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COMMENTARY

COMMUNITY NEWS

Overcoming failures, Page 2

DCMILITARY.COM

SPORTS JBA hosts 2nd Annual Power Lifter Meet, Page 6

Xtreme Teens honor National Pie Day at Kentland Center, Page 4

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

JBA recognized as CINC Installation Excellence Award finalist

BY STAFF SGT. NICHELLE ANDERSON

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Joint Base Andrews has been named one of two finalists for the 2015 Commander in Chief ’s annual Installation Excellence Award.

JBA is competing with Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom for bragging rights as the best installation in the Air Force.

Four evaluators conducted a site visit Jan. 11-13 to see first-hand the two headquarters, six wings, 80 tenant units and more than 17,000 service members and their families that make up JBA. The CINC award seeks to recognize the outstanding and innovative efforts of Department of Defense installations around the world.

“Being selected as a finalist for this award is a testament to the many achievements of JBA service members, their families and our civic partners,” Col. Brad Hoagland, JBA and 11th Wing commander, said. “It also represents the phenomenal teamwork between all the mission partners and services that make our mission successful... and a benchmark for the DoD.” The award recognizes the innovative best practices at an installation, and promotes a highly effective mission with an enhanced quality of life for service members and their families.

“The money that comes with this award goes straight back to the men, women and families that made it possible,” Hoagland said. “I am truly impressed with the hard

see CINC, page 5

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015 | VOL. 4 NO. 4

CCAN sponsors Fifth Polar Bear Plunge at National Harbor

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

The National Harbor Plaza was under siege for a good cause as more than 200 climate change activists – dressed in wacky, attention-getting, or patriotic bathing suits – came out to take Chesapeake Climate Action Network’s (CCAN) Fifth Annual “Keep Winter Cold” Polar Bear Plunge in the bone-chilling 37-degree Potomac River Jan. 24.

According to Mike Tidwell, CCAN director, “Our message is we need to keep winter cold; and we need to stop global warming. We need to preserve the planet temperature, because the warming climate is bad for all people... It’s bad for national security. And we need to stop burning fossil fuels, which are driving the global warming, and switch to renewable solar and wind power,” said Tidwell.

Now in its 10th year,

PHOTO/ BOBBY JONES

Participants celebrate their milestone accomplishment of completing the Polar Bear Plunge Jan. 24.

the Tacoma-based organization has come to the National Harbor for the past five years during a cold Saturday in January, utilizing the polar plunge event to raise awareness of global warming and encourage elected offi-

cials to take action.

During his opening remarks, Tidwell stirred the crowd into a frenzy during his rally call to participants. “We’re going to rise as a people and as activists and we are going to get this job

Vinson Hall holds ceremony to celebrate new expansions

BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

On Jan. 22, the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation (NMCGRF and Vinson Hall Retirement Community (VHRC) celebrated the new additions of the independent living apartment building and community building with a ribboncutting.

Guest speaker and Fairfax County Board Supervisor John Foust joined Vice Admiral John Cotton and CEO Admiral Kathy Martin in commemorating the journey

from ground breaking in May 2012 to completion in the fall of 2014.

The new additions add 75 new apartments and 12 new private shortterm rehabilitation suites to the community in McLean, Va. Situated in the four-story Community Building are the shortterm rehabilitation suites, featuring separate dining and resident lounge.

The community building also houses executive offices, a convenience store, beauty salon and a grand ballroom on the top floor.

The accessions also feature green roofs that in-

clude grassy areas which insulate and filter storm water.

Vinson Hall Retirement Hall Community, located on a 20-acre campus, is open to retired commissioned military officers and their immediate family members from all U.S. Uniformed services and government employees of equal rank from select government agencies. Vinson Hall Retirement Community is a not-for-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community supported by Navy Marine Coat Guard Residence Foundation.

done,” said Tidwell “We are going to transform our region into a clean energy economy. We have passed amazing legislation in the last 10 years in Maryland, Virginia and the District and have begun the solar and wind

revolution.

“Coal is in a free fall in this region and the next stop is natural gas. We want to take that down as well. I want to thank you for being a part of

see PLUNGE, page 3

MAKING THE CUT

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/ SENIOR AIRMAN NESHA HUMES

Airman 1st Class Jacob Wilson, United States Air Force honor guardsman, rests with his M1 Garand with a fixed bayonet during USAFHG Drill Team Training. Trainees risk getting cut with the 11-inch bayonet while practicing drill movements. Story and photos on page 3.

Andrews Gazette

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Hot tickets around town January 30-31

Macbeth Friday 7, 9 p.m.; Saturday 2 p.m.

Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, University of MD, College Park, MD 20742 In this daring adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic, an ensemble of four actors will transform The Clarice into the deadly corridors of Dunsinane Castle. Directed by School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies artists Riley Bartlebaugh and Sean Patrick Forsythe, this promenade performance will pull the audience from the comfort of their seats and ensnare them in the meteoric rise and tragic fall of a dynasty that was never meant to be. FREE 301-405-2787 or visitwww.claricesmithcenter.org

January 31

Fast Eddie and The Slowpokes 8 p.m.

Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744 Fast Eddie & The Slowpokes are guaranteed to get you up on your feet! Their blend of Chicago, West Coast, Swing and Jump Blues peppered with Soul serve up a menu to get the joint jumpin.’ For more information visit www.arts.pgparks.com.

January 31

Burns Night Supper 6:30 p.m.

Darnall’s Chance House Museum, 14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Remember Robert Burns, the bard of Scotland.

Celebrate Darnall Chance’s Scottish roots with a traditional Burns Night supper, poems, music, bagpipes, and more! For more information visit history. pgparks.com

Through February 28

Glancing Back & Looking Forward: 100 Years of African American Culture and History in Prince George’s County, Maryland Noon-2 p.m.

Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd.. Laurel, MD 20708 This exhibition features information about the lives of selected Prince Georgians who had a variety of occupations and community roles. Through photographs, artifacts, and excerpts from interviews, Everyday People Making History will convey the personal stories of participants and highlight the ways in which they were and still are a part of history in Prince George’s County. Call 301-3777800 or visit www.pgpparks.com.

COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS Andrews Gazette is published by Comprint Military Publications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force or any branch of the United States military.

The appearance of advertising in these publications, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the products and services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, martial status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non merit factor of the purchases, user or patron.

Maxine Minar, president mminar@dcmilitary.com John Rives, publisher

jrives@dcmilitary.com

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

Friday, January 30, 2015

Commentary

Overcoming failures

BY MAJ. ERIC TUCKER

509TH COMMUNICATIONS SQUADRON COMMANDER

You will fail. The question is, how will you respond?

This reminds me of a parable of the carrot, egg and coffee.

A senior airman was distraught when he learned he did not make staff sergeant after his first time testing. His staff sergeant supervisor saw a teaching opportunity and the next day he filled three pots with water and placed each on a stove. After they came to a boil, he placed carrots in the first pot, eggs in the second and ground coffee in the last.

After 20 minutes, he fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. He pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then he ladled the coffee out into a cup.

Turning to the senior airman, the staff sergeant asked, “Tell me, what do you see?”

“Carrots, eggs and coffee,” the senior airman replied.

Then he asked the senior airman to feel the carrots, which he did and noted they were soft and mushy.

The staff sergeant then asked the senior airman to take an egg and break it.. After pulling off the shell, the senior airman observed the hard-boiled egg.

Finally, he asked the senior airman to sip the coffee. He smiled as he tasted the coffee with its rich aroma.

The senior airman said, “nice, but what does all of this mean?”

The staff sergeant laughed and

explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity -- boiling water -- but each reacted differently.

“Which are you?” the staff sergeant asked, “Are you a carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, becomes soft and loses strength? Are you the egg that appears not to change but whose heart is hardened?

“Or, are you the coffee bean that changes the hot water, the very circumstances that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases its fragrance and flavor. If you are like the coffee bean, when things are at their worst, your very attitude will change your environment for the better, making it sweet and palatable.”

When you face failure, will you be the carrot, egg or coffee? I offer three suggestions when dealing with failure. First, own up to your failures. Don’t explain failures away, instead deal with them head-on. Don’t look around for other people to blame. That happens way too often today. Admit your failures and take accountability for them. Being accountable for your failures shows responsibility.

Accepting your failure will give you the courage to apologize, if that’s appropriate to the situation.

Taking ownership of your failures enables the second step, learning: FAIL (First Attempt In Learning). This is how you need to view failures -- a lesson on what didn’t work. While learning from your mistakes, don’t expect a miracle recovery overnight. Take the time you need to learn the

appropriate lessons. Don’t shortcircuit the process. Bouncing back is good, but you want to bounce back in a healthy way and not force it. Forcing it will only hinder your opportunity for growth. The beautiful thing about failure is it teaches you the resiliency needed to cope with future failures. Also, don’t go in alone. Ask for help if you need it. I like this quote from B.F Skinner: “A failure is not always a mistake; it may simply be the best one can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to stop trying.”

Third, with the wisdom gained from growing through your failure -- thrive. Life isn’t about luck. Life is about hard work -- hard work that is born from failure. Learning from failure and thriving from the growth you made will help reach your full potential in life.

We never try to fail on purpose.

But at the same time if you stay so far away from failure, if you don’t ever push yourself to where failure is a possibility, you’re probably not pushing yourself enough.

Failure presents opportunities for personal growth. It also teaches you about willpower, persistence, self-discipline and hard work. I encourage people to be empowered, take initiative and move out. Step out of your comfort zone and take a chance.. There are very few “one strike and you’re out” failures in the Air Force. Be adventurous and try something new. If you fail, own up to it, learn from it, change your circumstances and thrive!

Don’t be a carrot or an egg.

$5 million to grantees – allow 25 organizations in 11 states to continue providing housing and necessary services to homeless veterans.

Eligible are women, frail elderly, terminally ill, chronically mentally ill and individuals who care for minor dependents. The VA program promotes development and provision of supportive housing and services with the goal of helping homeless veterans achieve residential stability, increase their skill levels and income and gain greater self-determination. A recent survey revealed 57,849 homeless veterans, a 24-percent decline since 2010.

in basic training. In their final week, trainees visit the museum to learn 60+ years of Air Force history.

One display features SSgt. Henry Erwin, a 23-year-old radio operator aboard a B-29 Super Fortress over Japan in 1945. A phosphorus flare exploded in his face. He held the flare between his arm and rib cage and threw it out the co-pilot’s window. His actions earned him the Medal of Honor. The future 85,000-square-foot center will be built adjacent to the parade field.

It will be a joint venture of the Air Force and the Airman Heritage Foundation, a non-profit organization chartered to raise funds for the new center.

Retiree Corner Scam Alert

Scammers continue to steal from senior citizens to line their pockets. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says some scammers claim to be calling on behalf of the government to verify information for a new Medicare card or Medicare-related package. It’s a ruse to get people’s bank account information to make unauthorized withdrawals. The callers say they need to verify people’s identities using information that include the consumers’ bank account numbers. According to the FTC, the scammers say that the information is used to debit their bank accounts, and that there is no charge for this service. But the FTC alleges that victims find their bank accounts debited, often for $400 or more. A federal court has temporarily halted this scheme while the FTC seeks a permanent injunction. If you receive one of these calls, call the FTC at 877 382-4537.

Continued Assistance

Special Need Grants – totaling

Basics Learn Heritage

The Airman Heritage Museum and the Security Forces Museum at Lackland AFB, Tex., have consolidated into the Enlisted Heritage and Character Development Center. It is a stepping stone for a $50 million, privately-funded museum set to open in 2017. The facility, accessible to the public, has a role in the education of Air Force recruits

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 30, 2015

3

Making the cut: Drill team sharpens trainees

BY SENIOR AIRMAN NESHA HUMES

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

A duct-taped, 12-pound rifle fixed with an 11-inch blade launches up in the air, heightening tension, as it finds a drill team trainee’s hand, arm or the ground, in preparation for its next movement.

CLANK, CLANK, THUD! “Weapon down!” yells the trainee, as his heels clink together and he pops to attention.

The trainees also halt their drill movements, as sweat drips down their faces.

The instructor gives the trainee permission to pick up his wounded M1 Garand and the count toward 50 consecutive weapon movements starts back at zero.

If it happens again, the instructor might not let the students off so easy.

Exhausted yet outfitted with unwavering discipline, trainees have eight, 60-hour weeks of countless calisthenics and precision weapon movements they must complete to achieve a spot on the United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team.

The volunteer-based training is open to all USAFHG. It requires a letter of recommendation, an interview and a physical fitness test.

“I tell them when they first start learning these moves; no one is going to make it through easily. It’s a tough course,” Senior Airman Korey McConnell, USAFHG drill training instructor said. “When I first started using the weapon, I was told I was the worst driller they’ve ever seen come through training. I couldn’t catch the weapon; I threw it about 20 times and just kept cutting myself. I actually hold the record for the

PLUNGE, from page 1 history as I look out and see people here who are energetic, determined, creative, and crazy enough to jump into the Potomac River for this cause.

That’s what keeps me going,” added Tidwell, who has participated in the plunge all 10 years.

Among the guest speakers for the event was Congresswoman Donna Edwards, (D) MD 4th District, who previously participated in three polar bear plunges with CCAN. Edwards offered a tip to first-time plungers on what to expect from their maiden experience.

“Thank you all for plunging today. All you have to remember is that for the first 20 seconds it feels warmer in the

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/ SENIOR AIRMAN NESHA HUMES

Trainees perform mountain climbers during United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team Training Jan. 13 at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. Six trainees volunteer eight, 60-hour weeks to learn to learn weapon maneuvers and calisthenics to gain a spot on the team.

most broken bayonets.”

Yet, McConnell remained determined to make the team.

“If you’re struggling with the weapon, give it time. I let them know how bad of a driller I was, and we all have to start somewhere before we have the time and experience to get better.

This is McConnell’s first time instructing. He was hand selected by leadership due to his seniority and knowledge.

“You can see there is a level of discipline and cohesiveness that you don’t necessarily see in other units,” Airman 1st Class Kosei Carty, USAFHG drill team trainee said. “I wanted to be a part of it.”

“I thought, if I’m trying to be the best, I might as well be the best of the best,” said USAFHG drill team trainee, Airman 1st Class Larry Brown.

The Drill Team represents the top 10 percent of the USAFHG. They travel around the world to showcase drill perfor-

mances at public and military venues to recruit, retain and inspire Airmen.

The course started on Jan. 5, with nine trainees and is currently down to six trainees: two Non-Commissioned Officers and four junior-enlisted airmen.

“Even though it’s difficult at times, they’re pushing you, you’re pushing them, and everyone is doing it together,” Brown said. “My team keeps me motivated.”

In order to memorize the movements and ensure discipline, the trainees are instructed to perform a set of 50 movements correctly, continuously and without a weapon hitting the floor. If they fault, the entire drill starts over.

“It’s awkward,” Airman 1st Class Jacob Wilson, USAFHG Drill Team trainee said. “At first it is muscle memory, and then you have to focus on the tiny stuff along with keeping

water than it does outside,” said Edwards, jokingly. “But this is really serious business.

I’m very excited to be here with CCAN today, who has been coming out to draw attention to what’s happening to our planet for the past 10 years. “ When you think about us in the metropolitan Washington region, but especially in the Chesapeake region, we are at our most vulnerable place, because I think we have a 30-year window where we can’t just wait to agree that it’s happening; but we need to use that time to do something about it and reverse it.

“I just want to thank you for coming out, because the support numbers here in the county and around the world are greater than they’ve ever been because we realize that

we have to save this planet for our children and our grandchildren,” Edwards said.

Edwards concluded by sharing findings from a recent Congressional trip to Alaska, Antarctica and the South Pole. “I just returned in December and I could really see first-hand what we’ve all been reading about; the melting of the Arctic ice shelf,” said Edwards. “What that means for us in this region is that our sea levels are rising. So we can’t separate what’s happening on one part of the globe from what is happening in our part of the globe.

It’s one globe. So I just want to urge all of us to double-down on your efforts.”

Among the other invited speakers were Dawone Robinson, Virginia policy director at the CCAN; Melissa Jones,

you’re military bearing when you get frustrated. This is the hardest thing the Honor Guard has to offer, so it is all expected.. It’s why I’m here.”

Trainees are taught the fundamentals of precision drill while maintaining physical fitness with push-ups, flutterkicks, mountain climbers; learning to focus past fatigue.

“It takes determination, commitment and you have to be able motivate yourself and other people,” Carty said. “You see us doing all the physical stuff, but honestly, the mental part is the hardest. You have to overcome all of your mental lapses by making your movements look good while constantly checking your body and all the individual details.”

If not, being cut by the 11-inch bayonet is a very likely.

“When we drill, the bayonet is inches away from your teammate’s face,” McConnell said.

“One mistake can send a weap-

PHOTO/BOBBY JONES

The Polar Bear mascot makes his appearance in support of the annual event.

founder and event director MLJ Event Management; and Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., Hip Hop Caucus, President and CEO. Led by Mike Tisdale’s voice

Senior Airman Korey McConnell critiques Airman 1st Class Jacob Wilson, United States Air Force honor guardsman, during United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team Training. At the end of the eight week class, trainees will have two attempts to pass final evaluations before becoming a member of the USAFHG Drill Team.

on doing something absolutely crazy. You just have to trust the person next to you, to do everything absolutely perfect.”

Going into week two of training, trainees are learning more than just drill movements.

“This training has made me more patient with myself and other people,” Carty said. “I do my best to not get frustrated and get better every day.

At the end of the course, trainees will have two attempts to pass final evaluations and become a member of the elite, USAFHG Drill Team.

“I honestly just love coming to work and working this job every single day,” McConnell said. “It’s not something very many people get to do. To say I had the chance to instruct an entire drill team training class — that’s what keeps me motivated every day, coming in and hopefully seeing these guys get better.”

For more information about joining the USAFHG visit: http://www.honorguard.af.mil/ recruiting/index.asp. on the mega-horn, 200-plus climate changing activists, consisting of individuals, families, and even a dog took the splash in the Potomac, some immersing themselves thoroughly with belly-whoppers, hand stands or just quick dips. As well-wishers cheered them on, some participants gave each other celebratory hugs, while others raised their arms as if they had completed the Olympics.

At the conclusion of the event, the participants got dressed and met at a local restaurant to receive thanks for their support. The CCAN event raised more than $80,000 in donations. Individuals still interested in making donations should visit www.keepwintercold.org.

Andrews Gazette

4

Friday, January 30, 2015

Xtreme Teens honor National Pie Day at Kentland Center

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

The staff of Kentland Community Center held its first Pie Eating Contest in honor of National Pie Day, in Landover Jan. 23.

The contest is part of several quarterly scheduled events made available to the youth by the Maryland National Parks and Planning Commission for the Landover facility.

More than a dozen preteen and teenagers, participated in the tasty free event, stocked with several Lemon Meringue pies for the contestants to gobble up.

Saundra Horton, Kentland Community Center Xtreme Teen program director, noted she had introduced the pie eating contest with an older group of teens at other centers, and it was well received. “They seemed to love it,” said Horton, also the aftercare director. “And it’s something

Lotorie Johnson, 12, of Landover, meets the challenge of his competitors with ease, as onlookers look in amazement.

boss, Horton beat William’s by devouring her pie first Several contestants compete against each other during a pie eating contest held with the teens congratulaton National Pie Day at the Kentland Community Center in Landover Jan. 23. ing her.

At the conclusion of the to keep them occupied and cold near the crust,” said sister put up a good chalpie eating contest, the winoff the streets. The winner Elliot. “But I still enjoyed lenge, but she gave up after ners reaped the benefits of a few seconds,” said Johnof the contest gets free Mc- it.” an early dessert before goAnother winner was Lo- son, taunting his sister.

Donalds gift certificates,” ing home.

Just for fun, Horton torie Johnson, 12, who comsaid Horton.

Named after a BoulAmong the winners was peted against three other challenged her teen coor- der, Colo., school teacher, Zekia Elliot, 12, of Hyatts- participants, including his dinator, Sean William to named Charlie Papazian in close the pie eating contest. 1975, who told his students ville. “I liked the contest, older sister, Tionne, 15.

“It was a lot of fun. My Holding true to her title as he was declaring his birthexcept for the pie was very PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

day, Jan. 23, to be National Pie Day, the national celebration of America’s iconic dessert was officially registered with Chase’s Book of Events, which includes special events, holidays, federal and state observances, historic anniversaries, and more unusual celebratory traditions. National Pie Day is now run by the American Pie Council.

Washington DC VA Medical Center offers services during Winterhaven the other services.

This year the VA focused many of its efforts on Jan. 24, the Washington preventative measures to DC Veterans Affairs Medi- help ensure the numbers cal Center brought together of homeless veterans would federal and local govern- not grow. ment agencies and Veteran “What are we doing difService Organizations, ferent this year is that we along with corporate and added more employers this nonprofit organizations, to year; we engaged more of provide health care assess- our community partners. ments, as well as, housing What’s different is, instead and employment counsel- of rescue, we are trying to ing and resources during its do more of the prevention 21st Winterhaven Home- -- making sure people don’t less Stand Down Event. become homeless…We’ve Services and resources seen an increase between were sponsored by more 10 to 15 percent over the than 60 agencies. The Win- last three years of people terhaven offered services coming to our event - last for medical, mental health year we had over 715. Now and substance-use disorder you may say,“Why are there screenings with housing more people?” They’re not and employment support. coming because they are Veterans were also of- homeless but more for the PHOTO/LESLIE C. SMITH fered free haircuts as well preventative services.

Darin Swann receives a haircut from barber Duane as receiving duffle bags full “Our fastest rising group Pierson. of essential items, along is our female veterans comwith boots, in addition to ing in for preventative services. What’s happening is people are getting discharged one day from the military and then don’t have a job the next day and Open they have families -- espeServing The Community cially our female veterans.

Saturdays We want to make sure we for 35 years! engage our community to ® Implants & Dentures • Braces For Children & Adults • Invisalign (Invisible Braces) continue to wrap around Digital X-Rays • Emergencies • Teeth Whitening • White Fillings • Root Canal Treatment them. So we wanted to prevent them from getting on www.ClintonFamilyDental.com the street rather than resDr. Alan Michaels - Dr. Sam Hamam - Dr. Jared Lamb - Dr. Norman Wang cue them once they are on the street,” Brian Hawkins, Most major insurances accepted Medical Center Director/ 9015 Woodyard Road • Suite 104 • Clinton, MD 20735 CEO, explained.

BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

1050397

“When you give a female veteran a home it’s a little different than when you give a male veteran a home; you have to think about the school district and think about her safety. It’s a little bit different and requires different types of resources than it does with a male veteran,” Hawkins said.

The VA Medical Center’s help for veterans goes beyond the stand down.

Hawkins shared, “This is the kickoff to engage the community, but we have a homeless program we have 365 days, 24 hours a day, and that’s called the Community Resource and Referral Center.” The Community Resources Referral Center is located at 1500 Franklin NE, Washington, D.C. and the phone number is 202-636-7660. “Our community partners rotate through there every day of the week so many of the people you see here are there consistently. This event is where we bring the community together but we take care of veterans every day.”

There are many ways to get involved from volunteering to donating; the 32-member outreach team looks to partner with the community at different events throughout the year.

Several service organizations found it important to serve on this day.

Darin Hutchins, of

the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma, the Washington D.C. Alumni Chapter, shared, “As a D.C. Alumni chapter we are very sensitive and proud to serve the veterans of our area…

This is our first year supporting this event and we look forward to doing it in the future. We have Sigmas who are veterans and supporting veterans is something that we do; and we were honored to find this new venue to do that.”

Vernon Young of Howard University Chapter Zi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, shared the sentiment.

“It was definitely important to me, first and foremost, because I’ve had family members in the military, lost their lives in the military. These men and women sacrificed a lot serving our country to ensure we have the freedom we have and the ability to do the things we do today. I find it important to just give back and say thank you; I made it a point to say, ‘thank you’ to every Veteran I saw today.”

If you need services or would like become involved, visit the website Washingtondc.va.gov, follow them on Twitter @DCVAMC, or call the public affairs office 202745-4037; and, on Facebook, they are WashingtonDCVAMC.

Andrews Gazette

Friday, January 30, 2015

5

JBA hosts 2nd Annual Power Lifter Meet

and maximum deadlift of 315 pounds.

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS “I didn’t go into it expecting to win, but I gave The West Fitness Cen- it my all anyway,” said ter hosted the 2nd Annu- Spilde. “I’m training for al Bench Press/Deadlift the Southern PowerliftMeet Jan. 16. ing Federation meet in The competitors were Ohio in April to compete split into male and fe- against over 80 other male categories, with the women from around the competition open to all world, so this meet was military, dependents, De- my motivator and built partment of Defense civil- experience.” ians and Naval Air FacilSpilde wasn’t the only ity employees, 18 years of champion that day. Army age or older, assigned to Staff Sgt. Ernest Manley, the base.

DC Armory 273rd MiliThe challengers were tary Police Company, was judged according to the the male category chamWilks formula, common- pion. ly used in weightlifting “My maximum bench competitions to deter- press was 350 pounds mine the best lifter by and maximum deadlift weight class. was 550 pounds,” said Chief Master Sgt. Troy Manley. “I’ve competed in Saunders, Vehicle Man- other power lifting comagement career field man- petitions before, but this ager and avid power lifter, was the first one I’ve won, judged the competitors. so it was very exciting for “I’ve been weightlift- me.” ing for about 20 years Saunders informed all and it’s always great to eligible competitors that see young Airmen push- he would like to take a ing themselves to get team of weightlifters to better and stronger,” said compete in the U.S.A. Saunders.

Power Lifting Military Staff Sgt. April Spil- Nationals competition de, U.S. Air Force Honor this year on March 14 at Guard training instruc- the Hilton Garden Inn in tor, won the female cat- East Point, Georgia, and egory with a maximum is taking applications unbench press of 160 pounds til Feb. 10.

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JOSHUA R. M. DEWBERRY

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JOSHUA R. M. DEWBERRY

Col. Brad Hoagland, 11th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander, receives a plaque from Brig. Gen. Timothy Green, Air Force Director of Civil Engineers, for JBA being one of the finalists for the Commander-in-Chief’s Installation Excellence Award Jan. 12 at Joint Base Andrews.

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JOSHUA R. M. DEWBERRY

Army Staff Sgt. Ernest Manley, DC Armory 273rd Military Police Company, won the male category of the 2nd Annual Bench Press/Deadlift competition. He won with a maximum bench press of 350 pounds and maximum deadlift of 540 pounds.

Military Spouses can get FREE career training with MyCAA funding.

Staff Sgt. April Spilde, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard training instructor, won the female category of the 2nd Annual Bench Press/Deadlift competition Jan. 16 on Joint Base Andrews. She won with a maximum bench press of 160 pounds and maximum deadlift of 315 pounds.

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LaPlata Youth Youth Soccer Association

SPRING 2015

Fellow of the AMERICAN ACADEMY OF Adoption Attorneys

REGISTRATION OPEN

Spring Spring Soccer S occer Registration R egistration is

NOW OPEN

FOR BASEBALL, SOCCER AND FLAG FOOTBALL

YOUTH AGES 4-18

Admitted in MD, DC and VA

www.LPYSA.org

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Walk-in registration at SMYO Saturdays Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 7 10am-2pm

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN THROUGH FEB. 28TH!

FINAL REGISTRATION Saturday Feb 14, 10am-4pm

Walk-In Registration at Milton Somers:

ON-LINE REGISTRATION AVAILABLE

Tuesday, February 10 from 6-8 pm Saturday, February 14 from 10 am - 12 noon Thursday, February 19 from 6-8 pm

SEE WEBSITE WWW.SMYO.ORG FOR DETAILS AND REGISTRATIONS FORMS

SMYO Clubhouse, 8210 Marshall Corner Rd., Pomfret, MD

smyoinfo@gmail.com

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jfairfax@jenniferfairfax.com www.jenniferfairfax.com

Train online in healthcare, technology, or administration and prepare to earn $30,000-$50,000/year.

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p: 301.221.9651 f: 240.491.9551

work and teamwork I’ve seen since I’ve taken command. It has not gone unnoticed.”

The highly competitive presidential-level

award recognizes outstanding support of DoD missions. The winning AF installation should be announced in February 2015, and will receive $700,000; the runner-up will receive $400,000.

CELEBRATING 44 YEARS OF GREATNESS

Jennifer Fairfax

• Domestic and International Adoption • Assisted Reproduction Technology Law

CINC, from page 1

DON’T MISS OUT COME JOIN T HE FUN!

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Andrews Gazette

6

Youth Center hosts MLK educational event

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JOSHUA R. M. DEWBERRY 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The Joint Base Andrews Youth Center hosted a Martin Luther King educational event for K-6th grade school children on Jan. 21. Approximately 170 children attended the event.

Over 10 volunteers helped set up various activities for the children.

“This is a great learning experience for the kids,” said 2nd Lt. Joshua Van Abel, 11th Logistics Readiness Squadron officer and event coordinator.

“We wanted them to learn that no matter what your dreams are, you should do what you’re passionate about and chase after it.”

Activities for the children included an educational clip showing a brief history of Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. Afterward, the children were quizzed on their knowledge of said events and rewarded with candy.

“I learned a lot about Dr. King and what he did for the

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JOSHUA R. M. DEWBERRY

2nd Lt. Joshua Van Abel, 11th Logistics Readiness Squadron officer, quizzes Team Andrews school children on the facts about Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the history of the Civil Rights Movement Jan 21 on Joint Base Andrews.

country,” said 9-year-old Christopher Humphries, one of the children attending the event.

“He taught us to go after our dreams and everyone deserves the same chances in life.”

There was also a banner for the children to write their personal dreams on as a tie to the message of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

“For many of the children that attended, this was the first time that they heard about the incredible impact that Dr. King had on our nation in

tearing down racial barriers,” said Chief Master Sgt. Vance Kondon, 11th Wing command chief. “It is critically important we teach the next generation about the lessons learned from our nation’s history. Fortunately, our children haven’t grown up to face the racism that Dr. King’s generation suffered. It was because of him, and others that took a stand, that turned the tide in the United States for the advancement of civil rights.

We can never forget that.”

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Friday, January 30, 2015

Security Forces Police Blotter The Security Forces Blotter is intended to keep members of the Joint Base Andrews Community informed and aware of the crimes and offenses that occur throughout the base each week. If you have any information that may help Security Forces solve a crime or prevent a criminal act, please contact BDOC (Base Defense Operations Center) at 301-981-2001, CRIME STOP LINE 981-2677 (COPS, or the investigations section at 301-981-5656).

Jan. 13 at 1:34 p.m.: At the Main Gate, Security Forces stopped individuals attempting to bring an illegal substance on base. The individuals were detained and charged accordingly.

Jan. 13 at 4:35 p.m.: Security Forces responded to a possible theft at the Base Library. While

utilizing a computer at the Base Library, an individual set their coat containing their vehicle keys in the lobby, when they returned to the lobby to retrieve their coat, it was missing and their vehicle was still parked outside.

Jan. 17 at 5:58 p.m.: Security Forces responded to a shoplifting at the Main Exchange. An individual attempted to walk out of the Main Exchange without rendering payment for a pair of boots. The individual was detained and charged accordingly.

Jan. 25 at 7:58 p.m.: An individual was driving while under the influence of alcohol. Individual consented to a breath test which resulted in a BRAC of .20 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. The individual was charged accordingly.

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.

Friday, January 30, 2015

Andrews Gazette

7

B.A.S.E 5/6, JBA community make difference in children’s lives

placement and job training,” Ross said. “I know your generosity put a AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON smile on many faces.”

PUBLIC AFFAIRS Ross learned of this daycare at a meeting of the private base orgaAfter the holidays, an Airman nization, called “Building Andrews from a private base organization Shaping Excellence,” also known as was tasked with gathering donation B.A.S.E. 5/6. boxes across the base, which were “I volunteered and loved it so emptied just a few days before of much that when I came back to work toys and clothing donated to a local I got in touch with the B.A.S.E 5/6 homeless children’s daycare. She coordinator to see how could I get expected to quickly grab several more involved,” Ross said. “Three empty bins, but was instead sur- months later she received orders prised to see many were once again and called me to see if I would be overflowing with donations from the interested in taking her place and base community. becoming the new chairman, which “I was so overwhelmed by the I happily accepted.” amount of donations given,” said The center, located in the heart Tech. Sgt. Shannah Ross, the Air of the District of Columbia, offers Force District of Washington Com- services for 157 children and 100 mander’s Support Staff Knowledge parents. The staff recognizes the Operations Division NCO in charge. important role volunteers play in “I sincerely appreciate everyone who achieving their mission of creatdonated clothing, toys, books, and ing “Sunny Starts. Bright Futures. coats.”

Where Homeless Children Grow.”

The local daycare, Bright Begin“Volunteers help provide addinings, Inc., is a free daycare center tional one-on-one interaction with for children six weeks to 5 years old students,” said Whitney Faison, the with parents who live in homeless center’s volunteer and communicashelters and transition homes. tions specialist. “Volunteers show Ross appreciates donations for our children that the community is the parents of these children. invested in their success. Children “Although Bright Beginnings fo- also form bonds and a mentorship cuses primarily on the children, they is developed. Volunteers bring their also assist their parents with job talents to Bright Beginnings classBY MASTER SGT. TAMMIE MOORE

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rooms which includes supporting teachers and creating diversity at our center. When volunteers provide coverage, it also allows for our education team of 25 teachers to attend training. Continuing education ensures that Bright Beginnings is providing the absolute best programming.”

As the B.A.S.E. 5/6 Bright Beginnings coordinator, Ross helps Faison find volunteers to assist the fulltime daycare providers with keeping the children entertained by reading books, playing games, making art work, singing songs, helping during lunch time, and on occasion escorting the children on field trips.

“Volunteering at Bright Beginnings will positively impact your life,” Faison said. “Our center is a warm and inviting community. We value every member of our Bright Beginnings community. Our children are some of the most kind and happy people on the planet. Volunteering your time at Bright Beginnings also opens your eyes to the reality of homelessness in D.C. and the measures being taken to eradicate this horrible epidemic. You really do see the impact you’re making in these children’s lives.”

For more information about Bright Beginnings, visit their website at www.brightbeginningsinc.org.

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/MASTER SGT. TAMMIE MOORE

Tech. Sgt. Shannnah Ross and a staff member load a dolly with donated toys and clothing gathered for Bright Beginnings, Inc. by the community Jan. 21 at Joint Base Andrews.

Ross is the JBA B.A.S.E. 5/6 Bright Beginnings chairman. She helps coordinate volunteer opportunities for JBA members at the child care center for homeless infants through preschoolers in Washington, D.C. Ross is also the Air Force District of Washington Commander’s Support Staff Knowledge Operations Division NCO in charge.

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, January 30, 2015

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