Joint Base Journal Vol. 6, No. 49
December 18, 2015
News and information for and about Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling www.facebook.com/JBABdc
J oint B ase A nacostia -B olling
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This is the final Joint Base Journal for 2015. Mark your calendar for our “Year in Review� issue coming Jan. 8, 2016.
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Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
Friday, December 18, 2015
Air Force Honor Guard Remembers Fallen Members The grave marker for Air Force Staff Sgt. James Ernest Wells II, a family member of a former guardsman, rests among the rows of fallen military members and their families at Arlington National Cemetary during the annual Wreaths Across America event on Dec. 12. Story and Photos by Scott Pauley Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Public Affairs
In the shadows of the giant memorials that surround it, Arlington National Cemetery profoundly reminds visitors of the true cost of freedom with its expansive views and countless headstones lined in rows. Every December since 1992 Wreaths Across America has added to that awe-inspiring view by placing Christmas wreaths on the graves of every member interred there. This year, 15 current and five former members of the Air Force Honor Guard participated
by laying wreaths on the graves of fallen guardsmen and their family members. Lt. Col. Peter Tritsch, Air Force Honor Guard commander, said the number of guardsmen buried at Arlington may surprise some people, and this solemn event gave current guardsmen a chance to recognize those who came before them. “What many people don’t realize is there are at least eight prior ceremonial guardsmen in Arlington, and on top of those eight there are at least six dependents that passed as children when their parents were here as guardsmen,” said Tritsch. “We went to each of those plots,
Christmas wreaths decorate rows of tombstones at Arlington National Cemetery after volunteers with Wreaths Across America finished laying wreaths at all of the more than 200,000 graves on Dec. 12.
Joint Base Journal Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Washington, D.C. Public Affairs Office: Phone: 202-767-4781 Email: michelle.gordon@navy.mil This commercial enterprise Navy newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services, retirees, DoD civilians and their family members. Contents of Joint Base Journal do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. government, Department of Defense, U.S. Navy or U.S. Air Force and does not imply endorsement thereof. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Navy, Air Force, Joint Base
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and as we got to each plot we talked about the person and what the person did for the unit.” Senior Airman Joseph Wood, Air Force Honor Guard training flight instructor, said the camaraderie between guardsmen is something many people may not consider, but it is what holds the unit together. “The honor guardsmen, we’re a decent size unit, but we’ve always been a very close unit because not a lot of people come into this unit,” said Wood. “No matter what, we always become family and become so close. I brought it up with the commander about honoring those that have come before, because we want to make sure that we don’t forget those that are here [at Arlington]. They are our family, we need to make sure that we represent them, not only for the past and present Airmen, but also for those who have represented Airmen before.” One of the honored included Donald Ray Blackney, a prior guardsman and security forces member who died in California in an accident. Retired Air Force Master Sgt. Luis Rivera was Blackney’s roommate during their time at the honor guard. Rivera shared some personal stories and described the kind of person his friend was before laying a wreath on his tombstone. “Donald Ray Blackney joined the Air Force right around the same time I did. He
was security forces — security police — and a couple of classes behind me,” recalled Rivera. “He was very energetic, very enthusiastic, with a big heart. Like any family we would tease each other back and forth, and even though with some people that teasing would rub them and strike a nerve, it never struck a nerve with him. He was always happy-go-lucky, and a great guy. When you talk about somebody who’d take his shirt off his back and give it to you, he defined that.” Rivera attended with several guardsmen who served at the same time as him, and offered advice and insight to current guardsmen. He urged them to absorb the significance in the moments of their incredibly unique job and the service they provide. “One of the things I point to for them to relate to is if they’ve seen ‘Saving Private Ryan’ at the end when he says, ‘Tell me I earned it.’ Really embrace that. Because the impact that you have, when you’re out in a full honors ceremony, is really paying tribute to a hero,” said Rivera. “The significance in touching those family members who are there to mourn and celebrate their loved one, that is where it’s at. Just from talking to people after ceremonies and being in the military, people appreciate that and you couldn’t pay me to do anything else.”
Airman First Class Tiara Davis renders a salute to a fallen guardsman after laying a wreath on his tombstone during Arlington National Cemetery’s annual participation in Wreaths Across America on Dec. 12.
Anacostia-Bolling or Comprint Military Publications of the products or services advertised. Published by Comprint Military Publications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD, 20877, a private firm in no way connected with DoD, the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive contract with Naval District Washington. The editorial content of Joint Base Journal is edited and approved by the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Public Affairs Office. Tenant commands and others are encouraged to submit news, high-quality photos and informational items for publication. All submitted content must be received by noon Friday, at least two weeks prior to publication. E-mail submissions to michelle.gordon@navy.mil. To place display advertising, call 240-473-7538. To place classified advertising, call 301-670-2505. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.
Capt. Frank Mays, USN Commander
Col. Kendall D. Peters, USAF Vice Commander
CMSgt. Kevin Kloeppel, USAF Senior Enlisted Leader
Comprint Military Publications Maxine Minar President
John Rives
Publisher
Michelle L. Gordon
Public Affairs Officer
Jeremy K. Brooks Public Affairs Specialist
Scott Pauley Public Affairs Specialist
Brandon Young Copy/Layout Editor
Joint Base Journal Tamara Ward Photojournalist
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Brunch with Santa
Friday, December 18, 2015
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2015 Christmas Cantata
U.S. Navy photo by Michelle L. Gordon
U.S. Navy photo by Michelle L. Gordon
Audrey Russell, 2, met Santa Claus during “Brunch with Santa” held Dec. 13 at the Bolling Club on The Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) Choir presented the 2015 Christmas Cantata Dec. 13 at Chapel Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) . Audrey was a little scared of the big man this year, but she Center on base. This year’s musical piece, entitled “Once Upon a Holy Night,” tells the story of the birth happily accepted a candy cane and gave him a fist bump. More than 300 people attended the annual of Jesus Christ through musical performances and narrations. It was presented by an all-volunteer ensemble and led by choir director Gee Soo Hall. event this year at JBAB.
Ceremony held to transfer command of critical mission on JBAB Story by Tamara Ward Joint Base Journal
The Joint Air Defense Operation Center (JADOC) held a ceremony to transfer authority from one Army National Guard command and control element to another Dec. 3 at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB). Military dignitaries and civilians from the federal and private sector observed the exchange of command and control for the critical mission of safeguarding the skies above the nation’s capital. Brig. Gen. David Hicks and Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Sheriff, each representing senior commanders with operational and administrative ties to the mission, were present to oversee the transfer of authority which marked the 15th rotation of the mission. The ceremony takes place annually at JBAB’s Bolling Club.
Col. Larry M. Pinkerton, Jr., commander of Task Force Luzon, from 174th Air Defense Artillery Brigade in Columbus, Ohio, turned over the mission his team successfully managed for the past year. Col. Michael J. Perry, commander of Task Force Archangel, from 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Orlando, Florida, relieved Pinkerton and the 174th. During the ceremony, Pinkerton discussed the United States’ unique approach to air defense. “[In] other countries if you violate air space, it’s … ‘if it flies it dies’. We don’t do that. We’re a free country. We allow commerce,” said Pinkerton. “We allow commercial aircraft, general aviation, and yet we filter out bad guys — those that do us harm. It is very, very complex and we do it continuously. That’s not easy stuff to do and we have men and women that
do it every day — 24/7, 365.” Perry said he is confident in his team’s ability to continue that mission. “My confidence in the readiness of this unit is as high as it possibly could get. These are the most trained and ready air defenders in the world. This is the most ready unit out there,” exclaimed Perry. “We are blessed with experienced Soldiers that have been on this mission before. Close to 60 percent of my command and control element have served [this] mission two or more times.” During the ceremony, Perry acknowledged one key to his unit’s success over the next year will lie with mission partnerships. “We are not here by ourselves. We are simply the command and control element over a much larger enterprise that includes Army battalions, Air Force detachments,
U.S. Navy Photo By Tamara Ward
Incoming mission commander Army Col. Michael J. Perry, of Task Force Archangel from 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Orlando, Florida, speaks at the Transfer of Authority ceremony on Dec. 3 while Air Force Brig. Gen. David Hicks and Army Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Sheriff and outgoing mission commander Army Col. Larry M. Pinkerton, Jr. look on. elements of the Coast Guard, elements of interagency [partners] and law-enforcement,” he stated. “It is such a tremendous enterprise.” As Pinkerton bid farewell to
those colleagues he has grown close to over the last year, he reflects on their undying commitment to the mission. “That’s the thing I take away — their relentless unceasing
dedication and drive,” said Pinkerton. To see the full story and more pictures, go to http://www.dcmilitary.com/joint_base_journal/features/.
U.S. Navy Photo By Tamara Ward
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David Hicks awards U.S. Army Col. U.S. Army Sergeant Sanchia James passes the guidon to Command Brig. Gen. David Hicks and Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Sheriff, and outgoing Col. Larry M. Larry M. Pinkerton, Jr. the Air Force Commendation Medal Sergeant Major Ronald Lang of the incoming Task Force Archangel Pinkerton, Jr., commander of Task Force Luzon and incoming Col. Michael J. Perry, during the Transfer of Authority ceremony at JBAB on Dec. 3 commander of Task Force Archangel begin the transfer of authority. as U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Sheriff (center) watches. at the JADOC transfer of authority ceremony at JBAB on Dec. 3. Photo courtesy of JADOC Protocol Office
U.S. Navy Photo By Tamara Ward
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Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
Friday, December 18, 2015
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Friday, December 18, 2015
First lady supports Toys for Tots event on JBAB A child looks through the donated toys at the Marine Corps Foundation’s Toys for Tots drive which was hosted for the sixth straight year at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling on Dec. 9. First lady Michelle Obama attended the event, helping several children and Marines sort the donated toys into age approriate boxes for distrobution next week.
Photos and story by Scott Pauley Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Public Affairs
The annual Marine Toys for Tots Foundation’s sorting event hosted on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) on Dec. 9 was jump-started by a familiar guest, first lady Michelle Obama. Obama delivered opening remarks after being introduced by retired Lt. Gen. Henry P. (Pete) Osman, president and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots
[Osman] mentioned, you all have distributed more than 490 million toys to over 200 million children in all 50 states, D.C ., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. Let’s just stop for a moment and think about that. What an amazing impact you all have had over these years. And think about what that means — the millions of moments of joy and gratitude that you all are responsible for because of the work you do.” The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during
October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted, according to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Marine Lt. Col. David A. Johnson, site commander for the Anacostia Marine Reserve Training Center, said the visit from the first lady and Osman helps raise the awareness of the campaign on a national and local level, but the real highlight of this campaign for him is the distribution event next week. “Next week is really the highlight be-
First lady Michelle Obama helps sort toys for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation’s toy drive for the sixth straight year at JBAB on Dec. 9.
First lady Michelle Obama looks on as retired Marine Lt. Gen. Henry P. (Pete) Osman, president and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, speaks to volunteers and spectators prior to sorting toys.
First lady Michelle Obama helps sort toys for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation’s toy drive for the sixth straight year at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling on Dec. 9. Foundation, at the event for the seventh straight year, of which the last six were hosted at JBAB. She stressed the importance of the work Toys for Tots has meant, throughout its existence, to underprivileged children throughout the world. “Once again, through Toys for Tots, you all are getting it done, and you’re doing it by spending countless hours making the holidays so much brighter for so many children across the country. And it takes a lot of hard work to get this done,” said the first lady. “In fact, since Toys for Tots started, as he
cause we’ll be out at RFK stadium and distributing all the toys that we’ve gathered throughout the region, so it will be about 70,000 to 80,000 toys, and we will have all the kids and the families come, and that’s where you see all your work come together,” said Johnson. The event leads up to the distribution process that runs from Monday Dec. 14 through Saturday Dec. 19 at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C. “It’s a great opportunity, and it’s a privilege and an honor to be a part of this program,” said Johnson.
First lady Michelle Obama poses with a group of Marines who organized and helped sort toys at the annual Marine Toys for Tots Foundation’s toy sorting event at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling on Dec. 9.
A Marine helps a child place toys in an age appropriate box for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation’s toy drive at JBAB on Dec. 9.
A Marine sorts toys into age appropriate boxes during the D.C. regional Marine Toys for Tots Foundation’s toy drive Dec. 9 on JBAB.
First lady Michelle Obama poses for a photo with a Marine after the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation’s annual sorting event at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling on Dec. 9.
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First lady Michelle Obama shakes hands with a military member who attended the Marines Toys for Tots Foundation’s toy drive at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling on Dec. 9.
A child reaches out for first lady Michelle Obama while she greeted military families attending the Marines Toys for Tots Foundation’s toy drive at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling on Dec. 9.
Children place toys into age appropriate boxes during the D.C. regional Marine Toys for Tots Foundation’s toy drive on Dec. 9.
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Friday, December 18, 2015
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Don’t risk it, get a SoberRide home Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Public Affairs
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling leadership reminds everyone to drink responsibly and have a plan to get home safely during the winter holiday period. Party-goers 21 and older in the Washington region can take advantage of the nonprofit Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s (WRAP) 2015 Holiday SoberRide. SoberRide, called one of the nation’s most successful free cab ride programs for wouldbe impaired drivers, has helped thousands have a safe way home on high-risk holidays. Since 1993, WRAP has provided more than 60,000 safe rides home. SoberRide
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typically operates during the December/January holiday season, St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Independence Day and Halloween. The Holiday SoberRide program will be offered from 10 p.m. — 6 a.m. nightly from now through Jan. 1. For a free ride home, call 1-800-200TAXI (8294). AT&T customers may dial #WRAP from their wireless phones. SoberRide provides a free cab ride home — up to a $30 fare. If the fare is more than $30, riders must pay the difference. For more information on the SoberRide service, including participating cab services and specific geographical availability of the program visit www.wrap.org/ soberride.
Welcome home, Dad!
U.S. Navy Photo by Lt. j.g. Jessica Kellogg
NORFOLK (Dec. 14, 2015) Ensign Carl Segerstrom, from Winchester, Mass., hugs his son after his return to Norfolk from an eight-month deployment to the U.S. 4th, 5th, and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74).
Friday, December 18, 2015
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Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
Friday, December 18, 2015
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Chapel Christmas Season Calender 310 Angell Street, SW Building 3610 • Washington DC 20032 202.767.5900 www.jbabchapel.wordpress.com Ecumenical Events 19 Dec, 1800
Christmas Caroling, Base Housing (meet at Chapel Center)
St Michael Catholic Community Christmas Schedule, 2015 19 Dec, 1700
Mass, Chapel Center
20 Dec, 0930
Protestant Community Christmas Schedule, 2015
Mass - Fourth Sunday of Advent, Chapel Center
20 Dec, 0900 0930 1100 1130
Contemporary Service, Historic Chapel Sunday School, Chapel Center Traditional Worship, Historic Chapel Gospel Worship Services, Chapel Center
24 Dec, 1700
Christmas Eve Mass, Chapel Center
24 Dec, 1900
25 Dec, 0930
Christmas Day Mass, Chapel Center
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, Historic Chapel
31 Dec, 1700
Solemnity of Mary, Vigil Mass, Chapel Center
27 Dec, 0900 1100 1130
Contemporary Service, Historic Chapel Traditional Worship, Historic Chapel Gospel Worship Services, Chapel Center
1 Jan, 0930
Solemnity of Mary Mass, Chapel Center
31 Dec
Watch Night Service Food and Games, Chapel Center Worship Service, Chapel Center Pray in New Year, Chapel Center
2000 2200 2345
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Chapel • 202.767.5900 • www.jbabchapel.wordpress.com