COMMENTARY
AIR FORCE NEWS
AF launches MyVector, Page 2
DCMILITARY.COM
RETIREES Retiree Corner, Page 2
CMSAF speaks at 11 LRS, Page 3
AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD.
11 SSPTS assesses active shooter vulnerabilities, offers training BY SENIOR AIRMAN PRESTON WEBB 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
The 11th Security Forces Support Squadron offers active shooter training and preparation to units and offices on base. The program is designed to teach members of the base populace how to react when confronted with an active shooter. It also allows the 11th Security Forces Group to train their personnel to respond to emergency scenarios. Joshua Montoya, 11 SSPTS trainer, claimed the program was created to assess the vulnerabilities of the base and high-profile buildings such as the William A. Jones III Building. It also allows security forces to inform the base populace how to react to and handle an active shooter situation. “Especially with recent events and an increase of active shooters, the program certainly has increased awareness,” Montoya said. “The smartest thing anyone can do in an active shooter scenario is follow the RunHide-Fight method: Run if you can, hide if you must and fight as a last resort.”
see SSPTS, page 6
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 | VOL. 4 NO. 31
Veteran’s Resource Expo seeks to bring new information to transitioning military BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER
The University of Maryland University College (UMUC) and the VA VetSuccess Program is hosting the National Capital Region Veteran Resource Expo 2015 August 13 and 14 in Largo at the UMUC’s Academic Center. The Expo will focus on providing opportunities and information on resources for education, career and health for the military community transitioning to civilian life. Federal, private and nonprofit vendors will be on hand providing information on opportunities and resources. This free, two-day event is also offering career seminars and workshops that may help Veterans develop networking, resume writing and interviewing skills. Each day, the event runs from 8am to 3:30pm and will feature a host of speakers from different organizations all aimed in helping the different experienced military members transition to civilian life. The expo is a collaborative effort with George Washington University, Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University. “The purpose was to share information to the transition military community; to equip them with the resources they may need to achieve whatever goals they may have. The expo is not just for those transitioning out of the military but also for those that may have been separated for some time,” noted Shonda McLaughlin, PhD, CRC. McLaughlin is a VetSuccess
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Retired Army veteran Evans Appiah will be on hand to share his personal experience of transitioning from the military to civilian life at the National Capital Region Veteran Resource Expo 2015 hosted by UMUC in Largo.
On Campus Counselor involved with the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Services and UMUC Department of Military Partnerships. In addition to the many speakers, there will be veterans sharing their personal experiences in hopes that the information they share will encourage others to share theirs and give much needed information. Retired Army veteran Evans Appiah, will be on hand to share his personal experience of his transition from the military.
see EXPO, page 4
Westcott brings his rock infused with blues, funk to blues fundraiser BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER
Soulful rock with notes of blues and funk can best describe the sounds of Mike Westcott as you sit and fall into the magnetic licks of his guitar. Influences of Jimi Hendricks and Led Zeppelin with echoes of Blues greats of the past, like Junior Kimbro, can be heard running throughout his songs like “Wanna Do” and “Justice Road.” Even some plucky bluegrass and country undertones can be found in his music with “Sittin’ on the Porch.” This Saturday he will be lending his talents the DC Blues Society’s Festival Fundraiser from 4 to 11:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post 41 in Silver Spring. Music was a way of life growing up with parents playing Charlie Daniels’ high school band, as well as Roy Clark. “I didn’t know any of this. I just knew that my mom sang and my dad played drums and they played with some really fun guys to be around,” Westcott laughed. “I’ve just really been lucky to be around music my whole life. I just gravitated to hitting the drums because they were around; then eventually my mom
see BLUES, page 4
With soulful rock sounds, Mike Westcott is one of several artist to lend his talents to the DC Blues Society’s Festival Fundraiser at American Legion Post 41 in Silver Spring. PROMOTIONAL PICTURE