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Base Alumni

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Powell recalls time on Myer

Transportation moves Marines

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Pentagram

Published for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

Vol. 60, no. 09 March 8, 2013

Hagel notes sequester’s pain for civilians

TAKE DOWN

By Karen Parrish American Forces Press Service

PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE

Anthony Blackman (right) and James Harris (left), both trainers, demonstrate techniques while security guards watch during an armed self defense class in the Fitness Center on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall March 5.

Guards perfect skills at academy

By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer

Department of the Army security guards from across the National Capital Region honed their skills this week at a joint training academy that is fueled by a passion for professional law enforcement excellence.

Directorates of Emergency Services from Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall (to include Marines from the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH), Fort Belvoir, Fort Meade, and the Arlington Hall National Guard Bureau joined forces to create

the training academy as a way to save money in response to a congressionally mandated changeover from civilian contractor security guards to Department of the Army security guards.

Sessions are held at each of the installations, and this week the 26 guards in the class gathered at JBM-HH and Fort Belvoir.

“Since we’re all within the NCR, we all have the same exact mission, it’s beneficial if we combine resources,” said Capt. Tracie Miller of the JBMHH security force. “Where one

installation may have difficulty fulfilling the mission, another installation might be able to fulfill that gap. Resource sharing ensures mission accomplishment and a diverse force which could operate collaterally at any of our installations.

That gives more flexibility to our mission commanders, as well as our garrison commanders, and of course the public.”

The basic training course for security guards serves an alternative to sending trainees to the nine-week military police see GUARD, page 6

Defense Department civilian employees will particularly feel the pain sequester will bring to the entire defense workforce, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said March 1.

In his first Pentagon press briefing, Hagel outlined the steps the Pentagon and the services will take as the budget mechanism known as sequester, which took effect at midnight March 1, trims roughly half a trillion dollars from defense spending over the next 10 years.

Along with cost-cutting actions by the services to curtail training and maintenance, the department has already announced it will furlough civilian employees beginning in late April, cutting their work hours and pay by 20 percent for the rest of the fiscal year.

“Our number one concern is our people, military and civilian, the millions of men and women of this department who work very hard every day to ensure America’s security,” the secretary said. “I know that these budget cuts will cause pain, particularly among our civilian workforce and their Families. I’m also concerned, as we all are, about the impact on readiness that these cuts will have across our force.”

Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter joined Hagel at the conference and shared his views about defense civilian workers.

“As you know, our civilian workforce is about 800,000 strong,” Carter said. “Those people, too, are dedicated to the defense mission.”

Nearly 90 percent of DoD civilians live outside of Washington, he noted, and nearly half of them are veterans.

“So they’re dedicated to the mission, too,” he said.

“And as the year goes on, many of them will be subject to furlough.”

Civilians make important contributions to the nation’s defense, Carter said.

“They do real things that are really important to us.

And they’ve had their pay frozen for years; now they’re subject to furlough.”

The deputy secretary said the reason civilians join the department, and the reason “I hope they’ll stick with us,” is because of mission.

“They’re committed to what we do, which is defend the country and hope to make a better world,” he said.

“That’s why they do it.”

Weekend resume seminar draws dozens to JBM-HH

By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer

More than three dozen Military District of Washington servicemembers and reservists attempted to sharpen a tool in order to add an edge to their job-searching skills March 2 at the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Community Center.

A resume workshop, sponsored by a Department of Defense contractor and the USO (United Service Organizations), put servicemembers to work on a Saturday morning to tweak and fine tune their written work histories.

“I am in the National Guard, and I am deployed to the NCR [National Capital Region] for a year-long deployment. I leave at the end of May, so I’ll be returning home to Ohio, and I need

Index

Community Spotlight p.2 Commentary p.3 Community p.4 News Notes p.4 Feature p.4 Classifieds p.11

to seek a job when I get back,” Army 2nd Lt. Kristin Cruikshank, who is stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, said of her job searching circumstance. “I’m just starting to apply for jobs now, and I want to make sure my resume is written properly.”

The seminar leader, Verna Staggers, a senior recruiting manager, detailed a number of facts on how resumes get ignored or discarded. While she walked the 40 participants from the beginningto-end process of assembling a resume, she mentioned a human resource agent or prospective PHOTO BY JIM DRESBACH employer spends less than a half minute viewing Recruiting manager and guest speaker Verna Staggers the average resume. The workshop also covered the importance of incorporating popular key addresses active duty servicemembers and reservists during a Holding Down the Homefront resume workshop words into a resume-writing strategy.

held at the community center March 2. More than 30 see RESUME, page 5 people attended the seminar.

Cost cutting

TOG basics

Pg. 8

Pg. 7

Schools affected by sequestration

Soldier indoctrinates younger brother recruit

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Friday, March 8, 2013

PENTAGRAM

PHOTO

Ceremony

BY

SGT. LUISITO BROOKS

The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment participates in an Armed Forces farewell tribute in honor of Leon Panetta, the 23rd s ecretary of Defense, Feb. 8 at Conmy Hall on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Community Spotlight • Name: Lance Cpl. Alan Flores • Job title/where do you work: Admin.

Clerk, Conad, Henderson Hall.

• Military service: USMC. • Favorite sports team: Real Madrid.

• Favorite foods: Wings.

• Favorite band/music artist: Wiz Khalifa.

• Favorite movie: “300.”

• Favorite place you’ve ever traveled to or been stationed: First tour; Henderson Hall.

• What do you like most about working on /visiting JBM-HH: City is new to me; I come from a small town.

• What are your goals for the year?

Get my associates degree. Pick up corporal.

• What do you like most about living in the National Capital Region: Sightseeing.

• What’s your favorite attraction to see in the NCR: Lincoln Memorial.

• What’s the best advice you’ve ever received: Don’t quit on yourself.

• If you won the lottery, what would you do: Depends on how much I won.

• What advice do you have for someone getting stationed at JBM-HH: Go to school, get off base and socialize.

Caption This

PHOTO BY JIM DRESBACH

Caption This #8

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 #7 We must be ...

- Experts at what we do … constantly improving our skills and knowledge.

“Ladies, there’s another one over there - Focused … set priorities and complete the mission. by the bench. No need for someone to get - Committed … to the mission and each other, fostering a community of hurt.” excellence.

Lonny LeGrand Jr. - 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

http://www.army.mil/jbmhh

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

Friday, March 8, 2013

Safety tip Pinned by a PLS

By Sgt. Dale Smith 209th Aviation Support Battalion Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

A few years ago I was deployed to Iraq with the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry, out of Fort Stewart, Ga. We’d just left our outpost and were moving to set up a new one. Once there, my Soldiers and I got busy inside the headquarters setting up walls, radios and other equipment.

When our first palletized loading systems showed up, they dropped off their first CONEX [large metal cargo container] next to us. A second PLS then showed up and while we were outside taking a break, we could hear it backing up. Suddenly, we heard Soldiers yelling for the PLS to stop. My only thought was, “This can’t be good.”

The second PLS was backing up the first CONEX, trying to get as close to it as possible.

The noncommissioned officer that was ground-guiding it was directly behind the PLS instead of off to the side. Since the driver couldn’t see her, he kept backing up and pinned the NCO between the pintle hook and CONEX. He didn’t know he had pinned her and kept backing up. Finally, someone got his attention and yelled for him to pull forward.

Once he did, several of our NCOs raced in to check on the ground guide. She suffered serious injuries and was medically evacuated out of theater.

For me, this situation was hard because, as Soldiers, we know the right way to do our jobs.

On the flip side, we also know the wrong way.

Sometimes we take shortcuts because we either want to get the mission completed quickly so we can move on to another task or so we can get home.

I learned some non-negotiable ground-guiding procedures that terrible day. It’s my hope that you’ll heed my advice and won’t have to watch a comrade be nearly crushed to death.

•Always have two ground guides when backing vehicles and equipment. Ensure there’s one in the front just off to the side, while the other is off to the side to the rear of the vehicle/equipment.

•Only one ground guide gives signals to the operator. Be sure everyone involved (the operator and ground guides) understands who gives the signals and who receives the signals before any movement is done.

•If sight between operator and the ground guide making the signal is lost, the operator must stop the vehicle until the signal is again visible or the confusion is cleared up.

I believe in following these simple steps so accidents like the one I witnessed won’t happen again. To me, the accident was sad because the NCO’s career was over the second she stepped behind the PLS. Always make sure you are doing your job as an NCO and lead by example. Never take shortcuts just to finish sooner. It’s better to be late and safe than injured or dead.

From the Ground Directorate Leaders and supervisors must preserve and protect their Soldiers by enforcing the fundamentals of ground-guiding procedures. Make sure everyone understands the requirements in Army Regulation 385-10, Chapter 11, Prevention of Motor Vehicle Accidents; Training Circular 21-305-20, Manual for the Wheeled Vehicle Operator; and the basic signals to guide vehicle and equipment operators as outlined in Field Manual 21-60, Visual Signals.

PHOTO

BY

COURTNEY DOCK

Parking violations Military police from the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Directorate of Emergency Services ticket parking violators March 4. DES reminds the JBM-HH community to follow all posted parking signs and regulations.

For more information about parking regulations on the Fort Myer and Henderson Hall portions of JBM-HH, call 703-696-3525. For more information about parking regulations on the Fort McNair portion of JBM-HH, call 202-685-3139.

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Senior Army leadership addresses sequestration with Soldiers, civilians To the Soldiers, civilians and leaders of the U.S. Army, As you are aware, sequestration went into effect on Friday, March 1.

Over the past several years, we have faced a lack of predictability and flexibility in our budget cycle and a series of cuts. This fiscal year alone, we face the potential of at least an $18 billion dollar shortfall in our operations and maintenance accounts, due to the combined impacts of sequestration, the continuing resolution and contingency funding. These are the funds that allow us to support operations, maintain readiness and pay our civilian workforce.

While our attention here in Washington is on the fiscal situation and the difficult decisions that will shape our force into the future, we need you to remain focused on the fundamentals: develop your Soldiers, civilians and our future Army leaders; conduct tough, realistic mission-focused training; maintain and account for your equipment; be good stewards of your resources; and sustain the high level of esprit de corps in your organization. Our top priority is to ensure that our forces defending the homeland, those in Afghanistan and Korea, and those next to deploy and rotate into theater, have the resources required to execute their missions. We also recognize that along with risks to readiness, sequestration will also bring particular hardship to our civilian workforce.

We will share information through official Army channels on the impacts of sequestration as soon as it becomes available. You can also expect your Army leadership to visit major installations in the months

ahead to facilitate a dialogue and listen to your concerns and those of your Family members.

Our current fiscal situation is challenging, but we must approach this as an opportunity to demonstrate, once again, our commitment to selfless service and our profession. Our Army will always remain, in every respect, the Strength of the Nation. Army Strong!

Raymond F. Chandler III Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond T. Odierno General, United States Army Chief of Staff John M. McHugh Secretary of the Army

Troop financial readiness important to force, official says

By Nick Simeone American Forces Press Service

“It’s never too early to start saving for retirement no matter how young you are,” said a top Pentagon official, reminding those in uniform of how important it is to act now to ensure long-term financial readiness.

The message from Barbara Thompson, director of the Pentagon’s office of Family Policy/Children and Youth, is part of the year-long “Military Saves Campaign,” a nationwide effort to encourage servicemembers to build wealth and avoid debt. The financial health of members of the military is of top concern to the Defense Department because officials say servicemembers who have financial problems may be distracted from mission readiness. DoD offers a range of tools that provide financial advice to service personnel, including the website saveandinvest.org.

Thompson told AFPS and the Pentagon Channel that members of the military, perhaps more than those in other professions, face greater financial stress because of the nature of their jobs.

“The complexity of today’s financial environment combined with the realities of the military life,

including frequent moves and deployment, present special financial challenges,” Thompson said.

But they are challenges, she said, that can be easily managed.

“Financial stability means you can pay your bills on time, and have a little bit in reserve to take care of those unexpected emergencies,” Thompson said. She suggests starting by examining monthly expenses.

“Look at your credit card, look at your APR [annual percentage rate],” Thompson said. “Reduce the number of credit cards you have, making sure you pay off as much as you can every month because that interest is causing a huge drain on your financial well being.”

DoD studies have found that junior enlisted servicemembers are at an increased risk of experiencing financial problems. Pentagon data obtained through surveys and supplied to AFPS by Thompson’s office suggests an increase last year in those who experienced one or more problems in paying bills.

Having an overall financial strategy with achievable, identifiable goals, she said, is a key to successful money management.

“I think what’s important is that we know what our goals are and how comfortable we feel [about] the risk involved with not having sav-

ings and not having money in the bank,” Thompson said.

And that leads to knowing the difference between short- and longterm financial goals. Thompson identified near-term goals as those that include everything from having enough cash to cover living expenses, building an emergency fund, paying down debt, saving for a vacation or buying a car — generally expenses anticipated to occur within five years.

“Long term is really thinking about your future, thinking about your children’s future, thinking about college education for your children, thinking about buying a home, thinking about retirement,” she said.

And no matter how far-off retirement might seem, Thompson stressed the importance of developing spending habits that will ensure financial stability into later life, especially at a time when the nation is going through a period of budget and economic uncertainty.

“Even though it seems so far away and so out of the picture, it’s important in today’s world that you start saving,” she said, “because we’re not really sure what the picture is going to be in the next 50 years, or what our social security is and what our benefits are going to be.”

Lavender honors Tuskegee Airman

By Leah Rubalcaba Community Relations Officer Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Command Sgt. Maj. Earlene Lavender honored former Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. (retired) Miles Washington, Jr. during a ceremony held Feb. 28 at the HCR Manor Care nursing home in Arlington, Va. The ceremony was coordinated by Manor Care Director of Activities Gloria Allen in honor of Black History Month.

“It was important for us to have members of our military present to recognize Mr. Washington and his accomplishments as an African-American servicemember,” said Allen. “This was also a great opportunity to show our appreciation for his service and dedication to our county.”

Representatives from JBM-HH and servicemembers from the U.S. Army Recruiting Company headquarters in Arlington joined Washington’s friends and family members for the ceremony.

Special remarks were provided by Washington’s long-time friend, and fellow Tuskegee Airman, William Fauntroy.

“You don’t know who you will meet in your lifetime who will give you a goal you want to reach,” said Fauntroy as he described how Washington’s friendship changed his life. “I wanted to be like him,” Fauntroy said of his friend “Nick” Washington and explained how he followed Washington in joining the Army.

Together, they became among the first AfricanAmerican servicemen to serve as Tuskegee Airmen

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

(From the left) Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Command Sgt. Maj. Earlene Y. Lavender poses for a photograph with retired Lt. Col. Miles Washington Jr., his wife Cozette and their daughter Marion Scott.

during World War II. “We changed the world together,” said Fauntroy.

Lavender provided congratulatory remarks and presented both Washington and his wife, Cozette, with Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall command coins for excellence in recognition of their years of service.

“You both served together,” said Lavender, “And I thank you on behalf of the Military District of Washington Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Michael Linnington, and the Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall Commander, Col. Fern O. Sumpter.”

Lavender also presented a command coin to Fauntroy, thanking him for his service and his loyal, life-long friendship with Washington.

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Friday, March 8, 2013

Community

Vibrant atmosphere of Myer was fine for Colin Powell

By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer

According to official State Department records, Colin Powell led or participated in 214 diplomatic missions as secretary of state. From 2001 through 2005, the once Army four-star general conducted either solo or joint diplomatic visits with President George W. Bush across the continents of the globe.

With due respect to the cosmopolitan centers of Paris, Brussels and Rome, where Powell visited for peace-seeking meetings, world capitals did not compare to the hustle and bustle of Fort Myer. The base served as Powell’s home on three occasions during his military and public service career.

Powell unrolled the family welcome mat at Fort Myer’s quarters 23A, quarters 27 and the venerable and historic quarters 6 as the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman from 1989 to his military retirement in 1993.

While Myer brick and mortar provided shelter, Powell could often be found in back of his residence or garage fine-tuning his passion. Behind quarters 23, no historical marker reads “Gen. Powell tinkered here” but the former Secretary of State — a man who advised Ronald Reagan, a pair of Bush administrations and Bill Clinton – got his hands dirty working on Volvos within a few strides of the officers club.

“The first time [at Fort Myer], I think, was back in 1983 when I worked for [Defense] Secretary Caspar] Weinberger, and I was in quarters 23A right across from the [officers] club,” he remembered.

“The little parking lot behind the quarters was big enough for two cars. The MPs always took a dim view of me disassembling cars. I was surprised I got away with it because it was not the most elegant presentation to have before the officers club.”

Later in the 1980s, after a quick stay at Fort McNair, the Powells again resided in Lee Avenue’s quarters 27. A command assignment at Fort McPherson in Georgia preceded his stint as Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman and a moving day into Myer’s quarters 6.

While a general’s row address was as attractive as the scenic view of Washington D.C., the abundance of garage space was prime motivation for Powell’s Volvo addiction.

“The best part of those quarters was that behind the house were all these garages, so I had three of those garage bays,” the 12th Joint Chiefs chairman recalled. “They were always filled with dead Volvos being stripped. My driver, Sgt. Otis Pearson, and I would find dead cars and drag them home on the end of a rope. We tried to do

PENTAGRAM

News Notes Daylight saving time Daylight saving time begins March 10 at 2 a.m. Don’t forget to set your clocks one hour ahead before going to bed Saturday night.

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.

COURTESY

PHOTO

Colin Powell signs books at the exchange on the Fort Myer portion of JBMHH Dec. 15, 2012. Powell lived on Fort Myer various times throughout his military career.

it late at night, so it didn’t get too much attention.”

Sept. 30, 1993, the day Powell retired from the military, is a significant date in the general’s life and Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall history. That day on Summerall Field, a sitting chief executive, a former president, first ladies and ordinary Soldiers saluted Powell.

“It was memorable, and of course, when we lived at 23 and 27, we could look out [on Summerall Field] from our kitchen window and see the retirement ceremonies taking place,” Powell said. “That was an important part of living there. We heard a lot of music coming off that parade field.

“President [Bill] Clinton was there. Vice President [Al] Gore was there. Former President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush along with Hillary Clinton were there,” Powell said of his retirement ceremony. “It was a heck of a turnout. I was enormously honored and flattered, and I really wasn’t looking for that type of ceremony — that big and elaborate.”

With the retirement ceremony concluded, Powell fondly remembered the reception – and the surprise gift he received at a Conmy Hall reception.

“We had a wonderful reception across the street,” Powell continued. “And to my enormous delight and surprise after the receiving line was finished and everybody had gone through, President Clinton and Vice President Gore and Secretary of Defense [Les] Aspin presented me with a junker Volvo. It was such a clunker. I didn’t know how they found it. My driver dragged it on to Fort Myer, so it could be a gift to me from the president of the United States. It was the one Volvo I wasn’t able to fix.

But when the president gives you a car, you just can’t junk it right away. So, I put it in one of my garages behind the quarters at Fort Myer — quarters 6. I waited a respectable amount of time — about a year or so — and we snuck it out of there

and gave it a quiet burial.”

A favorite Powell Fort Myer anecdote centers around JBMHH base tradition, one of his many permanent changes of station and a moving crew that assisted in his family’s transition.

“I have one story that’s my favorite. I’ve never really told it before because it takes a little while to tell,” Powell said during the telephone interview.

“When we were moving from 23A, the movers came, and they brought a bunch of good old boys from somewhere down in southwest Virginia, who never had been on a military base their whole lives. They were doing the packing up. So while they were packing up stuff, they were pretty excited to be next to Arlington Cemetery and see all the hustle and bustle and the generals and Soldiers going by.

“They had a good time those two days packing me up,” he continued with the story. “As they were finishing and I was thanking them, they said: ‘You know general, there’s one question we have to ask; we just have to ask it. We always thought it was a special thing to get buried at Fort Myer and Arlington Cemetery, but we couldn’t believe what we saw yesterday. We saw a pickup truck going by with a casket in it and two GI’s sitting on the casket. And we thought, good Lord, that’s not very dignified.’ “‘I said, ‘You saw what?’ “’We saw a pickup truck go by with a casket in it, and two GI’s sitting on the casket.’

“Then it dawned on me, and I broke out laughing,” Powell continued. “I told them that wasn’t a funeral. I told them those were The Old Guard Soldiers going to practice. Then I drove them down the end of the road [Lee Avenue], so they could watch an actual funeral leave The Old Post Chapel and go into Arlington Cemetery. They were very much reassured that the Army still had its traditions.”

Powell is still a frequent visitor to JBM-HH. In December, he conducted a book signing at the Fort Myer Exchange, and he takes advantage of the Army atmosphere as much as possible.

“I get to the PX at Fort Myer all the time on a fairly regular basis,” he said. “We still pick up all our medical prescriptions down at the clinic, Rader Clinic.

So Fort Myer means a lot to me and my wife. We had a lot of challenging assignments while we were there. It was from quarters 6 that we supervised the invasion of Panama and Desert Shield and Desert PHOTO BY JIM DRESBACH Storm. We watched a lot of hisFormer President Bill Clinton talks with former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman tory go by – the end of the Cold Colin Powell during funeral services for Gen. John M. Shalikashvili at Memorial War. Fort Myer will always be an important part of our lives.”

Chapel on JBM-HH Oct. 7, 2011.

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.

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 JBMHH. 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.

Easter egg splash Registration is open for the children’s Easter egg splash March 23, noon-2:30 p.m. at the Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec Pool. Register in person by March 15 and pay the $5 fee per child at the event. For more information, call 703-693-7351.

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 703-697-7342.

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 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.

Driver improvement class The Henderson Hall Safety Office will host a driver improvement course March 14 and 21 for Marines who need to attend. All Marines under the age of 26 must attend a course in traffic safety designed to establish and reinforce positive behaviors toward driving within 60 days of check-in. This is the CMC-approved course.

All class sessions will be held in the Marine Corps Exchange training room on the third floor of Bldg. 29 from 8 a.m.-noon. Sign-in will take place the morning of the class session.

NDU 5K run/walk National Defense University will hold a 5K run/walk March 14 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on the Fort McNair Continues on next page

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Friday, March 8, 2013

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News Notes Continued from previous page

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 one in Shamrock Shuffle the second floor front vestibule. For more JBM-HH kicks off the 2013 information, call 571-483-1949.

Commanders Cup Race Series March Company commander/first sergeant 15 with the annual Shamrock Shuffle course 5K Run/1 Mile Walk. Registration is now open online at www.jbmhh The USAMDW company commandMWR.com and participation is free. er/first sergeant course will be held April Online registration closes March 13. 15-18 in room 3305, Lincoln Hall, The race begins at 6:35 a.m. at the National Defense University, on the Fort Fort Myer Fitness Center, Bldg. 414, McNair portion of JBM-HH. All JFHQwith race day/late registration NCR/MDW company commanders and accepted at the fitness center from first sergeants are required to attend this 5:30-6:15 a.m. March 15. For further training. For more information, contact information, contact Todd Hopkins at Michael Egly at 202-685-2910 or via email at Michael.c.egly.civ@mail.mil or 703-939-1045.

David Stone at 202-685-1923 or via email Kindergarten readiness at david.g.stone.ctr@mail.mil.

Join the MCCS school liaison proDaddy Daughter dance gram at a ready, set, go kindergarten readiness event March 16 from 10 Headquarters and Service Battalion, a.m.-noon in Rosenthal Theater, Headquarters Marine Corps Henderson Bldg. 29A, on the Henderson Hall Hall will hold its 2013 Daddy Daughter portion of JBM-HH. Topics include dance April 27 from 6-9:30 p.m. at the information and forms for registering Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel.The event your child, tips to help your child is open to all Marines and Sailors transition to kindergarten and school attached to H&S Bn., HQMC, HH. RSVP bus safety. Register by March 15 by no later than April 12 to hqmc.daddydaughternace.2013@gmail.com. Include calling 703-693-8373. portion of JBM-HH. About 200 people are expected to participate. Runners will use 2nd Ave., 4th Ave., B St., and E St. No roads will be blocked, however expect some delays at this time. For more information, call 703-696-3290.

rank, full name, e-mail, contact phone in April and May on weekdays, days to be number, and full names and ages of determined, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium. Team daughters. size is 12 players plus one coach, and play AOWCGWA community grants is open to Department of Defense identiThe AOWCGWA is now accepting fication card holders. Register at applications for community grants. If you www.mccsHH.com/AthleticSports.html are interested in receiving a community or visit the Semper Fit office in Bldg. 29, grant, visit www.aowcgwa.org and click Rm. 3005. Registration closes March 15. on scholarships and community grants. For more information, call 703-697The deadline for applications is April 17. 2706/2708.

All grant recipients will be awarded Pizza nights checks June 27.

The USO will hold pizza nights the Boots to Business workshop first and third Saturdays of the month The Career Resource Management from 6-8 p.m. at the Honor Guard Center announces a new Small Business Lounge, Bldg. 405 on the Fort Myer porAdministration Boots to Business work- tion of JBM-HH. Servicemembers and shop. Geared toward transitioning mili- their Families are welcome. For more tary servicemembers, military spouses information, call 703-696-0958. and veterans, the workshop is designed Email bulletin web accessible to determine if starting a business is right for you. After the two-day work- The email bulletin is now accessible on shop, each participant will have a feasi- the JBM-HH website www.army. bility analysis deliverable that will serve mil/jbmhh.The website will be your go-to as the basis for future business planning. location to find out what’s happening on The first session on JBM-HH is May 13- JBM-HH and will be updated daily or as 14. Additional sessions are June 19-20 needed. In the near future, email and Nov. 12-13. The workshop is free and blasts/bulletins will be used only for reservations must be made by calling emergency or critical information.

703-614-6828.

Spring sports sign-up Registration is open for MCCS Henderson Hall spring basketball and volleyball leagues. Games will be played

Resume, from page 1 “With technology [today], you really have to hit hard on certain key words because a lot of companies use software programs today to pick out those key words,” Staggers said. “If the words aren’t on your resume, you’re not going to get noticed.”

Employment tip seminars will continue to be held quarterly at either Fort Belvoir or JBM-HH, and an emphasis is being placed on

Road ready

PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE

Amarjeet Pannu, mobile unit coordinator with Virginia’s Department of Motor Vehicles, assists Maj. Charmaine Kaula, Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic, during a visit. The DMV’s mobile unit positioned itself across the street from the Bowling Center on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall to provide services March 5.

More than 100 customers visited the mobile unit. The next scheduled mobile DMV event is April 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The DMV mobile unit will be parked in the lot across from the Fort Myer Bowling Center off of McNair Road on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH. The service is open to active duty, family members, retirees, veterans with DD214, DoD civilians and contractors on location. Appointments are not required.

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Please send your news notes to the Pentagram at pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com offering resume writing webinars, which are scheduled to commence during the month of March.

Additionally, new job-search topics may be introduced include networking for a job and transitioning military skills into civilian employment.

The free, one-hour resume workshop is part of USO’s Holding Down the Homefront program. To learn more about the webinar and future HDTH workshops, contact the USO on JBM-HH at 703-969-2628.

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Friday, March 8, 2013

Guard, from page 1 course at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and includes sessions on firearms training, self-defense, baton training and classes on force protection and active control policy and procedure.

“These are things they need to do every day,” explained Miller.

Jeffrey Nesmyer, directorate of emergency services, Fort Belvoir, serves as the dean of the academy.

“Their job depends upon them graduating from here,” he said.

Many of the guards bring a civilian or even military law enforcement background with them to their position as security guards at installations throughout MDW. “I don’t know of any other venture in the police security realm

PENTAGRAM

where agencies come together to capitalize on each other’s strengths to accomplish the mission,” added Miller.

In addition to saving the installations money, the 107-hour training course also gives guards serving throughout the NCR the same skills, meaning they can be used at installations throughout MDW. Guards who graduate from the academy meet Army and Department of Defense requirements and can work anywhere within the DA, stressed Nesmyer.

Guards also learn about military rank structure and customs and courtesies during training.

“Now we know the people we have in the National Capital Region are all trained exactly the same,” he said. “We don’t have to worry as people who are

in charge of people, ‘okay did you receive the proper training?’”

“We get subject matter experts to come in to ensure that these guys get the best possible training,” Nesmyer continued. “Once they graduate here, they still have more training they have to accomplish to operate on their own installations. Everybody has unique things that go on on their installation. They have to sustain that training.”

Reid noted that Fort Meade Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein recently checked IDs during rush hour there.

“He had a great time,” continPHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE ued Reid. “He also passed on the highest level of confidence that Lance Cpl. Aldante Ball (left), Henderson Hall, and Guy our officers can accomplish what Eldredge, Fort Meade, practice techniques during an armed self defense class in the fitness center on Joint they’re doing.”

Base Myer-Henderson Hall March 5.

Austin, Rodriguez confirmed to lead Centcom, Africom

(All services at Memorial Chapel on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH unless otherwise indicated)

By Karen Parrish American Forces Press Service

The Senate confirmed March 5 two Army generals as the new commanders of regional combatant commands.

Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, currently the vice chief of staff of the Army, will succeed Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis as the next commander of U.S. Central Command.

Army Gen. David M. Rodriguez, who now commands U.S. Army Forces Command at Fort Bragg, N.C., will succeed Army Gen. Carter F. Ham as the commander of U.S. Africa Command.

Centcom’s area of responsibility covers 20 countries in the Middle East and Southwest Asia, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Syria and Yemen. Africom, formally established in 2008 with headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, is the nation’s newest geographical combatant command, responsible for operations, exercises and security cooperation on the African continent.

Austin and Rodriguez testified together during their confirmation hearing Feb. 14. Austin told Senate Armed Services Committee members the war in Afghanistan remains Centcom’s top priority.

“I will do everything within my power to help set the broader conditions for our success in this most important endeavor,” he said.

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Roman Catholic Lent/Easter schedule

March 15 and 22 — Stations of the Cross at 6 p.m., followed by a penitential supper in the fellowship hall at 6:30 p.m.

March 23-24 — Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, rite of blessing and procession of palms. 5 p.m. Saturday Mass; 9 a.m. Sunday Mass.

March 25-27 — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday noon Mass.

OFFICIAL ARMY

PHOTO

Gen. Lloyd Austin was confirmed March 5 as the next commander of U.S. Central Command.

Rodriguez told committee members that as Africom’s commander he would “[work] closely with this committee, as well as all our joint, interagency, intergovernmental and multinational partners to address the challenges we face, and the opportunities to increase stability on this strategically important continent.”

Both Mattis and Ham will retire this year.

Holy Week Triduum liturgies: March 28 — Holy Thursday, liturgy of the Lord’s Supper, 6 p.m. (No other Mass is allowed. No noon Mass).

March 29 — Good Friday, liturgy of Our Lord’s Passion and Death, 6 p.m. This is not a Mass, as none is allowed on Good Friday.

March 30 – Easter Vigil Mass, 7:30 p.m.

Blessing and lighting of the new fire and the paschal candle, procession in to the church for the singing of the Easter proclamation, The Exsultet.

March 31 – Solemn Easter Sunday Mass, 9 a.m. Special liturgical music provided by chapel choir, flutist and brass ensemble.

PENTAGRAM

Friday, March 8, 2013

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Arlington National Cemetery to share design, details for Millennium expansion project

By Arlington National Cemetery Public Affairs Office

The Millennium Project at Arlington National Cemetery started in the late 1990s, when Congress realized that Arlington National Cemetery was near capacity. Expansion areas were limited, but through law, Congress directed a land transfer from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and the National Park Service; paired with existing Arlington property, the Millennium Project was born.

The initial 2006 design for the Millennium Project called for removing the vast majority of the vegetation and trees in the project area, as well as filling in the stream that runs through the project to the Ord and Weitzel Drive. There was significant public opposition to this proposal. Alternate designs were developed between 2006 and 2010.

On June 10, 2010, the Secretary of the Army installed new leadership at Arlington National Cemetery. This leadership team made sweeping changes to Arlington’s operations, including instituting environmentally friendly practices ranging from sustainable landscape design, to permeable sidewalks, and eco-friendly vehicles and smaller turf-utility vehicles.

ILLUSTRATION

COURTESY

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

The current proposed design of the Millennium expansion project at Arlington National Cemetery, Va. This design is estimated to add close to 30,000 burial and niche spaces to the cemetery.

Arlington leadership also asked the Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District to develop a more environmentally-friendly design that incorporates the area’s natural beauty and historic nature. The current design, which is 65 percent complete, includes restoring the stream and preserving the trees within 50 to 100 feet of the stream, as well as the other areas where possible.

The area commonly known as “Arlington Woods,” belongs to the National Park Service

and is adjacent to the Millennium Project footprint.

No native trees will be removed from this National Park Service property. There will be improvements to the condition of the existing stream in the Arlington Woods area. Arlington Woods does contain trees estimated at up to 235 years old.

The trees identified for removal as part of the Millennium Project are all in areas that were clear cut during the Civil War. The impacted trees are a maxi-

mum of 145 years old; the majority are between 50-100 years old.

Arlington National Cemetery has been consulting with local, state, and federal agencies and organizations as the current design is developed. Based on the comments received, the designers are modifying proposed plans to save as many trees as possible. Arlington is also incorporating several hundred native trees and shrubs into the Millennium landscape design, since some of

the existing vegetation is invasive.

The Millennium Project is estimated to add close to 30,000 additional burial and niche spaces to Arlington National Cemetery. The Army is committed to maintaining Arlington National Cemetery as an active cemetery for as long as possible for our nation’s military heroes and their Families.

Arlington National Cemetery is interested in sharing information about the new design and obtaining public feedback about the project, and has scheduled an open house and site visit on Saturday, March 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. The open house will begin with a briefing at the Women In Military Service for America Memorial (WIMSA) and then transition to a site visit of three areas associated with the Millennium Project.

Representatives from Arlington National Cemetery’s engineering and horticulture offices, as well as representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District, will narrate the visit and be available to answer questions.

The activity is three hours in length, begins at WIMSA, and will involve some walking.

The event is free-of-charge, but reservations are required.

Call 703-614-0062 for reservations, or e-mail Arlington Cemetery.pao@mail.mil.

Old Guard Soldier mentors younger brother

By Sgt. Luisito Brooks 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Public Affairs Office

Sgt. Frank Frenette was greeted by a familiar face one night during a 24-hour shift at the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment’s (The Old Guard), regimental indoctrination program [RIP] room on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

His younger brother, Spc. James Frenette, who was carrying bags of equipment and uniforms over his shoulders, was in town. He wasn’t there for a social visit, however. He was reporting for duty.

“I applied to come to The Old Guard because it is such an amazing unit,” said James, supply specialist, Delta Company, 3d U.S. Inf. Regt. (The Old Guard). “I was so excited when I was accepted. I knew that it would also get me closer to my brother, which was really nice as well. I thought it was cool that my brother would teach me how to be ‘Old Guard.’”

The Old Guard’s primary mission is to conduct funerals for our nation’s heroes in Arlington National Cemetery.

To ensure Soldiers carry out this solemn mission with the utmost professionalism, they go through RIP, a four-week training program which teaches new Old Guard recruits the high uniform, rifle manual and marching standards of The Old Guard.

Frank, a RIP instructor who has been training new Soldiers for more than a year, said it was a unique opportunity to train someone so close to him.

“This unit means so much to me, so having my brother come here means a lot,” said Frank. “We had always been close when we were growing up.

It seems like we can’t stay apart from each other for very long.”

During their childhood, the two brothers were inseparable. They enjoyed everything from competitive sports to video games with one another.

“We were just two years apart, so we did almost everything together. When we were in high school, I tried to really look after him,” said Frank. “I made sure that I shared with him everything that I knew.”

After high school, the two went their separate ways to begin their adult lives. Frank joined the Army, and James went on to college. However, James found himself out of work with with no way to support his family shortly after graduating.

“I had no idea what I was going to do,” said James. “I was talking to my brother one day and he suggested that I consider the military.”

James let that conversation sink in for a while.

A few months went by before he decided to raise his right hand to serve his country.

“Joining was a great decision. I couldn’t have been happier that I finally listened to my brother,” James said jokingly. “I really think it is so interesting now that we are together again. I have learned so many things about the Army and this unit from my brother. It is like back when we were younger.”

The Frenette brothers ensured their relationship would not interfere with the mission at hand.

“When the uniform is on he is respectful just like anybody else, but when we are off work things go back to normal for us,” said Frank. “I was able to train with him every day just like the other Soldiers, and I didn’t let him cut any corners during the training.”

Frank said he never showed his brother favoritism. Instead he was a little harder on him because of their relationship.

“My brother didn’t hesitate to call me out occasionally as his demonstrator or if I was jacked up,” said James. “I kept hearing my name being called, and I would respond ‘yes, sergeant.”

At the end of each week during RIP the Soldiers are tested and graded on what they learned.

James admitted the testing on the rifle manual was the most difficult, but he was able to get some well needed training while off duty by his big brother.

“I called him when I had any questions about something we learned,” said James. “On the weekend I would visit him, and he would help me work on movements and getting my timing down.”

Frank said it was important to make sure his sibling and every Soldier was trained to the standard.

“It’s crucial that my brother and all these Soldiers are trained and graduate on time. They each have a particular job that will help The Old Guard carry out its mission,” said Frank. “My job is to make sure this unit has trained Soldiers.”

Frank continued by saying how proud he was of the hard work and accomplishments of his younger brother.

“I know he was surprised when he saw all that goes into being an Old Guard Soldier, but it was great to see him go through it and come out better,” said Frank. “I am a proud brother.”

Their relationship did not change throughout the course of the RIP program.

“My brother has helped me learn the standards of this great unit, and I appreciate him for that,” said James. “What he did and continues to do for me is something that I will always be thankful for.”

PHOTOS

BY

SGT. LUISITO BROOKS

TOP — Sgt. Frank Frenette (left), instructor, Regimental Indoctrination Program [RIP], Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), inspects Pfc. Joshua McCoy’s, infantryman, Bravo Company, 3d U.S. Inf. Regt. (The Old Guard) uniform, Feb. 3, on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Frenette also had the opportunity to train his younger brother, Spc. James Frenette, during RIP. RIP teaches new Old Guard recruits the high uniform, rifle manual and marching standards of The Old Guard. Frank was unable attend his brother’s graduation because he was scheduled to begin a trainers’ course at Fort Lee, Va. ABOVE — Sgt. Rikki Reed (right), instructor, Regimental Indoctrination Program [RIP], Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), fastens a buff strap on Spc. James Frenette, supply specialist, Delta Company, during a RIP graduation Feb. 6, on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. RIP, a four-week training program, teaches new Old Guard recruits the high uniform, rifle manual and marching standards of The Old Guard. James’ brother, Sgt. Frank Frenette, also serves as a RIP instructor and assisted in his brother’s training.

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Friday, March 8, 2013

PENTAGRAM

‘Attitude’ survey now open to DA civilian workforce

By Hank Minitrez Army News Service

The Army Civilian Attitude Survey, the Army’s primary attitude and opinion poll of its DA civilian workforce, is open by email invitation worldwide.

The online survey, which opened Feb. 3, aims to confidentially tackle tough questions on job satisfaction, performance management, and other topics. To date, more than 40,000 civilian employees have responded to the survey.

“A survey is one of the few ways a commander can gauge the pulse of what's going on in their command workforce,” said Murray Mack, from the Office of the Assistant G-1 for Civilian Personnel. “Surveys really fill the need for reliable information.”

The survey has been administered every few years since 1977. In the past, the Army could only poll a small random sample of the civilian workforce due to the cost of survey administration. Through recent technology, the entire Army civilian workforce, including foreign nationals — more than 250,000 personnel — are now invited to participate via the Army Training Requirements and Resources System survey tool.

Survey feedback reports are prepared for every Army organization

that contains at least 50 people with at least 10 people responding.

The reports will be distributed approximately six weeks following the end of the survey administration period, on or about March 31, 2013.

Mack expects a high response level this year due to civilian workforce concerns such as the impact of pending budget reductions and the sequestration. While the timing of the survey may not be the best, gathering this information will be beneficial for employees and the Army.

While the answers about employees’ work environments may give commanders insight into opinions, it is up to commanders and senior leaders to make changes when necessary. Leaders often use the information gathered from the surveys to hold focus groups with their employees to obtain additional information.

“A survey can’t tell you why people responded the way they did; it will only tell you how they responded,” said Mack.

The survey has a core set of questions in order to track employee trends over time, but questions pertaining to current issues are added with each survey administration, such as telework and alternative work schedules.

Sequestration to affect DoD schools, commissaries

By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service

Civilian personnel at Department of Defense Education Activity schools and the Defense Commissary Agency will be affected by sequestration, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said here March 4.

The department will struggle to ensure Department of Defense Education Activity, or DoDEA — which serves 84,000 students at 194 schools — maintains an accredited school year, Little said.

“We’re mindful that we need to protect the education of military children,” Little told reporters at the Pentagon. But teachers and support personnel at DoDEA schools will be subject to the furlough. DoD civilian personnel will be furloughed one day a week from April through the end of September, unless Congress intervenes.

“We are going to do everything we can to manage the furlough process in a manner that enables military children to receive an accredited school year for this academic year,” he said.

Summer school will not be affected by furloughs, Little said, but the first month of the 2014 school year could be.

It’s also “likely,” he said, that the 247 commissaries worldwide will be

COURTESY PHOTO

Sixth-graders Katelyn Vance and Matthew Hayes sing in Chinese while performing the appropriate signs in American sign language as Teacher of the Year Kathy Henley leads May 26 at Faith Middle School.

forced to close one additional day each week. Commissaries are already closed Mondays.

Commissary workers also will be furloughed, Little said.

“This will cause pain,” he said.

Furloughs will cut into commissary workers’ paychecks, and for patrons, it means there will be one less day each week to shop at a military commissary. This would not start immediately but would kick in at the same time that furloughs begin — probably at the end of April.

Sequestration, which also will affect military readiness and operations, is “something we are going to have to manage, while we protect the country,” Little said.

No tuition assistance, no problem Cpl. Paris Capers Combat Correspondent Quantico Sentry

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Saturday, March 16th, 2013 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Marines around the world interested in pursuing higher education — whether to become competitive for promotion or prepare for a head start as a civilian — received news March 4 that the Marine Corps no longer offers tuition assistance due to budgetary constraints.

Without tuition assistance there is still hope for servicemembers to achieve their education goals with the help of financial aid, the GI Bill and more. Tuition assistance has changed, but the mission to educate

Lifestyle.

Marines and Sailors remains the same.

ALNAV 014/13 outlines the changes to affect Navy operations such as delays placed on naval deployments and early returns of ships, but also touches closer to home for Marines with reduced advertising contracts and the freeze placed on tuition assistance.

“We need to remain positive and encouraging,” said Melora J. McVicker, Education Services Officer at the Lifelong Learning Center. “There are other failsafes built into the system that will allow people to continue their education.”

According to McVicker, it is important for Marines not to lose perspective and be open to alternate routes to their goals. Tuition assistance was not the only road to education, and many programs remain available for use, potentially in conjunction with one another.

Financial aid, which was compatible with tuition assistance, remains untouched by the sequestration.

Those interested in information about or applying for financial aid should visit www.fasfa.ed.gov.

Every Marine is eligible for one of two GI Bills. Depending on time in service and overall education goals,, using one over the other may be preferred.

Individuals interested in information about or applying for either the Montgomery GI Bill or Post 9/11 GI Bill can visit www.gibill.va.gov.

Grants, scholarships and other financial aid are other options available for pursing higher education.

Whether private scholarships or government funded, they remain a considerable boost toward education goals.

More information about this aid can be found at www.ed.gov/sg.

“Marines are worried they won’t be able to finish their degrees, but they have the “Three Ds” any successful student is going to need,” McVicker said. “They have dedication, determination and discipline. That’s what’s going to get them through.”

PHOTO

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BY

LANCE CPL. TIMOTHY NORRIS

Amanda Hayman reviews the course syllabus with students on Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Oct 21.

Although tuition assistance has been reduced, financial alternatives are available through scholarships, federal grants, GI Bill and financial aid from various colleges.

PENTAGRAM

Friday, March 8, 2013

9

Henderson Hall Motor Transport keeps Headquarters Marine Corps moving

By Rhonda Apple Pentagram Staff Writer

How do senior Marines and other military leadership get from one place to another in a timely manner, navigating the heavy traffic, which is a challenge almost any day throughout the National Capital Region?

Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps Henderson Hall Motor Transport Platoon ensures transportation needs are fulfilled.

Master Sgt. William Dixon, Motor Transport officer at H&S Bn, HQMC Henderson Hall, sets the bar high for his Marines. In fact, he said the word no is not part of the vocabulary there. Dixon, a motor transport chief, has filled the rank of a Marine captain’s position as the MT officer since October 2011. He works with 24 Marine transport operators at Motor Transport, located in Bldg. 28 on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall.

“We’re transporters, not drivers. Anyone can drive, but not everyone can transport. We’re transporters of the headquarters element.

This is what we do. We fulfill the mission of providing efficient, economical and safe motor transport vehicle servic-

es to Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps throughout the National Capital Region,” said Dixon.

“With this transportation branch here being the flagpole of the showpiece for the Marine Corps, we set the tone for other transportation pools out there. We give professional, courteous, curbside honors to everyone who enters our vehicles.

You will see these Marines crisp and sharp at all times and that’s what Marines do.”

Dixon credited Henderson Hall Commanding Officer Col. Ira M. Cheatham and Battalion Sgt. Maj. Craig D. Cressman as leaders who “gave us the tools to evaluate how we were doing business, how we’re doing business now and how we’ll do business in the future.

“With changes in leadership came fresh ideas… We changed our standard operating procedure… adding to how we do business and we changed the way vehicles are requested,” he said. “All these supporting units didn’t know Headquarters Marine Corps had a motor pool.”

Dixon feels the MT battalion has made an effort to support transport requests from outside the National Capital Region by attempting to link up

requests with other supporting agencies.

“We normally provide transport within a 100mile radius.” Any requests for vehicles beyond this distance must have approval from the transportation branch at Quantico, he said.

“We support Army units, Navy units and we’ve supported Air Force units with vehicle support,” said Dixon.

“We provide medical transport for Marines going to Wounded Warrior Regiments, Marines throughout the National Capital Region going for professional military education duties. We support every three-star Marine Corps general at the Pentagon on a daily basis,” said Dixon.

Transportation support is also available to the Naval Support Facility in Arlington, Va.; Marine Barracks 8th and I, Washington, D.C.; the Young Marines program; Barcroft Elementary School; JROTC and NROTC competitions and other authorized community relations events. The Marines also provide supply and administrative runs for Headquarters Marine Corps.

With a total allowance of 39 personnel, Motor T is currently operating with 24 Marines. In addition to Dixon, this includes a motor transport chief,

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BY

maintenance chief, platoon sergeant, dispatcher and assistant, quality control noncommissioned officer in charge and assistant and transporters. “We’re at a gap, but Marines do what we do. We take what we have, and we make mission,” said Dixon.

“We have 41 pieces of motor transport equipment. Out of those, 27 are motor transport vehicles. We own tractors and have small scooters that assist with taking administrative runs to the battalion,” said Dixon. Other vehicles in their motor pool include a five-ton truck; a three-ton box truck; 44-passenger buses; 12-passenger vans and cargo vans, sedans and minivans.

Some of the vehicles are loaned from the transportation branch at Marine Base Quantico.

Sgt. Rodney Sanders, quality control noncommissioned officer in charge said he’s tasked with ensuring the vehicles are maintained properly. “We make sure the [preventive] maintenance is done correctly – from tire pressure and fluids to a clean vehicle, including the interior,” he said. “My team ensures there are no problems with the vehicle for the entire duration it is checked

RACHEL LARUE

Sgt. Kristofer Boddie (left) and Sgt. Pedro Guerrero check the engine of a bus after it is returned to the motor pool on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall March 5.

“Beannachtam Na Feile Padraig!”

Happy St. Patrick’s Day March 17th

Join us for your favorite pint and a great selection of food including traditional Irish fare.

1301 S. Joyce Street, Arlington, VA

703-415-4420 sineirishpub.com 1037744B

Located at Pentagon Row

1038026B

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Pfc. Matthew Newton checks the engine of a truck after it is returned to the motor pool on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall March 5.

out until its return.”

Keeping the vehicles clean for their passengers is a small challenge, since there is no wash rack at Motor Transportation. “The Marines get out there as a team, using elbow grease to clean the vehicles,” said Dixon.

“Here at Henderson Hall we get to do things Marines don’t do in the fleet. We work with the leadership — generals who are in charge of us,

the sergeant major of the Marine Corps,” said Sgt. Pedro Guerrero, chief dispatcher.

“Working with top leadership here is something we wouldn’t get to do elsewhere.”

“Being able to provide efficient, professional, dignified service to support the commandant’s vision is what I like most about this job,” said Dixon. “We keep Headquarters moving … it’s a sense of pride.”

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Friday, March 8, 2013

PENTAGRAM

School liaison program helps military children take advantage of educational opportunities

By Michael Norris Pentagram Assistant Editor

According to Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall’s School Support Services, the school liaison officer is the “focal point of contact between the military installation, the local school administration, parents and the community at large. Specific responsibilities include advising the commander on all matters concerning student education and school operations; fostering a responsive, cooperative relationship between school representatives and the military community and maintaining school transition support for military children.”

The Army school liaison officer for the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH is E. Ann Daffin.

Daffin said the school liaison helps parents and children navigate from one school district to another during permanent change of station moves, helps identify special school programs available in a district for special needs or advanced placement students and assists parents who home-school their children.

It’s important to plan ahead.

Parents should call the school liaison when they get orders they’re PCSing to another installation rather than when they arrive.

“They’re transferring from the familiar to the unfamiliar,” Daffin said.

Daffin said an interstate compact among 35 states now makes it easier for educational credits to transfer from one school system to another, an important consideration when children in military households move every 2.9 years and may have attended up to nine different schools by high school graduation.

The school liaison officer is also involved with the Partners in Education program, where personnel from military installations adopt local schools. These installations provided school supplies and mentors, who participate in events like career day, exposing children to the wide range of vocations in the military. The liaison also helped facilitate a learning experience for three sixth-grade Kenmore Middle School students who came to JBM-HH last November to visit base Commander Col. Fern O. Sumpter and shadow

her activities for the better part of a day.

Daffin recently returned from a 15-day church trip to Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa, where she and more than a dozen congregants visited an orphanage and a teen program that deals with youth alcoholism. She also pitched in painting low-income housing and visited Robben Island, the infamous former prison and current museum where anti-apartheid activist and former South African President Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.

The church group talked with children and distributed school supplies to youth, two things Daffin also does in her job as school liaison officer.

“Young children always need to be loved. It’s no different in the U.S. or South Africa,” Daffin said, comparing her day job with the missionary outreach she participated in. The difference, she explains, is the level of poverty she encountered in South Africa, where tall skyscrapers abut tin shacks.

“It’s hard if you don’t have the items for everyday living,” she said, explaining how appreciative chil-

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Col. Fern O. Sumpter (right), JBM-HH commander, talks to sixth grade students from Kenmore Middle School Nov. 16, 2012.

dren in South Africa were of the school supplies, backpacks and clothing the group distributed.

“I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to go,” she added.

Parents and community members with questions about school-age military child education should contact the school liaison officer at 703-6963817 or elizabeth.a.daffin.civ@ mail.mil.

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With honor, fond memories, Gen. Schwarzkopf laid to rest at West Point near father’s grave

By Mike Strasser U.S. Military Academy Public Affairs

Twenty-two years to the day when Operation Desert Storm ended, the general who commanded the coalition force ground offensive was laid to rest at West Point, N.Y. A memorial service for retired Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, a U.S. Military Academy Class of 1956 graduate, was held at the Cadet Chapel, Feb. 28, with family, friends and colleagues in attendance.

Following the service, Schwarzkopf was buried near his father, Maj. Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf Sr., at the West Point Cemetery. His father, a 1917 U.S. Military Academy, or USMA, graduate and cavalry officer, was a World War I veteran and founder of the New Jersey State Police and served as its first superintendent. A contingent of N.J. State Police officers, along with more than 100 USMA cadets, senior leaders, and staff and faculty, attended the services.

Retired Maj. Gen. Leroy Suddath delivered the first memorial tribute, having met Schwarzkopf at the academy 61 years ago. At 21, Suddath had three years of college but admitted to not being so academically inclined when he entered West Point. Having Schwarzkopf for a roommate was truly fortunate. At 17, Schwarzkopf was among the youngest in the Corps of Cadets and his classmates benefited from his knowledge of Middle Eastern culture and his dedication to the motto of “Duty, Honor, Country.”

“He was a leader in the Corps of Cadets and, for Norman, academics were a piece of cake,” Suddath said.

“He spent more time helping his roommates than on his own studies.”

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Schwarzkopf graduated 43rd among 480 cadets in the Class of 1956 and commissioned from West Point as an infantry second lieutenant. After earning his master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Southern California, Schwarzkopf returned to West Point, where he instructed cadets for two years in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Schwarzkopf served two tours in Vietnam, served in Grenada as an Army adviser to the Navy and later became commander-in-chief of the U.S. Army Central Command.

But it was his presence during the Gulf War as he commanded a coalition force of more than 700,000 troops from 34 nations that captured the world’s attention. Schwarzkopf became famous for his engaging personality during televised press conferences from Kuwait — a command performance of firsts in the dawn of a 24-hour news cycle.

Suddath said Schwarzkopf's leadership in the war guaranteed his place as one of the all-time great commanders of the U.S. Army and credits the general for being a visionary of superior intellect. Shunning pressure to enter politics, Schwarzkopf focused his post-Army career toward charitable causes.

“He was a strong supporter of the Starlight Foundation, an organization dedicated to rescuing children from abusive situations. He was a champion for the wounded warriors and a national spokesperson for cancer awareness,” Suddath said. “He never wavered from a life of duty, honor, country.”

Suddath said Schwarzkopf possessed the morality and intelligence

to command the respect of an entire nation and left behind a great legacy.

“He was not just a bright light in the Long Gray Line, he was one of the brightest lights in the Long Gray Line and we will miss him,” he added.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, also speaking at the memorial, was an ROTC graduate at City College of New York and, like Schwarzkopf, commissioned in the infantry.

Powell spoke of working with Schwarzkopf and former Vice President Dick Cheney in the Joint Chiefs of Staff as the military was preparing for a post-Cold War strategy. “[He] had the greatest intellectual understanding of the need for change,” Powell said, in making the case for a reduction to a smaller yet fully capable force.

Powell, serving as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1990-91, said the precise planning Schwarzkopf did in response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait went largely unchanged and would become Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The American people were surprised by what they saw on television every day, Powell said, of the young men and women trained to fight with discipline, honor and respect.

Schwarzkopf was adept at articulating the actions of the coalition force to the world.

“He gained the full confidence of the American people,” Powell said.

Schwarzkopf would share stories with Powell, day and night, about these servicemembers and become animated in his recollections.

Powell said Schwarzkopf left an indelible impression in American his-

tory and will forever be remembered as “Stormin’ Norman,” “The Bear,” and a man whose dedication to his troops led them to victory and whose larger than life personality “lit up the country and lit up the world.”

Cynthia Schwarzkopf presented a more intimate portrait of her father, one who could relax in his recliner while listening to Pavarotti or the “Les Miserables” soundtrack and then appear onstage the next day singing alongside Johnny Cash. In a lifetime of international travel, having slept in luxurious palaces and hotels, she said he was equally comfortable sleeping in tents and drinking day-old hot chocolate on a family camping trip.

“Where the public remembers the war hero, dressed in desert camouflage or wearing a uniform decorated with medals and ribbons, we remember a father who would dress up in clown costume to perform magic tricks at our childhood birthday parties,” she said.

Choking back tears, she spoke more of the father and husband than of the general the public knew. She remembered the West Point instructor who took pride in molding cadets into Army officers, then would come home to make sure his children were practicing their multiplication table flash cards.

Schwarzkopf was 78 when he died of complications from pneumonia, Dec. 27, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. Cynthia said following his death, the family found televised tributes to Schwarzkopf cathartic and healing, shifting them from mourning the loss to celebrating his memory.

“In life, when duty called, he was there,” she said. “Duty, honor, country was his creed. Doing what was right was his guide.”