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UDM packages holiday spirit
DCMILITARY.COM
Maxwell says Spanish immersion program to come next year
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U.S. Naval Academy seeks Reserve Officer Faculty
AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD.
Local Daughters of 1812 celebrate events in our nation’s history
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2013 | VOL. 2 NO. 41
LIBERTY PARK AT ANDREWS HOSTS FALL FEST, PUMPKIN SMASH
BY JAMIE ANFENSONCOMEAU
BY STAFF SGT. DAVID SALANITRI
THE PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE
Prince George’s County Public Schools CEO Kevin Maxwell has announced he plans to introduce some form of Spanish language immersion program next year. “It’s not a question of if we will, because we will have a plan in that area. We will be pursuing Spanish immersion as a school district,” Maxwell said at an Oct. 16 budget forum in Upper Marlboro. “Something will be rolled out in the next school year. What it will look like, I don’t know yet.” Maxwell said the availability of funding would in large part determine the form and extent of the program. Standard language immersion programs consist of students being taught all of their subjects in a foreign language, beginning in kindergarten. PGCPS currently has two K-8 full French immersion schools, and a partial French immersion program at Central High School in Capitol Heights. The school system budgeted $859,445 for French immersion in the FY2013-14 budget. Also, Cesar Chavez Elementary School in Hyattsville operates a “partial” Spanish immersion program, which is designated as a “theme” by the school system because it is not funded for district-wide access, according to school system information. Community members were invited to come and share their priorities with the administration during the budget forum. The fiscal 2014 school system budget is $1.69 billion, and is an increase of $23.4 million over the prior year’s budget. Of the dozen individuals who spoke during the meeting, more than half requested the school system implement some form of Spanish immersion program. “It is becoming increasingly obvious to me that after English, Spanish is the
see SPANISH, page 3
AF clarifies same-sex marriage policy AIR FORCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS AGENCY, OPERATING LOCATION - PENTAGON
The Air Force recently published guidance clarifying the service’s policy on implementation of same-sex marriage. The guidance clarifies how Airmen may be eligible for administrative absence to obtain legal marriage, if the state or country in which they are stationed does not yet recognize same sex marriage. In order to be granted administrative absence, the Airman must be located more than 100 miles from a U.S. state, the District of Columbia or other jurisdic-
see MARRIAGE, page 3
PHOTO/BOBBY JONES
Mad Hatter Mia Aston, 11, stuffs her scarecrow. Mia is the daughter of Debbie Aston. More photos on page 5.
Second annual Ms. Veteran America Pageant honors female veterans, supports homeless female vets BY BOBBY JONES
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
The second annual Ms. Veteran America Pageant final competition was held 0ct. 13 at The National Conference Center in Leesburg, Va. Master Sgt. Denyse Gordon relinquished her title and crown to Army veteran Allaina Guitron, Ms. Veteran America 2013. Gordon took her last walk as the first Ms. Veteran America escorted by Carlton Kent, 16th Sgt. Major of the Marine Corps, and reflected on her tenure as Ms. Veteran America 2012. “My year of service is officially over, but I will always remember the women that I started this journey with. I first thank my Lord, be-
see VETERANS, page 6
PHOTO/BOBBY JONES
Denyse Gordon, Ms. Veteran American 2012, autographs a program during a break in the pageant.
New virtual curriculum assists separating troops BY ARMY SGT. 1ST CLASS TYRONE C. MARSHALL JR. AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
The Defense Department continues to assist service members and their families in preparing for the transition to civilian life with a new virtual curriculum, a Defense Department official said here. During a telephone interview with American Forces Press Service, Susan S. Kelly, director of the Transition to Veterans Program office, discussed the redesign of the Transition Assistance Program and its evolution to include the Transition GPS virtual curriculum on the Joint Knowledge Online portal, or JKO, which became available Oct. 17. “We recognize that many of our service members don’t have access to brick and mortar classrooms for transition instruction” Kelly said. “The JKO portal is
see SCHOOL, page 7
Red Cross, BRAVO volunteers honored at MGMC&SC luncheon BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER
PHOTO/CHRIS BASHAM
Staff Sgt. Rosalinda Lindsay, left, and longtime Red Cross volunteer Elsie Smolarsky share a laugh while fellow volunteer Ed Smolarsky looks on at the Volunteer Appreciation luncheon held Oct. 18 at Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center.
Col. Thomas J. Cantilina, Commander, 779th Medical Group, and Maj. Gen. Gerard Caron, Commander, 79th Medical Wing, hosted a luncheon Oct. 18 to show appreciation for the efforts of more than 126 volunteers who serve under the auspices of the Red Cross and the Base Retiree Activity Volunteer Organization, known as BRAVO, at Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center. The volunteers, many of whom have served in that capacity for decades, are mainly seen manning information desks at Malcolm Grow or helping care for wounded,
ill and injured service members who come through the Aeromedical Staging Facility at Joint Base Andrews. Elsie Smolarsky, chairwoman of the ASF’s Red Cross effort, has volunteered with the Red Cross off and on since 1963, when she was a military spouse in France. “We worked with the wounded coming back from Vietnam. I have never regretted a minute of volunteering with our servicemen,” said Smolarsky, who added that some other volunteers had been part of that effort for even longer, including one Red Cross volunteer who has been doing her part for more than 52 years straight. “Most
of them have some kind of military connection,” either because they are married to service members or once served on active duty themselves. Smolarsky recounted memories of volunteering when a small Army hospital was on base, and she lived just outside the fence line. “I’d wait until I heard the Starlifters’ engines going down,” Smolarsky said. “Then I knew it was time to go to work.” Working in the ASF, Smolarsky said, “If the guys come in and say they don’t feel like eating, we don’t ever take their word for it. We take a little bit of everything good and make
them a tray, because half an hour later when the kitchen closes, then they change their mind.” Serving home-cooked, comforting food to the wounded, ill and injured service members who transit through the ASF on their way to their home installations is an important part of the care they receive while on JBA. The hospitality and personal touch is a respectful way to welcome those who have sacrificed part of their health for our nation’s safety. “Who wants a box lunch? ‘Welcome to America, here’s a box lunch?’” asked Col. Kevin Noall, dental squad-
see LUNCHEON, page 4
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Andrews Gazette
HOT TICKETS
Commentary
Inconvenience can be a blessing
Around Town October 25
Masquerade Ball Oxon Hill Manor, 6901 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, Md. 8 p.m. - midnight Wear tuxedo, cocktail attire or a vintage costume. Ages 21 and up can dine, dance and compete for best costume prizes. For information call 301-839-7782.
October 25 - 31
The Wicker Man (1973) Final Cut Angelika Mosaic Film Center, 2911 District Avenue, Fairfax, Va. showtimes vary See the definitive, unrated version of director Robin Hardy’s film for the first time on the big screen. Angelika Mosaic is also presenting classic thrillers throughout the month in celebration of Hitchcocktober. For information visit www.angelikafilmcenter.com.
October 26
Haunted Hangar at College Park Aviation Museum 1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, College Park, Md. 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. Children can wear their costumes, make spooky crafts, take a hayride and enjoy witches’ brew and popcorn. For information visit www.pgparks.com.
October 26
Tales from the Dearly Departed Montpelier Mansion Historic Site, 9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, Md. 7 p.m. Mike Ricksecker reads local legends and ghost stories before a candlelight tour of the mansion. For ages 18 and older. For information visit www.pgparks.com.
COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS
Andrews Gazette is published by Comprint Military Publications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force or any branch of the United States military. The appearance of advertising in these publications, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the products and services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, martial status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non merit factor of the purchases, user or patron.
Maxine Minar, president mminar@dcmilitary.com John Rives, publisher
jrives@dcmilitary.com
Chris Basham, editor cbasham@dcmilitary.com Deirdre Parry, page design dparry@gazette.net Bobby Jones, photographer bjones@dcmilitary.com
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Friday, October 25, 2013
BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER
My son, who was born in Southeast Asia, asked recently what the weather was like, back there, back then, when he was just a baby and I was a new mother, adjusting to life between careers. He’s not too crazy about unpredictable, D.C.-area autumn weather. The idea of a “rainy season” like in all those Vietnam movies intrigues him. I hated the “rainy season,” back then, and am still not too crazy about the dark, damp and cool weather we’ve experienced of late. I’d rather live inside a light bulb: Hot and dry and bright as the sun. But I have a garden, these days, and those rainstorms are a healthy thing. Like every middle-aged person ever, I am starting to tell myself that even if the weather doesn’t suit my preferences, “at least it is good for the farmer, who feeds us.” Looking back at the “rainy seasons” of Thailand, back in the day, things were different. We lived a lot closer to
the natural world than I have since returning to the States. It’s easy to forget. Back then, without the ability to understand the radio’s weather forecasts, storms always hit us by surprise. It was sunny one moment and then the sky opened up the next, with torrential downpours that would last for hours, or perhaps days. We learned to adapt. We learned to bring an umbrella, or at least a plastic grocery bag to salvage things that really should not get wet. We learned to drive slowly on washed-out roads, so as not to fall off our motorbike or splash mud on fellow travelers. But most of all, we learned to sit. It’s easy to budget a certain amount of time for everything, and then move on to the next thing on the schedule, most of the time. But when we lived in a place with a “rainy season,” we lost that. For a while, it seemed like the rain always was heaviest not when I wanted to sit around with my baby and color, but when the house was full
of people, stranded by the storm. The rain forced us all to stay together, for as long as it lasted, and learn something. I learned from those long, impromptu parties that it didn’t really matter what food was on the table, or what the plans were. People can sit together, snack a little, talk and laugh and enjoy each other, and it’s all good. The choice to turn a rainstorm into a relaxed occasion is not always easy, when you have places to go and things to do or just want a few hours to yourself. But making that choice turns a crowded house into a cozy gathering. It’s worth the discipline. I also learned that those rambling, unexpected conversations were the stuff of lasting value. Spending time with people is the only way you’ll ever get to know them. It’s often the best way to get to know yourself, as well. Most of the time, I’m glad to live in a more predictable, comfortable place.. But I can look back at those rainy days and be thankful, too.
by the Japanese and another died in captivity. Doolittle died in 1993. At past reunions, surviving Raiders would conduct their solemn “Goblet Ceremony.” After toasting the Raiders who died since their last meeting, they would then turn the deceased men’s goblets upside down. This will mark their final toast. The museum is located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
codes not open to female Airmen are: combat rescue officer, special tactics officer, special operations weather officer, enlisted combat controller, enlisted tactical air command and control party, enlisted pararescue and enlisted special operations weather.
Retiree Corner COURTESY OF THE RETIREE ACTIVITIES OFFICE
USAF hosts last Doolittle Toast
The Air Force will host the famed Doolittle Tokyo Raiders’ final toast to their fallen comrades Nov. 9 at the National Museum of the Air Force. The four remaining survivors of the 1942 bombing attack on Japan plan to participate. Surviving are Lt. Col. Richard E. Cole; Lt. Col. Robert L. Hite; Maj. Edward J. Saylor, engineer-gunner of Crew No. 15; and Master Sgt. David J. Thatcher. All are in their 90s. By tradition, the Raiders reunite each year and toast “those who have gone” from the original 80 B-25 aircrews. On April 18, 1942, they took off from the USS Hornet to bomb Japan, led by Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle. The 16 planes lacked fuel to reach safe bases after the raid. Three Raiders died off China, three were executed
Women enter closed career fields
The Air Force plans to fully integrate women into seven closed career fields by 2016. This year marks the 20th anniversary of women serving as combat pilots. Brig. Gen. Gina Grosso, deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services, said “Less than 1 percent of all positions -- Active, Guard, and Reserve -- are closed to women. This equates to approximately 4,700 positions in a total force of 506,000 people.” Specialty
Keep DFAS current
The Defense Accounting and Finance Service sends unpaid retired pay to designated beneficiaries following notification of the death of a retiree. Designation of an Arrears of Pay Beneficiary is the sole responsibility of the retiree. Over a lifetime, this designation can change; when this happens the DFAS records need to be updated. The advent of myPay has simplified this process. It can be accomplished in a matter of minutes online. Pull up the name of the current APB. If a change is needed, type in the new name. For those without a
see RETIREE, page 3
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Andrews Gazette
Friday, October 25, 2013
UDM packages holiday spirit BY TECH. SGT. TAMMIE MOORE
AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON PUBLIC AFFAIRS
It is easy to become lulled into the monotony of deployed life and downplay the importance of celebrating holidays while downrange. Annette Bonaro, Air Force District of Washington unit deployment manager, strives to ensure the Airmen she deploys don’t surrender to the Groundhog Day effect by coordinating care packages containing a dose of holiday cheer for everyone she sends into the area of responsibility. Bonaro, commonly referred to as “Mom” by the Airmen she deploys, knows how special a care package can make someone feel. She is a retired Air Force major who served in Iraq and Oman. On one deployment, she became disheartened watching a fellow Airman faithfully show up to every mail call, but never receive a care package. “I called my mom and asked her to send this guy a package,” she said. “When he got that package, he was stunned.” Bonaro does not want any Airman deployed from AFDW to feel those back in the Jones Building have forgotten them. Four times a year, she coordinates themed care packages to send to each deployed AFDW Airman. “Everybody sends the standard stuff,” she said. “I like to theme these care packages for upcoming holidays. Some people dread the holidays while they are deployed and this helps spread the holiday spirit.” Bonaro often receives notes of thanks from Airmen expressing gratitude and telling how the packages not only brightened their day, but their co-worker’s day, too. Staff Sgt. Kenton Charles, who was deployed last winter, said, “Thank you for the Christmas box. I received it today (and) already put up the decorations. My Scottish co-worker is putting the snowmen together.” Col. Michael Paston, deployed from AFDW last winter, was also incredibly appreciative of the care package he received. “You have really made my holiday season,” he said. “You boxed and shipped love and support and sent it to Afghani-
COURTESY PHOTO
Items for the 2012 Air Force District of Washington holiday care packages sit sorted and ready for packing at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Four times a year the AFDW unit deployment manager, Annette Bonaro, coordinates the creation of holiday themed care packages for each Airman deployed from the command.
stan. I wouldn’t have thought it was possible. Your package filled the lonely holiday gap caused from being away from my family and friends. I can’t tell you how much the gifts and the letters made me feel, and it wowed all the others.” Bonaro is currently coordinating donations for her next round of care packages. In the five years she has been send-
SPANISH, from page 1 language most often spoken in our community, the D.C. metro area, in the state and in the country,” said Gina Bowler of Upper Marlboro, a parent and co-founder of the grassroots language immersion advocacy group, My Bilingual Child. “We need Spanish immersion options that are accessible and attractive to families throughout Prince George’s County. That means more than one school, one model or one geographic area.” Deanah Mitchell of Glenn Dale, parent of a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old, said she would like to see dual language English-Spanish immersion where an equal number of native English and Spanish speaking students are taught subjects in both languages, beginning in kindergarten. “I started taking Spanish in seventh grade, but it’s extremely difficult to become fluent in a second language when it is taught as one subject in schools,” said Mitchell. “Studies have shown that exposing children to a second language at an early age aids in the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.” Mount Rainier resident Jessica Ellis, a parent of two attending Mount Rainier Elementary, said she would like language immersion to be offered in neighborhood schools, rather than specialized program schools. Currently, students enter the French immersion schools by lottery. This year, over 500 students applied to fill the 150 kindergarten seats at the two schools, according to school system officials. “All of our students deserve to be proficient in a second language,” Ellis said. “Please invest in all our students, not just the lucky ones.” Other parents advocated for increased funding for arts and Talented and Gifted programs. Maxwell said the community forums are important to the development of his budget proposal. “I’m the CEO, but this isn’t my school system,” he said. “It’s not my sandbox. It belongs to everybody. This is our school system, and so to hear from the public is something we should do.” This story originally appeared in the Oct. 17 edition of The Prince George’s Gazette.
MARRIAGE, from page 1 tions that allows the couple to marry. According to the policy, if two service members are part of a couple and desire to get married, both members may be granted an administrative absence if qualified. Members may be granted up to seven days if stationed in the continental United States, and up to 10 days if stationed overseas. The waiting period, required by law, to obtain a legal marriage from the jurisdiction nearest the assignment location is what determines the number of days. Also, a maximum of two travel days is authorized if stationed in the continental U.S., and five days is authorized if the member is stationed overseas. “This will allow all Airmen to be recognized equally under the law in regards to spousal benefits,” said Maj. Mark Cipolla, Air Force force management policy division. In order to determine eligibility, refer to AFI 363003, Military Leave Program.
RETIREE, from page 2 myPay account, completion of a DD Form 2894 is still acceptable, but you must allow time for mailing and processing before the change takes effect. For more information, call 800-321-1080. The Retiree Activities Office is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit the office in Building 1604 at California and Colorado Avenues or call us at 301-9812726. 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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ing packages to deployed AFDW Airmen, she has streamlined the process. She designs a standardized packages to be sent to everyone. She then creates a master donation checklist where individuals can register to donate for specific items. Once she receives all of the donations, she coordinates a packing event. “The packing events serve as a visual reminder of how we thank our troops,” she said. Bonaro also receives support for the creation of the AFDW care packages from those outside of the National Capital Region. Local school students and Junior ROTC members contribute to the care packages, along with residents of her hometown, Wisconsin Dells, Wis. “A couple of years ago family and friends asked how they could help,” she said. “That is when I created the Care Package Central Facebook page.” Coordinating the care package donation checklists and packing parties can be very time consuming, but it is something that brings a great deal of joy to Bonaro. Since October 2009, she has shipped 244 boxes to deployed AFDW Airmen. “I keep doing this because I can’t stand to see people go without,” Bonaro said. The holiday care packages are currently being coor-
see PACKAGES, page 8
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Andrews Gazette
M-NCPPC Park Police Prince George’s County Division wins big at Equestrian Championships
Friday, October 25, 2013
CAPTION THIS
BY ANITA PESSES
THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
Hosted by the Richmond Police Department, the 30th Annual North American Police Equestrian Championships, held Oct. 12 and 13 at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Va., included law enforcement and auxiliary police agencies from as far away as Toronto. The Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Prince George’s County Division, Mounted received more overall awards than any other police agency.
Novice Equitation:
Officer Christopher Klotz (2nd place); Officer Damon Atwater (3rd place); Officer James Lawrence (4th place); Officer Shane Skeete (5th place); Sgt. John Fellers (6th place); Officer Ashleigh Beck (7th place)
Expe fficer Myrical Gratton (8th place)
Obstacle Course:
SUBMITTED PHOTO
From left, officers John Fellers, Damon Atwater, James Lawrence, Ashleigh Beck, Shane Skeete, and Christopher Klotz pose with their horses.
Inspection Class:
Officer Shane Skeete (4th place) 3 Horse/Rider Team Obstacle Course Combined Score: Sgt. John Fellers, Officer Christopher Klotz and Officer Shane Skeete (3rd place)
Novice Equitation & Obstacle Combined Score:
(3rd place); Sgt. John Fellers (4th place); Officer Damon Atwater (6th place); Officer Ashleigh Beck (7th place);Officer Samuth Keo (8th place)
Expert Equitation & Obstacle Combined Score:
Officer Candice Sewell (8th place); Officer Myrical Gratton (9th place)
Officer Shane Skeete (7th place); Officer Myrical Gratton (10th place)
Officer Christopher Klotz (1st place); Officer Shane Skeete (2nd place); Officer James Lawrence
LUNCHEON, from page 1
Airmen endure Pre-Ranger course, rain and shine
ron commander, calling attention to the value of volunteer efforts to make even a brief stay at the ASF feel like a welcome home, instead of a stay in an institutional facility. It is a team effort that goes far beyond medical care. “I’m part of the team,” said retired flight nurse and Red Cross volunteer Charlotte Politano. “We serve trays, and listen to what the Soldiers want to tell us. A lot of them show us pictures of their family on their phones, and we interact with them on Skype.”
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“Whichever the way, keep it movin’!” - Sylvia DeBorger, Camp Springs, Md.
BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS ERIN O’SHEA
11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
DAVIDSONVILLE COMMUNICATIONS SITE, Md. -- Airmen from around the Air Force gathered in Maryland to participate in a grueling, 13-day Pre-Ranger course, a precursor to the 62-day Army Ranger course held at Ft. Benning, Ga. The Airmen worked tirelessly, day and night, to earn the opportunity to be selected for the Army Ranger course.
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS ERIN O’SHEA
Airmen carry tree logs as part of a teambuilding exercise during a PreRanger Assessment Course Oct. 7 at Davidsonville Communications Site, Md.
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.
Friday, October 25, 2013
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Andrews Gazette
Liberty Park at Andrews hosts Fall Fest, Pumpkin Smash Liberty Park at Andrews sponsored a Fall Fest and Pumpkin Smash Oct. 19 at Madison Cove at Liberty Park on Joint Base Andrews. Children decorated pumpkins and created scarecrows.
Staff Sgt. Robert Holmes, 11th Security Force response leader, keeps away crows and evil spirits.
PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES
Tech. Sgt. John Zaczek, 11th Security Force Squadron member, shows Riley Percifull, 3, how to aim a 240B rifle, at a static weapons display.
Airman 1st Class William Johnson, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, and his son, Allister, 3, build a scarecrow as his mother Kaya, watches.
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A youngster chooses a pumpkin.
Julien Peck, one and a half, works the controls of the panel of a fire truck as his mother, Capt. Ashleigh Peck, Air Force District Washington chief of outreach, and Airman 1st Class Matthew Paine, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, observe.
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Honor Veterans Day with free wedding gowns for military brides On Nov. 11-18, Brides Across America will thank our heroes for their service and sacrifice by giving away free wedding gowns to military brides nationwide. Oftentimes military brides find it difficult to plan their “fairy tale” wedding due to deployment, injury or economic hardship. Brides Across America and bridal salons want to roll out the red carpet for military brides – making their wedding dress dreams come true. Brides Across America has donated over 10,000 gowns to military brides so far. “This is our mission to say thank you and support our heroes,” says founder Heidi Janson. For more information on how to qualify and to register for an event visit www. bridesacrossamerica.com. In order to qualify, the bride or her fiancé must be serving in the military; either currently deployed, have a future deployment, or have been deployed within the last five years to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Middle East, Korea, or
Japan. Brides must preregister for the event and bring proper identification along with deployment papers on the day of the event. Brides Across America is a nationwide 501c3 nonprofit that provides free wedding gowns to our deserving military bridesmaking wedding dress dreams come true. Founded in 2007, Brides Across America and its affiliate salons continue to honor our heroes. To date, Brides Across America, in collaboration with bridal salons, designers, and individual donations has been able to donate more than 10,000 wedding gowns. Operation Wedding Gown made headlines when it was featured on NBC’s “Making a Difference” with Brian Williams in August 2012. Brides Across America was honored by the Joining Forces program, a national initiative to support and honor America’s service members and their families, which was launched by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden.
Army veteran Mitchelene BigMan performs a traditional Native American dance during the Second Annual Ms. Veteran America Pageant, The Women Beyond the Uniform, Oct. 13.
Friday, October 25, 2013
U.S. Naval Academy seeks Reserve Officer Faculty BY LT. TENG K. OOI, PHD, U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY AND CAPT. LINDA J. BELTRA, MD
MEDICAL CORPS, NAVAL HOSPITAL JACKSONVILLE
ATTENTION NAVY RESERVE OFFICERS! Are you interested in an opportunity to teach, inspire, and empower the next generation of American leaders to serve our nation? The U.S. Naval Academy needs qualified Navy Reserve officers, especially at the ranks of lieutenant and lieutenant commander, with at least a master’s degree in an appropriate academic discipline to instruct in designated academic departments for Fall 2014 and to serve as outstanding military role models and mentors for midshipmen. Recall opportunities will be considered for the following disciplines: Cyber security, information systems, and information technology; electrical engineering, computer engineering, general engineering, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, naval architecture, ocean engineering, aerospace engineering, and control systems engineering; mathematics, chemistry, physics, computer science, and oceanography; political science; economics; English; history and foreign languages, including Spanish, French, German, Russian, Arabic, Chinese and Japanese. Interested Navy Reservists should email the following: • A cover letter that states which discipline(s) you are applying for and your qualifications for the position.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Lt. Teng Ooi poses with Midshipmen in his Calculus class.
• A resume of experience (academic, professional, and naval experience, including any recent mobilizations, recalls, or extended active duty periods). • A full-length khaki photo. Email: reserve.recall@usna.edu Reserve Recall Liaison Officer, CDR John Schedel United States Naval Academy, Code 11C 121 Blake Road Annapolis, MD 21402-1300 Telephone: (410) 293-6513 DSN: 281-6513 Fax: (410) 293-2591 To receive full consideration, interested officers for Academic Year 2014-2015 should apply no later than December 15, 2013. Officers
selected will be recalled to active duty and assigned orders for an officer-instructor tour, not to exceed three years, commencing July 2014. Recalled officers will remain on the reserve active status list and will remain eligible for promotion consideration before reserve selection boards. Selections will be made only after USNA placement officers are confident that USNA billets will not be filled from the active duty pool of potential officer instructors. Applicants will be made aware of their selection status by mid-April 2014. Final arrangements are contingent upon PCS funding being available through the Navy.
PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES
The finalists show off their gowns at the end of the eveningwear competition.
VETERANS, from page 1 cause I am here for a reason,” said Gordon. “With his guidance in ordering my steps I walk the path that was set out for me.” Gordon then lauded Jas Boothe, President and Founder of Final Salute Inc. for her support for homeless female veterans. “Jas started Final Salute Inc. because you saw a need and took the initiative to do something about it. Your bravery, tenacity and compassion to help your sisters in need trump your own. What you visualized has manifested itself in a way that’s both amazing and inspirational,” said Gordon. “The women and the children you have helped I task them to pay forward and know that your service is not in vain. The notion that you also dream of better things led you to create Ms. Veteran America. And what a year it has been.” After Gordon’s speech, the finalists left the stage while judges calculated their scores based on the contestant’s interview, talent, military history and advocacy. The scoring criteria included grace, poise, confidence and personality. Guest entertainer Ricky
Jas Boothe, president and founder Final Salute Inc. holds her son as she is honored during the opening moments of the Ms Veteran America Pageant.
Lee, country artist, paid tribute to the courage of female veterans with a song. Retired Air Force Brigadier Gen. Wilma L. Vaught, President, Women’s Memorial Foundation, took center stage as the first of several award presenters to address the audience. “I will make sure that we will register every single veteran in this competition,” said Vaught. “and I will register Tara Brown as well,” referring to Master Sgt. Tara Brown Jacobs, NCOIC, client support technician, Directorate of Personnel, Headquarters, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Joint Base Andrews, who was killed in a hail of gunfire while on duty in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2011. The crowd
applauded thunderously to the kind gesture. Denyse Gordon, 2012 Ms. Veteran American and Col. Justin Constantine, USMC Inspirational speaker, announced the winner of the competition. “And the winner is… Allaina Guitron,” said Gordon, bringing the room of family, friends and sisters in service to a standing ovation as Gordon relinquished her title and crown to the newly selected 2013 Ms. Veteran American. Guitron, an Army veteran, was selected from among 19 finalists. Ricky Lee honored the new Ms Veteran American with a song. Guitron was then presented a $15,000 check. The prize can be used toward
Ricky Lee, country singer, serenades Allania Guitron, newly crowned Ms. Veteran American 2013.
the purchase of a vehicle; education for herself, her children or grandchildren; student loan repayment (in good standing); full scholarship to Paul Mitchell Beauty and Cosmetology School; starting her own business; as a down payment toward a home purchase or for home repairs. The goal of the Ms. Veteran America program, hosted by Final Salute, Inc., is to showcase “the woman beyond the uniform” and demonstrate that a woman’s natural grace and talents aren’t lost when she volunteers for military service. Over the next year, Guitron will serve as the offi-
cial Ms. Veteran America spokesperson, appear at community events nationwide, and advance Final Salute Inc.’s efforts to assist homeless female veterans and their children. This year, approximately $42,000 was raised in donations to Final Salute Inc. to support housing for homeless female veterans and their children. Final Salute Inc. estimates there are more than 13,000 homeless female veterans in the U.S. To compete in the Ms. Veteran America pageant, contestants must be a veteran or still serving in the U.S. military. For more information visit http://msveteranamerica.org.
Allaina Guitron, performs a traditional Hawaiian song and dance during the talent portion of the competition. Guitron was later selected as the 2013 Ms. Veteran America.
Denyse Gordon, Ms. Veteran America 2012, is interviewed by a local online station.
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Andrews Gazette
Friday, October 25, 2013
Local Daughters of 1812 celebrate events in our nation’s history BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER
Maryland’s smallest but most active chapter of the United States Daughters of 1812, the Ella Virginia Houck Holloway Chapter, is comprised of just 10 members scattered throughout Prince George’s, Charles, Montgomery, Anne Arundel, Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties. Women age 18 and older who can prove they are lineal descendents of someone who provided civil, military or naval service to our country or who rendered material aid to the U.S. Army or Navy between 1784 and 1815, or who participated in the Lewis and Clark Expedition, are eligible to join, once they have been voted in by two current members who know them personally. There are more than 5,365 Daughters of 1812, in 162 chapters and 42 state societies. “I was in the Daughters of the American Revolution. Once you get in one society, they invite you to others,” said Maryland Honorary State President Carol Whitsell, a Virginia native who now lives in Hughesville, Md. “I was retired eight months, and you’ve gotta do something. On jury duty I met a person in the DAR who was from Virginia, too. It turned out we were related.” Whitsell joined the DAR in 2002. Memberships in the Colonial Dames, the Daughters of 1812 and other organizations soon followed. EVHH Chapter President Connie Uy discovered her eligibility to pursue membership int eh DAR and the Daughters of 1812 just five years ago, when curiosity led her to genealogical research website Ancestry.com. “One day, you’re 40 years old and wonder, ‘Who were my grandparents? How did they live?’ I logged on and was bitten by the genealogical bug. It was like an addiction,” Uy said. Months later, a client at her beauty salon suggested she join the DAR. “It took me maybe three or four months to attend my first meeting, and was a member within the year,” Uy said. “I wanted it so badly, my husband thought I was losing it.” Whitsell’s eligibility was a challenge to prove because most of her family historical records were destroyed by a fire in Orange County, Va. A DAR member offered to help her with her research, and found her 1812
SCHOOL, from page 1 our effort to take all of the redesigned TAP curriculum, which is called Transition GPS... and put it into an environment where they can access it whenever they need it from anywhere in the world,” Kelly said. Service members, she said, can improve their job search skills, find out about Veterans Administration benefits, learn how to find and apply to a college or university that fits their goals, or how to start their own business by accessing the Transition GPS virtual curriculum. An essential part of the virtual curriculum capability, Kelly added, is to support the ability to meet career readiness standards published by the Defense Department. “Those career readiness standards extend all the way from registering in VA’s ‘e-Benefits’ so they’re connected to the Veterans Affairs family immediately, all the way to career readiness standards for employment, where service members have to develop a job application packet, resume, personal and professional references as well as job applications,” she said. Those standards also include a completed application for institutions of higher learning or technical institutions if service members are planning to go to college or receive a certification using the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Kelly said.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
From left, Daughters of 1812 Susan Skypeck, Clara Stark, Caroline Bradford, Maryland State Vice President and Ella Virginia Houck Holloway Chapter Vice President Mary Pat Berry, EVHH Chapter President Connie Uy, Maryland Honorary State President Carol Whitsell and EVHH Chapter Historian Dena Cruz pose near a plaque marking the grave of Dr. William Beanes in Upper Marlboro, Md. Beanes was captured by the British and asked Francis Scott Key for help to regain his freedom. Key wrote “The Star Spangled Banner” while on that mission. After a long search, the Daughters of 1812 marked his grave site Oct. 15.
connections, as well. Uy credits divine intervention with helping her discover most of her War of 1812 ancestors. “I was doing my DAR research as my dad was battling terminal cancer. My mom couldn’t care less, but he was interested,” Uy said. “He passed away after I signed (the paperwork to become a DAR member) but after he died I found information on 10 more relatives. He went to heaven and found those ancestors and they sent the information.” When those ancestors are confirmed, Uy will have a dozen official lineal relatives who contributed to the War of 1812. The research is never really finished, Whitsell and Uy agree, in part because of the continued discovery of new information about the individuals in the family line. “A family tree is like housework with house cats,” said Uy. “It’s never complete.” The Daughters work to promote and preserve the history of the War of 1812, and to correct common misconceptions about the conflict. “It’s a forgotten war, and sometimes seen as a sequel to the American Revolution,” said Uy. “We have a big goal of changing that historical mindset. If you talk to the Brits, they
“There’s a whole expanse of career readiness standards that the military members must meet before they separate,” she said. “The Transition GPS curriculum has modules that build the skills for the service members to meet each one of those career readiness standards.” The ultimate goal is for the service members to determine what their personal goals are when they enter civilian life and to posture them well to be successful in pursuing those goals, Kelly said. “The goal of the entire TAP redesign is to get military members career-ready for their civilian lives and to help them do very, very deliberate planning for both themselves and their families to do well as they become civilians,” she added. The best way for a service member to begin this process is to contact the transition assistance program staff on their installation, Kelly said. Soldiers should contact the Army Career Alumni Program, Sailors and Marines can use Fleet and Family Support Centers, and Airmen can begin this process at their nearest Airmen and Family Readiness Center. Personnel at Joint Base Andrews can learn about the program at the Military and Family Support Center. “That’s the first entry point for them to get scheduled for classes,” Kelly said. For those who are geographically separated or isolated from installations, she added, the virtual curriculum is there for them on the
SUBMITTED PHOTO
MD Honorary State Pres and EVHH Treasurer Carolyn Billups conducts a New Officer Induction Ceremony Sept. 8 using an antique bayonet.
think they won!” A 2011 PBS documentary focused, Uy said, “all about Canada, but in the Chesapeake Bay it went on for two years.” Much of that conflict was centered throughout Prince George’s County. Those educational efforts include visits to schools, support for local JROTC and scholarship programs and attending naturalization ceremonies and other community events. Next year, as part of the continued commemoration of the War of
JKO website. Kelly also noted it’s important that this virtual curriculum is being hosted on the JKO portal. “That’s where service members go for military training now in the joint world,” she said. “So we are putting transition preparation training into that military training platform.” The virtual curriculum is a major accomplishment in the TAP redesign, said Kelly. It’s the first time that the Veterans Employment Initiative Task Force, as an interagency partnership that includes the DOD and the Veterans Affairs, the Labor and Education departments, as well as the Small Business Administration and the Office of Personnel Management, has developed and hosted a complete curriculum for service members on one website. Kelly noted that the virtual curriculum can also be used by service members who are exploring their options as they think about continuing in the military or transitioning out. “You don’t have to be enrolled in the TAP class to use this website,” she said. “Any service member can log in and use it, even years before they make the decision to transition to civilian life.” Preparing for separation is a part of any service member’s military career, Kelly said. “You want to align what you’re gaining out of military training and experience with what you want to do as a civilian when you separate,” she added.
1812, the EVHH Daughters will participate in a Prince George’s County War of 1812 parade through Bladensburg, site of important events during the war. The group, which meets at a member’s home in Hughesville, Md., also marks the homes and graves of patriots involved in the War of 1812. On Oct. 15, the EVHH chapter joined national Daughters of 1812 leadership and Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker III (D) to unveil a marker at the grave of Dr. Wil-
liam Beanes in Upper Marlboro, Md. Beanes was captured by the British on charges of betraying the British, and asked Francis Scott Key for aid to arrange his release. The night after Key met with Beanes in British captivity, he stayed at Fort McHenry and witnessed the events which inspired him to write “The StarSpangled Banner” the next morning. Ella Virginia Houck Holloway, for whom the EVHH Chapter is named, petitioned to have “The Star-Spangled Banner” become the national anthem. “History never said it was due to Mrs. Holloway’s efforts, and that’s a shame,” said Uy. The chapter is working to to refurbish and preserve a Benedict, Md.-area home which had a role in the War of 1812. Maxwell Hall, built in 1768, was occupied by approximately 3,500 British troops on their way to attack Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. in 1814. The home fell into disrepair until it was purchased in 1980 by Edwin and Marion Swann, who restored and lived in the home until 2007, when Charles County acquired the property as part of Maryland’s Program Open Space. “We have a partnership with the community regarding Maxwell Hall,” said Whitsell. The EVHH Chapter has raised funds to improve lighting and parking and to provide a wheelchair ramp and public restrooms to enable better access for the public. In 2012, the chapter sponsored a memorial program at the river’s edge near the home, where the British invasion landed. “There’s something about being there that’s really special,” said Whitsell, who said that recent tours attracted approximately 600 visitors to the historic home. “It’s not even on local school curricula, and this upsets us.” Though the Daughters of the War of 1812 were founded “by wealthy, at home women,” said Whitsell, the old guard is being replaced by women from a broader background than ever before. “They let me in with dyed hair and tattoos,” said Uy. “Thirty years ago I could have been blackballed because of the way I look. The DAR is going through that, too: Change or die.” For information, visit www. usdaughters1812.org.
5K RAISES FUNDS FOR WOUNDED WARRIOR CAREGIVERS
PHOTO/CYNDI LUCAS, OPERATION HOMEFRONT
Christine Thompson and Jamie Boling, wounded warrior caregivers living at Operation Homefront Village in Gaithersburg, Md., run the Catholic Daughters of America 5K Run/Walk. Operation Homefront DC Metro and CDA joined forces to raise funds to support efforts to provide assistance and morale building activities for wounded warrior caregivers.
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Andrews Gazette
Friday, October 25, 2013
AF civilians to be WALKERS SUPPORT SUICIDE PREVENTION retroactively paid, urged not to access pay system BY STAFF SGT. DAVID SALANITRI AIR FORCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS AGENCY, OPERATING LOCATION - PENTAGON
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO
Members of the 779th Medical Group Resiliency Element participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk to Prevent Suicide Sept. 28 at the National Mall Constitutional Gardens (17th & Constitution Avenue) in Washington, D.C. Every 14 minutes someone in the U.S. dies by suicide; each time, someone is left to make sense of it. Suicide can be prevented. Learn how you can help at www.afsp.org.
Civilian Air Force employees, who were furloughed during the government shutdown, have been authorized to return to work Oct. 17. Civilians, including those who returned to work earlier this month, will be retroactively paid but are urged not to access the pay system, as mass amounts of website logins could potentially crash the system. Limiting access to the Time and Attendance website to only timekeepers and certifiers allows the Air Force to quickly update the system so all civilian Airmen can get paid in full. “We want to ensure we don’t have individuals access the system because we only have a very narrow window to update the system,” said Bob Corsi, the assistant deputy chief of staff of Manpower Personnel and Services. “Our goal is to make everyone whole in their pay from Oct. 1 in the next pay cycle.” As the Air Force works quickly to make these updates during this narrow window, they’re prioritizing updates by regions. “We’re working on a game plan to phase the updates by time zone, so we don’t crash the system with tens of thousands of people updating at the same time,” Corsi said. All Air Force civilians officially went back to work today after a 16-day government shutdown. This return to employment comes as a result of President Barack Obama signing a continuing resolution last night that funds the government through Jan. 15, 2014. Currently, the Air Force is operating under fiscal 2013 sequester funding levels. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
Security Forces Police Blotter BY STAFF SGT. BRANDON J. REED 11 SFS CONFINEMENT NCO
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 301-981-2001, CRIME STOP LINE 981-2677 (COPS) or the investigations section at 301-981-5656. 11:39 a.m., Oct. 11: SF personnel discovered drugs during a search of a moving company’s vehicle that was attempting to enter the installation at the Pearl Harbor Gate. 5:54 p.m., Oct. 15: An individual was apprehended for shoplifting at the Base Exchange. The total value of stolen property was $74.99. 12:28 p.m., Oct. 16: An individual was apprehended for shoplifting at the Base Exchange. The total value of stolen property was $191.99.
Transforming Neighborhoods Initiative Job Fair comes to Marlow/Hillcrest Heights
1036258B
BY ANITA PESSES
THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
The TNI Committee for the Marlow/Hillcrest Heights neighborhood is hosting a job fair 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 25 at Hillcrest Heights Community Center, 2300 Oxon Run Drive, Temple Hills, Md. Admission and parking are FREE. More than 25 employers and community partners from a wide assortment of industries will be on hand to speak with job seekers, network and offer valuable job skills training. For information, call 301-505-0896; TTY 301-203-6030.
PACKAGES, from page 3 dinated by Bonaro. She will mail them out shortly before Thanksgiving. For more information about purchasing items for the care packages, contact Bonaro at (240) 6124486 or visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/CARE-PackageCentral/126949817413050?ref=br_tf.
D onna’s Dance… A Studio
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301-567-3358
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Friday, October 25, 2013
Andrews Gazette
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10
Andrews Gazette
Friday, October 25, 2013
Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Alan H. Michaels • Sam J. Hamam • Jared W. Lamb
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