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Veteran’s History Day celebration, Page 2

DCMILITARY.COM

BASE NEWS Security Forces Police Blotter, Page 6

Humor for hope at All Veteran Comedy showcase, Page 3

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

Marijuana legalized in D.C. still unlawful for military, DoD civilians BY 459TH AIR REFUELING WING OFFICE OF THE STAFF JUDGE ADVOCATE

Department of the Air Force personnel working, residing or visiting the National Capital Region must be aware: The use or possession of marijuana by Air Force personnel is prohibited and may result in significant adverse action, including criminal prosecution as applicable.

On Tuesday, Nov. 4 residents of the District of Columbia passed Initiative 71, the so-called “Legalization of Possession of Minimal Amounts of Marijuana for Personal Use Act of 2014.” This ballot initiative purported to make it lawful under District of Columbia law for a person 21 years of age or older to possess marijuana for personal use, grow cannabis plants within a person’s principal residence, transfer without payment (but not sell) up to one ounce of marijuana to another person 21 years of age or older, and use or sell drug paraphernalia for the use, growing, or processing of marijuana or cannabis.

Air Force members must be aware, this initiative does not authorize Air Force personnel to use marijuana. To the contrary, federal law and Department of Defense policy prohibit the use or possession of marijuana.

Military personnel remain subject to criminal prosecution under Article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) for marijuana use, possession, or distribution-whether the use, possession or distribution occurs in District of Columbia or anywhere else in the world.

Moreover, DoD civilian employees remain subject to the prohibitions on marijuana use or possession, outlined in a

see MARIJUANA, page 2

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014 | VOL. 3 NO. 46

Prince George’s County holds annual Veteran Stand Down event

BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

Prince George’s County Department of Social Services held its fifth annual Veterans Stand Down event at the Prince George’s County Wayne K. Curry Sports & Learning Complex in Landover, Md. on Nov. 8.

The event for homeless residents — or those at risk — featured more than 80 vendors offering services such as health care, education assistance, free haircuts, food, clothes, podiatry services, DV counseling, housing assistance, shower and laundry, legal support and more.

County Executive Rushern L. Baker III was on hand, personally thanking vendors and service providers and interacting with attendees. Taking time to really expound on the importance of the event, Baker remarked, “It’s very important.

It’s one of my favorite events that we do in the county. As someone who spent almost my entire young life on military bases — I didn’t actually go to civilian schools until I was a junior in high school — the military is a big part of my family; and it’s a big part of Prince Georges’ County and the state of Maryland. At an event like this we offer all

PHOTO/LESLIE C. SMITH

Gayla Williams, one of the numerous volunteers that participated in the Annual Veterans Stand Down Event.

these services so that our vets can get services and job opportunities — it is important for us … Prince George’s County has the largest number of homeless vets in the area and so making sure that we, one, prevent homelessness but also

U.S. Honor Guard helps in fight to solve hunger pounds of food, equivalent to 37.5-million meals, annually.

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS The Capital Area Food Bank also aims to educate, empower The U.S. Air Force Honor and enlighten the community Guard, in partnership with about the issues of hunger and the Capital Area Food Bank, nutrition.

“We’re excited that the U.S. began collecting food Oct. 20, in an effort to bring atten- Air Force Honor Guard has tion to the hunger that affects been working with us for the many in the National Capital past two years,” said Maria Booker, Capital Area Food Region.

Bank Northern Virginia partThe food bank serves nearnerships manager. “When they ly 500,000 people in the reput on the military uniform gion struggling with hunger see FOOD, page 5 and distributes 45-million

BY STAFF SGT. ROBERT CLOYS

making sure they understand the services that are here is important. I love this event; and we hope next year when we do this event we’re looking to expand our Veterans Affairs office to put some more money behind it in staffing.”

The event drew on the resources of not only the county but numerous private citizens.

Gayla Williams, who attends First Baptist of Glen Arden and is a member of their

see STAND DOWN, page 4

Secretary Robert McDonald speaks at National Press Club

BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

On Nov. 7, Secretary McDonald spoke before an intimate mixed group, including veterans, at a lunch held at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. McDonald spent a little more than half an hour discussing the challenges he is facing with “fixing” the United States Department of Veteran Affairs along with his plans to implement initiatives and

strategies to tackle the problems.

At the end, he spent nearly 30 minutes answering tough questions from attendees.

“What we need to be about at the VA is improving our customer service and that is at the center of everything we are doing on the Road to Veterans Day and beyond.”

“For me every single day is Veterans Day – every single day is Veterans Day – and

see PRESS, page 5

Andrews Gazette

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Hot tickets around town

Retiree Corner Football Champions

Air Force’s Tops in Blue 6:30 p.m.

U.S. Air Base Theater, JBA Free night of family entertainment Hear exciting sounds of Bruno Mars, Pharrell Williams and Daft Punk and other artists. This year’s show also showcases great country music of artists like Jerry Reed, Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley and the Pistol Annies. The Tops In Blue show will also feature the great patriotic music that honors our nation and its heroes. All combined with costumes, lights and choreography. Visit www.topsinblue.com.

The Air Force Academy’s 236 victory over Army earned it the Commander-in-Chief ’s Trophy for a record 19th time. Earlier, the Falcons beat Navy, 30-21. It was the 49th meeting between the serviceacademy rivals. The Falcons lead the series against Army 34-14-1 and have won 16 of the last 18 in the series. The Falcons are 31-12 in Commander-in-Chief ’s Trophy games against Army dating to the beginning of the round-robin competition in 1972. They have a series-best 56-30 overall record against Army and Navy.

November 14

Tax Forms Readied

November 14 and 15

8-10 p.m.

All Veteran Performer Comedy Night Fundraiser Crystal City Sports Pub, 529 23rd Street S, Arlington, VA Presented by Operation Renewed Hope and hosted by Mike Brown featuring all Military Veteran performers. Veterans attend free. Online: $10 single, $15 pair, $20 at the door.

November 15

National Harbor Tree Lighting Noon-7 p.m.

Annual tree lighting featuring performances, dog photos with Santa, card making for armed forces overseas, holiday movie and fireworks.

November 14-16

Gaylord National’s ICE! A special holiday, interactive event featuring a winter wonderland crated of 5,000 blocks of ice, hand sculpted by international artisans. This year’s theme is Frosty the Snowman. Visit www.nationalharbor.com/events.

November 19

A Christmas Carol 10:15 a.m. and Noon 6600 Kenilworth Ave. Riverdale, MD 20737 Ushering in the holiday season, Charles Dickens’ classic story is presented in a musical version by TheatreWorks USA. Tickets: $8; $6/groups of 20 or more. For more information call 301-699-2255.

November 28-January 1

Festival of Lights 5-9:30 p.m.

Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive (Route 193), Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 Don’t miss this holiday drive-through event featuring more than one million twinkling lights. This year’s Festival features new displays.

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, November 14, 2014

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) will make available IRS Forms 1099-R for the 2014 tax year in mid-December. Retirees and annuitants will be able to access their forms on myPay. Retirees and annuitants who have not created a myPay account, or rely on

hard-copy versions of the 1099-R, should not expect to receive their forms until mid-January. A reminder, 1099-R’s are not automatically issued for deceased retirees and annuitants. Those in need of a 1099-R on the behalf of someone who has passed away must request that the form be issued. For more information regarding a 1099-R for a deceased retiree or annuitant, call 800-321-1080.

New Life for B-29

TSgt. Geoffrey Jensen is helping to restore one of the last two B-29s to flying condition. The Super-fortress, named Doc after a character from “Snow White,” was built in Wichita, Kan., during World War II and is parked in a Boeing hangar near McConnell AFB. A flight line crew chief for 18 years, Sergeant Jensen is a valued member of the volunteer restoration team. The manager is 95-year-old TJ Norman.

“It’s so nice having these Air Force

guys over here. All I have to do is show them what project we are working on, and they know exactly what to do.” Jensen’s enthusiasm for the project has spread to family members. His wife helps manage operational aspects and his father has also lent a hand. While Doc’s restoration began 14 years ago, the airplane has been grounded for more than 50 years. The first test flight is planned before the end of the year, Norman said. Jensen is aiming to become a part of Doc’s 6-man aircrew after he retires in April. “We want to try to get him in as a flight engineer,” Norman said.

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 has a website at www.andrews.af.mil.

Veteran’s History Day celebration

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

Veteran’s History Day was celebrated at The Courses at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Nov. 7. This event was held to recognize the service of military veterans, specifically women service members.

Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards, Maryland 4th Congressional District, was the guest speaker at the event, spoke about the accomplishments and achievements of women service members from all branches.

“Approximately 64,000 residents of Maryland are women veterans and they comprise a collective total of 560 years of service thus far,” said Edwards.

Through on-camera interviews, 31 women service members provided their personal stories and experiences in serving the United States military.

Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught (Ret.) also spoke at the event, congratulating women service members for their continued and honorable service in the U. S. military.

“Women are not recognized enough in our military history and I’m trying to change that,”

MARIJUANA, from page 1 Department of Defense memorandum dated Feb. 4, 2013. DoD civilian employees are subject to the restrictions governing drug use found in DoD Instruction 1010.09, DoD Civilian Employee Drug-Free Workplace Program, dated June 22, 2012, and other applicable Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and

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

Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards speaks at The Courses at Joint Base Andrews. Edwards attended Veteran’s History Day in celebration of women service members history serving in the U.S. military.

said Vaught. “For example, about 400,000 women served in our military during the Second World War, but not everyone who studies U.S. military history is aware of that contribution. Women deserve all the same recognition the men do.”

The video interviews were added

to the growing section of military history in the Library of Congress.

This event was also attended by students from Suitland High School, Richard Wright Charter School, Prince George Community College and the University of Maryland.

Mental Health Services Administration guidelines. Moreover, civilian employees and contractor employees who use marijuana may find that they are unable to obtain or maintain the security clearances necessary to perform their jobs.

Furthermore, it is a federal crime for an individual to bring marijuana onto a military installation. Any person found in possession of marijuana on a military

installation could be barred from base for a significant period of time and ejected from residing in base housing.

So be mindful of marijuana prohibitions. DoD will continue to use random urinalysis testing as a means of detecting marijuana use by military and civilian personnel and will continue to take appropriate actions, including criminal prosecutions, to protect our Airmen, and our Air Force.

Andrews Gazette

Friday, November 14, 2014

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Humor for hope at All Veteran Comedy showcase

BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

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Tonight folks will be enjoying the comedy of some of the area’s most talented comics in Arlington, Va. at the All Veteran Comedy Night Fundraiser for Operation Renewed Hope Foundation (ORHF) at the Crystal City Sports Pub. This show features all veteran comedians. The host for the evening will be Mike Brown, a nineyear-veteran with the National Guard, who will quickly disarm you with his charm and unassuming manner.

Brown spent six years with the National Guard and three years of active duty – two of those years at Langley AFB in the Security Forces. “I did a tour in Iraq during Saddam’s trial; I was on the base in the green zone doing PSD for the Iraqi officials.”

That was it for the straight answers and soon it was sore cheeks from grinning and uncontrolled giggles.

At first you wonder, am I supposed to laugh at this? But quickly you are assured it’s OK to see the humor in young comic’s quirky view and experiences in the military by his quick, slightly mischievous grin.

“I saw a banner on the car that said full-time benefits for part-time work and I was like

PHOTO/LESLIE C. SMITH

Mike Brown will host the All Veteran Comedy Night Fundraiser at the Cyrstal City Sports Club in Arlington, Va.

‘that’s me’ because I’m lazy,” explaining how he got to the National Guard.

“They teach you all you have to do is fight a few storms give out a few sand bags. Then I went to the National Guard museum and they said a lot of people don’t know this; there were more National Guard and Reserves in Dessert Storm my face froze up … I was like uh oh my recruiter didn’t tell me that.”

Leaving the military a year after returning from Iraq, Brown looked around to figure out what was next.

“I had a nice little nest egg.

I always wanted to be in the DC area. I didn’t really have a plan; I just knew I wanted to be in DC. Norfolk was that town if you weren’t selling drugs, not in the military, not a nurse, then you’re just not – not doing anything.”

“I was out of work for a year, doing a lot of odds and ends jobs then I was hired at Harris IT services.

“One day sitting in my office, I always wanted to do stand up, thinking there has to be a stand up school somewhere, there has to be some training to do this. I Googled it and I found this club – All Stars Comedy Club … Dave Tullis – he passed away now – he had a school. It was a $25 school; the Improv was like $300.

I thought I can’t afford 300 but I can do 25. So I show up; and I’m ready to learn – got my pen my pad and everything. He asks if I want a drink I said sure I’d like a Coke, he said good, I’ll take a vodka and cranberry…Then asked ‘ok, are you ready to learn?’ I thought, ‘Ok why not?’ It was the worse, who drinks at 12 o’clock in the afternoon?”

“Then the next day – there was this comedian by the name of Dingbat – don’t judge that name,” Brown looks at me deadpan, I giggle. “I said Dingbat; it’s all one word, too.” I laugh and he laughs.

So Dingbat had a show that

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Sunday and he said ‘I want you to perform,’ but I said ‘I’m not ready.’

He said, ‘Well just come to the show; see what it’s like to perform at a real comedy show.’ So I get there and he says, ‘The first comedian coming to the stage – real funny guy – give it up for Mike Brown.’ I’m like ‘Wait a minute.’ I have to go up there I have all my friends with me so I go up there this is my first joke – and my last joke. I did two and a half minutes.

I was just throwing out a bunch of stuff in my head – incomplete sentences.

“My closing joke, which I thought was going to be my big bang, this is going to make me – was about how men can’t read sonograms – the old sonograms pictures … And instead of just leaving it there, I jump on the stool and hang myself upside down like I’m the baby but there wasn’t enough room, and one of the legs was hanging off the stage. I fell off the stage; my head almost hit the mic stand. So, I got up and brushed myself off, took the mic and put the mic in the stand. I didn’t even say bye; just told my friends we’re going to the car – right now, right now we’re going to the car.” Uncontrollable laughter.

What made him get back up again? “My pride, my pride said that cannot be the end – the grand opening, the grand closing.”

Brown did get his nerve back up to go on stage again three weeks later.

“I was always a big comedy fan. I watched In Living Color, Martin, Living Single I had an idea of comedy, how I wanted to be.

“My favorite comedian growing up was Gallagher. So, like a lot of people were Richard Pryor, I was like yeah Gallagher. What you don’t like about smashing pumpkins; you don’t like smashing watermelons?”

“That was the only thing I could watch; I wasn’t allowed to watch HBO. I didn’t see Def Comedy Jam until someone gave me the DVD set later. So I watched Comedy Central.

“So I’m looking at Gallagher he’s his throw back to the sixties; and he’s like rolling across the stage and smashing watermelons and I’m like that’s cool. But he was doing this in these theater settings. People were paying their money to get watermelon juice potentially on their clothes; that’s what they signed up for! I saw that and I thought ‘that was pretty cool.’ ” “My standup is very physical like Martin – and a lot of acting, too. Martin is probably the biggest influence; he showed me you can be silly… that’s what really

see COMEDY, page 5

Andrews Gazette

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Friday, November 14, 2014

STAND DOWN, from page 1 military care ministry, said “I supported this event last year and my heart just went out to the community. All the agencies in our county that come out to help our veterans — I had to be a part of it. My church was a sponsor …

I couldn’t lay in my bed on a Saturday morning knowing this was going to take place. I’m just happy to be a part of it.”

Beyond the event, the county is investigating how it can best help veterans in other ways.

Henry Turner, former Chairman to the Prince George’s County Commission for Veterans, shared plans for a special feasibility study in order to best evaluate how to serve the veterans in the county and increase services, “We have over 70,000 veterans — the largest concentration in the area. The County Executive is an army brat just like I was; I later joined the army and the County Executive is a military vet, as well, and we said we owe this back. I have a son who is a captain in the army. We wanted to make sure our veteran population in the county is taken care of.

Turner also said the county is looking for ways to not only employ homeless veterans but also finding ways to find more business opportunities for veteran-owned business small businesses with the hopes that they will reach back into the community to employ other veterans.

“The Stand down is just the tip of the iceberg of what our county executive wants to do for our veterans. I’m really proud of his initiatives and I’ve been asked to do a feasibility study to get the ideas and the issues of our veteran population so he can determine how best to open the veterans affairs office.

“The County Executive and I understand that many veteran organizations are focused on the older generation — 40 and older. So we’re reaching out to soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines...

PHOTOS/LESLIE C. SMITH

Jorge Acosta; Linda Frazier, American Red Cross National Capital Region, Regional Manager for Service to Armed Forces; Bianca P. Langford

trying to get to the issues and concerns of younger veterans; find out what they want and focus on that.”

Each year the event has grown, L’Tanya Brown, Program Manager Department of Social Services in the Community Service Division, involved in the event since its inception five years ago, remarked of its growth. “This event al-

lows us to collaborate with the community; if we can strengthen individuals, then our community will be strengthened.

“I’ve seen this event grow from where we had to beg people to do this event — they’re not getting compensated — to people and organizations asking to participate and help. Also, I have seen the word is getting out to the community and their not just coming by themselves but they are bringing other people with them.”

“I think that it’s just a great opportunity to match people with their needs, meeting them where they are and getting them services, access to services they really need. It’s a sad situation that a number of people in our community that are less fortunate,” said Dennis Lewis, Prince George’s County Department of Social Services, Community Services Division.

“We in social services – government — do all we can to link them and pro-

County Executive Rushern L. Baker III stands with veteran Raymond C. Reed, US Army, Ret., a Vietnam-era veteran, and Henry Turner.

vide those services. I’m very proud to be part of that effort. I’m a social worker and so it does me a world of good when I see that connection; when you see someone that really has a need and you meet that need it’s just a beautiful feeling.

“It’s a beautiful concept — you can come here get a haircut, pick up a suit, go for an interview, and maybe walk out with a job. That’s a blessing. Also, get hooked up with your benefits, sometimes people don’t have what they need to be able to get benefits so that maybe they can have eligibility or income they may not have had so they can afford housing. You can also come in and get a number of health screenings. Just makes it all worthwhile,” Lewis said.

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, November 14, 2014

FOOD, from page 1 every day and still volunteer after hours by putting together a food drive like this it makes a big impact on the community.”

Already, more than 600 bags of non-perishable Thanksgiving food items, valued at more than $5,400, have been donated by personnel at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and Joint Base Andrews.

To further aid in the cause, the U.S. Navy Honor Guard joined in the effort. Nov. 8, 30 ceremonial guardsmen from both military branches will be assembled 750 bags of donated food.

“It makes me proud to see 12, junior sailors committed to their jobs during the week and still make time to serve the

community on the weekend,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Reuben Williams, Navy ceremonial guardsman.

The donation, estimated to feed up to 2800 people this Thanksgiving, was collected in preparation for the 5K “Hunger Awareness” Turkey Trot slated to take place at JBA, Nov. 20, at 7 a.m. in front of the west fitness center.

Run participants will have the opportunity to sign the donations and add a special message upon completion of the 5K. Those donations will be hand delivered by honor guardsmen the following week.

“We are still looking for more donations, and the drive ends only two weeks from now,” said Staff Sgt. Lawrence Rajab, USAF Honor Guard ceremonial guardsman and lead coordina-

PRESS, from page 1 that’s why I love this job.”

McDonald spoke about the 90-day Plan Road to Veteran’s day. McDonald stressed the importance of first focusing on rebuilding trust. “We know trust has been compromised at the VA and we know we are going to have to build it one veteran at a time.”

Key in the plan of rebuilding trust is changing the culture with employees is to have everyone recommit to the values and mission of the organization. McDonald spoke about the I CARE model (and pin) that many of the employees wear. I CARE is the acronym of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence.

Working on reshaping culture and behaviors of every employee, McDonald said “I made it clear very clear that anyone in our organization who violates these values will be held accountable. And I’m convinced that we have – with this mission, with these values – the framework in place to create the change that we need to make.”

McDonald shared that

PHOTO/LESLIE C. SMITH

Sec. Robert McDonald answers questions from the attendees of a luncheon at the National Press Club on Nov. 7.

there were more than 40 proposed disciplinary actions and more than 100 investigations underway within the department – lead by organizations such as Office of Inspector General, Dept. of Justice, FBI, Office of Special Counsel, and an Accountability Team from the Office of Accountability Review, which reports directly to McDonald – as well as tracking 5,600 disciplinary actions over the last year – approximately 2,000 completed.

“We are very serious of making sure that we hold people accountable for their actions.”

Focused on accelerating ac-

tor of the food drive. “Sunday, Nov. 16, is the final day of the drive but you can make last minute donations at the 5k. I hope to see continued support with the cause, as well as a strong turn out for the event. Every person will have a chance to exercise, gain insight on the struggle in the region, and contribute a personal inscription to a much needed and appreciated Thanksgiving meal.”

Those looking to contribute by donating food can visit the commissary at both JBAB and JBA. For volunteer opportunities with the Capital Area Food Bank, visit www.capitalareafoodbank.org.

(Michelle Kuzenko contributed to this story.) cess to care, the second strategy, the VA is reaching out to veterans that have been put on a waitlist, mobile vans have been sent out to reach veterans in areas outside the range of the facilities, and implementing telehealth solutions – health care-related services and information digitally.

McDonald said there were more than 1.2 million more appointments made in the last four months than in same period last year (from June to October).

Decreasing homeless was another initiative, McDonald said. An inter-agency committee consisting of United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the VA, and Department of Labor was set up to work on veteran homelessness, which is currently down 33 percent according to McDonald.“Gotta tell ya, if there is one homeless veteran it’s one too many. So we’re not giving up we’re continuing to work very hard to do that.”

“I am personally convinced this job can be done that these reforms can be executed, that we can care for veterans the way we should be caring for them.”

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COURTESY PHOTO/MICHELLE KUZENKO

Members of the U.S. Air Force and Navy Honor Guards pose Nov. 8 for a group photo at the Capital Area Food Bank in Lorton, Va. Guardsmen from both military branches assembled 750 bags of donated food estimated to feed up to 2,800 people this Thanksgiving.

COMEDY, from page 3 got me into it.” Brown also describes his act as, “A big hodgepodge. I like to talk about family and my upbringing. I become the characters I talk about.”

Going back to his first attempt on stage, “So after I failed miserably in the chair I had to go back in there. I had some good people that had my back and I started writing – and the second or third show was better than the first show.”

Looking to the future, this comic looks to be the total entertainer. Just filmed first comedy DVD, called the Life and Times of Ol’Mike B, filmed Oct. 19 at the DC Arts center in front of a soldout crowd, with Greg Stephens hosting it and filmed by The Taylor Creative. The DVD is due out Jan. 2015.

Staying busy in his total entertainment pursuit, Brown hosts an open-format radio show from 2 to 4 p.m. called Open Mike Radio with all topics open for discussion in only the most irreverent way comedians can do.

After attending the show last year, Brown was asked to host this year’s All Veteran Comedy showcase. “And this year Kirby asked if I wanted to host it ... but this is how they do – ‘you know

it’s for charity so we can’t pay you.’ ” More of the mischievous smile.

First jokes, but quickly he comes back around to, “It’s for the troops, I’m a vet I want to do this for the vets.”

Why comedy?

“I wanted to tackle comedy, it’s fun, it’s amazing. It’s the one of the only arts of the right now...

In comedy in order for me to figure out if this joke works or not I have to go to a live audience; there’s no studio. And the audience lets me know if I suck; and, if I do, I say ok I’ll be back and If they love it, I say thank you! Just being able to go to different audiences and see how they react.

Especially with my style of comedy; I talk a lot about my family.

Sometimes people will walk up to me and say, ‘I needed that.’

People are able to relate, see the human part.

To find out more about Mike Brown or to contact him, visit www.olmikeb.com.

The All Veteran Comedy Night Fundraiser will benefit Operation Renewed Hope Foundation, a 501(c)(3), which provided housing and supportive services to Veterans experiencing homelessness.

For more information about ORHF, visit operationrenewedhopefoundation.org.

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Andrews Gazette

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Friday, November 14, 2014

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).

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Nov. 4 at 2:40 p.m.: While conducting a traffic stop, Security Forces members detained two individuals for failure to provide proper credentials for being on base. Individuals were charged accordingly.

Nov. 5 at 1:23 p.m.: Security Forces received an anonymous tip through the “LiveSafe” app reporting illegally parked vehicles at the 11 FSS/Education Office. Patrols responded and cited violators accordingly.

As a Reminder

Please ensure you are aware of the posted speed limits, traffic lights and street signs. Additionally, please remember driving and talking/texting on a cell phone is illegal in the state of Maryland and on base. If you receive a phone call or text message while driving, safely pull over to a safe area to utilize your cell phone.

For reporting any emergencies or non-emergencies, please feel free to utilize the

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“LiveSafe” app. “LiveSafe” is an anonymous reporting app that can be downloaded for free on your smart device. “LiveSafe” connects people and police in a two-way dialogue and enables information to be shared instantaneously; it enhances people’s ability to connect with police during times of tragedy and emergency situations. “LiveSafe” empowers the community by giving them the option to anonymously report crimes or inform police of information to

help prevent any crime from happening.

Use “LiveSafe” to: • Connect With Police: Share information and safety concerns with police via text with picture, video and audio attachments, with the option to remain anonymous. You can also start a live chat.

• Get Fast Access To Info: Access emergency help, telephone numbers, and important safety information and resources all from one place.

Friday, November 14, 2014

Andrews Gazette

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Andrews Gazette

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Friday, November 14, 2014

The Combined Federal Campaign is Underway!

Visit DCMilitary.com/CFC for a complete preview and a full list of participating charities that need your support through donations to help those in need.

Please support their efforts and donate today!

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