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VA Medical Center’s Ladies’ Night 2013 honors women veterans

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11th Security Forces Squadron protects Intramural Championship

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

“This country lost a great citizen”

Midshipman Asdal wins Fulbright Grant, FitzGerald Scholarship

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013 | VOL. 2 NO. 47

27TH WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS GLOWS

Body of A1C Evan Curbeam found after Baltimore search

BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER

The body of Airman 1st Class Evan Curbeam, who went missing in the early hours of Nov. 23 after an evening out with friends in the Fells Point area of Baltimore, was found Nov. 27 in the harbor near Fells Point, after searches conducted by the Baltimore City and Baltimore County police departments. Curbeam was 29 years old and had served in the Munitions Flight of the 113th Maintenance Squadron of the D.C. National Guard at Joint Base Andrews for two years at the time of his death.

“Evan exemplified everything that you’d want to see in an Airman. He embraced all the core values; he wanted to be given bigger and broader challenges,” said Curbeam’s flight chief, Sr. Master Sgt. Joseph Brown. “Oddly enough, as an A1C he was way above his peers. I could assign tasks to him that I would normally reserve for Senior Airmen or staff sergeants.”

Brown called Curbeam a man

of, “great character. He was obviously a future leader of the Guard, and of the Air Force as a whole.”

Curbeam was an avid baseball fan, a passion he shared with youth organizations in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., where he taught young people about the history and importance of the Negro Leagues. He also was known for volunteering to provide traffic control and other support for events held in Washington, including the presidential inauguration and Martin Luther King Day ceremonies.

A1C Curbeam’s death has brought together the ammunition community far beyond JBA. “We’ve received calls from across the ammo community expressing condolences even though they didn’t know Evan,” said Brown. “There’s a special bond among the ammo community, because we’re separated from the Wing, out of sight, out of mind.

Not to say we are ignored, but we are separate.”

see CURBEAM, page 4

Historic St. Mary’s Rectory returns Restored 1849 home is on the market

BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER

When Mary Johns first saw the historic St. Mary’s Rectory in Aquasco, Md., she told her husband she “wouldn’t want any other house, if I could have this house.” The newlyweds had been living in a townhouse in Woodbridge, Va., and were looking for a place to start a family. In 2006 the couple purchased the Greek Revival home, which had served as the rectory for St. Paul’s Parish Episcopal Church until 1977, and began extensive restoration efforts.

“It had the old style radiators. We spent a summer coming out on the weekends, starting to renovate it, and quickly realized

that although the previous owners said the summers were bearable without central air, well... they weren’t. We installed central heating and air, which allowed us to get rid of the radiators, and a side-benefit of that was that it gave us more room for furniture.”

They added a screened porch, a feature the house had in the past.

Jane Young lived in the house for four years in the 1950s, when her father was Rector of St. Pauls’ Parish, and remembers the house as an interesting place surrounded by shrubs, berry bushes, flowers and wild birds. She also could have warned the Johns about those hot, Southern Maryland summers.

see RECTORY, page 4

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

Prince George’s County is celebrating its 27th Winter Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro through Jan. 1, 2014. The holiday drive-through event features more than one million twinkling lights located throughout the park grounds. More photos on page 3.

69 APS works with NASA to load satellite

BY STAFF SGT. KATIE SPENCER 459TH AIR REFUELING WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Reservists from the 459th Air Refueling Wing at Joint Base Andrews and 512th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, Del., assisted NASA for a special mission Nov. 24.

The reservists loaded a 57,000pound Global Precipitation Measurement Satellite into a C-5M Super Galaxy for delivery to Kitakyushu Airport in Japan. NASA created the GPS Satellite to help meteorologists better track storms in North America.

Jean Manall, a former chief of the 69th Aerial Port Squadron at the 459 ARW, and NASA project support transportation manager, asked the 69 APS to ask for help loading the cargo.

The NASA team worked handin-hand with the 69 APS and performed four fit tests prior to the actual load mission. The 69 APS coordinated everything from getting the equipment onto base to ensuring proper authorization letters were signed due to the

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/TECH. SGT. JEREMY LARLEE

A C-5M Super Galaxy is flooded with lights prior to the load of a Global Precipitation Measurement Satellite Nov. 20, 2013, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. The satellite, its container and support equipment was loaded on the aircraft at the base en route to its final destination in Japan.

height requirements.

The aerial port Airmen conducted a joint inspection of the NASA container each time it arrived on base for the fit tests.

Once the cargo was loaded onto the C-5M Super Galaxy from Dover AFB, the 69 APS tied down

and secured the massive piece of equipment.

While the fit tests seemed to go smoothly, there was one instance where the equipment did not fit.

“The ramp on our flight line

see NASA, page 8

Team Andrews fulfills 8-year-old’s dream

BY STAFF SGT. KATIE SPENCER 459TH AIR REFUELING WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/STAFF SGT. KATIE SPENCER

Ne’Veah Littleton takes his Pilot for a Day Oath of Office from his wingman, Capt. Brad Lampel, a 201st Airlift Squadron mission pilot, during a day in which Ne’Veah was appointed a pilot for the Pilot for a Day program Joint Base Andrews, Md., Nov. 22. Ne’Veah is a terminally ill child diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, which is a tumor on the brain stem.

Team Andrews hosted its annual Pilot for a Day Program Nov.22.

Ne’Veah Littleton, eight years old, was diagnosed with stage four Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, a tumor on the brain stem in April 2013. The average length of survival of children diagnosed with DIPG is approximately nine months. The oneyear survival rate is about 30 percent and the two-year rate is less than 10 percent, according to a website for DIPG patients, www.riahsrainbow.org.

Members from JBA, along with partners from the community, joined together to treat Littleton like a world-class pi-

lot and made him a pilot for life through the Pilot for the Day program.

The program started in the 1990s at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas and came to JBA in 2005. Known as P4D, the Pilot for the Day program is designed to give terminally ill children the opportunity to live out their dreams for a day and for their families to enjoy time outside the challenges of everyday living. The staff from Children’s National Medical Center, Washington D.C., chooses children to participate in the program.

“The Pilot for a Day program has grown into a joint effort with all units on base and outside organizations,” said Lt. Col. Rob Balzano, 201st Operations Support Flight commander and P4D

lead coordinator. “It gives us, as military members, a chance to give back to the community and show our appreciation for their support.”

Ne’Veah’s day began with a special initiation as the P4D by taking an oath of office in front of a crowd standing at attention at the 459th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron’s auditorium. He was issued a flight suit, a flight bag and the proper insignia to ensure he was within uniform regulations.

“An oath symbolizes personal beliefs and faith,” said Maj. Kara Sandifur, 459th Operations Group executive officer and P4D coordinator. “Promising to smile, have fun, and ask questions shows his belief that his disease

see DREAM, page 5

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Andrews Gazette

HOT TICKETS

Commentary

Santa won’t need armed jets this year

Around Town December 6 - 8

Play Lab: The American Football Project Center Stage, 700 North Calvert Street, Baltimore, Md. Showtimes vary A play explores the research, issues and impact surrounding head injuries in the NFL and the military. For information visit www.centerstage.org.

December 7

Holiday Hayrides Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Md. 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Ride through the Festival of Lights and visit the Nature Center. Enjoy refreshments by the fire and see live animals. For information and reservations call 301-218-6770.

December 8

A Winter Aerial Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mount Rainier, Md. 4 p.m.

Arachne Aerial Arts shows the many ways to fly, choreographed by local performers. For information visit www. joesmovement.org.

Through December 29

Septime Webre’s The Nutcracker Warner Theater, 513 13th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. Showtimes vary The Washington Ballet performs The Nutcracker, set in historic Washington, D.C. For information visit www. washingtonballet.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

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Friday, December 6, 2013

BY CHRIS BASHAM STAFF WRITER

Since 1955, children have tracked Santa’s flight to make sure they got to bed on time using the North American Aerospace Defense Command system. It’s a valuable service provided for children of all nations, whether or not they’re on the naughty list, although of course American and Canadian children have traditionally been more connected to a North American tracking system than children growing up in other nations.

Always at the front of the latest technology, NORAD has in recent years moved their Santa Tracker to the Internet, adding information on his preparations for Christmas, videos, games and other fun activities each day of December before Christmas Eve, when the system shifts to following the sleigh in real time until all presents are delivered and Santa’s job is done for the year. The move to an online tracking site was created in large part, an anonymous NORAD

official explained, to ensure that military children stationed overseas could have an easier time accessing the Santa Tracker than they otherwise might. Like many innovations originally designed for military use, this development quickly spread to help civilian children as well.

There has been some confusion this year, about the role of the jet fighters which provide an escort for Santa over American air space. Some people thought that the jets might be armed. This possibility caused some concern. Obviously, however, it is not the case. What look like missiles on those jets are actually fuel tanks, added to the planes to ensure that the military pilots have enough fuel to fly fast enough to keep up with the sleigh.

Santa doesn’t need a military escort. He’s a peaceful man dedicated to the happiness of children, and especially at this time of the year everyone is on board with that mission, cheering him on and wishing him well. An armed escort would be un-

necessary and redundant, in the presence of such universal goodwill.

The service members who volunteer to fly alongside Santa do it not out of concern so much as the excitement of being able to contribute to the efforts of a jolly old elf who helped to make their own childhood Christmases more fun. It’s also an opportunity to fly alongside, and learn from, a legendary pilot.

Though exempt from regular physical fitness assessments, out of uniform and grounded for most of the year so he can lead the elves and care for his tiny reindeer, on one night each year Santa is capable, according to NORAD’s own web site, of flying around the world and making numerous stops to deliver toys and other gifts for children, faster than any military jet. It’s an honor, really, for any pilot to accompany Santa for even a brief portion of that annual journey.

Want to learn more, and keep an eye on Santa’s progress? Visit www. noradsanta.org.

June 25. If a retiree originally elected child coverage at the time of retirement, a same sex spouse may be added at the same level of coverage.

If a retiree originally elected SBP coverage for an insurable interest person at the time of retirement, he or she may terminate this coverage and elect spouse coverage. Retirees should seek the assistance of a SBP counselor when making an election.

For more information or help with completing SBP application forms, call 877-353-6807 or base casualty assistance representative.

will be monitored for possible assistance that cannot await resumption of office hours on Jan. 6. The Andrews RAO is located at 1604 California Avenue, phone 301 981-2726.

At Bolling, the office is in the headquarters building, just inside the main gate, phone 202 767-5244. Offices are staffed by volunteers, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Retiree Corner COURTESY OF THE RETIREE ACTIVITIES OFFICE

Same-sex spouses eligible for SBP

Survivor Benefit Plan program enrollment is available for eligible retirees in same-sex marriages. The program provides a monthly income to survivors of retired Airmen upon the retiree’s death when retired pay stops. Survivors of Airmen recalled to active duty from retirement who die while on active duty may also be protected by the SBP. Enrollment eligibility began June 26, 2013 for same-sex couples who were legally married on or after that date.. No SBP premiums for coverage will be charged, nor will any annuity payments be paid for deaths before that date. Retirees married to a same-sex partner on or before June 26, 2013, must apply for SBP coverage by

RAO closes for holidays

The 11th Wing Retiree Activities Offices at Joint base Andrews and Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling will be closed for the holidays, Dec. 21 through Jan. 5. Retired Col. John Moser, RAO director, said phone calls to the offices during this time

Backlog is on front burner

The Department of Veterans Affairs has joined with the Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion to help reduce the compensation claims backlog for veterans. The Fully Developed Claims Community of Practice is a key part of a VA plan to end the backlog in 2015 and process claims within 125

see RETIREE, page 7

Andrews Gazette

Friday, December 6, 2013

27TH WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS GLOWS Prince George’s County is celebrating its 27th Winter Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro through Jan. 1, 2014. The holiday drive-through event features more than one million twinkling lights located throughout the park grounds. The Winter Festival of Lights is open 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for cars and vans; $15 for mini-buses and limos; $25 for buses; $10 for multi-visit passes for cars & vans. Please bring canned goods to support local food banks. The festival is FREE on Dec. 25. For more information call 301-699-2456; TTY 301699-2544; Linea en Espaùol: 301-445-4509.

PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, December 6, 2013

Airman First Class Evan L. Curbeam II

PHOTO BY GARY GESTSON

Outbuildings show their age more than the main house.

RECTORY, from page 1 “It was so sweltering hot, we were allowed to drag our mattresses down to the screened in porch,” said Young.

The Johns also cleared overgrowth on the five-acre property.

“The hedge had grown so that you could barely see the house; we took that down. We used our hands to yank down stuff. We even discovered an old, metal bathtub out there,” said Johns. “That first summer was just lots of blood, sweat and tears, and very delicately taking a Dremel tool to the original hardware on doors that had been painted over probably 10 times, in different colors of paint. It was like discovering treasure everywhere we went.”

They were determined to make Historic St. Mary’s Rectory “the best new old house we could,” and invested approximately $200,000 in the restoration. They also received a $60,000 grant from the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission to restore the original cedar and yellow pine siding.

“That enabled us to restore the exterior. We did all the interior work, but the exterior we would not have been able to do, without the grant,” Johns said.

The house, when the Johns’ bought it, was covered in asbestos siding from the 1940s or 1950s.

“We did not know what was under it. We could just see little glimpses of it near the cellar doors,” Johns said. Annapolis-based Tower Companies handled the restoration of the home’s exterior.

“There’s a pretty clear record of what had been there and different bits and pieces remaining. It was guided reconstruction, guided by the existing material,” said John Tower.

The siding was made mostly of cypress and yellow pine, old-growth hardwoods that were most likely locally sourced in the original construction.

“It was incredible stuff. It did not go to waste. What it had on it was layers of paint, going back to the original paint. I don’t think it had ever been stripped,” Tower said. “The cypress that we used was definitely not local.

The reason for that is that the northernmost cypress swamp is (Battle Creek Cypress Swamp in Calvert County, Md.), and is a protected area, but back in the day no one really thought about it.”

Tower’s crew spent the summer of 2011 restoring the siding and stabilizing and restoring the front porch of the home. Shortcuts by previous renovators made the job a little easier.

“Different remodeling had occurred, but most of the original material had been left in place. I don’t know if that was for economic reasons, or if they were trying to do as little work as possible,” Tower said.

Because the house has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1987, “everything we did, we had to pass muster with the Prince George’s County Planning Board preservationist,” said Tower, who also noted that the stairs, “when you go up them, they were

PHOTO BY GARY GESTSON

A plaque above the front door marks the building as a registered historic home.

designed for people who were slightly shorter than the modern adult. There’s less head room than you’d normally see.”

The Johns’ neighbor Tom Moore milled the wood used for siding and trim work for the restoration. Because the house was built before the use of electric tools, “each carpenter had his own tools, so different parts of the house depended on what carpenter, and what tools he had,” Moore said. “They may have had several carpenters working at the same time, or over time.”

Moore used samples from the original siding as templates to grind the knives needed to create the siding, for an authentic look.

“If there’s a defect, I will grind that into the knives so that all the pieces will have the same defect,” Moore explained, “So it doesn’t look like Wal-Mart. Having all this really old industrial equipment (as part of his Sterling Millworks shop in Aquasco) really helps.”

After seven years in the home, the Johns have put it on the market, in the hopes of moving their growing family closer to her husband’s job in Tysons Corner, Va. “I would absolutely want to buy another historic home, but as the mother of three young children I’d wait until the renovations are complete,” Johns said. “I don’t think we’d ever have the energy to do what we did.”

Airman First Class Evan L. Curbeam II was born in Baltimore, Maryland on March 8, 1984. He graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in 2002 and later earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology from the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York.

His passion for engineering eventually led him to pursue a master’s degree in systems engineering and engineering management from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.. Although these educational accomplishments and pursuits were substantial by any measure, it was Airman Curbeam’s decision to serve his country in the armed forces that brought his many professional talents to the forefront.

Airman Curbeam’s all-too-brief, but stellar military career began when he enlisted in the District of Columbia Air National Guard – the “Capital Guardians” – in June 2011. Like all his endeavors, Airman Curbeam approached service to his country with drive, integrity, and a determination to excel by supporting the mission and his fellow airmen. A noted standout in Air Force basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas and later at technical school in Sheppard AFB, Texas, Airman Curbeam earned recognition and praise for his leadership as a “Yellow Rope” Military Training Leader.

In October 2011, upon joining the 113th Wing on Joint Base Andrews, Maryland as a munitions systems specialist, Airman Curbeam wasted no time in gaining the respect and admiration of his superiors and peers alike.

He rapidly pursued his military upgrade training and accomplished numerous benchmarks in the demanding munitions career field well ahead of schedule. In July of 2012, these efforts were on full display when Airman Curbeam helped support the unit’s deployment to Alpena, Michigan.

His willingness to work long hours and take on leadership roles that exceeded his rank were instrumental in the success of the deployment and earned him “Ammo Troop of the Quarter” honors. Later, over the first half of 2013, his hard work as a munitions line delivery driver helped the Wing achieve success in several key readiness inspections.

Airman Curbeam’s dedication to service also extended beyond his unit’s immediate mission of maintaining readiness and protecting the airspace over the Nation’s Capitol. He was always the first to step forward and volunteer for events in support of both the military and local civilian communities. In addition to activities such as Wing Diversity Day and Air National Guard recruiting events, Airman Curbeam also volunteered to provide traffic and crowd control support for both the 50th Anniversary of the Martin Luther King’s March on Washington and the 2013 Presidential Inauguration.

Perhaps no incident better exemplifies Airman Curbeam’s commitment to training and safety than one that occurred on June 20, 2013. By then a full-time technician, Airman Curbeam was tasked with delivering munitions to the flightline in support of daily operations. While en route, he was alerted to serious problem with the trailer brakes. Acting instinctively, Airman Curbeam radioed munitions control while he and a fellow airman quickly and efficiently resolved the problem using all appropriate safety procedures. His conspicuous and selfless actions helped prevent any adverse effect on the Wing’s ability to accomplish its critical mission and earned him a Wing Weapons Safety Achievement Award.

Because of his exemplary performance throughout the year, the 113th Wing bestowed on Airman Curbeam the coveted and highly competitive award of the 2013 D.C. Air National Guard Airman of the Year. In addition to this honor, Airman Curbeam’s military decorations include the Basic Military Training Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal.

With his untimely passing on Nov. 23, 2013, Airman Curbeam leaves behind countless friends and a loving family that includes his grandparents, Ray and Sheila Banks; his parents David and Tonya Thomas; his father, Evan Curbeam, Sr; and his 4 year-old daughter, Julia, whom he loved and cherished with all his heart. Airman Curbeam’s fellow airmen also share in the family’s loss and will always remember him as the very epitome of the Air Force Core Values of “Integrity First, Service before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.” The entire Wing mourns the passing of this honorable serviceman, loving son and grandson, devoted father, and extraordinary American.

CURBEAM, from page 1

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The 113th Wing assigned a family liaison to assist Curbeam’s family when he went missing. The liaison will work closely with the family as they prepare for his memorial service, to be held tomorrow.

“I don’t k now what, really, to say, other than this country lost a great citizen,” said Brown. “He’s going to be deeply missed.”

A1C Curbeam was recently selected to receive the Airman of the Year Award. Curbeam’s parents will accept the award on his behalf. He is survived by a daughter.

A funeral service is planned for 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Chapel One on Joint Base Andrews.

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, December 6, 2013

VA Medical Center’s Ladies’ Night 2013 honors women veterans COURTESY OF WASHINGTON DC VA MEDICAL CENTER WASHINGTON, DC – On Nov. 22, the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s Atrium was transformed into a festive ballroom and mini concert hall. The hallways became an oasis of rejuvenation and relaxation with facials, Auricular Acupuncture, Reiki, seated massage and a labyrinth as more than 275 women veterans of all eras were honored for their service at Ladies’ Night 2013.

Grammy-nominated artist Carolyn Malachi performed a musical tribute to women veterans.

Malachi’s grandfather, a Marine, was nursed back to health at the D.C. VA Medical Center after suffering a stroke.

Ve t e r a n Ja c q u e l i n e Young said, “We had a wonderful time. The fun, the health and wellness information, the food and music can’t get any better.”

Medical Center employees and volunteers, with

Grammy-Nominated artist Carolyn Malachi performs Nov. 22 at the Washington DC VA Medical Center.

the generous support of community partners such as the Daughters of the American Revolution and Veteran Service Organizations like the American Legion and the Women’s Marine Association helped make the event a success.

Brigadier General Linda Singh, Commander of the Maryland Army National Guard met personally with the women Veterans.

Medical Center Director Brian A. Hawkins said,

A special Ladies’ Night cake was donated by one of the Washington D.C. VA Medical Center’s community partners.

Washington D.C. VA Medical Center Director Brian A. Hawkins poses with Brig. General Linda Singh, Commander, Maryland Army National Guard and Gloria Hairston, Public Affairs Officer at the Medical Center’s Ladies’ Night.

“We have a commitment to caring for veterans. Women veterans are our fastest

growing population and it’s important for them to come to the Medical Cen-

JBA Passenger Terminal operating hours change delayed

BY CAPT. LARA STYLES-SMITH

FLIGHT COMMANDER, PASSENGER SERVICES

Starting Dec. 15, the Joint Base Andrews Passenger Terminal will be closed between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. daily. The terminal will open three hours prior to departures and thirty minutes prior to arrivals for missions scheduled between these hours.

Check the JBA Passenger Terminal Facebook page or call the Flight Recording line, 301-981-3527/5851, for special hours of operation.

Order your SHARE package by Dec. 9 Happy Holidays! Please take a moment to review this month’s SHARE packages at http://www.catholiccharitiesdc.org/SHAREmenus. To order one for yourself or for someone you know, please email jbashareprogram@yahoo. com by Dec.9, 2013 with the following information: Name Personal E-mail Mobile Number Package(s) Types Total Cost Pay for the packages no later than 4:30 p.m. December 18, at Joint Base Andrews Military and Family Support Center 1191 Menoher Drive Joint Base Andrews, Md. Distribution of Food Packages will be Dec. 20 between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Military and Family Support Center.

Thank you for your support!

DREAM, from page 1 doesn’t control his life. He is still an 8-year-old boy who likes to have a good time.”

Capt. Brad Lampel, a 201st Airlift Squadron mission pilot, was Ne’Veah’s wingman, and took him to experience all the different JBA units. With Lampel, Ne’Veah rode in an F-16 fighter jet simulator and sat in a parachute harness at the 121st Fighter Squadron, toured a KC-135 at the 459th ARW, reveiwed a military working dog demonstration by the 11th Wing Security Forces Squadron, ate lunch on a C-40 aircraft used to transport the first lady of the United States, shot water out of water cannons off the fire truck, and he even called the tower to request clearance as they taxied onto the runway in a C-38 aircraft operated by the 201st AS. In addition, the team was able to sit in a helicopter from the Maryland State Police.

“I am his wingman for life, so we will always be in contact,” said Lampel. “This is all very memorable. It’s the greatest thing to happen to me this year- a highlight for sure.”

When asked what his favorite part of the day was, Ne’Veah said he liked the dogs, and all the patches he received.

“I liked the dogs -- I liked the bad guy part. My favorite part was throwing the bone for him,” he said. I got a lot of patches too. I don’t even remember where I got all of them.”

After all the stops of the day and many sugary snacks later, Ne’veah and his family headed back to the 459th ARW for a special ceremony.

Commanders and other representatives from all units attended the ceremony where they saw a slideshow of Ne’Veah’s special day and presented him with coins, T-shirts, model aircraft, a firefighter helmet, and other items from the units he visited. He received a signed shirt from the first lady, a signed helmet from

JBA Buzz

ter and experience our cultural transformation.”

For more information

on VA women’s health programs and services, contact 202-745-8582.

the Washington Redksins, a signed photo from Robert Griffin III, Redskins quarterback, tickets to a Redkskins football game and a night at the Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor, Md. “I am beyond speechless,” said Matti Littleton, mother of Ne’Veah. “Everything you all have done is beyond memorable. Watching him smile has been my favorite part -- watching everything he wishes for really come true; everything is priceless. Any chance they give us to come back, we will.”

In addition to the gifts from the units, the Littleton family was informed that two months of their mortgage would be paid for by the Check 6 Foundation.

The Check 6 Foundation is a non-profit organization started by Balzano to help raise funds and awareness for the P4D program as well as the Veterans Wingman program. Funds are used to aid terminally ill children and their families by helping with bills or other hardships. For more information on the Check 6 Foundation, visit www.check6.org “Check six is a pilot term which means check your six o’clock, or, check behind you,” said Balzano. “It is a term with an underlying meaning of ‘I got your back’ and the foundation does exactly that- we support these kids and families and try to help them.”

Each year the program has a P4D reunion at the Joint Service Open House and all the previous kids who are able to attend are invited with their families and re-unite with their wingmen. Despite JSOH being cancelled this year, there are still plans to have a reunion with the pilots.

The P4D program occurs twice a year- once in the spring and once in the fall. Ne’Veah is the 14th pilot to take the oath. As the program is focused on children who are terminally ill, it has lost three pilots due to their illnesses.

CAPTION THIS

What gets you in the holiday spirit?

“I go to my girlfriend’s house with about 30 people and I make my ‘down home’ special, collard greens and banana nut cake.”

“I listen to music, start baking and put up Christmas decorations with my family.”

Kara Buwolda, Joint Base Andrews Library circulation technician

Mary Gilbert, 11th Force Support Squadron Freedom Hall Dining Facility 1st Cook “Spending time with my family and friends, especially, around Thanksgiving, and decorating the house and Christmas tree with my mom and dad.”

Airman 1st Class Anthony Hiser, 779th Surgical Operations Squadron radiology technician

“I get into the holiday spirit spending time with my family. I’m thankful for this time, because I could be Skyping from somewhere in the desert.”

Master Sgt. Margery Martin, 11th Security Support Squadron Combat Arms instructor

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.

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, December 6, 2013

11TH SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON PROTECTS INTRAMURAL CHAMPIONSHIP DYNASTY WITH FOURTH WIN The11th Security Forces Squadron defended the coveted Intramural Championship title against the 89th Communications Squadron. The 11 SFS won the first game 19 to 13 and the second game 20 to 14, solidifying their legacy as a great Intramural Flag Football team.

Caleb Stanton, 89th Communications Squadron speedster, maneuvers past a 11th Security Forces Squadron cornerback for a ten-yard reception.

Sports fans wrapped in blankets to keep warm during the 2013 Intramural Flag Football Championship game.

PHOTOS BY BOBBY JONES

Matthew Miller, center, 89th Communications Squadron quarterback, is swarmed by 11th Security Forces Squadron defense during a quarterback keep play.

The 11th Security Forces Squadron team flashes four fingers, signifying winning the Intramural Flag Football Championship for four consecutive seasons.

INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL SEASON KICKS OFF

Col. Eric Goepner, 11th Security Forces Group commander, joins in the celebration as Josh Jewel, 11th Security Forces Squadron wide receiver, center, lifts the 2013 Intramural Flag Football Championship trophy.

Shoppers wake early for Black Friday at Andrews Exchange

BY RENEE M. CARTER ARMY AND AIR FORCE EXCHANGE SERVICE PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Customers started their holiday shopping early as the Joint Base Andrews Exchange doors opened at 4 a.m. on Black Friday.

“As a part of the military community, the Exchange understands that time with family, for both customers and associates, is a priority,” said the Joint Base Andrews Exchange’s General Manager, Tony Pares.

“The early opening at the Joint Base Andrews Exchange on ‘Black Friday’ gave

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE NUZZO

shoppers an opportunity to partake in a greater selection of ideas for holiday gifts and stocking stuffers at lower prices than the local retail markets.”

Coast Guard Commandant to speak at Navy League breakfast

BY REBECCA GRAPSY

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

Rodrick Martin, left, 779th Communications Squadron point guard, glides in for a twopoint lay up against 779th Medical Operation Squadron team members during the second half of a closely contested Intramural Basketball season opener Dec. 2 at the West Fitness Center. The 779 CS won the contest, 37 to 35.

Adm. Robert J. Papp Jr., U.S. Coast Guard commandant, will discuss “The Coast Guard and Maritime Governance” at the Navy League’s next Special Topic Breakfast 7 a.m. Dec. 9, at the Ritz-Carlton, 1250 South Hayes Street, Arlington, Va. Papp, who became commandant of the Coast Guard in 2010, is a 1975 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He has served on six cutters, commanding four of them. He holds the title of the 13th Gold Ancient Mariner of the Coast Guard, an honor given to the Coast Guardsman who

has held the qualification of cutterman the longest.

The Navy League of the United States is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to informing the American people and their government that the United States of America is a maritime nation, and that its national defense and economic well-being are dependent upon strong sea services — U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine. It offers the Special Topic Breakfast series to provide up-to-the-minute information on programs and issues that matter to the defense community.

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, December 6, 2013

Midshipman Asdal wins Fulbright Grant, FitzGerald Scholarship

BY LT. TENG K. OOI

US NAVAL ACADEMY AND CAPT. LINDA J. BELTRA, MEDICAL CORPS, USN

The U.S. Naval Academy’s Languages and Cultures Department honors Midshipman First Class Kirsten Anna Asdal, winner of two significant scholarships: The 2013 Fulbright Grant and the FitzGerald Scholarship.

Asdal graduated in the top two percent of her class with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chinese. She was an accomplished member of the International Pistol Team and served as the First Company Commander in the spring of this year.

The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 under legislation introduced by Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, who believed the program could play an important role in building lasting world peace in the aftermath of World War II. The purpose of the program is to enable the government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United

States and the people of other countries.

The Fulbright Grant recognizes Asdal’s high academic achievement, a compelling project proposal, and demonstrated leadership potential. As the recipient of the 2013 Fulbright Grant, Asdal will travel to Taiwan to participate in an individually designed study and research project, which will combine continued Chinese language studies with research on regional maritime conflict.

She will be based at National Chengchi University in Taipei, Taiwan.

The W.H.G. FitzGerald Scholarship was established in 1987 by William H. G. FitzGerald, a member of the Class of 1931 and former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, to allow one or two Naval Academy graduates every year to attend Oxford University with full funding for two years of study.

The FitzGerald Scholarship recognizes scholarly attainment, leadership ability, and capacity for devotion to a cause beyond self. It will provide full funding for Asdal’s pursuit of a master’s

degree in Contemporary Chinese Studies at Oxford University in the United Kingdom.

After completing her graduate degree she will enter the surface warfare community and serve aboard the USS MICHAEL MURPHY (DDG 112) at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

“It is such an honor to receive these scholarships and to join the ranks of the many distinguished former recipients,” said Asdal. “These opportunities to study in Taiwan and the UK will provide invaluable academic experiences and cross-cultural exchanges which I know will be of great benefit to both the Navy and myself in the future. I’d like to thank the many professors, advisers, and mentors who have helped me get to this point.”

M-NCPPC hosts Aquatics Job Fair Landover, MD – Those ages 16 and older are invited to attend the M-NCPPC Aquatics Job Fair between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Jan. 4, 2014 at Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex, 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover, Md. Learn about summer aquatics positions at M-NCPPC swimming pools throughout Prince George’s County that pay up to $17.06/hour, including: Lifeguards, Pool Managers, Shallow Water Lifeguards, Swim Lesson Aides, Water Fitness Instructors, Water Safety Instructors, Custodians, and Customer Service Representatives.

Bring at least 6 copies of your resume. Dress to impress and be ready to interview!

The first 100 candidates to RSVP in advance will receive a special gift at check-in. (Registration is recommended but not required.) To RSVP and to apply for a job in advance, visit www.pgparks.com/Aquatics.htm. For more information, please call 301-446-6833; TTY 301-446-6802.

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.

RETIREE, from page 2 days at 98 percent accuracy. Claims are considered to be “fully developed” when veterans submit all available supporting evidence, such as private treatment records and notice of federal treatment records, with their first claim and certify they have no more evidence to submit. Veteran service organizations have long played an integral role in submitting veterans’ claims -- often with their representatives working within VA regional offices. VA has mandated overtime for claims processors in its 56 regional benefits offices to help eliminate the backlog. Emphasis is placed on claims from homeless veterans, those claiming financial hardship, the terminally ill, former prisoners of war, Medal of Honor recipients and veterans filing fully developed claims. Claims for wounded warriors separating from the military for medical reasons are handled separately.

On average, they receive VA compensation benefits two months following separation.

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.”

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

visit www.dcmilitary.com.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF BILL ASDAL

Part of the Asdal family after the graduation and commissioning ceremonies. From left to right: Marcia Asdal (Mom), LTJG Lindsey Asdal, ENS Kirsten Asdal, MIDN Charlotte Asdal, and LT Ashley Asdal. The Asdal family, which also includes Annie Asdal, Duke ’11, and Bill Asdal (Dad), set a record for having four sisters attend the U.S. Naval Academy.

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NASA, from page 1 is not level in certain parts,” said Master Sgt. Lois Mosley, 69 APS. “During one of the fit tests, the plane was in a little dip on the ramp and the container was not able to fit. We had to reposition the plane and try again.”

Through all their efforts, Manall said it was no easy task but the Air Force Reserve Airmen performed admirably. She added that everything went smoothly and the professional work of the Airmen made the mission a success.

“Every last one of them down, to the newest Airman, are highly capable,” said Manall.

After the 69 APS loaded and secured the cargo, the 512 AW team took over and flew the satellite to Japan.

In addition to being heavy and large, the satellite also required the aircraft to be powered at all times, because the cargo compartment had to be climatecontrolled.

After being diverted to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, the flying

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Andrews Gazette crew chiefs were required to stay with the aircraft for 12-hour shifts to keep the aircraft powered while the mission was delayed two days due to weather.

The Global Precipitation Measurement, or GPM, mission is an international network of satellites that provide next-generation global observations of rain and snow. Through improved measurements of precipitation globally, the mission will help to advance our understanding of Earth’s water and energy cycle and improve forecasting of extreme events that cause natural hazards and disasters.

“The Air Force assists with air, space and cyberspace,” said Mosley. “This is a prime example of how we supported the space aspect of our mission. It’s pretty exciting that we helped move something that will be in space.”

The satellite is scheduled to be launched in late February.

Editors note: Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Larlee, 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, contributed to this story.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Over 70 1/2?

Remember mandatory IRA withdrawals

BY JASON ALDERMAN

With final holiday preparations looming, the last thing anyone wants to think about is next April’s tax bill.

But if you’re over 70 ½ and have any tax-deferred retirement accounts (like an IRA), put down the wrapping paper and listen up: IRS rules say that, with few exceptions, you must take required minimum distributions from your accounts by Dec. 31 of each year – and pay taxes on them – or face severe financial penalties.

Here’s what you need to know about RMDs: Congress devised IRAs, 401(k) plans and other tax-deferred retirement accounts to encourage people to save for their own retirement. Aside from Roth plans, people generally contribute “pretax” dollars to these accounts, which means the contributions and their investment earnings aren’t taxed until withdrawn after retirement.

In exchange for allowing your account to grow tax-free for decades, Congress also decreed that minimum amounts must be withdrawn – and taxed – each year after you reach 70 ½.

To ensure these rules are followed, unless you meet certain narrowly defined conditions, you’ll have to pay an excess accumulation tax equal to 50 percent of the RMD you should have taken; plus you’ll still have to take the distribution and pay regular income tax on it.

You can delay or avoid paying an RMD in certain cases, including: • If you’re still employed at 70 ½, you may delay starting RMDs from your work-based accounts until you actually retire, without penalty; however, regular IRAs are subject to the rule, regardless of work status.

• Roth IRAs are exempt from the RMD rule; however, Roth 401(k) plans are not.

• You can also transfer up to $100,000 directly from your IRA to an IRS-approved charity. Although the RMD itself

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isn’t tax-deductible, it won’t be included in your taxable income and lowers your overall IRA balance, thus reducing the size of future RMDs. Another way to avoid future RMDs is to convert your tax-deferred accounts into a Roth IRA. You’ll still have to pay taxes on all pretax contributions and earnings that have accrued; and, if you’re over age 70 ½, you must first take your minimum distribution (and pay taxes on it) before the conversion can take place.

Ordinarily, RMDs must be taken by Dec. 31 to avoid the excess accumulation tax. However, if it’s your first distribution you may wait until April 1 the year after turning 70 ½ – although you still must take a second distribution by Dec. 31 that same year.

Generally, you must calculate an RMD for each IRA or other tax-deferred retirement account you own by dividing its balance at the end of the previous year by a life expectancy factor found in one of the three tables in Appendix C of IRS Publication 590: • Uniform Lifetime Table if your spouse isn’t more than 10 years younger than you, your spouse isn’t the sole beneficiary or you’re unmarried.

• Joint and Last Survivor Table when your spouse is the sole beneficiary and he/she is more than 10 years younger than you.

• Single Life Expectancy Table is for beneficiaries of accounts whose owner has died.

Although you must calculate the RMD separately for each IRA you own, you may withdraw the combined amount of all RMDs from one or more of them.

The same goes for owners of 403(b) accounts. However, RMDs required from other types of retirement plans must be taken separately from each account.

To learn more about RMDs, read IRS Publication 590 at www.irs.gov.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Andrews Gazette

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, December 6, 2013

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