Pentagram 012215

Vol. 62, No. 3 January 22, 2015

Pentagram www.army.mil/jbmhh

Published For Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

AFAP focus group reviews latest Army issues, concerns

By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer

Military bases and their service members, civilian workers and families can encounter quality of life problems throughout the year, yet solutions can be an afternoon meeting away when the Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) focus group assembles.

The joint base AFAP focus group held its recent session Jan. 15 at the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Bldg. 201. The group consisted of 10 service members, three civilians and one retiree. The group’s responsibility is to review issues and concerns submitted to AFAP for resolutions at the base or Army-wide levels.

The Jan. 15 meeting tackled two issues: An A r my-w ide customer service issue, and the second issue was how Exceptional Family Member Program ( E FM P ) e n r ol l me nt for mental health issues affects overseas assignments. According to Army Com mu nit y Ser v ices Volunteer Coordinator and focus group moderator Kathryn Feehan, the group met for nearly four hours and scrapped the customer service issue but decided to advance the EFMP provision to the base commander’s desk.

“The two issues we worked on were issues that had been submitted to the AFAP program,” said Feehan. “This past year, two issues were submitted, and that’s what we were

see GROUP, page 4

PHOTO

Proposed Virginia legislation could ease military transition to private sector

By Damien Salas Pentagram Staff Writer

Virginia Gov. Terry Mc Au l i f fe pr opose d legislation Jan. 9 that aims to strengthen the state’s economy with “common sense measures to st reng t hen ou r Commonwealth’s standing as the best place on earth for military personnel, veterans and their families to live, work and thrive,” according to a press release.

T he proposed legislation needs to make it through the Virginia General Assembly, but if passed would expand the state’s relationship with the Department of Defense significantly by adding ways

see LEGISLATION, page 4

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica L. Garfola Wright gives remarks during the Hiring Heroes Career Fair in Spates Community Center on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Nov. 6, 2014. Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe recently proposed new legislation that, if passed into law, may help service members and their families as they transition out of the military.

Next Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps announced

By Office of Marine Corps Communication, Defense Media Activity

PHOTO

COURTESY OF THE

MARINES

Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green, then serving as the sergeant major of I Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks with Marines aboard Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., May 3, 2013. Green, the former sergeant major for Henderson Hall, was recently announced as the next sergeant major of the Marine Corps.

The Commandant of the Marine Corps announced Jan. 20 the selection of Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green as the next Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.

“It g ives me g reat pleasure to name Sgt. Maj.

Index

This week in history . . . . . . . . . . page 2 Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3 Purple Heart awarded . . . . . . . . page 3 News Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Pollution prevention . . . . . . . . . . page 6 MDW’s special reaction team . . . page 7

BY

TECH. SGT. CHRISSY BEST

Tiana Lopez tries the baseball toss game, while her sister Gaby and mother Carolina watch at the Child Find/ Exceptional Family Member Program Extravaganza Special Needs Fair Oct. 1, 2011, at Joint Base CharlestonWeapons Station. How Exceptional Family Member Program enrollment for mental health issues affects overseas assignments was one of two issues discussed Jan. 15 during an Army Family Action Plan focus group session at the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Green as the 18th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps,” said Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., the commandant of the Marine Corps.

“His dynamic leadership is well known throughout the ranks of our Corps.

His wide range of experience in both peacetime and combat, and his record of performance make him extraordinarily well-qual-

see MARINES, page 4

News Notes JBM-HH phases in base access measures

Joint Base Myer-Henderson has begun preparing for new visitor access control measures, as directed by the Secretary of the Army. The new measures are designed to keep all visitors to all three portions of the joint base safe and secure, but will increase traffic delays at access control points – Fort Myer’s Hatfield Gate off of Washington Boulevard at South 2nd Street, in particular.

Department of Defense identification card holders will experience the fewest delays. The changes will take effect Feb. 16. Additional information on JBM-HH access changes, including steps individuals can take to minimize delays, are included in this issue (see above story).

The Directorate of Emergency Services encourages non-DoD ID card holders, visitors and contractors ineligible to obtain common access cards (CAC), who frequent the joint base, to begin the pre-vetting process for issuance of a locally-produced JBM-HH access credential at Bldg.

415 (Provost Marshal’s Office) on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH. Pre-registration is open until Feb. 13.

The Visitor Control Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., but is closed on weekends and all federal holidays. The center may be reached at 703-696-8968 or 703-588-2803.

Physical fitness tests offered at Henderson Hall

Henderson Hall’s Headquarters and Service Battalion holds regular physical fitness tests (PFT) for Marines to meet semi-annual training requirements.

The next PFT will be held Jan. 23 at 7 a.m. at the pull-up bars located just outside the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium on the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH. Marines who desire to participate in these two events should be in appropriate clothing, which includes “green on green” fitness

see NEWS NOTES, page 4 Stay connected!

When winter weather hits, stay informed!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jbmhh

Visit the official JBM-HH social media websites to obtain pertinent news about local-area events, traffic closures and other relevant local news.

Twitter: www.twitter.com/JBMHH JBM-HH information hotline: 703-696-6906 JBM-HH webpage: www.army.mil/jbmhh

2

Thursday, January 22, 2015

PENTAGRAM

The Marines have landed

PHOTO

BY

DAMIEN SALAS

Two Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys land Jan. 15, as part of training at the Fort McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. The tilt-rotor aircraft are known best for their maneuverability, speed and ability to carry up to 24 passengers. For more images from this event, visit us at: www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh.

This week in military history

Caption This no. 3

Compiled by Jim Goodwin Editor, Pentagram

Jan. 22

1969:

Operation Dewey Canyon begins during the Vietnam War in the A Shau/Da Krong valleys when the 9th Marines and supporting artillery were lifted from Quang Tri. By March 18, 1,617 enemy troops were killed in action and more than 500 tons of weapons and ammunition were unearthed.

Jan. 23

The U.S. Air Force’s 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing fly the last F-51 Mustang mission of the Korean War.

Jan. 24

The Battle of Makassar Strait begins, resulting in a destroyer attack on a Japanese convoy in the first naval surface action in the Pacific during World War II.

Jan. 25

Marines and Sailors from the U.S. sloop Decatur went ashore at the village of Seattle, Wash., to protect settlers from Indian raids. The Indians launched a seven-hour attack but were driven off later that day after suffering severe losses. No Marines or Sailors were killed.

1953: 1942: 1856: Jan. 26

1913:

The body of John Paul Jones is laid in its final resting place in the Chapel of Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md. John Paul Jones capturing the Serapis.

PHOTO

BY

STAFF SGT. LUISITO BROOKS

Each week, “Caption This” will feature a photo taken on base. It’s up to you to figure out the best, funniest or craziest caption that describes what’s going on in the picture. The only rule is you have to KEEP IT CLEAN! Caption This submissions can be sent to pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com, left in the comments on www.facebook.com/jbmhh or dropped off at Headquarters Bldg. 59, suite 116. Don’t forget to add the Caption This number, your name, rank or position and where you work.

The winner’s name, caption and the photo will be printed in the newspaper.

If you have a photo you think would make a great Caption This, send it in.

Caption This no. 2 winner “That is THE LAST TIME I break the rules, because this punishment is horrible.”

COURTESY

OF

U.S. NATIONAL ARCHIVES

Jan. 27

About 400 Marines and Sailors from the II Marine Expeditionary Force and subordinate air, ground and logistics unites deployed for the Persian Gulf. The Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force provided a landing force capability to Joint Task Force Middle East.

Jan. 28

The first serious ground fighting of Operation Desert Storm began when Iraqi troops mounted an attack into Saudi Arabia along a 40-mile front.

1988: 1991:

Pentagram Printed on recycled paper

www.army.mil/jbmhh

PHOTO

BY STAFF SGT.

ALVIN WILLIAMS JR.

- Margaret Steele Pentagram reader

For more JBM-HH photos,visit us online at:

www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh

The Pentagram is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Pentagram are not necessarily the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, or Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

The content of this publication is the responsibility of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Public Affairs Office. Pictures not otherwise credited are U.S. Army photographs. News items should be submitted to the Pentagram, 204 Lee Ave., Bldg. 59, Fort Myer, VA 22211-1199. They may also be e-mailed to james.m.goodwin3.civ@mail.mil.

Circulation of 24,000 is printed by offset every Thursday as a civilian enterprise newspaper by Comprint Military Publications. Comprint Military Publications is located at 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Telephone (301) 921-2800. Commercial advertising should be placed with the printer.

Comprint Military Publications is a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy.

The appearance of advertisements in this publication, to include all inserts and supplements, does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser shall result in the refusal to print advertising from that source.

Editorial staff Commander Col. Michael D. Henderson Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Randall E. Woods Director of Public Affairs Mary Ann Hodges Command Information Officer Sharon Walker

Pentagram staff Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Photographer Graphic Designer

Jim Goodwin Jim Dresbach Julia LeDoux Guv Callahan Damien Salas Rachel Larue Helen Klein

703-696-5401 703-696-5488 703-696-7605 703-696-7607 703-696-1363 703-696-7606 703-696-3114

Community

PENTAGRAM

Thursday, January 22, 2015

3

JBM-HH community honors Martin Luther King Jr.

By Guv Callahan Pentagram Staff Writer

PHOTO

BY

DAMIEN SALAS

Retired Army Brig. Gen. Clara Adams-Ender gives remarks Jan. 15 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday in the community center on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Combat vet talks resiliency, readiness at JBM-HH

More than 200 service members, employees and community members packed into the Community Center on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Jan. 15 for a ceremony to remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “It is only fitting that we take the time out every year to reflect on the principles of racial equality and nonviolent social change espoused by Dr. King,” said JBM-HH Commander Col. Mike Henderson at the start of the ceremony. “It’s important that we remember Dr. King’s life and legacy, his principles and ideals, and his ultimate sacrifice. In his memory, we should think about what we can do to make a difference in our own lives, no matter how big or how small.”

The ceremony, which was attended by Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and U.S. Army Military District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan, featured a keynote address from retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Clara Mae Leach Adams-Ender.

Henderson said Adams-Ender was the first AfricanAmerican Nurse Corps officer graduate from the Army War College. She graduated in 1976 as the first woman to earn a Masters of Military Art and Science degree at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

She was promoted to brigadier general and became the Chief of the Army Nurse Corps in 1987. In 1991, AdamsEnder was selected to be the commanding general of Fort Belvoir, Va., and served in that capacity as well as deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington until she retired in 1993.

“As we celebrate Dr. King’s birthday again this year, we have the opportunity to remember a great teacher, who left us with many lessons of wisdom and courage,” Adams-Ender said.

Her speech explored “The Four Agreements,” principles defined by Mexican spiritualist Don Miguel Ruiz, that Adams-Ender said would also help commu-

see MLK, page 7

Wounded in combat

PHOTO

BY

DAMIEN SALAS

Left, Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, chief of staff of the U.S. Army, presents retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Jesse M. Baltazar with a Purple Heart medal along side wife Margrit, Jan. 20 in Conmy Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall for wounds Baltazar sustained in combat during World War II. PHOTO

BY

LISA FERNANDO

Army Master Sgt. Cedric King, who lost both legs and some arm function in an improvised-explosive-device blast in Afghanistan in 2012, speaks about resilience and overcoming challenges, at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Conmy Hall, Va., Jan. 13.

By Staff Sgt. Jennifer C. Johnson JFHQ-NCR/MDW Public Affairs More than 500 service members and civilians from the Joint Force HeadquartersNational Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and its inter-agency partners gathered at a ‘ready and resilient’ professional development training session to hear Army Master Sgt. Cedric King, a double amputee, speak about the challenges he faces in his life.

In 2012, King was wounded in Afghanistan by an Improvised Explosive Device (I.E.D.) while conducting a building-clearing mission. He sustained a multitude of internal and external injuries and has become a bilateral leg amputee.

“I want to send a message to those guys that meant to hurt me,” said King.

“Instead of hurting me, you’ve only made me better. Instead of taking my legs away,

you’ve given me so much more to live for.”

“Master Sgt. King is a great example of a person being resilient,” said Command Sgt. Maj. David O. Turnbull, JFHQ-NCR/ MDW command sergeant major. “He didn’t let his injuries defeat him. He used it as a reason to push all possible limits.”

King discussed the challenges and the mental and physical effects his injuries had on him as well as his family. He spoke about life after losing his legs and how faith, family and focus are the key factors in his ability to conquer life’s challenges.

“You can take my hands, you can take my eyes and you can take my hearing,” said King. “But what you cannot take away from me is that spirit inside.”

“His story exemplifies the 2014 theme for Warrior Care Month – ‘Show of Strength,’ which we, as an organization, hope to continue to embody in this New Year,” said Turnbull.

PHOTO

BY

DAMIEN SALAS

Left, Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan, commanding general, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, congratulates Purple Heart recipient retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Jesse M. Baltazar Jan. 20 in Conmy Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

The U.S. Army Band performance schedule Jan. 24 7:30 p.m.

The U.S. Army Blues will perform with the Yorktown High School Jazz Ensemble as part of the Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival at Yorktown High School in Arlington, Va.

Jan. 27 6 p.m.

The U.S. Army Band Downrange will perform at the Washington Auto Show at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

Jan. 28 7:30 p.m.

The U.S. Army Brass and Percussion Ensemble will perform with the American Tuba Quartet and The U.S. Navy Band Tuba Quartet at the 2015 The U.S. Army Band Tuba-Euphonium Workshop at Loboda Studio at Brucker Hall at the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Editor’s note: The U.S. Army Band hosts the annual workshop through Jan. 31, which features numerous performances between Jan. 27-31. See the Band’s website (right) for details on all of these performances.

Feb. 28 3 p.m.

The U.S. Army Blues will perform in celebration of African-American History Month at Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH.

Performances are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

All outdoor concerts are subject to cancellation or location change due to weather considerations. Please call 703-696-3399 for up-to-date information on concert cancellations or location changes. For additional details and a full calendar of performances, visit www.usarmyband. com/event-calendar.html.

4

Thursday, January 22, 2015

PENTAGRAM

Group, from page 1

News Notes, from page 1

reviewing. The focus group has the ability to review the issue or issues and decide to submit these further up the [command] chain.”

The AFAP focus group is required to meet at least once a year and can meet whenever an issue is submitted to the base Army Community Service office.

Issues submitted are then reviewed and rewritten by the focus group in paragraph form. If the issue is base-related, the issue will hit the base commander’s desk, but wide-scoping Army or military issues could make it all the way to the Secretary of the Army or the Defense Secretary’s desks.

Some issues that have started at the focus group level include expansion of t he Homeow ner ’s Assistance Program (HAP), the post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 and AFAP issue 591, a spouse employment issue that evolved into an executive order.

“This, the installation level focus group, is the grass roots movement of

attire, running shoes and white socks. For more information, contact the battalion’s training section at 703-693-8343.

Chili cook-off

PHOTO

BY

TECH. SGT. CHRISSY BEST

Garynn Napiter, gets her hands painted for decorative art project with help from her mother Blasia, at the Child Find/Exceptional Family Member Program Extravaganza Special Needs Fair Oct. 1, at Marrington Plantation, Joint Base Charleston-Weapons Station. ow Exceptional Family Member Program enrollment for mental health issues affects overseas assignments was one of two issues discussed Jan. 15 during an Army Family Action Plan focus group session at the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

this program,” Feehan said. “From that [focus group], the issue will go up to the Department of the Army level and then to a general officer’s steering committee. From this grass

Legislation, from page 1 service members transitioning out of the service can earn college credits.

To make college more affordable McAuliffe proposed that veterans have, the option of transferring their military background into the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), which would allow recently discharged Virginia veterans seeking affordable higher education to receive academic credit for military education and training.

“When you are in the military, you are sent to training courses that can be translated on the civilian side as academic credit,” said Carlos Rodriguez, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program transition service manager. “For example, a service member specializing in logistics could put the training

roots level, the issue may change and evolve as it goes up the chain.”

Feeha n told t he Pentagram that service members, military family members, retirees and

they receive towards a bachelor’s degree in logistics management, reducing the amount of credits they would normally have to take to earn that degree.”

The VCCS would adopt policies for each community college to identify, verify and award credits for a military training course or program, according to the press release.

McAuliffe also proposed local school districts receive federal funding by implementing a “military children identifier,” in Virginia schools that enroll uniformed services-connected children. The system would allow tracking of data to help inform policy and program decisions for this unique student population, according to the release.

Last on the list of proposed items is the Military Bond Initiative, which would allow the Virginia Public Building Authority to issue bonds

civilians can submit issues anytime of the year. To submit an issue or to volunteer for a future focus group, call the A rmy Community Service office at 703-696-3510.

for military mission improvement and expansion projects as recommended by the Commission on Military Installations and Defense Activities, which McAuliffe created through an executive order March 1, 2013.

“We are fortunate to have in Virginia one of the largest concentrations of military and defense activities, facilities, personnel and families in the country,” said McAuliffe in a statement March 3, 2013. “Given the significant economic impact that our military installations and defense activities have on our Commonwealth, and in view of the recently announced proposed Department of Defense budget cuts and potential 2017 base realignment and closure activity, it has never been more vital for us to work hand-in-hand with our defense and military partners to ensure the continued vitality of these assets.”

Do you have a winning chili recipe? If so, JBM-HH Command Sgt. Maj. Randall Woods is challenging each directorate to compete and submit two chili recipes for the installation cook-off.

Email lavonda.d.lessane.civ@mail.mil for entry no later than Jan. 23. The first two entries from each directorate will be selected and receive a confirmation email to secure spots in the cook-off, which will be held Jan. 27 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the fire station bay on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Chili submissions must be set up by 10:50 a.m. and must be in a crockpot. Contestants must provide all sides (cheese, crackers). Awards will be presented to the winner, runner-up and best effort. Chili will be judged base on taste and flavor, originality and presentation.

Tax season is here

The U.S. Army Military District of Washington and the U.S. Marine Corps National Capital Region Command are jointly operating the JBM-HH Tax Center, which will serve military personnel, their families and other eligible customers. The Tax Center is located in Bldg. 205 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.

Customers should bring their military ID cards; all W2s, 1099s, 1098s; Social Security cards for all family members; EIN for day care providers; all documents supporting deductions and credits; copies of their 2014 federal and state returns; and tax power of attorney or IRS Form 2848.

No appointments are necessary; however, appointments are available for more complex tax returns.

The center is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is open every other Saturday beginning Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, contact Capt. Lynmarie Rivera at lynmarie.riveramartinez.mil@mail.mil or call 703-696-0771.

MDW Sgt. Audie Murphy Club scholarship available

All high school seniors who are dependents of active duty service members in the Military District of Washington may apply for the MDW Sgt. Audie Murphy Club scholarship. A letter of acceptance from a college is also required. The award provides $500 for use during the freshman year.

To apply, write an 800- to 1,000-word essay in a word processing document, double spaced and arial 12 font. Submit essays via email to: mdwsamc@ gmail.com. Choose one of the following topics: Why do you believe being a military dependent has prepared you for adulthood and how has your military sponsor influenced your life?

What is the importance of volunteering and how do you believe your military sponsor has displayed to you the importance of selfless service to your country, community and family?

Through the hardships of 13 years of war, military members have benefited from strong family support and dependents have endured uncertainty and change.

How has your military sponsor and/or mother/father taught you the importance of resiliency, patriotism and family? How will you apply this in adulthood?

Eligible candidates must currently reside within a 25-mile radius of the following areas: Fort Meade, Md.; Fort Hamilton, N.Y.; Walter Reed National Medical Center, Md.; all three portions of JBM-HH.; The Pentagon; Fort Belvoir, Va.; Fort A.P. Hill, Va. and Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. Essays will be accepted from Feb. 1 through March 31.

Dining Facility under renovation

The Dining Facility on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall is under renovation and sack meals for military personnel will be available in the Dining Facility, Fort Myer’s Bldg.

404, Feb. 1. During the last half of January, meals will be served at the DFAC as usual. All meals will be served at the Community Activities Center, Bldg.

405, from Feb. 2 through March 15, with regular meal times and prices applying. For more information, call 703-696-2087.

Filing on-the-job injury claims

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Sgt. Maj. Micheal P. Barrett, sergeant major of the Marine Corps, delivers the game ball during the pregame ceremony at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C., Aug. 20, 2014. Barrett’s successor, Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green, a former Henderson Hall sergeant major, was recently announced as the 18th sergeant major of the Marine Corps.

Marines, from page 1 ified to serve as our senior enlisted leader,” Dunford said.

Green, currently the sergeant major of I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), will replace Sgt. Maj. Micheal P. Barrett, who has held the billet since June 2011.

Barrett is credited with improving Marines’ training, education, compensation, quality of life, bachelor

enlisted quarters, on-base housing and family support programs.

“Sgt. Maj. Barrett has poured his heart and soul into serving Marines, Sailors, and their families,” Dunford said. “He has truly made a positive impact on the combat readiness of our Corps.”

The relief and appointment ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m., Feb. 20, at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.

Visit us online!

The post of Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps was established in 1957 as the senior enlisted advisor to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the first such post in any of the branches of the United States Armed Forces. The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps is selected by the commandant, and typically serves a four-year term, though his service is at the pleasure of the commandant.

www.DCMilitaryHcom

When an employee is injured on the job, medical help should be sought first, if necessary, and make sure the supervisor is informed. The employee and supervisor are responsible for completing CA-1 (traumatic injury) or CA-2 (occupational disease) forms. The CA-1 and CA-2 must be filed within 10 days of the injury or disease onset. Once the form has been completed, supervisors are responsible for submitting it through the electronic data interchange web page at www.cpms.osd.mil/ICUC/ ICUC.index.aspx. The form can also be sent to the injury compensation program administrators at the Fort Belvoir Civilian Advisory Center.

If your organization is serviced by the Fort Belvoir CPAC, call injury compensation program administrators Michelle McKenzie at 703-704-3028 or Aminah James at 703-704-3023 for more information.

Submit questions, forms or schedule training for both supervisors and employees on the workers compensation program at usarmy.belvoir.chra-nc. mbx.lmer@mail.mil.

Soil removal project to hamper parking

Part of the project for the new Network Enterprise Center facility on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base will be the removal of soil at the construction site for the future Bldg. 235. From now until the end of January, a crew will remove soil at the site behind Bldg. 28 (veterinary services) and The Old Guard Caisson. During this time, the area will be closed and no vehicles will be allowed to park behind the caisson and paddock area. There will be large dump trucks transiting the area and along

see NEWS NOTES, page 5

PENTAGRAM

News Notes, from page 4 Sheridan Avenue. Use care while driving, walking and running in this area. For more information, call 703-696-5680.

Baby bundles

Learn how to prepare your home and relationship for the changes that are needed when your baby arrives during this class set for Jan. 23 from noon to 2 p.m. in Bldg. 201 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. A brief overview of the labor and delivery process, newborn care and baby-proofing your home will be discussed.

Individuals will receive a bag of free baby care and safety items. For more information and to register, call 703-696-3512.

Family member employment assistance

Marine Corps Community Service Henderson Hall’s Family Member Employment Assistance Program offers employment assistance to spouses and other family members of active duty service members. Among the offerings in January are marketing volunteer experience Jan. 28. For details, visit www. mccsHH.com/CRMC.html and look for upcoming FMEAP upcoming events or call 703-614-6828.

Ready for some football?

Family, Morale Welfare and Recreation and the USO will host JBM-HH’s annual Super Bowl party Feb. 1 at Spates Community Club on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Doors will open at 5 p.m.

Kick-off for Super Bowl XLIX is 6:25 p.m. In addition to the game, there will be food, fun and chances to win prizes for all eligible FMWR patrons, including two chances to win $10,000. The first 100 FMWR eligible patrons arriving between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. can enter for a chance to win $10,000 if they successfully predict the halftime score and final score of the game. The second chance to win $10,000 for up to 500 FMWR eligible patrons is Crack the Vault. Eligible FMWR patrons may only play each contest once.

Registration will be held in the lobby of Spates Community Club. All contests are free to enter, with eligibility and age restrictions. For further information, call 703-527-1300.

Come shred with us

Environmental Management Division JBM-HH is offering a shredding event Feb. 4-5 on all three portions of JBM-HH.

1050390

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Shredding at Fort Myer will take place Feb. 4 from 10-11 a.m. at Bldg. 59, and 11 a.m.-noon at Bldg. 321. Shredding at Henderson Hall will take place Feb. 4 at Bldg. 29 from 9-10 a.m. Finally, shredding at Fort McNair will take place Feb. 5, at Bldg. 29 from 9-10 a.m. and at Bldg.

62 from 10-11 a.m. Items that can be shredded include paper, manila folders, staples, paper clips and rubber bands.

Documents will go into a container to be lifted and tipped into the shredding unit.

Those who bring materials for shredding can watch the documents being securely shredded on site. Since all the shredded paper is recycled, be sure to remove all substantial cardboard, plastic and metal from the materials. Newspaper, credit cards, CDs, cardboard, three-ring binders and binder clips cannot be shredded.

Contact Mark Luckers, JBM-HH environmental officer, at 703-696-2012 for more information.

696-6906, which is updated in emergencies or inclement weather situations. See www. weather.gov for a forecast.

Ice melt refills

At JBM-HH, filled ice melt buckets have already been placed outside facilities by the Directorate of Public Works.

Refill ice melt buckets by bringing empty buckets to Bldg. 325 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base and the P Street Lot on the Fort McNair portion of the joint base between the hours of 1 and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call Denise Faldowski at 703-696-1254 for more information.

News Note policy! Read in full

News Notes submissions must be less

It’s not too late to get a flu vaccine

Flu vaccinations are available at the Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base on a walk-in basis. Immunization clinic hours are 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. On Thursday, the clinic is open from 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 2:30 p.m. You may also request a flu vaccination in the primary care and pediatrics clinics as part of your scheduled appointments.

Winter weather is here – be prepared!

In the event of weather-related closures, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall personnel follow the guidance of the Office of Personnel Management. OPM determines the open or closed status for all government agencies and installations located inside the Washington, D.C., beltway.

If you have any questions about your duty status, contact your supervisor.

Partner organization personnel should inquire within their chain of command.

For OPM guidance, see www.opm.gov/ status. You can also call 202-606-1900 around the clock for status.

For immediate updates from JBM-HH, visit us online at www.facebook.com/jbmhh and www.twitter.com/jbmhh. Also, the JBM-HH website (www.army.mil/jbmhh) contains a winter weather link – activated when necessary – with up-to-date weather information. You can also call the commander’s information hotline at 703-

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than 100 words, contain all pertinent details — to include the five “W’s” — as well as a point of contact, phone number and/or website for additional information.

News Notes must be submitted no later than noon, Wednesdays, for consideration for publication in the following week’s Pentagram. For example, information submitted for publication in News Notes on Wednesday, Feb. 4, will be published in the Pentagram Thursday, Feb.12. Priority will be given to those announcements of events and deadlines occurring during the publication week. Please note that submission of a news note does not guarantee publication. Please send your news notes to the Pentagram at pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com.

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Thursday, January 22, 2015

PENTAGRAM

Storm water pollution prevention paramount

By Tiffany J. Lee Environmental Management Division Directorate of Public Works In the Chesapeake Bay watershed, storm water pollution is the main cause of poor water quality in streams and rivers. As rivers flow downstream, so do their pollutants. State and federal governments are working together to help prevent storm water pollution prevention and distribute the responsibility of cleaning storm water among the localities, municipalities and military installations that call the 64,000-square mile Chesapeake Bay watershed home. This includes portions of Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. W hat makes stor m water pollution so bad?

Storm water is runoff from rain or snowmelt that flows over the ground instead of being absorbed by soil. Storm

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water is a natural and expected result of precipitation, but the pollutants it picks up on its way to a stream are not. In urban areas with paved surfaces, storm water runoff flows faster, and pollutants such as motor oil, dirt, pet waste and cigarette butts that have collected on pavement get dissolved or picked up over time.

In urban areas, storm water flows into sewers, which lead directly to streams and rivers without filters or treatment.

That means storm water pollutants that make it into sewers are carried directly to streams and rivers.

The most damaging form of storm water pollution are the items we can’t see: Nutrients – Fertilizer, pet waste and leaks from sanitary sewer pipes all contribute to nutrient pollution. The excess nutrients create perfect conditions for the overgrowth of algae in the Chesapeake Bay, known as an algal bloom. When the algae dies and decays, this process uses up the oxygen in the water, creating “dead zones,” where there is too little oxygen

for fish and other aquatic life to survive. poses choking and/or digestive hazards Chemicals – Chemicals can end up for animals mistaking them for food, in storm water runoff such as cleaners, and toxic chemicals are released to the pesticides, insecticides, motor oil and environment as litter breaks down. antifreeze are poisonous to plant and The presence of any of these storm animal life. In addition, animals that eat water pollutants negatively affects water poisoned plants and animals pass these quality. The Virginia Department of chemicals up the food chain, which puts Environmental Quality assesses water people at risk, as well. In fact, the EPA and quality for six designated use types: aquatic state agencies have life, fish consumpimposed restrictions tion, shellfishing, on fish consumprecreation, public tion in waterways, water supply and including t he w i l d l i f e . Tw o A n ac o s t i a a nd waterways close to Potomac Rivers, Joint Base Myerwhere cer tain Henderson Hall, chemicals are espeFour-mile Run cially prevalent.

Sediment – Fine and the Potomac sediment carried R iver, are conby runoff contains sidered impaired: nut r ients a nd Four-mile Run is chemicals, acting impaired because as a pathway for of high levels of these pollutants to bacteria, making it enter waterways. unsuitable for recSediment itself is reation. Portions of also considered a the Potomac River pollutant, because it COURTESY PHOTO BY JANE THOMAS clouds water, chokes Signs like these on storm water drains are considered underwater plant remind people that water flowing impaired because of high levels of growth and makes into these grates drains into the chemicals in fish it harder for predatissues, making tors and prey to see. Chesapeake Bay. it unsuitable for Temperature fish and shellfish – Pave me nt i s generally warmer than grass-and forest- consumption. Near Fort McNair, the covered areas because paved surfaces, like Anacostia River is impaired for multiple asphalt, absorb and retain heat. Storm pollutants: high levels of nutrients, chemiwater flowing over urban, paved areas cals, bacteria and debris make the river warms up before it enters waterbodies. For unsuitable for fish and shellfish consumpplants and animals that are sensitive to tion and recreation. temperature, warmer water temperatures With everyone’s help, storm water polcause stress or death. lutants can be reduced and impaired Bacteria – Disease-causing bacteria waterbodies can be restored. We can from pet waste, leaky sewage pipes and all help reduce pollution by using good improperly functioning septic systems judgment: don’t litter, clean up all spills can be carried by storm water to streams.

The bacteria can harm aquatic animals immediately and don’t overuse chemicals, and people who fish, swim, ski, canoe or like deicing salt, cleaners, fertilizers, or engage in other recreational activities in pesticides. Make storm water pollution prevention your new year’s resolution. waterways with high levels of bacteria.

To report conditions that could cause Trash and Debris – Grates and inlets keep large pieces of trash and debris from storm water pollution or to get more entering storm water sewers, but paper, involved with storm water activities small cans, plastic and cigarette butts at JBM-HH, call the Environmental easily make their way through. Litter Management Division at 703-696-8055.

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Thursday, January 22, 2015

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TOG’s special reaction team validated during active shooter drill

By Staff Sgt. Jennifer C. Johnson JFHQ-NCR/MDW Public Affairs Special Reaction Team (SRT) members from the U.S. Army Military District of Washington were evaluated Jan. 15 at the National Defense University on the Fort McNair portion of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall as part of a certification exercise to validate the team’s incident and crisis response capabilities.

“Washington, D.C., is the seat of our government and one of many terrorist choice cities in the nation,” said John V. Lease, MDW SRT program manager.

“Our SRT provides the MDW commanding general a highly trained law enforcement tactical team that is capable of 24/7 response within the MDW’s area of responsibility.”

MDW SRT comprises members from the Department of Army Police, 289th Military Police Company, and the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), who are supported by bomb technicians from the 55th Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Company and K-9 teams from the 947th and 241st Military Police detachments.

“Training, readiness and certification ensures that the team is capable of meeting or exceeding expectations during the harshest of situations,” said Lease.

Spc. Sebastian Rupp, 289th Military Police Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Soldier and MDW SRT team leader, was briefed by Lease before the scenario and said the exercise tested him.

“As a team leader, this was my first time doing an operation on this large of a scale,” said Rupp. “But I had a welltrained team that knows what to do in these type of situations.”

“We held this validation to verify that

the team meets the certification expectations by evaluating each member’s tactical judgment, physical conditioning and effectiveness to function cohesively as tactical team,” said Lease. “The team had to successfully alert, assemble and respond to most extreme threat scenario. We judged their performance by analyzing their ability to successfully negotiate tactical challenges and obstacles.”

The simulation featured a Soldier who played a disgruntled, and armed, student at the university. The student shot two people and took one hostage, triggering a SRT response. SRT, which is the military and DoD equivalent to SWAT, had to react quickly to the scenario with minimal information.

“Doing an operation this big had me a bit out of my element at first, but I knew I had to stay cool, calm and collected,” said Rupp. “I knew I had my teammates around me and my goal was to keep them safe.”

MDW SRT cleared the building, room-by-room, with firearms ready. The team had to secure the building, working through tactical challenges and using rescue techniques.

The scenario was hectic, said Rupp. But the team’s training kicked in, and “once we started moving, everything started to fall into place,” he said. “I think the evaluation went great. The team did a phenomenal job.”

The team effectively met all three expectations during the exercise, according to Lease: Cover down on tactical angles, clear areas and perfect suspect handling.

“Those are the three areas we worry about,” he said.

In the end, MDW SRT safely apprehended the subject in the scenario and passed their evaluation. Lease said the team is ready to support MDW 24/7.

see REACTION TEAM, page 8

PHOTO

BY

STAFF SGT. JENNIFER C. JOHNSON

Members from the U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s Special Reaction Team clear a room during a certification exercise to validate the team’s incident and crisis response capabilities at the National Defense University Jan. 15, at the Fort McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

PHOTO

BY

STAFF SGT. JENNIFER C. JOHNSON

Members of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s Special Reaction Team participate in a certification exercise to validate the team’s incident and crisis response capabilities at the National Defense University Jan. 15, at the Fort McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Aircraft at Fort McNair

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BY

DAMIEN SALAS

Two Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys land Jan. 15, as part of training at the Fort McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. The tilt-rotor aircraft are known best for their maneuverability, speed and ability to carry up to 24 passengers. For more images from this event, visit us at: www.flickr. com/photos/jbm-hh.

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BY

DAMIEN SALAS

A crowd of service members and civilians fill the community center Jan. 15 to listen to retired Brig. Gen. Clara Adams-Ender give remarks in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

MLK, from page 3 nity members to honor King’s legacy – to “celebrate, remember and act.”

The agreements were as follows: be impeccable with

your word; don’t take anything personally; don’t make assumptions; and, after following the other agreements, always do your best.

“Under any circumstances, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret,” she said.

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Thursday, January 22, 2015

PENTAGRAM

PHOTO

BY

STAFF SGT. JENNIFER C. JOHNSON

John V. Lease, U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s Special Reaction Team program manager, left, briefs Spc. Sebastian Rupp, a 289th Military Police Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Soldier and MDW Special Reaction Team leader, right, before a certification exercise to validate the team’s incident and crisis response capabilities at the National Defense University Jan. 15, at the Fort McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

PHOTO

BY

STAFF SGT. JENNIFER C. JOHNSON

Members of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s Special Reaction Team clear a room during a certification exercise to validate the team’s incident and crisis response capabilities at the National Defense University Jan. 15, at the Fort McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Reaction team, from page 7 “I think the team did exceptionally well,” said Lease. “If I had to give one message to the command, it would be victory. It doesn’t matter the situation, they’re ready to support MDW 24/7. They’re definitely ready.”

RIGHT- A K-9 alongside members from the U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s Special Reaction Team clear a room during a certification exercise to validate the team’s incident and crisis response capabilities at the National Defense University Jan. 15, at the Fort McNair portion of JBM-HH.

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STAFF SGT. LUISITO BROOKS

BY

STAFF SGT. JENNIFER C. JOHNSON

John V. Lease, U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s Special Reaction Team program manager, briefs the team members during a certification exercise to validate their incident and crisis response capabilities at the National Defense University Jan. 15, at the Fort McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.