Andrews 082815

COMMENTARY Dreams, Page 2

DCMILITARY.COM

COMMUNITY NEWS

Mowatt to rock Camp Springs Senior Activity Center, Page 3

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

Andrews Federal Credit Union Awards $12,000 in Scholarships

BASE NEWS

Aim high, bark, fly, win, Page 6

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015 | VOL. 4 NO. 34

MARLOW HEIGHTS COMMUNITY CENTER HOSTS 5TH ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL GIVE AWAY

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Andrews Federal Scholarship winners attend 67th Annual Meeting (left to right) Andrews Federal President & CEO Jim Hayes, Andrew Peacock, Tiara Hodge, Khadijah Bland, and Board Chairman Gen. Frank Cardile.

Andrews Federal Credit Union recently concluded its 2015 Scholarship Program by awarding $12,000 in scholarships to eight students. Each student received $1,500 toward higher education expenses. Three of those students, Khadijah Bland, Tiara Hodge, and Andrew Peacock along with friends and family members, were on hand at the Credit Union’s 67th Annual Meeting to receive their award in person.

Andrews Federal 2015 Scholarships were awarded to: • Whitney Betts, Marietta, GA • Khadijah Bland, Waldorf, MD • Jason Clark, Germany • Tiara Hodge, Clinton, MD • BreAhn Holloway, Fort Washington, MD • Deja Lee, Accokeek, MD

• Andrew Peacock, Upper Marlboro, MD • Joshua Tsai, Anaheim Hills, CA “Each year we are excited to offer financial assistance in the form of scholarships to a group of amazing students,” remarked Jim Hayes, Andrews Federal President and CEO. “These are our future presidents, CEOs, entrepreneurs and leaders. Andrews Federal is proud to play a part in helping them achieve their future success.”

The 2016 Andrews Federal Scholarship program will begin February 1, 2016.

To learn more about Andrews Federal Credit Union and its community involvement, or to become a member, call 800.487.5500 or visit www.andrewsfcu.org.

-- Andrews Credit Union

11 SSPTS conducts vulnerability assessment possible vulnerabilities to prepare them to react properly 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS if confronted with an activeshooter situation. They also The 11th Security Support taught them about the RunSquadron conducted an ac- Hide-Fight method: run if you tive-shooter-vulnerability as- can, hide if you must and fight sessment at Imagine Andrews as a last resort.

Public Charter School Aug. 19, “Your reaction in an active2015, on Joint Base Andrews, shooter situation needs to Maryland. practically be muscle memory The 11 SSPTS briefed see ASSESSMENT, page 2 Imagine Andrews staff about

BY SENIOR AIRMAN PRESTON WEBB

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

The Marlow Heights Community Center’s Girls Dance and Modeling Group take center stage to entertain audience members with their dance routine. Story and photos on page 4.

Understanding cataracts

Dr. Cunningham discusses signs, symptoms of cataracts during Cataract Awareness Month

comes cloudy and the focusing of light (akin to how a camera STAFF WRITER lens focuses light) is impaired.

“It’s important to underUnderstanding cataracts can stand that the lens of the eye ease your mind and give you dicomes from the same stem cells rection on what is the next step as our hair and our skin - it’s to repair sight. from the epithelial layer. Just “All of the symptoms from as our hair and our skin change cataracts are visual sympover time, the lens of the eye toms - they don’t cause pain or any other sensation except for changes as well. The cataract is blurred vision and sometimes actually a natural change that glare,” said Paul Cunningham, occurs in the lens of the eye M.D., Board-certified Ophthal- with time and age,” Cunningmologist and Surgeon, Pediat- ham explained.

“Nearly everyone gets some ric and Strabismus Specialist.

A cataract involves the lens degree of cataracts if they live of the eye, where the lens be- long enough and not everyone gets cataract to the degree it inBY LESLIE C. SMITH

terferes with vision. But when it does interfere with vision it usually causes blurred vision, poor focus, haziness and sometimes causes glare - like driving at night can be blinding because the headlights will strike a cloudy area of the lens and the light will scatter within the eye. Blurred vision and glare are the main symptoms,” Cunningham said.

Cataracts do not have to be removed if they are not causing any trouble with the vision; if patients aren’t hampered and are able to drive or conduct day-to-day activities then the cataracts are left alone, Cunningham explained.

If a doctor and patient decide surgery is necessary, it is an outpatient procedure and usually takes about 15 to 20

see CATARACTS, page 6

Andrews Gazette

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Hot tickets around town August 28-30

One Acts by Elan Zafir Laurel Mill Playhouse, 508 Main Street, Laurel Friday, Saturday 8 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m.

Two one act plays by actor/playwright Elan Zafir. Super Earth is the story of two men who find themselves in an underground bunker as the threat of nuclear extinction filters through the streets of New York. Ben and Lucille is the story of a mediocre painter who visits his activist girlfriend in Philly.

Once together it is quickly apparent things have changed as tiffs turn into political and philosophical wounds and they confront the inevitable end of their relationship.

August 29

Taste Prince George’s Food and Wine Festival Noon-6 p.m.

Six Flags America, 13710 Central Ave., Upper Marlboro The day includes live entertainment, wine tasting, cooking demonstrations and guest appearances by celebrity chefs. Tickets are available for purchase online. This is a rain or shine event. Visit www.tasteprincegeorges.com.

August 30

The Chardonnay Run 9 a.m.

National Harbor, 137 National Plaza, National Harbor The Chardonnay Run is a national 5K wine racing series, with a focus on serving up fun as well as wine and cheese to participants looking to grab their friends, put on their running shoes and enjoy a glass of wine. The race is only half the fun a glass of wine, yummy pairings, grapes, live music, food trucks/vendors, and your best buds are waiting for you at the finish line. You are encouraged you to bring a picnic, blanket, and chairs to kick back and relax. Visit www. thechardonnayrun.com.

August 30

Author’s Afternoon 2 p.m.

Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale, Road, Riverdale Park Chat with Riversdale volunteers who are published authors. Their works include non-fiction, mysteries, Regency romances, and children’s books.

Adults $3, seniors $2, students $1, age 4 and younger free. Call 301-864-0420.

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

Deirdre Parry, page design dparry@dcmilitary.com Leslie Smith, editor lsmith@dcmilitary.com Bobby Jones, photographer bjones@dcmilitary.com

Friday, August 28, 2015

Commentary Dreams

BY COL. DAVE CONDIT

403RD OPERATIONS GROUP

Each of us has dreams. We dream about exotic places, relaxing experiences, adventures, things we might accomplish and financial security. Some of our dreams intersect with our military service.

Our dreams may include things like the next level of responsibility, advancing to NCO or senior NCO, commissioning, field grade officer, a desired specialty, pilot training, or retirement. These dreams motivate us, help us through tough times and make our lives exciting.

I interact with a lot of Airmen.

One of the most exciting things I see is the realization of someone’s dreams. I recently attended a pilot training graduation and was struck by the dreams realized and the new dreams being formed.

There were young officers recently commissioned as prior service members who just arrived.

Their nervous yet excited eyes wandered to the sky as the training jets flew over. There were graduates with shiny new wings and assignments all over the world.

The graduation ceremony included senior NCOs, officers and family members who stood proudly by, seeing the realization of their hard work. Seeing dreams come true is amazing.

Unfortunately, not all our dreams come true. Life is not fair at times; and not all of our dreams come to fruition. Relationships slip away. Financial security eludes us as we work from paycheck to paycheck. Not all of the young officers I saw at that pilot training base would depart the gates with a set of wings. Sometimes things, obsta-

cles, situations - beyond our control - come along and it means we have to dream of new things.

One of the saddest things I see when interacting with Airmen is the dream never attempted. We get busy with the mundane, our minds wander, we are uncertain, we’re afraid we might fail.

For whatever reason, we don’t take the risk and attempt to accomplish our dreams. The most certain way to ensure our dreams are not realized is to not attempt them.

Each of us, no matter our age or circumstances, still has a dream.

Don’t be the one to guarantee the dream never comes to completion.

Clear away the distractions, focus and see yourself accomplishing your dream. Most of all, take action, take a risk, and take that first step.

Retiree Corner TRICARE on the Road

If you have a trip planned, you should complete routine medical care and have prescriptions filled before leaving. Your only health care on the road should be urgent or emergency care. Your first line of defense is Tricare’s Nurse Advice Line at 1 800 874-2273. A registered nurse can answer urgent care questions and schedule next-day appointments at military hospitals and clinics, if necessary. Service is available 24/7. If you use Tricare Prime, and require emergency care, notify your primary care manager or regional contractor within 24 hours or the next business day. If you need urgent care, get a referral from your primary care manager or call the nurse line for advice.

Standard beneficiaries can visit any Tricare-authorized, network or non-network provider. Referrals are not required, but you may need prior authorization from your re-

gional contractor for some services.

If you use a non-network provider, you may have to pay up front and file a claim. US Family Health plan participants should call customer service 1-800-748-7347. Be sure to save health care receipts.

quality of life. DME, covered by most health insurances, includes Tricare when ordered by a Tricareauthorized provider. Equipment must be medically necessary and reusable. It can be rented or purchased, but the regional contractor will determine which is most apE-Mail Check propriate for your situation. TriThose with myPay accounts are care will pay for replacements if reminded to keep a current e-mail your medical condition changes or address on file with the Defense equipment malfunction because of Finance and Accounting Service reasonable wear. Popular equip(DFAS). At the bottom of your ac- ment are walkers, continuous posicount menu, select “Email Address” tive airway pressure machines, to view the address DFAS uses. It breast pumps and breast pump uses the address to send newslet- supplies. ters, breaking news, and to notify The Retiree Activities Office is you when your Retiree Account Statement and 1099R tax state- open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit the office in ments are available.

Building 1604 at California and Medical Equipment Colorado Avenues or call 301 981Durable Medical Equipment 2726. Call before your visit to ensure (DME) is equipment for beneficia- a volunteer is on duty. The RAO has ry use that helps provide a better a website at www.andrews.af.mil.

ASSESSMENT, from page 1 for when your flight-or-fight response kicks in,” said Master Sgt. Jeffrey Bury, 11 SSPTS NCO in charge of training. “Knowing how to react builds confidence in your safety.”

H. Douglas Rice II, Imagine Andrews principal, said the vulnerability assessment originated from a coordinated effort between Prince George’s County and security forces to ensure the school is as safe as possible. The school can proactively address any vulnerability that would hamper student safety.

“Student safety is our top priority. We need plans in place to

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN PRESTON WEBB

Staff Sgt. Journey Henderson, 11th Security Support Squadron response force leader, briefs active-shooter response techniques to teachers and staff at Imagine Andrews Public Charter School Aug. 20, at Joint Base Andrews. Knowing how to respond throughout the course of a crisis is key to survival.

educate staff and parents to deal with situations that could arise,” Rice said. “It’s our responsibility to

be proactive, set expectations and educate ourselves when it comes to safety.”

Andrews Gazette

Friday, August 28, 2015

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Mowatt to rock Camp Springs Senior Activity Center

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

Ricardo Mowatt is a solo, jazz guitarist who describes his sound as a combination of traditional Jazz and modern Jazz with a Hip Hop and Blues sensibility. “I incorporate a variety of styles in my set list to include reggae, R&B, bossa nova and traditional and jazz ballads,” said the Jamaican native.

His musical influences, include moves through the array of musical masters as Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Muddy Waters, BB King, Charlie Byrd, John Coltrane and James Brown, Quincy Jones, Bob Marley, Carlos Santana, Path Methany and Sly and the Family Stone to the modern virtuosos as The Roots, The Fugees and Erykah Badu.

Rooted in the Prince George’s County community since the early 90’s, the Bowie State University music technology graduate can remember when he first realized his interest in music.

“I have always had music inside my head, as long as I can remember. I don’t think I chose music; music chose me. I have always been humming melodies as long as I can remember.

I was that kid in the 5th grade class tapping rhythmic patterns

COURTESY PHOTO

A resident of George’s County, Ricardo Mowatt loans his eclectic style of music to various venues throughout Maryland. An Army combat veteran, he gives back to the community by performing for his fellow vets at the Veterans Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

on the desk. Performing at this facility is like bringing D.C.’s famed Blues Alley to the elderly,” said Mowatt.

An Army veteran of 14 years, Mowatt served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and enjoys playing his special brand of music as therapy for his fellow veterans at the Washington DC VA Medical Center weekly during his Artist-in-Residency affiliation. “I play there every Monday, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. “As a combat veteran I feel that playing for my fellow veteran’s is like

giving back, because they now have different needs.” Mowatt serves as a consultant to the VA. Today, Mowatt will be bringing his eclectic musical stylings during his ROOTZ REPUBLIC CONCERT to the Camp Springs Senior Activity Center from 12:50 to 1:50 p.m. located at 6420 Allentown Rd., Camp Springs. Senior ID is required for this “show up” event. No registration is needed. For more information, call Katrina Meadows, facility director, at 301-4490490.

Joint Base Andrews is holding a free public air show featuring the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and entertainment for all ages Sept. 19.

Other aerial demonstration acts include the F-22 Raptor Demonstration team, heritage flights with P-51 Mustangs, the United States Special Operations Command jump team “ParaCommandos,” and more.

More than 30 current and vintage aircraft from a variety of military services and organizations will be on display including the F-35 Lightning, the U-2 Dragonlady, the CV-22 Osprey and NASA’s Super Guppy.

Free public parking will be

For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,

visit www.dcmilitary.com.

available at FedEx Field and Branch Avenue Metro Station with shuttles taking attendees to the base from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. No public parking will be available on Joint Base Andrews.

Gates for the air show will open at 9 a.m. with aerial performances starting at 11:30 a.m. and scheduled to end at 4:30 p.m.

The 2015 Joint Base Andrews Air Show will commemorate the U.S. Air Force’s 68th birthday and the 100th anniversary of the Naval Reserves.

Visit the air show tab on www. andrews.af.mil or follow Andrews Airshow on Facebook for more information.

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Andrews Gazette

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Friday, August 28, 2015

Community Center hosts 5th Annual Back to school give away

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

More than 250 children attended the 5th Annual Free Back to School Give Away event held at the Marlow Heights Community Center Aug. 23.

The event was jointly sponsored by the Maryland National Parks and Planning Commission and the Marlow Heights Community Center. William Dunn, Marlow Heights Center facility director, welcomed local residents to the event.

During the course of the event youngsters were provided with free haircuts, dental screenings, book bags and school supplies.

Among the donating participants were Colgate-Palmolive’s Mobile Colgate Dental Truck, Prince George’s County staff members, Tori Haylock, Rasheed Plummer, Willie Clements, and Alice Holt, Chick-Fil-A of District Heights, Democracy Federal Credit Union, and the nonprofit Prince George County Chapter Continental Society Inc. India Lyles, a stylist and barber from the We R One Barbershop and Salon of Suitland, treated a waiting line of boys to complimentary haircuts for their first day back to school.

“When I was asked by the center to support this event, I didn’t hesitate, because I wanted to give something back to the community,” said Lyles.

Andrew Gilliam, a Clinton resident watched as his son, Dallas, 8, received a free haircut.

“My wife, an educator, and I definitely understand the importance of getting a good fresh start to school. It’s a great way to empower kids and give them a jump start to a new beginning in school - getting a free book bag, a free dental exam and a fresh haircut,” Gilliam said.

The Continental Society Inc. is an international organization which focuses on children in the form of recreation, health, education arts and humanities.

“This is our third time collaborating with Mr. Dunn in bringing the Mobile Colgate van to the community,” said Sharon Shanklin-Browne, Chapter president, Prince George’s County Chapter Continental Society Inc., noting the volunteer dentists and hygienists in the van which provided approximately 150 children with free dental screenings and oral health education, prior to receiving free backpacks.

Browne expressed that the increased dental initiative is a result of a little boy who died in Prince George’s County five of

PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

Drum Line Strike Force Group members: David Blackstone, left, and Miles Brown rock the stage.

Alisha Rollins-Taylor, a volunteer dental hygienist performs a dental screening on one-year-old Benjamin McLeod inside a Mobile Colgate van.

years ago because he had a very bad tooth infection that went untreated. “Among the numerous mobile vans this one serves this area and Washington, D.C. Once the child is screened the volunteer dental staff will let the parents know if there is any work that needs to be done.”

The screenings covered children from 1 to 12 years old.

“We wanted to do this right before school so the parents and children at least don’t have to worry about book bags, give them some basic supplies, such as pencils, pens, crayons, paper,

India Lyles, a stylist and barber from the “We R One” Barbershop and Salon of Suitland cuts the hair of Dallas, 8, son of William Gilliam, a Clinton resident.

calculators and rulers. I think the event was a success,” said Ju’Wann Jones, Marlow Community Center assistant facility director.

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Attention All Personnel: Special Agent Zachary McCarter regretfully announces the death of Tech Sgt. (Special Agent) Brian Theobald. Anyone having claims against or indebtedness to the estate of Tech Sgt. Brian Theobald contact Special Agent Zachary McCarter, Summary Court Officer, at 240-857-7281.

For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,

visit www.dcmilitary.com.

Andrews Gazette

Friday, August 28, 2015

Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone along with Jane D. Hartly, the U.S. ambassador to France, and his two friends speak at a press conference. Stone was on vacation with his childhood friends, Aleksander Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler, when an armed gunman entered their train carrying an assault rifle, a handgun and a box cutter. The three friends, with the help of a British passenger, subdued the gunman after his rifle jammed.

US Airman recognized as ‘hero’ in Paris

BY TECH. SGT. RYAN CRANE

HEADQUARTERS U.S. AIR FORCES IN EUROPE AND AIR FORCES AFRICA

U.S. Ambassador to France, Jane D. Hartly, recognized Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone for his actions in saving countless lives during a terrorist attack aboard a train headed toward Paris Aug. 21.

“We often use the word hero, and in this case I know that word has never been more appropriate,” Hartley said.

“They are truly heroes. When most of us would run away, Spencer, Alek and Anthony ran into the line of fire, saying ‘Let’s go.’ Those words changed the fate of many.”

Stone and his two friends, Aleksander Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler, were on vacation and headed from Amsterdam to Paris when an armed man entered their cabin.

“It wasn’t a conscious decision,” Skarlatos, an Army National Guard Soldier stationed in Oregon said. “We didn’t even have time to think about it. We just acted.”

The trio had just spent the previous three days enjoying Amsterdam on their vacation.

They were excited to make it to Paris so they got up early and made their way to the train station. Their train wasn’t leaving for four hours so they killed time buying souvenirs and, according to them, eating the best ice cream they ever had. They thought their vacation was off to a great start.

Their train arrived and it was time to depart Amsterdam.

“We had first class tickets,” Stone explained, “but we just found a spot we liked somewhere else on the train. Turns out our wagon didn’t have WiFi so we decided to use our first class tickets and moved to another wagon.”

After about an hour on the train they were settled in somewhere in Belgium.

“I was asleep with my headphones on and my friend, Alek, was sitting to the left of me and Anthony was sitting to my right across the aisle,” Stone said. “I wake up and I see Alek moving around saying ‘oh crap! oh crap!’”

Skarlatos motioned to the gunman who entered the cabin brandishing an AK-style assault rifle.

“I kinda turn around and see the guy,” Stone said, “and he’s got the AK, he’s trying to charge it. I just throw my headphones off and turn around in my seat, get low and kinda look around.”

At this point the gunman had passed Stone and Skarlatos. It was at that moment their lives changed.

“Alek taps me on the shoulder and says ‘go get ‘em!’ and that’s when I got up and I sprinted at him,” he said.

“It was a long sprint. It felt like slow motion.”

“I heard him charge it (the assault rifle) a few more times, and heard a ‘click.’ It still wasn’t working.”

Stone explained that every

5

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS /TECH. SGT. RYAN CRANE

Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone (right), Aleksander Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler pose for a photo in Paris Aug. 23 following a foiled attack on a French train. Stone was on vacation with his childhood friends, Aleksander Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler, when an armed gunman entered their train carrying an assault rifle, a handgun and a box cutter. The three friends, with the help of a British passenger, subdued the gunman after his rifle jammed.

my thumb is hanging halfway off.”

At this point Stone lost his grip on the gunman.

“I let him go and by that point the shooter was in the middle and me,Alek and Anthony are just surrounding him and we just started Airman 1st Class Spencer pounding him,” he said. “I got him Stone was on vacation with his in another choke and I choked him childhood friends, Aleksander out until he went unconscious and Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler, my friend kept hitting him in the when an armed gunman face with the gun.” entered their train carrying an The gunman was down. The assault rifle, a handgun and trio began assessing any other a box cutter. Stone’s medical threats in the area. background prepared him to “My friend (pointed) out the begin treating wounded pasguy who got hit in the neck,” sengers while waiting for the Stone said. “I don’t know how he authorities to arrive. Stone is got hit but he was spurting blood an ambulance service technieverywhere. So I yelled out ‘I’m cian assigned to the 65th Medi- a medic I’m a medic!’ and took cal Operations Squadron stathe guy and held him down. I tioned at Lajes Field, Azores. just stuck my finger in his neck, found what I thought was an time he heard a click, he feared artery and just pressed down. I that he would die. held that position until authori“I heard the ‘click’ and ties came.” thought, ‘whew! I’m still here,’” At this point, Stone was prethe said. ty badly wounded. His thumb Stone finally made contact was nearly severed and he had with the gunman, throwing his sustained gashes that were danbody into him. The two started gerously close to major arteries. grappling.

The nurses later told him that “I was feeling for the gun and he was lucky that the cuts were couldn’t find it,” Stone said. “I not further over. felt it a couple times but he kept Despite his wounds he never taking it away. So I just put him had a second thought about in a rear naked choke to pro- helping someone else. tect myself and my friend, Alek, “I felt like I was the only percame up and took the AK. But son who could help him,” Stone he just kept pulling weapons left said. “I didn’t really care about and right. He pulled a handgun my injuries at that point beand it seemed liked he pointed it cause I thought that guy was back at me and I heard it click.” gonna die, so I wanted to give It is not apparent why the him a fighting chance.” guns malfunctioned so many Stone said that he believes times, but it gave the trio time everything happens for a reato wrestle them away from the son. Every moment in life leads gunman. to the next. He said that there “I saw him making a slashing was a reason he and his friends motion,” Stone explained. “When were on that train and that they I leaned over his shoulder I see moved to first class. he has about a six-inch box cut“I feel good that we were able ter blade and I look down and to save those people there in

that right moment,” Stone said.

Stone, 23, has been in the Air Force for nearly three years.

His training as a medic prepared him for how to react in a situation like this, but his family taught him to help those who need help.

“I would say it was more so how I was raised and the Air Force just gave me the tools I needed to be the person I have always wanted to be I guess,” Stone said. “There have been a bunch of influential people in my career so far that have just helped me gain the knowledge that I have.”

When asked about his family, Stone cracked a smile.

“Oh yeah; my family is proud of me. My brother is yelling ‘My brother is an international hero!’ screaming over the phone. My mother, sister, friends, family neighbors — everyone is excited for me.”

The story has been played out in the public light over the past few days and is certainly an intense ride. Many said that it feels like a movie in the making.

Jokingly, Stone said that if they ever do make this into a movie, he knows exactly who he wants to play him.

“Denzel Washington, but I don’t think that would ever happen,” Stone joked.

Despite his fairly calm demeanor only days after the attack, Stone was able to reflect on the event as a day that could have gone a lot differently.

“If it wasn’t for Alek and Anthony, I’d be dead,” Stone said. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it by myself. He definitely woulda’ got me.”

The gunman had multiple magazines and almost 300 rounds of ammunition.

“He seemed like he was ready to fight to the end,” Stone said.

“So were we.”

6

Andrews Gazette

Friday, August 28, 2015

CATARACTS, from page 1

AIM HIGH, BARK, FLY, WIN

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS J.D. MAIDENS

X, a military working dog, jumps into a UH-1N Twin Huey helicopter on the flightline on Joint Base Andrews, Aug. 19. The 11th Security Support Squadron trains their working dogs around helicopters to acclimate them to the noise and vibration.

minutes. The cloudy lens is taken out and replaced with a man-made lens and remains in the eye for life. The procedure has a high success rate but as with all surgery there is a risk of complications, Cunningham advised.

There is a large variation in the age range of when people first experience cataracts.

“There are patients who have cataract by their 40s, which is unusually young but not unheard of; and I have done cataract surgery on patients in their 40s. Basically the older you get the more chance you will need cataract surgery. There really isn’t a cutoff age where you’re not going to have cataracts any more - the older you get, the cloudier your lens gets; so every decade your risk of needing cataract surgery increases,” Cunningham explained.

Cataract differs from glaucoma in that glaucoma is a disease where the fluid that fills the eyeball is under pressure that is too high. Unlike a cataract which is a cause of blindness that is fully reversible, glaucoma is irreversible, noted Cunningham.

A few risk factors for glaucoma are a family history, being nearsighted, and African ancestry.

PHOTO/LESLIE C. SMITH

Patients should consult with their ophthalmologist for a recommendation for eye exams particularly those with family history of disease and those with diabetes. Pictured left to right Kiah Massad, Technician; Kortnee Moore, Technician; Nicole Plater, Technician; Paul S. Cunningham, M.D.; Mary Oglesbee, Optician; and Andrew F. Kolker, M.D.

“We want to diagnose glaucoma early and we want to get treatment started early in the process usually involving eye drops but usually it is with laser or operating room surgery,” Cunningham added.

“It is a silent killer of sight; some people don’t know they have it until they are already blind. That is the kind of thing we really want to pick up early; and that’s why we recommend everybody with a family history [of glaucoma] get screened every year. And it’s not a bad idea for everyone to get an annual eye exam after the age of 50,” Cunningham advised.

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Friday, August 28, 2015

Andrews Gazette

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Friday, August 28, 2015