Pentagram 020515

Pentagram

Vol. 62, No. 5 February 5, 2015

www.army.mil/jbmhh

Published For Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

JBM-HH to enhance visitor access requirements

JBM-HH officials encourage those without DoD ID cards to pre-register for ease of access

By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer Editor’s note: This is the first article in a series to help explain how JBM-HH will upgrade access oversight to increase safety and security as directed by the Secretary of the Army – and how these upgrades will impact visitors and certain government contractors who seek access to all three portions of JBM-HH. Future visitors to Army installations will be subject to a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) background check. Visitors with issues such as an outstanding arrest warrant, recent felony conviction or being listed in the Terrorist Screening Database will not be allowed access, and if appropriate, will be turned over to legal authorities.

Federal workers and Department of Defense ID card holders will experience the fewest delays and will not be affected in this phase of access upgrade measures said JBM-HH Provost Marshal Lt. Col. Macedonio Molina. “But, this phase is likely to increase traffic delays at access control points,” he said, “and we want the community to be aware of that possibility.”

A phased approach Initially, changes to visitor access and credentialing measures will include identification card checks for anyone seeking access to the joint base, according to Tracie Miller, physical security specialist at JBM-HH’s Directorate of Emergency Services.

“There are some fundamental access rules across all installations, but every individual installation is unique and has specific missions; there will be some dif-

ferentials based on that,” she said.

“What will be seen across all installations is a tightening of security measures.

“The installation does provide a vast amount of service to our community members,” said Miller. “We want to make sure we balance that and provide the best customer service possible and the best security we can to ensure the safety of our community.”

Those who do not qualify for a DoDissued ID card – such as non-DoD contractors and visitors – have the opportunity now to register, said Miller, by undergoing a vetting process at JBM-HH’s Visitor Control Center at Fort Myer’s Bldg. 415 to avoid on-the-spot background checks every time they seek entry, which can delay or even prevent access.

“When a person is vetted, they are vetted on multiple data systems,” said Miller. “There are currently 11 qualifying factors to deny installation access.” Those factors include having a felony or firearms conviction within the last 10 years or being barred from another federal installation, for example.

Make it easy: Register for access Joint base officials urge those who frequent the base and do not have a DoDissued ID card (examples are people who volunteer on the joint base regularly, thrift shop visitors, nannies, vendors and delivery persons) to register now to avoid long waits and possibly being turned away.

These same folks can get an Automated Installation Entry (AIE) pass for a specified period of time, based on their need see ACCESS, page 4

PHOTO

Honoring a Soldier’s Soldier

14th Sergeant Major of the Army retires after 34-year career

By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler, III said goodbye Jan. 30 to the Soldiers and service branch he served for 34 years during his full honor retirement ceremony at Conmy Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

“This is a great country that we have the privilege to serve, and it’s a great Army that defends it each and every day,” said Chandler. “It will continue to be great because of the people who choose to serve and lead our Army each and every day.”

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno hosted the ceremony, which featured Soldiers from the U.S. Army Color Guard, The United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own,” Soldiers from the 3d

U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.

“You have made an incredible mark on our Army that will resonate for years and decades to come,” Odierno told Chandler.

Chandler joined the Army in 1981 and was sworn in as the 14th SMA on March 1, 2011.

During his career, Chandler served in all tank crewman positions and had multiple tours as a troop, squadron and regimental master gunner.

“It’s been an honor to serve you and the American people, and I wish each and every one of you well,” he said.

Chandler recognized his wife, Jeanne, and highlighted her contributions to the Army, noting that when they married in 2002 she gave up her career, moved away from friends and family, and devoted herself to

see RETIRE, page 4

Consolidated Tax Center now open

By Guv Callahan Pentagram Staff Writer Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Consolidated Tax Center is now open for business and celebrated with a grand opening ceremony Feb. 2.

This year marks the first tax season for the a consolidated tax center, which combines the Fort Myer and Henderson Hall tax centers into one convenient location

RACHEL LARUE

News Notes Mandatory training classes slated for February

The Army Substance Abuse Prevention Program has the following remaining mandatory class scheduled for February: Drug-free workplace – Feb. 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Bldg. 417, room 110 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.

Because seats in the class are limited, call or email Marian Upton, employee assistance professional, at marian.g.upton.civ@mail.mil or 703696-3787 to let her know when you want to attend. These classes are an annual requirement for all JBM-HH employees. Other opportunities to take these mandatory classes will be offered throughout the year.

PHOTO

BY

DAMIEN SALAS

From left, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Command Sgt. Maj. Samuel J. Stoker and retiring Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III review the troops during Chandler’s full-honor retirement ceremony as the 14th Sergeant Major of the Army, Jan. 30, in Conmy Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. Chandler served 34 years in the U.S. Army, including nearly five years as the sergeant major of the Army.

for customers at Bldg. 205 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.

Capt. Lynmarie Rivera, a legal assistance attorney and officer-in-charge for the tax center, welcomed guests and thanked her staffers and volunteers for all of the work it took to prepare the facility for the season.

“Today’s tax center is the result of a lot of hard work from a lot of people,” she said. “Many months of planning and preparation have led to today.”

The tax center will provide cost-free federal and state income tax return preparation and e-filing for military personnel, their families and other eligible clients throughout the 2015 tax season. Tax center staffers will also help with itemized deductions and certain self-employment income and expenses.

Although the tax center has combined

forces, the clientele will remain the same.

Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall Commanding Officer Col. Anthony S. Barnes said that the tax center’s success would rely on the teamwork of its employees.

“If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together,” he said.

“That’s essentially what we’re doing here – we’re going together. We’re always better when we operate as a team. There will continue to be challenges, but nothing that you encounter is going to be insurmountable.”

He told the tax center staff that he expected customers to walk away having received “world-class service.”

“Just focus on the world-class service and I think everything else will sort itself

Index

Holiday Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 2 Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3 News Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 In photos: Sec Def farewell. . . . . page 5 Tax prep list. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 6 New Sgt. Maj. of the Army . . . . . page 7

BY

A Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall security guard checks a driver’s identification card before granting access to the Fort Myer portion of the joint base in February 2013. Future visitors to Army installations, including all three portions of JBM-HH, will be subject to a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) background check.

Enhancements to joint base access requirements are being phased in at JBM-HH, including credentialing measures and an Automated Installation Entry System.

see TAX, page 4

Presidents Day cardboard boat regatta

A cardboard boat regatta will be held Feb. 13 at the Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec Pool on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base. Check-in and judging will take place from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Races begin immediately after judging concludes.

All teams must pre-register and pick up tape in advance from the Single Marine Program. Late registration will be accepted only through Feb. 6. The event is open to active duty and reserve JBM-HH personnel. For more information, call 703-695-1591 or visit the Single Marine Program coordinator’s office in Bldg. 29, 3rd Deck, room 305, on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base.

AOWCGWA scholarship accepting applications

The Army Officers’ Wives’ Club of the Greater Washington Area is accepting applications for this year’s scholarship program. Scholarships are awarded based on merit and are available for children and spouses of the U.S. Army personnel with a military

see NEWS NOTES, page 4 Stay connected!

When winter weather hits, stay informed!

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

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

2

Thursday, February 5, 2015

PENTAGRAM

Firing salute

PHOTO

BY

LANCE CPL. CHRISTIAN VARNEY

A firing party from Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., renders a three-riffle volley during a funeral at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Jan. 21. The Marine laid to rest served during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Military ceremonial units from all branches of the Armed Services provide ceremonial support at thousands of graveside services annually in Arlington National Cemetery.

JBM-HH Washington’s Birthday

Caption This no. 5

holiday hours

Almost all activities on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall will be closed Monday, Feb. 16. The federal holiday commemorates the birth of George Washington, although the holiday is often commemorative of all American presidents. Most military personnel will have a training holiday Friday, Feb. 13. The following facilities and places of business have reported open or closed hours for Feb. 16. Unless otherwise noted, this list applies to Feb. 16. This list is not all encompassing; please check with the facility you wish to visit for more details.

Army Community Service

Closed. For more information, call 703-696-3510.

Auto Shop

Closed. For more information, call 703-696-3387.

American Clipper Barber Shop

Open 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information, call 703-271-8177.

Bowling Center

Open noon to 6 p.m. For more information, call 703-528-4766.

MCCS Car Wash

Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Cody CDC

Closed. For more information, call 703-696-3095.

CYSS

Closed. For more information, call 703-696-3057.

Fort Myer Officers Club

Closed. For more information, call 703-696-5147, 703-524-3037.

Fort McNair Officers Club

Closed. For more information, call 202-484-5800.

Spates Community Club

Closed. For more information, call 703-527-1302.

Dining Facility

Open. Will serve brunch from 9 a.m. to noon and supper from 4 - 5:30 p.m. Meals are being served out of the Community Center Bldg. 405. For more information, call 703-696-2087/1068.

Military Police Station

Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information, call 703-696-3525.

Marine Corps Exchange, Vineyard Wine & Spirits and NEX Uniform Center

Open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. For more information, call 703-979-8420.

Fort Myer Fitness Center

Open 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, call 703-696-7867.

Fort McNair Fitness Center

Closed. For more information, call 202-685-3117.

Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium

Open 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information, call 703-614-7214.

Headquarters Command Battalion, Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH

Closed. For more information, call 703-696-8163.

Rader Health Clinic

Closed. For more information, call 703-696-2977.

Java Café

Open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, call 571-483-1962.

Library

Closed. For more information, call 703-696-3555.

Retention

Closed. For more information, call 703-696-1321.

Recreation Center

Closed. For more information, call 703-696-3470.

Pentagram Printed on recycled paper

www.army.mil/jbmhh

PHOTO

BY

SPC. BOBBY ALLEN

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. 4 winner “I asked Gunny for some Christmas leave and he told me I better talk to you.”

PHOTO

BY

SGT. ALVIN WILLIAMS JR.

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.

- Samantha Dahl Leighton Pentagram reader

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, February 5, 2015

3

A march toward a Purple Heart

Airman receives medal at JBM-HH ceremony

By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer Three-war veteran and retired Air Force Maj. Jesse Baltazar’s quest for his Purple Heart medal reached a fitting end at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Conmy Hall Jan. 20.

Over 70 years of waiting concluded for the Phillippine-born Baltazar, a Bataan Death March survivor, who was wounded during the Battle of Bataan, April 1942.

Now 94 years old, he has never forgotten the key date which changed his war fortunes from an active, fighting Soldier to a prisoner of war. In the spring of 1942, he was 21 years old, an Army sergeant and lending support to ward off a Japanese invasion.

“We surrendered the ninth of April; my unit was the 71st Division, Company B,” Baltazar said. “That was the headquarters company; we weren’t in the front, but the Japanese started bombing every place.

Our headquarters was bombed. I got hit in the left leg.”

Following the fall of the Philippines, Baltazar became one of an estimated 80,000 Filipino and American service members to start the infamous Bataan Death March. On the third day of the march, he escaped his Japanese captors thanks to the help of Filipino fishermen.

see PURPLE HEART, page 8

PHOTOS

BY

SPC. CODY W. TORKELSON

LEFT - Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Jesse Baltazar is congratulated by guests and service members following an award ceremony Jan. 20, at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Conmy Hall. During the presentation, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno awarded Baltazar the Purple Heart Medal more than 70 years after the Phillippine-born veteran was wounded during the Battle of Bataan in April 1942. RIGHT - The Purple Heart Medal adorns the uniform of retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Jesse Baltazar during an award presentation to Baltazar by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno.

TJMS students teach Obama: Hagel is ‘quintessentially American’ service members valuable lessons

PHOTO

PHOTO

BY JULIA

LEDOUX

Personnel from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall served as judges at the Thomas Jefferson Middle School science fair Jan. 28. All of the Arlington, Va., school’s seventh and eighth graders participated in the annual event.

By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer Students at Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Arlington, Va., had the opportunity to teach Marines, Soldiers and civilians from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall a few things during the school’s annual science fair held Jan. 28.

TJMS science teacher Robert Golden

said all of the school’s seventh and eighth graders participate in the popular event.

Teachers began discussing and students started working on their projects back in September, he said.

“Science is something you do,” he said. “There’s no question that it takes a lot of hard work and effort on their [the students’] part.”

see JUDGE, page 8

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Service members from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard march in review past the official party, including Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, U.S. President Barack H. Obama, U.S. Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, during the Armed Forces farewell tribute in honor of Hagel Jan. 28, in Conmy Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. Obama hosted the ceremony with cohosts Biden and Dempsey.

Commander in chief honors Defense Secretary at farewell ceremony on JBM-HH

By Claudette Roulo Defense Media Activity President Barack H. Obama said last week’s armed forces farewell tribute to former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel was a celebration of a “quintessentially American life; a man from the heartland

who devoted his life to America.”

Obama hosted the farewell tribute to Hagel Jan. 28 in Conmy Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall.

From his time as a boy in Nebraska, to volunteering for a war that would see him pull his own brother from a burning vehicle, Hagel’s career has been characterized by service to others, the president said. Hagel led the charge to ensure veterans exposed to Agent Orange were

see FAREWELL, page 5

The United States Army Band calender of events Feb. 15 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.

Feb. 22 3 p.m.

The U.S. Army Band will perform its 93rd Anniversary Concert and Meet the New Commander: Col. Timothy J. Holtan at Conmy Hall on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH.

Feb. 24 7:30 p.m.

Sgt. 1st Class Raffi Kasparian will present a farewell concert marking the end of his 21-year career as a pianist with The U.S. Army Chorus at Fort Myer’s Brucker Hall. The concert will also feature solo piano works as well as lighter vocal and piano selections featuring members of The U.S. Army Chorus.

Feb. 25 7:15 p.m.

The U.S. Army Chorus will perform the Celebrate Youth Cathedral Choral Society Concert at Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

Feb. 26 7:30 p.m.

The U.S. Army Voices will perform a program of songs from Broadway musicals, including songs from “Into the Woods,” “Wicked,” “Oklahoma,” “West Side Story” and more. The performance will include full-ensemble numbers, solos, duets and trios.

For more JBM-HH event photos from this issue, visit us online at:

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 upto-date information on concert cancellations or location changes.

For additional details and a full calendar of performances, visit www.usarmyband.com/eventcalendar.html.

www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh

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Thursday, February 5, 2015

PENTAGRAM

ACCESS

NEWS NOTES

for joint base access.

Those who do have a DoD-issued ID card are not required to register their cards until May 15. Officials define “DoD ID card holders” as active duty and reserve component military personnel and their family members; retired military personnel and their family members; and federal workers.

Gate designations Hatfield Gate – Washington Boulevard at South 2nd Street, Arlington, on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base and Second Street Gate – 2nd Street, south of P Street on the Fort McNair portion, will be the designated access points for non-DoD ID card holders and commercial delivery vehicles starting Feb. 16.

“We do anticipate higher wait times at those gates due to the vetting process that will need to occur,” Miller said.

The way ahead Look for more details in a future Pentagram access control policy article which will include a Questions and Answers section and how access for special events – like Twilight Tattoo and The U.S. Army Band concerts – will be handled.

“We greatly appreciate patience as we take our policies and implement and adjust them for maximum efficiency on the customer service and security spectrum,” Miller said.

Joint base directorates or agencies that would like a briefing on the access changes by the Directorate of

dependent ID card. To be eligible, those entering in the high school senior and college student categories must have a 3.0 grade point average. Additional information about the scholarship program, as well as applications, are available online at www.aowcga. org under “Scholarships and Grants.” Information is also available on the Fort Myer Thrift Shop’s website at www.thriftshop.org.

from page 1

from page 1

Troops to Teachers

There will be a teaching as a second career information session Feb. 6 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Education Center, Bldg. 417, room 107 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.

Anyone interested in becoming a public school teacher is invited, including military personnel, military spouses and DoD civilian employees. Greg Coogan, Virginia Troops to Teachers coordinator, is the presenter. Get information on a variety of topics and for various school districts. For more information and to register, contact Tim Battle at 703-696-1579 or via email at tim.battle1@us.army.mil.

TRICARE webinar

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

A Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall security guard searches a vehicle before granting access to the Fort Myer portion of the joint base in February 2013.

Future visitors to Army installations, including all three portions of JBM-HH, will be subject to a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) background check. Enhancements to joint base access requirements are being phased in at JBM-HH, including credentialing measures and an Automated Installation Entry System.

Emergency Services can call Miller at 703-696-5213.

Additionally, a list of frequently asked

questions on the policy upgrades will be posted to the JBM-HH website at www. army.mil/jbmhh in the near future.

RETIRE

from page 1 supporting Soldiers and their families.

“I love you for that and I love you for putting up with me,” he said. “At the end of the day, today, we’ll leave the Army with each other and our Family intact, proud of our service to the nation, but also grateful for the opportunity.”

Chandler also noted that Soldiers continue to stand watch over the country so that “when we go to bed we’ll sleep well knowing that our nation is secure against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that the Constitution is secure and the American way of life continues.”

Odierno said much has changed in the Army since Chandler became SMA nearly four years ago. A cyber branch was created and female Soldiers can now serve in six military occupational specialties that were previously closed to them. He praised Chandler for his steadfast support of the Ready and Resilient campaign and the Soldier for Life program.

Odierno also said Chandler has been instrumental in changing the way the Army combats sexual harassment

TRICARE and Military OneSource will co-host a webinar to educate TRICARE beneficiaries about tax reporting and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The webinar will take place Feb. 9, noon-1 p.m. Registration is on a first-come, firstserve basis and is limited due to system capacity.

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/ register/8226953182319863297

AOWCGWA February lunch

Register by Feb. 10 for the Feb. 19 Army Officers’ Wives’ Club of the Greater Washington Area international showcase lunch in the Koran Room of the Fort Myer Officers Club from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The theme for this year’s showcase is Art and Holidays from Around the World and will provide the opportunity to explore the sights, sounds and tastes from around the world. International members will showcase art and holidays from their home countries.

Lunch, including a full salad and pasta bar, soups and dessert is available. The cost is $25.

Reservations should be made no later than Feb. 10 and can be made online at www.aowcgwa.org. For more information, call 703-781-0474.

Celebrate African-American History Month Feb. 12

Join friends and colleagues to celebrate “A Century of Black Life, History and Culture,” Thursday, Feb. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Brucker Hall (Bldg. 400) on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Entertainment will be provided by the world famous Army Blues Band. This event is open to active duty and reserve component military personnel and their family members, retirees and their family members and DoD employees. Along with this celebration will be an ethnic food tasting after the concert. For more information, contact the following: kenny.h.kang.mil@mail.mil, adrienne.d.robinson2. mil@mail.mil or michael.l.swinton.mil@mail.mil at 703-696-8729/2964.

The 5 love languages for kids

PHOTO

BY

DAMIEN SALAS

From left, U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, awards retiring Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III, as Chandler’s wife, Jeanne, looks on, during Chandler’s full-honor retirement ceremony as the 14th Sergeant Major of the Army, Jan. 30, in Conmy Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Chandler served 34 years in the U.S. Army, including nearly five years as the sergeant major of the Army.

and sexual assault.

“In every change, in every initiative, in response to every challenge, the sergeant major of the Army has been out front, leading,” he said.

A lso at tendi ng t he

ceremony were Secretary of the Army John McHugh; Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia, the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Eric Shinseki, former Veterans Affairs

secretary and chief of staff of the Army; and Medal of Honor recipient Kyle White.

For coverage of the swearing-in of the 15th Sergeant Major of the Army, see page 7.

Pre-register for this class on the Five Love Languages kid’s edition, set for Feb. 13 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Army Community Service classroom in Bldg. 201 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Join in the discussion about how appropriate unconditional love is to children and families as a whole. Get more information and pre-register by Feb. 11 by calling 703-696-3512.

Learn to manage stress

Learn ways to lessen and even eliminate stress from your life at this class Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Army Community Service classroom in Bldg. 201 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Get more information and preregister by Feb. 13 at 703-696-3512.

see NEWS NOTES, page 6

TAX

from page 1 out,” he said.

Joint Force HeadquartersNational Capital Region and U.S. Army Military District of Washington Commanding General M aj. G en. Jef f r ey S. Buchanan reminded those present that taxes help pay their federal salaries and that they were providing an important service to military personnel and their families.

During the 2014 tax season, the tax center f iled more than 2,600 individual returns, saving service members, veterans and their families a total upwards of $320,000 in tax preparation fees, according to Buchanan.

“That’s pretty phenomenal customer service,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity that we have to show what a joint base can and should be.”

Located at 101 Bloxon Street on the Fort Myer

see TAX, page 6

PHOTOS

BY

RACHEL LARUE

From left, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall Commanding Officer Col. Anthony S. Barnes; Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and U.S. Army Military District of Washington Commanding General Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan; Marine Barracks Washington Tax Preparer Petty Officer 1st Class Sergio Rivassorto; and Legal Assistance Attorney Officer In Charge of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Consolidated Tax Center Capt. Lynmarie Rivera cut the ribbon during the opening ceremony of the JBM-HH Consolidated Tax Center in Bldg. 205 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base Feb. 2. The tax center will serve military personnel, their families and other eligible customers. For more information, call 703-696-1090.

PENTAGRAM

Thursday, February 5, 2015

FAREWELL from page 3

treated fairly, and in the Senate he led the fight to establish the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and he led the Defense Department through a difficult transition, the president said. “ T h a n k s to Sec ret a r y Hagel’s guiding hand, this institution is better positioned for the future,” Obama said. “...But Chuck, I want to suggest that perhaps your greatest impact–a legacy that will be felt for years to come— has been your own example.

“It’s not simply that you’ve been the first enlisted combat veteran, and the first Vietnam veteran, to serve as secretary of defense, it’s how your life experience—being down in the muck, feeling the bullets fly overhead—has allowed you to connect with our troops like no other secretary before,” said the president.

‘We are all Americans’ One day last year, Obama said, Hagel arrived with a guest for their regular weekly meeting at the Oval Office.

The man, Jerome “Skip” Johnson, had been Hagel’s platoon leader in Vietnam, and the two men had only just reconnected after nearly 50 years, the president said.

“Chuck told me about how in 1968, with protests and race riots back home causing tensions among our troops in Vietnam, and Chuck’s unit was mostly white, but Skip is African-American,” Obama said.

“A s t he platoon com mander, he was not going to tolerate division or distrust, and he went to his men and made himself clear: ‘We are all Americans. We’re going to live together, we’re going to take care of each other, we’re fighting together, we’re going to get each other’s backs. Let’s get it done.’”

Courage and dignity During his own remarks, Hagel said he has witnessed and most admired the “courage and dignity” of U.S. service members around the world.

“As I will soon leave this job that I have cherished for the last two years, I want you all to know that the things that I have most respected and most admired are your dignity, your courage, and your dedication,” he said.

Hagel also said that he has been “blessed” with opportunities in life, and is most proud of “having once been a Soldier,” he said.

“The lessons from my time in uniform about trust, responsibility, duty, judgment and loyalty to your fellow Soldier, these I have carried with me throughout my life,” he said.

Obama and Hagel were joined at the ceremony by Vice President Joe Biden, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work and numerous other current and former senior military and government leaders.

Former Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter was nominated by the president last December to serve as the next secretary of defense.

Editor’s note: This is an abbreviated version of an article that can be read in full online at http:// tinyurl.com/l8wt5tq.

PHOTOS

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Commander of the troops and Commander of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Col. Johnny K. Davis, left, escorts Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel during an Armed Forces farewell tribute in Hagel’s honor Jan. 28, in Conmy Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. U.S. President Barack H. Obama hosted the ceremony with co-hosts U.S. Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey. For more photos from this event, visit www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh.

Farewell tribute to Hagel

Service members from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard participate in the Armed Forces farewell tribute in honor of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel Jan. 28, in Conmy Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

President Barack H. Obama and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel leave at the end of the Armed Forces farewell tribute in Hagel’s honor Jan. 28, in Conmy Hall on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH.

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel gives remarks during the Armed Forces farewell tribute in his honor Jan. 28, in Conmy Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. For more photos from this event, visit www.flickr.com/ photos/jbm-hh.

From left, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, U.S. President Barack H. Obama, U.S. Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey render honors during the Armed Forces farewell tribute in honor of Hagel Jan. 28, in Conmy Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. Obama hosted the ceremony with co-hosts Biden and Dempsey.

Service members from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard participate in the Armed Forces farewell tribute in honor of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel Jan. 28, in Conmy Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. For more photos from this event, visit www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh.

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Thursday, February 5, 2015

NEWS NOTES from page 4

Baby stages

Learn about the social and emotional development stages of infants and toddlers up to three years old at Baby Stages in the Army Community Service classroom in Bldg. 201 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19. For more information and to register, call 703-696-3512.

Weingarten notice tells bargaining unit employees of their rights

In accordance with U.S. law, each year, JBM-HH managers notify bargaining unit employees of their Weingarten rights. The Weingarten right is based on the U.S. Supreme Court’s private sector labor decision in the National Labor Relations Board versus J. Weingarten, Inc., 420 U.S. 251 (1975) case which provides that when an agency representative (to include your IG, your guard/police force or even a representative from DoD) questions a bargaining unit employee, and the employee reasonably believes the questioning may result in disciplinary action against that employee and the employee requests union representation, the employee is generally entitled to representation if the investigation continues. Read the full notice here www.slideshare.net/JBMHH/ weingarten-notice-tells-bargaining-unitemployees-of-their-rights.

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.

Employees with questions about duty status should contact their immediate supervisors. 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 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

PENTAGRAM

when necessary – with up-to-date weather information. Also call the commander’s information hotline at 703-696-6906, which is updated in emergencies or inclement weather situations. See www. weather.gov for a forecast.

Ice melt refills

TAX

from page 4 portion of the joint base, the tax center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and

from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The center will take walk-ins until 30 minutes before closing time.

Services are also provided in Spanish.

To schedule an appointment, call 703696-1040.

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.

Dining Facility under renovation

The Dining Facility on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall is under renovation and sack meals are available for military personnel at the Community Activities Center, Fort Myer’s Bldg. 405, through March 15, with regular meal times and prices applying.

For more information, call 703-696-2087.

JBM-HH Veterinary Clinic open daily

The JBM-HH Veterinary Clinic is open daily, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The clinic sees patients by appointment only on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. The clinic is located in Bldg. 230 (behind Conmy Hall) at 101 Jackson Avenue on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 703-696-3604.

PHOTO

RACHEL LARUE

What to bring to your appointment: 9 Military ID card

9 Last year’s return

9 All W2’s, 1098s, 1099s 9 All documents

Holiday hours, closures submission policy

9 Social Security cards for

JBM-HH commands, partners and other area organizations that desire publication of special federal holiday operating hours and/or holiday closures must submit this information to the JBM-HH Public Affairs Office at least three weeks before the holiday to allow time for publication.

For example, if an organization is closed Friday-Monday, May 22-25 for Memorial Day, this information must be sent, along with an organization POC and phone number, no later than Monday, May 4. This information must be submitted to the JBM-HH Public Affairs staff at:

all family members

9 EIN for day care

providers

9 1098-T, 1099-INT,

1099-DIV, 1099-MISC

9 Divorce decrees or

separation agreements

see NEWS NOTES, page 8

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BY

Soldiers and Marines who work in the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Consolidated Tax Center listen to remarks during the opening ceremony of the tax center in Bldg. 205 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base Feb. 2. The tax center will serve military personnel, their families and other eligible customers.

For more information, call 703-696-1040.

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supporting deductions and credits

9 Copies of your 2014

federal and state tax returns

9 Tax power of attorney or

IRS Form 2848 (POA)

9 Receipts for deductible

expenses

PENTAGRAM

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Dailey assumes role as 15th sergeant major of Army

By C. Todd Lopez Army News Service T he 15t h Se r g e a nt Major of the Army was sworn into office Jan. 30, bringing with him a wealth of experience from both the operational and institutional Army.

Before administering the oath of office to Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno explained what it is he believes Dailey will bring to the office.

The general said the first time he met Dailey, the non-commissioned officer had been a platoon sergeant. Subsequently, he served as a battalion sergeant major brigade sergeant major, and division sergeant major. Dailey also has in-depth institutional experience, Odierno said, having served as the command sergeant major at the U.S. Army’s Training and Doctrine Command.

“He brings this broad experience of both understanding the institutional side as well as the tact ica l a nd oper at iona l side,” Odierno said. “In my mind, there is no one more qualified to take on the responsibilities and the challenges our Army faces in the future.”

The general named three such challenges, saying they are concerns he thinks about every day. He said he believes that Dailey will be able to help address those challenges, as did Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III before him.

First, he said, is the continued commitment

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of Soldiers across t he globe—as many as 140,000 Soldiers are now deployed or forward stationed. “It’s our responsibility to ensure they have the resources and tools necessary to do their jobs. And that we develop NCOs ... so they are able to lead our Soldiers anywhere.”

Secondly, he said, is the downsizing of the Army.

“How do we maintain the strength of our Army by keeping the right NCOs in the force, but while also taking care of those who raised their right hand[s] and were willing to serve this nation in a time of war, and how do we properly transition them and do it the right way?”

Finally, he said, is planning for the future of the Army, to plan for what the Army will need to continue to maintain the security of the United States.

With all of those issues, Odierno said, he believes that Dailey will serve as an advisor and leader to help the Army make the right decisions.

“Sgt. Maj. of the Army Dan Daily is the one who can lead us that way,” he said. “He understands those problems, and he understands what it will take. I know his preparation and leadership and experiences will help us to lead this great Army into the future — and to ensure that this Army will remain the greatest Army in the world.”

After being sworn in to office and swapping out his uniform coat for a new one that bears his new rank insignia, Dailey

Visit us online!

www.DCMilitaryHcom

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

www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh

PHOTO

BY

SPECIAL RATES FOR MILITARY AND FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

C. TODD LOPEZ

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, left, administers the oath of office to the Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey, Jan. 30, at the Pentagon.

Dailey’s wife, Holly, holds a bible.

explained how he, a selfdescribed “middle of the road guy,” was able to rise to the highest-enlisted position in the Army.

“As a young man I was a pretty average kid,” Dailey said. “I did well in school, but I wasn’t the valedictorian. I was somewhere in the middle of the class. I played high school sports.

But I wasn’t a superstar athlete. I couldn’t play in the band—because I don’t have any musical talent at all. I’m even average by military standards: 5-foot 9-inches, and 161 pounds, as of this morning. I checked. By all accounts, I was a poor, average kid from northeastern Pennsylvania.

“How does a middleof-the-road guy make it to this rank? To represent

the finest fighting forces the world has known?” he asked. “The answer is simple. It’s sitting in the seats in front of me. It’s leadership—leadership from great Soldiers, noncommissioned officers and officers that I served with over the years. These are the people who make Army leaders.”

Daily said leadership is not born, but is rather built.

“I am merely a product of the best the Army has ever had to offer,” he said.

“I am grateful for that.”

Read more about Sgt. Maj. Dailey and his views on current Army issues, such as leadership development, fitness and women in combat arms, visit http:// tinyurl.com/kyt6d98.

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Thursday, February 5, 2015

PENTAGRAM

PURPLE HEART from page 3

Following World War II, his service records went missing starting the 70-year Purple Heart Medal delay.

But according to Baltazar, who also participated in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, his greatest moment as a service member occurred last month when he was pinned with the heartshaped medal adorned w it h t he li keness of George Washington.

Following the ceremony, Baltazar has been busy fulfilling media interview requests – including one from a Manila newspaper.

He also had many people to thank including Virginia Senator Mark Warner, who fought for Baltazar to receive the Purple Heart.

He also said he is in debt to today’s Army leadership who attended his medal ceremony. “ It w a s u n for g e ttable,” Baltazar said of the JBM-HH ceremony which was attended by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno and Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington commanding general. “This [ceremony] comes once in a lifetime. I was lucky. The ceremony

PHOTO

BY

SPC. CODY W. TORKELSON

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno presents the Purple Heart Medal to retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Jesse Baltazar during an award presentation to Baltazar Jan. 20, at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Conmy Hall. Baltazar received the medal 70 years after the Phillippine-born veteran was wounded during the Battle of Bataan in April 1942.

was very impressive. I’m ver y grateful to Gen. Odierno for sponsoring the festivities.”

Participating in the ceremony were units of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), which included The U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own,” a nd T he Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.

Odierno spoke to The Old Guard and Baltazar’s friends and family that day about Baltazar’s everlasting legacy.

“It’s my distinct privilege to be here today to

NEWS NOTES from page 6

usarmy.jbmhh.asa.list.pao-all@mail.mil and pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com.

News Note policy! Read in full

News Notes submissions must be less 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

honor Sgt. Jesse Baltazar, who after over 70 years, is being awarded the Purple Heart, one of the most recognized, respected, and oldest military awards,” the Army chief of staff said.

“Few choose to raise their right hand[s] and serve in uniform and even fewer choose to lead a life of service like Maj. Baltazar.

As an Army and as a nation, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Maj. Baltazar, we stand on your shoulders and your legacy of service.”

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.

PHOTO

BY JULIA

LEDOUX

Personnel from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall served as judges at the Thomas Jefferson Middle School science fair Jan. 28. All of the Arlington, Va., school’s seventh and eighth graders participated in the annual event.

JUDGE

from page 3 Personnel from the joint base were on hand after volunteering to serve as judges at the event. The students tackled topics such as how weather affects you; the efficiency of microwave ovens; flood control measures; and which liquid evaporates faster.

“I am amazed at how intelligent and how much effort and time they put into this,” said Kelly Layne, Family Readiness Program trainer/volunteer opportunities program manager for Marine Corps Community Service on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base. “They are very creative.”

Spc. Roger Agular of The Old Guard spent several minutes discussing Grand Canyon dams with student Seth Black, who told the Soldier that he became interested in the effect of nearby dams on the canyon after vacationing there over the summer with his family.

“It’s pretty cool,” Agular said of Black’s experiment. “I wish I knew some of this stuff.”

Owla Ali, a seventh grader, used flashlights to determine which of two popular batteries would last longer. Over the

course of a few days, she turned two flashlights on for several hours and at the end of the experiment found that she had a clear winner.

“Duracell is better,” she said. “It lasted 21 hours and 39 minutes.”

Staff Sgt. James Pierce of The Old Guard asked Ali several questions about how she conducted the experiment and complimented her on both her effort and findings.

“It’s really good,” he said of the experiment. “I’m pretty impressed.”

Kayla Fluite, an eighth grade student, took on the question of whether fingerprint patterns are inherited in her experiment.

“This project was chosen because of a strong interest in fingerprints, forensic science and inheriting,” she explained.

Testing the fingerprint patters of both siblings and non-siblings, she found that those who were not related had more matches than those who were.

“I learned a whole lot,” Sgt. Jontae Randolph said after listening to several presentations.

TJMS activities coordinator Jeremy Siegel said the science fair was “absolutely fantastic” and that joint base personnel made up “the backbone of the judges.”

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