COMMENTARY Follow up: It can be a matter of life, death, Page 2
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2015 NOMAR Award, Page 3
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Kappa Epsilon Psi ‘H.U.M.s’ the song of sisterhood
Friday, October 2, 2015 | Vol. 4 No. 1
First all-female honor flight gets hero’s welcome in Washington By Lisa Ferdinando
By Leslie C. Smith
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
Under the three-pronged guiding core principles of HUM: Honoring the Past, Uniting current service members and Mentoring future leadership, Kappa Epsilon Psi looks to offer military women a place to belong. Kappa Epsilon Psi was founded by Shica Hill and Moneka Smith-Daley in 2011. Membership is open to all DoD branches, active duty, separated and retired who served honorably, as well as college-level cadets in the ROTC. Kappa Epsilon Psi chapters can be found in Hawaii, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia (Northern and Southern) with members to be found throughout the country and the world, including Germany, Japan and Korea. “We all face challenged in life and it’s good to have a sisterhood where we have common ground,”
Female veterans, trailblazers who served in the military decades ago, received a hero’s welcome Sept. 22 after arriving in the nation’s capital on the first all-female honor flight. “Best day of my life” is how retired Army Sgt. Maj. Sue Williams described the visit, which included stops at Arlington National Cemetery and the World War II Memorial. Williams, who retired in 1995 after nearly three decades of service, helped lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. “I could have died and gone to heaven right then,” she said. The women, from wars
Staff writer
photo/Leslie C. Smith
Military Sorority Kappa Epsilon Psi was on hand to help with the festivities of VA Medical Center Ladies’ Night Feb. 27.
said Monisha Barnes, a member of Kappa Epsilon Psi. “We come from a plethora of backgrounds – officers and enlisted – different parts of the world. We come to together to continue to serve,” Barnes added. Kappa Epsilon Psi is dedicated to participating in events not
only that service veterans but also events that serve their local communities. Recently the organization held a school backpack drive, challenging each local chapter, as a way to give to each local schools and
see SISTERHOOD, page 3
District 8 sponsors 4th Annual Health Fair By Bobby Jones
Staff Photojournalist
Prince George’s County Council Member Obie Patterson (D) hosted the Fourth District 8 Community Health Fair in conjunction with Kappa Foundation of Fort Washington, Maryland National Capital Park and Planning and Prince George’s County Health Department at the Southern Regional Technology Complex in Fort Washington Sept. 26. Placing focus on community health and wellness issues, the event’s theme was “Fitness is a Family Affair.” Patterson noted the importance of seniors getting early screenings. “We wanted our seniors to come down and
Photo/Bobby Jones
Dwayne Saunders, 2, left, and brother, Deon, 3, try their hands at saving a life on miniature CPR manikins.
get these various free health screenings for a better quality of life,” said Patterson. “This is our fourth year sponsoring this event. We started at Harmo-
ny Hall Regional Center, which soon became too small to handle the amount of people, so we moved here to this site,” said Patterson. “This year in particu-
lar, we made an effort to reach out to the youth as well. Some of them are getting their community service requirements in. We think it’s important for them to get started early in life with taking care of their health and we’re delighted our youth could be with us today,” said Patterson. “And we’re having a great number of seniors turning out for this event.” Hundreds of Prince Georgians took advantage of free medical, dental and vision screenings, flu shots, family-friendly physical fitness activities, giveaways and door prizes. Several healthcare professionals, including
see district, page 4
including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, traveled with Honor Flight Tri-State, which covers southern Ohio, northern Kentucky and southeast Indiana. They arrived to a hero’s welcome for the day-long trip, receiving applause, handshakes and greetings of “thank you for your service” at all the sites they visited. “It’s a dream come true,” said Sara Abrams, who served in the Army from 1963 to 1964. She said she never imagined a day like this would happen. She was thrilled, she said, by the warm welcome from service members and the public. People were everywhere
see HONOR, page 6
Emergency services keep 2015 Air Show safe By Airman 1st Class J.D. Maidens 11th Wing Public Affairs
The 2015 Joint Base Andrews Air Show was supported by the 779th Medical Group, the 11th Security Forces Squadron and elements of Naval Operations Support Center. Emergency services, medical support and security measures were put in place to ensure public safety during the show. “We’re always ready for whatever happens,” said Staff Sgt. Chiniti Jiles, 779th MDG Flight Operation medical technician. “We hope for the best and prepare for the
worst. The medical tea m is here to support and promote public safety and health.” The 779th MDG set up a First Aid Station that had supplies to deal with dehydration, cuts and scrapes and sun burns, as well as distributable resources like sunscreen, ear plugs, medication and bandages. Additionally, they were able to transport critically injured patrons to civilian or military medical facilities. To respond to emergencies on the flight line, medical staff in golf
see AIR SHOW page 5
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Friday, October 2, 2015
Hot tickets Commentary Follow up: It can be a matter of life, death around town By Capt. David Liapis
October 1-31
Frightfest Six Flags America, 13710 Central Ave., Bowie, MD 20721 Enjoy the spookiness of Thrills by Day and Fright by Night, through November 1. Free with park admission. Call 301-249-1500 or visit www.sixflags. com/america
October 3
Bowie International Festival 11:00 AM-5:00 PM Allen Pond Park, 3330 Northview Dr., Bowie, MD 20716 Annual event celebrating international cultfre with Food, games, entertainment and much more. Free Admission Call 301-809-3011 or visit www.cityofbowie.org
October 3
Sidewalk Arts Festival 11:00 am-3:00 pm Prince George’s Ballroom, 2411 Pinebrook Ave., Landover, MD 20785 Come out for a fun day with the family. Youth are welcome to participate in a sidewalk arts contest. FREE. Call 301-341-7439 or visit www.pgparks.com
October 4
Kinderfest Noon Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Dr., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 Bring the family for a day filled with activites for pre-school and elementary aged children. Face-painting, hayrides, moon bounces, entertainment and more. Free Admission. Call 301-218-6700 or visit www.pgparks.com
October 4
Wilson Bridge Half Marathon & 6k National Harbor, 137 National Plaza, National Harbor, MD 20745 The Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon & 6K events offer scenic routes along the George Washington Memorial Parkway and stunning views across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. The half marathon also treats runners to an out and back tour through the heart of historic Old Town, Alexandria. ($) Visit ww.wilsonbridgehalf.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
Matthew Getz, page design mgetz@somdnews.com Leslie Smith, editor lsmith@dcmilitary.com Bobby Jones, photographer bjones@dcmilitary.com
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
She was a hero. She was someone who had the courage to act when it mattered most. She was a true wingman. She saw the warning signs of depression and suicidal ideations in a friend, she made the right calls, made the right decisions and her friend’s life was saved. This Airman knew the warning signs well, because she had been there before. I had the opportunity to meet this life-saving Airman after learning of her proactive intervention. I sat with her in my office as she tearfully related to me some of her personal experience with depression and thoughts of taking her own life, and how that helped her know what to do when she realized her friend felt she had reached the end of hope. This Airman was able to meet with me that day because she sought help, and, thankfully and more importantly, she was there for her friend when she needed her the most. She said, “Asking for help is not a weakness. It’s a strength. You’ve got to be able to admit you need help, and that takes strength.” About a year after I spoke with this “hero Airman,” I was informed that she had tragically taken her own life. I was stunned. How could an Airman who seemed to have risen from depression, and had even saved
someone’s life, end up in a frame of mind where taking her life appeared her only option? What went wrong? Why didn’t her previous experiences and knowledge work? The major lesson I learned from all of this was that preventing suicide is not a one-time event. This Airman’s saga demonstrates that we cannot assume that once someone has received mental health treatment and successfully walked through dark times that they’re inoculated and won’t relapse and require further help. We also can’t assume that just because someone acknowledges that they know asking for help is a sign of strength that they will actually do it (even if they have in the past). I’m not insinuating that anyone who has sought mental health help or has expressed suicidal ideations should be on perpetual suicide watch. What I’m getting at is that we need to be engaged with our Airmen and know how they are doing no matter how “stable” or “unstable” we perceive them to be. I was stationed at what was then Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and our wing commander was Brig. Gen. Thomas Tinsley. I remember attending a commander’s call at the base theater where Tinsley encouraged us to be good wingmen and to seek help if we needed it. He was clear in his delivery, confident as a leader and
by all appearances had it all together. It was for these reasons I was shocked to learn only a couple weeks after that commander’s call that Tinsley had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. What went wrong? He was a general officer. I guess I assumed at the time that someone like him shouldn’t be at risk. Mental health issues and factors that lead to suicide are no respecters of rank, job, gender or age. We cannot fool ourselves into thinking there’s a demographic that’s “safe” and to whom we don’t need to pay attention. Every Airman matters and we need to care for each other accordingly. Really taking care of Airmen means more than passing them off to a helping agency, assuming they’re good to go, and then moving on. It means following up over the long term and not allowing ourselves to believe that anyone is immune from needing a helping hand, and more than just once. It may be that follow up is the difference between life and death. Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is thinking about hurting yourself or others, help is available. Contact mental health, a chaplain, family advocacy or someone in your chain of command today, you can find helpful resources on your base’s resiliency Web page or the http://www. af.mil/SuicidePrevention.aspx
cannot sell vehicles or represent private sellers in completing transactions in the continental United States, fraudulent advertisements leave consumers with the impression they are dealing with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service. The fraud has proliferated through use of the Internet, making it difficult to identify the perpetrator. In one case, money wired by an individual was picked up in Bangladesh. While the Exchange has mail order and Internet offerings, it does not advertise in civilian outlets. Advertisements for legitimate exchange offerings are published in outlets whose audiences are mostly composed of military members. Shoppers who believe that they may have been taken advantage of can file a complaint through the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. Military Medical Advancement A 2-year-old boy is enjoying a better quality of life, thanks to a ro-
bot and skilled surgeons at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Doctors performed surgery on Jose Collado Jr. to remove a cyst from behind his bladder. It was BAMC’s first robot-assisted pediatric surgery. Size of the mass was likely to cause bladder and bowel problems. Robotic technology has been a surgery staple at BAMC for several years, but was reserved for adults. Robotic technology is minimally invasive, more agile in small spaces, offers 3D high resolution magnification for better views of the surgical site, and typically involves less recovery time.
Retiree Corner Eligibility Hit Reservations at the Armed Forces Recreation Center in Garmisch, Germany, are expected to take a dip as a result of a change in the Status of Forces Agreement between the U.S. and Germany. Troops, retirees and their families living outside Europe no longer can book stays at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort. Under the rule change, the only way for individuals living outside Europe to stay at the resort is as a guest of an eligible person, or if they have been living in Europe for at least 30 days. Active-duty and retired troops can also stay at the Edelweiss as guests of someone who has lived in Europe for at least 30 days, if that sponsor remains present during their stay. Other AFRC facilities are Shades of Green, Orlando, Fla.; Hale Koa, Honolulu; New Sanno Hotel, Tokyo; and Dragon Hill Lodge, Seoul. Fraudulent Car Sales Although military exchanges
The Retiree Activities Office is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit the office in Building 1604 at California and Colorado Avenues or call 301 981-2726. Call before your visit to ensure a volunteer is on duty. The RAO has a website at www.andrews.af.mil.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Andrews Gazette
2015 NOMAR Award presented to 11 WG Airman By Senior Airman Preston Webb 11th Wing Public Affairs
Capt. Carlos Cueto Diaz, 11th Wing assistant staff judge advocate, was recently named the Active-Duty Air Force winner of the 2015 National Organization for Mexican American Rights Meritorious Service Award. According to NomarInc.org, the NOMAR Meritorious Service Award honors Hispanic American military members and Department of Defense civilian employees who have supported the DoD mission in a manner that epitomized the core values of their military service while simultaneously displaying exceptional support for the betterment of the Hispanic community. Cueto Diaz was nominated for the award for organizing two recruiting trips to Puerto Rico for the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps involving visits to three separate law schools and promoting the hiring of Hispanic Americans to military installations or DoD components. “I enjoy setting up trips like these because I love my job and they let me reach out to the Hispanic community and share my experiences with young law students,” Cueto Diaz said. The captain also volunteers at a food bank with the nonprofit organization, Alexandrians Involved Ecumenically — Alive! — and a significant portion of his time as a master financial education volunteer through the Virginia Cooperative Extension. “When I first arrived here 11 years ago, I didn’t know what a credit card or checking account was. I wish someone could have sat down with me one-onone and walked me through how to establish myself financially,” Cueto Diaz said. “Many [Hispanic Americans] that
SISTERHOOD, from page 1 communities. They researched local schools to find those with the most need. “We’re all about giving back either through resources or our time; sometimes people just need a extra hand with things,” Barnes said. Barnes, herself a transplant to Maryland from Seattle, speaks of the sisterhood, “No matter where you find yourself you always have family to embrace you and bring you in. I remember when I discovered Kappa Epsilon Psi and decided to join. I’ve had nothing but the best time. My sisterhood and circle of friends has blossomed. I see them as family – like I’ve been here for years. They embraced me and I embraced them. I really love what we do.” The organization can be seen
U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Preston Webb
Capt. Carlos Cueto Diaz, 11th Wing assistant staff judge advocate, sits in his office Sept. 24, 2015, on Joint Base Andrews. Cueto Diaz recently received the 2015 National Organization for Mexican American Rights Meritorious Service Award.
move here grew up keeping money under mattresses because they couldn’t trust financial institutions.” The classes Cueto Diaz volunteers to teach contain essential information necessary for creating the financial foundation necessary for modern life in the United States. Cueto Diaz said though he wears the uniform, he still feels indebted to those around him. “I’m extremely grateful that my leadership has empowered me to volunteer my time and become part of something greater than myself,” Cueto Diaz said. “Even though I put on the uniform every day — and walk a little bit taller because of it — I wanted to a little give back to the country and community that has done so much for me already.” at numerous events throughout the metropolitan area. Recently, they volunteered at the Air Show on Joint Base Andrews. They will be joining the military fraternity Kappa Lambda Chi for the Veterans Day Parade in New York City. The organization seeks to lend a hand with numerous charitable and service events throughout the region such as Habitat for Humanity, the Army 10-miler, or in several area feeding kitchens such as So Other Might Eat and the DC Kitchen. In keeping with the core value of honoring the past, the organization also lays wreathes in Arlington Cemetery in December. Kappa Epsilon Psi is currently developing several mentoring programs and career track programs with plans to roll them out next year. For more information about membership in Kappa Epsilon Psi, visit www.militarysorority.com.
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district, from page 1 physicians and other specialized health technicians were on hand to provide services and answer questions. Overall, more than 60 business vendors provided services and rendered information and various products. Participants were encouraged to visit and check off each health station where they received a stamp on their
health pass card. Upon full participation at all of the stations they were allowed to take home free fruits and produce donated by the county. Sonia Brown, a nurse practitioner at Prince George’s Hospital Center’s Chest Pain Center instructed members on how to use CPR manikins during the Early Heart Attack training session. “We’re introducing training to make people aware of symptoms of a
Friday, October 2, 2015
heart attack and call 911 immediately. ‘Survive don’t drive’ is our motto. We also teach them that women’s symptoms present differently than men,” said Brown. Among the other guests were Prince George’s County Sheriff Melvin C. High, radio station WMMJ Majic 102.3 FM, and various United Healthcare representatives, including their Photo/Bobby Jones mascot, Dr. Healthy E. Vendors hand out free popcorn as a healthy snack alternative at the Fourth District 8 Health Fair on Sept. 26. Hound.
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Andrews Gazette
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Security Forces Police Blotter The Security Forces Blotter is intended to keep members of the Joint Base Andrews Community informed and aware of the crimes and offenses that occur throughout the base each week. If you have any information that may help Security Forces solve a crime or prevent a criminal act, please contact BDOC (Base Defense Operations Center) at 301981-2001, CRIME STOP LINE 9812677 COPS or the investigations section at 301-981-5656. Sept. 18 at 2:33 p.m.: Security Forces responded to a shoplifting incident at the West Side Shoppette. The individual walked out of the West Side Shoppette without rendering payment for Tylenol cold tablets. The individual was apprehended and charged accordingly. Sept. 18 at 2:44 p.m.: Security Forces responded to an anonymous tip through the “LiveSafe” App reporting vehicles parked in front of resident’s driveways in Liberty Park Base Housing. Security Forces responded but were unable to locate the vehicles. Sept. 20 at 3:07 p.m.: Security Forces responded to a report of an unattended child in a vehicle at the Commissary. The legal guardian was charged accordingly. Sept. 21 at 3:15 p.m.: Security Forces responded to a report of damage to a vehicle in the Malcolm Grow Medical Center Parking lot. The individual reported parking their car in the morning and returning that afternoon, noticing damage to the passenger rear side quarter panel. Security Forces accomplished all the appropriate pa-
perwork. Sept. 25 at 10:43 a.m.: Security Forces responded to damage to personal property at the Malcom Grow Medical Center parking lot. The individual discovered damage to the front bumper with some paint transfer. All appropriate paperwork was accomplished at the scene. Sept. 27 at 2:14 p.m.: Security Forces responded to a shoplifting at the Main Exchange. The individual attempted to leave the location without rendering payment for a Bluetooth speaker. The individual was apprehended and charged accordingly. Sept. 28 at 11:32 a.m.: Security Forces responded to a vehicle accident at the Entry Control Point to the flight line. The individual was following the vehicle in front and came in contact with the drop bar when approaching the ECP resulting in minor damage. All appropriate paperwork was accomplished.
As A Reminder Please remember, while driving on the installation you must have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration and proper Military Identification or approved installation access credentials. All credentials must be up to date and presented at the time they are asked for. For reporting any emergencies or non-emergencies please feel free to utilize the “LiveSafe” App. “LiveSafe” is an anonymous reporting app that can be downloaded for free on your smart device. There has been an increase in reported vandalism on the installation. If you witness any vandalism taking place call Security Forces at (301) 981-2001. Any p e rs o n in v o lv e d in a v e h icle a ccid e n t mu s t re p o rt it to S e cu rity Fo rce s a s s o o n a s p o s s ib le. A ll v e h icle a ccid e n ts re g a rd le s s o f d a ma g e mu s t b e re p o rte d with in 7 2 h o u rs. A n y re p o rt a fte r th a t will n o t b e ta k e n .
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AIR SHOW, from page 1 carts and on- foot were dispatched for the duration of the show. The team was also extensively prepared for a mass casualty event if a worst-case-scenario situation occurred. Members of the Expeditionary Medical Facility Bethesda’s Naval Reserve Unit also supported the 779th MDG’s effort. “We always appreciate the opportunity to work with our Air Force counterparts,” said Commander Sarah Fowler, Expeditionary Medical Facility Bethesda officer-in-charge. “Furthering the joint environment is one of our top priorities.” Elements of the 11th SFS were on-duty for the 2015 Air Show, with patrolman keeping the peace, helping attendees and guarding prohibited
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dylan Nuckolls
Senior Airman Mika Le Henaff, 779th Medical Group aerospace medical technician, and Staff Sgt. Misty Chaar, 779th Dental Squadron oral surgery technician, discuss medical protocol on the flightline on Join Base Andrews Sept. 19. The 779th MDG provided medical support for the 2015 Joint Base Andrews Air Show.
areas. “We’re here to assist the public,” said Airman 1st Class James Bush, 11th SFS elite gate guard. “We’re helping people get back to their vehicles, answering questions and responding to medical emergencies.” Security Forces provided checkpoints at
both the Branch Ave. Metro Station and Fed Ex Field, bicycle patrols, emergency services teams, F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II security, working dog teams and traffic control. With a large public presence and September heat, it’s the supporting services that kept JBA Air Show 2015 safe.
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Andrews Gazette
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HONOR, from page 1 “cheering everybody on. It’s really great. The people are just fabulous.” Cheryl Popp, the director of Honor Flight Tri-State, said she expects there to be more all-female honor flights. There were 250 applications for 140 seats on the airplane. The veterans were from all the services, she said, and included younger female veterans who were partnered up as a guardian for an elder veteran for the journey, she said. “It’s been historic. I think you can kind of feel it wherever you go,” Popp said. Proud service At the World War II Memorial is a quote from the late Army Col. Oveta Culp Hobby, the first director of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, which later became the Women’s Army Corps. The quote, etched into the stone, says, “Women who stepped up were measured as citizens of the nation, not as women... This was a people’s war and everyone was in it.” It also graced the back of the shirts worn by the honor flight veterans.
“I’ve never been here,” said Air Force veteran Andrea Kovar who served from 1963 to 1966. “This whole thing has been absolutely amazing and I wish I would have met Col. Hobby.” When asked about her time with the honor flight, Kovar said it was an emotional experience. “I have been crying all day,” she said, adding that she loved visiting Washington. “It’s a beautiful city and I’m glad I’m here.” Trailblazer greets trailblazers Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught greeted the women at the Women In Military Service For America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. She is the president of the board of directors at the women’s memorial foundation. It was a proud moment and very inspiring to see the female veterans, Vaught said, who retired in 1985. She was the first woman selected for promotion to brigadier general in the comptroller career field. “Every job that I had that was my assigned job when I was in service, I was the first
woman to ever hold that job,” she said. “This put pressure on me to be sure that I did it in such a way that another woman would have an opportunity to fill that job,” she added. “To a degree, that situation in many instances still exists today.” She noted how two female soldiers recently became the first women to pass the Army Ranger course. If they get an opportunity to serve as Rangers, Vaught said, they too will get the chance to “prove that women can do it.” A grateful nation The veterans are “simply inspiring,” Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald said at the women’s memorial during a luncheon program. The nation honors them for their “fundamental sense of duty and courage,” McDonald said. “You didn’t sign up to shatter glass ceilings; you came to serve and you served with distinction,” he continued. “But you knew the stakes were high, if you failed, it might make it much harder for those who followed you.” There is another part of being the first, he said, explaining the women were often con-
Friday, October 2, 2015
Department of Defense photo/Lisa Ferdinando
Army Brig. Gen. Tammy Smith, deputy chief of staff of the Army Reserve, poses with female veterans from the first all-female honor flight at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 22.
sidered outsiders or intruders. “Yet, you refused to quit,” he said. “Our nation is grateful. We’re grateful for the challenges you’ve endured and overcame and the sacrifices you’ve made that men simply didn’t have to make,” he added. “The service you rendered to this nation is more valuable than you could ever have imagined.” Rory Brosius, the deputy director of the White House Joining Forces initiative, sent greetings from first lady Michelle Obama, and applauded the women for their service. “During times when our
country called upon you, you stood up, you raised your hand, and you served. Your contributions meant that our country was better equipped for missions all around the world,” Brosius said. “You are all trailblazers and your service has inspired many generations of women,” she said. Brosius also read a letter from first lady Michelle Obama thanking them for their inspiring service and the important role they played in moving the country forward. Each veteran received their own copy of the official letter.
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