility hours of operation are: MondayThursday: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m., Friday: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. and
Xtreme Teens: 7 - 10 p.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. and Xtreme Teens: 7 - 10 p.m. and Sunday: 10 a.m. 6 p.m.
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Paula Vann, 9, and brother, Paul Vann Jr., 6, observe a Lego Mindstorm Robot travel its’ programmed route atop a table in a robotics class. Beginner, intermediate and advanced robotics classes are available Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for ages 8 to 14.
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Andrews Gazette
Friday, July 12, 2013
Allentown Splash, Tennis and Fitness Park reopens The Allentown Splash, Tennis and Fitness Park reopened June 29 after the complex underwent a tremendous, 10,000 square foot expansion which included a new weight training room, a multipurpose room, lounge/game room, upgrades to the locker room and lifeguard/first aid station and a new outdoor ticket booth. Renovations were completed to the natatorium roof, outdoor pools and wet classrooms. Six outdoor tennis courts have also been renovated and equipped with new lighting and fencing. The outdoor pool will be open 7 days a week through Aug. 18 and weekends only Aug. 24 - Sept. 2.
PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES
Johnathon Winbush, 18, walks over floating logs as Devonna Spencer, right, Allentown Splash, Tennis and Fitness Center life guard observes.
Herbie the Shark hugs Temple Hills youth.
Local residents cool off in the outdoor pool.
Jack Donnelly, an Allentown Splash, Tennis and Fitness Center life guard, keeps a watchful eye over the wading section of the pool.
JBA Buzz
WASHINGTON MONUMENT BECOMES ART
A Fort Washington resident takes a dip in the pool.
How has music impacted your life? “At times music has enhanced my mood; it makes you feel better. But there has been a time when it has invoked some sad memories.”
Staff Sgt. Charles Eby
Navy Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Kam To
U.S. Army Priority Air Transport Command mission planner
The Washington Monument became a work of art during a lighting ceremony held by the National Park Service July 8 on the National Mall. Approximately 488 lights surrounding the monument were lit at dusk. The lighting will continue each night at dusk until the scaffolding comes down and the repairs are completed next year. PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES
Master Sgt Kennard Hughes 113th Wing aviation resource manager
Naval Air Facility Aviations Supply Department
“Being a traditional Guardsman, music has no effect on me. But in my civilian job as a driver for Greyhound, music motivates me in getting down the road. And when I’m stressed, music also relaxes me as I travel the down the road.”
“Music saved my life! Growing up in Los Angeles, I was into break dancing. However, popping and locking dance moves were associated with the local gangs at first. But after awhile it became universal. I was never in a gang, but I used break dancing to keep me focused and help kids stay out of trouble.”
“Music is everything! It makes you happy or sad. For me, it keeps me going.”
Master Sgt. Richard Lamotte 99th Airlift Squadron Flight chief of flight attendants
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Friday, July 12, 2013
Stay Focused Adaptive Football Clinic for special needs athletes
PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES
Usama Young, left, National Football League Oakland Raiders safety, and a DC Metro Raiders Booster Club volunteer celebrate a touchdown run by Dequon Wooten, 13. BY BOBBY JONES
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A Stay Focused Adaptive Football Clinic was held June 29 at the Marvin F. Wilson stadium near the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex, Landover Md. The free event jointly sponsored by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and Usama Young, was held for individuals ages 12-21. Volunteers from the D.C. Metro Raiders Booster Club also loaned their support in mentoring the special needs individuals. The clinic aimed to
A youth rushes Usama Young during a drill clinic.
empower participants through adaptive physical activity, coaching and mentorship. Participants practiced a variety of foot-
WFC HOLDS 3 ON 3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
ball drills, while getting the chance to meet and receive guided instruction from local and professional athletes.
Andy Brenenan, 16, takes the football from Usama Young, Oakland Raider safety during a rushing drill.
Security Forces defeats Presidential Airlift
A referee holds a game soccer ball during a break.
Security Forces Group beat Presidential Airlift Group, 2 to 1, in an intramural soccer game July 8.
Joe McNeil, left, goes in for a layup against Sean Craig, defender, during a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament held July 9 at the West Fitness Center. Craig’s team won 9 to 7 in the single-elimination tournament. Winning participants received prizes and T-shirts provided by the 11th Forces Support Squadron’s West Fitness Center.
POOL, from page 1 comparable to fees charged by other pools in the local community. “We recognize the base pool to be an important facility to the community; therefore we felt it was important to keep our doors open and allow the public to decide whether it’s a facility they would like to use with a fee associated,” Mabins said. Passes can be purchased at daily, monthly or season rates. The pool is open this year through Labor Day weekend. For detailed hours, fees and other information, visit the 11th FSS website at http://www.andrewsfss.com.
PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES
Above: Jim Drybola, left, Presidential Airlift Squadron right forward, and Blake Miller, right, 11th Security Forces Group right middle field, jockey for position to dribble the ball. Miller eventually scored 11 SFG’s two points to one against the PAG.
Left: An 11th Security Forces Group team member attempts to score against a wall of Presidential Airlift Group defenders.
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Friday, July 12, 2013
MORNINGSIDE RESIDENTS CELEBRATE JULY 4TH
A spectacular display of fireworks in Morningside could be seen from neighboring Camp Springs and Clinton, Md.
Last year’s rumors of the demise of the annual Morningside, Md., Independence Day celebration were greatly exaggerated. The town put on its 33rd annual parade, Family Fun Day and fireworks display July 4. The celebration included field games and a moon bounce at Benjamin D. Foulois Academy and fireworks at dusk. The parade and Family Fun Day activities are entirely volunteer-run and sponsored by donations, while the fireworks display is paid for out of Town of Morningside funds.
PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES
David Chambers of Morningside and his dog, Ester, give a patriotic salute in observation of the Town of Morningside’s annual Fourth of July Parade.
Prince George’s County Sheriff Melvin C. High, left, waves at Morningside residents.
Steve Damron sings the national anthem as he strolls down Suitland Road.
Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Course changes Starting Oct. 1, Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Course 00014, Version 6 will be released on a new learning management system, Blackboard. The course features new lessons and updated, interactive content.
Course 14 is a computer-based, selfstudy program developed by the Academic Affairs, Barnes Center for Enlisted Education and administered and managed by the Education Logistics and Communication (A4/A6) as a web-based product. The previous version of SNCO Course 14, Version 5, on the Air University Advanced Distributed Learning Service
Free baseball game today BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JOSHUA R. M. DEWBERRY 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Nothing says summer like baseball and fireworks. The Bowie Baysox, a Class AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, donated 2,000 tickets to the outdoor recreation center for Team Andrews and Military Appreciation night. In previous years, the Baysox have hosted service members from all branches. This summer’s event shall be no different as these professional athletes and game af-
filiates honor America’s men and women in uniform and their families throughout the game. Both general admission and stadium parking are free. The game will feature the Bowie Baysox vs. the Richmond Flying Squirrels and will take place July 12, 6:05 p.m. at Prince George’s Stadium, located at 4101 Northeast Crain Highway, Bowie, Md, 20717. The Andrews Outdoor Recreation Center has tickets available for pick-up and can be reached Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 301-981-4109/5663.
Site, will be shut down Oct. 1. All students enrolled in the old course 14 have until Sept. 30 to complete the course. Students who do not complete the current course by the Sept. 30 deadline will be dis-enrolled from the old course and will be permitted to enroll in the new course starting Oct. 1. More details about gaining access to
the new course will be released in September. Furloughs cut Education and Training hours Due to civilian furloughs, the Andrews Education and Training Section will close every Friday effective July 12 - Sept. 27, 2013. The office will be open four days per week during the 11 weeks of the furlough action this fiscal year.
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We have the most diverse fleet in the region. COMMENTARY, from page 2 starting to see the benefits of the new way of doing things. Which is why I now have a stack of computer manuals on my desk. Why not really learn everything there is to know about this new tool on my desk? Sometimes life tosses you a curve ball.
I’m starting to think that those are my favorite pitches. New challenges, odd ways of doing things and unfamiliar territory are good for you, keeping the mind sharp and agile. Windows 8 tried to kill me, but I’m determined it’s just going to make me stronger. Maybe I’ll throw my old computer off the balcony, to let all the technology in my apartment see who’s boss.
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Andrews Gazette
Friday, July 12, 2013
THOMAS, from page 1
BLOOD DONORS ARE HEROES, TOO The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and the American Red Cross teamed up to host a “Be a Hero” blood drive July 3 at the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex in Landover, Md.
PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES
Shannon Clinton, center, Red Cross phlebotomist, prepares Derrick Delaney, Bowie resident, to donate blood.
The Red Cross Blood Hound guides blood donors to the donation staging area.
including (since 2010) the Nathan’s Famous competition held each Independence Day, separate competitors by gender, most have all competitors racing against each other. She often finds herself competing against the same few famous “names” in competitive eating, including Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi. “We all know each other,” Thomas said. Until 2006, Thomas was the number one-ranked competitive eater in the nation, although new eaters enter the field each year. Thomas said that she never reaches her full stomach capacity during the contests. She just eats as quickly as she can, until time runs out. Or, sometimes, until the food is gone. “I ate 65 hard boiled eggs in 10 minutes. I wasn’t full, but they ran out of eggs,” said Thomas. As competitive eating has become recognized as a sport, with televised coverage and international attention, that sort of thing is not likely to happen again. Even when she is not competing, Thomas can eat large quantities of food. “Sometimes, I cook two dozen hard boiled eggs and eat them, at one sitting. They’re one of my favorite foods. I used to eat two large orders of french fries at work every day,” Thomas said. She also enjoys seafood of all kinds, whether in a competition or at home. Most days, she eats just one large meal in the evening, focusing on fruits, vegetables and other healthy fare. That one meal may take her two to three hours to complete. Now 44 years old, Thomas said she intends to stay in the competitive eating circuit as long as she keeps winning and her health is not impacted. That was a big concern for her family, when she first started out. Once they realized that Thomas ate reasonable portions of healthy foods most of the time, exercised regularly and participated in a competitive eating event only about once per month, her family stopped worrying that her strange but profitable hobby might be dangerous.
Working in fast food keeps Sonya Thomas’ hands and mind fast. “Competitive speed eating is 80 percent mental, and some foods are more about hand speed than what you can swallow,” said Thomas.
And it is profitable, for the best of the best, like Thomas. The big awards given to the top eaters serves as a strong incentive to the ultra-competitive Thomas, who often eats at a steady pace until near the end of the allotted time, only to speed up as other eaters start to slow down. “This weekend I looked at the woman next to me, the second place woman, and I thought, ‘Am I going to let her beat me by half a hot dog, or a quarter of a hot dog?’ It’s not just pride, for me. It’s the money, too. There’s a big difference between first place and second place,” Thomas said. Though she won this year’s contest, she didn’t eat as many hot dogs as she’d hoped. Last year, she ate 45 in the allotted time, and this year she aimed to eat 55 hot dogs. A change in her technique cost her valuable time. Since she’d been using room temperature water to dunk her dogs, she thought warmer water would lubricate her throat better and help her to eat faster. She didn’t practice before the event, because she needs the motivation of competition to do her best. “I was using steaming hot water, about 200 degrees. When I put the
Ask the Lawyer:
buns in there, it was like eating hot soup. I started sweating, and that slowed me down. I didn’t know that hot water would do that. It’s always hot (weather) at the Nathan’s competition, 90 or 100 degrees, but I never sweat,” Thomas said. Ten seconds before the contest ended, Thomas and the nearest competitor were tied. “I was so glad to win this year. I was so lucky. This year I beat her by 3/4 of a hot dog. Last year there was no competition.” Thomas said. “I was so disappointed in myself, but I was lucky.” Thomas will participate in a Hooters chicken wing eating contest July 25 in Clearwater, Fla., and a kimchee eating contest in Chicago a few months later. “I’m a native Korean and I love kimchee. I eat it as a side dish, though. I have to practice, because for Americans it’s a weird food. Imagine if I lost on my own food,” Thomas said. “I’m not spending my time and money traveling to lose.” To see what other competitive eating records Thomas holds, read this article on dcmilitary.com.
CAPTION THIS
What if I was AWOL for a good reason? BY MATHEW B. TULLY
Q. Due to car problems, I ended up getting charged with being AWOL. Shouldn’t I be able to avoid nonjudicial punishment for having a valid reason for being absent? A. Absence without leave is an instantaneous offense, meaning the crime is committed the moment a service member is not where he or she is supposed to be at a given time. Generally, not even excuses of sickness, transportation issues, or other disabilities will save a service member from a charge of AWOL in violation of Article 86 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. There is, however, an affirmative defense available to a service member when he or she is on authorized leave and “without fault, is unable to return at the expiration thereof,” according to the Manual of Courts-Martial. Does this inability-to-return defense apply to a service member who is AWOL due to car troubles? Much depends on whether the car problems were preventable and what the service member did after encountering them. Remember,
the service member must be “without fault,” meaning whatever happened to the vehicle must have been beyond his or her control. Think of hitting a deer or getting rear-ended. In contrast, there are preventable problems, such as running out of gas. If the service member, after experiencing car troubles, makes an earnest effort to report for duty and becomes AWOL, the inability-to-return defense may be available to him or her. That’s what happened to the Army private in U.S. v. Donald E. Lee (1983). This private pleaded guilty to two specifications of AWOL. One of those specifications stemmed from an incident in which the private, who lived off base, became AWOL due to car problems and he was not able to report for duty until a day later. After encountering these mechanical problems, he informed his base of the situation and was told to get there the best way he could. The private tried calling people for a ride, but he could not reach anyone. He finally managed to reach his landlord, who drove him to base. The Court of Military Appeals disagreed with a
lower court that faulted the private for either living “an unreasonable distance away [from base]” or making “no legitimate effort to get substitute transportation.” The high court, however, said service members “must find affordable housing wherever they can” – even if that means access to public transportation is not an option. It added, “Cars sometimes malfunction unexpectedly. To hold a soldier criminally liable because he doesn’t have an alternate means to insure that he can get to his place of duty on time when his car is unexpectedly inoperable is unrealistic, unreasonable, and disturbing.” Service members charged with absence without leave should immediately contact a military law attorney. Depending on the circumstances, an attorney could help them raise an inability-to-return defense or show that the service member had no way of knowing when or where he or she was expected to report for duty.
Send your silly captions for this week’s photo to cbasham@dcmilitary.com. The funniest ones will be used in a future edition of The Andrews Gazette.
For last week’s photo: “Don’t say CHEESE when looking up. Your smile is too big!” Submitted by Susan DeHetre of Waldorf, Md.
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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