4
7
WASP donates Congressional Medal of Honor to Museum
DCMILITARY.COM
9
A decade in the making, North Forestville center opens
Large classes, overcrowded schools remain a concern in Prince George’s
AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013 | VOL. 2 NO. 31
Andrews Business and Andrews Gazette photographer’s Community Alliance meets
work included in BWI museum
STORY AND PHOTO BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER
Military, business and civic leaders gathered Aug. 9 for the latest Andrews Business and Community Alliance meeting at Mama Stella’s restaurant in Clinton, Md. The meeting featured briefings on the impacts of sequestration, recent and upcoming inspections on Joint Base Andrews and the Aug. 1 incident in which two F-16C Falcons collided off the coast of Chincoteague, Va. “Thursday at 10:42 p.m. I received the phone call I hoped I’d never get,” said Brig. Gen. Sasseville, Commander, 113th Wing D.C. Air National Guard. After hearing the early reports of a collision between 113th ANG planes designated as Wild One and Wild Three, “Five minutes later I threw on my flight suit and on my way in I got the best call of my career, from my squadron commander. ‘We can hear Wild Three. He’s in his raft, he’s talking to Wild One.’” The unnamed pilot was rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter a few hours later, and taken to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he is recovering from what Sasseville described as “a flailing injury to the knee. He will be released soon, and it will be a couple of months before he’d back on his feet,” said Sasseville. “Injuries are not that unusual for these kinds of ejections.” Sasseville said that an investigation into the incident is ongoing, and will last approximately 30 days. “We’re anxious to get the airplane back, to see what happened,” said Sasseville, who went on to thank the 11th Wing and the 79th Medical Wing as well as local civilian organizations for their contributions to a successful rescue. “We had this tragic event late at night; it made me feel real good to know I had their support when we needed it,” said Sasseville. “As an Air National Guardsmen representing over 1,200 Airmen, I appreciate the support.” Vice Commander, Air Force District of Washington, Col. Michael Gantt called the recent reduction of furlough days for civilian workers due to sequestration, “great news for AFDW and for our civilians and
BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER
Brig. Gen. Marc H. Sasseville, Commander, 113th Wing D.C. Air National Guard, briefs members of the Andrews Business and Community Alliance on the Aug. 1 collision involving two F-16C Falcon jets off the coast of Chincoteague, Va.
our ability to get work done. There will be a transition; you’ll start seeing more movement on contracts and projects.” Despite the increased confidence brought on by a reduction in furlough days from 11 to six, “Losing our civilians for 20 percent of the time for the past four months or so, it has a big impact,” Gantt said. Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable and Andrews Business and Community Alliance President and CEO M.H. Jim Estepp called attention to administrative changes in the Prince George’s County Public School system, and at Imagine Andrews Public Charter School. “(Prince George’s County Executive Rushern) Baker understands the need to restructure the school system. For four (school) board slots, 160 people applied. Out of those 160 applicants, 33 were Ph.D.s. Of the four selected, three are Ph.D.s. You would just be excited if you saw those re-
see MEET, page 7
New tuition assistance eliminates up-front fees for Reservists BY MASTER SGT. J. LAVOIE
AIR FORCE RESERVE COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Air Force Reserve Command officials will implement a new tuition assistance payment process Oct. 1 that will eliminate up-front fees reservists pay for classes by enabling tuition payments to go directly to a university or college. “This new (tuition assistance) process will be a huge relief for our members,” said Col. Heather Connahey, the chief of the AFRC personnel division. Reservists currently have to wait up to 120 days after submitting their grades to be reimbursed for classes. Under the new process, they will still apply for tuition assistance through the Air Force Virtual Education Center. However, payment issues are taken out of their hands and handled
by the Air Force, which will pay the school through an automated system. Airmen will be able to apply under the new process in mid-September for classes beginning Oct. 1 or later. Once the administrative drop/add period ends for the course, the college or university will bill AFRC. Additionally, the college or university will load the grade in the system, although students are still responsible for ensuring the grade is loaded. This new, automated process will be a welcomed relief for students and program administrators, said Tech. Sgt. Ed Wilchinski, an AFRC tuition assistance program manager. Wilchinski explained that the old process involved printing and scanning several documents.
see TUITION, page 10
Travelers and visitors to Baltimore/ Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport have a new reason to enjoy their layover, and it makes the staff of The Andrews Gazette particularly proud. The new Observation Gallery, which opened July 18 on the upper level of the BWI ticketing lobby, between corridors B and C, tells the story of aviation in Maryland through donated objects and images including a half-scale satellite model provided by Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory; a 28’ sounding rocket provided by NASA Wallops Island; and other significant items from Martin Aircraft, Fairchild Manufacturing, the College Park Airport, Naval Air Station Patuxent River and others. The exhibit also features a photo by our own Bobby Jones. “His photo is our best representation of Andrews Air Force Base, and we are very excited to have it,” said exhibit
see BWI, page 7
Andrews Gazette staff photographer Bobby Jones put down his camera for the evening July 18 to attend the grand opening reception of the Observation Gallery at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. His photograph represents Joint Base Andrews and calls attention to the installation’s role as the home of Air Force One.
Retired Gen. David C. Jones dies COURTESY OF AIR FORCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS AGENCY
A former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was also a chief of staff of the Air Force, passed away Aug. 10 in Falcon’s Landing military retirement community in Potomac Falls, Va. Retired Gen. David C. Jones served as the Air Force’s chief of staff from 1974 to 1978 until he was appointed as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where he served as the military’s top military officer until 1982. During Jones’ career, he was assigned to a bombardment squadron during the Korean War and accumulated more than 300 hours on missions over North Korea. In 1969, Jones served in Vietnam as deputy commander for operations and then as vice commander of the Seventh Air Force. A graduate of the National War College, the general was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1974, an honorary doctorate of laws degree from Louisiana Tech University in 1975, and an honorary doctorate of humane letters degree from Minot State College, Minot, N.D., in 1979. Jones was born in Aberdeen, S.D., and graduated from high school in Minot, N.D., in 1939. He attended the University of North Dakota and Minot State College until the outbreak of World War II. At that time, he
entered the Army Air Corps, beginning aviation cadet training in April 1942, and received his commission and pilot wings in February 1943. At the time of his death, Jones was battling Parkinson’s disease. Jones retired from the Air Force July 1, 1982.
Team Andrews supports tonight’s MFS Back-to-School Bash BY AMBER J. RUSSELL
11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
The days of endlessly playing with electronic devices and outdoor play until dusk are coming to a close and children must readapt to the student lifestyle. The Military and Family Support Center is bringing the base together Aug. 15, with a Back-to-School Bash designed to ignite passion for learning and help children ease into this transition. Volunteers from all over base signed up to enlighten and entertain youths 5 p.m. 7 p.m. tonight at the Youth Program center, with an evening of fun-filled events rooted in science technology, engineering and math. The First Robotics will hold an Op-
eration Military Kid exhibit using LEGO robotics technology. “If we show kids science and math can be interesting and fun, they will be more excited about learning,” said Sharon Moore, M&FSC school liaison. “We will have different stations for children to explore. I advertised for volunteer, computer geeks, science nerds, math gurus, book worms and food connoisseurs, to plan and facilitate fun games and prepare food.” There will be a considerable amount of fun and learning taking place during this event. As service members know all too well, fitness and nutrition go hand-in-hand with effective learning.
Senior Airman Stephanie Boudreau, 79th Medical Group diet therapy apprentice, will be there to assist with preparing ‘sack lunches’ at the event and sharing nutrition advice with families. Additionally, Adreinne Barnett, Exceptional Family Member Program, EFMP, coordinator, will host a fun and fitness class that will also incorporate academic learning games. Another station at the event will address the basics of communication and emphasize creating a bully-free atmosphere for children with a cartoon presentation that blends humor with real-life suggestions for coping with bullies. “We have volunteers in place to show the Trevor Romain DVD - Bullies are a pain in the brain,” Moore said.
The previous year’s events focused more on providing deployed families with a final “hoorah” of the summer; this event is extended to all, so much more planning and collaboration were needed, she said. To ensure a successful event, Moore said she also advertised for “nurturers” to help guide the families from station to station and “builders” and “demolitionists” to set up and break down the stations. “This isn’t just an Air Force base, it is a joint base, and every military family is important,” said Moore. “There two things I think you should just not miss: number one is school and number two is the Backto-School Bash.” For further information on this event, call 301-981-0057.
2
Andrews Gazette
HOT TICKETS
Commentary
Around Town August 16 360 Degrees of Post-Traumatic Stress Workhouse Arts Center, Vulcan Gallery, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton, Va. 7 p.m. See prints on handmade Combat Paper Project workshop participants in an examination of the mental effects of war and the power of art. For information visit www. workhousearts.org. August 16 Deanna Dove 10440 O’Donnell Place, St. Charles, Md. 7 p.m. Enjoy a local singer/songwriter’s take on pop, rock, blues, alt-country and gospel music with a heart for the Chesapeake Bay. For information visit www.deannadove.com. August 17 Wish You Were Here: Songs of Faraway Places Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, Va. 7 p.m. Broadway vocalist Colleen McHugh sings of distant places and adventure as part of the Sizzlin’ Summer Cabaret. For information visit www.signature-theatre.org. August 17 and 18 Arts and Humanities Festival St. Elizabeth’s East, 1100 Alabama Avenue S.E., Washington, D.C. 11 a.m. Live music, giveaways and summer weekend celebration activities for the whole family. For information visit www.ahfest.com.
COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS
Andrews Gazette is published by Comprint Military Publications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force or any branch of the United States military. The appearance of advertising in these publications, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the products and services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, martial status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non merit factor of the purchases, user or patron.
Maxine Minar, president mminar@dcmilitary.com John Rives, publisher
jrives@dcmilitary.com
Chris Basham, editor cbasham@dcmilitary.com Lorraine Walker, page design lwalker@gazette.net Bobby Jones, photographer bjones@dcmilitary.com
1036235B
Friday, August 16, 2013
Bono and I are growing up BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER
I remember walking through the grocery store as a child, mortified beyond belief at the music piped into the store. All these soaring violins and cheesy choral voices---during some of those shopping trips I rolled my eyes so hard I could almost see my own brain. My mother explained to me that the music wasn’t so bad... it reminded her of the past. It was relaxing. Didn’t you want to hear something relaxing when you shopped? Well, it was not relaxing at all to me, but then I was young and knew things, and she was old and didn’t; so much for that conversation. This week I went shopping with two of my sons. Crossing the parking lot, my youngest looked down and stopped me, so he could pick the piece of string out of my hair. The white string. He was genuinely shocked to realize that that bright, white
“string” bouncing at my hairline was attached to my head. I should have just stopped right there, but I was laughing too hard. My older children seem to accept that I am, as my 18-year-old once put it, “Very, very not young,” but my baby is often shocked to realize that I am aging. It’s kind of charming, really. To Greg, I am going to be a young mother no matter what his eyes tell him. It was about a decade ago that I first caught myself singing along in the grocery aisle. “Black Magic Woman,” or something like that. “Landslide,” maybe. My sons laughed; I am fortunate that they are more likely to smile at things like that than I was as a kid. “Mom, stop. You’re singing along with the GROCERY STORE music.” So I explained to them, with words that suddenly seemed perfectly logical, that the music was relaxing. It reminded me of when I was a little girl. And that it probably meant that the store was hoping to get people my age
to linger just a little longer, singing along and shopping with the carefree abandon of their younger days. “Listen to the music in the store, and it will tell you who is supposed to be shopping in there,” I said. It’s true. Bono, the lead singer of U2--a band that might well be playing on endless loop in any store aimed at my particular demographic--recently shocked me, and himself, I think, when he gave a speech at Georgetown University. After decades of telling us all that the West needs to forgive massive debt and pour monetary aid into Africa, he’s singing a different tune. “Commerce (and) entrepreneurial capitalism take more people out of poverty than aid. We need Africa to become an economic powerhouse,” Bono said. I have to agree. I am glad someone who can make both leaders and grocery shopping moms stop and listen, is thinking in new ways about his message. Keep at it, Bono; maybe we’ll all start to sing along.
Retiree Corner COURTESY OF THE RETIREE ACTIVITIES OFFICE Digital process reduces VA claims backlog The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that more than 30 percent of its disability claims inventory is now digital. This is a key part of transforming outdated, paper processing into an electronic system. All new claims are transformed into digital records for electronic processing. Tons of paper documents handled each year related to veterans’ claims created a massive backlog in processing. Digital conversion improves processing timeliness by eliminating paper folder transport, reducing manual data entry, streamlining the review of medical records, and standardizing correspondence with veterans and beneficiaries. More than 1 million images are added each day. “Finding a key piece of evidence in a thick paper file folder takes time,” said a claims specialist. “With digital claims records, we can find all the key information related to the
claim with a keystroke.” The backlog of claims pending over 125 days has been reduced by nearly 12 percent. Priority is given to disability claims from homeless veterans, those with extreme financial hardship, the terminally ill, former Prisoners of War and Medal of Honor recipients. Social Security is not so secure The Social Security Board of Trustees, in its annual report, projected that the retirement trust fund will be depleted in 2033 -- unchanged from last year. It said that unless Congress acts, at that point the program will be able to pay only 77 percent of promised benefits from ongoing contributions. The disability trust fund will be depleted in 2016 when the program will be able to pay only 80 percent of promised benefits. More than 57 million people were receiving Social Security at the end of 2012. Approximately 161 million people paid payroll taxes on earnings covered by Social Security. Total money held in reserve rose by $54 billion in 2012 to $2.73 trillion. Cost to administer the
program in 2012 was 0.8 percent of total expenditures -- $6.3 billion. Medicare will not call for verification Scammers are making fraudulent telephone calls involving Medicare cards. Claiming they will send a new Medicare card, callers ask beneficiaries to verify their bank account and social security numbers and their address. Medicare does not call beneficiaries for such information. Beneficiaries must call Medicare, or go online, to request a new card. If you are aware of any such calls, notify the Medicare Fraud line at 1-800-633-4227. 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.”
3
Andrews Gazette
Friday, August 16, 2013
Dormitory Council seeks input, new treasurer BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JOSHUA R. M. DEWBERRY 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
When single Airmen leave technical training, they look forward to having their own living quarters. Sometimes, unfortunately, they arrive only to find burnt-out light bulbs, missing appliance pieces or faulty plumbing in their new home. These issues are what the Airmen and Sailor Dormitory Council look to eliminate. The dorm council provides an opportunity for each dormitory resident to be involved in improving and maintaining living conditions. This organization offers a forum where dorm residents can voice their concerns and create positive recreational activities, such as the recent pool party hosted by both the council and Airman Committed to Excellence. “At our meetings, we talk about things like maintenance issues, upcoming events and new ideas for the dorms,” said Airman 1st Class Tiffany Ludwig, 11th Force Support Squadron customer service technician. “The council has worked to make improvements such as getting new mattresses for the dorms.”
The council meets at 5 p.m. the last Thursday of every month in Freedom Hall Dining Facility. They also oversee the dorm recycling program and DFAC committee. “You can be paired with a dorm council member who is eager to help you get settled,” said Airman 1st Class Chad Sprankle, 779th Medical Wing public health technician. There is an open spot available for dorm council treasurer, so anyone interested can stop by at the end of this month and sign up, Sprankle said. “We encourage anyone who wants to do more for their living situation to bring fresh ideas to the table. Your opinion matters,” Ludwig said. “We also provide residents with essential opportunities to get out and see what the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area has to offer.” Even if dorm residents don’t want to be in a leadership role within the dorm council, their input is still valuable, Sprankle said. To join the leadership council or create and lead a committee or present any questions, concerns or comments, please email the dorm council at jbadormcouncil@afncr.af.mil. Like them on Facebook: JBA Dorm Council.
Cardin visits WSSC water plant HEALTH BY KATE S. ALEXANDER THE PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE
On the heels of emergency water restrictions imposed in Prince George’s County this July because of a failing water main, U.S. Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin met Tuesday with the bi-county Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission to talk options for fixing the aging infrastructure. WSSC serves 1.8 million residents in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. During a tour of the Patuxent Water Filtration Plant on Tuesday morning, Cardin (D), of Pikesville, was briefed by WSSC CEO and General Manager Jerry N. Johnson on the agency’s plans to upgrade its water and sewer infrastructure and on its alternative energy programs, according to a WSSC news release. Cardin chairs the Senate’s Water and Wildlife subcommittee. More than one fourth of WSSC’s 5,600 miles of water infrastructure is 50 years old or older, with most somewhere between 25 and 50 years old, spokesman Jim Neustadt said during a phone interview. This year, the agency will replace 51 miles of pipe, and will increase to eventually replace 55 miles each year, Neustadt said. WSSC also maintains 5,400 miles of sewer lines. Cardin said the aging infrastructure presents a clear and present danger to
public health and security, according to a release from his office. While the federal government cannot meet the need alone, Cardin talked in detail about the Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Act, scheduled for introduction in September, according to the release. The legislation would alleviate many of the problems facing Maryland and the nation. The act provides matching grants to local communities for upgrading water infrastructure systems, the release said. Under the bill, communities across the country would be able to compete for federal matching dollars to help finance water infrastructure projects. Cardin’s office said the bill is meant to complement, not replace, the longstanding federal funding for water infrastructure: the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, which are long overdue for reauthorization. The programs provide funding to communities for water infrastructure maintenance and improvement. Neustadt said WSSC receives very little federal funding today. “As a rule, we do not get a lot,” he said. The only recent federal aid he recalled was a $500,000 federal grant to pilot anaerobic digestion, a project now in the agency’s capital plan. This story originally appeared in the Aug. 13, 2013 edition of The Prince George’s Gazette.
Have you seen our intern? This summer The Andrews Gazette has enlisted the assistance of an unpaid intern. Alex Collins is a Clinton, Md. native and military dependent. A graduate of Charles Herbert Flowers High School, Collins is studying Mass Media at the University of the District of Columbia, with an emphasis on Television Production. A Phi Eta Sigma Honors Society member, Collins has worked as a student counselor for the Maryland-National Capitol Parks and Planning Commission, a sales associate for the Jesus Book Store in Suitland, Md. and in the Joint Base Andrews Commissary. This summer, Collins is canvassing Joint Base Andrews to check in with our readers. Have you seen him?
JBA Buzz
What is your favorite way to pass time?
Dgessey Major Fort Washington, Md.
“I like reading in my spare time. A friend of mine recommended a book entitled “Outliers,” by Malcolm Gladwell. I also like exercising to stay in shape, so I go to the Sports and Learning Complex on Tucker Road occasionally.”
“I like to pass time watching TV movies and taking care of my kids. I also like to go shopping.”
Mei Mei Zhao China Café manager, Temple Hills, Md.
“When I’m not in church I’m studying the art of Tae Kwon Do.”
David Randall Owner, Randall’s Barber Shop, Temple Hills, Md.
“Last week, I enjoyed passing time by cooking at a big wedding for a friend. My family was there also and I had a good time.”
Milton Rosario 7-11 store manager, Temple Hills, Md.
Troops to Teachers offers information session Troops to Teachers offers information session Service members and others interested in pursuing teaching as a second career can attend an information session 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Sept. 5 in the Education Center, Building 1413, Room 108. No reservations are required. Greg Coogan, Virginia Troops to Teachers program coordinator, will speak. The information session will be hosted by Joint Base Andrews Education and Training Services, 11th FSS/FSDE. Contact Judah Simon with questions at judith.simon. ctr@afncr.af.mil.
1033631B
4
Andrews Gazette
Friday, August 16, 2013
WASP donates Congressional Medal of Honor to museum PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES
In 2010, the Women Air Force Service Pilots were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor, the highest civilian Medal of Honor in the United States of America. In 2012, WASP Elaine Harmon donated her Medal of Honor to College Park Aviation Museum. An Honor Dedication ceremony was held for her Aug. 13 at the College Park Aviation Museum, College Park, Md. Guest speaker Amy Goodpaster Strebe spoke about the history of the WASP and her book “Flying for her Country: The American and Soviet Women Military Pilots of World War II.” Harmon, now 94 years old, has donated numerous other personal historical items to the museum. Born in Baltimore, Harmon resides in Silver Spring, Md.
WASP Elaine Harmon signs a book by author Amy Goodpaster Strebe.
A three-foot bronze statue of a WASP is on display next to WASP Elaine Harmon’s Congressional Gold Medal of Honor at the College Park Aviation Museum, College Park, Md.
Retired Air Force Maj. Henry K. Weiser, a World War II veteran and long-time friend, gets WASP Elaine Harmon to autograph of photo of herself.
The Congressional Gold Medal of Honor is the highest civilian Medal of Honor in the United States of America.
Amy Goodpaster Strebe, author of “Flying for Her Country,” and WASP Elaine Harmon sign autographs.
Death notice: Senior Master Sgt. Christopher M. Johnson Attention all personnel: Maj. George G. Eldridge regretfully announces the death of Senior Master Sgt. Christopher M. Johnson. Anyone having claims against or indebtedness to the estate of Senior Master Sgt. Christopher M. Johnson, contact Maj. George G. Eldridge, Summary Court Officer, at 240-857-5444.
For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,
visit www.dcmilitary.com 1038553B
Friday, August 16, 2013
5
Andrews Gazette
JBA reading program party heralds end of summer PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES
The Joint Base Andrews Library Summer Reading Program ended Aug. 8 with a chance to put down the books for a few hours of games, refreshments and laser tag. The program encourages children to enhance their reading skills and maintain their reading proficiency throughout the summer period. Readers tracked how many books they read over the summer and submitted their totals to a team of volunteers in exchange for certificates and in competition against other readers in their age group. Age categories included ages four to 12, 13 to 18 and 19 to adult. The top readers received extra prizes.
Luke Hartman, 6, left, and Nathan Ross, 8, shoot it out inside an inflatable laser tag center near the entrance of the Joint Base Andrews Library.
Brianna Brutus, right, turns in her reading log to library volunteers Mona Lisa Mendoza, 14, left, and Kristine Howard, 14, to receive a certificate of completion for reading 88 books during the Summer Reading program.
Lieutenant Col. Colin Hucking, 11th Force Support Squadron commander, praises the reading acumen of Henry Weber, right, and younger brother James, center, for reading a total of 986 and 899 books respectively to earn prizes as the top readers in the children’s category for the Summer Reading program.
Cheryl Gritton, Andrews Base Library director, awards a reading certificate to Emily Smith, 16, for reading a total of 110 books during the Summer Reading program.
Children run through a field of colorful cones at the conclusion of the Andrews Base Library-sponsored Summer Reading program Aug. 8.
6
Andrews Gazette
Friday, August 16, 2013
JBA takes Burpee challenge PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES
Senior Airman Bryan Crance, left, 1st Airlift Squadron communication systems operator, and Tech. Sgt. Donnell Coleman grunt through the pain while performing the “kick out” portion of a burpee exercise.
Senior Airman Diedrick Curtis, 1st Airlift Squadron communication systems operator, leaps upward during the Burpee Challenge as his wife, Monica, observes.
Joint Base Andrews personnel pushed themselves during a 3-minute Burpee Challenge Aug. 8 at the West Fitness Center. Participants tested their fitness level by crunching out as many burpees as possible in just three minutes. Approximately 23 participants competed in the challenge, throughout the day. The top 3 females and top three males won $25 gift cards to the Base Exchange purchased by the 11th Force Support Squadron’s Marketing Department. The top male and female winners included Juan Gutierrez with 63 Burpees, Eric Moore and Steve Moore: tied at 53 Burpees, Amanda Rockers: 44 Burpees, Katy Hallows: 35 Burpees and Kassandra Riper with 34 Burpees.
Sabine Martinez, 11th Force Support Squadron fitness and operations specialist, demonstrates how to perform a walking lunge with a medicine ball during a “Workout of the Day” class, after the Burpee Challenge competition.
Talking Baseball: Less than two months left BY LT. COL. LANCE RODGERS
Hello, baseball fans. As of Aug. 10, with around 40 games remaining for most teams this season, the next seven weeks are destined to be exciting. In recent years we’ve seen a 7-game lead blown in the last three weeks, so, it’s still anybody’s race for the playoffs. American League East In the last two weeks, the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays have traded positions a couple of times to lead their division. Through Aug. 10, the Red Sox have a three-game lead. The Sox have been on top most of the season and continue to remain there with strong pitching and a consistent offensive lineup. David Ortiz, nicknamed “Big Papi,” leads the team in hitting (.330), home runs (22), RBIs (74), on-base percentage (.409), and slugging percentage (.586). The Baltimore Orioles have an impressive .552 winning percentage and are in third in the division. Though still within striking distance, they are five-and-a-half games behind the Red Sox. First baseman Chris Davis continues to dominate in most offensive categories. He leads the majors in home runs (42), RBIs (109) tied with
Miguel Cabrera, and slugging percentage (.678). Pitcher Jim Johnson leads the majors in saves with 39. American League Central Last year’s American League champion Detroit Tigers remain on top of their division with the best winning percentage in the American League. The Tigers are led by Miguel Cabrera, triple crown winner from 2012. The triple crown means that a player ended the season with the league’s best batting average as well as most home runs and runs batted in. Prior to last season, Carl Yastrzemski was the last player to accomplish the feat in 1967. This season, Cabrera leads the majors in hitting with a .363 batting average, and is second behind Davis in home runs (35) and tied with Davis in RBIs (109). He also leads the majors with a .455 on base percentage. Could this mean back-to-back triple crowns for Cabrera? We’ll know in less than two months. Additionally, pitcher Max Scherzer leads the majors with 17 wins. American League West The Texas Rangers have led the AL West for most of the season. They’ve won 9 of the last 10, including 6 in a row, to take the division lead back from the surprising
Oakland Athletics. Third baseman Adrian Beltre and right fielder Nelson Cruz are the big sticks for the Rangers this season. The A’s don’t have a lot of players with big numbers, but have figured out how to win games. If you haven’t read the book or seen the movie, Moneyball illustrates the success of a paradigm switch. Their casinolike strategy for using unusual statistics to acquire players helps them win games; I strongly recommend it for baseball fans. National League East The Atlanta Braves continue to dominate their division and have won nine in a row, giving them the best record in baseball. They have been in first place for most of the season and have a 14 1/2-game lead over the second-place Washington Nationals. Third baseman Chris Johnson is second in the majors in hitting with a .337 batting average to lead the Braves offensively. Only Miguel Cabrera has a higher average. National League Central The Pittsburgh Pirates recently recaptured the lead in their division from the now second-place St Louis Cardinals. Third baseman Pedro Alvarez, who is fourth in the majors in home runs with 27, and cen-
ter fielder Andrew McCutchen, who is hitting .311, lead the Pirates offense. National League West In the last six weeks, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been one of the hottest teams in baseball, going from worst to first in the division with timely hitting and stellar pitching. Pitcher Clayton Kershaw leads the majors with a 1.91 earned run average. Rookie right fielder Yasiel Puig has played in only 59 games and doesn’t have enough at bats to qualify for league leading titles. However, he has 85 hits, 11 home runs, and a .376 batting average, providing some pop to the Dodgers’ offense. Surprisingly, last year’s World Series champions, the San Francisco Giants, are in last place in the division. Hopefully, the next couple months will be as exciting as they have been in the past. Lt. Col. Rodgers, the former administrator for the 779th Medical Group, has moved to the DoD IG team, but will continue to provide baseball commentary for the rest of the season. Rodgers was drafted by the White Sox organization as a utility infielder but was cut when Jose Mota, Manny Mota’s son was signed.
Friday, August 16, 2013
7
Andrews Gazette
P.G. Parks hosts youth baseball free agent tryouts The Maryland-National Capitol Parks and Planning Commission Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County fall baseball leagues begin Friday, Sept. 13, 2013. Any youth player (age 8-18) currently without a team who is looking to find one is invited to come try out on Wednesday, Aug. 21 or Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013 at Watkins Park Field #2, located at 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Md. Tryouts begin at 6:30 p.m. and are free. Please bring a glove, a bat, and a hat for the sun. Just stop by to try out; no advanced registration needed. For more information, call 301-446-6800.
113th Wing wins Softball title BY DANIEL LADJEVICH
INTRAMURAL/ VARSITY SPORTS DIRECTOR 11TH FORCE SUPPORT SQUADRON
Congratulations are in order for the 113th Wing as they claimed the 2013 Softball title Wednesday night. The 811 SFS put a scare into them in the first game, beating the 113th Wing 255. In the second game, however, the 113th turned the table and came back with a 22-6
DTHC Sailor honored BY NATALIE HEDRICK MARKETING SPECIALIST
DOD announces same-sex spouse benefits COURTESY OF AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
The Department of Defense announced its plan to extend benefits to same-sex spouses of uniformed service members and DOD civilian employees, according to a DOD news release issued Aug. 14. After a review of the department’s benefit policies following the Supreme Court’s ruling that Section Three of the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional, and in consultation with the Department of Justice and other executive branch agencies, the Defense Department will make spousal and family benefits available no later than Sept. 3, 2013, regardless of sexual orientation, as long as service member-sponsors provide a valid marriage certificate. The DOD remains committed to ensuring that all men and women who serve in the U.S. military, and their families, are treated fairly and equally as the law directs. Entitlements such as TRICARE enrollment, basic allowance for housing and family separation allowance are retroactive to the date of the Supreme Court’s de-
cision. Any claims to entitlements before that date will not be granted. For those members married after June 26, 2013, entitlements begin at the date of marriage. The DOD recognizes that same-sex military couples who are not stationed in a jurisdiction that permits same-sex marriage would have to travel to another jurisdiction to marry. That is why the department will implement policies to allow military personnel in such a relationship non-chargeable leave for the purpose of traveling to a jurisdiction where such a marriage may occur. This will provide accelerated access to the full range of benefits offered to married military couples throughout the department, and help level the playing field between opposite-sex and same-sex couples seeking to be married. For civilian benefits administered government-wide to federal employees, the DOD will follow the Office of Personnel Management and the Department of Labor’s guidance to ensure that the same benefits currently available to heterosexual spouses are also available to legally married same-sex spouses.
victory to claim the title. It was a great effort by the 811SFS, who claimed the Runners Up trophies. Thanks to all who coached, participated and supported the Softball League this year. Flag football will begin Sept. 9 on the new synthetic turf field located near the MPF Track. Contact your Unit Sports Rep for more information.
DiLorenzo TRICARE Health Clinic Washington, DC — Hospital Corpsman, Petty Officer 3rd Class Lawrence Acheampong, a DiLorenzo TRICARE Health Clinic lab technician, has been selected as a Career Ambassador for the American Society of Clinical Pathology for 2013 – 2014. A board of American Society of Clinical Pa-
thology leaders looked at the work ethic, education, and experience of over 300,000 laboratory professionals and chose to honor Acheampong with the prestigious title. “It hasn’t hit me yet,” Acheampong said. “It’s starting to because I’m getting a lot of calls from my commanders congratulating me. It is a big honor.” As a Career Ambassador, Acheampong will mentor pre-college students and encourage their interest in the sciences.
Hospital Corpsman, Petty Officer 3rd Class Lawrence Acheampong, a DiLorenzo TRICARE Health Clinic lab technician, gets ready to reconstitute the calibrators in the clinic’s lab, Aug. 13, at the Pentagon. Acheampong has been selected as a Career Ambassador for the American Society of Clinical Pathology for 2013 – 2014.
A decade in the making, North Forestville center opens BY AMBER LARKINS
THE PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE
North Forestville Elementary School has a new neighbor. The North Forestville Community Center, which unofficially opened June 17, is attached to the school and will be sharing its gymnasium with the school. A July 31 grand opening featured a DJ, dancing and martial arts demonstrations. Cynthia Jackson, North Forestville Community Center director, said she plans to offer special programs and classes after school that students can attend, such as dancing, karate and arts and crafts. “We have about 324 kids that need a place to go after school. We have games for them to play. They can do homework,” Jackson said. “We can create different programs for them, just to keep their minds busy after school.” Sasha Desrouleaux, citizen services specialist for County Councilman Derrick Davis’ office, said the 13,000 square-foot facility cost $3.8 million to build. Though there have been plans for the center to be built since 2002, because of permitting problems and having to change contractors it took about 10 years for the facility to be built, Desrouleaux said. Wanda Ramos, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s division chief of central operations, said that children can register for free identification cards so that they can attend various activities.
MEET, from page 1 sources and the quality of people who are stepping up to the plate to improve our schools,” Estepp said. “It’s new, it’s exciting. There’s a lot of critics but I think the system is going to work.” Estepp also spoke of the quality-of-life enhancements expected upon completion of the Westphalia development, a $2 billion dollar “town center” now under construction across from JBA’s North Gate, which is slated to include residential, retail, dining and office space and county schools. “This new project on Pennsylvania Avenue, just off he runway,” said Estepp, “includes 500 acres of mixed-use development. A ‘mini city’ of things we want and need in the area and which can support Joint Base Andrews.” Commander, Naval Air Facility Washington, Capt. Andrew Covert remarked that, “VAQ-209 will be missed on the base,”
“It’s like a drop-in community center,” she said. “As long as they have an ID they can come into the center.” The center will have open gym for those ages six to 17, Ramos said. Ramos said Jackson has some activities already set up for children to sign up for, but is working on getting more into place. Principal Melissa Ellis of North Forestville Elementary School said she was excited about the benefits the community center offers, but she had concerns about the community center being attached to the school regarding student safety and sharing a parking lot. “If I have an event that’s after hours and they’re open, then [parking] may be a challenge,” Ellis said. Ramos said that as partners they need to keep the lines of communication open so that the school and community center can co-host events or not schedule them for the same dates. Ramos said she saw the community making good use of the center within the first couple days of its unofficial opening in June as children asked if the center was open and if they could play basketball. “All of a sudden we had 20 kids because they were all texting each other to come to the center,” Ramos said. This story originally appeared in the Aug. 13, 2013 edition of The Prince George’s Gazette. in the wake of its recent move to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash. David Iannucci, Prince George’s County Assistant Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, called JBA the county’s “number one asset. We recognize how important the base is. We have to make that connection as strong as we possibly can.” At the conclusion of the meeting, staff representatives for Senators Benjamin Cardin and Barbara Mikulski and Congressman Steny Hoyer presented outgoing 89th Airlift Wing Commander Col. Michael Minihan with a flag which had flown over the U.S. Capitol as he prepares to depart for his next duty station at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. The ABCA, under the auspices of the nonprofit Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable, works to support the Joint Base Andrews community and advance economic development and improve quality of life for Prince George’s County residents.
PHOTO/TOM FEDOR FOR THE PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE
Summer camp counselors, volunteers and area residents dance to a deejay as the celebration for the North Forestville Community Center winds down on July 31 in Forestville. The new center, which opened in June at the North Forestville Elementary School site, held a grand opening celebration. From the left are Gabrielle Coleman, 15, of Forestville; Colby Penick, 9, of District Heights; Traci Bryant, 19, from Clinton; and Rashid Nero, 17, of District Heights.
BWI, from page 1 designer Martha Davidson in an email. “We think it is a beautiful image and that it will be a great asset to our exhibition about aviation in Maryland.” The photo, which originally appeared in the Capital Flyer, depicts Col. Steven Shepro, then-316th Wing Commander, along with members of the 316th Wing protocol office, rendering a salute as Air Force One departed Joint Base Andrews to fly President Obama to Wiliamsburg, Va., where he spoke to House Democrats to urge them to cooperate with the Senate and Republicans to approve passage of the stimulus package. Another print of the photo occupies a special place in Camp Springs,, Md.
“I have that very same photo in my home, autographed to me and my wife from President Barack Obama,” Jones said. “In any event, it was pretty nice getting an invite somewhere and not having to take a camera.”
8
Andrews Gazette
Caption This
Friday, August 16, 2013
Benefits of SCRA and MILITARY STAR Card don’t always intersect BY CONNER HAMMETT
ARMY & AIR FORCE EXCHANGE SERVICE PUBLIC AFFAIRS
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, introduced in 1940 as the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act, was established to protect active duty service members from what might happen to their financial or legal obligations after they start military service. Decades later, the Military Star™ Card was established in response to military leadership’s concerns regarding a growing number of rent-to-own, pay advancement schemes and unacceptably high interest rate scams that military personnel were encountering. Today, the Military Star Card and SCRA both serve to protect our military, but it can be confusing to find where one ends and the other begins. While interest rates offered by the Military Star™ Card are very competitive with industry leaders, the card is usually subject to the interest rate agreed upon at the beginning of the contract, not the special
interest rates that apply to debt incurred prior to military service under the SCRA. “The SCRA is a great way to ease the transition to active duty life and reduce service members’ existing financial burden,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Chief Tony Pearson. “However, the special interest rates guaranteed by the SCRA apply only to debt incurred before the start of military service, not to purchases made while on active duty.” The SCRA benefits Military Star™ Card holders under certain circumstances: Since many reservists are not considered active duty but are entitled to Exchange privileges, reservists with Military Star™ Card accounts can see interest on existing Military Star™ Card balances reduced to 6 percent under the SCRA when activated. For more information about the Military Star™ Card, visit www.shopmyexchange.com/ExchangeCredit/. For more information about SCRA, visit www.military.com/benefits/military-legal-matters/ scra/servicemembers-civil-relief-act-overview.htm.
ATM thefts attempted in Suitland, Camp Springs BY AMBER LARKINS
THE PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE
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.
01040365B
Prince George’s County police are investigating two attempted ATM thefts that occurred Wednesday morning and their possible connection to two previous ATM thefts earlier in the month. The first attempt occurred at about 4:50 a.m. at an Exxon gas station in the 4700 block of Allentown Road in Suitland, said Lt. William Alexander, a county police spokesman. He said the ATM was outside of the gas station. “They wrapped a chain around the machine in an attempt to rip it out of the ground,” Alexander said. At 5:10 a.m. at a Citgo gas station in the 5700 block of Old Branch Avenue in Camp Springs, two men drove a truck into the side of the gas station, in an effort to knock down the ATM so it could be pushed onto the truck, Alexander said.
When police arrived on the scene, they saw two men wearing masks and dark clothing fleeing on foot, Alexander said. A K-9 unit was sent out to track the men, but was unsuccessful, Alexander said. The truck used to drive into the gas station has been recovered by police, who are investigating the case, Alexander said. Police are also investigating if the attempts were connected to ATM thefts that occurred Aug. 2 in Fort Washington and in Washington, D.C. Surveillance video showed a dark-colored pick-up truck smashed into the side of an Exxon gas station in Fort Washington. County police spokeswoman Nicole Hubbard said in the Fort Washington incident, the men pushed the ATM onto the truck bed and drove off. This story originally appeared in the Aug. 14, 2013 edition of The Prince George’s Gazette.
Andrews Gazette
Friday, August 16, 2013
Large classes, overcrowded schools remain a concern in Prince George’s
August 9 Caption This
PHOTO/JAMIE ANFENSON-COMEAU FOR THE PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE
Two temporary buildings, located behind Hyattsville Elementary School, are used to increase classroom space. BY JAMIE ANFENSON-COMEAU THE PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE
T. Carter Ross, secretary of the Hyattsville Elementary School PTA, said fourthgraders at the school started last school year with more than 30 students per teacher. An influx of kindergartners posed problems too, he said. “We had a huge cohort of kindergartners. Then they added a fourth kindergarten teacher, and that made things easier,” Ross said of Hyattsville Elementary, which has a state-rated capacity for 406 students, but last year had 537, according to school data. State-rated capacity is “the maximum number of students that can be reasonably accommodated in a facility without significantly hampering delivery of the educational program,” according to the Maryland State Department of Education website. Although the Prince George’s County school system no longer tracks average class sizes, school system data shows that 42 of the county’s 204 public schools are expected to have student populations exceeding their state-rated capacity this school year. Earnest Moore, president of the Prince George’s PTA Council, an umbrella group for school parent-teacher associations, said many problems with overcrowding are temporary. “We had parents comment on classroom overcrowding at the beginning of the year, but when we checked back in with them in the middle and especially by the end [of the school year], most of those problems seem to have been resolved, either by shifting students around, adding temporary buildings or adding more teachers,” Moore said.
01040500B
Hyattsville Elementary used two temporary buildings to house the sixth grade, Ross said. Across the county, 96 schools use temporary buildings, mostly for classroom space, according to the school system. Yolanda Rogers of Lanham, vice president of the Robert Goddard French Immersion PTA, said the use of temporary buildings at her children’s school, which shares a Seabrook campus with the Robert Goddard Montessori program, is problematic. “Our fourth and fifth grades are outside,” Rogers said. “They have to come into the building from outside to use the bathroom, go to the cafeteria or gym.” The county school system has 63.9 teachers per 1,000 pupils, a lower ratio than the state average of 68.2 teachers per 1,000 pupils, according to the 2012-13 Maryland State Report Card. Approximately 125,000 students are enrolled in the school system, according to county schools data. “If a school is overcrowded, we have a couple ways to deal with the issue,” said Max Pugh, the county school system’s director of communications. “One way is to repurpose rooms. For example, you might use a science lab as a classroom. Or, you might move the band classes to the stage and use the band room for a classroom. Once schools run out of space, we put temporary classrooms on the site.” The school system has also dealt with overcrowding by realigning boundaries with underpopulated schools, or, when necessary, building new schools when funding becomes available. This story originally appeared in the Aug. 8, 2013 edition of The Prince George’s Gazette.
This week’s winning caption comes from a Navy veteran. Of course. “Blue and gold bikers are leading a Navy takeover of the base. Alert the Air Force!” Winston K. Crow Air National Guard Readiness Center/National Guard Bureau Environmental Restoration Program Manager
9
10
Andrews Gazette
Friday, August 16, 2013
Prince George’s appointed school board represents entire county BY JAMIE ANFENSON-COMEAU THE PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE
Prince George’s County parents will have more contacts for assistance on the Board of Education in the 2013-2014 school year with the addition of four appointed members this year, officials say. “The four appointed members function as at-large board members,” said Christian Rhodes, County Executive Rushern Baker’s III (D) education adviser. “Their constituency is anyone in the county, the entire school district.” New legislation passed in April added four appointed board seats to the board, which includes nine district elected members and a student member. “With the nine elected board members, their area of concern is often their own district,” Rhodes said. “This is an opportunity to have board members who are able to look beyond a single district.” Curtis Valentine, the council’s parent appointee, said that as he was appointed by unanimous vote of all nine County Council representatives, he viewed himself as an at-large representative.
TUITION, from page 1 “It quickly became tedious and time-consuming as applications rolled in,” Wilchinski said. As many as 80 applications are submitted on any given day, and reservists had to wait up to 120 days from the time they submitted their final grades to the time they received payments. “(The old way) was a huge burden on the member,” Wilchinski said. “We want them to be able to continue their education, not be held up by a process.” Most colleges are familiar with the process and system. However if an institution is unfamiliar with it, the approving education and training office can provide instructions. If additional assistance is needed, AFRC will connect the institution with a system expert.
“And although I am a parent of two public school students and a former middle school educator in our system, I represent the interests of not solely the students, parents and teachers but of all those who rely on the school system to produce the next generation of competent and compassionate leaders, and that’s all of us,” Valentine said. T. Carter Ross, parent of two daughters at Hyattsville Elementary, said he feels the addition of the four appointees will increase parental representation. “I believe it gives more opportunity for accountability,” Ross said. “You have more people to whom a parent can make an appeal, both on the board and by bringing the county executive and the County Council into the fold via their appointees.” The county school system has undergone numerous shifts in the leadership structure since 2002 when at the urging of then-Representative Baker, the General Assembly abolished the county’s elected board and replaced it with an all-appointed board. Following the 2005 resignation of Superintendent Andre Hornsby, who was later convicted of wire fraud, evidence tampering and obstruction of justice, the appointed
board was dissolved and replaced in 2006 with an at-large, elected board. In 2010, the format was switched to district elections, which lasted until the new legislation took effect this June requiring the county executive to appoint three board members — one each with experience in education, higher education or business and administration of a large business, nonprofit or governmental entity. The Prince George’s County Council is required to appoint one board member who is a parent of a child currently in the school system. David Cahn, co-chair of the education advocacy group “Citizens for an Elected Board,” said the addition of appointed board members dilutes the authority of the elected board members. “The elected board members are accountable to the voters who elected them to office,” he said. “But the appointed board members are only accountable to the county executive, or in one case the County Council who appointed them.” This story originally appeared in the Aug. 13, 2013 edition of The Prince George’s Gazette.
Prince George’s fire stations understaffed, chief says BY SOPHIE PETIT
THE PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE
When Vail Clemence returned home from a July softball game complaining of chest pains, his wife, Barbara Clemence, said it took a miracle for him to survive what a doctor called “a severe heart attack” after waiting more than a half hour for an ambulance to arrive at his Bowie home. While Clemence, 82, awaited paramedics, emergency personnel were battling an active fire on Church Road, during which 17 people were dispatched from Bowie stations, leaving the nearby Bel Air station unmanned and Bowie’s three other stations understaffed, county fire/EMS officials said. “There’s no life saving involved if you don’t have a driver for the ambulance,” Barbara Clemence said. “I’m thinking about next time. We’ve got to do something here. We lucked out.” The nearly fatal incident underscored the need for more personnel, said county fire/EMS chief Marc Bashoor at the Aug. 5 Bowie City Council meeting. Vail Clemence had a heart attack during the first ten minutes of another emergency call when there was no time to call in staff from other locations to fill the empty spots left at Bowie stations, Bashoor said. “All resources available had been committed to that fire,” he said. “We simply do not have enough people to staff every piece of apparatus across the county.” Instead of dispatching an ambulance from one of Bowie’s four fire stations, one had to be called in from Springdale, about 10 miles away, Bashoor said. Although Bashoor said that was the first time an incident like that had happened, the county fire/EMS department has been understaffed for years as firefighter volunteerism and funding from all levels of government have declined nationwide, department officials said. According to Prince George’s County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department records, Barbara Clemence called 911 at 1:14 p.m. The call was transferred to Bowie’s Bel Air station, exactly one mile from their house on Madeley Lane; 37 minutes later, an ambulance arrived and took him to Anne Arundel Medical Center.
The county’s goal response time is no more than seven minutes, Bashoor said. In 2008, the county set a goal in its Public Safety Facilities Master Plan — which sets guidelines for police, fire/ EMS, correctional, sheriff and emergency management services — to employ 1,300 career firefighters. Currently, it employs 814, Bashoor said. Each of the county’s 45 stations is generally staffed with four career firefighters during weekdays and up to two at night and on weekends, but when career firefighters respond to a call, no one is left to man the stations except volunteers who don’t have set schedules, Bashoor said. “It’s nearly impossible to guarantee when they will or will not be available,” he said. There are about 40 reliable volunteer firefighters at the Bowie stations, said Bowie Volunteer Fire Department Chief Lee Havens. The department needs 100 to 120 volunteers to function adequately, he said. To help meet the manpower need, the department is in the process of hiring a volunteer recruiter and working to staff all stations with six career firefighters to ensure that at least two will remain at the station when a call goes out, Bashoor said. But that will likely take several years as the department goes through each station one by one to determine which need more staffing first based on call volume and population density, he said. The department will also depend on calling in firefighters from other counties to fill gaps so no station is left empty, even during an emergency, he said. “Collectively, we’re doing the best we can with the limited resources we have.” Response time has steadily improved over the past decade due to more fire stations and paramedic units, Bashoor said. “I’m just terrified that what happened the other day is going to happen again,” said City Councilwoman Diane M. Polangin (Dist. 2). This story originally appeared in the Aug. 13 edition of The Prince George’s Gazette.
For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,
visit www.dcmilitary.com. PLEASE RECYCLE THIS PAPER
1039921B
Friday, August 16, 2013
Andrews Gazette
11
12
01040323B
Andrews Gazette
Friday, August 16, 2013