Jbjournal 121914

Joint Base Journal Vol. 5, No. 49

December 19, 2014

News and information for and about the premier Joint Base and its region www.facebook.com/jointbase

J OINT B ASE A NACOSTIA-B OLLING

www.cnic.navy.mil/jbab

Happy Holidays

President, first lady deliver toys to Joint Base, help Marines with Toys for Tots

BY NICOLE M. WOODS JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama visited Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) Dec. 10 to help a local U.S. Marine Corps Reserve unit with their annual Toys for Tots campaign.

For the past six years, the first lady has helped with collecting donations and sorting through toys here at JBAB. This year she brought along a new “helper,” the president, who entered the room carrying two large duffle bags, filled with toys, as he shouted a jolly “ho, ho, ho,” in his best Santa Claus voice.

“That’s a pretty serious ho, ho, ho,” Mrs. Obama said with a laugh.

Together, the president and first lady, along with several Marines and their children, sorted through thousands of unwrapped toys, placing them in separate boxes to make it easier for packaging and distribution.

The first lady said the leadership behind this effort is really the heart of what makes it all possible.

She thanked several people in attendance including the Presi-

dent and Chief Executive Officer of the Toys for Tots Foundation, retired Marine Lt. Gen. Henry P. Osman and the Commander of the Marine Forces Reserve, Lt. Gen. Richard P. Mills, for their hard work in making the toy drive a success.

“And of course, thank you to all the Marines here at JBAB, plus their spouses and all of our military kids,” she added.

Toys for Tots collection boxes were set-up at 300 locations throughout the greater Washington, D.C. area during October, November and December for donations. Distribution of the toys was held at RFK Memorial Stadium Dec. 15-19, bringing holiday cheer to thousands of less fortunate children and families living in the region.

“It’s just a tremendous privilege to be a part of making Christmas a little brighter for a few kids across the country,” said Mrs. Obama, before introducing the president.

President Obama explained that military service members don’t just work to keep us safe, but they are also strengthening

See TOYS, Page 10

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY NICOLE M. WOODS

President Barack Obama and Marine 1st Sgt. Ocie Lowery sort through boxes of toys at Joint Base AnacostiaBolling, Dec. 10 in support of the annual Toys for Tots toy drive. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program collects unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distributes those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children throughout the greater Washington D.C. area.

Service members needed to mentor area youth in DC schools

BY ANDREW DAMSTEDT JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY ANDREW DAMSTEDT

Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office financial management director Linda Turner, right, explains the concept of negative numbers to fifth-grader Aaliah L. during their mentoring session Dec. 8 at Kramer Middle School.

Turner is one of 12 volunteers from Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling who tutor local youth with the Higher Achievement program.

At first, the student shrugged.

That didn’t deter Linda Turner.

She had grown used to her fifthgrade student using non-verbal responses to questions she asked about math.

“Have you talked about negative numbers before?” Turner asked.

Fifth-grader Aaliah L. initially shrugged no, but after hearing Turner explain further, Aaliah brightened and responded, “Yeah, I have talked about negative numbers before.”

Turner, financial management director at Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, has been volunteering at Kramer Middle School since September. She moved to work at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) from Dayton, Ohio this summer and said she was looking for a meaningful volunteer experi-

ence when she heard about Higher Achievement, a mentoring program aimed at fifth to eighth grade students.

“It’s fun when I explain a concept. We do problems and examples together and then watch their faces light up when they catch on to the main ideas and really understand,” Turner said. “Since I’m no teacher, I’ve had some trialand-error moments in figuring out how best to explain and work with them.”

Turner found out about the program through Maj. Andrew Anderson, JBAB’s lead volunteer coordinator for Higher Achievement. Currently, there are 12 JBAB volunteers who mentor students within the program. Anderson said he’d like more participation from the base because it is only a short drive to the four schools that participate in the program. They are all located within Washington, D.C., in Wards 7 and 8.

Anderson has been volunteer-

ing for 18 months, and said he’s already experienced several success stories, such as seeing program graduates accepted to elite charter schools in the district.

“I talked with one kid who was planning on quitting school, but I talked with him for a couple of hours, and he decided to stay in school,” Anderson said.

Logistics is one of the main problems in getting people to volunteer in Wards 7 or 8, said Jackie Ross, Higher Achievement’s communication director.

“People are not willing to cross the river and go east of the river,” Ross said.

Washington, D.C. Ward 8 has the greatest need for volunteer mentors, she said. Achievement Prep School has a need for 33 volunteers, and Kramer Middle School has a need for 10 volunteers. Ward 7 schools, Kelly Miller

See MENTOR, Page 3

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Joint Base Journal

Airmen graduate from Honor Guard Technical Training School

BY ANDREW DAMSTEDT JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Seventeen Airmen graduated from the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Technical Training School Dec. 12 at a ceremony held at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB).

The graduates will now be based at JBAB to perform ceremonial duties such as full honors funerals at Arlington National Cemetery and presenting the nation’s colors throughout the area for presidential and other official events.

Maj. Gen. Lee K. Levy, vice director for logistics at the Joint Staff, the Pentagon, addressed the Class 2015-A Honor Guard graduates and family members.

“We need to make sure we bring our fallen comrades home with honor, dignity and respect,” Levy said. “On that day, when that sad eventuality occurs, we’ll be there.

You’ll be there to represent the Air Force and the nation to help heal the wounds of broken-hearted family members.”

He reminded the graduates that

the purpose of the Air Force is to help defend the nation.

“It is now your turn to not only represent the best in American Airmen, but the best in America,” Lt. Col. Timothy Thurston, II said.

“Congratulations once again on the successful completion of training.

Always keep near the reasons you joined the Air Force and why you volunteered for the Honor Guard.”

Graduates included: Tech Sgt. Dwight Hine, Staff Sgt. Jerome Bryan, Staff Sgt. Alexander Nevsky, Staff Sgt. Kharim Fourcand, Airman 1st Class Larry Brown, Airman 1st Class Rigby Carter, Airman 1st Class Anicia Davis, Airman 1st Class Merick Kruml, Airman 1st Class Grambling Madise, Airman 1st Class Samantha Madrid, Airman 1st Class Cameron Moose, Airman 1st Class Chase Phelps, Airman 1st Class Torrian Tatum, Airman 1st Class Andrew Zander, Airman Quashawn Johnson and Airman Dustin White.

Levy presented Brown with the Top Gun Award; Madrid, the Physical Fitness Excellence Award; and Zander, the Honor Graduate Award.

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY ANDREW DAMSTEDT

Maj. Gen. Lee K. Levy, vice director of logistics at the Joint Staff in the Pentagon, addresses the Class 2015-A Honor Guard graduates and family members at a ceremony held at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.

Medical group power outage generates ingenuity, effective teamwork

BY ERIC D. RITTER JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

It was supposed to be routine maintenance on the electrical system at the 579th Medical Group (MDG) clinic Saturday, Dec. 6. But after a flip of the switch, it became anything other than routine.

The main power source into the building was shut down, taking advantage of a slow Saturday on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) in order to install new medical equipment. However, when they went to turn the power back on, it didn’t work.

“We anticipated there would be some issues you may have to face with equipment when you turn power off, so we properly shut down our servers and prepared the labs for time we anticipated to be down,” said interim 579 MDG Commander, Air Force Lt. Col. Matthew Hanson. “We didn’t anticipate a catastrophic power outage to happen.”

The 30-year-old electrical breaker wasn’t able to come back on line due to its age. The emergency generator was useless as well, because it would require patching through the same breaker that was bad. It was getting serious for the group, Hanson said.

“All of the facility maintenance crews from JBAB like Public Works, our maintenance contractors and our BMETs [Biomedical Equipment Technicians] were called to assess the

situation. We even reached out to our Navy counterparts here to see if they had anything that could help,” Hanson said.

Facilities management was ultimately able to locate a spare out in town, but it was a refurbished one, he added. No new model was available, because the model needed is no longer manufactured. They did have access to a few smaller generators they were able to provide to keep lab specimens from going bad. To be able to reach customers who would be affected, they came up with a solution to use the clinic’s wireless devices.

According to the group’s information technology site commander, 2nd Lt. Samantha Brown, they’ve never used their wireless devices for this purpose before, but it was the perfect way to reach out and communicate.

“We procured wireless devices we could use with our issued laptops that provide a mobile Internet ‘hotspot’, because we’re in the field a lot,” she said. “We were able to network into [Joint Base] Andrews’ secure server while ours were down. We were able to communicate through social media throughout the outage and provide important information like emergency phone numbers so customers could use to reach us. By communicating through social media like that, we were able to reach 7,000 beneficiaries instantly as we progressed through the situation. We were able to let people

know their appointments would be affected, and it was great, because we were receiving instant feedback from them at the same time.”

After the power was fixed Monday, it took a couple of days to get back on their feet. But, thanks to other area resources, like Joint Base Andrews, accepting some of the appointments of affected patients, processing labs and filling some prescriptions, it made getting the clinic back on schedule easier.

The generator that originally went bad will be sent off to be repaired. Between the newer, replaced generator and the one getting repaired - which will now become a spare - the group feels confident they will not run into a problem like this during the current system’s lifetime. Hanson said a lot of the success they had throughout the situation was due, in large part, to training.

The training they do every year to prepare for situations like this paid off and even showed extra benefit by showing ingenuity with the use of social media to communicate with patients.

They’ve dubbed it a “Virtual Encounter Team.”

“I couldn’t have been more proud of the team,” Hanson said. “There were no lights, no heat, and they still were able to reach out and perform their duty for that day and a half under those conditions admirably.”

Holiday fire safety reminder

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY JEREMY K. JOHNSON

At the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) holiday safety stand down Nov. 19, Chief Operations Specialist Timothy Freeman (pictured) was one of the many employees who received a refresher course in using an extinguisher to combat a fire. According to JBAB Fire Chief Jeff Williams, the proper method is to stand a safe distance from the fire, but close enough to aim at the base and sweep from side to side, approaching slowly until the fire is out. To prepare for a possible re-flash, he added, always back away from the fire so you can immediately respond to any flames that may arise from the fire reigniting.

Don’t drink and drive, call SoberRide

BY NICOLE M. WOODS JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

As the holiday season continues over the next few weeks, so do the parties and festive celebrations at the office, at home, at a friend’s house and anywhere else you can imagine a good time to be had.

For many people, this involves drinking alcoholic beverages, and that’s okay as long as you drink responsibly and don’t drink and drive. One way to make that process easier is to take advantage of

the Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s (WRAP) 2014 Holiday SoberRide program.

For a free ride (up to a $30 fare) home from Dec. 12 to New Year’s Day, between the hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly, call 1-800-200TAXI (8294). AT&T customers may dial #WRAP (9727) from their wireless phones. If the fare is more than $30, you are expected to pay the difference. You must be 21-years-old or older to use the SoberRide. For more information on the SoberRide service, visit www.wrap.org site.

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Friday, December 19, 2014

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Joint Base spreads holiday cheer to DC seniors

BY ANDREW DAMSTEDT JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY ANDREW DAMSTEDT

Seaman Brianna Johnson talks with Dolores McMillian, a D.C. resident, at the Mayor’s Senior Holiday Party Dec. 10. Military members escorted the seniors to the party as well as helped serve lunch at the event.

MENTOR n

continued from 1

Middle School and Chavez-Parkside Middle School, need fewer volunteers.

Mentors work with students in either math or literature or can ask to do a seminar with the students on various subjects such as robotics, geography, computer skills, Ross said. Volunteers are needed on a weekly basis for two hours on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursday evenings.

“It’s an easy program to get involved with, and it’s a commandendorsed volunteer opportunity,” Anderson said. “That’s good, but the real benefit is helping kids get on track to graduate from high school and go to college, and then graduate from college.”

Attributes of the ideal Higher Achievement mentor include being a good listener, understanding the middle school experience and being someone who can be tough on the students if needed, Ross said.

“I think it’s a combination of care, compassion, interest, and commitment,” said Ross.

All the training, curriculum, structure and resources are provided by the program. Mentors work with small groups of students, teaching from approved lesson plans.

Mentors gain benefits by participating in the program as well.

Anderson said he’s improved his teaching skills by having to go over the curriculum each week before presenting it to his students.

“It’s developed me as a teacher,” Anderson said. “It’s fun to interact with the kids and they really want to learn.”

To get involved, volunteers must go through a background check (waived for those with federal security clearance), verify they have an up-to-date tuberculosis test, and complete the program’s mentor training.

For more information on volunteering, visit to www.higherachievement.org, or e-mail Anderson, andrew.d.anderson42.mil@ mail.mil.

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 Anacostia-Bolling or Comprint Military Publications of the

Senior citizens from throughout Washington, D.C. got into the holiday spirit during a party held in their honor at the D.C. Armory on Dec. 10.

More than 4,000 senior citizens attended the Mayor’s Senior Holiday Party, where military members escorted the seniors from buses and served them lunch. The festivities also included dancing, singing and plenty of food.

“It’s awesome,” said Seaman Nathan Winn, who attended the party along with about a dozen other Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) service members. “I’ve never been a volunteer at this big of an event before.”

Seaman Catherine Berwick said the holidays are always big with her family, and since she won’t be able to spend it with them this year, the party helped get her into the holiday spirit.

“It definitely put us in the Christmas spirit,” Seaman Carlos Garay agreed. “Just because we’re in the military doesn’t mean we can’t have fun.”

As she was serving lunch, Seaman Brianna Johnson had people stopping her and thanking her for her service. One of those to whom she served lunch was Dolores McMillian, a Southeast D.C. resident, who was enjoying the party and said she was grateful for the servicemen and women helping at the event.

“I like the idea of this - it shows them that we’re still lively at 65-plus,” said McMillian. “It could give them an insight into their own parents and grandparents.”

The party was sponsored by the D.C. Office on Aging, and Executive Director John Thompson said they could not have done it without the military members’ help.

“They serve their country overseas and today they’re serving their community in D.C.,” Thompson said. “It means the world to the seniors and to the Office on Aging.”

Seaman Corvin Mitchell said he was glad to help out at the party and for him it was “great to be able to put a smile on people’s faces during this holiday season.”

Air Force Band holiday caroling

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MICHELLE L. GORDON

The U.S. Air Force Band Blue 82 Brass Quintet played holiday tunes for the children and staff of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling’s Child Development Center I on Dec. 17. Cecelila Kitson, training curriculum specialist at the center, said the band was asked to play as part of the center’s parent relation program. She added that it also exposes the children to music, as well as different jobs within the Air Force.

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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.

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Senior Enlisted Leader

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Public Affairs Projects

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Joint Base Journal

Joint Base Chapel Christmas Schedule St. Michael Catholic Community Christmas Schedule Dec. 20 Dec. 21 Dec. 24 Dec. 25 Dec. 31

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Mass Caroling in Base Housing Advent Meal - Nativity: Jesus Fourth Sunday of Advent-Mass Christmas Eve Mass Christmas Day Mass Solemnity of Mary, Vigil Mass

5 p.m.

6 p.m.

9:30 a.m.

5 p.m.

9:30 a.m.

5 p.m.

Jan. 1 Solemnity of Mary, Mass 9:30 a.m.

All events take place at the JBAB Chapel Center unless otherwise noted

Protestant Community Christmas Schedule Dec. 21 Faith Finders - Chapel Center Traditional Worship - Chapel Two Gospel Worship - Chapel Center

9:30 a.m.

11 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Service - Chapel Two Dec. 28 No Faith Finders classes Traditional Worship - Chapel Two Gospel Worship - Chapel Center Dec. 31 Watch Night Service - Chapel Center Food, Games, Worship, Prayer, Breakfast

7 p.m.

11 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

8 p.m.

For more information on any programs, please call the Chapel Center, 202-767-5900

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Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling

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‘Wreaths Across America’ reaches goal of covering Arlington National Cemetery

In 1992, the owner of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine, donated surplus Christmas wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery. The wreath donations continued annually for several years, until 2005, when a photo of the headstones at Arlington, adorned with wreaths and covered in snow, circulated around the Internet. Suddenly, the project received national attention.

BY MICHELLE L. GORDON JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

More than 25,000 volunteers entered the gates of Arlington National Cemetery Dec. 13, to lay fresh Christmas wreaths at each headstone as part of Wreaths Across America Day. Although the program began in 1992, this is the first year the Wreaths Across America organization reached their goal of providing a Christmas wreath at each of the 230,000 gravesites in the national cemetery.

Don Stoll, a volunteer responsible for covering Section 13, said

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this is his fifth year helping pass out wreaths, and he believes it is the least we can do to honor our fallen heroes.

“We all have our freedom because of the folks who’ve been put to rest here,” said Stoll. “Many of them don’t have family in the area, so it gives everyone an opportunity to honor them - family or not.”

Prior to distribution, the volunteers were given simple instructions regarding wreath placement to ensure uniformity. Each wreath should be placed at a 45 degree angle with the bow on top, and to not place any on headstones with the Star of David, said Stoll.

Among the volunteers was

U.S. NAVY PHOTOS BY MICHELLE L. GORDON

Krysteena Backer, 10, participated in Wreaths Across America, along with seven other members of Girl Scout Troop 50. Backer said this was her second year volunteering to help lay wreaths and she enjoys doing it because of her family’s military history.

10-year-old Krysteena Backer, who said this is her second time participating in Wreaths Across America Day with her Girl Scout troop.

“My great-grandfather was in the Korean War,” said Backer. “All of the people here served in the

wars and helped free everybody and helped the country. They’re very important, so it’s good to lay wreaths to honor them.”

The annual event takes place each year on the second Saturday in December. Although the event in Arlington is the largest, Wreaths

Across America events take place in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and more than 20 overseas veteran cemeteries.

For more information about the Wreaths Across America organization, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

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Joint Base Journal

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Friday, December 19, 2014

President and first lady visit Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling

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U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY NICOLE M. WOODS

The president and a Marine stationed here at JBAB sort through thousands of toys, Dec. 10, in support of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s annual Toys for Tots program.

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MICHELLE L. GORDON

President Barack Obama examines a scooter to best determine the most appropriate age group as he helps sort toys during the Toys for Tots drive, Dec. 10 at JBAB.

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MICHELLE L. GORDON

Retired Marine Lt. Gen. Pete Osman, president and chief executive officer of the Marine Toys for Tots program spoke to the crowd about the importance of the program and also introduced the president and the first lady during the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots event held Dec. 10 on JBAB.

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MICHELLE L. GORDON

Marines from JBAB stand ready to assist the president and the first lady sort toys donated by the White House staff at the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program held Dec. 10 on JBAB.

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MICHELLE L. GORDON

First lady Michelle Obama welcomed the crowd and thanked everyone for attending. She said she was honored to be a part of the Toys for Tots program for the sixth year, and this year she brought along some help.

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MICHELLE L. GORDON

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MICHELLE L. GORDON

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama visited Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Dec. 10 to deliver Toys for Tots collected by the White House staff. Although this was the first lady’s sixth trip supporting the event here on JBAB, it was the president’s first time attending.

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MICHELLE L. GORDON

The Commander of the Marine Forces Reserve, Lt. Gen. Richard P. Mills helped sort toys donated by the White House staff during the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots event held Dec. 10 on JBAB.

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY NICOLE M. WOODS

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MICHELLE L. GORDON

President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle were all smiles as they helped sort toys during the Toys for Tots drive held Dec. 10 at JBAB.

President Barack Obama shakes hands with some of the children during the Toys for Tots drive, Dec. 10 at JBAB, as they work together to sort through boxes of toys that were later donated to less fortunate children throughout the Washington, D.C. area.

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MICHELLE L. GORDON

President Barack Obama hugs one of the children helping sort toys during the Toys for Tots drive, Dec. 10 at JBAB, as they work together to sort through boxes of toys that were later donated to less fortunate children throughout the Washington, D.C. area.

Navy Capt. Frank Mays, JBAB commander (left), along with JBAB Marine Corps families attended the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots event held Dec. 10 at JBAB.

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MICHELLE L. GORDON

President Barack Obama and Marine 1st Sgt. Ocie Lowery discuss which box to place a toy tool kit during the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots toy sorting event held Dec. 10 on JBAB.

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From the Archives

BY KEN SEXTON 1954 BOLLING BEAM STAFF

Highlights of 10 years of Merry Christmases celebrated at Bolling 1945

What was Christmas like 10 years ago at Bolling? Five years ago? Come along and let’s review some of the highlights:

Continental Air Command, which then occupied Bolling, granted base personnel a four-day Christmas “break.”

Mrs. Henry H. Arnold donated toys to be given to children of Bolling officers and enlisted men at the base kids’ Christmas party.

An unorthodox model of Buck Rogers’ plane of the future flew from Long Beach, Calif., in five hours and 17 minutes to land at Bolling. The XB-42 “Mixmaster” was powered by a unique method, a “pusher propeller” located just behind the tail control surfaces.

1944

1946

Editor’s Note - This story originally appeared in the Bolling Air Force Base (BAFB) newspaper, Bolling Beam, Dec. 24, 1954. Minimal edits were made to ensure the transcription conforms to current newswriting standards. BAFB is one of three military properties that now constitute Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB).

The silent Army Air Force (AAF) Band barracks suddenly came to life, erupting hot jive notes with a “rawther broad A.” The AAF Band and the Royal Air Force (RAF) Band had pulled a swap, with the RAF Band touring the U.S. and the AAF Band touring merry old England.

Joint Base Journal

Just before Christmas, on Dec. 15, Bolling became an individual command under direct command of AAF Headquarters. The Bolling Field Command - later renamed Headquarters Command - was born.

Because of a high rate of discharges, members of the

Base Separations Center worked during both the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. At the time, a daily average of 50 persons was being discharged here.

1947

Santa Claus visited the kiddies at Bolling, but not by the usual reindeer and sleigh. Instead, a plane brought him to the skies over the base and he descended to Earth via parachute.

1948

Santa repeated his 1947 Christmas arrival, again floating down to Bolling kiddies in a parachute. The silhouette of Santa and eight reindeer appeared in the night skies over Bolling. This was done by playing large search lights skyward on a huge plyboard cut-out of Santa and his reindeer, erected on the roof of the Service Club.

1949

Like everyone else, Bolling personnel had to put twocent stamps on their Christmas cards - if they left the envelopes unsealed - instead of the one-and-a-half cent stamps required in previous years.

1950

The following notice appeared in the Dec. 15, 1950 issue of the Beam, “The base adjutant’s office would be happy to hear from any officers who wish to volunteer for duty as base Officer of the Day for either Dec. 24 or 25.”

1951

Bolling personnel were given a four-day Christmas holiday and a three-day New Year’s holiday.

1952

A permanent Christmas tree was planted at Bolling. The tree, a 25-foot cedar, was brought from Bowling Green, Va., and transplanted near Building 20.

1953

Santa Claus was so loaded down with toys for children of Bolling military personnel that he had to use a C-47. Over 1,000 kiddies attended the kids’ Christmas party, the largest in Bolling history up to that time.

1954

The Beam wishes you the best Christmas yet.

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Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling

Warfighter & Family Readiness Events View all events at www.MyWFR.com

Holiday Specials and Events Last chance to purchase Christmas Trees

Available at Outdoor Recreation parking lot, Thurs.-Mon.: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. On-base delivery available for $5.

Personalized Gifts at Arts & Crafts

Make memories this holiday season with personalized gifts from the engraving shop.

Have your unique messages engraved on ornaments, glasses and mugs, picture frames and more.

Magdalene’s Custom Framing Classes

First and Third Saturday in December and January | 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | Cost $50, plus supplies.

Learn the tricks of the trade so you can preserve your special memories.

previous year, in stock, for only $8! While supplies last.

New Year’s Eve Parties

New Year’s Eve Club Membership Celebration

Dec. 31 | 8 p.m.-2 a.m. | Bolling Club Experience New Year’s Eve like never before! Enjoy DJ entertainment, party favors and complimentary hors d’oeuvres from 8-10 p.m. A champagne toast and breakfast buffet will be served at 12:15 a.m. All reservations must be made by Dec. 29. Please call the Bolling Club at 202-767-6794.

Club Members: Free entry in advance, $10 at the door; Non-Members: $25 in advance, $35 at the door.

Child Care: $10 per child in advance or $75 at the door.

Cosmic New Year’s Eve Party

Potomac Lanes Bowling Center offers group packages available for parties of 10 or more. Eat, bowl and celebrate at the Potomac Lanes Bowling Center and leave the clean up to us! Dates fill up quickly so call 202-563-1701 for reservations.

Dec. 31 | 9 p.m.-1 a.m. |Potomac Lanes Bowling Center Celebrate the arrival of 2015 at Potomac Lanes Bowling Center. DJ Chris fires up the night with great music and cosmic bowling for only $75 per lane (maximum of six people). Price includes one large 14” one topping pizza, a pitcher of soda and light breakfast. This event will sell out so reservations are recommended. Call 202-563-1701.

White House Ornament

Room Reservations

Book Your Holiday Parties

2014 White House Christmas Ornaments are on sale now for $18 at the Bolling Club.

Purchase a 2014 ornament and receive any

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Don’t drink and drive. Room reservations are available at Gateway Inns & Suites.

1-877-NAVYBED (628-9233).

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Joint Base Journal

Home educators provide unique experiences for students

BY NICOLE M. WOODS JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Every Wednesday, a group of home educators at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) and their students join together for extracurricular activities, fun and socializing with their peers at the base bowling center.

From learning the physical game of bowling, to teaching them how to score and understand the different parts of the game, students get to interact with friends and family while learning something new each time.

“It’s really the social aspect of it all,” said Diane Butler, director of the JBAB Home Educators group. Bowling is just one of the many activities that homeschool students here at JBAB get to experience throughout the year, without the limitations of long summer and winter breaks.

Students also get to experience fencing classes, chess clubs, and even Tai Kwon Do and private music lessons, much like their traditional school counterparts.

“We find ways to help kids connect to ideas, to help them problem solve, and to develop their critical thinking,” explained former Director of the JBAB Home Educators group, Audri Beugelsdijk. “Everything is an opportunity for learning,” she said.

JBAB Home Educators is a home school support group for military families living in the greater Washington, D.C. area. It offers a variety of activities for its members.

“As long as we can keep our kids engaged on how they learn, whether they are visual learners, kinesthetic, audio or visual, we try

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY NICOLE M. WOODS

Matthew Borelli, 17, has been a part of the home educators program since second grade.

He now helps teach the younger homeschool students how to bowl and keep score of their games during weekly gatherings at the Potomac Lanes on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. to connect all those dots with them into a way that fits that child’s particular learning style,” Beugelsdijk said.

According to Butler, the main mission of the group is to support home educators by providing supplemental activities, events, volunteer options and unique experiences that otherwise may not be available to the children.

“It enhances and supports the families in any way that they need it,” she said.

The home educators teach their children

all of the necessary core subjects at home and then bring them together with other home-schooled children for the social interaction piece. Seventeen year old Matthew Borelli, who has been homeschooled since second grade and is now preparing for graduation, said the social interaction is very important to him.

“One of the main stereotypes people have about homeschoolers is that we aren’t social. They wonder how we meet people, because they think we’re at home all day, but really being a part of this homeschool group as long as I have, we actually get more chances to go out during the day with our friends,” Borelli chuckled, “This has probably been the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

Aside from being a student, Borelli loves to bowl, and he helps teach the younger kids how to play the game. He also comes up with new subjects for them to focus on every week. He mentioned that homeschoolers know how to turn everything into a learning experience.

“Sometimes we tap into the expertise of our parents and family members, which also keeps them involved and engaged while exposing our children to other teachers who

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our country daily - from volunteering in our schools, in congregations, and in our communities.

“With our combat mission coming to a close in Afghanistan, it means more of our extraordinary military members are going to be home for the holidays, back where they belong,” the president said.

“It’s great to be here, and I really just want to say thanks to all for participating, and I want to thank the Toys for Tots campaign.”

Since Toys for Tots started in the 1940s, more than 469 million toys have been distributed to over 260 million kids. “That’s a lot of doll houses and ninja turtles,” the president said.

He explained that Toys for Tots is about generosity and giving back.

Marine Lt. Col. David Johnson said it was great to have the first family’s support, because it will help generate a lot more support from others in the region, which he greatly appreciated.

“It brings hope to kids who wouldn’t oth-

aren’t just mom and dad,” said Beugelsdijk.

For example, Butler’s nephew, a science major in college, put together a physics workshop for the children during the summer, which was something the students were interested in learning, explained Beugelsdijk.

“From the moment you have your child, and you’re looking into the eyes of your newborn, they’re learning,” said Beugelsdijk.

“That’s why we don’t put an age limit on children getting involved in the program. We even have some people who bring their babies, and they learn whatever they can learn as an infant, all the way up to graduation.”

The group ensures that their students are able to participate in traditions such as prom and a formal graduation ceremony by establishing relationships with the many installations in the area, including JBAB, which in turn provides facilities to hold the events.

“Last year, we held our prom at the Fort Belvoir Officer’s Club, which overlooks the Potomac,” explained Butler. “We’re so fortunate to get support from the base; it’s a huge help that allows us to get out of the house.”

“Contrary to popular belief, homeschooling doesn’t always mean school at home; we’re not required to stay at our houses. In fact, we have found that the best environment to teach our children is the world,” said Beugelsdijk. “A part of our day might be in the morning, working on core subjects, and then, if we’re doing science, we could end up at a science museum downtown,” she added.

Another important aspect of the support group is being able to connect with the community, and give back to those in need, explained Butler. Through coordination with JBAB public affairs or through the base chapel, students are able to participate in community service projects like Operation Christmas Child, and donating white socks to homeless shelters in Washington, D.C. Wards 7 and 8.

“Half the battle with learning is keeping your kids excited about learning. If you can do that, as they get older, they’re going to stay interested and enjoy learning,” said Andrews.

The JBAB Home Educators welcome home school families from every branch of the military whether active duty or retired.

They also welcome Department of Defense civilians.

erwise receive Christmas presents so we’re providing something that they may not get unless we provide it to them,” Johnson said.

“When you see the joy in their eyes at the end of the day, that’s what we’re providing.”

For the future of Toys for Tots in this region, Johnson said he wants to see the program increase its mission and have more collaboration with nonprofits.

“We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to get out there, like this year, we partnered with the Metro Transit system for the first time at several of their locations to help generate more toys,” he said.

Ellen Vogler, wife of Marine Capt. Kurt Vogler, stationed here at JBAB, attended the event with her three little children, Ava, Alaina and Nate, who helped the president and first lady sort through toys, Vogler explained that it is especially important to do a toy drive during the Christmas holiday for all the kids and families who simply would not have gifts without this assistance.

She said it is an opportunity to teach her kids that Toys for Tots is more than just giving a toy away, but more importantly that it is helping someone who needs it.

“If they have toys then they won’t be bored,” said 7-year-old Ava.

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