Arms of steel
Caisson
Ensuring a horse is equipped
Ready for PFT
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Pentagram
Published for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
Vol. 60, no. 08 March 1, 2013
Hagel vows to ensure well-being of servicemembers, Families
SAFETY NET
By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service
PHOTO
BY
RACHEL LARUE
Retired Lt. Gen. Robert F. Foley, director of Army Emergency Relief, speaks during the Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall Army Emergency Relief annual campaign fund kick-off at the community center Feb. 26. The JBM-HH Military Saves Pledge Drive immediately followed the ceremony.
AER campaign drive, Military Saves Week kick off on JBM-HH By Rhonda Apple Pentagram Staff Writer
Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall hosted the Army Emergency Relief annual campaign fund kickoff ceremony and the Military Saves pledge drive kick-off Feb. 26 at the community center. The AER campaign fund drive runs March 1 through May 15. The Military Saves Week pledge drive started
Feb. 25 and runs through March 2. The guest speaker for the event was retired Army Lt. Gen. Robert F. Foley, director of AER, headquartered in Alexandria, Va. Foley is a former Military District of Washington commander and a Medal of Honor recipient for actions he undertook while serving in Vietnam. “AER has been a way for the Army Family, and especially Joint Base Myer-
Henderson Hall, to support Soldiers and their Families,” said Col. Fern O. Sumpter, JBM-HH commander, in her welcoming remarks. “Last year, Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall supported our community in excess of $96,000 in loans and grants that were distributed to Soldiers and their Families. That is a huge accomplishment for us. This year’s goal however, has increased, even see AER, page 11
New Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel promised Feb. 27 to always be frank with the men and women of the department and said he expects all to be direct in return. Hagel spoke to the Pentagon workforce and a worldwide audience on the Pentagon Channel just after taking the oath as the nation’s 24th defense secretary. “I’ll never ask anyone to do anything I wouldn’t do,” the secretary said. “I’ll never ask anybody to do more than I would do. That’s the story of your lives. I wouldn’t be worthy if that was not the case.” Army Sgt. 1st Class John Werth, a native Nebraskan and combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, introduced the new secretary. He said Hagel already had held the most important job in the department: that of a combat infantryman. Hagel served in Vietnam as a young enlisted soldier and was wounded twice. This is a defining time for the world, Hagel said. “It’s a difficult time. It’s a time of tremendous challenge, but there are opportunities,” he added. “I think it’s important that we all stay focused, obviously, on our jobs, on our responsibilities, which are immense, but not lose sight of the possibilities for a better world.” Servicemembers should not forget that America is a force for good in the world, he said. “We’ve made mistakes. We’ll continue to make mistakes. But we are a force for good,” he said. “And we should always keep that out in front as much as any one thing that drives us every day.” The military needs to deal with the budget realities, the geopolitical challenges, cyber issues and the threats of terrorism, Hagel noted. “We’ve got ahead of us a lot of challenges,” he said. “They are going to define much of who we are — not this institution only, but our country, what kind of a world our children are going to inherit. That’s the bigger picture of the objective for all of see HAGEL, page 5
Marines honor 68th anniversary of Battle for Iwo Jima By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer
Today’s Marines saluted the uncommon valor of yesterday’s Marines Feb. 22 as members of Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall, marked the 68th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima by participating in a wreath laying ceremony at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington. “We honor our past and present,” said H&S Bn. Sgt. Maj. Craig D. Cressman, who along
Index
Community Spotlight p.2 Commentary p.3 Community p.4 News Notes p.4 Feature p.7 Classifieds p.13
with H&S Bn. Commanding Officer Col. Ira M. Cheatham and James P. Donovan, Marine Corps War Memorial Foundation founder and president placed the wreath at the memorial. Donovan said that the wreath was laid in honor of not only the Marines who died on Iwo, but for all who have died since the founding of the Corps in 1775. “It’s important to me to see that [the memorial] is taken care of and that the public knows that this is a memorial dedicated to Marine history,”
he added. Following months of air and naval bombardment, Marines invaded Iwo Jima Feb. 19, 1945. The volcanic island, located about 660 miles south of Tokyo, was being used as an airfield by Japanese forces. Japanese fighter planes were intercepting American B-29s, as well as attacking U.S. airfields on Mariana, from their airfields on Iwo. American commanders determined that the island had to be wrested PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE from Japanese control and Marines from H&S Bn., HQMC Henderson Hall watch as a wreath is laid in honor of the 68th anniversary of the launched the battle. see IWO JIMA, page 5
HQ Command Bn.
New commander looks out for 7,000 Soldiers
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Battle for Iwo Jima Feb. 22.
Black History Month
JBM-HH Soldier guest speaker at District school
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Friday, March 1, 2013
PENTAGRAM
PHOTO
Light
BY
RACHEL LARUE
Gary Langley, Directorate of Public Works welder, arc welds a cast iron grate in front of Memorial Chapel Feb. 6. The light from the arc welder created a lens flare.
Community Spotlight • Name: Pfc. Justin LaBarbera • Job title/where do you work: 31B, currently assigned to the JBM-HH Tax Center. • Military service: Army. This is my first assignment here at Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH. • Favorite sports team: Buffalo Bills. • Favorite book: “Where the Red Fern Grows.” • Favorite food: Steak/chicken burritos. • Favorite band/music artist: Guns N’ Roses. • Favorite movie: “Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves.” • Favorite place you’ve ever visited or been stationed: Payson, Ariz. • What do you like most about working on/visiting JBM-HH? It’s close to home and there are a lot of family activities in the area. • What are your goals for this year? To start some college. • What’s your favorite attraction to see in the NCR? Can’t pick just one. • What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Being a man is more than the obvious, it’s about being able to take care of your family. • If you won the lottery, what would you do? I would take care of immediate family then live a financially stress free life. • What advice do you have for someone getting stationed at JBM-HH? Here at JBM-HH, there is a lot of potential to climb the ranks fast and go to schools, so be diligent and work hard.
Caption This
PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE
Caption This #7
If you’ve ever looked at a photo, read the caption underneath and thought you could do better, now is your chance. Each week, “Caption This” will have a photo taken from around the 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 either by emailing them to pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com, commenting on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/jbmhh or just stopping by Headquarters Bldg. 59, suite 116 and dropping it off. Don’t forget to add the “Caption This” number, your name, rank or position and where you work. Commander, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Every week the Pentagram staff will pick their favorite. The winner’s Col. Fern O. Sumpter’s vision and philosophy: name, caption along with the photo, will be printed in the newspaper. Compete with your friends and coworkers and see who can come up with the best one. And if you have a photo you think would make a great With a team of resource management savvy and technically competent DoD professionals, establish JBM–HH as DoD’s premier provider of consistent, qual- “Caption This,” send it in. ity services that enhance readiness and the overall well-being of our customers. Caption This #6 We must be ... - Experts at what we do … constantly improving our skills and knowledge. “Mom, not now, I’m in the middle of a - Focused … set priorities and complete the mission. group thingy.” - Committed … to the mission and each other, fostering a community of excellence. Chuck Foster - Professional/respectful … remain calm, even when others are not … count on each other at all times, treating everyone with dignity and respect.
Pentagram Printed on recycled paper
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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 faxed to (703) 696-0055 or e-mailed to courtney.a.dock-abuhl.civ@mail.mil. Circulation of 24,000 is printed by offset every Friday 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 nonmerit 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 Command Sergeant Major Director of Public Affairs Command Information Officer
Col. Fern O. Sumpter Earlene Y. Lavender Mary Ann Hodges Sharon Walker
Pentagram staff Editor Assistant Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Photographer
Courtney Dock Michael Norris Rhonda Apple Julia LeDoux Jim Dresbach Rachel Larue
(703) 696-5401 (703) 696-7607 (703) 696-1363 (703) 696-7605 (703) 696-5488 (703) 696-7606
PENTAGRAM
Safety tip Yellow means stop Chief Warrant Officer 2 Justin Thompson Fort Wainwright, Alaska
How many times have you approached a traffic light just as it turned yellow and said to yourself, “I can make it?” As you punch the gas and fly through the intersection, you look up and see the light change to red. With a devious grin, you praise your great driving skills. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve done this countless times with no thought of the danger I might avoid if I would have just slowed down and stopped. However, an accident I wasn’t even involved in forever changed my thinking. It was about 9 p.m. and still sunny due to Alaska’s unique solar schedule. My wife, 2year-old daughter and I were on our way home from the hardware store after purchasing materials for my weekend project — a swing set. We were all a bit tired, and I was looking forward to parking the truck and enjoying the rest of the evening at home. As we approached a traffic light, it turned from green to yellow. I judged my distance from the light and the speed I was traveling and figured I could safely make it through. For some reason, though, I pressed the brake pedal and came to a stop just as the light turned red. While stopped, I noticed a semitruck hauling two cargo trailers heading south on the overpass ahead. After the light turned green, I merged onto the highway behind the semi, which was now about a quarter of a mile ahead. This highway is the main artery in Alaska, running to Anchorage in the south, Fairbanks in the north and the Canadian border to the east. Needless to say, there was usually a lot of large truck traffic on it, especially late in the day. After merging, the road gradually turns to the left and then back to the right, making a lazy “S” shape. Trees line both sides of the road, which makes these turns “blind.” Due to that fact, passing is prohibited along this portion of the road. I lost sight of the semi around the first turn for just a second. When I saw the truck again, it was at a dead stop, with debris and smoke everywhere. The accident involved only two vehicles — the semi, which was heading south, and a northbound sedan. The driver of the semi was traveling the speed limit and not breaking any other traffic laws. The sedan, however, was attempting to pass another vehicle through a blind turn at more than 80 mph. It collided with the semi with such force that the driver, an 18-year-old girl with only a learner’s permit, was liquefied under the dash. Her 21year-old passenger — who I later learned was a private first class in a ground unit on base — suffered traumatic head injuries and died at the scene. The driver of the semi suffered a broken arm and ribs and was transported to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The accident scene was horrific. Most of us have seen videos of accidents on safety standdown days, but this was different. I stopped, got out and ran to the vehicles in an attempt to render any type of aid I could. After checking the status of the occupants, a fire started under the sedan. I put it out with a fire extinguisher I’d grabbed from the semi. After that, there was nothing more I could do except hold the injured sedan passenger so he would know a Soldier was there and would not leave him. He took his last breath three minutes before emergency response personnel arrived on the scene. After I got home, I had some time to reflect on the accident. I realized that had I not stopped at that yellow light, my truck, with my wife and daughter in it, would have been in front of the semi. When the sedan collided with us, we would have undoubtedly been sandwiched between the two vehicles. I don’t see how there would have been any way we could have survived. This experience left me with some important lessons learned: •You never know what is coming around the corner. In the scout community, we say, “Never run to the sound of gunfire.” Take it slow, gather information, assess the situation and then formulate a course of action. •Focus on the now and plan for the future. Pay attention to your surroundings, but also think one step ahead. That way, when disaster strikes, you’ll have a plan. Even if it isn’t a good plan, at least you’ll have a place to start. •A wise man once said, “Go slow to go fast.” Had I been in a rush to get home and gone through that light, or had the driver of the sedan not been in a rush to get to her destination, there would have been no story.
Friday, March 1, 2013
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Army Emergency Relief annual campaign Since 1942, Army Emergency Relief has been an integral part of Army life, providing no-interest loans and grants to Soldiers and their Families for many different categories of financial assistance, including emergency needs, children and spouse scholarships, and grants to widows and wounded warriors. This year’s campaign theme, “Supporting Soldiers and their Families; Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” recognizes the vital role Army Emergency Relief plays in enabling Soldiers to better focus on accomplishing their mission. Since its founding, Army Emergency Relief has consistently demonstrated extraordinary care, compassion and consideration in meeting Soldiers’ financial needs and has earned the enduring trust of the U.S. Army as an institution.
Each year, the Army Emergency Relief Campaign provides a venue for leaders at all levels to create a greater awareness of available benefits and affords Soldiers the opportunity to make a contribution to their fellow Soldiers. Every donation made today helps provide funds for Soldiers and their Families tomorrow and ensures that we can continue enhancing our ability to remain “Army Strong.” Raymond F. Chandler III Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Raymond T. Odierno General, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army John M. McHugh Secretary of the U.S. Army
You don’t have to leave the ‘Hooah’ behind By Lt. Col. Delwyn Merkerson, Human Capital Core Enterprise Office Office of the Chief, Army Reserve
It may be time, but sometimes it’s hard to leave the hooah behind. Military skillsets gained and deployment experience, along with the camaraderie built with fellow Soldiers can make the prospect of transitioning to civilian life daunting. And that’s even before you factor in the struggling economy and job market. And the same can be said for the Troop Program Unit Soldier who is finding the “one weekend a month, two weeks a year” schedule isn’t fitting into their current life situation. It’s not necessary to leave the service; you can still maintain your Soldier-connection and hone your military proficiency and hard-earned skills while striving for the career through the Individual Mobilization Augumentation Program. A unique aspect of the program is that an IMA Soldier isn’t locked into a “drilling reservist” schedule. You can continue Soldiering on a parttime basis — earn pay and credit toward retirement, receive benefits and entitlements, all while maintaining the flexibility to pursue a nonmilitary career and family aspirations. In the IMA Program,
how the Soldier serves can be tailored to the individual’s work and school schedule, giving the Soldier greater flexibility to plan his military service around his busy schedule. What is the IMA Program? The IMA program is designed to facilitate the rapid expansion of the Active Army wartime Department of Defense structure and/or other government departments or agencies. IMAs help the Army meet military manpower requirements in the event of military contingency, pre-mobilization, mobilization, sustainment, and/or demobilization operations. IMA Soldiers are currently serving on a part-time basis in more than 73 Army agencies throughout the United States and overseas (Europe and Korea) to include Special Operation Command, Intelligence and Security Command, Central Command and the Office of the Secretary of Defense, just to name a few. IMA Soldiers are required to perform a minimum of 12 annual training days each fiscal year and may be authorized to perform up to 48 four-hour periods of inactive duty for training. The IMA Soldier coordinates directly with the agency IMA coordinator to schedule the annual training and IDT periods. While serving
in the IMA program, the Soldier can work directly with his coordinator to do all your training requirements at one time, or spread them out over the year. For more information on the IMA program visit the U.S. Army Human Resources Command’s website at: https://www.hrc.army.mil/STA FF/IMA%20Program%20Overvi ew. Search available IMA position vacancies using the online search tool on the HRC My Record website. • Go to this link: https://www.hrcapps.army.mil/p ortal/. • Log in and click on the “Tools” tab on the top right of the screen. • Choose the “Vacancy search” link. • Select “Vacancy Type: IMA” and input your desired filter criteria. Every Soldier making the transition from active duty needs to think about the value of their service. This is also an alternative for the TPU Soldier who is finding it harder to fit the monthly battle assembly and AT into his personal life. You don’t have to leave the hooah behind. The Army Reserve allows you to continue your service to the nation and derive all of the benefits that compelled you to join in the first place.
Henderson Hall hosts town hall meeting By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer
Active duty servicemembers and their Families who are attached to Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall are invited to a town hall meeting March 12 from 6-8 p.m. at the Marine Club. “They will have the opportunity to ask the command and staff any questions they want,” said Family Readiness Officer Renee Lilley. Commanding Officer Col. Ira M. Cheatham, Battalion Sgt. Maj. Craig D. Cressman, and other battalion staffers will be on hand to answer questions. Lilley said no question will be “out of bounds” and if an answer can’t be provided on the spot, one will be provided as quickly as possible. “We will follow up,” she promised. “Hopefully, most of the questions can be answered then and there.” Lilley said the Corps’ Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program encompasses more than married Marines with families. It also serves as a communication link between Marines, spouses, their parents, other extended Family members and significant others. “This is a constantly changing, adaptive program. It’s an ongoing work in progress,” she said. Cressman is hopeful that Marines and their Families will take away from the town hall a better understanding of the UPFRP and what the command, FRO and Marine Corps Community Services can do for them. “These are the tools in their tool box and they should utilize them to their fullest extent,” he said. “I also believe that they will walk away knowing that the command cares and genuinely wants to know what’s going on, what concerns they have. They will know that the command will take their questions and suggestions seriously to make an impact and to better educate their Marine and Family members. “We can’t make changes to better serve our population if they don’t let us know what to change, it
PHOTO
BY
RACHEL LARUE
Active duty Marines and their Families attached to H&S Bn. HQMC Henderson Hall are welcome to attend a town hall event March 12 from 6-8 p.m. at the Marine Club.
also develops a bond of trust.” Resources and information tables will also be available, and there will be prizes for a few lucky winners. To attend, sign up by emailing Lilley at barbara.lilley@usmc.mil or for more information call 703-697-7342. “We’re asking people to let us know they’re coming, but it’s not a mandatory RSVP,” she stressed. “It’s open to any of the servicemembers and their Families, whether they’re single, unaccompanied or married, that are attached to Henderson Hall.” Lilley said the battalion’s goal is to host two town halls a year. “I am hoping the staff will understand that even one voice is enough to create and inspire action and that no matter how small or large that voice is, it is taken seriously,” said Cressman. “An event like this will hopefully inspire others to come to the next one, thus generating more feedback and a better conduit for information to flow between our Marine team.”
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Friday, March 1, 2013
Community
New battalion commander infused with ‘can-do’ spirit
News Notes Tax centers open Get free tax preparation and electronic filing for federal and state tax returns on JBM-HH at the JBM-HH Tax Center and the HQ U.S. Marine Corps Tax Center. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The JBM-HH Tax Center is located in Bldg. 406. For more information, call 703-696-1040. The HQ USMC Tax Center is located in Bldg. 29, room 105. For information, call 703-693-7001.
By Michael Norris Pentagram Assistant Editor
Lt. Col. Mark Raymond Biehl is settling into his new position as commander of Headquarters Command Battalion on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, a job he took over Feb. 12. Biehl, a native of Bowie, Md., comes to JBM-HH from Fort Bragg, N.C., where he last served as the U.S. Army Special Forces Command G3X division chief. “I’ve been on Fort Bragg pretty much continuously since 1998,” he said, citing as an exception the time he attended Marine Corps Command Staff College at Quantico in 2006 and 2007 and lived in the Courthouse area of Arlington County. “Just like anyone, I’m going to take the first 30 days and do my own personal assessment,” he said of his new command. “But Col. [Eric] Fleming [the previous battalion commander] left the battalion in such great shape, running so smoothly, I don’t perceive any problems or any drastic changes that need to be made. “It’s a change, but it’s still [about] problem solving,” Biehl said, describing his approach to leadership. There may be different kinds of problems, he stipulated, “but it’s still the same application of techniques you use to solve problems. It’s providing support to the 7,000 folks that are in the battalion — admin support, command and control — ensuring that everything is running smoothly. “It’s a unique challenge,” he continued. “The almost 7,000 Soldiers [here] aren’t really mine. I can’t really control them. The ones I can actually physically reach out and touch are probably less than 20. Everyone else works for a boss or a directorate or an agency. It presents some unique challenges. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.” Biehl, the first in his family to choose the military as a career, is infused with a can-do attitude passed on by his father, who served in the National Guard prior to the Vietnam War. A grandfather served in the Navy during World War II. “My father always used to tell me: ‘You can if you think you can,’” he said. “So it’s kind of been my motto for life, essentially.” Biehl said growing up in the Washington area was instrumental in helping him choose a career path. It exposed him to a lot of people who were career military or worked for the Department of Defense. Bowie also wasn’t far from Annapolis, where he got to know Naval Academy midshipmen and military culture. He said that influenced him when it came time to
PENTAGRAM
Fingerprinting services offered The Directorate of Emergency Services, visitor control center, located at 108 Sheridan Avenue, Bldg. 415, on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH, offers fingerprinting services on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9–11 a.m. and 1–3 p.m. weekly. For additional information, contact Marilyn Gomez at 703-696-8968.
PHOTO
BY
RACHEL LARUE
Lt. Col. Mark Biehl (left), Headquarters Command Battalion commander, talks with Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Jessup Feb. 27.
look at colleges. He received his commission through the U.S. Military Academy in 1994 in the Corps of Engineers. “It seemed like a pretty good option,” he said. “I figured I’d try it and see if I liked it. And here I am 19 years later, still trying it.” Biehl’s bachelor’s degree is in environmental science. “When it came time to pick majors … I still wasn’t sure if I was going to do five years and get out or stay and make it a career,” Biehl said. “That was an up and coming field — anything environmental, so it was a guarantee that if the military didn’t work out for me, I could pretty much get a job. It was a highdemand field in the early ‘90s. It’s always applicable.” The battalion commander’s office is decorated with artifacts from Africa. There’s a sculpted elephant resting on a window sill and an ornate hand-carved chief’s chair next to a filing cabinet. These are keepsakes from his work with the 3rd Special Forces Group. “As a detachment commander, as a young captain, I did multiple trips into Africa,” Biehl said, rolling off the names of countries like Cameroon, Senegal, Djibouti and Nigeria. Each Special Forces group has a specific area of responsibility, he explained, and prior to 9/11 the 3rd’s was Africa. “It’s designed like that so you can get the language capability, you [absorb] the culture … so you can interact better with people.” While this is his first time working on a joint installation, Biehl is familiar with a purple working environment. “I’m a Special Forces guy, and [it] is inherently joint, so it’s not something new to me. I’ve been working with the sister services for years and years,” he said. “That’s how we operate. I understand [joint] language very well. “I went to the Marine Corps Staff College; I understand Marine speak. Even as a young captain, as a team leader, I had Navy [explosive ordinance detachments] assigned to me, I
PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE
Lt. Col. Mark Biehl (center), Headquarters Command Battalion commander, speaks with Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Command Sgt. Maj. Earlene Y. Lavender (right) and Headquarters Command Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Jessup after the Army Emergency Relief annual campaign fund kick-off Feb. 26.
had Air Force [joint terminal attack controller] that belonged to me, and at one point I even had a Marine rifle company – we had it all – not to mention our coalition brothers. I’m no stranger to our allies.” Biehl said he sees changes ahead for the Army as it ends some of its commitments overseas. “The Army’s going to have to draw down. We’re right on the verge of a huge change… I think 34,000 troops are coming home by the end of next year from Afghanistan,” he said. “It’s going to be different. We’re going to transition out of the wartime Army mindset. In this position, I’ll have to facilitate that, and assist in taking care of the Soldiers who are dealing with a list of issues that result from more than a decade of war. So we’ve gotta, kinda clean up a little bit and take care of the deserving Soldiers that need our help.” Biehl said the traffic in the Washington, D.C. area hasn’t gotten much worse than when he lived here six or seven years ago to go to school. “I’m probably one of the few people in a rare case where I came to the D.C area and shortened my commute to work,” he said. “It’s really nice. I enjoy it. It’s almost a 20-minute drive. Where I lived before in Pinehurst [N.C.], it took almost an hour to get to Fort Bragg.” Biehl lives in Falls Church with his wife, Ann of Pasadena, Md., and two daughters: Ava, 2, and Hazel, who is 8 weeks old. March 1st marks the couple’s 11-year anniversary. Biehl said he appreciates the diversity of the Washington area. “I love the culture. There’s never a shortage of anything to do. If you need it, more than likely, it’s right around the corner,” he said. “There’s so much up here and there’s so much to do. You can’t get bored in this area. It’s almost a constant feeling of not keeping up; there’s so much to do and so much to see.” The last time he lived in the area, Biehl said he and his wife took advantage of the metropolitan area’s offerings all the time. “But we didn’t have kids then,” he said. “Now we have two small kids and it’s a little more difficult. But we plan on taking advantage of some of the culture.” Biehl’s greatest solace, however, is found on the homefront. “I enjoy spending time with my family. I missed almost the entire first year of my daughter’s life while I was in Afghanistan. Getting to spend time with my wife and daughters now is how I regenerate,” he said.
Pull-up clinic Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall’s Semper Fit Division offers a pull-up clinic designed especially for women. The clinic is held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (except holidays) from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium on the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH. All Department of Defense identification card holders are welcome, and no advance registration is necessary. Call 703-693-9440 for more information. AOWCGWA scholarship The 2012-2013 Army Officers Wives Club of the Greater Washington Area scholarship information is available at www.aowcgwa.org. Scholarships are awarded based on merit and are available for the children or spouses of Army personnel who maintain a dependent military ID card. All scholarship application submissions must be postmarked no later than March 30. CYSS hiring JBM-HH Child, Youth and School Services has vacancies for child and youth program assistants. For more information, visit www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/33698060.
“Pershing’s Own” schedule Due to limitations on government funds, The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” has canceled its anniversary concert at The Music Center at Strathmore. All tickets distributed to the Strathmore show are null and void and may be discarded. Instead, the band will present four performances of its annual spectacular at Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of JBMHH March 2-3. Tickets are required. These concerts will be slightly oversold, and there is a possibility that some ticket holders will not be seated in the Lodoba Studio. Overflow seating will be offered in Brucker Hall’s recital hall with a closed-circuit audio and large-screen video display. Online tickets are available at http://usarmyband.eventrbrite.com. For more information, visit www.usarmyband.com. Resume workshop Looking for tips on how to write a successful cover letter and resume? Join the USO at the JBM-HH community center, Bldg. 405, March 2 from 11 a.m.-noon for a free one-hour workshop. Bring your resume for a chance to get high-level feedback from experts in the field. This event is open to active duty servicemembers and their Families. To reserve a spot, email Will@USOMetro.org. ID center closure The ID center on the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HHH will be closed March 4-6 for a system upgrade. If you need DEERS assistance or an ID card, call 703-696-3030 or visit the ID center on the Fort Myer Portion of JBM-HH in Bldg. 202 on Custer Road.
Fuel pump upgrades Due to repairs to the fuel tanks at the Express gas station on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH, pumps 1-4 and 9-12 will be temporarily unavailable March 5-7. All fuel grades will be available on pumps 5-8 and 13-14. DMV 2 Go visits JBM-HH The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle’s DMV 2 Go mobile office will visit JBM-HH at 126 Forrest Circle March 5 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. DMV 2 Go is a handicapped-accessible full service office that provides DMV transactions, including applying for and renewing driver’s licenses, and adult and child identification cards. Road and knowledge tests are available, and applicants may get their pictures taken and complete vision screenings. Customers can also order disabled parking placards or plates and get vehicle titles, license plates and decals.
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Friday, March 1, 2013
Iwo Jima, from page 1
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BY
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RACHEL LARUE
Marines from Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall watch as a wreath is laid in recognition of the 68th anniversary of the Battle for Iwo Jima Feb. 22. The Marine Corps War Memorial depicts a photograph by Joe Rosenthal taken during the battle showing Marines and a Navy corpsman raising the American flag Feb. 23, 1945.
The flag raising atop Mount Suribachi took place Feb. 23, 1945, five days after the battle began. Joe Rosenthal, an Associated Press photographer, took the famous photograph of Marine Cpls. Harlon Block, Rene Gagnon and Ira Hayes, Sgt. Michael Strank and Navy Pharmacist’s Mate John Bradley raising the flag. Strank, Sousley and Block were killed before the battle for Iwo Jima ended on March 16, 1945. Rosenthal’s iconic photo was wired around the world and printed in countless newspapers across the United States and was used as the model for the Marine Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. “The concept [for the memorial] started five days after the flag raising on Iwo Jima,” noted Donovan. Approximately 70,000 Marines and 18,000 Japanese soldiers took part in the battle. In the 36 days of fighting on the island, nearly 7,000 Marines were killed and another 20,000 were wounded. “I will retire in July, but I will continue to come back here,” said Master Sgt. William J. Dixon of H&S Bn., who participated in the ceremony. Hagel, from page 1 us.” Facing these challenges is difficult, the secretary said. “But it’s also pretty special,” he added. “When you think about … how many generations have had an opportunity to be part of something great, as difficult as this is … we can really do something pretty special for our country.” The secretary promised servicemembers he will do everything he can “to ensure the safety, the well-being, the future of you and your families.” “Now, I’ve got to go to work,” he said.
Celebrating Women’s History Month Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall’s Equal Opportunity Office will host a Women’s History Month celebration event March 20 in the community center, Bldg. 405 from 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. The event is open to all. The theme of this year’s celebration is Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. For more information, call 703-6962964/8729.
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News Notes Continued from page 4 SOWC meeting On March 5, the Signal Officers Wives Club will tour the Riversdale House Museum in Riverdale, Md. at 10:30 a.m. Call 703-455-2551 to reserve your place. Everyone is welcome to attend. Town Hall meeting H&S Bn., HQMC, Henderson Hall, will hold a town hall meeting March 12 from 6-8 p.m. at the Marine Club. Active duty servicemembers and their Families attached to the battalion are welcome to join Commanding Officer Col. Ira M. Cheatham for an evening of conversation and an opportunity to share questions and concern with the command and staff. Resource and information tables will be available, and door prizes will be drawn. To attend, sign up by contacting Family Readiness Officer Renee Lilley at barbara.lilley@usmc.mil. For more information, call 703-6977342. Lil Chesty’s play group The Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall New Parent Support Program’s Lil Chesty’s play group that recently formed at Marine Barracks Washington will continue to meet on select Tuesdays. The next meetings are March 12 and 26, 10-11:30 a.m. at MCCS Post 5 classroom in Bldg. 20. The group, for children 5 years old and younger and their parents, includes story time, play time, snacks and activities. For more information, call 703-614-7204. Heart’s Apart Heart’s Apart is a support group for spouses, fiancés, parents or significant others of deployed or geographically separated civilians and military members. The group is
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Check cashing to be discontinued Beginning March 18, the cash office in the Marine Corps Exchange will no longer cash checks. Patrons may continue to write checks for purchases and may write for $25 cash back over the purchase amount. Patrons may also utilize two ATMs, one in the breezeway and NDU 5K run/walk one in the second floor front National Defense University will vestibule. For more information, call hold a 5K run/walk March 14 from 571-483-1949. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on the Fort Company commander/ McNair portion of JBM-HH. About first sergeant course 200 people are expected to particiThe USAMDW company compate. Runners will use 2nd Ave., 4th Ave., B St., and E St. No roads will mander/first sergeant course will be be blocked, however expect some held April 15-18 in room 3305, delays at this time. For more infor- Lincoln Hall, National Defense University, on the Fort McNair pormation, call 703-696-3290. tion of JBM-HH. The course is conShamrock Shuffle ducted to introduce new and JBM-HH kicks off the 2013 prospective company leaders to Commanders Cup Race Series potential challenges of command, March 15 with the annual Shamrock avenues and resources available to Shuffle 5K Run/1 Mile Walk. assist them and overall concerns Registration is now open online at within the National Capitol Region. www.jbmhh MWR.com and partici- All JFHQ-NCR/MDW company compation is free. Online registration manders and first sergeants are closes at midnight March 13. The required to attend this training. For race begins at 6:35 a.m. at the Fort more information, contact Michael Myer Fitness Center, Bldg. 414, with Egly at 202-685-2910 or via email at race day/late registration accepted Michael.c.egly.civ@mail.mil or David at the fitness center from 5:30-6:15 Stone at 202-685-1923 or via email a.m. March 15. For further informa- at david.g.stone.ctr@mail.mil. tion, contact Todd Hopkins at 703AOWCGWA community grants 939-1045 or by email todd.a.hopThe Army Officers Wives Club of kins.civ@mail.mil. the Greater Washington Area is now Kindergarten readiness accepting applications for communiDo you have a child starting ty grants. If you are interested in kindergarten this fall? Join the receiving a community grant, visit MCCS school liaison program at a www.aowcgwa.org and click on ready, set, go kindergarten readi- scholarships and community grants. ness event March 16 from 10 a.m.- After completing the community noon in Rosenthal Theater, Bldg. grant application, send it to: AOW29A, on the Henderson Hall portion CGWA Fort Myer Thrift Shop, attn: of JBM-HH. Topics include informa- community grant committee, P.O. tion and forms for registering your Box 1112, Fort Myer, Va., 22211. The child, tips to help your child transi- deadline for community grants tion to kindergarten and school bus applications is April 17. All grant safety. Register by March 15 by call- recipients will be awarded checks ing 703-693-8373. June 27.
designed to be a fun networking opportunity for those experiencing separations from loved ones. The next meeting is set for March 13 from 5:30-7 p.m. at American Legion Post 139 in Arlington. For more information, call 703-696-0156 or email rene.s.fizer.civ@mail.mil.
Boots to Business workshop The Career Resource Management Center announces a new Small Business Administration Boots to Business workshop. Geared toward transitioning military servicemembers, military spouses and veterans, the workshop is designed to determine if starting a business is right for you. After the two-day workshop, each participant will have a feasibility analysis deliverable that will serve as the basis for future business planning. The first session on JBM-HH is May 13-14. Additional sessions are June 19-20 and Nov. 12-13. The workshop is free and reservations must be made by calling 703-614-6828. Spring sports sign-up Registration is open for MCCS Henderson Hall spring basketball and volleyball leagues. Games will be played in April and May on weekdays, days to be determined, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium. Team size is 12 players plus one coach, and play is open to Department of Defense identification card holders. Register at www.mccsHH.com/AthleticSports.ht ml or visit the Semper Fit office in Bldg. 29, Rm. 3005. Registration closes March 15. For more information, call 703-697-2706/2708.
Email bulletin web accessible The email bulletin is now accessible on the JBM-HH website www.army.mil/jbmhh. The website will be your go-to location to find out what’s happening on JBM-HH and will be updated daily or as needed. In the near future, email blasts/bulletins will be used only for emergency or critical information.
Please send your news notes to the Pentagram at penta gramjbmhh@yahoo.com
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Friday, March 1, 2013
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JBM-HH’s Smalls guest speaker at D.C. school’s Black History Month program By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer
February’s Black History Month celebrations and informational programs provide curious children and adults opportunities to educate themselves about civil rights pioneers and those who blazed trails toward equality. On Feb. 25, second graders at Ideal Academy Public Charter School in Northwest Washington, D.C., hosted a Black History Month program and tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Lt. Col. Priscilla Smalls was the honorary guest of honor for the school’s celebration. The informal presentation by Smalls, a JBMHH Headquarters Command Battalion logistician, took everyday Army language and translated the military lingo so a 7-year-old could understand the basics of life at a military installation. She also emphasized the importance of education, and the 23-year Army veteran also remembered how past African-American sacrifices paved a path for her hopes and dreams. “Because of Dr. Martin Luther King, I am in the Army. How did I get in the Army? First, I finished school — first to twelfth grade — I got my high school degree and then I went to college,” Smalls said during her 12-minute chat and question and answer session. “Through college, I got into the military through ROTC, which was great. After college, I became an officer. “I’ve been promoted five times. Today, I am a
lieutenant colonel,” she told the wide-eyed youngsters. “I know one day, we will have a [future] general who is [going to school] in this building. Just get good grades, stay in school and do the right thing, and one day you will become a general and maybe the president of the United States.” Smalls spoke following student skits, songs and historical presentations, and among the highlights of her visit were the questions asked and the chance to meet and greet the children. Prior to the Q and A portion of her visit, Smalls informed students that her Army missions sent her traveling to a handful of states plus Afghanistan. That statement stuck with the kids and drew much curiosity during question time. “How did you visit all those states?” an inquisitive student asked, and Smalls answered by telling the kids how deployments and the length of missions worked. “The military keeps you at one place for at least four years. After four years, you move to another place, which is another city, another state. Every four years, I move,” she answered. “I’ve also been to Afghanistan, where I fought the war. I did that in 2008 through 2009. It was a very good experience. That’s how I got this patch right here [points to right upper arm], which is a combat patch,” Smalls added. She also explained her Army job description to an audience of around 150 students, teachers and parents.
PHOTO
BY JIM
DRESBACH
Headquarters Command Battalion Lt. Col. Priscilla Smalls watches a second grade skit during a program entitled “Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and our heroes” at the District of Columbia's Ideal Academy Public Charter School Feb. 25. Smalls, the guest of honor at the event, told elementary-aged students the importance of an education, the significance of Dr. King's civil rights efforts and answered questions.
“What I do in the Army is a logistician — let me break that down,” she explained. “If you need a plane — if Soldiers need to go on a plane, or bus or a train — I order those for them. I make sure a bus is outside [for Soldiers] to get them from point A to point B.” After the Black History Month program, Smalls and chaplain assistant Pvt. D’Angelo Battle shook hands with students and parents before visiting a fourth grade class.
‘Military Saves Week’ challenges Families to set goals By C. Todd Lopez Army News Service
The week of Feb. 25, U.S. servicemembers around the world, along with their spouses and children, are being been challenged to take a pledge to save money in their home budgets — to “set a goal, make a plan, and save automatically.” As part of “Military Saves Week 2013,” which began Feb. 25 and runs through March 2, servicemembers and their Families can visit http://militarysaves.org to take the pledge, said Barbara Thompson, the Defense Department’s director of family policy and children and youth. Thompson said this is the seventh year of Military Saves Week, which is co-sponsored by the Consumer Federation of America. The week focuses on helping military Families learn to save money, and to ensure they have the tools needed to reduce their debt and save for the future. Thompson said tools available to military Families include the certified financial managers at military Family centers that provide education and budgeting and counseling to servicemembers and their Families. Military banks and credit unions on installations, she said, also are required to provide financial management educational tools to servicemembers and Families. Additionally, the Military OneSource program, accessible 24/7 online or via telephone, allows servicemembers to get referrals for up to 12 sessions of financial counseling. During a “DoD Live” bloggers roundtable Feb. 25, Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife, Lisa, answered questions about their own efforts to be financially responsible, the challenges faced by servicemembers, and the importance of military leadership in helping young troops make the right financial choices. Mrs. Battaglia said that she and her husband are like every other military Family. They’ve moved more than 16 times in 27 years, she said, and they”ve faced Family emergencies and shaped their lifestyle to be based on one income. “As part of building a Family, we, like others, sat down as a team and drew up a budget, adjusted it over the years, and saved where we could,” she said. Early on, Mrs. Battaglia said, her family socked their money away in U.S. savings bonds as a way to guar-
antee a bright future. “We saved for many years and built a nest egg,” she added. Today, the Thrift Savings Plan is available to servicemembers, and the Battaglias said it’s a good decision to participate. As additional cost-saving measures at home, Mrs. Battaglia told the bloggers, she’s been making lunch for her husband every day for longer than she can remember. “Call me old-fashioned,” she said. “Not only does it promote nutritional fitness, but the money that we saved over the course of time is huge.” She also said that the sergeant major cuts his own hair, saving as much as seven dollars each week. “You add it up — 52 weeks at seven or eight dollars a week, plus tips,” she said. “These are just a couple ways that we still save to this day.” Mrs. Battaglia said her advice to servicemembers is to live within their means, and, if possible, to have one person in the Family manage finances. Though their Family can afford more expensive things now, Mrs. Battaglia said, they have built financial discipline into their household, and now the money they still choose to save in small places can be used in other places for more important things. “Financial fitness should be in every household,” she said. Sergeant Major Battaglia said young military Families can be tempted to live beyond their means and can complicate matters with impulse buying. But the financial instability that comes with succumbing to temptation and irresponsible spending can have implications beyond the bank account, he added. “Financial instability brings tension within a relationship and a marriage,” he said. “Financial fitness plays a big role in more than just being healthy in the wallet. We would like to teach a behavior within society, which once was, ‘It’s OK for young military couples to have second-hand furniture.’ … The cinder block with the piece of wood or the electrical spool that got sanded down and varnished as a coffee table really worked just fine as furniture for a young Family like we [were], just starting out.” The sergeant major also touched on a dangerous pitfall for young troops short on cash — the payday lenders, loan sharks and “questionable sales people that are ready to latch on to servicemembers and Families as soon as they enter into the military.”
PHOTO
BY
RACHEL LARUE
Spc. Daniel Cardenas (left) and Pfc. Diaaron Riggins (second left) speak to Genet Bright (second right) teller and customer service representative at Armed Forces Bank during the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Military Saves Pledge Drive at the community center Feb. 26.
Battaglia emphasized that services must educate their troops to not be tempted by payday lenders and others “who are out to make a profit at any expense, and especially at a servicemember’s expense.” As an example, Battaglia said that in his youth — at a time when there was no direct deposit of military pay and servicemembers were paid in cash — servicemembers who ran out of funds might be tempted to go to a payday lender. “There were ‘sharks’ out in the local community who would loan you $150, let’s say, hypothetically speaking — and the following payday when you got paid, you had to pay them $250 back,” he said. “So those loan sharks were hungry and active back then, and my senior [noncommissioned officers] kind of steered me away from those folks.” To protect servicemembers from those threats, Battaglia said, it’s important that military leaders provide counseling to their subordinates, and in some cases, be involved or be available in the decisions junior servicemembers make that could dramatically affect their financial standing. “When a young trooper is preparing to buy a first car, I think a leader must be involved,” he said. “Even when a young trooper is preparing to have a child for the first time, I think a leader must be engaged, and when a young trooper is preparing for marriage, a leader just has to be there.
Each one of those real-world instances are investments, and major expenses — and if they are not done correctly, they could be catastrophic.” Thompson said that financial education needs to start young, and military children are reaping the benefit of that philosophy. “We feel it’s important to start with our military children,” she said. “So many of them enter the military or are considering entering the military. So part of Military Saves includes our youth centers and our school-age programs. And I’m of a personal belief that we start with our preschoolers on basic money management.” Starting young on responsible money management education is important, she said, because many people entering the service are already in debt. She said that her office is working to develop a program for those who have been recruited into the military, but who have not yet started basic training, to help them deal with financial issues before they actually put their uniform on for the first time. Thompson recommended the “Money as You Grow” website, developed by the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability, as a useful tool in communicating to children of varying ages, in language understandable to them, the importance of how to use and manage money.
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Henderson Hall Marines show off their arms of steel By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer
Henderson Hall Marines can get an arm up on passing the Corps’ new physical fitness test by attending a pull-up class at the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. “Doing the flex arm hang, you didn’t really need to use that much muscle,” said Sgt. Crystalee Munoz, Headquarters & Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall. “Doing this forces you to gain that muscle and that strength, that upper body strength, which we never had anything like this before.” Munoz was one of more than a dozen Marines who attended the Feb. 25 class, which is being offered by Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall Semper Fit Division. During the session, fitness specialist Stephen La Jeunesse and Gunnery Sgt. Daniel Jackson demonstrated exercises such as weighted push ups, bicep curls and hammer curls that not only develop arm muscles but strengthen the body’s core. La Jeunesse and Jackson stressed that the key to building the upper body strength necessary for pull ups is more than about having muscular biceps and triceps. They also demonstrated exercises designed to strengthen back and shoulder muscles and used a suspension trainer which helps to strengthen the body’s core. Resistance bands were also used to help participants work on
their pull-up form. All Marine Message 046/12 announced in late 2012 that pullups will replace the flex arm hang on the female physical fitness test in a little more than a year. According to the message, which was signed by Marine Commandant Gen. James F. Amos, the changes will take place in two phases. The first phase began Jan. 1, 2013 and serves as a transition period that is intended to allow commanders and individual female Marines to adjust personal and unit training routines to prepare for the implementation of the new requirements, the message states. During phase one of the implementation, the flex arm hang will remain a part of the initial strength test conducted in recruiting and when females arrive at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and during physical fitness tests that are conducted during recruit training and as part of the selection process for officer candidates as well as PFTs taken during Officer Candidates School. “During calendar year 2013 female Marines will have the option to choose pull-ups or the FAH on the PFT,” the message states. “The score from the chosen event will be used in calculation of the official PFT score for all purposes.” Phase two begins Jan. 1, 2014, when pull-ups will replace the flex arm hang portion of the PFT. The FAH will continue to be a part of the initial strength test conducted in recruiting and at Parris Island.
PHOTO
BY
RACHEL LARUE
Sgt. Crystalee Munoz (left) works on a suspension trainer while Stephen La Jeunesse (center), fitness specialist, and Cpl. Danielle Colwell talk during a pull up clinic in the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium Feb. 25. The clinic is every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (except for holidays) from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the gym.
“PFT’s conducted in the officer selection process and during the inventory PFT at OCS will also include the FAH,” the ALMAR reads. Passing the PFT with pull-ups instead of the FAH will be a graduation requirement for recruits and officer candidates beginning Jan. 1, 2014, the message continues. In order to pass the pull-up portion of the PFT, female Marines will be required to complete three pullups, which will garner them 40
points on the test. Four-pulls earn 65 points; five, 75; six, 85; seven, 95; and eight, 100 points. Designed especially for women, the pull-up classes are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (except for holidays) from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. All Department of Defense identification card holders are welcome to attend the clinic, and no advance registration is necessary. Call 703-693-9440 for more information.
An enduring service to a solemn mission By Sgt. Luisito Brooks 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Public Affairs Office
“Hey, please move that strap forward a little,” said Eugene Burks Jr. “Make sure you tack up these horses correctly before you leave, and don’t forget to make adjustments while you’re in the cemetery.” Every morning, Burks walks through the Caisson stable to help Soldiers make any last minute adjustments with the horses’ equipment before a day in the cemetery. Soldiers and horses of the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon [USACP], 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), transport the remains of servicemembers to their final resting places in Arlington National Cemetery. It has been Burks’s job to ensure the equipment is positioned just right on every horse since he initially joined the USACP in 1981. After retiring from the Army in 1996, Burks was asked to serve in a similar capacity as he did when he was a Soldier. “It was such a good thing that I was able to come back,” said Burks. “It really helped keep some stability here at the barn because many Soldiers eventually are stationed other places after about three years.” Now with more than 30 years with the USACP, Burks continues his duty of creating and maintaining all horse tack for the platoon, while also coordinating the logistics to run a fluid horse barn. Tack, which is equipment or accessories used on domesticated horses, plays an essential role in not only the appearance of the horse, but the control of them as well. “We make almost every piece of tack that goes on all of the horses in the barn by hand or machine,” said Burks. “If something breaks or wears down on these large animals, we have to replace it quickly before it causes an accident.” Learning to quickly maneuver around these animals to make repairs or adjustments wasn’t something Burks was truly comfortable with at first. However, his fear of horses quickly faded into great appreciation and reverence for their jobs in the cemetery. “I realized the importance of Soldiers and horses and how they look to the fallen Soldiers and their Families” said Burks. “I consider it amazing to be part of that.” Burks said appearance has always been important to this prestigious unit, so it is his job to make sure every piece of horse tack used is in good working condition. “Before the Soldiers leave the barn in the morning, I make sure that the tack that we made is clean, in working order and is positioned correctly on each horse,” said Burks. “The standard is important because people look at it and can easily recognize if it is wrong. They taught me the standard when I got here all those years ago, and that hasn’t
PHOTO
BY
SGT. LUISITO BROOKS
Eugene Burks Jr., senior horse tack specialist, U.S. Army Caisson Platoon, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), makes an equipment adjustment on a Caisson horse, Feb. 20, at the Caisson stables on Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall, Va. For more than 30 years, Burks has helped Soldiers make any last minute adjustments with the horses' equipment before a day in Arlington National Cemetery.
really changed.” Burks said that one of the greatest pleasures of his job is passing these same principles on to the current Soldiers who work in the Caisson barn. “I enjoy training the new guys and helping them along. Focusing them on how to run this shop helps everything run smoother,” said Burks. “I sometimes educate them on life because most of the guys that come here are pretty young. Sometimes they need some advice.” Spc. Phillip Galicia, a laundry, shower and textile repair specialist, said he can’t fully express his appreciation for Burks’s leadership for the last four years. “We rely on his 30 years of knowledge of The Old Guard. He knows what right looks like,” said Galicia. “Mr. Burks has meant a lot to me and the unit.” Burks handpicked Galicia to come to The Old Guard. “He recruited me right out of advanced individual training. He told me just how special this unit was, and he was absolutely right,” said Galicia. “I have to say that being assigned to The Old Guard and working for Mr. Burks
has been one of the most fun and challenging things I have ever done.” There is a mutual understanding between the Soldiers and Burks because of the work environment that Burks has nurtured. “We joke around because we are pretty close, but we also put in the work,” said Burks. “When you work hard together, it really develops that trust and appreciation for one another.” Galicia said he is grateful for everything Burks continues to teach him and the other Soldiers. “He is involved with the Soldiers like a father to a son,” said Galacia. “He is going to take care of you if you need help. He will also tell you when you’re wrong. You can still see The Old Guard Soldier in him.” Burks continues today, as he did 30 years ago, walking through the barn checking on Soldiers, horses and their equipment. “The Old Guard is one of most remarkable units in the world, and I hope to always be a part of it,” said Burks. “It offers a great service for Soldiers that have given their lives and that’s motivation for me to continue doing my best.”
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Chilean Chief of the Joint Staff visits JFHQ-NCR/MDW PHOTO BY GEORGE MARKFELDER
By George Markfelder JFHQ-NCR/MDW Public Affairs
The Chilean Chief of the Joint Staff, Lt. Gen. Hernán Mardones Ríos and several members of his staff received a mission and capabilities briefing during their visit to the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington (JFHQ-NCR/MDW) at Fort Lesley J. McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Feb. 26. Mardones is participating in the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Counterpart Visits to the United States program and his briefing by Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, JFHQNCR/MDW commanding general,
focused on interagency relationships, Joint Task Force employment and disaster response during National Special Security Events (NSSEs) in the NCR. JFHQ-NCR plans, coordinates, maintains situational awareness and as directed, partners in the employment of forces as a Joint Task Force to conduct homeland defense and civil support operations in the National Capital Region to mitigate regional challenges. MDW serves as the Army forces component to, and core staff element of, the JFHQ-NCR and provides executive, operational, ceremonial and musical support across a full spectrum of worldwide responsibilities to support our nation’s leaders.
Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, commanding general of JFHQ-NCR/MDW, greets Chilean Chief of the Joint Staff, Lt. Gen. Hernán Mardones Ríos. Mardones is participating in the U. S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Counterpart Visits to the United States program and his briefing by Linnington focused on interagency relationships, joint task force employment and disaster response.
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Friday, March 1, 2013
PENTAGRAM
Assistant commandant of Marine Corps visits Marine Corps Logistics Command general, MCLC, and his staff. Hudson provided the assistant commandant with valuable knowledge about the importance of the command’s Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., assistant commanoperations. dant of the Marine Corps, visited Marine Corps “The assistant commandant of the Marine Logistics Command and received a tour of Corps’ visit was good because it allows us to Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Ga., Feb. 21. showcase what we do for the Marine Corps logisThe purpose of the visit was for the Marine tically,” Hudson said. “Since becoming the assisCorps’ second highest-ranking officer to get a tant commandant, it’s the first time he’s had an firsthand view of the current operations within opportunity to see some of our many capabilithe command and gain insight on future plans. ties.” “General Paxton felt as though it was imporDuring his busy schedule, which included a tant to see the work of Marine Corps Logistics visit to Marine Depot Maintenance Command, Command and understand the scope of what we Paxton took time to shake hands and speak with do here,” Col. Yori R. Escalante, chief of staff, numerous servicemembers and civilian-Marines, MCLC, said. thanking them for their contribution to the After arriving in Albany, Paxton was greeted Corps. by Maj. Gen. Charles L. Hudson, commanding Civilian-Marines Aubren Bischoff and James Chancellor received pins from Paxton honoring their 40 years of federal service. ! ! “[Paxton’s] visit allowed us to provide informaed By Sgt. Brandon L. Saunders Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany
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The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., attends a briefing during a visit to Marine Corps Logistics Command, Albany, Ga., Feb. 21. The trip was part of a larger visit with Marines aboard installations under Marine Corps Logistics Command (LOGCOM) and Marine Corps Systems Command.
300 ARMY NAVY DRIVE, ARLINGTON VA 1037805B
tion to him,” Hudson said. “He was able to interact with a lot of Marines, uniformed and civilian, during his time here.” In addition to visiting Albany, Paxton spent time at Blount Island Command in Jacksonville, Fla., to understand MCLC’s geostrategic capabilities, Hudson said. With the knowledge gained through a series of briefings, as well as touring some of the facilities within the command, the assistant commandant can relay the information to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. “The trip was beneficial because the assistant commandant can personally attest to the importance of the level of work done here,” Escalante said.
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AER, from page 1
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more than $700 million [has been provided] to Soldiers and Families,” Foley said. “My concern is there are Soldiers and Family members who either aren’t aware or are going in need because they can’t get access to Army Emergency Relief,” he said. Foley said one of the [AER] programs which has increased in popularity each year since it was started in 2006, is the command referral program. “Company commanders, battery commanders and first sergeants can authorize up to $1,500 in interest-free loans. It expedites the process. The form is signed and brought over to the AER section and immediately, because you have the first sergeant or company commander signature, you get that loan right away, so it’s been a great program,” Foley explained. The director stressed the importance of command leadership to encourage Soldiers to use AER as the organization of choice when financial difficulties arise. AER provides interest-free loans and grants to Soldiers in need for medical issues, emergency travel, vehicle repair and initial rent deposit. “If, for example, a Soldier comes in and wants to have a loan, but is in financial difficulty and can’t pay right away, we can defer payments. If the Soldier or Family member is having difficulty making the payments, we can convert the loan to a grant. Most Soldiers want to take a loan because they want to pay it back. They know when they pay it back, it’s going to be used for their fellow Soldiers in the future. There’s no limit on the amount of money, whether the need is $500 or $5,000,” Foley said. Foley’s speech included examples of Soldiers and Family members who were assisted during hardships through the AER program. He spoke about payday and car title loans and why he felt some Soldiers use these high-interest loans for financial situations, encouraging the chain of command to guide Soldiers to AER, helping servicemembers avoid more finan-
cial difficulty paying off these outside types of loans. He also spoke about the needs of wounded warriors and AER’s program to help them. “We established a special access program which allows any of the 9,000 retired wounded warriors registered with the Wounded Warrior Command to make a phone call to our headquarters in the Hoffman Building in Alexandria to state a need,” said Foley. “We distributed about $600,000 under this program and 80 percent of it has been grants. “One of the things I think is important and a lot of Soldiers think because of the tight budget we’re going into, that [Army Emergency Relief] is affected, but we’re not,” said Foley. “We’re going to be able to provide the financial assistance no matter what type of financial crisis or world economy issue, we’re still going to have the money [to help Soldiers and their
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Families].” JBM-HH Army Community Service representatives and other financial vendors manned display tables with financial information in the community center lobby. “We’re here to encourage all Soldiers to save if they’re not saving [money], and if they are saving, to look at what they’re doing with their finances and also possibly to increase that,” said Leonard Toyer, JBM-HH ACS financial readiness officer. “I think if Soldiers sign the pledge, they’ll actually think more about spending, and be more conscious to not spend as much because of their pledge,” said Lt. Col. Priscilla Smalls of Headquarters Command Battalion, U.S. Army Garrison. “Military Saves presents [Soldiers] with a commitment to do something positive with their finances,” added Toyer.
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in this austere financial situation. Our goal this year is to collect $125,000 and distribute just as much. “In addition to Army Emergency Relief, there is another campaign called Military Saves that is ongoing. The financial readiness, in my opinion, always equals mission readiness. For those of us who have been in deployed units recently or even in the past, we know when the Family is well taken care of, the Soldier performs much better downrange,” she said. Sumpter also encouraged command leadership to get the word out to Soldiers and their Families about the Military Saves pledge drive and also inform troops about the benefits of AER. Sumpter introduced the guest speaker, and mentioned highlights of his career. Foley “became the eighth director of Army Emergency Relief on Oct. 1, 2005. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy and was commissioned an officer in the infantry. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and has held numerous command and staff positions throughout his 37 years of active service,” Sumpter said. “He has been at the forefront of an effort to assist Soldiers and their Families by providing financial assistance in a time of need. AER, structured on a worldwide basis to meet a variety of needs, provides emergency financial aid, children and spouse scholarships, grants to wounded warriors and benefits for surviving Family members. To me, General Foley is the personification of the AER hallmark, ‘helping the Army take care of its own,’” she said. Foley stressed the importance of Army Emergency Relief providing financial assistance to Soldiers and their Families. “Ninety percent of what we do are interest-free loans, with 10 percent in grants. Over the past five years, we have provided an average of $80 million a year to Soldiers and Families. Since 9/11,
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Friday, March 1, 2013
PENTAGRAM PHOTO
BY
CPL. LIZEL ROSALES
Career achievement Lt. Gen. Willie J. Williams (center), director, Marine Corps Staff, congratulates and poses with Sgt. Monica Mendoza (left), noncommissioned officer in charge to the Research and Civil Law Branch and the Judge Advocate Support Branch for the Judge Advocate Division, and Lance Cpl. Amilcar Marroquinsalinas (right), a separations clerk and rifle bearer for the battalion color guard. The pair were named NCO of the Year and Marine of the Year for Henderson Hall.
Army Career and Alumni program continues to serve transitioning Soldiers By Mitchell A. Lee
If you aren’t a Soldier leaving the military or a veteran seeking a career change, please find one and tell him or her my story. The Army Career and Alumni Program works, and I am proof. ACAP opened the door to my second career. I retired from the U.S. Army after 22 years in September 2005 and went to work as a Department of the Army civilian the next month. I started with the program a year earlier, which allowed me plenty of time to hone my resume to perfection. Without the support of ACAP during the resume process, I would have been lost. ACAP also taught me the ins and outs of the Army’s Civilian Personnel Online website — CPOL. I learned to use the job descriptions on the Army’s FASCLASS service, which helped me develop my resume. The Veterans Affairs and Department of Labor briefing guided me as I retired and started drawing VA benefits. I got the information I needed to complete my bachelor's degree using the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program. You have to engage in order to receive something out of it. Without the Army Career Alumni Program, I would not have had the opportunity to start a second career after the military. ACAP has been around for more than 20 years in different forms. Today, we need it more than ever. Unemployment compensation for veterans reached its highest peak in fiscal 2012 — around $515 million. In the face of rising veteran unemployment, Congress passed and the president signed the Veterans Opportunity to Work to Hire Heroes (VOW) Act. Part of the act requires the Defense Department to prepare all servicemembers departing the military after Nov. 28, 2012 for a non-stressful entry into the job market. Through ACAP, the Army was already prepared to meet the VOW Act requirement. The U.S. Army Installation Management Command operates ACAP centers on 64 garrisons around the world in support of this Armywide program. ACAP designed a five-day track of comprehensive training to prepare the servicemember and Family for transition. The program takes a strategic approach to comprehensive resume preparation, and job preparation training, interview techniques and other steps toward successful civilian life. ACAP also organizes hiring events and has taken the lead in getting Soldiers hired into the private sector. The goal is for every departing Soldier to have a job. But ACAP is more than mandatory VOW Act training. Retiring Soldiers can use ACAP training and placement services up to two years before retirement. Non-retiring Soldiers can start one year before separation. Reserve component Soldiers on active duty for 180 day or more can take part. Non-retiring veterans and non-Army retirees can use ACAP for up to 180 days after separation. Army retirees can use ACAP on a space available basis for the rest of their lives. My story is proof ACAP has been there for Soldiers. Today’s ACAP does an even better job. Isn’t that worth passing along? For more information, contact the JBM-HH ACAP office at 703-696-9603. To register for classes, call 703-696-0973/8334 or stop by their office in Bldg. 230. You can also visit www.jbmhh.army.mil/WEB/JBMHH/Services/Ar myCareerAlumni.html.
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Sales/Business Development
Base Guide Ad Sales
Comprint Military Publications publishes 11 annual base guides and is looking for an energetic, organized sales representative to sell advertising into our display and yellow page sections and online. Job requires cold calling/in person sales calls and maintaining existing advertising customers. Must be able to work well under weekly deadlines and pressures of meeting sales goals. Prefer someone with print advertising sales experience. Position is in Gaithersburg office and hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. M-F. We offer a competitive compensation & comprehensive benefits package including pension, 401(k) & tuition reimbursement. Send resume and cover letter with salary requirements to: Maxine Minar at mminar@dcmilitary.com EOE
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applics utilizing knowl of object oriented prgrmg & service oriented architecture. Dsgn system specs & translate system reqmts to task specs. Provide subject matter expert support & solutions in SDLC & perform analysis, d/base dvlpmt, data mining, tech. assistance for maintenance, prep tech. documentation, etc. Edu req: Bach’s deg or foreign equiv in CS/CE/Engg or any rltd field. Will accept suit. comb of edu. Exp: 5 yrs in job off’d or in any rltd pos. Exp must in an overall skills set of C, Pro*C, SQL, PL/SQL, ASP, .Net, VB, PERL, Autosys, Java, J2EE, JSP, XML, TIBCO, TOAD, Erwin, Oracle, Hyperion, SQL Server, DB2, Apache, Tomcat, Weblogic, JBoss, Windows, UNIX, Linux. Job loc. in Reston, VA & other unanticipated locs w/in US. Travel to unanticipated client locs & reloc possible. No telecommuting & remote access. F/T, mult pos. Send res. to (must refer to SQAC13-1); SQAC Inc, 12020 Sunrise Valley Dr., # 100, Reston, VA 20191; or email: hrsupport@sqaconceptsinc.com
Unarmed Security Officers FT & PT positions avail throughout MD. Must be able to obtain a DOD Security clearance. Must have prior security, military, or law enforcement exp. All applicants must be a US citizen. English proficient w/good computer skills, 21 years or older w/HS Dipl/GED, drug free with no criminal record. $30-40k per year. Benefits available. Email resume to Maryland@guardsmark.com
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Friday, March 1, 2013
PENTAGRAM
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NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! Know an outstanding caregiver or non-profit organization that deserves to be recognized? Nominate them for our Wounded Warrior Caregiver of the Year Award presented by DCMilitary Family Life. Write a short essay about an individual or organization that has provided exceptional assistance to a Wounded Warrior during their time of need over the past year. Submissions will be collected and judged based upon their recent sacrifices and contributions made in order to care for Wounded Warrior(s). 5 finalists from each category will be chosen by a panel appointed by Comprint Military Publications and all will be invited to attend an awards luncheon where the winners will be publicly announced. All finalists will appear in the June issue of DCMilitary Family Life magazine. Cash prizes will be donated to the winners and top finalists.
Visit www.dcmilitary.com/award for more information or email your essay to caregiver@dcmilitary.com Enter by March 29, 2013! SPONSORS INCLUDE: