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CONTENTS 4 PAYING FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL

14 10 D.C. MUST-DOS

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WHY LIFE INSURANCE MAKES SENSE AT ANY AGE

A DELICIOUSLY SIMPLE WAY TO SUPPORT VETERANS

16 A SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR MOVING TO D.C.

20 VETERANS CORNER: AIR SHOW RESUMES, SALUTE TO WOMEN VETS

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10 GIRL MEETS GOAT. Adventures in Annapolis

22 FUN (& IMPORTANT) STUFF TO DO

GREEN KNIGHTS promoting motorcycle safety, mentorship and community service

24 CHOOSING A PRIVATE SCHOOL

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Welcome Thank you all for reading DC Military Magazine and calling and emailing us with great feedback! It’s so exciting to hear from our readers and even more exciting to hear that you like what you are reading. As a matter of fact, we are getting requests from people who want to subscribe and have it mailed to their homes. Sorry to say we are not quite there yet, but we hope to be able to offer that in 2016. You can always find the magazine online at www.dcmilitary.com, in the box on the home page labeled DC Military Magazine. The Magazine tab at the top will take you to the page that shows all the issues we have published so far, so please share!

I hope you will enjoy this issue, since there is a lot of great information. Please email me at editorial@dcmilitary.com and let me know what you think of our stories. You can also let us know if there are stories you want us to write about.

The Sept./Oct. issue will have more great stories for you. Alice Swan, our military spouse columnist, will interview Deanie Dempsey, Gen. Martin E. Dempsey’s wife, on their transition to civilian life, as our chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, leaves service. Do you have a special-needs child and dread moving every time new orders for a PCS arrive? We will cover how parents can help special-needs children as they move. Have you ever been to the Maryland Renaissance Festival? We will do a feature on the festival and other fun events in our calendar section.

As many of our military service members leave service, they are a bit reluctant to go back to college and use their Post 9/11 GI Bill or other education benefits.

Veterans Upward Bound is a group that helps military service members prepare to return to college and get a degree to move on in civilian life. We’ll let you know how they help.

There will be many more stories we are still working on, but I wanted to give you a peek into the next issue. Please keep letting us know what you think about DC Military Magazine by calling us at 301-921-2800 or sending an email to editorial@dcmilitary.com.

If you want to advertise in our magazine, please call us too!

We would welcome your support.

PAYING FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL

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Until next time, Maxine Minar Executive Editor

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BY JIM MAHAFFIE

here are almost a thousand private elementary, middle and high schools serving nearly 170,000 students in the metro area, including Maryland and NorthernVirginia, according to a search by Private School Review, a NewYork-based organization that provides free, detailed profiles of private day schools across the U.S. Costs of these schools vary widely, but, as is typical in our upscale city and its environs, they average some of the highest tuition fees in the country. The average tuition cost of $21,855 a year is one of the highest nationwide, and Maryland’s average tuition is $11,576 and Virginia’s is $12,368, according to Private School Review.

There’s hope for parents daunted by those costs.

The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), in its 2014–15 survey of private schools, reports that 22.5 percent of students receive finanJ U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

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Your unit or branch of service may offer scholarships, aid and funding assistance. cial aid. But it will take patience and diligence to obtain aid, from any of many possible sources.

The Madeira School in McLean, Virginia is an exclusive girls-only school that may seem unaffordable for most military families.The comprehensive cost of attending Madeira as a boarding student in 2015–16 is $56,191, according to Director of Enrollment Management Mary Herridge. But Herridge also said, “Madeira offers a robust financial aid program that helps make a Madeira education a possibility for many families. Over 27 percent of Madeira students are receiving either a need-based or merit-based financial award.The average grant is $32,000.”

“Madeira can be an excellent choice for military families, as each student has a choice between being a day student or a boarding student.

For families in transition, Madeira’s residential program can provide a constancy in the student’s life, thereby enabling her to have a full high school experience,” Herridge said.

At Gonzaga College High School, a premier Catholic college preparatory school and the largest, all-boys school in the District, admission decisions are need blind, according to Andrew Battaile, dean of admissions and financial aid. That means that the school doesn’t look at your financial circumstances as part of its admissions criteria. “If a young man is accepted here, we’ll do our best to help them with financing.They don’t walk away because they can’t afford Gonzaga,” he said. “I tell everyone to apply for aid.”

Applying for aid from a school usually means filling out the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) form, which the school admissions offices need to determine aid awards. More than 2,000 schools use the PFS to assess financial needs of parents applying for aid, according to NAIS. Factors affecting aid include income, but schools may often take into account the number of kids a family is enrolling at the school. Some schools have financial aid programs that offer free J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

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tuition to admitted students whose income is below a certain threshold, too. Individual schools all determine the amount of financial aid based on available funds they have available.

The best source of information about financial aid for private schools is the schools themselves.There’s a financial aid officer at every school, so you should start there to see where you stand for merit aid and needbased scholarships. Private schools may offer options such as tuition payment plans, education loans and sibling discounts.There may be special scholarships. Battaile said that Gonzaga offers a scholarship especially for sons of military families.

The LCDR Erik S. Kristensen ‘90, USN, Memorial Scholarship Fund is named for a Gonzaga graduate and member of the elite Seal Team 10 who died in Afghanistan.

Pay attention to your GI Bill benefits, too. Since 2009, service members have had the option of transferring some or all of the benefit to their dependent children. Transferability regulations covering Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are complex, but this may be an option for paying for at least some of private school tuition, room and board.

Your unit or branch of service may offer scholarships, aid and funding assistance.The Military Family Scholarship Program Act creates a scholarship program to provide all children of veterans and active military personnel the option to attend the school of their parents’ choice.

Just getting started with a family? Coverdell Education Savings Accounts allow you to save up to $2,000 a year per beneficiary in taxfree accounts that can be used for private school tuition.

There are many opportunities for financing, but it takes diligence and research to find and apply for them.

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DC Military Magazine has a circulation of 110,000 printed by offset as a civilian enterprise bi-monthly magazine for installations within the national capital region.

The publisher is a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense. Opinions expressed herein are those of the contributors to this marketing publication, and they are not to be considered an official expression of the Department of Defense. The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of Defense of the products or services advertised.

PHOTODISC/THINKSTOCK

DC Military Magazine is published by DC Military, a Civilian Enterprise media company serving 13 military installations and the Pentagon in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. DC Military is located at 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD, 20877.

Telephone: 301-921 2800.

WHY

LIFE INSURANCE MAKES SENSE AT ANY AGE

Maxine Minar, executive editor and president (mminar@dcmilitary.com)

Tiffany Arnold, managing editor Lorraine Walker, designer Alice Swan, On the Homefront columnist Karen Finucan Clarkson, events and calendar columnist Chuck Lucas, retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt., Veterans Corner columnist Contributing Writers Ellen Ternes, Jim Mahaffie, Julia LeDoux Send press releases and editorial submissions to editorial@dcmilitary.com.

John Rives, publisher and sales executive

(jrives@dcmilitary.com)

Tom Forsey, sales account representative

Prince George’s County, Maryland and Washington, D.C. (tforsey@dcmilitary.com)

Kelley Kennedy-Lapping, sales account representative

Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. (kkennedy-lapping@dcmilitary.com)

Ryan Ebaugh, sales account representative Home builders, real estate and apartments (rebaugh@dcmilitary.com)

James Constantine, sales account representative

Welcome Guide customers (jconstantine@dcmilitary.com)

Jennifer Trinch, sales account representative Welcome Guide customers (jtrinch@dcmilitary.com)

For advertising information, call 301-921-2800.

COVER PHOTO: DIGITAL VISION/THINKSTOCK

Editorial Note: A photograph featured on page 10 of the May/June 2015 edition of DC Military Magazine (“Final Honor: Guards preserve legacy of Tomb of the Unknown Soldier”) was taken

by Karin Markert. You can find her work at KLMarkert Photography, www.klmarkert.smugmug.com.

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n my eight years in the life insurance industry, I’ve taken great pride in providing financial advice to thousands of military service members and their families for USAA. It’s an honor to serve those who answered the call to serve our country—an experience I also share. Previously, I served in the U.S. Air Force and was probably like many of you early on in my military career. However, life threw me a curveball and my plans to dedicate 20 years to the Air Force ended abruptly a few years ahead of schedule. I’ll have more on that later.

The point is that life comes at you quickly regardless of your age, and making good [omitted extra space] financial decisions while time and flexibility are your allies can make a huge impact when that changes. Life insurance probably isn’t very high on your list of considerations, and I don’t blame you, but I truly believe it should be. I’ve been where you are and understand the skepticism that life insurance could be a wise investment this early in your life. In my time at USAA I’ve heard it all, but I want to address the most common reservations, and why they’re not as clear cut as you think.

“I already have Servicemembers Group Life Insurance.”

I want to be perfectly clear: I believe that every U.S. military member should have a life insurance policy, in addition to the fantastic benefit that SGLI provides. This is regardless of age, military occupation or marital status. No exceptions.

But perhaps an even greater benefit a supplementary policy can provide is guaranteed insurability. As a servicemember, you likely know someone who has experienced a significant injury or other medical issue.You must also know that ultimately your military career will end, and your SGLI coverage will end with it.

As I alluded to earlier, my Air Force career ended for medical reasons in 2005 after about 12 years of service. After several years of near constant D C M i l i t a r y. c o m / m a g a z i n e

GUEST COLUMN

BY KENNY SUTTON, USAA

deployments, I was physically and emotionally spent.When I arrived home, I struggled with injuries I suffered while downrange.

You know the story from here: My life became a whirlwind of personal and financial issues that weighed heavily on me. On top of that, the medical issue that ended my military career would make it impossible to buy life insurance for nearly a decade.

If you value your SGLI benefit in any way, you need take action to ensure you can keep that benefit in place. Had I purchased a small, term policy before I deployed, I would have been able to keep that policy after I was medically retired with no change in price. I would not have to rely on Veterans Group Life Insurance, with its increasing expense, and I would not have to worry I may not be able to afford it in the future.That small policy, coupled with the group life insurance I have with my employer, would likely have met my family’s needs for some time.

“I don’t have a spouse, kids or a house so I don’t need life insurance.”

Even if your family hasn’t grown beyond one, can you imagine a future where it does? Do you see yourself having a spouse? Children? If so, having a policy in place now could mean more flexibility later as your life progresses.

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Recently, a good friend narrowly avoided a terrible traffic accident while coming home from work. After the initial shock wore off, he contemplated how fast life can change. He reflected on the fact that very recently he and his wife put wills in place and increased their life policies. When we discussed it later, he told me that as scary as the experience was, he did feel a sense of peace that had the worst-case scenario occurred, a safety net was in place to take care of his family’s financial needs.

He was proud of the fact that he had not only thought of doing these things, but more importantly, he had actually taken action. His words to me summed up my feelings exactly: “Love your family twice. First, tell them. Then do something about it.”

If you love someone, or ever might, take action now and get an additional policy in place.There are policies available now that can offer the kind of flexibility that can be valuable to those starting out. Benefits like USAA’sTerm Life Event Option can increase as you get married, have kids or purchase a house, and your needs change.

“It’s too expensive.”

For many service members, and particularly those who are younger and in the earlier phases of adulthood, cost is a major factor. The price of a privately [omitted hyphen] owned life insurance policy is based on two things: age and health. We covered health earlier, but when it comes to age, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the younger you are, the less expensive it is to obtain a policy.

While you might feel your cash would be better spent elsewhere because you are young, healthy and J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

without any significant obligations, consider this: Life insurance will not be any cheaper for you than it is today.

For example, a 20-year-old would pay an average of $12 a month for a $100,000 USAA level term policy, but someone who waits until they are 40 could pay as much as $50 a month, possibly more for the same policy.You can always revisit coverage and increase it as your budget and circumstances change.TheTerm Life Event Option mentioned earlier allows you to add coverage after a qualifying life event for an average cost of $10 to $20 month with no additional underwriting.

Buying early can provide flexibility that you might need later in your life while locking in a lower rate for the life of the policy.

One of the things I miss most about serving as an NCO was the opportunity to learn from those with experience and the pride I felt when I was able to pass that knowledge on.

I learned the value of having a life insurance policy the hard way. No, obtaining a supplement to SGLI will not prevent your death, but it can provide insurability, peace of mind and perhaps most importantly, it can be the most profoundly impactful decision you make for those you leave behind—the people you love.

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Kenny Sutton is a director of product management with USAA Life Insurance Company. Prior to transitioning to civilian life, Sutton served 12 years in the U.S. Air Force.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELISE MAHAFFIE

Located in the heart of Georgetown, Dog Tag Bakery serves regulars and visitors all day long with fresh baked goods made by veterans.

A Deliciously Simple Way to SUPPORT VETERANS

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BY JIM MAHAFFIE

t’s a warm June morning in Georgetown, and the line is several deep at the counter at Dog Tag Bakery. One-time U.S. Army linguist and translator Sham Hassan is taking orders for breakfast croissants, frittatas, muffins and scones, all made on site. In the kitchen, 20-year U.S. Navy veteran Joe Zarek is checking the contents of his ovens.

Besides the breads and quiches, the bakery supports Dog Tag Inc., a nonprofit that offers a six-month fellowship for disabled veterans through Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies. Here at Dog Tag Bakery, workers like Hassan and Zarek are also taught to run a small business, in addition to business and staff management, product creation, customer service, marketing and operations.

“Sham Hassan started as a barista as one of our first employees when we opened the bakery,” said CEO Meghan Ogilvie. “As he learned more about the fellowship program and the opportunities for networking and learning about civilian workforce opportunities, he knew it was something he wanted to pursue. He applied and was accepted into our second class of fellows.”

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Dog Tag Bakery serves cakes, pies, breads, muffins, scones and more. A work-study program combines veteran education with the experience necessary for them to succeed post duty as civilians.

More than 100 veterans applied for the fellowship’s first class in 2014, and 10 were selected, said Simone Borisov, director of development. “All of them were categorized at least 50 percent disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and that’s a big part of our mission.”The Dog Tag work-study program combines veteran education with the experience necessary for veterans to succeed post-duty as civilians. “We’re all D C M i l i t a r y. c o m / m a g a z i n e

about bringing people to a happy place to interact with veterans,” Borisov said.

“As the word continues to spread about our mission and our business expands, we have seen a surge in interest for our fellowship program,” said manager Justin Ford, who also is a veteran.

Zarek described his bakery work as his “externship.” “I’m planning on opening my own business and this is an important part of the process,” said Zarek, a combat-disabled veteran of both Gulf wars. Program fellows all work at the bakery, and it also employs other veterans and veteran spouses. Recent graduates are starting their own businesses and working on master’s degree programs.

Located in the heart of Georgetown at 3206 Grace St. NW, next to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Dog Tag features a state-of-the-art bakery and classroom space. Bright and beautifully renovated, the dog tag chandelier hangs over a side table. It’s made up of 3,500 individual dog tags, each inscribed with a personal message. Each tag represents a donation to the cause: honoring servicemen and servicewomen who have fallen in the defense of our nation.

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A replica Wright Brothers Model B-1 airplane hangs in Dahlgren Hall at the U.S. Naval Academy, representing the early days of naval aviation.

Girl

MEETS GOAT..

ADVENTURES INANNAPOLIS.

PHOTOS BY ALICE SWAN

The statue of Navy Bill, the U.S. Naval Academy’s mascot, welcomes visitors near the Gate 1 entrance to the academy.

You don’t have to be a seaman to appreciate the charm of Annapolis

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iving in Washington, D.C. provides access to a host of historic sites, museums and memorials. But nearby is a destination that offers a glimpse into our country’s early past, where you can learn how our nation conquered the seas, walk in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers and see the democracy they dreamed of establishing at work each day.

It’s all found in Annapolis, Maryland—the state capital and home of the U.S. Naval Academy.

Sitting at the mouth of the Severn River and Chesapeake Bay, this delightful port city is the perfect getaway for a day or a weekend. And you don’t have to be a seaman to appreciate Annapolis’ charm, as this Army spouse learned on a recent visit.

Between the town’s cobbled streets, 18th century buildings, active harbor, busy government

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BY ALICE SWAN

center and the gleaming granite halls of the Naval Academy, it may be hard to decide where to start your tour. Susan Steckman, of the Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference & Visitors Bureau, provided suggestions for making the most of your time in Annapolis.

“For first time visitors, we always encourage people to get out on the water,” Steckman said.

There are a variety of tour operators located at the City Dock area, including: a 40-minute narrated cruise of the Annapolis Harbor and past the Naval D C M i l i t a r y. c o m / m a g a z i n e

Academy aboard Watermark’s Harbor Queen; a two-hour cruise aboard the wooden schooners Woodwind and Woodwind II or the Spa Creek tour aboard Watermark’s Miss Anne.

Families with young children might consider a cruise with Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake — a 75-minute tour complete with water cannons and buried treasure search, according to Steckman.

Next on Steckman’s list of must-sees is the Maryland State House. “It’s the oldest state house in continuous legislative use in the country and is the only state house to have also served as our nation’s Capitol building when Annapolis was the capital from November 1783 to August 1784,” Steckman said. According to Steckman, George Washington resigned his commission as com- ANNAPOLIS CONTINUED ON 21 -

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The Maryland State House opened in 1772 and stands on the highest point in Annapolis.

Protests are a common sight at Lawyers’ Mall, which is outside the Maryland State House.

A cruise on Annapolis’ waterways provides some great views of the city and the U.S. Naval Academy.

WELCOME TO PLEBE SUMMER While most recent high school graduates are relishing their last bit of freedom before stepping into the next phase of life, 1,200 of their peers will be enjoying a different kind of summer break. These are the plebes of the U.S. Naval Academy, who each Induction Day—July 1 this year—say goodbye to civilian life and begin their four-year experience as midshipmen.

According to Naval Academy officials, the plebes endure a tough, seven-week training period called Plebe Summer to introduce them to academy life. They’ll be roused from bed at 5:30 a.m. with reveille, followed by a day full of physical training, meal formations, memorization, academy and military instruction, all ending in the singing of the Naval Academy alma mater before lights out at 10 p.m. Plus, they must keep their uniforms and rooms shipshape in order to pass the frequent inspections by a leadership team of upperclassmen. Naval Academy officials said that during this time, the plebes have no access to TV, movies, the Internet or music, and have restricted access to cell phones. They are permitted to make only three calls during Plebe Summer.

But the plebes aren’t completely on their own. “Local families sponsor midshipmen and open their homes up to them for a place to relax while they are on local leave,” said Leo Mehalic, a Naval Academy spokesman. At the end of the seven weeks, those who survive will be welcomed into the Naval Academy ranks as fourth-class midshipmen. They’ll also receive a warm welcome from their new community of Annapolis.

How’s that for a summer vacation?

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GREEN KNIGHTS promoting motorcycle safety, mentorship and community service

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GREEN KNIGHTS MILITARY MOTORCYLE CLUB

Members of the Green Knights toured Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and posed for a picture along the historic battle site.

BY JULIA LEDOUX

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or members of the Green Knights Military Motorcycle Club Chapter 20, riding a motorcycle isn’t about looking “cool” while tooling around on the area’s highways on two-wheels.

It’s about mentorship, camaraderie, giving back to the community and, most importantly, staying safe on the road.

“Our primary focus is to promote safety,” said Dave Abildgaard, the chapter’s vice president.

Chapter 20 of the Green Knights Military Motorcycle Club was founded at Andrews Air Force Base in 2006, what is now known as Joint Base Andrews. The club is open to all Department of Defense personnel, including active duty and retired service members, and has approximately 200 members, including a four-star general and an instructor from the U.S. Naval Academy. Members live anywhere from Fort Meade, Maryland, to Quantico,Virginia.

The club itself was formed in the late 1990s on McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey in response to a rise in motorcycle-related deaths among 18- to 25-year-olds who were serving in the Air Force. “It was an effort to mentor, lead and guide these young folks and redirect their thinking into smarter driving habits,” said Chris Orbits, president of the local chapter.

The effort spread throughout the Air Force and soon encompassed other branches of the nation’s armed services. The club has approximately 112 international chapters. The local chapter was designated the Green Knights Military Motorcycle Club Chapter 20 because it was the 20th club that was formed, Orbits said.

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Every year, Chapter 20 plans at least one ride along the scenic Skyline Drive.

turn stateside from a deployment wanting the biggest, baddest motorcycle they can find.

“They think `I survived combat, I can survive this,’” Orbits said. “That decision making process needs to be tweaked. I’m not saying it’s wrong. I’m saying it needs to be tweaked.”

The local chapter hosts various instructional classes and rides throughout the year for both new riders and those who have more experience, they said. Riders with all types of motorcycles, including sport bikes, sport touring bikes and cruisers are welcome.

“Motorcycles don’t kill. People and their decisions kill people,” Abildgaard said.

Motorcyclists who dodge in and out of traffic or do wheelies while on the road give other riders a bad name, Orbits and Abildgaard said.

“For me, when they go down, I don’t have a lot of sympathy for them,” Abildgaard said.

“That is one of our biggest challenges is to get those folks (who do that) to ride with us.”

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Chapter 20 members participate in the Faces of Valor USA ride and help raise funds for those injured and for the children of those killed in the performance of their duty.

Orbits, who is also a motorcycle safety instructor, agreed.

“I’ve done my fair share of investigating motorcycle accidents,” he said. “Most are due to high speed or their inability to control their bikes.”

In addition to promoting safety, mentorship and camaraderie, members of Chapter 20 participate in Rolling Thunder, a motorcycle rally that draws thousands of bikers to Washington, D.C., during Memorial Day weekend. They ride to focus attention on the plight of America’s prisoners of war and those missing in action.

“Last year, during Rolling Thunder, we cleaned the entire (Korean War Veterans Memorial),” Orbits said. “It took 17 people two hours to clean it.”

“We literally scrubbed that with brushes,” added Abildgaard.

The group provides escorts for buses carrying Honor Flight veterans who are visiting memorials of the wars they fought.

“The thing that really means the most to our chapter is the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in southern Maryland,” Orbits said.

Orbits said residents of the home are delighted to see his group, and Chapter 20 members are equally happy to spend time with those who paved the way for them.

“They want to come out, they want to see the bikes, they want to talk about our careers, their careers,” he said.

For more information on the Green Knights Military Motorcycle Club, visit the club’s website at greenknightsmmc.org.

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THINGS YOU’VE GOT TO TRY WHILE STATIONED in the nation’s capital

BY KAREN FINUCAN CLARKSON

LINCOLN: ABLESTOCK.COM/THINKSTOCK, JEFFERSON MEMORIAL: STOCKBYTE/THINKSTOCK, CANNON:LIQUIDLIBRARY/THINKSTOCK

teeped in history and awash in culture, Washington, D.C. has much to offer military families. Whether stationed within the District of Columbia — at the Navy Yard or Marine Barracks — or at the region’s edge — at Marine Corps Base Quantico or Fort George G. Meade — military families are a short drive or train ride from some of the nation’s most popular attractions.

How best to take advantage of your time in the area? Consider the ideas below and be sure to touch base with your installation’s Morale,Welfare and Recreation office, which often offers discounted admission.

ditional Chinese dragon dance, kung fu demonstrations and live music — marks the Chinese New Year.

More than 170 nations have embassies in D.C. and each May dozens of them open their doors to the public as part of Passport DC. The annual program offers a rare look inside the embassies and provides an opportunity to experience the cultural heritage and national traditions of different countries.

Each year, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival showcases the history, geography, food and culture of a particular country. This year it is Peru. Held outdoors on the National Mall, the festival takes place during the last week of June and first week of July.

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3 Celebrate a holiday

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Sightsee like a tourist

Stretching from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall is home to 12 museums, nine monuments and memorials, and a dozen gardens. It can take days to explore the 1.9-mile mall.

A pair of comfortable shoes is essential, even if you choose to ride the new DC Circulator bus. With 15 stops around the mall and buses arriving every 10 minutes, the DC Circulator is convenient and inexpensive: $1 paid with a Metro SmarTrip card lets you hop on and off for two hours. If the weather is nice, pack a picnic lunch, as d food can be pricey, and bring along a Frisbee.

Few other cities mark Memorial Day or Independence Day the way D.C. does. The annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally, parade down Constitution Avenue, wreath laying at Arlington National Cemetery, and concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol are am among the events commemorating those wh who died in the service of our country.

A Capitol Fourth is a free, 90-minute musical extravaganza on the West Lawn celebrating the nation’s independence. A rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture complete with live can-

2 Explore another culture

Framed by the iconic Friendship Arch at 7th and H Streets, the District’s Chinatown is a compact shopping and dining destination. An annual winter parade — with a tra-

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non fire caps off the evening concert and serves as the soundtrack for the spectacular fireworks display on the National Mall. Not one for crowds? Take a boat cruise or book a room at a hotel with a rooftop view to catch the fireworks.

D.C. also is a great place to celebrate Easter with an egg roll on the South Lawn of the White House, Halloween by trick-or-treating along Embassy Row, and Christmas with tree-lighting ceremonies on the Ellipse and grounds of the U.S. Capitol.

4 Tour a Civil War battlefield

Not even Ken Burns’ documentary can compare to standing on a Civil War battlefield, bearing witness to the brutal battles that defined America’s deadliest war. Beginning in 1864, battles raged around Washington, D.C., which served as command central for President Lincoln until his assassination 150 years ago. Some of the most significant were fought within a few hours drive. From Gettysburg, Pennsylvania — where Lincoln delivered his unforgettable address following a decisive Union victory — to Appomattox, Virginia — where the Army of Northern Virginia surrendered, signaling the end of the war — the story of the War Between the States has been preserved for generations. Closest to D.C. are the partially restored Fort Stevens, site of the only battle in the District and where, according to some accounts, Lincoln was fired upon; MaJ U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

nassas and Bristoe Station battlefields in Virginia; and Antietam and Monocacy battlefields in Maryland.

5 Experience the Potomac

Running 383 miles from the Allegheny Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac River has served as a source of commerce and recreation. From thundering falls to placid shallows, the river contains one of the deadliest stretches of white water — the 14-mile Potomac River Gorge — in the Eastern United States. For the more adventurous, there’s white water rafting, which is as close as Mather Gorge, just 20 minutes from downtown D.C. For those who prefer a more sedate river experience, there are kayak and canoe rentals in Georgetown and National Harbor. Paddle boats are available at National Harbor and the Tidal Basin. A dinner, moonlight, canine or pirate cruise is another fun way to experience the Potomac. Those who prefer not to be out on the water can experience the river’s power and majesty at Great Falls Park in Virginia and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park in Maryland.

in a Sunset Parade 6 Take or military tattoo

For nearly six decades, the U.S. Marine Corps has been paying tribute to those whose “uncommon valor was a common virtue” through Sunset Parades at the Marine Corps War Memorial, modeled after the infamous

U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. TEDDY WADE

Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Infantry Regiment, also known as “The Old Guard,” march across Whipple Field during a Twilight Tattoo on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., May 22, 2013. During the event, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno presented the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal to Gary Sinise of the Gary Sinise Foundation; Ryan Blanck of the Center for the Intrepid; Kathleen Gagg of the Got Your Back Network; Ken Fisher of the Fisher House Foundation and Deborah Tymon of the New York Yankees.

photo of the World War II flag raising on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima. The Tuesday evening parades, which run through Aug. 11, feature music from The Commandant’s Own, a drum and bugle corps, and precision drill by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon.

Twilight Tattoo is an hour-long, live-action military pageant featuring soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army Band’s Pershing’s Own, Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and U.S. Army Drill Team. It is performed every Wednesday on Whipple Field at Joint Base Myer Henderson-Hall in Arlington, Virginia through Aug. 19.

The Evening Parade at the Marine Barracks in Southeast Washington, D.C. features music and precision marching. The ceremony, which starts at 8:45 p.m. every Friday through Aug. 28, has become a universal symbol of the professionalism, discipline and esprit de corps of the United States Marines.

7 Attend a professional sporting event

While there hasn’t been a Super Bowl, World Series, Stanley Cup or Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy winner from D.C. in many years, most of the professional teams here are competitive. And, local teams have star power, such as Alexander Ovechkin, Bradley Beal and Bryce Harper. Nationals Park and the Verizon Center are a stone’s throw from Metrorail stations and FedEx Field is just under a mile from the nearest station. And, if D.C. sports don’t thrill you, there are the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens.

8 See a show or concert

Whether you prefer a musical, comedy or drama, you’ll find it in D.C. The John F. Ken- 10

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Military Art by renowned artists

Anthony Saunders

Philip West

Don Stivers

CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING 10735 Town Center Blvd., Suite 1, Dunkirk, MD 20754 (next to Dunkirk Hardware)

410.257.6616 • 301.855.4515

medartgalleries.com Located 17 miles from the Capital Beltway, Exit 11A J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

All Don Stivers Buffalo Soldiers prints 20% off with your Military/DOD ID

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MOVING TO D.C.?

HERE’S YOUR

SURVIVAL GUIDE

BY ELLEN TERNES

ashington, D.C., is an exciting place—history, lots for things kids and families, good food, military services. But living and working in D.C. can be very different from sightseeing. These insider tips from military personnel and spouses can help you prepare for your move to the D.C. area.

First, some local lingo. “D.C.” is short for District of Columbia, but when you live here, it also can mean the large area that includes neighboring counties in Virginia and Maryland. The Beltway, Interstate 495, is a 64-mile loop that encircles the area and is the region’s main artery.

The District of Columbia and a few suburbs are considered “inside the Beltway.” The rest of the D.C. area sprawls “outside the Beltway” and is where most people, including many members of the military, live.

the map and see that Leesburg is only 15 miles from the Pentagon, you think it’s close,” Licardo said. “It’s a rude awakening to find that the traffic can make the commute an hour or more each way on a good day.”

Air Force spouse Lyndy Rohe lives in Virginia, 20 miles from her husband’s Pentagon job and even farther from her job in D.C. “The traffic is impossible to gauge. Especially in your first month, give yourself an extra hour to go anywhere in the city,” Rohe said.

Army Maj. Matt Gillespie commutes 70 miles from northern Maryland to the Pentagon.

“If you’re going to commute, invest in satellite radio and a GPS,” Gillespie said. “I use the driving time to catch up on news, listen to books.”

The upside of commuting here are the good public transportation options in many areas, including the Metrorail, commuter buses and trains, carpools, and high-occupancy vehicle lanes. Check with your command or employer on mass transit compensation.

Traffic and More Traffic There’s no getting around it, D.C. traffic is tough. It’s a shock to many military coming here for the first time, said Ric Licardo, a retired Marine gunnery sergeant and Realtor who works with many enlisted clients. “When you look at

Location, Location, Location Housing prices can be a sticker shock. The closer you live to D.C., the more you’ll pay to rent or buy, and the less space you’ll get, said Chuck Bryant, a retired Army colonel who is now a Realtor who helps military clients find

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housing. “Washington is the most expensive.

Maryland is generally less expensive than Virginia,” Bryant said.

Prices go down the farther you go outside the Beltway. “When assigned to D.C., you have to really take into consideration your circumstances when choosing a place to live,” Gillespie said. “Some places that you like because they are close may not have good schools or may simply be too expensive.”

Rohe said that while they are getting more house for their money farther out, “The drive time can be the difference between making it to your kid’s baseball game or not.”

Jen Baltazar is a former Army captain who commuted 30 miles when she arrived in the area, but recently moved closer to the District.

“You have to set your priorities,” Baltazar said.

“What’s most important to you, size or location?

I had space and a big yard, but I lost a lot of time to commuting.”

Navy Reserve Lt. Cmd. Ashley Hockycko, who was until recently an active-duty aviator, is now a full-time parent of two young children while her husband serves a tour at the Pentagon.

Hockycko said they decided to pay more to live as close as possible to her husband’s work. “It costs more money, but my husband didn’t know J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

“It’s a great place to make friends from all walks of life.”

DIGITALVISION/THINKSTOCK

what his hours would be, and he wanted to be able to spend time at home,” Hockycko said.

Location is important for singles, too. “The suburbs are getting better with things to do,” said Baltazar, who is single, “but you’re better off living close to D.C. if you want good access to a social life.”

Another tradeoff to living outside of D.C. is the cost of gas. “Gas and car maintenance add up,” Gillespie said.

Schools Public schools, especially in Virginia and Maryland, do well in national rankings. Rohe said the schools were their top priority when deciding where to live. “You can find out a lot about individual schools on websites like Greatschools.com, and on a school’s Facebook page.”

When you find a school you like, she said, be sure you’re in the school’s zone. “You can live a mile from the school you want, but actually be in another school’s zone.”

Bryant, whose family lived a lot of places during his Army career, said the area’s schools have a “lot of special programs you don’t find in a lot of other places,” from programs for special needs students to magnet programs for science and arts.

Rohe said she liked that her children’s schools had a lot of military kids and special programs for military students and spouses. But, the Minnesota native cautioned, “Schools here close for snow a lot. Have a snow day plan especially if both parents work.”

Kids and Dogs There are also lots of programs in the D.C. area for younger children, but there can be long waiting lists for preschool and day care, even in base Child Development Centers and church programs. Day care prices and baby-sitting also may be higher than in many other areas of the country.

“In Virginia Beach, we paid $10 to $12 an hour. Here, it’s $15 to $20 an hour,” Hockycko said. For information on just about anything for J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

kids in the D.C. area, she recommends the website kidfriendlydc.com.

Then there are the pets. Be sure to ask landlords if pets are allowed, and, said Baltazar, who has two dogs, research pet services in your area. “You can’t go home at lunch here to walk your dogs.”

Lots to Do D.C. has city monuments, museums, Civil War battlefields, hiking trails, water sports and sports teams, all within an easy drive. “There are so many entertainment and cultural activities in the D.C. area,” said Gillespie, “and you’re within a couple of hours of great beaches and state and national parks.”

Many things, like the Smithsonian and National Zoo, even concerts in the Kennedy Center lobby, are free.The D.C. area is also loaded with good places to eat, all types of food and price ranges. “You’ll never get to everything on your bucket list,” Rohe said.

Military Melting Pot Unlike many military towns, the D.C. area has excellent military medical care facilities, commissaries, and exchanges throughout Maryland and Virginia. Most area universities have evening programs open to members of the military.

There’s also a sense of military community.

“The area is a melting pot of military,” Bryant said. “When you come here, you’re sure to know people. It’s an extended family of military.”

Licardo grew up in a military family and moved around as a Marine. “This isn’t like places where you’re the only military,” he said.

“We have a strong community in the D.C. area, including American Legions and VFWs that give back a lot, to everyone from private to general.”

“It’s an area used to a transient population, so people are really welcoming to newcomers,” added Bryant. “It’s a great place to make friends from all walks of life.”

Said Gillespie: “An assignment to D.C. is a fantastic networking opportunity to make connections with other service members and civilians that can be a great resource for the future.”

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PHOTODISC/THINKSTOCK

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE MOVING TO WASHINGTON, D.C. - Talk to your friends who are already here.

- Visit before you decide where to live.

- Set your car radio to stations that give frequent traffic updates.

- Buy an E-ZPass and Metro SmarTrip card.

- Online sources: Greatschools.com, DCmilitary.com, National Military Family Association, militaryfamily.org, Kidfriendlydc.com, wmata.com for Metro/bus schedules, base websites, spouse Facebook pages.

- Visit the monuments at night —fewer people, beautiful sights - Lots of places have military discounts.

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DOG TAG BAKERY, CONTINUED FROM 9 -

The business opened in November 2014, founded by Father Richard Curry, a professor of Catholic studies at Georgetown University, and Connie Milstein, a local real estate entrepreneur.

The program’s goal is to help disabled veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan ease into productive civilian lives. They opened Dog Tag to make sure vets would have marketable skills. Both have worked with disabled populations for years, said Borisov, and both are avid bakers. “All our cookie recipes are originally from Connie,” Borisov said.

Georgetown Unviersity’s School of Continuing Studies offers a business administration certificate program for disabled veterans through classes and working at Dog Tag. All proceeds go back into the education program. Even the coffee is from Compass Coffee, aWashington, D.C.based business started by former U.S. Marines.

“Our number one priority is ensuring that our model in Washington, D.C. is a success and easily replicable,” Ogilvie said. “Though our connection to Georgetown University, we have given a lot of thought to expanding through the Jesuit university network. We’re looking forward to growing Dog Tag so that we can serve veterans, caregivers, and spouses nationwide.”

To learn more about Dog Tag Bakery, visit www.dogtaginc.org.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELISE MAHAFFIE

The Dog Tag Chandelier is made up of 3,500 individual dog tags, each inscribed with a personal message for servicemen and servicewomen who have fallen in the defense of our nation.

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Air Show Resumes at JBA, Salute to Women Vets Andrews Resumes Air Show Joint Base Andrews is scheduled to resume its popular air show, Sept.

19–20. The show will feature the Thunderbirds, the Air Force’s premier aerial demonstration team.The air show had been an annual event at the base for more than 50 years.

Fiscal constraints canceled last year’s program. “The show marks the return of the largest military event in the Nation Capital Region,” said Col. Brad Hoagland, Joint Base Andrews commander. The weekend program will also feature a myriad of attractions on the ground, including static displays of modern and vintage/legacy aircraft, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and U.S. Air Force Band. This is the only appearance of the Thunderbirds in the greater Washington area this year.

The flying unit, based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, was formed in 1953 and this year will perform 71 performances at 39 locations. This is the 33rd year the unit has flown the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The aerial demonstrations include about 40 maneuvers, featuring formation flying and solo routines. The show, including the ground ceremony, lasts about one hour.

Circle the Date Retiree Appreciation Day will be observed Saturday, Oct. 27, at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.The annual event alternates between JBAB and Joint Base Andrews. Activities will be centered at the Bolling Club, starting with a health fair offered by the 579th Medical Group at JBAB. Annual influenza immunizations are scheduled for the health fair.

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VETERANS CORNER

BY U.S. AIR FORCE CHIEF MASTER SGT. CHUCK LUCAS, RETIRED PHOTO BY RICK CHAVEZ

Ballroom presentations will provide information on a variety of subjects of interest to the military retirement community. The Bolling Exchange and Commissary are also expected to provide special sales incentives.

Salute to Women Veterans One of five national salute to women veterans events conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs is scheduled in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 22. Events provide an overview of services and benefits available to women veterans.

Staff from the VA, local community supporters and agencies that assist women veterans are expected to attend. Other cities hosting events are St. Petersburg, Florida; San Diego (Oceanside), California; Houston; and Minneapolis/St. Paul. Women represent about 9.2 percent of the total veteran population. There are an estimated 2 million women veterans. For more information, visit www.va.gov/womenvet.

Surcharge Pays Off Thanks to the commissary surcharge – the 5 percent added to every customer’s receipt – the military communities at Naval Support Activity Annapolis; Fort Polk, Louisiana; Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex, Alabama; and Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut, had replacement stores opened in 2014, to the tune of $62 million. Surcharge funds paid the construction costs. The surcharge is not a tax. Surcharge dollars go back into stores, paying for the construction of new and replacement stores, renovations, maintenance and repairs and store equipment. In 2014, the surcharge budget was $290.4 million. The surcharge is factored into the overall commissary shopper savings of 30 percent.The surcharge has been 5 percent since 1983, and cannot be changed without congressional approval.

Tricare Covers Most Requirements Most Tricare plan options meet Affordable Care Act requirements for minimum essential coverage (MEC). However, people who lose Tricare eligibility, or transition to a new type of Tricare coverage, need to know their options so they avoid any penalties for not having minimum essential health coverage.The Affordable Care Act’s MEC requirement means most Americans need to have basic health care coverage, or pay a penalty fee. Those who are eligible for premium-free Tricare Standard meet the act’s MEC requirement. This includes active-duty service members, retirees and their families. Those who qualify forTricare For Life and purchase Medicare Part B also meet MEC requirements. Those who are only eligible for premium-based

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coverage, such as Tricare Young Adult, Retired Reserve and Reserve Select, must purchase one of the Tricare options (or have other qualifying health coverage) in order to meet the MEC requirement. There are several reasons people can lose Tricare coverage, such as separating from military service or stop paying for coverage. They may be eligible for transitional benefits, such as Transitional Assistance Management Program or Continued Health Care Benefit Program. However, these programs only last between six and 18 months. Those who lose Tricare coverage for any reason are encouraged to explore additional health coverage options, including the Health Insurance Marketplace at www.healthcare.gov.

More Burials at Arlington Arlington National Cemetery plans to open “an additional 27,282 burial opportunities” in 2016. Expansion of the present cemetery will be to the north, on 27 acres, bordering Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. Additional expansion to the south is planned in 2018 in an area adjacent to the Air Force Memorial, along Columbia Pike.

The site was formerly occupied by the Navy Annex. The cemetery, opened during the Civil War, attracts some 4 million visitors annually. Nearly 300,000 veterans and their dependents are buried there.

More than 20 funeral services are conducted daily.

Annuitant’s Death Eligibility for the Survivor Benefit Plan annuity pay ends with the death of the beneficiary. Prompt reporting of a deceased military annuitant’s death to the Defense J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) is required. This can help avoid possible financial hardship to surviving family members or executors, who will be required to return any unearned payments of the decedent’s annuity pay. To properly report the death of an annuitant, call DFAS at 800-3211080. A copy of the annuitant’s death certificate showing cause of death should be sent to DFAS U.S. Military Annuitant Pay, P.O. Box 7131, London KY 40742-713 or FAX to 800 982-8459. The financial institution receiving payments should also be notified. In addition, notification of death should also be reported to Social Security at 800-772-1213; the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) at 800-538-9552 and Veterans Affairs at 800 827-1000, if the decedent was receiving Dependency Indemnity Compensation. Bank Account Changes If you’ve switched bank ac-

ANNAPOLIS, CONTINUED FROM 10 -

mander-in-chief of the Continental Army in the Old Senate Chambers of the state house, and it was here that the Continental Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris, officially ending the Revolutionary War. The state house is open for visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Sunday. A local tour company offers free guided tours on weekends. Outside the capitol is Lawyers’ Mall, where you’ll often see people protesting, practicing their rights to free speech.

Walk down the quaint streets leading away from the state house and you could be following the paths taken by the Founding Fathers as they went to their boarding houses or homes.

Steckman said that all four Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence had residences in Annapolis.

All four residences still stand today; three are open to the public: the William Paca House and Garden (signer William Paca), the Charles Carroll House (signer Charles Carroll) and the Chase-Lloyd House (signer Samuel Chase). Information on visiting hours can be found at the Visitors Center on 26 West St. Military families might want to put a lunchtime tour of the U.S. Naval Academy at the top of their list, Steckman said. “Individuals who visit the Naval Academy at noon during the acJ U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

counts and need to have your military retired pay deposited to your new account, you can make the change online or by mail to the Defense Finance and Accounting Center (DFAS). To avoid disruptions in payments, do not close your old bank account until after you have received your first payment in the new account. Allow 30-45 days for the change to take effect. The easiest way to change your direct deposit bank account is myPay, the online account management system for military members and retirees.

Log in at www.mypay.dfas.mil and click on “Direct Deposit.” If you can’t use myPay, retirees should send their new bank account information to: DFAS, U.S. Military Pay. P.O. Box 7130, London KY 40742-7130; annuitants to DFAS, U.S. Military Annuity Pay, P.O. Box 7131, London KY 40742-7131.

Compound Alert The Defense Health Agency has alerted Tricare beneficiaries of re-

ademic year get to watch the midshipmen in noon formation before they head into Bancroft Hall for lunch,” she said. The formation includes a color guard and a band.

The best place to start your Naval Academy tour is from the Armel-LeftwichVisitor Center, according to Leo Mehalic, an academy spokesman.

The visitors center offers guided walking tours of the campus with stops at Bancroft Hall, Naval Academy Chapel and the Crypt of John Paul, and the U.S. Naval Academy Museum, where the story of America’s Navy comes to life.Visitor center hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, March through December. The visitor center closes at 4 p.m. in January and February.

For a unique dining experience, have lunch at the Drydock Restaurant in the academy’s Dahlgren Hall, with its full-size replica of a Wright Brothers’ Model B-1 airplane.

If there’s time for shopping or a quick meal before heading home, Steckman recommended strolling along Main Street, Maryland Avenue, West Street and State Circle. “Maryland Avenue is a hidden gem that includes antique shops, trendy stores, The Annapolis Bookstore, Galway Bay Irish Pub and Restaurant, and much more,” Steckman said.

cent aggressive and deceptive marketing practices of compounding pharmacies. Some pharmacies prepare medications for patients who need different kinds or strengths of medications than are available in commercial products. Pediatrics, for example, is a big area for compounding, a spokesman said.

Some compounding pharmacies charge unsupportable costs for these products, he added. Defense Department costs for compound drugs skyrocketed from $5 million in fiscal 2004 to $514 million in fiscal 2014. In the first six months of FY 2015, DoD costs exceeded $1 billion. Tricare patients are cautioned if callers ask for Social Security or Tricare numbers. Tricare has no need to call patients for this information. While Tricare has been monitoring compound activity for several years, the aggressive outreach began this year. Tricare responded with 30,000 letters to

patients who receive compounds to make them aware of its concerns.

Same Sex Benefits In consultation with the Department of Justice,Veterans Affairs is providing guidance to same-sex married couples on the benefits and services to which they are entitled under current laws and regulations.

The Supreme Court overturned that section of the Defense of Marriage Act which governed the definitions of “marriage” and “spouse” for federal agencies. VA has developed guidance to process claims and applications for same-sex married couples. It is processing all claims and applications involving same-sex marriages. A new website provides information to help veterans and beneficiaries understand the eligibility requirements. Go to www.va.gov/opa/marriage or call 1 800 827-1000.

PHOTO BY ALICE SWAN

Often called the Father of the United States Navy, John Paul Jones lies in an elaborate crypt under the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel.

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FUN (& IMPORTANT) STUFF TO DO

COMPILED BY KAREN FINUCAN CLARKSON PHOTODISC/THINKSTOCK

July Quicken Loans National PGA Tour

July 30–Aug. 2

Robert Trent Jones Golf Club 1 Turtle Point Drive Gainesville, Va. Tee times posted the day before tournament play begins 703-754-4050 tigerwoodsfoundation.org/ events/national/home Redskins Training Camp

July 30–Aug. 16

2401 West Leigh St. Richmond, Va. Times vary redskins.com/news-and-events/ training-camp

August Military Concert Series

Aug. 1–29, Saturdays

7–8 p.m.

165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, Md. 877-628-5427 nationalharbor.com

DC Beer Week

Citi Open, The Capital Tennis Tradition

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair

Rock Creek Park Tennis Center 4850 Colorado Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-721-9500 citiopentennis.com

Montgomery County Agricultural Center 501 Perry Parkway Gaithersburg, Md. 301-926-3100 mcagfair.com

Friendship Firehouse Festival

Comcast Outdoor Film Festival

107 S. Alfred St. Alexandria, Va. 703-746-3891 alexandriava.gov/FriendshipFirehouse

Gates open at 5 p.m.; festivities begin at 5:30 p.m.

850 Hungerford Drive Rockville, Md. filmfestnih.org

Aug. 1–9

Aug. 1. Time to be announced.

Movies on the Potomac

Aug. 2–30, Sundays

September

Aug. 9–16

Event locations and times vary dcbeerweek.net

Aug. 14–22

Aug. 21–23

Maryland Renaissance Festival

Aug. 29–Oct. 25, weekends and Labor Day

6–8 p.m.

165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, Md. 877-628-5427 nationalharbor.com

10 a.m.–7 p.m.

1821 Crownsville Road Annapolis, Md. 800-296-7304 rennfest.com

Live Music on the Plaza

Movies on the Potomac

7–8:30 p.m.

165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, Md. 877-628-5427 nationalharbor.com

6–8 p.m.

165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, Md. 877-628-5427 nationalharbor.com

Aug. 7–28, Fridays

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Aug. 6–27, Sundays

Epicurience Virginia

Sept. 4–6. Event times to be announced.

Morven Park 17263 Southern Planter Lane Leesburg, Va. epicvirginia.com

Live Music on the Plaza

Sept. 4, 18, 25

7–8:30 p.m.

165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, Md. 877-628-5427 nationalharbor.com

Virginia Scottish Games

Sept. 5–6

Great Meadow 5089 Old Tavern Road The Plains, Va. info@vascottishgames.org vascottishgames.org National Book Festival

Sept. 5

10 a.m.–10 p.m.

Walter E. Washington Convention Center 801 Mt. Vernon Place NW Washington, D.C. 202-707-8000 loc.gov/bookfest

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Labor Day Capitol Concert

Sept. 6

3–11 p.m.

U.S Capitol, West Lawn washington.org/dc-events/ labor-day-capitol-concert Prince George’s County Fair

Sept. 10–13

Rosecroft Raceway 6336 Rosecroft Drive Fort Washington, Md. 301-952-0270 countyfair.org Military Concert Series: Celebrating Air Force Heritage

Sept. 11–12

Airmen of Note, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Celtic Aire, noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Saturday 165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, Md. 877-628-5427 nationalharbor.com 48th annual Maryland Seafood Festival

Sept. 12–13

Sandy Point State Park 1100 E. College Parkway Annapolis, Md. mdseafoodfestival.com 39th annual Virginia Wine Festival

Sept. 12–13

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11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Great Meadow, 5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, Va. 540-253-5000 virginiawinefest.com MCB Quantico Car Show

Sept. 12

10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Daly Hall Parking Lot 2079 Barnett Ave. Quantico, Va. Free for spectators; fee to show car 703-784-4262 quantico.usmc-mccs.org Annapolis Craft Beer & Music Festival

Sept. 12

Noon-6 p.m.

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium 550 Taylor Ave. Annapolis, Md. theannapoliscraftbeerandmusicfestival.com 14th annual Arlington Police, Fire & Sheriff 9/11 Memorial 5K

Sept. 12

6 p.m.

Register by Sept. 6 arlington911race.com

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Nation’s Triathlon

Sept. 13

Olympic Race: 7 a.m.; Sprint Race: 9 a.m.

West Potomac Park Ohio Drive Southwest Washington, D.C. nationstri.com Washington Redskins Home Opener

Sept. 13

1 p.m.

FedEx Field 1600 FedEx Way Hyattsville, Md. redskins.com Anne Arundel County Fair

Sept. 16–20

General’s Highway/Route 178 Crownsville, Md. 410-923-3400 aacountyfair.org Charles County Fair

Sept. 17–20

Charles County Fairgrounds 8440 Fairgrounds Road La Plata, Md. 301-932-1234 charlescountyfair.com - FUN CONTINUED ON 25 -

STOCKBYTE/THINKSTOCK

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CHOOSING A

PRIVATE SCHOOL

BY JIM MAHAFFIE

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hen they arrived to their new posting in Bethesda, Maryland, James McKee, who is an Army officer, and his wife sent one of their daughters to The German School. Their goal is always the highest-quality schools for their four children. This prestigious private school in Potomac, Maryland. also offers German language immersion for their youngest. “We own a home in Germany and foresee returning someday,” said McKee. “We want a multi-language family, and my older kids speak German well.”

Reasons for sending a son or daughter to a private school are often the same for military parents as they are for civilians.

Above all is likely the cost and quality.

But other practical requirements include special needs, religious or military components, instructional model, convenience and transportation. Is boys- or girls-only education important? Music, sports, science and math? There are typically smaller class sizes and lower teacher-to-student ratios than at public schools. Faculty is usually highly qualified. There may be more personal leadership and mentoring. Many offer faith-based curriculums and religious structure, as well. In the metro area, there’s plenty of opportunity for Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs in private schools, too.

The Washington, D.C. region is rich with private school choices, for every grade. These range from extremely prestigious college-prep education to excellent schools with religious affiliations to education choices such as Montessori or Waldorf schools.

“My first question to any family interested in Gonzaga is if they are familiar with us,” said Andrew Battaile, dean of admissions and financial aid at Gonzaga College High School, a premier Catholic college preparatory school and the largest, all-boys school in the District. “Have you done a basic amount of research and are familiar with our mission and values as a Catholic Jesuit

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itary Children was designed to eliminate some of them for public schools.

An agreement among states, the Compact offers uniform treatment for military children moving to new school districts. But private schools still have their own standards and requirements.

Battaile said he sees military families regularly but that Gonzaga only occasionally accepts sophomores and juniors, making it even more difficult for fast-transitioning military families with children of those ages. The entrance exam is only given in December and January, as well, and there are no mid-year admissions. “We do as much as we can for military families. I know timing can often be out of their control but when they call, I’ll clear the decks and make it happen if I can.”

“We’re very familiar with the particular issues of military families, and we understand the service those families provide and what they sacrifice,” said Battaile. “We know timing is often STOCKBYTE/THINKSTOCK difficult when orders come in. But I’m school? I would hope they are familiar and on here to help as best I can, and we will suggest board with our mission, and want align to align other schools if we can’t help a family.” their future options and their values.”

“One other thing I will do for military famConsider the school and your future. Many ilies is that I’ll connect them with another milischools in the area typically feed students into tary family here so they can talk peer to peer to others, such as Mater Dei School in Bethesda other people who know the ups and downs of into Georgetown Preparatory School in North private school choices for children of the miliBethesda.You should also consider the option of tary,” said Battaile. boarding your son or daughter, as a deployment When you arrive at your short list, that’s when or short-term posting may require it, rather than you need to know that both you as parents and uprooting a child for a less-than-permanent move. your son or daughter feel comfortable with the You certainly know the challenges of new posts choice and see yourselves at the school. Many and deployments. On average, military children will move at least twice during their high school schools will allow your child to shadow a student, years, and most will attend six to nine different attend classes and even stay overnight in a boardschools between kindergarten and 12th grade, ing school.

The most important advice is to plan ahead. according to the National Military Family Association in Alexandria, Virginia. Kids have to say Most private schools make admission decisions goodbye to friends and adjust to new homes, rou- for the following school year by January of the tines and schools. There can be roadblocks with current year, says the Private School Review. So curricula and requirements, but the Interstate start your search early, plan your visits early, and Compact on Educational Opportunity for Mil- put in your applications early.

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The Great Frederick Fair

Sept. 18–26

Frederick Fairgrounds 797 E. Patrick St. Frederick, Md. 301-663-5896 thegreatfrederickfair.com 2015 Joint Base Andrews Air Show

Sept. 18 (Department of Defense cardholders only) and Sept. 19 (general public) Gates open at 9 a.m.; performance times vary Joint Base Andrews, Md. www.andrews.af.mil

AT&T Nation’s Football Classic

Sept. 18

Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium 2400 E. Capitol St. NE Washington, D.C. nationsfootballclassic.com 13th annual Alexandria King Street Art Festival

Sept. 19–20

ABLESTOCK.COM/THINKSTOCK

10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday King Street

Alexandria, Va. http://bit.ly/1MIowMs 13th annual Korus Festival

Sept. 19–20

The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center 1961 Chain Bridge Road McLean, Va. 703-354-3900 korusfest.org Colonial Market & Fair

Sept. 19-20

9 a.m.–5 p.m.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, Va. 703-780-2000 mountvernon.org The Annual Downtown Hyattsville Art Festival

Sept. 19

11 a.m.–5 p.m.

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nedy Center for the Performing Arts, National Theatre and Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts bring in Broadway touring companies and mount local theatrical productions. Jiffy Lube Live, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Strathmore and Wolf Trap host concerts from contemporary and vintage performing artists.

Children’s theaters Imagination Stage and Adventure Theatre MTC are renowned for their productions, as are several local theaters, including Arena Stage, Folger Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, Signature Theatre, Studio Theater, Woolly Mammoth Theater, Round House Theatre and Shakespeare Theatre Company. Don’t want to pay full price? Visit Ticketplace.org or Goldstar Events, Inc. (goldstar. com/washington-dc/events) for discount tickets.

9 Visit a nearby City

Across the river from D.C. is Old Town Alexandria. This beautifully preserved historic district, George Washington’s adopted hometown, is a must for foodies and fashionistas. Further south in Virginia lies Richmond. Originally a colonial settlement, Virginia’s capital is a hub for history, culture, shopping and recreation.

Annapolis is not just the state of Maryland’s capital but America’s sailing capital, according to the local conference and visitors bureau. With more 18th-century buildings than any city in the U.S., Annapolis calls itself a museum without walls. In Frederick, Maryland, Civil War-era buildings sit alongside unique specialty shops, galleries, museums and theaters. It is, according to the local tourism

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Navy-Air Force Half Marathon & Navy 5 Miler

Sept. 20

7 a.m. Online registration closes 11:59 p.m. Sept. 13 15th Street NW, between Constitution Avenue Northwest and Madison Drive Northwest Washington, D.C. Late registration available at the Runner’s Expo & Packet Pick-up as long as space is available navyairforcehalfmarathon@ gmail.com navyhalf.com

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council, “where hip meets historic every day.” Further north is Baltimore, which despite recent unrest, has much to offer. Its Inner Harbor is home to the Maryland Science Center and National Aquarium.

The city’s Fells Point neighborhood is known for its architecture and nautical nature, and Little Italy is a pasta-lover’s delight.

10 Explore the exurbs

Beyond the urban fringe lies horse and wine country, nestled in the rolling hills of both Virginia and Maryland. Steeplechase races and polo are among the equestrian sports to explore in Loudoun County, Virginia, which also is home to the Upperville Colt & Horse Show. Founded in 1853, it is the oldest such show in the

U.S. Not far away, in Middleburg, Virginia is the National Sporting Library & Museum, which is dedicated to preserving, promoting and sharing the literature, art and culture of equestrian, angling and field sports.

Held in the heart of Montgomery County’s horse country, the Potomac Hunt Races is an annual tradition, celebrating the sport of steeplechase racing. Adding to the thrill of thundering hooves are activities such as pony rides and mounted police demonstrations.

Maryland — home to the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the Triple Crown — is known for its prominent horse breeders and sprawling, bucolic horse farms.

The state recently certified 35 of 770 licensed stables as Horse Discovery Centers, where people of all

ages and experience levels are welcomed into barns to learn about horses in a friendly and knowledgeable environment. There are three each in Frederick and Montgomery Counties and one in Prince George’s County.

From stunning views to fine dining and family fun, Virginia’s wineries offer a range of experiences. Loudoun County features four clusters of boutique wineries sprinkled throughout its bucolic countryside and Fairfax County is home to two. Maryland has divided the state into seven wine regions, each with trails to follow. The Antietam Highlands and Frederick Wine Trails feature five wineries a piece, Patuxent has nine and Chesapeake has 15.

Capital Home Show

2015 Washington DC Tour de Cure

The Color Run 5K

10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday Dulles Expo Center 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center Chantilly, Va. capitalhomeshow.com

Freedom Plaza Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, between 13th and 14th Streets Washington, D.C. 202-331-8303 ext. 4538 bit.ly/1JRibR6

9 a.m.–noon 165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, Md. 877-628-5427 nationalharbor.com/event/colorrun-5k-2

Landmark Music Festival for the National Mall

9/11 Unity Walk

Sept. 25–27

Sept. 26–27

11 a.m.–10 p.m.

West Potomac Park West Basin Drive Southwest Washington, D.C. landmarkfestival.org

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Sept. 27

12:30–4 p.m Embassy Row Washington, D.C. 911unitywalk.org

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Turkish Festival

Sept. 27

11 a.m.–7 p.m.

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