3
4
“Spirit of the Season” takes over the region
DCMILITARY.COM
5
Just smoke your turkey
AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD.
CBM mentors take kids on cultural field trip
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013 | VOL. 2 NO. 46
First weekend crowds 11th annual Harvest Feast feeds local families test Tanger Outlets BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER
After months of construction, thousands of shoppers visited the new Tanger Outlets National Harbor shopping center over its opening weekend, Nov. 2224, despite parking challenges, crowded shops, overwhelmed restrooms and the first truly wintry weather of the season. Tanger Outlets National Harbor Center General Manager Christy Wallace called the first weekend, “extremely robust and way above expectations,” although she did not have an estimated count of the number of visitors. “Sales were above expectations, traffic was above expectations. With that came through an excellently executed plan to get people in, and get them back out.” Tanger contracted state and county police officers as well as privately owned Game Day Parking and Management, an organization which provides traffic flow control for the Olympics, professional football games and other large sporting events. “It was an extremely smooth weekend and I’m really excited about it. That’s not blowing smoke,” said Wallace. “I have never had so many happy people, so many people grateful for
see MALL, page 4
PHOTO/CHRIS BASHAM
Sgt. Grant Allen holds his daughter Brooklynn at a press conference before the Harvest Feast. BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER
PHOTO/CHRIS BASHAM
Layla Armstrong, 6, of Suitland, shows off the sparkling swirls of face paint she wears at the grand opening of Tanger Outlets National Harbor. The shopping center offered children’s entertainment as part of its opening weekend.
Group Medical Appointments help patients manage cholesterol BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER
Col. Teresa Skojac, Chief of Medical Staff and Chief Medical Officer at Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center, is spearheading an effort to introduce a new sort of doctor visit for patients with chronic conditions: Group Medical Appointments. The first GMAs at Joint Base Andrews are aimed at helping patients with known heart disease or diabetes manage their cholesterol levels. “It’s a fairly new model for the military,” said Skojac, who said her team worked on plan-
ning the cholesterol management GMAs for about eight months before launching them at MGMC&SC. So far, approximately 40 people have completed the pilot program, as part of the clinic’s tracking efforts. The Pediatric department will soon begin their own GMAs to help treat childhood obesity. The GMA model aims to change the way both patients and physicians look at medical care and chronic disease management. “They have found in research that a one-to-one relationship can be very dictatorial: Thou Shalt Not Eat Red Meat,
Thou Shalt Start an Exercise Program. In group, it brings that down a level. The provider acts more like an educator,” said Skojac. “You should know everything about your medical problem that I do, and why it is important to comply with your primary care provider’s recommendations.” Groups of 12-15 patients meet with a physician every two weeks for two months, with a goal of learning what they need to do to improve their health and coming to understand how to integrate helpful
see CHOLESTEROL, page 4
Hunger and want don’t take off for the holiday season. Instead, that is the time of year when the struggle to provide for a family’s basic needs, let alone festive meals and special gifts, seems especially difficult. For 11 years, the Redskins Charitable Foundation has teamed up with the nonprofit Operation Blessing and local businesses to provide the makings for a bountiful holiday meal for local families in need. Traditionally, the Harvest Feast is held the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. This year, however, approximately 3,500 families who participate in Prince George’s County Department of Social Services programs received groceries to cover their holiday table on a Saturday afternoon, in cooperation with the Redskins’ playing schedule. “Since there is a Monday night game, we couldn’t do it on a Tuesday this year,” said Redskins Charitable Foundation Executive Director Jane Rodgers. “At first, we were very uncomfortable because we have a tradition to do it on a Tuesday, but we take our direction on dates from the stadium.” Redskins alumni, local elected officials, leadership of the Redskins Charitable Foundation, team owner Dan Snyder, coordinators from Operation Blessing and more than 500 volunteers
distributed 103,085 pounds of packaged and fresh food along with 42,000 pounds of turkey. “It’s all the Redskins,” said Prince George’s County Department of Social Services Internal and External Affairs Liaison Dee-Dee Bass, who added that DSS provided approximately 75 volunteers to help distribute the groceries for the Harvest Feast this past Saturday. Other volunteers included Redskins staff and alumni and local elected officials. Prince George’s County Council member Karen Toles (D-Dist. 7) said that approximately 600 of the families who received a Thanksgiving feast reside in District 7. “I’ll be volunteering, passing out turkeys with many of my colleagues. We want to make sure no one goes without a Thanksgiving meal,” said Toles. “I’m very fortunate, and I want to make sure all the residents of Prince George’s County have a happy Thanksgiving, as well.” DSS verified that each of the 3,500 families who received a Thanksgiving food distribution are DSS clients, residents of Prince George’s County and within income guidelines, and also chose a military family to feature in a pre-distribution press conference. Sgt. Grant Allen and his family are a part of Joint Base Andrews. A former U.S. Navy Sailor who transitioned to the Air
see FOOD, page 5
Teens & Jeans Walk-a-thon raises awareness, fashion for homeless BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER
Tara Hughes of Gaithersburg, Md., and Alydia Young, 16, of Springdale, Md., fold donated jeans as part of a team of volunteers from Bladensburg 7th Day Adventist Church’s “Sisters for Christ” group.
PHOTOS/CHRIS BASHAM
Bladensburg Waterfront Park Naturalist Tonya Johnson, left, and Recreational Specialist Dana Hill start planning the Teens & Jeans WalkA-Thon each February.
After 10 months of preparation, the fifth annual Teens & Jeans Walk-A-Thon, held Nov. 23 at Bladensburg Waterfront Park, brought together hundreds of walkers and other volunteers determined to raise awareness of the needs of homeless and hungry residents of our region. They also collected more than 20,000 pairs of gently worn jeans to be distributed to 15 area homeless shelters. Girl Scout Troop 535 of Fort Washington was there to volunteer for their second year in a row. “We come out and cheer the walkers, to give support. We did the same for a diabetes walk and the breast cancer walk. I don’t know if they’re doing it just for the service hours, but they get something out of it: This could be you, but for the grace of God,”
said Assistant Troop Leader Sabrina Burroughs. Approximately 300 people joined the Walk-A-Thon, walking two-mile, three-mile or fivemile courses along the Anacostia River Trails at Bladensburg Waterfront Park. Naturalist Tonya Johnson said that the jeans collected by the Teens & Jeans effort will be distributed to 15 shelters in Prince George’s, Montgomery and Charles counties in Maryland; as well as Washington, D.C. and Virginia. Prince George’s County Park and Planning Division’s Extreme Teens program spearheads the annual effort in partnership with other county organizations, coordinating the walk, entertainment by the Northwest High School Marching Band, post-walk snacks for participants, and the fierce com-
see CLOTHES, page 4
2
Andrews Gazette
HOT TICKETS
Commentary
Is a benefit a promise?
Around Town Through December 22
A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration Center Stage, 700 North Calvert Street, Baltimore, Md. Showtimes vary Enjoy the stories of historical and fictional characters in 1864, featuring classic carols and folk songs. For information visit www.centerstage.org.
Through January 1
Winter Festival of Lights Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Md. 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. The park is lit for the season, for the 27th year. Bring canned goods to donate to local food banks. For information visit www.pgparks.com/Festival_of_Lights.htm.
November 29 - December 1
Donnell Rawlings The DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 6:30pm. “Intelligently bold” stand-up. For information visit www.dcimprov.com.
December 1
Pro Musica Hebraica The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 7:30 p.m. Hear the voice of the clarinet in Jewish classical music performed by Alexander Fiterstein clarinet and friends. For information visit www.kennedy-center.org.
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
1036307B
Friday, November 29, 2013
BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER
A few weeks ago, I was talking with a native Detroiter about, well... about how the Motor City is running on fumes. Dave hasn’t lived in Detroit since he enlisted nearly twenty years ago, but his family is still there and keeps him informed of the events and characters and the occasional jail sentence for a city official. In a lot of ways, his Detroit is not all that different from my D.C. The mess of it all can be kind of amusing, from a distance, but as is often the case it’s not funny once you’re in it. Dave’s parents have a dog in the Detroit fight: They are retired public school employees. When Dave’s parents and generations of other educators in Detroit signed on to teach in the public schools, they were promised a benefits package. Maybe, in hindsight, it was too generous to be sustainable, but it was the deal when they signed on, and even when they reached retirement. Lately, there has been some talk that because Detroit is struggling with a financial mess decades in the making, one way they can cut costs is to cut the benefits of retired school employees.
I can understand radically changing the contracts of new and prospective teachers. But people who have already fulfilled their commitment shouldn’t have to worry that the other side of the deal has an easy out, whenever they want it. Back here in D.C., we’re all still shaking from this summer’s sequestration, and preparing for the next round. The federal government is not as strong and solvent as it used to be. There are going to be cuts, and there probably should be cuts, to keep our country solvent and functional. But it seems like cuts to the Defense department are shamefully easy to make. DoD officials have asked the Defense Commissary Agency to create a plan to close all commissaries in the U.S., as part of the DoD’s FY 2015 budget request. It’s just a request for a plan. There’s no schedule at this point that says the 178 commissaries in the U.S. will shut down for certain by a particular date. But it’s on the table, in a way it has not been before. Closing more than 70 percent of DeCA’s stores would be a fiscal hemorrhage for the agency, and would greatly reduce its ability to negotiate for reduced prices for goods to sell in
the remaining commissary locations overseas. It would eliminate jobs for thousands, many of whom are military spouses. It would also remove a benefit service members were promised when they volunteered to serve, and one which they and their families rely upon to stretch family budgets which can already be tighter than they should be, for those who are committed to protecting Americans and our way of life with their lives. The government needs to change the way it looks at money, the way it raises funds and the way it spends those funds. The American taxpayer deserves common sense reform. But it shouldn’t come at the expense of a promise made to young service members signing on for a commitment that can last decades, and which can have an economic impact long after retirement. Benefits like the commissary are promises our country makes to the members of our armed forces. We shouldn’t be trying to turn our backs on those promises. Our nation is better than that, and no one knows that better than the people who sign on to wear the uniform.
age. Participation will not affect entitlement to VA dental services and treatment. There are no eligibility limitations based on service-connected disability rating or enrollment priority assignment. People interested in participating may complete an application online through either Delta Dental, www.deltadentalvadip.org, or MetLife, www.metlife. com/vadip. Also eligible are nearly 400,000 spouses and dependent children who are reimbursed for most medical expenses under CHAMPVA. Dental coverage varies by plan and includes diagnostic, preventive, surgical, emergency and endodontic/restorative treatment. Participants are
responsible for all premiums, which range from $8.65 to $52.90 per month for individual plans. Copayments and other charges may apply. For more information, contact Delta Dental at 855-370-3303 or MetLife at 888-310-1681.
Retiree Corner COURTESY OF THE RETIREE ACTIVITIES OFFICE
CHAMPVA makes dental insurance affordable
Delta Dental and MetLife allow eligible veterans and family members receiving care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program, to purchase affordable dental insurance. More than 8 million veterans who are enrolled in VA health care can choose to purchase one of the offered dental plans. This three-year pilot has been designed for veterans without dental coverage, and those eligible for VA dental care who would like to purchase additional cover-
HUD addresses homelessness
Approximately 9,000 veterans living on the streets and in the nation’s shelter system will soon find a permanent place to call home. The Department of Housing and Urban Development will provide
see RETIREE, page 4
3
Andrews Gazette
Friday, November 29, 2013
“Spirit of the Season” takes over the region BY TECHNICAL SGT. ADAM GREEN The United States Air Force Band’s holiday concerts are just around the corner. This year will feature many new and exciting offerings centering around the theme of “Spirit of the Season.” Nearly all of our performing ensembles will be featured in various locations around the metropolitan area. There will be something for everyone, including a fun matinee performance for school children by the Concert Band and Singing Sergeants. Due to the limitations brought on by sequestration, the band is not able to perform at D.A.R. Constitution Hall this year. The U.S. Air Force’s premier rock band, Max Impact, will present holiday-inspired sets at one of our nation’s favorite museums on the Mall, as well as a performance at Joint Base Andrews for military members and their families. Max Impact is a high-energy rock band guaranteed to entertain you this holiday season.
Thursday, Dec. 5; Friday, Dec. 6; Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8
11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. National Air and Space Museum Independence Ave. at 6th Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. Free and open to the public. No
The U.S. Air Force’s premier jazz band, the Airmen of Note, will thrill with fun, classic as well as new, holiday charts. In 2010, their album “Cool Yule” reached number 2 on JazzWeek magazine’s Jazz Weekly chart. This year, hear these tunes live!
Thursday, Dec. 12
7:30 p.m. College of Southern Maryland 8730 Mitchell Road La Plata, Md. Free and open to the public. No tickets are required.
Friday, Dec. 13
A.F. PHOTO
Max Impact will be among the seven performing groups from the Band that will present public holiday concerts across the metropolitan area from Dec. 5 to Dec. 16.
tickets are required. The official chorus of the U.S. Air Force, the Singing Sergeants is one of the most versatile and talented choral organizations in the world. The group will present concerts of a capella holiday favorites at another popular museum on the Mall.
Saturday, Dec. 7
11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. National Museum of American History 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. Free and open to the public. No tickets are required.
The Air Force’s premier country band, Silver Wings, will be featured at this same museum on Sunday, Dec. 8. The core of this group recently returned from a highly successful deployment, providing service members a well-needed “taste of home.” This dynamic performing ensemble will keep your toes tapping with some down-home holiday music. 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. National Museum of American History 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. Free and open to the public. No tickets are required.
New chaplain arrives at 459th Air Refueling Wing BY 459TH AIR REFUELING WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Chaplain, Major Joshua Kim is a traditional reservist (Cat A) assigned as the Wing Chaplain to the 459th Air Reserve Wing, here. Prior to his Reserve commission, Kim was assigned at Pope Air Force Base, N.C. from 20042008 as a Protestant Chaplain. His first tour as a reserve Chaplain was at the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel supporting Basic Cadet Training from 2009-2012. Following his assignment at USAFA, he served at the 11th Wing Chapel, Joint Base Andrews, Md. He was deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom in 2005. Chaplain Kim also served on active duty in the United States Navy from 1991-1995. As a Hospital Corpsman, Chaplain Kim worked at Naval Hospital Portsmouth and was a medic to a Marine infantry unit.
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/ STAFF SGT. KATIE SPENCER
Chaplain Joshua Kim chats with Senior Airman Ayeshah Hampton, 759th Logistics Readiness Flight, Nov. 15. Kim is the new head chaplain for the 459th Air Refueling Wing, Joint Base Andrews, Md.
“The Air Force Chaplain Corps provides spiritual care and the opportunity for Airmen, their families, and other authorized personnel to exercise their constitutional right to the free exercise of religion, “ said Kim.
“This is accomplished through religious observances, providing pastoral care, confidential counseling and advising leadership on spiritual, ethical, moral, morale, core values, and religious accommodation issues.”
Airmen can send satellite radio holiday messages BY GARY SHEFTICK ARMY NEWS SERVICE
FORT MEADE, Md. (AFNS) -- The Joint Hometown News Service, part of the Defense Media Activity at Fort Meade, Md., is partnering this year with SiriusXM Radio to enable service members worldwide to send holiday greetings to loved ones back home. Military members anywhere can call a toll-free number, 888776-2790 or DSN 312-733-4660, to record a holiday message for airing on the satellite radio network. For 30 years, holiday greetings have been collected by Joint Hometown News Service teams that travel overseas and bring messages back to air on stateside radio and television stations. While this year’s team already has returned home, it’s not too late for service members to participate, said the program’s director. “Even in the world today with social media and service members able to Skype from anywhere,
there’s still something special about turning on the radio and hearing a family member who cannot be home for the holidays,” said Rick Blackburn, director of the Joint Hometown News Service. “This is a great opportunity for our folks and is a reminder to the American public that our men and women serve around the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” he said. Airmen can call SiriusXM around the clock and leave a 15-second greeting. They will be prompted by a recorded message to provide their name, rank, duty location, hometown and then a short greeting to friends or family. “Our goal is to get as many military members on the air for the holidays as possible,” Blackburn said. So far this year, 2,658 holiday greetings have been collected. A Joint Hometown News Service team traveled to Alaska, Japan, Korea and Guam. Additional greetings were also collected from
service members in Afghanistan and Europe by American Forces Network broadcasters. With Defense Department budget cuts, teams are not able to travel as much as they used to, and the Joint Hometown News Service appreciates others pitching in to help with holiday greetings, said Amy “Natasha” Schleper, JHNS broadcast chief. “With other outlets willing to pitch in and shoot for us, we’re able to really get a good number of holiday greetings, as well as a better mix of locations,” Schleper said. “It’s a lot of extra work for them,” she said. “We hope they know the families at home appreciate their efforts.” Every video greeting is turned into a radio greeting as well, Schleper said. SiriusXM Radio is “another avenue we are using” to collect and distribute important holiday greetings, Blackburn said. The holiday greetings will be aired on SiriusXM’s “Holiday Traditions” channel through Jan. 1.
7 p.m. THE ARC 1901 Mississippi Avenue, S.E. Washington, D.C. Free tickets will be available at THE ARC box office starting Dec. 4. The Concert Band and Singing Sergeants will perform a largescale production titled “Spirit of the Season.” We are excited to present this concert at two local high schools and at the Smithsonian Institute National Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center. This program will be repeated in an abbreviated format as a matinee for school children Monday, Dec. 16 at the UdvarHazy Center, as well.
Thursday, Dec. 12
7 p.m. T. C. Williams High School Auditorium
3330 King Street Alexandria, Va. Free tickets available at the auditorium box office Monday Friday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. starting Nov. 25. Closed Nov. 27 - 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Friday, Dec. 13
7 p.m. Walter Johnson High School Auditorium 6400 Rock Spring Drive Bethesda, Md. Free electronic tickets available at www.wjmusic.eventbrite. com
Sunday, Dec. 15
3 p.m. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway Chantilly, Va. Free and open to the public. No tickets are required.
Monday, Dec. 16
10:30 a.m. and noon Holiday Matinee for Kids Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway Chantilly, Va. To make your free reservations, email: holidaykids@afncr. af.mil.
Watch out for potholes in your car insurance BY JASON ALDERMAN
Would you be surprised to learn that if your laptop gets stolen during a car break-in, your automobile insurance probably won’t reimburse you for the loss? Don’t be. Many people have only a vague idea of what their car insurance does and doesn’t cover, how they might accidentally void their coverage or that even if an accident isn’t their fault, their own insurance may not pay for damages if they don’t have the right kind of coverage. Common car insurance exclusions include: Named driver exclusion. This is an agreement between you and your insurance company to exclude a specific person from coverage for liability or physical damage caused when driving a car you insure. You might choose it if, for example, the insurer is threatening to cancel your policy because a family member has an unsafe driving record or a suspended license. Such drivers should never be allowed to drive cars from which they’ve been excluded; it’s the same as driving uninsured and you both could be held personally liable for any damages. Interestingly, some policies will cover friends and/or family members when they drive your car, provided they don’t live in your household. Coverage levels in such situations may be less, so check your policy carefully for details. Car rental insurance. Car rental agencies offer their own collision, liability, theft and other insurance coverage. Conventional wisdom says you should avoid buying it if your own insurance – or benefits available from your credit card – provide similar coverage for rental cars. However, first contact your insurance company and credit card issuer to make sure you are fully covered. Replacing stolen items. Most car insurance policies won’t reimburse you for items stolen from your car that are not permanently installed (like built-
in sound systems). These might include cellphones, computers, wallets, luggage, etc. However, homeowners or renters insurance generally covers your personal property, no matter from where it’s stolen. Business use restrictions. You must maintain a business car insurance policy if you use your personal vehicle for business purposes, whether you deliver pizzas part-time, participate in a ride-sharing service (like Lyft or Sidecar), or even run business errands for your boss. Otherwise, you may not be covered in an accident or theft and may even void your coverage. Ask whether your employer’s policy covers you; if not, add business use to your own policy or use a company car. Other coverage shortfalls to watch out for: • If your car is stolen or damaged, most insurers cap payments for a loaner car at specific daily and total usage rates, so if you want a nicer loaner car or your vehicle needs extensive repairs, you might have to pay out-of-pocket for some expenses. • If your car is stolen or totaled, the insurer will reimburse you for what the car is currently worth (Blue Book value), which, if you’re leasing or paying off a loan, may not be enough to cover what you owe. In that case, consider getting gap insurance. • Don’t skimp on uninsured motorist coverage, which protects you if the other driver is at fault and isn’t insured. It’s relatively inexpensive compared to the collision coverage you take out in case you’re at fault, so why tempt fate? • Policies generally won’t provide liability coverage for injuries or property damage that were caused intentionally. Even if you drive a clunker, it pays to have adequate car insurance. Just make sure you fully understand what is and isn’t covered. Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs.
For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,
visit www.dcmilitary.com.
4
Andrews Gazette
Friday, November 29, 2013
JUST SMOKE YOUR TURKEY GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT AND TURKEY TROT 5K FUN RUN SUCCESSFUL The annual Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run kicked off the Great American Smokeout Nov. 21 at Joint Base Andrews, jointly hosted by the West Fitness Center and the Health and Wellness Center. Participants were asked to quit smoking for 24 hours to make that first step toward a healthy and smoke-free life. For more information on becoming tobacco-free, contact the Health and Wellness Center at 240-857-HAWC (4292) or 240-857-5601.
PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES
Joint Base Andrews runners braved brisk winds during the annual Great American Smokeout and Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run Nov. 21.
Subhaker Satyanarayan, 11th Force Support Squadron Joint Base Andrews Fitness and Sports director, presents a turkey to Maj. Travis Boltjes, National Guard Bureau F-16 functional area manager, first place winner of the annual Great American Smokeout and Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run.
RETIREE, from page 2 $60 million to local public housing agencies across the country to offer permanent supportive housing to homeless veterans, many of whom are living with chronic disabling conditions. The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program combines its rental assistance with case management and clinical services provided by VA. Since 2008, more than 48,000 vouchers have been awarded and some 42,500 formerly homeless veterans are now in homes. “These vouchers are a critical resource to accomplish our shared goal of ending veterans’ homelessness in 2015,” according to a VA spokesman. HUD’s annual estimate for 2012 found that veteran homelessness fell by 7.2 percent since 2011 and by 17.2 percent since 2009. The new grants are part of $75 million appropriated this year to support housing needs of homeless veterans. VA medical centers offer supportive services and case management. The centers refer veterans to public housing agencies for the HUD vouchers, based upon a variety of factors, most importantly the duration of homelessness. Veterans participating in the HUD-VA program rent privately owned housing and generally contribute no more than 30 percent of their income toward rent.
Museum presents Navy history
The Navy’s National
CLOTHES, from page 1 petition to collect gently used jeans among seven county schools as well as clubs which meet at community centers throughout Prince George’s County.
Museum at the Washington Navy Yard is devoted to the display of naval artifacts, models, documents and fine art. The museum chronicles the history of the United States Navy from the American Revolution to the present. It was established in 1961 and opened to the public in 1963. Close to 200,000 individuals visit the museum annually. Admission is free. Hours of operation are Tuesday thru Friday, 8-5, and Saturday and Sunday, 10-5. It is closed Mondays. Visitors can park in the pay lot on M Street, across from the 6th Street gate on weekdays as vehicular traffic is not allowed to the museum. Visitors may drive in through the 11th & O Street gate on weekends. An exhibit, “1813 Don’t Give Up the Ship,” features ships’ and Sailors’ armament during the Great Lakes battles two centuries ago. For more information, visit the museum website at www.history.navy.mil/ branches/org8-1.htm. The Retiree Activities Office is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit the office in Building 1604 at California and Colorado Avenues or call us at 301-981-2726. Our e-mail address is rao@ andrews.af.mil. Call the office before your visit to ensure a volunteer is on duty. The RAO has a website at www.andrews.af.mil; Under “Helpful Links” click on “Retirees Activity Office” for information on retiree subjects, including past copies of “Retiree Corner.” Though the official collection drive is only active from Nov. 1 to the weekend before Thanksgiving each year, “We start planning in February,” said Recreation Specialist Dana Hill. “People set aside jeans all year, for the donation drive.”
Maj. Travis Boltjes, National Guard Bureau F-16 functional area manager, checks his time as he crosses the finish line to take first place in the Turkey Trot.
First Lieutenant Tim Plante, 779th Aerospace Medicine Squadron physiologist, receives a T-shirt for participating in the annual event.
MALL, from page 1
PHOTO/CHRIS BASHAM
Waiter Jordan Dale makes a ketchup doodle for a customer at the only sit-down restaurant at Tanger Outlets.
CHOLESTEROL, from page 1 lifestyle changes into their daily routine. “We act as a consultant, just like a primary care provider,” said Skojac. Since patients meet in a group setting in which they will share medical information, each participant is held to the privacy standards of a medical professional. The first meeting includes filling out medical release forms, a full medical appointment, and the beginnings of medical education and support that will continue throughout the four-session program. The group first discusses the nature of cholesterol, an animal product not found in any plant-based foods. Patients have their blood drawn at that first appointment, as well. During the second session, patients review their laboratory results with their doctor, and learn how to read their own results. Then, they participate in a class on
us to be there and bringing so much to Prince George’s County. I did not receive one complaint.” The opening weekend included musical performances and other entertainment. “My daughter was here to dance as part of CMI Kids, in the morning. It’s a nonprofit organization,” said Karen Jeffers of Washington, D.C. Though she did not expect to shop, “I fell into it. Someone gave me the coupon book.” For other shoppers, curiosity ruled the day. Lizabeth Mellon was on site by Saturday afternoon. “We live in National Harbor, in the town houses. None of the construction bothered us at all,” said Mellon. “My husband wouldn’t even come down here today, but I wanted to check out the sales.” Shelly Gates of Temple Hills came to shop, but was disappointed to find the different ways to control cholesterol: Diet, exercise and medication. They also discuss the risks of prescription side-effects. If a patient’s cholesterol levels are still not in control, they meet privately, oneon-one, with a physician who may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication. The third session focuses on discussing the main risk factors for heart disease: Hypertension, diabetes, tobacco use and a family history of high cholesterol, and secondary risk factor of sedentary lifestyle. “We talk about what you can change, and what you can’t,” Skojac said. “Although you can’t change your family history, lifestyle changes including diet, exercise and weight loss can bring down cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes without medication.” At the fourth session, a health psychologist discusses how to make lasting lifestyle changes. “It’s very difficult to change behaviors,” Skojac said. “We also take a field trip to the commissary, where
long lines at the one eating establishment open for Tanger’s first weekend. “We’ve only been in two stores so far. It’s OK, but they should have put in a food court. There’s no options. When you shop, you want to eat. They go together,” Gates said. Wallace said that there are no plans to build a food court. “Statistically, food courts don’t work in outlet centers, believe it or not. One of the beauties of National Harbor Center is that we complement what they have to offer at downtown National Harbor. We’re not here to overshadow their food component,” said Wallace. “It’s really more shopping-driven and brand-driven.” Jordan Dale, a waiter at Johnny Rockets, the center’s only sit-down restaurant, was excited about the high tempo of the store’s first week, saying, “We’re going to be open 24 hours on Black Friday. I’m not complaining. I’ll be working an 18-hour shift.” we compare what patients would normally buy with what I might buy. We compare labels.” Skojac herself is a good ambassador for those healthy lifestyle changes. She and her husband became vegans after reading research on the increased risk for heart disease and cancer present in people who consume animal products. “We in America think every meal needs to be built around meat, with cheese and cream on top of it,” said Skojac. “Your body will make the cholesterol you need, but you can also eat it.” So far, Skojac said, patients and medical professionals are pleased with the increased amount of time they get to spend with each other. It’s still too early to tell whether or not the GMA model leads to improved health outcomes in comparison with a traditional doctor visit. Skojac and her team are considering launching a follow-up GMA to teach the mechanics of switching to a whole foods, plant-based diet.
For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,
visit www.dcmilitary.com.
5
Andrews Gazette
Friday, November 29, 2013
CBM MENTORS TAKE KIDS ON CULTURAL FIELD TRIP BY BOBBY JONES
STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST
On Nov. 23, Suitland, Md.-based Concerned Black Men of Prince George’s County mentors took a group of 30 sixth through eighth grade boys from Oxon Hill Middle School, Thurgood Marshall Middle School and Isaac Gourdine Middle School on a cultural field trip to the historic home of Fredrick Douglass in Southeast Washington, D.C. The purpose of the trip was to provide the youngsters with a cultural awareness about Frederick Douglass, an African-American social reformer, orator, writer and statesman. The CBM of Prince George’s County provide support to students in five Prince George’s County schools, including Oxon Hill Middle School, Thurgood Marshall Middle School, Isaac Gourdine Middle School, Forest Heights Elementary School and Glassmanor Elementary School.
Students depart the Fredrick Douglass home after an hour-long tour.
Prince George’s County students observe various drawings of Fredrick Douglass in the lobby of the Fredrick Douglass Visitor Information Center.
Prince George’s County students walk up the stairway to Fredrick Douglass’ historic home during a cultural field trip sponsored by the Concerned Black Men of Prince George’s County Nov. 23.
Delphine Gross, U.S. Park Ranger, gives Michael Brown, Concerned Black Men of Prince George’s County mentor, and students a tour of the Fredrick Douglass home in Southeast Washington, D.C.
Michael Brown, Concerned Black Men of Prince George’s County mentor, and students pose for a photo near the statue of Fredrick Douglass inside the lobby.
PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES
Michael Brown, Concerned Black Men of Prince George’s County mentor, and Elijah Coleman, 11, stroll along the walkway surrounding the home of Fredrick Douglass.
Prince George’s residents say Redskins’ name is a poor reflection on county BY CHASE COOK
THE PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE
Arguing that the Washington Redskins’ name is offensive to Native Americans and thus reflects poorly on Prince George’s County, community leaders called on residents to stop using the name. The NFL’s Redskins plays its home games at FedEx Field in Landover and according to Forbes’ August update, the franchise is the third most valuable NFL team out of 32 squads, earning $381 million in revenue in 2012. Despite the history of the team, which began in 1932, county leaders say now is the time for a name change. “This is a local issue,” said Bob Ross, president of the Prince George’s County NAACP branch. “If it is something that is offensive to Native Americans, we need to support the Native Americans.” Ross was part of a press conference held Monday in Landover, where county community leaders urged residents to stop using the team’s name because of its offensive nature. The controversy around the name has gained traction throughout the year. Team owner Dan Snyder released a letter on Oct. 9 to season-ticket holders to address the controversy and increased criticism. “As some of you may know, our team
TOM FEDOR/THE PRINCE GEORGE’S GAZETTE
Jay Winter Nightwolf of Fort Washingtion, a local radio host, speaks at a Monday press conference requesting Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder change the NFL football team’s name. Nightwolf, of Cherokee, Shoshone and Taino decent, spoke at the conference held overlooking FedEx Field in Landover.
began 81 years ago — in 1932 — with the name ‘Boston Braves.’ The following year, the franchise name was changed to the ‘Boston Redskins.’ On that inaugural Redskins team, four players and our head coach were Native Americans. The name was never a label. It was, and continues to be, a badge of honor.” Ross said the team’s name reflects poorly on the county, and while he realizes there is a business to the team, county leaders and
JBA Buzz What are you thankful for?
“I’m thankful for our freedom and those who provide that freedom, day in and day out.”
“I’m thankful for family and I’m getting married in a few months to Lt. Col. Dennis Holt. He has an awesome, sevenyear-old daughter and I’m thankful for the both of them.”
Capt. Melissa Candella, 779th Dental Squadron dentist
Aaron Jones, Andrews Federal Credit Union member service representative I am thankful for freedom, and the opportunity to work alongside the people who provide that freedom every day.”
Mary Lantz, 779th Medical Operation Squadron Aerospace Family Advocacy mental health technician
“The first thing that comes to my thoughts is being blessed with my family and I’m also thankful for being in good health.”
Nicole Simpson, 11th Force Support Squadron Health and Wellness Center exercise physiologist
residents have to speak up for the Native Americans in the county and abroad who find the name offensive. “You have to be sensitive to what everyone is saying,” Ross said. In 2012, Prince George’s County has a Native American and Alaskan native population of about 8,800, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Dottie Chicquelo of Upper Marlboro and a member of the Cherokee Tribe, said
that the team name is derogatory because it makes the term Redskin, which she said comes from Native American warriors and tribe celebrations, a mascot, thus demeaning the term and the people associated with it. “It remains unappealing to the community,” Chicquelo said. “I can’t speak for everyone … It offends so many members of the Native American Indian community.” Michael Logan of Riverdale, who described himself as a “lifelong Redskins fan,” said he initially didn’t understand what the fuss was about over the team name change, but now said the team should change its name if a significant portion of Native Americans find the name offensive. “I’d really like to hear more Native Americans sound off on the issue in an open hearing,” Logan said. “If there is a significant portion that like the name and identify with it, that matters.” Darryl Pegram of Clinton said he is sensitive to the name being offensive, but there are bigger issues in the Native American population, such as high diabetes rates and other more important issues in the U.S. than a football team name. “If we want to fight about something, fight about something that advances you as a people,” Pegram said. This story originally appeared in the Nov. 25 edition of The Prince George’s Gazette.
FOOD, from page 1 Force, Allen recently retired from the Air Force Reserves, after a career in Security Forces. Just after his May retirement, he also lost his civilian position due to sequestration-mandated job cuts. Allen, his wife and four children were immediately forced to use up their savings just to stay in their home. “We worked very closely with that particular family for months, stabilizing their home,” said DSS Program Manager L’Tanya Brown. “They’re an intact family, that fought to stay together.” Part of that effort lay in working with the Veterans Administration to get the benefits Allen earned through his service with both the Navy and the Air Force Reserves. It was a frustrating experience for a family struggling to get by, due to circumstances beyond their control. “It’s a very good program, but a lot of the bureaucracy, and the ‘I’m going to get paid at the end of the day no matter how much work I accomplish’ attitude, it appears there are some things that are set up to hinder veterans getting the benefits we’ve earned,” Allen said. “I’m a believer in Christ, and the Bible said, ‘What more can a man do than give his life?’ We serve in the military and you find out in the first four to six years you can do your job in the civilian world for more money. People stay in the military for their own reasons: Love of country.” When Allen’s contract was terminated, he and his family found themselves far from the safety net upon which many outside the military can rely in times of need. “My wife is from California, and I’m
PHOTO/CHRIS BAHSAM
Prince George’s County Council ViceChairman Obie Patterson (D-Dist. 8) helps distribute turkeys and other grocery items to families in need at the 11th annual Harvest Feast at FedEx Field.
from New York. We have no family here. We are ‘Team Allen,’” Allen said. “Prince George’s County blessed us with donations for our rent. The rapport was established from the beginning. And then the other day, out of the blue they called us to ask us to be featured in the Harvest Feast.” For the Allen’s son, it was an especially exciting day. Unlike his parents and siblings, he’s already a die-hard Redskins fan, Allen said. “He’ll remember this day for the rest of his life.”
6
Andrews Gazette
Friday, November 29, 2013
Hagel focuses on readiness at Reagan Library speech BY JIM GARAMONE AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Long-term preparedness and near-term readiness are being affected by sequestration and America ignores this rise in risk at its peril, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Nov. 16, in California. Hagel spoke at the first Reagan National Security Forum at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley. The secretary believes it was appropriate to highlight readiness at the Reagan conference, because Ronald Reagan faced a military readiness crisis when he took office in 1981. The American military was a “hollow force” when Reagan became president and changing that became a priority. Hagel said military and civilian leaders have made concerted efforts to inform the President, Congress, and the American people “about the growing difficulties we face in training, equipping and preparing our forces under the cloud
of budget uncertainty.” These challenges are cumulative and will become more apparent as time goes on, the secretary said. “Since 9/11, our military has grown more professional, more lethal and more deployable,” Hagel said. “But it has also grown older -- as measured by the age of our major platforms, particularly our ships and aircraft -- and far more expensive in every area, including the pay and benefits we provide our military personnel.” Service members are under stress from years of repeated deployments -- and so are the institutions that support, train and equip them. “The department is currently facing sequesterlevel cuts on the order of $500 billion over 10 years,” Hagel said. “This is in addition to the 10-year, $487 billion reduction in DOD’s budget that is already underway. That means we are looking at nearly one trillion dollars in DOD cuts over this 10-year period, unless there is a new bud-
get agreement.” The secretary said the cuts are too steep, too deep and too abrupt. He called it an irresponsible way to govern, adding that sequestration forces the department to manage resources poorly. “Implementing the 10 percent across-the-board cut required by sequestration, the department has been forced to absorb even steeper reductions in the budgetary accounts that fund training, maintenance and procurement -the core of military readiness,” he said. The cuts have to be uneven because deploying forces must have the best training and equipment possible. All military services are feeling these cuts. Air Force units lost 25 percent of the annual training events that keep them qualified for their assigned missions. Marine Corps units not going to Afghanistan are getting 30 percent less funding, just as the service is facing demands for more embassy security, Hagel said.
The Navy’s average global presence is down 10 percent, with particularly sharp reductions in regions like South America, the secretary said. The Army canceled training rotations for seven brigade combat teams. It now has just two of 43 active-duty brigade combat teams fully ready and available to execute a major combat operation. “These are all current readiness realities, and they have all occurred since the imposition of sequestration in March,” he said. “But the effects will be felt for a long period of time to come. By continuing to cancel training for non-deploying personnel, we will create a backlog of training requirements that could take years to recover from. And inevitably, we are shrinking the size of the force that is ready and available to meet new contingencies or respond to crises across the globe.” Operation Damayan, the U.S. military operation that’s providing relief to typhoon-ravaged areas of the Philippines, may not
be possible in the future, he said, as delays in reorienting the force to meet new and emerging threats can be added to readiness cuts in complicating the matter. “For 12 years, the bulk of U.S. forces have been organized, manned, trained and equipped to respond to the specific requirements of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Hagel said. “As the demand of the second of these two wars comes to an end, the military has been re-orienting its training in order to build into the force a broader set of capabilities across the spectrum of conflict, particularly at the high-end. These efforts have also been seriously disrupted by sequester-level cuts.” If sequestration continues, the military will not be prepared to perform its missions, Hagel said. It would be a bet that there would not be a major contingency operation against a capable adversary in the near-term. The secretary called on Congress to fix these serious and deep problems.
“It will require Congress giving the Department of Defense the time and flexibility to strategically implement budget reductions and make the difficult choices necessary for the future,” Hagel said. “We must also rollback sequestration and fully fund the President’s budget request. Leaders across the Department will continue to give their best and most honest and clear-eyed assessment to America’s elected leaders about the consequences of leaving these steep and damaging cuts in place. “We need the certainty of a budget,” the secretary continued. “This perpetual dark cloud of uncertainty hanging over this department further hinders responsible and wise planning and confidence.” Hagel stressed that all aspects of the DOD budget must be searched to find savings. DOD leaders need to pare back overhead costs and eliminate excess infrastructure. They also need to reform personnel and compensation policy.
SECNAV visits Qatar FROM SECRETARY OF THE NAVY PUBLIC AFFAIRS
1036308
Clinton Location 6410 Coventry Way (301) 868-7001
1036304B
Delicious North Carolina BBQ & Soul Food
www.LevisRestaurant.com
DOHA, Qatar (NNS) -Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus completed a visit to Doha, Qatar, Nov. 20. The visit was designed to build upon an existing relationship with Qatar, an important partner in the Middle East region. “Qatar is and remains a very valuable American partner,” said Mabus. “In our cooperation on a wide range of issues, it has proven itself repeatedly to be a positive and innovative force.” Mabus met with Qatar’s Minister of State for Defense, Maj. Gen. Hamad bin Ali Al-Attiyah, Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces, Maj. Gen. Ghanim Shaheen al-Ghanim, the Commander, Qatari Emiri Navy, Maj. Gen. Muhammad bin Nasir Mubarak
U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS ARIF PATANI
Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus meets with Qatari Minister of State for Defense Affairs Maj. Gen. Hamad Bin Ali Al-Attiyah. Mabus is in the region to meet with Sailors and Marines, and civilian and military officials, as part of a multi-nation visit to the U.S. European, Africa and Central Command areas of responsibility.
Shakiri al-Muhannadi and the Commander, Qatari Emiri Air Force, Maj. Gen. Mubarak Mohammed Al Kumait al-Khayarin. During the meetings, Mabus expressed his desire for continued military cooperation with Qatar’s armed forces. “We look forward to collaborating with Qatar on our shared goals of stability and prosperity in the region,” said Mabus. Mabus also met with the U.S. Ambassador to Qatar, Susan Ziadeh, and Marines assigned to the embassy in Doha, expressing
his thanks and support for their efforts. “We remain committed to the region despite any fiscal challenges,” said Mabus. “The President’s defense strategy, in part, calls for us to concentrate on the Arabian Gulf, and that is what we have done and will continue to do.” Mabus’ stop in Qatar is part of a multi-nation visit to the U.S. European, Africa and Central Command areas of responsibility focused on reinforcing existing partnerships and visiting Sailors and Marines providing forward presence.
The Andrews Gazette to end home delivery New in 2014, The Andrews Gazette will no longer be delivered to residential customers. The last delivery to on-base housing will be Dec. 20, 2013. Starting with the first issue of January 2014, find The Andrews Gazette on racks and displays around Joint Base Andrews and at the Andrews Federal Credit Union Allentown Road branch just outside the main gate. Liberty Park at Andrews wants feedback on this change. If you have suggestions, comments or complaints about the shift away from home delivery of The Andrews Gazette, please contact Liberty Park at Andrews Marketing Coordinator Jessica Aikin at 301-736-8082 or jaikin@themichaelsorg.com.
Total Force Service Center changes phone numbers
1036275B
The Defense Switching Network and commercial phone numbers for the Total Force Service Centers San Antonio and Denver have changed to DSN 665-0102 and commercial 210-565-0102 as of Nov. 15. The TFSC toll-free number, 1-800-525-0102, will remain in place. Customers are encourages to use the DSN and commercial numbers whenever possible as it reduces operation costs.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Andrews Gazette
7
8
1032404B
Andrews Gazette
Friday, November 29, 2013