Capflyer 011615

COMMENTARY Finding life’s new direction after a loss , Page 2

DCMILITARY.COM

COMMUNITY NEWS

89 APS communicate win over 89 CS, Page 6

ICCI asks the community to ‘share the warmth’ at its inaugural coat drive, Page 5

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

Slopes for the folks of Andrews

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS PHILIP BRYANT

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

When the weather outside is frightful, and a fire might be quite delightful. There is one place to go; Andrews Outdoor Recreation.

With each passing week of the winter season the temperatures begin to drop and the hibernation season begins for many, including Airmen.

The 11th Force Support Squadron’s Outdoor Recreation does its best to give the Joint Base Andrews community the ability to stay active even when snow is on the ground.

Outdoor Recreation offers Airmen and anyone with a valid military ID the opportunity to rent winter sporting goods, buy lift tickets and get transportation to the mountains for a fraction of the cost at a ski resort.

“Going on a trip you’ll pay $25 with us,” said Shelley N. Smoot, an 11th FSS recreation specialist. “That includes your equipment, ski lift ticket, and transportation. If you were to go by yourself it’s going to cost

SPORTS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015 | VOL. 4 NO. 2

Rollingcrest-Chillum Community Center hosts Three Kings’ Day celebration

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

U.S. AIR FORCE/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS PHILIP BRYANT

Airman 1st Ckass Mark A. Claborne, 11th Security Forces Squadron member, poses for a photo with winter gear Jan. 9 at the 11th Force Support Squadron’s Outdoor Recreation. Claborne is renting equipment for a trip he plans to attend.

you upwards of $115 to about $140, and that’s not including transportation costs.”

Smoot negotiates with ski resorts for the group pricing of 30 to 55 people and then organizes bus trips from JBA to allow low prices for those who look to the winter months as a time to shred the slopes.

“The price is the best part of the ski trips,” said Senior Airman Marquees Schell, a 459th Air Refueling Wing crew chief.

“The price affords me the opportunity to complete things that are on my bucket list and now I take family and friends to share those experiences.”

Schell has become a

regular with Smoot and Outdoor Recreation, and has already signed up for the upcoming one-day ski trip.

The day trip signups are first open to E-1 through E-4 dorm residents for four weeks. Afterwards, anyone with a valid military ID may signup.

see SLOPES, page 3

Andrews Spouses Club holds a thrifty fashion show

BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

PHOTO/LESLIE C. SMITH

Sara Cunningham models a couture-style evening gown. The fashion show featured affordable looks with apparel available at the shop.

Jan. 13, the Andrews Spouses Club held its Thrift Fashion Show at The Courses on Joint Base Andrews.

Members modeled everything from couturestyle evening wear, to business ready, to casual fun wear – featuring apparel available in the thrift store.

Jonée D. Coleman, a professional image consultant, served as the MC for the event. Later, Coleman fielded questions from attendees about fashion concerns. She

shared style tips from the importance of fit and alterations to key pieces everyone should have in their wardrobe.

As a nonprofit, the ASC Thrift Shop raises between $20,000 and $45,000 each year to give to local and military charities as well as scholarships to military spouses and children.

In the form of monthly and special events, the ASC provides opportunities to have fun with other spouses. There are several events planned for the next few weeks

see SHOW, page 7

More than 250 children filled the RollingcrestChillum Community Center in Hyattsville, Jan. 10, anticipating the start of the 5th Annual Three Kings Day festivities, highlighting the celebration of Hispanic culture and tradition of the holiday season.

Known in the Hispanic culture as the Fiesta del Die de los Reyes Magos, the event was sponsored by the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The tradition behind Three Kings Day begins with a story from the Bible. It is a day celebrated in honor of three wise men following a star and visiting baby Jesus after his birth.

As the story goes, the wise men brought the baby Jesus gifts to celebrate the birth of the son of God. “The Latino tradition is that the children will put

a little bit of grass and water under their beds for the camels to be able to eat and drink from their long journey,” said Carlos Ocasio, MNP&PC Parks and Recreation northern area specialist.

“The kings in exchange leave some gifts for the kids under their beds in appreciation. There are more traditions in Latin America, but that’s the tradition that I was raised with. And globally, a lot of other countries celebrate it similarly.”

The event was kicked off by Andrés Saguaro, an award-winning singer, songwriter and musician and his wife, Christina Samaria, who educated and entertained children and parents alike through an interactive musical odyssey across Mexico and South America by song and dance.

However, the highlight of the event became apparent as a trio of men

see KINGS, page 3

2015 MISS AMERICA VISITS JBA

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/ AIRMAN 1ST CLASS J.D. MAIDENS

Kira Kazantsev, 2015 Miss America, signs autographs for fans at the Base Exchange Jan. 8 on Joint Base Andrews. Kazantsev visited the JBA with the USO to take photos with the JBA community and sign photographs as a way to give thanks to service members for their service.

Andrews Gazette

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Hot tickets around town Saturdays and Sundays

Bumper Cars on Ice Tucker Road Ice Rink, 1770 Tucker Road, Fort Washington, Md. 20744 Solo riders must be ages 6 & up; riders ages 5 & under must ride with an adult. Last ride begins 10 minutes prior to the end of the session. Rides are on a first-come, first-served basis. Fees are based on 1 person per ride; each ride is 4-5 minutes in length.

For more information call 301-265-1525; TTY 301446-6802.

January 16 – February 20

(Closed Wednesdays) CMIT Annual Student Art Exhibit 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Montpelier Mansion/Historic Site, 9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD 20708 Each year, different venues host the annual CMIT art exhibit. This year, Montpelier will display the work of young artists. The theme for this year’s exhibit is Autumn Landscapes & Scenes; students have interpreted this theme and will display a major art piece from the school year. For more information, visit montpeliermansion@pgparks.com

January 16-24

Shot in the Dark Friday, Saturday 8 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m.

Bowie Playhouse, White Marsh Park, Bowie, MD Prince George’s Little Theater Inc. presents A Shot in the Dark about a good hearted, guileless child of nature hauled before the magistrate on a charge of murder, having been found unconscious, nude, and clutching a gun, with her lover dead beside her. What is most shocking to the magistrate is the complete frankness with which she describes her life as a parlor maid and her affairs with both the dead chauffeur and her aristocratic employer. For more information or tickets, 301-937-PGLT (7458) or pgltinfo@gmail.com

January 17

“Artistic Empowerment Centers Black Stage Series Presents...The Fruit Of His Purpose” 3:30 pm-5:30 pm Old Parish House, 4711 Knox Rd., College Park, MD 20741 Come celebrate the life and purpose of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as we experience the fruit of his labor sharing from the heart through spoken word poetry, dance, writing and song commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and a host of other great benefits that brought unity to mankind. For more information visit www.cpae.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

Deirdre Parry, page design dparry@gazette.net Leslie Smith, editor lsmith@dcmilitary.com Bobby Jones, photographer bjones@dcmilitary.com

Friday, January 16, 2015

Commentary

Finding life’s new direction after a loss port with the haunting beeping and alarms going off in her room. It was 375TH AIR MOBILITY WING the worst thing to have to hold her PUBLIC AFFAIRS hand and acknowledge that she was truly gone, never to smile proudly at Sometimes it takes a difficult future graduations or hold my chilsituation in your life to not only be dren as a grandmother. reminded of the things you are truly After I lost my mom, I never grateful for, but also to serve as a thought the holidays could regain catalyst for change. their happy luster. It was a hard That moment for me came during the beginning of 2012 when my reality to accept that I couldn’t just mother died suddenly at just 43 pick up the phone and talk to her. I was so angry with her and confused years old. as to why she let her health decline, We had just finished observing leaving me and my sister without a Christmas and like always, she was mom. the absolute fixture in our celebraAs you can imagine, as the next tions. holiday season approached I looked I can still hear the sound of my at it as something to get through. mom’s laughter, smell the delicious food we prepared and see the tree She had represented the togethertwinkling as it sheltered cheerful ness of friends and family, and now little packages beneath it. She would she was gone. I had to make sense of initiate “Star Wars” and “Godfather” it, and I continued to do a lot of soul movie marathons as part of our searching.

During this process I decided that yearly traditions, and I never exwhile I could hold on to her legacy pected that anything could shatter my excitement for this time of the of a great sense of humor and honor the way she loved me, there were unyear.

However, the New Year began healthy lifestyle habits I needed to in a tragic way. Mom had collapsed let go of. That’s when I decided that and hit her head, hard. She was ad- I needed to take care of my body betmitted into an intensive care unit, ter and eventually I lost 50 pounds.

After achieving success with that slipping into unresponsiveness due to a brain hemorrhage. My husband goal, I then decided to join the Air drove us eight hours to the hospi- Force. I’d been an Air Force spouse tal where I found her on life sup- for four years, but my mom’s death

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS ERICA CROSSEN

made me realize that I shouldn’t wait to do the things I felt I needed to do.

With a new outlook on life, I felt I could power through anything.

I wanted to make every moment count and not regret at least trying.

I wanted the next holiday season at home to be a time of looking back on what I had accomplished that year.

It was the Christmas I spent in basic training down at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, that I realized I had become part of another family with new traditions which helped fill the emptiness from my mother’s passing. On Christmas Eve we marched to the chapel for services and as I looked around me, I knew the other trainees were experiencing difficulties, too. Some were missing their children, some were still trying to adjust to this new life, and some were just missing friends and family back home.

As we marched under a crisp starlit Texas sky, our “Lackland Laser” flashlights swung in unison. It made the ground sway with light, competing with the sky, and it seemed almost magical. For someone half-way through training and with just two days to go before her 25th birthday, it just made me smile. On Christmas, the drill instructors were sur-

see LOSS, page 4

Retiree Corner Burial Medallion

Veterans Affairs offers bronze medallions to attach to privately purchased headstones or markers for veterans not buried in a national or state veterans’ cemetery. The medallion is furnished instead of a traditional government headstone or marker for veterans whose death occurred on or after Nov. 1, 1990.

It signifies the veteran’s branch of service. Next of kin receive the medallion, along with a kit for the family or staff of a private cemetery to affix the medallion to a headstone or columbarium niche cover. Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses and dependent children can be buried in a VA national cemetery. Burial benefits include a burial flag, Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or grave marker. VA operates 131 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 33 soldiers’ lots and monument sites.

More than 3 million veterans are buried in VA national cemeteries.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained at www.cem.va.gov or by calling 1-800-827-1000.

Quit Smoking Resources

Cigarette smoking causes one of every five deaths in America, says the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention. Tobacco use is also the major cause of preventable diseaserelated illness and death in the United States. However, quitting tobacco can be a struggle, that’s why Tricare has resources available for those ready to quit. Quit Tobacco, Make Everyone Proud is a campaign to help military personnel, family members and retirees kick the habit. The campaign’s website www.info@ucanquit2.org offers online resources via a 24/7 online chat messenger, cigarette smoke facts, a help locator and a personalized outline to help smokers in their efforts to quit. Beneficiaries who want to quit or who have relapsed can call to talk with a trained smoking cessation coach who will assess their cessation process and recommend appropriate treatment and the resources to quit smoking or remain smoke free. Call 1-866-459-8766.

Dental Coverage

The Tricare Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) offers comprehensive dental coverage to retired service members and family members, retired National Guard and Reserve members and family members, Medal of Honor recipients and family members and survivors. Coverage includes diagnostic and preventive services, like exams and clean-

ings, at 100 percent. Emergency services and basic restorative services, like fillings, are covered at 80 percent. The annual deductible is $50 per person, each benefit year, and $150 per family per benefit year. The annual maximum benefit is $1,300 per person per year. The annual maximum for orthodontia is $1,750. Premiums must be deducted through a monthly allotment from retirement pay. Electronic payment is available only as an alternative for beneficiaries who do not receive retired pay. There is a 12-month commitment for initial enrollments. After a year, beneficiaries can continue on a monthto-month basis, if no additional family members have been added to the plan. If a beneficiary and spouse are already enrolled, adding a child or any other family member resets the 12-month period. For full information, visit www.tricare.mil/ TRDP or call 1 888 838-8737.

The Retiree Activities Office is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit the office in Building 1604 at California and Colorado Avenues or call 301-9812726. Call before your visit to ensure a volunteer is on duty. The RAO website is at www.andrews. af.mil.

Andrews Gazette

Friday, January 16, 2015

3

KINGS, from page 1 clad in kingly silk attire, depicting biblical figures, Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar entered the center’s recreation room passing out candy to the children and later posing for photographs.

The special guests and long-time volunteers for the event were Councilman Will Campos, 2nd District; Pedro Biaggi, 107.9 FM radio host; and Md. State Senator, Victor R. Ramirez, (D) District 47.

Senator Ramirez has attended the event since its inception in 2010. “I’ve been a participant for five years and like anything you don’t know what to expect when you start out, but the residents seem to enjoy it and it’s a time to come together, meet your neighbors and give back to the community,” said Ramirez.

“I think that this center does a great job of giving back. And because the event is hosted at different locations it affords everyone a chance to participate in this event and it makes for a lot of happy kids and parents.”

Ramirez noted the Three Kings Day tradition was part of his family’s culture and tradition growing up. “I think it’s good to keep it going throughout the generations because it’s a time of celebration and reflection as well.”

Nydia Ocasio, MCCP and Recreation Community Relations Specialist noted the Three King Day is a celebration of the Epiphany of the Three Kings in the Catholic religion that is celebrated by the Latino community.

“The importance of this event has a dual purpose of serving as an outreach to the Latino community; informing them about what types of programs the Department of

SLOPES, from page 1 At an affordable price for many Airmen, ski trips held by Outdoor Recreation give the military community a way of enjoying the winter season.

Liberty Mountain Resort will also host Andrews Day, March 7, where anyone that shows up with a flyer from An-

PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

From left, Councilman Will Campos, 2nd District, Pedro Biaggi, 107.9 FM radio host and Md. State Senator, Victor R. Ramirez. (D) District 47, present gifts during the conclusion of the Three Kings Day event.

Parks and Recreation has to offer, county wide. It has been very successful and my husband, Carlos, is responsible for starting this event,” said Ocasio. “We are originally from Puerto Rico, where we celebrate this event very big. But we noticed when we came here there wasn’t any type of recognition here in the community; so my husband thought would be a good opportunity for outreach.

We wanted also to use the event to inform the residents about available health and wellness services and invite the local politicians for support.

For me this event is very gratifying and in the end it’s all about social equality for everyone.”

At the conclusion of the event, the Three Kings handed out wrapped gifts to a continuous line of children, while their parents took photographs.

More than 300 residents participated in the cultural event and received ethnic cuisine and refreshments. The children also were treated to face painting, candy and balloons. drews Outdoor Recreation gets 50% off their equipment and lift tickets.

Smoot said, the first Andrews Day last year was a great success.

“Last year, we had 250 people before they stopped counting,” said Smoot.

The second annual Andrews Day hopes to have even more people come out to enjoy the fresh mountain powder, with

Longfellow, Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission Parks and Recreation mascot is greeted with hugs for children during the Three Kings Day celebration.

“For me, Three Kings Day is about celebrating unity, family and educating the children about our tradition,” said Rosa Fenwick of Accokeek.

“We look forward to seeing the Three Kings and we follow the tradition of putting the box of grass and water under the bed for them after their long journey. This is our second time coming to this community center for this event.”

Carlos Ocasio, MNPPC Parks and Recreation northern area specialist wanted the local commu-

nity to have same opportunity he had celebrating Three Kings Day as a youngster in Puerto Rico.

“Five years ago I didn’t have a budget; but I did the best I could in exposing the tradition to the community,” said Ocasio. “After the local participation in the first observance, I received a budget from the Parks and Recreation for future events because they realized it was affecting the community in a positive way. I also get support from several local sponsors.”

some already looking ahead to the first trip on Jan. 17.

“Now I have something to look forward to every winter,” said Jamal Partman, an 11th FSS ski technician.

With each passing season Partman and Smoot have enjoyed each trip for the past two years.

The winter trips and equipment rentals available through Outdoor Recreation give military

members an outlet to fly down local mountains and carve through fresh powder without breaking the bank.

For more information on the 11th Force Support Squadron, their winter trips and their winter rentals you can visit http://www.andrewsfss. com/odr.html or their Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/AndrewsODR.

Pedro Biaggi, 107.9 FM radio host presents a gift to a lucky young girl during the conclusion of the Three Kings Day event.

A group of young girls have a balloon sword fight.

Maryland State Senator, Victor R. Ramirez. (D) District 47, chats with the local children from Hyattsville.

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Andrews Gazette

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The Acupuncture Center treats nerve pain without needles

BY LT. COL. CANDY WILSON

779TH MEDICAL GROUP ACUPUNCTURE CENTER

The Acupuncture Center at the 779th Medical Group has many effective programs to relieve pain.

A new technique that involves electro-stimulation has been found to be useful in relieving nerve pain in some patients.

The treatment, referred to as nerve scrambler therapy, works by sending electric signals through the skin, to stimulate healthy nerves that are not affected by pain. The electric signals are transmitted via adhesive pads that are placed on the skin and connected to the wires of the machine. This stimulation carries a “no pain” signal to the brain that, essentially, overrides the previous pain signal from the damaged nerves.

Nerve scrambler therapy can be extremely effective in treating nerve pain disorders, called peripheral neuropathies.

Nerve pain can be caused by trauma, infection, diabetes mellitus, drug/toxin exposure, cancer treatments, and surgical complications.

Patients who describe their pain as burning, tingling, itching, cold, like pins-n-needles, or have numbness or spasms may be candidates for the treatment. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) has also been effectively treated

with electro-stimulation.

Patients will typically remain connected to the electric stimulation machine for 45-60 minutes per session. The treatment is repeated daily until the pain subsides. An average regimen is ten treatments.

“One patient had pain from his knees to toes for seven years. After the first treatment, he was able to feel the bottom of his feet while walking with no pain in his legs. After the second treatment he was pain free and had no symptoms of numbness or burning. No further treatments were required,” said Dr. Thomas Piazza, a physician acupuncturist at the Air Force Acupuncture Center at the 779th Medical Group.

“A young man with RLS was treated for two weeks and is now spasm free and enjoys a full night’s sleep.

Another patient, with surgically induced restless legs, was also relieved of pain after only three treatments. If the pain returns, the treatment can be restarted,” said Piazza.

“It doesn’t work on everyone but it’s one more tool in our toolbox to treat specific types of nerve pain,” said Piazza.

Patients who would like additional information should contact their primary care manager to discuss whether nerve scrambler treatment may be an option. A referral to the Acupuncture Center is required to receive care.

Friday, January 16, 2015

AF, DOD switch HOMES ing areas. The user is also able to compare up to four SECRETARY OF THE AIR different properties at FORCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS one time.

COMMAND INFORMATION Air Force members may create an account Air Force members in HOMES.mil using the now have access to www. “create account” link on HOMES.mil, a new offi- the home page. Once regcial Defense Department istration is completed, the website designed to mod- member will receive an ernize the way all service automatic welcome email members search for hous- to HOMES.mil and can ing when relocating. begin using the system.

Effective Dec. 29, The website empow2014, HOMES.mil was ers service members with launched for public ac- information and tools to cess to provide service make smart decisions on members seeking housing housing property listings. at their assigned location, “We will continue to and to landlords, owners provide referral and reloand property managers cation services to service to access for marketing members, their families rental properties. and DoD civilians through “The Air Force remains electronic, telephone and fully committed to provid- face-to-face customer ining members access to teraction,” Schwartz said. safe, affordable, adequate The Air Force housand non-discriminatory ing public website is still housing,” said Sheila available and provides Schwartz, Headquarters a venue for members to Air Force facilities man- obtain specific installaagement division housing tion information on famlead. ily, unaccompanied and HOMES.mil features privatized housing. search and display opFor questions or more tions as well as Google information, members maps and will allow us- and their families should ers to save listings, view contact or visit their local photos and research hous- military housing office.

BY TECH. SGT. NATALIE STANLEY

A new technique that involves electro-stimulation has been found to be useful in relieving nerve pain in some patients. Dr. Richard Niemtzow treats the feet by placing the pads on a non-painful area, which may be higher on the leg. The placement is usual for peripheral neuropathy (depending how far down the pain is). If the pain is in the foot, we would NOT put the pads there. This stimulation carries a “no pain” signal to the brain that, essentially, overrides the previous pain signal from the damaged nerves.

LOSS, from page 2 prisingly nice to us, and we had an elaborate, relaxed meal that day.

Two days later, my flight sang “Happy Birthday,” which helped to lift my spirits as did the daily letters unfailingly sent by my husband. He knew what I was going through, but better yet he knew something that I was just realizing: hope and gratitude can buoy us through any difficulties. Moreover, the Air Force family that I always knew was there, but never quite relied on until that point, came

through for me when I needed it most.

Now as I approach each holiday season, I pause to remind myself that there is always something to be thankful for and to challenge myself to keep setting--and achieving--new goals for myself.

Sometimes it’s those difficult circumstances that help us change and grow the most. I still miss my mom, yet the memories and traditions I will always carry with me.

However, she also gave me an opportunity change the course of my life -- something that I’m very thankful for this year.

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Friday, January 16, 2015

Andrews Gazette

5

ICCI asks the community to ‘share the warmth’ at its inaugural coat drive compromised for one reason or another, and contribute to improving them.”

Always looking to conThe Institute for Cretribute to the community, ative Community Initiathe ICCI is involved in eftives (ICCI) is holding its forts to better support susinaugural coat drive to benceptible individuals and efit Shepherd’s Cove Emercommunities through mengency Shelter for women toring, education and trainand children in Capitol ing.

Heights, Md. – the only “We focus on providing shelter for women and chilto youth, young adults and dren in the county. Having families in vulnerable comkicked off in December, the munities with strategies to coat drive is nearing its end help them adopt healthy and the community is urged PHOTO/LESLIE C. SMITH lifestyles,” said Emily Wilto bring any coat donations son, Project Manager for to their offices by Jan. 28. Pictured are Emily Watson, Project Manager, and ICCI. Coats can be dropped off at Jean Drummond, Founder of ICCI. The organization “We have three main HCD International head- looks to provide youth, young adults and families in goals. The first is to counsel quarters located at 4390 vulnerable communities with strategies to help them and support at-risk youth, Parliament Place, Suite adopt healthy lifestyles. counseling them about A, Lanham, Md., between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. MonIt was the idea of Drum- lation health; how do you substance abuse, teenage day through Friday. Cur- mond, a physician’s assis- improve the health of a par- pregnancy, literacy, domesrently the organization has tant, and her husband, a ticular population in a com- tic violence, and building collected approximately 200 physician, to give back. “We munity. And we know that self-esteem. Secondly, we coats. are just really passionate in vulnerable communities, want to assist individuals Five years ago, Drum- about the community and often times, the resources and families in gaining emmond saw the challenges the health of the commu- aren’t necessarily there for ployment through providfacing youth and started a nity; and we wanted to see a number of reasons which ing skills training; and our nonprofit, “with the intent how we could improve the we call the social determi- third goal is to mentor atrisk youth throughout the of trying to build communities up from the grassroots sustainability of the com- nants of health: perhaps Metropolitan DC area.” less education, food deserts, The organization has level by engaging youth and munity.”

“We need to really start health literacy issues. There provided a multitude of young adults from an internal perspective. The vision with the youth and family are a myriad of issues – no programs, such as summer of ICCI really started some in trying to promote well- one particular piece – but internships and a countyyears ago when I started ness. Wellness really begins we know as a country ev- wide conference titled Girl HCD International, which within – self esteem, hav- eryone should have a right Code. Girl Code hosted is a management consulting ing a job and an education to health care; and if we are more than 40 girls with a firm that is really dedicated so you can have the means going to improve the qual- focus on issues and topics to improving healthcare for to buy good food and un- ity of healthcare across our of concern for girls such as all populations – all Ameri- derstand the importance of country we have to figure healthy relationships, body cans – especially those in health. So we look at it from out how do we go into these vulnerable communities.” a very raw context of popu- communities, that are often

BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

image and safe usage of social media. ICCI also conducts an after school program at Charles Herbert Flowers High School for girls; meeting bi-weekly, it provides a venue for which girls can discuss issues they are dealing with currently.

With an aim to influence and build youth and young adults, the organization focuses programs and resources to adolescences.

“The youth initiative plans to provide learning experiences that will help young adults develop necessary life skills that will enable them to succeed in school and the real world, as well as plan for the future. The initiative will also help to build character and confidence as they embrace healthy lifestyles. We also have our program participants give back to the community by having them complete community service projects in order to promote social responsibility. We also look to educate youth and young adults about the dangers and consequence of engaging in risky health behaviors,” said Watson.

The coat drive was born out of the “HCDI 5C”: Customer, Client, Communications, Culture, and Community. Living the community arm of the 5C, the organi-

zation is always looking for ways to give back to the community. Drummond reflected on a recent visit to the shelter when she spoke of the importance of giving back, “There were kids that wanted a chance, want an opportunity; moms and dads that love their kids just like I do and for whatever reason just didn’t have a chance. What we can do is try to keep people warm and give them a coat. We just want to give back especially at a time when the world is in such turmoil… it’s just a time where I think that Christ is calling us to be the keeper of our brother and this is our way… We just want to show love; and the best way we can do that is right where we are.”

The organization welcomes volunteers, as well as companies and organizations with an interest in partnering, for their events.

Anyone interested can contact the organization at 301-552-8803. You can also contact the organization to be placed on their mailing list. Also, keep apprised of upcoming events via Twitter (@ICCIEmpowerment).

For more information about ICCI, visit iccinitiatives.org.

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Andrews Gazette

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Friday, January 16, 2015

89 APS communicate win over 89 CS

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

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The 89th Aerial Port Squadron team came into the Intramural Basketball game with a dismal 1-win and 3-loss season record, determined to win against the competitive 89th Communications Squadron’s 4-win and 0 season record. “We’re not going to lose this game to them,” contested David Wilson, 89 APS power forward, who tossed in 11 points during the tight game.

Staffed with only five players, the 89 APS team had to endure the rotation of full bench and fresh replacements throughout the game against the 89 CS. The combined tenacious play of the 89 APS’ Dustin Moore, center; Seth Summey, forward; David Wilson, power forward; and Jeremy Greene was instrumental in the team’s point spread in the second half. Moore led the squadron high with 18 points, with Green and Wilson contributing

Dustin Moore, 89 APS center and game leading scorer with 18 points, crashes the backboards with a layup during the waning moments of the game. The 89 APS beat the 89 CS 54 to 47.

13 and 11 points respectively.

In the end, Wilson’s prediction would ring

true as the 89 APS beat the 89 CS 54 to 47, elevating their season to 2 wins and 3 losses.

PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

David Wilson, 89 APS, power forward, contributes two points to his game winning prophecy during the second half.

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, January 16, 2015

Chaplain assistants: Assisting chaplains day-to-day administrative activities required 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS by the chapel and talk to walk-ins before directing The Air Force has them to a chaplain. jobs for everything; from “We definitely stay high-profile careers like busy,” Green, the NCO in the fighter pilot to the charge of appropriated unsung heroes that keep funds, said. “The chapthe flight line clear of lain assistant is kind snow and debris. One of of a jack-of-all-trades, the most overlooked jobs there’s an administrative in the Air Force is the side and a financial side Chaplain Assistant. along with being a spiri“People underestimate tual medic.” how important being The chaplain assisthe enlisted liaison is,” tant’s primary mission said Keesha Green, 11th is to support the chapel’s Wing Headquarters Cha- mission: maintaining the pel chaplain assistant. community’s spiritual re“There’s a misconception siliency. that we’re just chaplain “They offer assissecretaries.” tance to Airmen any way Chaplains and chap- they can,” said Chaplain lain assistants work in Capt. Aaron Reynolds, Religious Support Teams 11th Wing chaplain. “It’s that give briefings, hold easy to downplay what invocations, run Sunday they do, but it’s a big job. services and organize Our mission wouldn’t retreats among other get completed without things. Chaplain assis- them.” tants also assist in the Approachability is

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS J.D. MAIDENS

one of the chaplain assistant’s most important contributions to the success of the chapel mission.

“Stripes speak to stripes,” Green said.

“There can be a stigma to speaking with a chaplain since they’re officers. It’s easier to break the ice with an enlisted member.”

The complete confidentiality that comes with speaking to a chaplain is also carried over to the chaplain assistant.

“You can’t find this kind of confidentiality, on our level, anywhere else,” said Green.

Though the job is stressful, Green feels is can be very rewarding.

“I joined because I wanted to do something different, to network and help people,” said Green.

“This career field lets me do exactly that.”

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SHOW, from page 1 including a day trip to Port Tobacco Players and a Murder Mystery Dinner at Mamma Stella’s Restaurant.

The ASC is open to spouses of all ranks of the military from any branch and Department of Defense members on Joint Base Andrews and the surrounding area, welcoming spouses of active duty, retired, guard/reserve and deceased. For more information, visit www.andrewsspousesclub.org or visit their Facebook page.

PHOTO/LESLIE C. SMITH

Cathy Friday, Promise Sandlin, with daughter Bella, and Jonée D. Coleman pictured after the Thrift Fashion Show. The ASC Thrift Shop raises funds for local and military charities as well as scholarships.

Death Notices ATTN ALL PERSONNEL: 1Lt Sonata Thomas regretfully announces the death of Lt Col Bryan K. Hasty. Anyone having claims against or indebtedness to the estate of Lt Col Bryan K. Hasty shall contact 1Lt Sonata Thomas, Summary Court Officer at 240-857-6215.

ATTN ALL PERSONNEL: Capt Catherine D. Nicholson regretfully announces the death of Major Gregory Keith McCoy. Anyone having claims against or indebtedness to the estate of Major Gregory Keith McCoy contact Capt Catherine D. Nicholson, Summary Court Officer, at 210-551-3855.

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, January 16, 2015

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