Joint Base Journal Vol. 4, No. 21
June 7, 2013
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J OINT B ASE A NACOSTIA-B OLLING
www.cnic.navy.mil/jbab
Volunteers recognized for hard work, commitment to community BY PAUL BELLO JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY PAUL BELLO
John Robinette, director of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling’s Warfighter and Family Readiness, stands in between volunteers from the base Military and Family Support Center. Together, volunteers have saved JBAB a total of $36,593.
WASHINGTON - Volunteers who have contributed their time and energy are an invaluable part of the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) community. As a gesture of appreciation to those who have made a difference helping out at the Military and Family Support Center for the past year, a luncheon was held in their honor May 30 at Chapel II. Patricia Botkins, coordinator for JBAB’s volunteer program, welcomed a half-dozen of her colleagues and thanked them for a job well done. She said her team of volunteers has helped out in a number of ways - from administrative tasks to assisting with special activities and other functions around base. Botkins is as close to the group as anyone on JBAB. From her perspective, one of her biggest rewards is watching her volunteers grow before her very own eyes.
“I’m amazed at the level of skills our volunteers have,” Botkins said. “Their contributions to military families have made such an impact on people’s lives. It’s an honor and pleasure working alongside them.” Before sampling an array of foods and cake, the group heard from guest speaker Dr. Deborah Bradbard, deputy director of Research and Policy for Blue Star Families. A member-driven support organization comprised mostly of military spouses, Blue Star Families provides a broad range of military spouse education and employment initiatives. While the group assembled may be volunteers, Bradbard noted they are also job seekers. During her presentation, “Making Volunteerism Work For You,” she said resources are available for those looking to pursue their education, build a résumé, network and seek further professional development.
See VOLUNTEERS, Page 5
Annual Sports Day yields solid participation from mission partners BY PAUL BELLO JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
WASHINGTON – Scores of folks from several different mission partners on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) braved the heat May 31 to participate in its annual Sports Day event. As in previous years, teams competed not for prizes, but for fun and the distinction of being named best on base. Activities included a 5K run, kickball, volleyball, tug-ofwar and humvee push. Of those competing, the roster included such names as the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Joint Air Defense Operations Center (JADOC), U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and White House Communications Agency (WHCA), who won this year’s event after garner-
ing a staggering 230 points. The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and JADOC finished second and third, respectively. While there certainly was a level of competition in the air, as well as some playful trash-talking among team members, the event was once again a huge success. JBAB Commander Navy Capt. Anthony T. Calandra was impressed with this year’s turnout and thanked everyone for their participation. “It’s nice to be able to step out of the office on a day like today and have some fun with those you work side-by side with,” Calandra said before hitting the streets of JBAB himself for the morning’s 5K run. “Team building is an important part of the military. An event like this is a perfect example of that.”
U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY PAUL BELLO
Vice Commander Col. Michael E. Saunders presents this year’s Sports Day trophy to members of the White House Communications Agency. The event was capped off at the Slip Inn Bar and Grill with an
INSIDE
Military spouse receives presidential award
D-Day deception: Operation Fortitude
Page 3
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awards ceremony, free giveaways courtesy of JBAB’s Morale, Welfare
Sports Day Pages 6-7
and Recreation and a late afternoon lunch.