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Freedom Hall hosts 4th Quarter Enlisted Members’ Birthday Meal
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Joint Base Andrews community prepares to SHARE
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All Shades of Pink hosts third annual 2K Breast Health Walk
811th Airman pursues cycling excellence abroad
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013 | VOL. 2 NO. 40
Valvoline hosts local Girl Scouts for Car Maintenance 101
COURTESY PHOTO
Chris Jahn, Valvoline Instant Oil Change Franchising, Inc. area manager gives Girl Scout members a lesson in keeping correct tire pressure.
PHOTOS BY BOBBY JONES
An ASOP volunteer stirs up the audience with a hula hoop challenge during the closing moments of the All Shades of Pink Third Annual 2K Breast Health Walk. BY BOBBY JONES
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Glenn Dale, Md.-based All Shades of Pink, Inc. hosted its third annual 2K Breast Health Walk Oct. 12 at The Mall at Prince George’s Plaza in Hyattsville. Denise Whalen-White, ASOP president and longtime breast cancer advocate, kicked off the event supported by more than 100 breast cancer patients, survivors, family members and friends. “We’re here today to celebrate breast cancer awareness and survivors of breast cancer. And we really want to say thank you for coming out to support the third Annual Breast Cancer 2k Walk,” said Whalen-White. “Yes, I know it’s not a 3K, but I just wanted everyone to have a little bit of fun and get a little bit of exercise in support of a worthy cause.” Guest speaker Renee Nash, WHUR radio station News and Public Affairs director and 11-year breast cancer survivor, served as honorary chairwoman of the walk. Nash spoke of her personal reasons for supporting the event.
BY YVONNE JONES Chris Jahn, Valvoline Instant Oil Change Franchising, Inc. area manager, hosted a mother-daughter teen mentoring group and local Girl Scout members from Waldorf to introduce them to Car Maintenance 101. The two-hour review provided the teens with basic knowledge of upkeep and maintenance of their future vehicles. After reviewing safety rules and receiving safety hats, glasses and rubber soles for their shoes, the girls observed an oil change, checked the pressure
in tires, inspected headlights and taillights and learned how to determine if air filters and wiper blades should be replaced. They also learned the difference between windshield wiper fluid, transmission fluid and engine coolants. Valvoline staff members were excited to host the group of teen girls. The girls were also thrilled to meet two female technicians, Ebony Johnson and Megan Lindsay. Megan even created a wel-
see CAR, page 7
79 MDW and NAHQ announce Healthcare Quality Week Renee Nash, WHUR radio station News and Public Affairs director, 11-year breast cancer survivor and honorary chair of the ASOP 2K walk cuts the ribbon to officially start the event.
“Breast cancer, unfortunately, is very prevalent in my family. I had four aunts on my father’s side with breast cancer, my grandmother had breast cancer and I also have an 18-year-old cousin currently with breast cancer. So I understand the importance of this issue,” Nash said. “And it’s so important that we raise awareness and money so that we can one day make breast cancer a thing of the past.”
Nash also talked about her longtime affiliation with ASOP Director Denise Whalen-White and the organization’s advocacy for breast cancer patients and survivors. “I’ve known Denise for at least 10 years and the wonderful work her organization has done in terms of supporting women who are going through the struggle of breast cancer by
see PINK, page 5
COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HEALTHCARE QUALITY
The 579th Medical Group and the 779th Medical Group health care quality professionals at the 79th Medical Wing join those around the nation in celebrating National Healthcare Quality Week, Oct. 20-26, 2013. The week highlights the influence of health care quality professionals in achieving improved patient care outcomes and health care delivery systems. The National Association of Healthcare Quality is a dynamic, professional organization for knowledge sharing and represents health care quality in
all settings and specialty areas. Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center joins Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Clinic in celebrating National Healthcare Quality Week. “The theme for National Healthcare Quality week this year is ‘Communicating Quality – The voice for healthcare improvement.’ Here at the 579th Medical Group we embody that concept each and every day. Every patient or staff interaction we have provides an opportunity to improve health care. You see, quality is not a specific process or
see HEALTHCARE, page 7
Plug-in electric vehicles coming to JBA BY MICHAEL P. KLEIMAN
AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON PUBLIC AFFAIRS
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/MASTER SGT. JEFFREY ALLEN
Col. William Knight, 11th Wing commander, holds a battery-charging device for a plug-in electric vehicle at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Air Force officials selected Joint Bases Andrews and McGuire-DixLakehurst, N.J., and Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., to become the initial federal enclave to replace their entire passenger vehicle fleet with electric models. JBA’s battery-charged versions will consist of cargo/utility-type vehicles such as pickup and flatbed trucks, as well as panel vans.
As part of the Department of Defense’s initiative to reduce fossil fuels use, approximately 35 modified plug-in electric vehicles will arrive at Joint Base Andrews early next year to participate in a one-year, proof-of-concept experiment. DOD plans to fund similar trials of 500 battery-charged vehicles at six different installations at a cost of $20 million. Air Force officials selected Joint Bases Andrews and McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., and Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., to become the initial federal enclave to replace their entire passenger vehicle fleet with electric models. JBA’s batterycharged versions will consist of cargo/utility-type vehicles such
as pickup and flatbed trucks, as well as panel vans. “We are excited to be one of the test bases for the electric vehicles. They have faster acceleration than normal cars, and have a range of about 50 to 60 miles before they have to be charged,” said Timothy Stern, Air Force District of Washington Logistics Installations and Mission Support Directorate vehicle operations and management section chief. “The new, battery-charged fleet will be primarily driven on the installation. AFDW is committed to reducing energy consumption and to the use of new, energy-efficient technologies.” A Presidential Memorandum, signed May 24, 2011, titled Federal Fleet Performance, mandated the U.S. government’s lease and/ or purchase of new, light-duty vehicles, which utilize alternative fuels such as hybrid or electric,
compressed natural gas or biofuel. In the summer of 2012, Headquarters Air Force gauged JBA’s interest in the plug-in electric vehicle project and both AFDW and 11th Wing’s leadership supported the idea. Dec. 21, 2012, the Air Force awarded a contract for $838,361 to construct and install 35 battery-charging stations split between the 11th Civil Engineer and 11th Logistics Readiness Squadrons’ facilities. Both locations should be operational by the end of the calendar year, but the completion date could slip to early 2014. During the year-long experiment at JBA, battery-charging stations will power the 35 PEVs. Excess energy stored in the vehicle during non-peak hours can be sold back to utility companies for electric grid usage. This two-way
see ELECTRIC, page 4
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HOT TICKETS
Commentary
What a difference 20 years makes
Around Town October 18
Korean calligraphy opening reception and demonstration Korean Cultural Center, 2370 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 6 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Come on in, the Door is Open, an exhibition of unique, modern calligraphy and pop culture micro-mosaic calligraphy art by master artist Kwon Myung-Won. For more information call: (202) 939-5600.
October 18
Barrelhouse and Rose Metal Press Release Party The Black Squirrel, Upstairs 2427 18th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 7 p.m. Celebrate the release of Barrelhouse 12 and Kelcey Parker’s novella-in-flash “Liliane’s Balcony”. Readings by Caryn Lazzuri, Dan Brady, Kelcey Parker, and Tara Laskowski. Snacks provided. For more information call: (202) 232-1011 or email: http://www.BlackSquirrelDC. com.
October 18
Here is a Play Fitted Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street S.E., Washington, D.C. 10 a.m. Explore how staging Shakespeare has changed over the past 400 years through more than 100 items – scripts and promptbooks; designs for sets, lights, and costumes; props, models, production photographs, playbills, letters, and reviews. For more information call 202-544-4600 or visit: http://folger.edu/.
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.
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Bobby Jones, photographer bjones@dcmilitary.com
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BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER
Twenty years ago, I was living overseas, working and then raising my son and all the while learning a foreign language and culture, and learning what I could about the people of a country I’d never thought I would visit, before I moved there. It was fascinating, and somehow so was I. “Where are you from?” Everywhere I went, people wanted to know about America, about my hometown of Washington, D.C., about the life people lived where I came from. Not only did they want to know, in many cases they already knew. Our scandals, back in D.C., were scandalous enough to be on the
news, even in Southeast Asia. “You’re from D.C.? MARION BARRY!” Friends grilled me about American recipes, pulled me aside to praise American cigarettes and blue jeans, and hosted parties for all the Americans they could find in their town, just to see us all together. Even Americans they’d just met that afternoon. This week, I am in Europe. It is, again, a place I never thought I’d go until I found myself on a plane. I am enjoying every minute, and learning a little Spanish. After a week here, so far one person has asked where I am from. “Just curious. Where in America?” Hearing that my traveling companion is from Detroit was enough.
The Spanish waitress was glad we answered, but…not really all that curious after all. Not even curious enough to hear what part of America I call home. As our scandals and struggles and challenges grow larger, our influence has wasted away. The rest of the world is learning to get along just fine, without us. They don’t see us as the home of great American products, or terrible American dangers. We’re not even a country they can count on to help them fight tyranny. We’re just another country. Not particularly significant or interesting. We’re just… another place, with less glorious stature than we once took for granted. As I prepare to return home, I’m just a little sad, for all of us: Americans, and the rest of the world.
being forced to leave the military is failure to meet fitness and weight standards. Tobacco use, while on a fairly steady decline across the United States, still costs DoD $1.6 billion in medical care costs.
Marketplace in 2014, paying lower monthly premiums. For more information, visit www.healthcare.gov. Veterans can apply for VA health care by calling 1 877-222-8387 or visiting their local VA health care facility.
Retiree Corner COURTESY OF THE RETIREE ACTIVITIES OFFICE
Obesity, tobacco studied
The Defense Department has teamed with the White House, industry, medical communities and installation leaders to assess obesity and tobacco programs for the total workforce. During the summer months, evaluations were made at 13 installations to gauge their implementation of a healthy base initiative. Such factors as healthy commissary offerings, ease of exercising, choices for healthy meals and availability of healthy snacks in vending machines were considered. Participating installations in the National Capital Area were Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.; the Defense Logistics Agency, Fort Belvoir, Va.; and Defense Health Headquarters, Falls Church, Va. National obesity has spiraled since 1990. In 2010 about 40 percent of the states were obese, with average body mass index of 30 percent or higher. One of the primary reasons for men and women
Health care eligibility
Veterans receiving VA health care will see no change in their benefits or out-of-pocket costs when portions of the Affordable Care Act take effect next year. Those who do not obtain insurance by March 1 will be charged a penalty beginning with their 2014 federal tax return. VA health care has no enrollment fee, no monthly premiums and no deductibles. Most veterans also have no out-of-pocket costs, though some may have small copayments for some health care or prescription drugs. More than 1.3 million veterans and some 950,000 spouses and children of veterans do not have health insurance. Most uninsured veterans are eligible for VA health care. Family members will be eligible for a new Health Insurance
Vet center near you
Vet Centers were created in 1979 to assist Vietnam veterans with readjustment difficulties. The centers offer mental health-centric services like individual, group and family therapy, military sexual trauma, employment assessment, drug and alcohol treatment. If you or a family member were deployed to a combat zone, you qualify for services. The centers are augmented by 50 mobile Vet Centers in rural areas. There are more than 300 Vet Centers. For the one nearest to you, go to www2. va.govdirectory/guide/vetcenter.asp or call 1 800 827-1000. Vet Centers are staffed by mental health and family professionals like psycholo-
see RETIREE, page 6
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Friday, October 18, 2013
Major General Robb promoted to Lieutenant General BY LOUISE T. COOPER
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER JOINT TASK FORCE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION MEDICAL
Air Force Maj. Gen. Douglas J. Robb was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General at a National Defense University ceremony Sept. 27 on Fort Leslie J. McNair, Washington, D.C. The ceremony was hosted by Dr. Jonathan Woodson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.
Robb serves as the Deputy Director, TRICARE Management Activity. He previously served as the Joint Staff Surgeon, Office of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. On Oct. 1, 2013, Robb became the first director of the new Defense Health Agency. Congress confirmed Robb as the Director of DHA as part of MHS Governance reformations as directed in Section 731 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013.
In this role, Robb will oversee the establishment of the DHA as a joint agency of the DoD, and he will also serve as Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Health Affairs and to the Under Secretary of Defense, Personnel and Readiness on matters involving military health. “Doug Robb has consistently demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism, energy, intelligence and compassion, and he is absolutely the right person to
lead the DHA through its initial stand-up and evolution towards full operational capability,” Dr. Woodson said. “General Robb will lead an organization that will transform the Military Health System’s performance – increasing our ability to operate a world class, integrated health care delivery system for our nation’s warriors, retirees and family members.” Lt. Gen. Robb added, “The DHA and its consolidation of
shared services across the enterprise is the most significant transformation in the MHS in over 65 years. This is an exciting endeavor and I am proud to lead this new organization that delivers world class health care to over 9.6 million beneficiaries around the world. I am humbled by the trust Dr. Woodson, the secretary, the Congress and the president have placed in me, and I am very excited to get to work.”
Freedom Hall hosts Most TRICARE beneficiaries meet ACA coverage requirements 4th Quarter Enlisted COURTESY OF THE DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY
FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare,” was created in the hopes to expand access to affordable health care coverage, lower costs, and improve quality and care coordination for all Americans. Under the ACA, people must have health coverage that meets a minimum standard (called “minimum essential coverage”) by Jan. 1, 2014; qualify for an exemption; or may be required to pay a fee if they have affordable options, but remain uninsured. Because of this, many TRICARE beneficiaries may be wondering how this new law will affect them
and their families. Simply speaking, the Affordable Care Act will have very little impact on TRICARE beneficiaries. The biggest change they will notice may be an extra letter in their mailbox every January, and an extra box to check on their tax forms every April. Beneficiaries who receive TRICARE benefits, whether at no cost, by electing to pay an enrollment fee, or by paying monthly premiums, have minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act. This includes: TRICARE Prime, Prime Remote and Standard; TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS); TRICARE Young Adult (TYA); TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR); and the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP).
Eligibility alone for premiumbased TRICARE benefit plans – TRS, TYA, TRR and CHCBP -- does not constitute minimum essential coverage. Eligible beneficiaries must purchase and be in good standing, by paying their premiums to have coverage in force, in order for these TRICARE programs to qualify as minimum essential coverage. There are two groups of TRICARE beneficiaries who do not meet the minimum essential coverage requirement: Those getting care for line of duty only related conditions, and those only eligible to receive care in military hospitals or clinics. Beginning with the 2014 tax season, and every tax year after
see TRICARE, page 8
Have a safe Halloween 11TH SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON/POLICE SERVICES
As October arrives, children and parents get anxious. Halloween is whistling in the wind and concerns for holiday safety come to mind. Preparing your children for Halloween is an important task. The Andrews community will recognize Halloween 6 - 8 p.m., Oct. 31. Halloween is a fun holiday for kids, but for parents, Trick-or-Treat time can be a concern. The safety of children – whether they are out in the neighborhood or back at home with their gathered candy and treats – can darken the day more than a black cat. Following these tips can make for a safer and more enjoyable night out on the town for our precious ghouls and goblins: • Ensure costumes are flameretardant, so the little ones are not in danger near lit candles and other fire hazards. • Keep costumes short enough to prevent tripping and falling. • Try to use make-up instead of masks. Masks can be hot and
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uncomfortable and they can obstruct a child’s vision. This can be dangerous when children cross a street or walk up and down steps. • Have children wear light colors or put reflective tape on their costumes. • Trick-or-treaters should always be in groups, so they are not a target for kidnapping. Parents should accompany children. • Make sure older children trick-or-treat with friends. You can even map out a safe route, so parents know where they’ll be. Tell them to stop at only familiar homes where the outside lights are on. • Try to get your children to trick-or-treat while its still light outside. If it’s dark, make sure they have a flashlight with them and pick a well-lit area. • Make sure children know NOT to enter a stranger’s house or car! • Check out all treats at home in a well-lighted place. • Children need to know not to eat their treats until they get home. Keep trick-or-treaters from digging in while they’re still out by feeding them a meal or snack
before they go out. • What to eat? Only unopened candies and other treats that are in original wrappers. Don’t forget to inspect fruit and homemade goodies for anything suspicious. By all means, remind children not to eat everything at once or they may feel pretty ghoulish for a while! These are just a few things you can do to keep your children safe for Halloween. There is nothing more important than being prepared and knowing what to do should an unfortunate incident arise. Have a happy and safe Halloween. Should an incident occur notify Security Forces at 301-981-2001. The 11th Security Forces will host the Pumpkin Patrol in all housing areas. Volunteers from the Andrews community will help keep the night safe and memorable. If you have any questions concerning Halloween safety, or to volunteer for the Pumpkin Patrol, contact the 11th Security Forces Police Services Section at 301-981-8573 or e-mail 11sfs.policeservices@afncr.af.mil.
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Members’ Birthday Meal
Airman 1st Class Vincent Faucher, left, 89th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight, and Tech. Sgt. Carlton Vinson, 11th Force Support Squadron retirement separation technician, the youngest and oldest Airmen respectively, blow out the candles on a birthday cake to help celebrate all of the birthdays for the fourth quarter.
Col. Kevin Payne, 844th Communications Squadron commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Willarvis Smith, 844 CS chief enlisted superintendent, serve Airmen special meals during the 4th Quarter Enlisted Member’s Birthday meal Oct. 15. BY BOBBY JONES
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Joint Base Andrews active duty and Reservist service members E6 and below with birthdays in October, November or December were treated to a 4th Quarter Enlisted Members’ Birthday Meal Oct. 15 at the Freedom Hall Dining Facility, served by JBA leadership wearing chef jackets. The youngest and eldest enlisted members cut a commemora-
tive birthday cake, complete with candles to blow out and ice cream. To participate in the quarterly birthday meal observance and extend an invitation to a guest to dine at the Freedom Hall Dining Facility, make reservations at http://andrewsfss.com/dining/ Birthday_Meal.html or email Honre.Batie@afncr.af.mil. The quarterly event is jointly sponsored by the 11th Forces Support Squadron and the Andrews Community Fund (CFC 93380).
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Andrews Gazette
JBA Buzz
Fisher House steps forward to aid DOD in paying death benefits
Do you think the Washington Redskins should change their name? “There is no need to mess with tradition. It’s been their name for so long.”
“I don’t think it needs to change since there is no legitimate reason and why ruin the tradition?”
BY JIM GARAMONE
AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
Navy Aviation Electronic Technician Sonja Ako, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 53
Senior Airman Hayley Teehera 779th Aerospace Medicine Squadron
“I don’t think they should change it because it’s a 100-year-old tradition and ninety percent of the public believe that it shouldn’t change as well.”
Master Sgt. Daniel Baker 83rd Network Operations Squadron
“I’m a Cleveland Browns fans, but I believe that the name shouldn’t change because they’ve always been the Washington Redskins.”
Airman Abby Koah, 779th Aerospace Medicine Squadron
ELECTRIC, from page 1 transfer of energy is known as vehicle-togrid. This will not be done at JBA because the installation would consume any generated power. “To get this proof-of-concept, we needed to keep the cost below $900,000 to make the goal submitted to us by DOD through Headquarters Air Force. We had to put together an aggressive plan for this PEV project,” said Michael Butts, 89th Communications Squadron facility manager, who designed, developed and coordinated the trial project while an 11th CES engineer technician. “The PEV experiment at JBA will pave the way for future, actual application of the V2G process with the federal government’s fleet.” Annual cost for employing PEVs has been estimated at 90 percent less than op-
erating conventional, fossil fuel vehicles. In addition, the V2G process of transferring reserve electricity from the PEV to the grid can be utilized to assist installation energy needs and eliminate potential electricity gaps. “Team JBA is going to continue reducing its energy use and reliance on fossil fuels. We are determined to do so. That is why we accepted this one-year PEV trial project,” said Mushtaq Chaudhry, AFDW Logistics, Installations and Mission Support Directorate engineering branch chief. “All of us will benefit by decreasing our energy footprint and JBA will be a leader within the Air Force and DOD through the PEV and ultimately, the V2G programs.” (Editor’s Note: This is the second story in a series of four to be published this month in recognition of Energy Action Month, an annual national campaign led by the Department of Energy.)
The Fisher House Foundation has stepped in to aid the Defense Department so families of fallen service members can receive the full set of benefits they have been promised, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said here today. The Fisher House Foundation and DOD entered an agreement that includes the $100,000 death gratuity payment. “I am offended, outraged, and embarrassed that the government shutdown had prevented the Department of Defense from fulfilling this most sacred responsibility in a timely manner,” Hagel said in a written statement. In the weeks before the shutdown, defense officials had warned Congress that the ability to pay death benefits to grieving families would run out when the appropriations lapsed. “The Department of Defense informed Congress that the department would be legally unable to pay death benefits were there to be a lapse in DOD appropriations,” White House press secretary Jay Carney said during his daily briefing today. The issue was not explicitly addressed as part of the Pay Our Military Act. “The president was very disturbed to learn of this problem, and he directed the Department of Defense to work with the Office of Management and Budget and his lawyers to develop a possible solution and he expects this ... to be fixed today,” Carney said. Since the shutdown began Oct. 1, DOD budget officials looked at options to continue these benefits, Hagel said. “Even under the Pay Our Military Act, we found that we lacked the necessary authority to make payments to the families directly,” the secretary said.
visit www.dcmilitary.com.
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The Fisher House Foundation offered to make payments to these families from its own funds, and OMB officials determined DOD can enter into a contract with the Fisher House Foundation to provide these benefits. “The Fisher House Foundation will provide the families of the fallen with the benefits they so richly deserve,” Hagel said. “After the shutdown ends, DOD will reimburse the Fisher House for the costs it has incurred.” The Fisher House Foundation is best known for the houses built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers nationwide and in Europe. Families of wounded or hospitalized service members stay at the houses as their loved ones undergo hospitalization for a combat injury, illness or disease. A total of 26 service members have died since Oct. 1, including five killed in combat in Afghanistan. The $100,000 death gratuity comes from appropriated funds, and DOD could not obligate funds once the fiscal year 2013 appropriation ran out. The department also cannot pay the benefit that provides 12 months of basic allowance for housing, as that money also comes via appropriated funds. “The department has no higher priority than taking care of our service members and their families,” Hagel said. “Congress has responsibilities as well, and it has abdicated them. “Along with the rest of the department’s leaders,” he continued, “I will continue to work every day to address the very real impact that the government shutdown is having on our people, and I once again call on Congress to fulfill its basic responsibilities and restore funding for the federal government.”
For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,
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Delicious North Carolina BBQ & Soul Food
Friday, October 18, 2013
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Friday, October 18, 2013
Joint Base Andrews community prepares to SHARE BY ANDY STEPHENS
11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
A government shutdown can undermine a military or civil service family’s ability to provide for themselves since paychecks may not be forthcoming. Other services will be reduced, if not suspended, for the duration of the disruption. But at Joint Base Andrews, the idea of the military family as a collective of many people who support each other when they are in need refuses to be diminished. The hub of much relief activity here is the Military and Family Support Center, a division of the 11th Force Support Squadron. Located at 1191 Menoher Drive, volunteers, counselors and spouses have combined their time and initiative to support their community. Among programs supported by the M&FSC is the Andrews arm of the SHARE Food Network. SHARE stands for Self Help And Resource Empowerment and, once a month, participants can pick up a week’s worth of healthy food for a family of four at a reduced cost. “The SHARE program is a wonderful resource for Joint Base Andrews families,” said Lt. Col. Colin Huckins, 11th Force Support Squadron commander. “It speaks volumes about the spirit of the JBA community. The program coordinators were prepared for summer furloughs that could
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/STAFF SGT. TOREY GRIFFITH
SHARE program participants pick up their food packages at the Military and Family Support Center at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 27. The Self Help And Resource Empowerment (SHARE) program is an exchange of sorts where participants volunteer up to two hours per month of their time to their community in order to purchase a package of food at a discounted rate.
have presented greater challenges for our neighbors; they are ready, eager and able to help JBA families.” The intent is to relieve the financial burden of families when money is tight, said Alicia HindsWard, JBA SHARE coordinator. Participants are also asked to contribute two hours of their time per month as volunteer service for each package they buy.
Hinds-Ward, her fellow coordinators Kathleen Bernheit and Keith Garrison, and other FSC volunteers contribute 120 hours per month on this and several other family support programs. “SHARE is open to everyone,” said Hinds-Ward. “We can support as many families as come to us. With a government shutdown, we expect to see more people coming to us, but most of the partici-
pants in this program buy these food packages for others in need, not for themselves.” While interviewing HindsWard and the JBA SHARE team, one such participant arrived to fulfill just such a role. Tech. Sgt. Tierney Spicer, 779th Surgical Operations Squadron, had placed an order for the September food pick-up.. She and a coworker, Tech. Sgt. LaToya McGee, regularly volunteer at Miriam’s Kitchen, a homeless shelter in downtown D.C. “I think this program is great,” said Spicer. “It helps out a lot of people, especially those singleparent households. The food is distributed the same day it’s picked up by the coordinators, so it is fresher and better quality than most grocery stores. This program makes a difference during holidays and when money is tight.” Hinds-Ward said the quality of food is another reason why many families keep coming back to JBA SHARE. While food packages are distributed only once a month, the November packages will have the same type of free-range, hormone-free whole turkey as is enjoyed at the White House, as well as all the trimmings for a holiday meal for a family of four. The next scheduled food package distribution date is Oct. 25 and Hinds-Ward said interested persons can sign up to receive the October food package as late as
Oct. 23, although Oct. 14 is suggested. For only $20, the Oct. 25 distribution has three different food packages available, focusing respectively on beef, pasta, and vegetables. Among other items, the “beef lovers” package has ten 5.5 oz. portions of bacon-wrapped sirloin, while a value package has turkey burgers, quesadillas, chicken drumsticks, ham steak, eggs and a variety of vegetables. The total value of the package is $47. Members can also download recipes for meals that can be made from that month’s food package, expanding variety of fare. The SHARE program is made possible through the charitable arm of Catholic Charities with 259 SHARE sites in the National Capital Region, said Hinds-Ward; more than 8,000 food packages were distributed across the NCR in September alone. Joint Base Andrews has seen as many as 38 packages distributed from the M&FSC office, but the potential exists to help many more people. “We want people to know that there are resources available to them,” said Hinds-Ward. “Anyone who has access to the JBA installation can participate in this program, whether as a recipient or to help others in need.” For more information on JBA SHARE, contact the M&FSC at 301-981-7087 or visit SHAREdc. org.
American Legion hosts Wounded Warrior luncheon at Walter Reed BY RUSSELL MYERS
THE AMERICAN LEGION, DEPARTMENT OF MARYLAND
Bethesda, MD – The American Legion, Department of Maryland hosted wounded warriors and their families at a luncheon held Oct. 10 at the Warrior Café on the grounds of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. During the event The American Legion presented honors to 1st Sgt. Michael F. Barrett for his exemplary, caring attention to the needs of the warriors while stationed at Walter Reed Marine Corps Detachment, Wounded Warrior Battalion East. The Department of Maryland maintains a fund to benefit transitional needs of the service members who have served in the post-9/11 era. The Heroes to
Hometowns/Wounded Warrior Fund is used to provide morale aid and support services to members struggling with the transition from the battlefield to life in their hometowns. The annual luncheon is held for the warriors recovering and assigned at Walter Reed and their families. The camaraderie is evident among this group of Warriors and these events allow the men, women, and their families to enjoy a time together amid the many appointments and treatments needed to bind the wounds of these brave service members. One of The American Legion’s founding principles is caring and advocating for veterans and their families, past and present. Gary Vogt, Department of Maryland Commander, described this commitment: “As a combat-trained
medic I thought...this experience today with The American Legion is similar to the feeling when responding to injuries in the field when things had gone terribly wrong; that we as veterans are filling a continuing need to assist these heroes in another time of need. Being here to provide aid and comfort to those recovering from wounds, injuries, or illnesses is who we are as Legionaries.” The day also allowed The American Legion to thank 1st Sgt. Barrett for his 20 years of service to the Marine Corps, and especially his dedicated service to the men and women of the Wounded Warrior Battalion. Barrett, himself a wounded warrior of Operation Iraqi Freedom, used his experience and knowledge of the struggles of recovery to the benefit of all who came in contact
with him at Walter Reed. The strong ties of comradeship accompanied by his leadership and devotion to duty served as evidence of the quality of his character. Lt. Col. Peter J. Epton, Officer In Charge of the Walter Reed Marine Corps Detachment, praised Barrett’s ability to connect with all the Wounded Warriors and to get things accomplished on their behalf. Epton said, “We are happy for 1st Sgt. Barrett and wish him the best, but it is kind of a sad day for the Wounded Warrior Battalion because the 1st Sgt.’s abilities to connect with the Warriors and the fact that everyone knew who to turn to when something must get done is retiring.” First Sgt. Barrett explained his sentiments about the Wounded Warriors by saying, “It is an
honor and privilege to end my career here among the Warriors, helping each one to get the care necessary for their wounds, injuries, or illnesses.” Barrett related the experience to that of his own wounds and recovery experience. He noted the progress made by the Armed Services in patient management in the last 10 years. “In 2004 it was a different experience, during my recovery at Balboa [Naval Medical Center San Diego],” said Barrett, “...and that experience allows me to sit face-to-face with these young men and women and say, ‘I have been there. I know your struggles and emotions because I have lived them and still live with them. But I can also tell them I am your
see LUNCHEON, page 7
Breast cancer survivors and supporters display signs in support of breast cancer awareness before the ASOP 2k Breast Health Walk.
PINK, from page 1 supplying them with those handcrafted, pink blankets. Denise is a woman on a mission.” Nash also reflected on her days as a chemotherapy patient. “I remember going through chemotherapy - and if anybody here has ever been through chemo I’m sure you know it’s not an easy task to go through. But when you see these lovely quilts made by women who care about this issue it just brings warmth and comfort to your heart. Particularly, when you’re going through chemo and someone will come in and sit with you to let you know that you’re not going through this walk alone,” said Nash. Nash also thanked Victoria Clark, The Mall at Prince George’s marketing director, for staging the annual walk. “Let’s give, for use of The Mall at Prince George’s, a round of applause for allowing us to use this facility for our walk,” said Nash. “It’s so important when our business community recognizes the importance of being a part of the
PHOTOS BY BOBBY JONES
Several participants file past local businesses inside The Mall of Prince George’s during an All Shades of Pink Third Annual 2K Breast Health Walk Oct. 12 at The Mall at Prince George’s in Hyattsville.
Denise Whalen-White, left, All Shades of Pink president, addresses more than 100 participants before introducing Renee Nash, WHUR radio station News and Public Affairs director and 11-year breast cancer survivor, who served as the honorary chairwoman of the walk.
community. We shop here - we spend our money here - and it’s so important that they appreciate it and give back to the community.” ASOP volunteers gave out
goodie bags filled with sweets and breast health awareness pamphlets. Cheers erupted as the participants completed a lap around the mall. Elizabeth Williamson raised her arms in victory after finishing the 2K walk. “I’m a member of Maple Springs Baptist Church and nine-year breast cancer survivor by the grace of God,” said Williamson, a 74-yearold Capital Heights resident. “This is my second year participating in this event and I love it, because it shows unity, grace and everybody is one on accord. It’s great because we understand what each other have gone through. I’m here to support the other breast cancer
survivors and I’m standing on the promises of God.” Whalen-White selected three recent breast cancer survivors at the event to receive ASOP comfort blankets created through the Pink Signature Initiative comfort blanket program. The hand crocheted blankets were made by a corps of ASOP volunteers who provide them to newly diagnosed cancer patients in Washington Metro area hospitals. After the walk, an ASOP volunteer issued a healthy hula hoop challenge to her fellow volunteers, before a sister of a breast cancer survivor took center stage and rallied the audience to join her in an upbeat
version of the Bill Withers song, “Lean on Me.” Whalen-White concluded the event by noting the overall support of her volunteer team and thanked the participants. “We started out with just three volunteers, and we now have over 150 volunteers who support the ASOP nonprofit organization, which supports ten hospitals throughout the Washington and Baltimore region,” said WhalenWhite. “And those of you who have breast cancer and are breast cancer survivors, we want to say thank you for your lives and for all you do and to remember our motto: We walk by faith, not by fear.”
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811th Airman pursues cycling excellence abroad BY AMBER J. RUSSELL
11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
A world away from his hometown in Eauclaire, Wis., Senior Airman David Flaten found himself tracking major trails above an old mining site during the 2013 Conseil International du Sport Militaire cycling competition in Leopoldsburg, Belgium. Flaten, an 811th Security Forces Squadron protective service member, was one of nine athletes selected to represent the United States Armed Forces at the CISM championship event, held Sept. 2 to Sept. 6. In an effort to contribute to world peace by uniting armed forces through sport, CISM annually organizes more than twenty Military World Championships for various sports for all member nations to take part. A week prior to the event, Flaten and his team attended the CISM cycling training camp at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. “I was really excited to be among the few men and women road cyclists and mountain bikers selected to represent the Armed Forces Cycling team in Belgium for the 2013 CISM Championships,” Flaten said. To be selected, one must be a professional mountain biker, or category one of five in road cycling. Flaten said he is part of an extremely elite group of professional mountain bikers in the United States Air Force. With seven years of mountain biking under his helmet and eight months of professional riding experience, the 2012 Air Force District of Washington Athlete of the Year said he felt prepared for this global event. During the race, he and his mate, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jenkins stationed out of California, took on the “A” line cycling track, fit for hard-core experienced cyclists, leaving the “B” line, a.k.a, the ‘chicken line’ to less experienced riders.
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Senior Airman David Flaten showcases his professional biking skills during the 2013 Conseil International Sport Militaire cycling competition. The 811th Security Forces Squadron protective service member was selected to represent the United States Armed Forces for the cycling championship event, held Sept. 2 to Sept. 6, in Leopoldsburg, Belgium.
His ability to compete at this level did not come easy, he said. To endure six, three-mile laps on the curves of Belgium’s mountains in nearly 90 degree heat, training must be backed with passion. “In the off-season, winter months, I train 18 to 25 hours a week,” said Flaten. “Around the end of April, race season begins and I increase my workout intensity but lessen my training time to about 12 to 15 hours a week. I try to get in as much time as my Air Force will allow.” His drive to compete comes from growing up in the homeland of one of the biggest off-road mountain bike events in the Midwest, he said.
For the past 31 years, nearly 2,000 cyclists a year have participated in the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival , a 40-mile, offroad competition through ski and snowmobile trails, forest roads and wooded lanes in Wisconsin. Flaten competed in the event last year and came in 87th place and planned to do even better this year, he said. A mere week after returning from CISM, Flaten competed in the 2013 Festival and came in 16th place among 1,768 other participants. “My goal was to make it in the top 20; mission accomplished,” he said. No matter when or where, trekking trails to get this far
FDA warns against dietary supplement FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFNS) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is advising consumers to stop using OxyElite Pro, a dietary supplement, because of suspected links to acute hepatitis. The FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Hawaii Department of Health are investigating reports of acute, non-viral hepatitis in Hawaii where 29 cases are linked to a dietary supplement. The FDA urges consumers to stop using the product while the investigation continues. Distributed by USPlabs LLC in Dallas, Texas, the product is sold nationwide in retail stores and on the Internet. “We are urging Airmen to stop using the product until the investigation concludes and results are confirmed,” said Col. John Oh,
the chief of Health Promotion, Air Force Medical Support Agency, Air Force Surgeon General. There have been a total of 29 cases of acute, non-viral hepatitis with an unknown cause reported in Hawaii. Eleven of the 29 patients have been hospitalized with acute hepatitis, two have received liver transplants and one person has died. The CDC is also investigating other cases of liver injury nationwide that could be related. Symptoms of hepatitis include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay- or gray-colored bowel movements, joint pain, yellow eyes and jaundice. “Airmen who are experiencing these symptoms should contact their health care provider immediately,” Oh said. Many Airmen re-
portedly use dietary supplements for weight loss or muscle building. In 2011, one third of Airmen reported using legal bodybuilding supplements in the past year, including 15 percent in the past month, Oh said. “We encourage Airmen to get educated on dietary supplement safety through Operation Supplement Safety, the Department of Defense dietary supplement education and safety campaign,” Oh said. Information about the campaign is found at: www.hprc-online.org/opss. Visit this link for more information about the FDA warning: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ ucm370857.htm
Redskins and Kaplan University offer military family scholarships BY SUSANNA NICKELL WASHINGTON REDSKINS PUBLIC RELATIONS
**Application deadline is Oct. 26** The Washington Redskins and Kaplan University have created the Kaplan University – Washington Redskins Military Family Scholarship Fund, designed to honor military families by lessening the financial burdens of earning a degree. The fund will award one full and up to 30 partial scholarships, which cover 54 to 59 percent of
tuition costs for spouses and dependents of active duty, National Guard and Reserve members. Scholarship recipients can choose from any of Kaplan University’s undergraduate online degree programs or elect to attend Kaplan University’s Hagerstown or Rockville, Md. locations. “The Washington Redskins are proud to partner with Kaplan University for this scholarship program. We are pleased to give spouses and dependents of U.S. Military service personnel an opportunity to continue their education wherever they are stationed,”
said Washington Redskins Chief Marketing Officer Mitch Gershman. The scholarships will be administered by Scholarship America, as a 501©3 non-profit. Applicants must be the non-enlisted spouse or dependent of a U.S. service member, including members of the National Guard and Reserve. Family of deceased service members who served after Sept. 11, 2001 are also eligible. The deadline for application is Oct. 26. For more information or to apply, please visit www. redskins.com/kaplan.
ahead can come with bumps and bruises. During the race in Belgium, he admittedly crashed three times but did not ‘bonk,’ or give up; he said he persevered after each wipe-out. “My tires may have been a little over-inflated, which made it easier to wipe out on the dirt surface,” he said. “After the second crash, I knew my ankle was hurt pretty badly, but the energy inside of me would not let me give up. Whether on the trails or in my Air Force career, there is always going to be something to overcome.” Airmen are expected to complete their career development courses on schedule, keep up
with enlisted performance report achievements and display excellence in the performance of their duties. Providing direct support to distinguished visitors at Andrews, excellence is not only expected but required. “Senior Airman Flaten is an outstanding ambassador of the Air Force and the 811th Security Forces Squadron,” said Capt. Aaron Rittgers, 811th SFS commander. “It is not uncommon for him to provide direct security support to the president of the United States one day, and represent his service component in a cycling event the next. David has applied the same level of focus and dedication it takes to be the best of the best in the security forces career field that he has to his cycling efforts: a truly Herculean effort. I’m extremely proud of this young Defender and honored to support his tremendous success in two different passions.” The United States Military Cycling Team members’ professional cycling career can be likened to an extreme ‘bunny-hop,’ or lifting up of both wheels of the bike off the ground, then exploding upward to clear any obstructions in one’s path. “I came in 9th place out of 23 competitors in the 2013 CISM Military World Cycling Championships in Leopoldsburg, Belgium,” he said. “Five of my competitors actually compete in the World Cup.” Flaten said going to race in Europe, where most of the World’s best cyclists go to compete, was a big milestone in his cycling and military career, but his ambition to pursue cycling excellence is only evolving. “I fully intend to represent my service in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo when I’m 28 years old,” said Flaten. “It would be icing on the cake to compete in 2024 Olympics if they are held in Washington, D.C. where my Air Force career began.”
Congress passes bill reopening federal government BY JIM GARAMONE
AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
WASHINGTON (AFPS) -President Barack Obama signed legislation late Oct. 16 bringing federal employees back to work after Congress finally resolved the budget logjam which led to a 16day shutdown. Senate leaders championed bipartisan legislation to reopen the government and remove the threat of government default on its debts. All federal government employees – including some 4,000 Defense Department employees – were scheduled to report to work today. The legislation is a continuing resolution that will provide federal government spending at fiscal year 2013 levels. This keeps the sequester-level budget in effect. The act will keep the government open through Jan. 15 and raises the debt limit through Feb. 7. The act contains a provision for a joint Senate-House committee to work on a budget recommendation for fiscal year 2014. Those recommendations are due Dec. 13. The legislation includes the provision to pay all furloughed employees for the period of the lapse in appropriations. The act calls for those employees to be paid “as soon as practicable.” Even before the House of Rep-
RETIREE, from page 2 gists and social workers. They also offer services for families of war veterans The Retiree Activities Office is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit the office in Building 1604 at California
resentatives voted, President Obama signaled his intent to sign the bill. “We’ll begin reopening our government immediately,” he said in a White House appearance. “And we can begin to lift this cloud of uncertainty and unease from our businesses and from the American people.” Obama asked that all political officials take the lesson of the gridlock to heart and work together to solve the nation’s problems. “My hope and expectation is,” Obama said, “everybody has learned that there is no reason why we can’t work on the issues at hand, why we can’t disagree between the parties while still being agreeable, and make sure that we’re not inflicting harm on the American people when we do have disagreements.” “So. hopefully that’s a lesson that will be internalized, and not just by me, but also by Democrats and Republicans; not only the leaders, but also the rank-andfile,” he said. As he was leaving the Brady Press Room at the White House, a reporter asked the president if the shutdown might not be duplicated in January. “No,” the president said, and left. For more information, go to the OPM web page at www.opm.gov.
and Colorado Avenues or call us at 301-981-2726. Our e-mail address is rao@andrews.af.mil. Call the office before your visit to ensure a volunteer is on duty. The RAO has a website at www. andrews.af.mil; Under “Helpful Links” click on “Retirees Activity Office” for information on retiree subjects, including past copies of “Retiree Corner.”
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National Fire Prevention Week BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JOSHUA R. M. DEWBERRY 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Team Andrews firemen took the time to educate team Andrews’ children about fire safety during National Fire Prevention Week by appearing at the child development center here Oct. 10. During the week the firemen hosted a variety of events to inform Team Andrews about fire prevention. The final event is an open house that will take place at Fire Station 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 12. The event will include station tours, fire truck displays, a bounce house for the children, hamburgers, hot dogs and a special auto extrication demonstration. Fire Station 2 is located by the running track on East Perimeter Road. Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire back in October of 1871. This year’s fire safety theme is ‘Prevent Kitchen Fires.’ For any questions or concerns please contact the Fire Prevention Office at 301-981-4986.
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JOSHUA R. M. DEWBERRY
Sparky the dog makes an appearance to visit the children at the child development center.
A Team Andrews fireman hugs children two at the child development center at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Oct. 10. Firefighters made an appearance to educate the children about fire safety during National Fire Prevention Week.
HEALTHCARE, from page 1 procedure, but a culture embedded into the fabric of our organization. I am proud to serve this medical group and every patient who walks through our doors. During each and every encounter we strive to communicate our Air Force core value of ‘Excellence In All We Do!’ This is also known as quality,” said Col. Kathryn Tate, 579th Medical Group Commander. About the National Association of Healthcare Quality NAHQ is the nation’s leading organization for quality professionals in health care. Founded in 1976, NAHQ has more than 5,100 individual members and 100 institutional members. The association’s goal is to promote the continuous improvement of quality in health care by providing educational and development opportunities for professionals at all management levels and within all health care settings. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality Certification: NAHQ is proud to offer the only professional certification to more than 7,400 active CPHQs nationwide. The CPHQ credential signifies professional and academic achievement by individuals in the field of health care quality management. For more information, visit www.79MDW.af.mil or www.nahq.org/hqw. 1036257B
CAR, from page 1 come sign with the Girl Scout logo to greet the teens. The moms were very pleased with the information their daughters learned and agreed that they’d all learned something new from the session, as well. “We want to thank Valvoline for equipping our girls with life skills that they will never forget,” said Crystal McDonough, a Girl Scout mother. In addition to welcoming the Girl Scouts, Valvoline members were selling pink windshield wiper blades to raise money for a breast cancer awareness month. “While we were there, they completely sold out of the blades. We were very pleased to see this great display of outreach to females,” said Nicolle Neal, another Girl Scout mother. “When Mrs. Jones originally called my Waldorf store it was too busy to provide the girls with the training,” said Chris Jahn, Valvoline Instant Oil Change Franchising, Inc. area manager. “But our LaPlata store is a little slower on Saturday. But I was able to contact my manager in the LaPlata store to accommodate the request,” Jahn said. “I shut down a bay and went through everything for the young ladies. I love having the opportunity to teach young people about car maintenance,” said Jahn. “I really wish I could more of that.” For more information on Girl Scouts of America and to get involved with a local troop, visit www.GirlScouts.org.
LUNCHEON, from page 5 future! Life did not end with the injury or wounds; we all have a chance to live and make our futures together’.” The 1st Sgt. is admired for his approach and abilities, but no better summation of the perspective of a Wounded Warrior’s “never give up” attitude directed to all those sharing the struggles could be uttered. Barrett also thanked the many private organizations, including The American Legion, for the generosity and support for the men and women of the Wounded Warrior Battalion. Again relating his experience he noted his support came from The Good Guys Marine Fund in 2006, stating that they provided much needed support during his recovery. ”The generosity and support of benevolent organizations such as The American Legion is phenomenal, and it is reassuring to all those in uniform to know America cares,” Barrett said.
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Pentagon hosts 2013-2014 Seasonal Flu Campaign COURTESY OF THE DILORENZO TRICARE HEALTH CLINIC ALLERGY, IMMUNIZATIONS, AND TRAVEL CLINIC Washington, D.C. — The DiLorenzo TRICARE Health Clinic will hold its annual Mass Flu Vaccination Campaign 8 a.m. 3 p.m., Oct. 21 - 25 and Oct. 28 – Nov. 1, next to the clinic inside the north parking entrance of the Pentagon. All active duty, military reservists, military retirees, Department of Defense civilians, and military dependents who are 18 years of age or older are eligible.
Bring military common access or military dependent IDs for identification. Building access badges are not acceptable forms of identification for the campaign. Those who do not have access to the Pentagon should arrange for their own escort, as DTHC will not provide this service. Participants should wear clothes that allow staff to access the upper arm. Either a flu shot or a flu mist will be administered, based on results from the patient’s screening questionnaire and available supply. Eligible recipients who cannot attend
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the campaign can get their vaccines at the DTHC Allergy/Immunization/Travel Medicine Clinic beginning Nov. 4. The hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For additional information, schedules, and flu and vaccination updates, refer to the clinic website at www.dthc.capmed.mil or call the Flu Information Line, 703-692-8978. Staff at the DTHC Allergy/Immunization/Travel Medicine Clinic say that vaccination is the primary method for preventing influenza and its complications.
Exchange uses “mystery shoppers” COURTESY OF ARMY & AIR FORCE EXCHANGE SERVICE PUBLIC AFFAIRS
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.
Ask the Lawyer Can private actions be “prejudicial to good conduct and order” or “service discrediting?” BY MATHEW B. TULLY
Q. Can a service member’s activities be found to be prejudicial to good conduct and order or service discrediting if they are made in private? A. Several offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, such as fraternization and adultery under Article 134, feature the element of conduct that is prejudicial to good conduct and order or service discrediting. Conduct that is prejudicial to good conduct and order or service discrediting could alone be enough to violate the General Article, Article 134. When charged with some types of Article 134 offense, particularly adultery, service members sometimes claim their conduct was kept private and therefore it was in no way prejudicial to good conduct and order or service discrediting. The case, U.S. v. Angel M. Orellana (2005), for example, involved a married Marine Corps corporal who was convicted at general court martial of, among other things, three specifications of adultery. The corporal challenged one of the adultery specifications stemming from sexual encounters he had with a 19-yearold civilian. He claimed that the charge violated his constitutional right to privacy because he was engaged in “private, consensual, heterosexual adultery with an adult.” The U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals, however, found his conduct was open and notorious enough to be prejudicial to good order and discipline. It noted, among other things, that some of the adulterous acts occurred on a military installation. “[W]e have little doubt that the general public would think less of a military service whose noncommissioned officers are free to engage in multiple acts of adultery on board a military installation…, ” the court said.
TRICARE, from page 3 that, the Department of Defense will send every TRICARE beneficiary the same information it sends the Internal Revenue Service. This notification will detail whether sponsors and their dependents had minimum essential coverage during the previous
That said, there are certain types of conduct that could be prejudicial to good order and discipline or service discrediting if done in public but could not be if done in private. As the U.S. Court of Military Appeals said in U.S. v. Max Snyder (1952), Congress did not intend to use Article 134 “to regulate the wholly private moral conduct of an individual.” Depending on time, place, circumstances, and purpose, even a service member’s cross-dressing may not be deemed prejudicial to good order and discipline or service discrediting. In U.S. v. Virgilio G. Guerrero (1991), the U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals noted a service member would not violate the General Article if he cross-dresses “in the privacy of his home, with his curtains or drapes closed and no reasonable belief that he was being observed by others or bringing discredit to his rating as a petty officer or to the U.S. Navy.” Although the court noted that crossdressing can be prejudicial to good order and discipline, there are certain occasions when it is non-prejudicial and even moraleenhancing. The court pointed to the example of the comedic cross-dressing character of Corporal Klinger from the M.A.S.H. television series. Service members accused of engaging in any type of prejudicial or discrediting acts should immediately contact a military law attorney. Depending on the circumstances, an attorney could show that the service member’s conduct did not impact good order or discipline or discredit the service, or that it was not open and notorious. Mathew B. Tully is an Iraq war veteran and founding partner of the law firm Tully Rinckey PLLC. E-mail questions to askthelawyer@fedattorney.com. The information in this column is not intended as legal advice.
year. Sponsors can then use this information when they file their tax forms. Because the information sent to the IRS is generated using beneficiaries’ Social Security numbers, it is essential for sponsors to make sure their family’s Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) information is correct and current.
For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,
visit www.dcmilitary.com.
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness sometimes known as “the flu.” In the United States, influenza results in more than 25 million reported cases, more than 150,000 hospitalizations and more than 30,000 deaths annually. It is unpredictable and has the potential to impact the DoD mission and force readiness. For queries, contact Natalie Hedrick, Marketing Specialist at the DiLorenzo TRICARE Health Clinic at Natalie.P.Hedrick. ctr@health.mil or by phone at 703-6928564.
DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service regularly seeks authorized shoppers’ feedback on how the organization is doing in supporting the needs of service members and their families. As part of this effort, the Exchange Mystery Shopper program identifies a select group from each installation to go about their normal day-to-day shopping for a period of six months and detail their experience in a series of three survey sets. Mystery Shoppers receive a $30 Exchange gift card. If three sets of surveys are completed within a six-month period, Mystery Shoppers receive $90 in gift cards. “Not only is the Exchange Mystery Shopper program a great way to im-
prove the shopping experience, but it allows shoppers to take ownership of military shopping all over the world,” said the Exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “It’s only through the input of shoppers that we can offer the level of service our nation’s finest, and their families, have come to expect at the Exchange.” Authorized patrons can apply to become Mystery Shoppers by registering at www.shopmyexchange.com; from this pool of applicants a new crop of participants is selected every six months. There are approximately 350 active Mystery Shoppers at 130 Army and Air Force installations worldwide. Exchange shoppers can also offer feedback by visiting www.shopmyexchange.com/CustomerService and clicking the “Catalog/Internet Feedback” and “Exchange Store Feedback” links on the right-hand side of the screen.
DTCH Pharmacy patients find convenience by mail BY NATALIE HEDRICK DILORENZO TRICARE HEALTH CLINIC
Washington, D.C. — DiLorenzo TRICARE Health Clinic patients can now get their maintenance medication delivered straight to their home when they sign up for the Pharmacy Home Delivery program. In addition to the convenience of having their medication brought to them, they also receive free formulary generics, multiple checkpoints that enhance safety and accuracy, free standard shipping and 24/7 access to a pharmacist. Home Delivery co-payments are: • Formulary Generic = Free
• Formulary Brand = $13 • Non-formulary = $43 • Active Duty = $0 Additional benefits include zero waiting in line for maintenance medication renewals and phone alerts on the status of prescription refills. Sign up for the program online using your online account; by mailing in your registration form and prescription or by calling 1-877-363-1296. To learn more about the TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery program, visit www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE/homedelivery/.
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 thorough out the base each week. If you have any information that may help the Security Forces solve a crime or prevent a criminal act, please contact BDOC (Base Defense Operations Center) at 301-9812001, CRIME STOP LINE 981-2677 (COPS, or the investigations section at 301-981-5656). 8:04 a.m., Oct 9: A gas leak was reported at the location of West Perimeter Road and Yuma Rd. Patrols established traffic control points, safe routes of travel for responding emergency patrols. Fire Chief stated the gas leak was due to a cut gas line. 1158 a.m., Oct 9: A gas leak was reported at the location of 2041A Bedford Square. Fire Chief stated the gas leak was due to a cut gas line. 5:06 p.m., Oct 8: A Government vehicle struck a pole at the recycling center. Subject stated she struck an iron bar before making a complete stop while utilizing a spotter. The damage consisted of a half inch by 18 inch dent in the right rear bumper with yellow paint transfer. the 3:09 p.m., Oct 7: An individual attempted to access Joint Base Andrews while having an active warrant for arrest issued by Prince George County, Md. A confirmation request was sent to determine if the warrant was still active. Prince Georges County requested extradition of the individual and individual transported to Base Defense Operations Center. 10:20 p.m., Oct 6: A Government vehicle struck a deer at the intersection of South Perimeter Road and Joint Base Andrews Lake. Subject stated while traveling East down South Perimeter
Rd. a deer on the side of the road jumped in front of the vehicle causing him to strike the deer. 8:44 a.m., Oct 6: A domestic assault occurred at the intersection of Vanderberg Drive and West Perimeter Road while delivering newspapers on Joint Base Andrews. Subject #1 stated Subject #2 pushed her head against the window, pinned her arms back and began slapping her in the face and she returned a punch in her defense. Afterwards, Subject #2 fled the scene and was later apprehended by Security Forces. Both individuals were charged accordingly.. 3:45 a.m., Oct 6: A local incarceration check discovered an Airmen was detained by Prince Georges County for an Active Warrant. 5:44 a.m., Oct 4: Drugs was discovered at the Pearl Harbor Gate, while, individuals requested access to the base. The suspicious green leafy substance was in a clear plastic bag in the center console buried under some papers.. 8:05 p.m., Oct 3: An individual was apprehended for shoplifting at the Base Exchange. Individual was observed selecting one pair of earrings in the jewelry department, continued to walk around the store and later selected two more pairs of earrings before exiting without rendering proper payment. 4:54 p.m., Oct 3: A individual was apprehended for shoplifting at the Base Exchange. Individual was observed in a store Celebrity Cart exiting the store without rendering proper payment. The property discovered upon search is one box of Colgate Sparkling White toothpaste, one pack of five Exchange Select Twin Plus razors and one pack of 30 Under Garments for men and women with the total property value of items being $14.53.
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