Pentagram 031215

Pentagram

Vol. 62, No. 10 March 12, 2015

www.army.mil/jbmhh

Published For Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

High School sophomore wins TUSAB Young Artist Competition

By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer

Cellist Allison Park celebrated her sweet 16 birthday in February, and her March is turning even sweeter.

The high school sophomore, who doubles as a state finalist swimmer at George C. Marshall High School in Falls Church, turned hours and months of practice into the top prize at the 10th annual The U.S. Army Band’s Young Artist Competition held at the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall the evening of March 9.

On her cello, Park passionately and effortlessly performed Saint-Saens Concerto, Movement 3 for the TUSAB judging panel which included TUSAB Commander Col. Timothy J. Holtan. She was among the eight finalists in the competition, which invited Washington, D.C.area high school string, woodwind, brass and per-

cussion musicians to submit audio recordings to earn in-person performances.

The teen-aged musicians competed inside Brucker Hall’s Col. Samuel R. Loboda Studio for the top three places in the event.

“This has been a great privilege for us to hear these fine musicians tonight,” Holtan said after he and the other judges reconvened to announce their decisions.

“I understood through the initial applications there was some real talent, but I didn’t understand what kind of talent until we heard this presentation tonight.

I think the future of our music is in great hands.”

Park will now be the featured soloist with The U.S. Army Orchestra in concert on May 15. The second and third place finishers, along with 20 honorable mention musicians, will join the orchestra to rehearse and perform this spring.

“A lot of these kids have

PHOTOS

see YOUTH, page 4

Ten-day-long lottery offering Marine Corps Marathon spots starts March 13

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Participants run past the Lincoln Memorial and Potomac River during the Marine Corps Marathon Oct. 26, 2014. Those seeking a bib for the Oct. 25 race have a chance to do so via a lottery that opens March 13.

By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer Those attempting to grab a 2015 Marine Corps Marathon bib will have a prime opportunity starting March 13.

For 10 days starting at noon eastern standard time March 13, marathon

runners from around the world will be using all lucky means necessary—from four-leaf clover searches to rubbing rabbit’s feet—for a chance to snag one of 22,000 MCM lottery spots. Ironically, the lottery begins on a Friday the 13th— a day many deem unlucky.

“It wasn’t planned that way at all; it

just happened,” MCM Public Relations Coordinator Tami Faram said of the date picked for the lottery. “We’ll call the lottery opening day a lucky 13 for those who gain entry.”

Coming off a March 11 registration

see MARATHON, page 4

Turning volunteer experience into a paying job

By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer Military family members and service members transitioning or retiring from the armed forces should not underestimate the power of volunteer experiences as they seek paid employment in the civilian job market.

“Many employers hold

volunteer experience in high regard because it shows the candidate has not only the experience in the skill set they are looking for, but also the compassion and spirit to do it voluntarily,” said Kelly Layne, Family Readiness Program trainer and volunteer opportunities program manager for Marine Corps Family Team

see VOLUNTEER, page 6

RACHEL LARUE

PHOTO

BY JIM

DRESBACH

Abby Fries, age 4, helps her father, Theran, clear remembrance wreaths from Arlington National Cemetery Jan. 22. Volunteer service can help build and enhance careers for service members transitioning out of the service, according to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s volunteer coordinators.

News Notes Thursday Lenten concerts, lunches

Join friends and colleagues for free Lenten concerts and lunches at Memorial Chapel on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.

The concerts begin at 11:30 a.m.

March 12 and 19 for Lent. The concerts and lunches are free. Come for some or all of the event as your schedule allows.

After the concert, the group will then go into the Chapel’s Fellowship Hall for a catered lunch, followed by a short devotional. During Thursdays of Lent, the daily Catholic Mass will be held at 11 a.m. instead of noon, so those attending can view the concert at 11:30 a.m.

For more i n for mat ion, call 703-696-6635.

Weekend road closures near Fort Myer

There will be a series of road closures in and around the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall March 14 as runners participate in a local marathon. The run will begin on the National Mall at 7:30 a.m. and proceed to Arlington Memorial Bridge.

Runners will travel around Memorial Circle, and return across the bridge.

From 6 to 10 a.m., the following road and access closures will be in effect: • Arlington Memorial Bridge, Memorial Circle and Memorial Avenue • Route 110 (closed beginning at 7:30 a.m. for a separate event) • Arlington National Cemetery will not be accessible from Memorial Avenue.

Additional closures will occur throughout Washington, D.C. As more information becomes available, JBM-HH Public Affairs will post information online at www.facebook.com/ jbmhh and on Twitter via @JBMHH.

2015 Army Emergency Relief campaign now underway

Army Emergency Relief, since it was founded during World War II, has provided $1.7 billion in interest-free

see NEWS NOTES, page 4

Index

Throwback Thursday. . . . . . . . . . .

Military history. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

News Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SFL-TAP seminars, workshops . . . . .

Women’s history letter . . . . . . . . . .

BY

LEFT - Allison Park, 16-year-old cellist from George C. Marshall High School, performs during the 10th annual Young Artist Competition sponsored by The U.S. Army Orchestra in Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall March 9. Park won first place in the competition and will perform with the orchestra during a concert May 15. ABOVE - Allison Park, left, 16-year-old cellist from George C. Marshall High School, poses for a photograph with The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Leader and Commander Col. Timothy J. Holtan during the 10th annual Young Artist Competition sponsored by The U.S. Army Orchestra in Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall March 9. Park won first place in the competition and will perform with the orchestra during a concert May 15.

Local forecast

page 2 page 2 page 3 page 4 page 7 page 8

THURS. 59 | 37

FRI.

54 | 45

SAT.

62 | 44

SUN.

55 | 38

For more weather forecasts and information, visit www.weather.gov/

2

Thursday, March 12, 2015

PENTAGRAM

Under the arch

PHOTO

BY JESSICA

CRAWFORD

Soldiers from 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment’s (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon lead a funeral procession through McClellan Gate at Arlington National Cemetery March 5. Despite inclement weather, the regiment’s units provide support to a number of ceremonies annually, including some 678 funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery this year. See next week’s Pentagram for coverage of the March 10 graveside service of former U.S. Senator and World War II veteran Edward W. Brooke III.

JBM-HH Throwback Thursday #JBMHHTBT

This week in military history Compiled by Jim Goodwin, Editor, Pentagram

March 12

U.S. Marines land at Scapa Flow, Great Britain, during World War I.

March 13

Col. Julia Flikke of the Nurse Corps becomes the first woman in the U.S. Army to hold that rank.

1918:

1842:

Army Nurse Blanche E. Ellis, left, and Tech Sgt. George F. Slayton, right, arrange sterile gloves at the 21st General Hospital at Fort Benning, Ga., May 20, 1942. Just two months earlier, the Army promoted its first woman - Julia Flikke of the Army Nurse Corps - to the rank of colonel.

U.S. ARMY PHOTO

Left to right: Capt. Bernice L. Kenlinger, Capt. Sylvia Shaprio, Lt. Mary Walker, Lt. Jean M. Forbes and Lt. Maye Bowell Briscoe, members of the Women’s Army Corps, stand at attention on Summerall Field following their induction into the U.S. Army Aug. 6, 1943.

OFFICIAL U.S. ARMY

March 14

The Department of Defense announces that a long-range B1-B bomber aircraft was used for the first time against Iraqi targets in the no-fly zone in southern Iraq.

March 15

American militia and Continentals, led by Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, defend the Guilford Courthouse in North Carolina against attacking British troops. This large and hotly-contested battle of the Revolutionary War’s southern campaign results in an American defeat by British commander Cornwallis and his inferior British force.

March 16

During the Iwo Jima campaign, Pharmacist’s Mate 1st Class Francis J. Pierce provides aid to a wounded Marine while disregarding his own injuries and directs treatment of the injured man. He then fires on the enemy to provide cover for his fellow troops. For his “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life,” he is awarded the Medal of Honor.

March 17

The first woman Marine to report to Vietnam for duty, Master Sgt. Barbara J. Dulinsky, began her 18-hour flight to Bien Hoa, 30 miles north of Saigon. Dulinsky and the other officer and enlisted Women Marines that followed were assigned to the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, based in Saigon.

March 18

The Soldier’s Bonus Bill is passed by the House of Representatives. It offers 20-year annuities for veterans and costs $2 billion; the U.S. Senate will concur April 23, but President Coolidge vetoes it. Congress overrides the veto.

2003:

1781:

1945:

1967:

PHOTO

BY

DAMIEN SALAS

From right: 1st Lt. Lauran Glover, Spc. Kendra Wollacott, Staff Sgt. Robin Reed and Sgt. Ruth Hanks, of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), pose for a portrait March 10 on Summerall Field on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. In next week’s edition, the Pentagram profiles Glover and her experience as the first female commander to lead Old Guard troops.

Stay connected!

www.army.mil/jbmhh

Pentagram

703-696-5401 pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/jbmhh

PHOTO

1924:

Flickr: Flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh

The Pentagram is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Pentagram are not necessarily the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, or Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. The content of this publication is the responsibility of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Public Affairs Office. Pictures not otherwise credited are U.S. Army photographs.

News items should be submitted to the Pentagram, 204 Lee Ave., Bldg. 59, Fort Myer, VA 22211-1199. They may also be e-mailed to james.m.goodwin3. civ@mail.mil. Circulation of 24,000 is printed by offset every Thursday as a civilian enterprise newspaper by Comprint Military Publications. Comprint Military Publications is located at 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Telephone (301) 921-2800. Commercial advertising should be placed with the printer. Comprint Military Publications is a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertisements in this publication, to include all inserts and supplements, does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser shall result in the refusal to print advertising from that source.

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

Twitter: @jbmhh Jim Goodwin Editor james.m.goodwin3.civ@ mail.mil Jim Dresbach Staff Writer jdresbach@dcmilitary.com Julia LeDoux Staff Writer jledoux@dcmilitary.com

Slideshare: slideshare.net/jbmhh Guv Callahan Staff Writer wcallahan@dcmilitary.com

Rachel Larue Staff Photographer rlarue@dcmilitary.com

Damien Salas Staff Writer dsalas@dcmilitary.com

Helen Klein Graphic Designer hklein@dcmilitary.com

Community

PENTAGRAM

Thursday, March 12, 2015

3

JBM-HH leaders and employees commit to exceptional service

By Guv Callahan Pentagram Staff Writer Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall leaders and Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation employees gathered in Spates Community Club March 3 to sign the FMWR employee covenant, reaffirming the joint base’s commitment to its employees and customers.

The covenant represents a promise from JBM-HH and its leadership to both employees and customers in an ongoing effort to provide exceptional service, said Barbara Edmondson, administrative officer for Family and MWR. “Today we’ll sign the employee covenant as a display of our commitment to our jobs and the missions of both Joint Base

Myer-Henderson Hall and Family and MWR,” Edmondson said.

“Your participation and support of this signing ceremony sends an important message to the Family and MWR workforce. A message that says, ‘Your efforts are not going unnoticed, and you are supported not only in your day-to-day work but in the advancement of your careers.’”

JBM-HH Commander Col. Mike Henderson delivered remarks thanking Family and MWR employees for all they do for the community.

“Family and MWR has a unique mission across the Army,” he said. “It is a very important mission, and I appreciate what you do every day for the Army, service members, their families, DoD civilians and retirees.”

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation employees pose for a photograph after being awarded during the FMWR covenant signing and employee recognition ceremony in Spates Community Club on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall March 3. The covenant, signed by Col. Mike Henderson, JBM-HH commander, Denise James, FMWR director and FMWR employees, is a promise of excellence to FMWR employees and customers.

Family and MWR is a team of professionals providing Soldiers, families and civilians of the U.S. Army with quality programs and services, to promote resiliency and strength, according the

FMWR website.

Henderson told the employees that he appreciated the sacrifices they make in order to do their jobs to the best of their ability.

“Many of you work during

prime time when others play and relax,” he said. “It takes dedication to do those jobs when you’d probably rather be with

see COVENANT, page 5

New improvements From fife to flight: to JBM-HH will help First fifer pins on air conserve energy, money assault badge

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Dominion Virginia Power uses portions of the Tri-Service parking lot as a staging area to help in efforts to restore power to the area Oct. 31, 2012, after Hurricane Sandy.

Several new energy-saving initiatives by JBM-HH’s Directorate of Public Works are underway in order to make the base more environmentally friendly and save money, including a LED streetlight project with Dominion Virginia Power.

PHOTO

BY

SGT. 1ST CLASS RICHARD RUDDLE

Staff Sgt. William J. Parks, center, a musician with the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Fife and Drum Corps, stands at attention during one of the hundreds of FDC’s annual performances. Parks became the first Corps musician in recent years to complete the U.S. Army’s Air Assault School at Fort Benning, Ga.

By Staff Sgt. Jennifer C. Johnson JFHQ-NCR/MDW Public Affairs Not every Soldier is a musician, but every musician serving in the U.S. Army is a Soldier first.

Just ask Staff Sgt. Willia m J. Pa rks, a 29-year-old fife instrumentalist assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)’s Fife and Drum Corps. Parks became the Corps’ first musician in recent years

to graduate from the U.S. Army’s rigorous Air Assault School at Fort Benning, Ga. “Air Assault School has always really interested me, but I never thought

see SOLDIER, page 5

By Guv Callahan Pentagram Staff Writer A collection of new Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Directorate of Public Works projects is underway in order to make the base more environmentally friendly and save funds on energy for years to come.

DPW is implementing the measures to adhere to Executive Order 13423,

which was signed in 2007 and requires federal agencies to become more energy efficient, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s website.

Per the order, JBM-HH must reduce energy consumption by 30 percent by f isca l yea r 2015, compared to a fiscal year 2003 baseline.

In order to achieve that goal, new equipment and LED streetlights will be

installed on both the Fort Myer and Fort McNair portions of the joint base, said Bill Lucas, JBM-HH DPW’s energy manager.

The streetlight project was initiated a few years ago through a utilities privatization contract with Dominion Virginia Power and is nearly 100 percent complete, Lucas said.

More than 750 street-

see ENERGY, page 7

The United States Army Band calender of events March 14 8 p.m.

The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets with the Spires Brass Band will perform various music by composer John Williams at the Kussmaul Theater at Frederick Community College in Frederick, Md.

March 15-21 7:30 p.m.

The U.S. Army Concert Band will host the 2015 American Trombone Workshop, which concludes March 21 with a grand concert at Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH.

March 24 7:30 p.m.

Staff Sgt. Kris Keeton and Staff Sgt. Sidonie Wade will host a recital entitled Percussion Plus at Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH.

April 3 6 p.m.

The U.S. Army Concert Band will perform at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

April 4 4:45 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

The U.S. Army Band Downrange will perform at the National Cherry Blossom Festival at the Southwest Waterfront Gangplank Marina in Washington, D.C.

April 7 7:30 p.m.

The U.S. Army Band presents the “Pershing’s Own” Chamber Music Series, featuring an evening of contemporary music including Tristan Murail’s Memoire/Erosion and Andy Akiho’s Speaking Tree. This event is presented by Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Dell’Omo, Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Branagan and Staff Sgt. Evan Geiger.

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

4

Thursday, March 12, 2015

PENTAGRAM

YOUTH

NEWS NOTES

been preparing for months and up to a year,” said event master of ceremonies, event organizer and “Pershing’s Own” member Sgt. 1st Class Beth Dunkel.

“We picked the eight best recordings, and they have 13 minutes to play through their pieces with their pianists on stage.”

Cello player F lor y Mairead put her entire 13 minutes to good use, entertaining with Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations to earn third place. Harpist Alyssa Katahara gave a rich and vibrant effort of Ginastera’s First Movement to be named runner up.

According to Holtan, finalists were judged on the following criteria: musical quality, technique, intonation, accuracy, delivery,

loans and grants to 3.6 million Soldiers in the active and reserve components. The theme for this year’s AER campaign is Making a Difference and serves as a reminder that Soldiers and family members can place confidence in AER to help in unexpected times of crisis. AER helps Wounded Warriors, surviving spouses and the families of fallen Soldiers. For more information about the campaign, call Trina Reliford at 703-696-8435 or visit www.aerhq.org.

from page 1

from page 1

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

The eight competitors take the stage near the end of the 10th annual Young Artist Competition sponsored by The U.S. Army Orchestra in Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall March 9. Allison Park, fourth left, 16-yearold cellist from George C. Marshall High School, won first place in the competition and will perform a solo with the orchestra during a concert May 15.

range dynamics, delivery, musicality, expression and preparedness.

Park, who turned 16 last month, gained top marks from the judges during the two-hour event. While there was a predetermined order for the young musicians, Park

was placed in the fourth spot – a slot she finds more favorable during competitions.

“Recently, I was in the NSO [National Symphony Orchestra] finals, and I was first [to play],” she said.

“I’d prefer not to go first.

It is really hard to go first.”

Other finalists included Joshu a C hoi (cel lo), Kenneth Naito (violin), Lisa Choi (flute), Hunter Lorelli (bassoon) and Yeama Ho (flute).

Pentagram staff writer Jim Dresbach can be reached at jdresbach@dcmilitary.com.

There’s still time: Visit the JBM-HH Tax Center

The JBM-HH Consolidated Tax Center is available for all tax returns in Bldg. 205 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. The tax center serves military personnel – active component, reserve component (bring orders of 29 days or more) and retirees and their families. This service is free. No appointments are necessary; however, appointments are available for more complex tax returns.

Wait times for walk-ins can vary, according to the tax center. The tax center’s staff recommends that those with complex tax returns, such as up to two rental properties, schedule an appointment. Simpler returns, such as those with just W2s, take only about 30 minutes on average to complete and are appropriate for walk-ins.

The center is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is open every other Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The next open Saturday is March 21.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 703-696-1040. Check out www.mdwhome. mdw.army.mil/sja_nav/tax-center/tax-center, and like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ MYERTAXCENTER.

Say goodbye to AKO email

In accordance with the Army’s Chief Information Officer’s memorandum, Army Knowledge Online (AKO) email is being discontinued. The Program Executive Office Enterprise Information Systems (PEO EIS) will shut down AKO mailboxes March 31 and stop all forwarding of “@us.army.mil” email June 30. Some users may still have their AKO email address registered with other systems and services and will need to change that. PEO EIS is also working with application owners who rely on AKO email addresses for this transition. For more information, call 1-866-335-2769 (Help Desk).

Smith Gym group exercise classes

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

LEFT - Alyssa Katahara, harpist from the Interlochen Arts Academy, performs during the 10th annual Young Artist Competition sponsored by The U.S. Army Orchestra in Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall March 9. Katahara won second place in the competition. RIGHT - Mairead Flory, homeschooled cellist from Nokesville, Va., performs during the 10th annual Young Artist Competition sponsored by The U.S. Army Orchestra in Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall March 9. Flory won third place in the competition.

MARATHON from page 1

event for the Marine Corps 17.75K, which filled in less than 15 minutes, the MCM lottery will be open until noon EST March 23. The reasoning for having such a wide window of registration for the 40th anniversary of the Washington, D.C.area marathon is due to a variety of reasons according to director Rick Nealis, but global equality is a key factor.

“What was happening before [with first-come, first-served registration]

was that it was 12 o’clock here on the east coast, but it was later in the day or evening in places like London or Berlin or early in the morning in places like Hawaii,” Nealis said.

“It wasn’t fair to those who were trying to register in the middle of the night.

From a customer service basis, we’d touch base with people and they’d say ‘I was in an airplane during registration,’ or ‘I was in a meeting, and I couldn’t get to a computer.’ I also realized we were putting stress on people when registering. People were

actually taking days off to register. We now have this 10-day window, so people can sign up March 13 or on a weekend.”

Those wishing to register for the lottery should go to www.marinemarathon. com. Lottery winners will be notified by email on March 25. Lottery winners will not be charged a fee until officially registered.

Globally known as “The People’s Marathon” and as a first-timer-friendly race, MCM will run Oct. 25 and takes participants along a 26.2-mile course through northern Virginia and

Washington, D.C. Future MCM-related runs include the Marine Corps 17.75K, held in Prince William County, Va., on March 28; the Run Amuck event on June 13 at Marine Corps Base Quantico and the Quantico Tri on Aug. 22 also held at Quantico. For the kids, the Marine Corps Marathon Kids Run will be held Oct. 24 near the Pentagon, and the annual Turkey Trot 10K will be held Nov. 21.

Pentagram staff writer Jim Dresbach can be reached at jdresbach@dcmilitary.com.

Group exercise classes are held at the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium on the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH on weekdays. Offerings include Zumba and Spin. Classes are open to all authorized patrons age 16 and up. Youth, ages 12 through 15, may take part with direct supervision by a parent or legal guardian. High Intensity Tactical Training (HITT) group classes are taught by certified HITT instructors Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to active duty personnel and Marine reservists, by Marine Corps order. Anyone certified as a HITT instructor may teach a HITT class for his or her unit. For more information, visit www.mccsHH. com/SmithGym.html or call 703-614-7214.

Fellowship, mentor program offered for sergeants major

As part of the Army’s commitment to transform Army education, a fellowship program is being offered for sergeants major at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas, according to a Feb. 24 news article on Army.mil.

The one-year fellowship program offers 20 fellows the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in adult education from Pennsylvania State University and an additional three years of service in the Army. The program was developed as a means to help senior active duty noncommissioned officers mentor other enlisted leaders. Applications are due March 20 to the Army’s Human Resources Command in Fort Knox, Ky. More details can be found via Military Personnel Message 15-045 at the Human Resources Command website at www.hrc.army.mil/Milper.

Fort Myer Thrift Shop/ AOWCGWA scholarships

In a community partnership, the Fort Myer Thrift Shop and the Army Officers’ Wives’ Club of the Greater Washington Area offer scholarships for children and spouses of U.S. Army personnel stationed or deployed from the Greater Washington area. Applicants must have a valid DoD ID card.

This program is available to high school seniors, college students and U.S. Army spouses. Those applying for this merit scholarship program must have at least a 3.0 grade point average. Additional information and applications are available online at www.fortmyerthriftshop.org or www.aowcgwa. org under “scholarships and community grants.”

The deadline for scholarship applications is April 3.

Applications can be dropped off at the thrift shop or mailed to the following address: Scholarship Committee, FMTS-AOWCGWA, P.O. Box 1112, Fort Myer, Va. 22211. For more information, call 703-527-0664.

Fort Myer Thrift Shop/ AOWCGWA community grants

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Participants turn onto Rock Creek Parkway in Washington, D.C., during the Marine Corps Marathon Oct. 26, 2014.

Those seeking a bib for the Oct. 25 race have a chance to do so via a lottery that opens March 13.

In a community partnership, the Fort Myer Thrift Shop and the Army Officers’ Wives’ Club of the Greater Washington Area offer community grants to organizations that provide services and/ or support to military organizations, personnel and families. Requests are accepted from 501(c) organizations with services in the area. Additional information and applications are available online at www.fortmyerthriftshop.org or www.aowcgwa. org under scholarships and community grants. The deadline for community grant applications is April

see NEWS NOTES, page 5

PENTAGRAM

Thursday, March 12, 2015

COURTESY

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Col. Mike Henderson, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall commander, right, and Denise James, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation director, sign the FMWR employee covenant during a ceremony at Spates Community Club on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall March 3. The covenant is a promise of excellence to FMWR employees and customers.

COVENANT from page 3

your families.”

Henderson said that he and the base’s leadership expect employees to commit fully to their jobs, but that the agreement was twofold.

“My tea m — you r leaders—are accountable to me to ensure that you are equipped to be experts and exceptional in delivering programs and services,” he said. “I expect that they will provide you the tools you need to be trained and capable experts.”

“It is an agreement that I am making to you; it is an agreement that I am charging your leaders to uphold; it is an agreement that this team Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation are making to the customers of Joint

Base Myer-Henderson Hall,” he said.

Before the ceremonial signing of the document, Family and MWR representatives awarded honors to exemplary employees in an Academy Awardsthemed celebration. Eight awards were given out for categories such as Best Display of Teamwork, Best Use of Positive Communication and Best Cheerful Greeting.

Following the awards, Denise James, FMWR director for JBM-HH, thanked the entire FMWR team, which she said comprises about 360 employees across a number of facilities.

“It’s our responsibility to take care of employees, and if we do that, then you’re going to take care of our service members,” she said.

Pentagram staff writer Guv Callahan can be reached at wcallahan@dcmilitary.com.

NEWS NOTES from page 4

16. Applications can be dropped off at the thrift shop, or mailed to the following address: Community Grants Committee, FMTS-AOWCGWA, P.O. Box 1112, Fort Myer, Va. 22211. For more information, call 703-527-0664.

Close-up volunteers sought

Marines in varied ranks (officers, 02 through 05, chief warrant officers, one through five and enlisted, E6 through E9) are needed as volunteers to speak to high school students about the military services, the workings of government and their personal military life experiences for the Close-Up Foundation educational program panel sessions Tuesdays from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. at the Women in Military Services for America Memorial, Arlington, Va. Uniform: Service Bravos/Charlies. The dates volunteers are needed are: March 17, 24 and 31. Visit www.closeup.org for information on this program. Call Hattie Powell-Ray at 703-692-1528 or email her at Hattie.Powell-Ray@ usmc.mil to volunteer.

Help children manage anger

Tired of your child’s temper tantrums and angry outbursts? Join Army Community Service in the discussion March 20 from 10 to 11 a.m. in Bldg. 201 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Learn how to effectively respond to this unruly, yet common behavior and how to support your child in managing their feelings.

Registration is required. For more information and to register, call 703-696-3512.

The five love languages

Discover what your love language is and join Army Community Service in on the discussion about how to keep your partner’s love tank full March 26 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Bldg. 201 on the Fort Myer portion

Best cheerful greeting AnaMaria White Best use of positive communication Nebeyou Aberra Best owner of his/her job Trina Reliford Best effort to make it up to the customer Tsgereda Habtemariam Best show of positive image and attitude Brandon Lamberson Best steps to go the extra mile Christopher Hummer Best display of teamwork Victor Frye Best closer by remembering to thank the customer Yolanda Hebb

of the joint base. Each participant will receive a copy of “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman. Get more information and pre-register by calling 703-696-3512.

Lord Fairfax Silver Chapter meets

The Lord Fairfax Silver Chapter of the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Association will hold its monthly chapter meeting March 18 in the Fort Belvoir Golf Course dining room starting at 5:30 p.m. All active, reserve and retired warrant officers are invited and encouraged to attend.

For more information, call chapter president CW5 Phyllis Wilson at 703-407-6164.

Education, Career Fair April 2

Marine Corps Community Services Spring Education and Career Fair will be held April 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gym on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base. This is open to all DoD ID card holders. Visit www.mccsHH.com/ EducationCareerFairSpring2015. html for details and to pre-register to attend and get an advance copy of the resource guide a week before the event. Call 703-614-6828 for more information.

AAFES hosting Easter egg hunt contest

The Fort Myer Army and Air Force Exchange Service is encouraging shoppers worldwide to hop to it and take a crack at $3,000 in prizes.

With the Patriot Family Easter Egg Hunt contest, shoppers can search for clues at the Fort Myer Exchange and post the correct answers on the Exchange’s Facebook page contest tab at www.facebook.com/AAFES. BX.PX. Shoppers can pick up a clue map at the Fort Myer Exchange or download one from www.shopmyexchange.com/patriot-family.

Four winners will take home a $500 Exchange gift card, and 10 winners will receive a $100 Exchange gift card. Winners will be randomly

selected and notified by email.

T he contest r u ns t h roug h April 3. No purchase is necessary to win. Authorized Exchange shoppers can enter, and children younger than 18 must have their parents’ consent.

ArmyFit has free resources to help keep you happy, healthy, resilient

In the past year, this online assessment and self-development platform has helped thousands of Soldiers, family members and Army civilians improve their overall health and resilience. The platform continues to add capabilities and provides free tailored training, tools and resources based on your individual needs.

If you haven’t checked it out yet, you should. Read more at w w w.army.mil/ar ticle/143239/ ArmyFit_s_self_development_ website_gets_useful_upgrades.

Tactical parenting for the iGeneration

Mar ine Cor ps Communit y Services Henderson Hall offers two opportunities for tactical parenting for the iGeneration, a session with four presentations by subject matter experts on tough topics that affect our children and adolescents.

The next session is March 31 at the Joe Rosenthal Theater on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base.

Topics at both sessions include human trafficking, violent extremism, teen dating violence and traumatic brain injury in the adolescent athlete.

For more information, visit www. mccsHH.com/prevention.html.

2nd Infantry Division Veterans sought

Attention, 2nd Infantry Division Veterans: The Mid Atlantic Branch of the Second Indianhead Division Association, will have its annual reunion in Lancaster, Pa., May 1 through 3 at the Continental Inn. All veterans of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division are invited, in particular

see NEWS NOTES, page 6

OF

5

STAFF SGT. WILLIAM J. PARKS

Staff Sgt. William J. Parks, far right, a musician with the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment’s (The Old Guard) Fife and Drum Corps, holds his air assault badge before being pinned during a graduation ceremony of Air Assault School students at Fort Benning, Ga., Jan. 16.

SOLDIER

from page 3 I’d really get to go,” said Parks, who graduated from the 12-day course Jan. 16. “Air Assault School has altered my outlook as a Soldier in a ceremonial unit; the things I saw and experienced made me reassess how I view and enforce standards and training.”

The Air Assault School prepares Soldiers for air mobile operations, including aircraft orientation and safety, aerial medical e v ac u at io n procedures, combat assault and hand and arm signals.

D u r i n g the course, students train and are evaluated on combat assault maneuvers, preparing sli ng loads and myriad physical fitness and academic tests, including a 12-mile march and how to rappel from an aircraft.

In other words, the course prov ided no shortage of physically and mentally-demanding lessons for Parks, a native of Williamsburg, Va. He spent weeks preparing, conducting consistent physical training sessions.

“I saw him really trying to prepare for the school,” said Master Sgt. Russell Smith, Corps sergeant.

“I think it was difficult because not a lot of Soldiers here knew very much about the school.

Overall, he did a good job getting ready for it.”

Students march, jog, crawl, climb and rappel a total of 24 miles throughout the course.

The course requires students to be able to complete physicallydema nd i ng event s, recover within a day or two, and then complete another course challenge, according to Capt.

Christopher M. Pegg, battalion training officer for the Army National Guard Training Center at Fort Benning.

Still, about 90 percent of those who attend the course graduate.

“Soldiers who show up in good cardiovascular shape are set up for success from the start,” said Pegg in an email response to questions.

“Every physical event requires the Soldier to be able to manipulate their own body weight ov e r a p r e s c r i b e d distance; Soldiers who are strong runners and road marchers typically do well.”

The opportunity for a fifer to attend the course

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

www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh

was unique because of the Corps’ busy performance schedule during t he spr ing t h roug h fall seasons, when the musicians are providing ceremonial suppor t across the United States, according to Smith. As an official representative of the U.S. Army, t he Cor ps averages approximately 500 performances annually.

For Parks, the course provided a chance to see and experience life at another U.S. Army installation, and interact with Soldiers from a variety of militar y occupational specialties.

“We don’t really get to see the Army outside of this base [ Joint Base MyerHendersonHall]; unless we do a performance on another installation,” said Parks. “Because we don’t have the opportunity to deploy, one of the reasons I wanted to go to Air Assault School was to observe the line unit Soldiers, whom I may never get to meet or interact with otherwise.”

Established on Feb. 23, 1960, the Fife and Drum Corps is one of the A rmy’s premier musical organizations. In support of the president, the Corps performs at all Armed Forces arrival ceremonies for visiting dignitaries and heads of state at the White House, and has participated in every U.S. presidential inaugural parade since President John F. Kennedy’s in 1961.

During the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the Pentagon, Corps Soldiers performed additional duties, ranging from serving as liaisons to U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s Emergency Operations Center, to providing additional security on Fort Myer and helping to establish command and control at the Pentagon attack site. Most notably, some Soldiers from FDC were part of the workforce to enter the Pentagon to remove the remains of those killed in the attack.

The skills learned at the Air Assault School may be relevant in a life-saving or emergency situation, on or off the battlefield, according to Parks.

“I think the skills that I learned during this course are great to have and will be beneficial in any job or situation,” said Parks. “I may be a musician, but I am a Soldier first.”

I may be a musician, but I am a Soldier first.

6

Thursday, March 12, 2015

VOLUNTEER from page 1

Building and Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquar ters Marine Corps Henderson Hall.

A letter signed Feb. 2

by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and the Joint Chiefs that all service members transitioning out of the service will receive underscores the importance of volunteering as part of the Call to Continued Service campaign.

“We trust that you will accept this challenge and join ranks with the business leaders, volunteers and public servants in your communities,” the letter reads.

“You have made your mark in uniform and represent the strength of our nation.

We know you will do the same as veterans, setting the

example for the next generation of veterans to follow.”

The campaign includes a focus on continued service and a coordinated outreach effort from across the nation’s armed forces.

Kathryn Feehan, volunteer coordinator for Army Community Services on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base, was personally able to transition the volunteer experience she gained as an Army spouse into a completely new career field.

“Through volunteer work, I was able to gain new knowledge and experience and change the course of my career,” she said. “I was able to transition from a field I was unhappy in into something I enjoy doing every day.”

She said volunteering is ideal for family and transitioning service members who have been out of the civilian work force for a

PENTAGRAM

PHOTOS

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Kathryn Feehan, left, volunteer coordinator for Army Community Service on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, and Kelly Layne, right, volunteer coordinator for Marine Corps Community Services on the Henderson Hall portion, agree that volunteer work can lead to paid job opportunities.

while, looking for a career change, or want to gain experience while giving back to the community.

“Many employers look Feehan added that volat volunteer experience just unteering also allows you as they would paid employ- to network with individuals you might not have ment,” Feehan said. met otherwise.

“We all know that networking is crucial when it comes to the job search,” she said. “Volunteering allows you to work side-byside with individuals who are already in the types of jobs and offices you want to work in. What better way to network than letting them see you in action?”

Army Master Sgt. James Meyers, senior career counselor on the joint base is an active volunteer on the

installation who can be found donating his time at many events.

“I think I get more back more than what I put in, especially when [helping] a child,” he said.

For more information on available volunteer opportunities, contact Layne at 703-693-1253 or via email at laynekd@usmc-mccs. org. Feehan can be reached at 703-696-3510 or via email at kathryn.k.feehan. civ@mail.mil.

Pentagram staff writer Julia LeDoux can be reached at jledoux@dcmilitary.com.

NEWS NOTES from page 5

those in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. For more information, call Harry Roye at 804-526-0828 or send an email to Hkroye@ comcast.net.

Death notice

Anyone with debts owed to or by the estate of Staff Sgt. John C. Kessler, Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), must contact Capt. Peter Lee, the summary court officer for the Soldier. Kessler passed away Feb. 15. Call Lee at 703-696-8602.

News Note policy! Read in full

News Notes submissions must be less than 100 words, contain all pertinent details — to include the five “W’s” — as well as a point of contact, phone number and/or website for additional information. News Notes must be submitted no later than noon, Wednesdays, for consideration for publication in the following week’s Pentagram.

For example, information submitted for publication in News Notes on Wednesday, April 8, will be published in the Pentagram Thursday, April 16. Priority will be given to those announcements of events and deadlines occurring during the publication week. Please note that submission of a news note does not guarantee publication. Please send your news notes to the Pentagram at pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com.

SPECIAL RATES FOR MILITARY AND FEDERAL EMPLOYEES Barcroft Apartments is now offering its garden apartments with 10% discount for military personnel & month to month leases available.

Efficiency......................................................$979-$1005 One Bedroom..............................................$1070-$1105 Two Bedrooms............................................$1315-$1400 Three Bedrooms Plus Electric.................$1500-$1545 Townhome..............................................................$1500 All prices subject to change.

A month. All utilities paid.

• Park right at your door in this park-like setting.

• Walk to elementary and high school or Army National Guard Readiness Center.

• Take the express bus to the Pentagon, Ft. Myer, Henderson Hall or Ballston in 12 minutes.

• Cats welcome. No dogs.

PLEASE CALL (703) 521-3000

HOURS: MON. - FRI. 9-5 Call for Saturday hours

BARCROFT APARTMENTS 1130 South George Mason Drive • Arlington, VA 22204 At Columbia Pike and So. George Mason Drive

1050671B

1050633B

Some Restrictions Apply

PENTAGRAM

ENERGY

from page 3 light and parking lot lights have been replaced on the Fort Myer and Fort McNair portions of the joint base, Lucas said. Henderson Hall will be the final phase of the project.

The project is expected to save more than $600,000 over the next 20 years, according to Lucas.

In addition to cost savings, the new streetlamps will also improve safety, Lucas said.

“This type of light is clearer,” he said.

“The old streetlamps were dull and dim.”

There are also plans to convert interior lights to LED lights in Memorial Chapel (Bldg. 480) on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.

A utility energy services contract (UESC) with Washington Gas and Dominion Virginia Power will bring new energy efficient pump and fan motors to several Fort Myer buildings and a new heating boiler to Bldg. 59 on Fort McNair. Occupancy sensors, which detect people in a room and turn the lights on or off, will also be installed in multiple Fort Myer buildings, according to Lucas.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

The UESC project will also include the repair and adjustment of insufficient HVAC systems in Fort Myer Bldgs. 400, 414 and 415 in order to reduce energy consumption.

In an email to the Pentagram, Lucas wrote that UESC projects are about 15 percent complete and scheduled to finish towards the end of FY 2015. They cost approximately $1.9 million in total and are expected to save approximately $275,000 per year in maintenance and energy costs.

There are still challenges to meeting the 30 percent reduction, Lucas said, the biggest of which is reminding the JBM-HH community to be energy conscious.

Unauthorized use of heaters and other appliances, leaving doors open while the air conditioning or heat are operating, and aging equipment all waste energy and cost money, he said.

But the new improvements will help combat that.

“It’s a great thing,” he said. “It saves a lot of energy.”

For energy saving tips, visit www. femp.energy.gov.

Pentagram staff writer Guv Callahan can be reached at wcallahan@dcmilitary.com.

Soldier for Life - Transition Assistance Program seminars and workshops

Located at 232 McNair Road, Bldg. 404, on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., 22211. Reservations are required. Spouses are encouraged to register and attend. Call the Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program office, 703-696-0973 or log-in and schedule at www.acap.army.mil. Available to all registered clients who have completed DD2648/2648-1 and initial counseling.

Location is in the SFL-TAP Bldg. 404 on Fort Myer unless notated.

Retiring Transition Assistance Program • March 23 through 27* 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• April 6 through 10 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ETS TAP • April 6 through 10 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Entrepreneur Track “Boots to to Business” • Marc March rch 17 through 18 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Mayy 19 through 20 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Business Franchise Opportunities • April 2, 1 to 3 p.m.

Finding and applying for federal jobs • March 25* 9:30 a.m. to noon.

• April 29 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Federal Resume • March 19 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

• April 23 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Accessing Higher Education • April 29 and 30* 8 a.m. m. to 4 p.m.

Career Technical Training • April 21 and 22 8 a.m. m. to 4 p.m.

Marketing yourself for a second career • March 24* 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Career Resources • March 16 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• April 20 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Smart Investments • Ma March 25 25* p.m.

1 to 3 p.m .m. p.m.

• Ap Aprill 29, 1 to 3 p.m .m.

Credit scores from good to excellent • March 26 26* 1 to 3 p.m.

• Apri April rill 30 1 to 3 p.m.

Home buying • March 24* 10 a.m. to noon • April 28 10 a.m. to noon Debt free • March 26* 10 a.m. to noon • April 30 10 a.m. a.m to noon Tricare benefits in depth • March 19 10 a.m. to noon • April 23 10 a.m. to noon Capstone (Fridays) s) • March 13, 20 or 27 10 a.m. to noon • April 3, 10, 0, 17 or 24, 10 a.m. to no noon on Express TAP Express Expr TA • Ap April 13 aand nd 14* 8 a.m. a.m. to to 4 p.m.

*Located in Education Ce Center Bldg.

Bld 417, 417 room 108

SECURITY OFFICERS NORTHERN VIRGINIA

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS for Unarmed Security Officers with DoD

SECURITY CLEARANCE - SECRET & TS. FT & PT weekend positions. Prior security, military or law enforcement experience desirable.

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Dominion Virginia Power uses portions of the Tri-Service parking lot on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall as a staging area to help in efforts to restore power to the area Oct. 31, 2012, after Hurricane Sandy. A project to replace streetlights with LED lights was initiated a few years ago with Dominion Virginia Power to help reduce energy. Lights in Memorial Chapel, background, will also be converted to LED.

Visit us online! www.DCMilitaryHcom

1050876B

FOR EMPLOYMENT one must be a US citizen, English proficient w/ good computer skills, 21 years or older w/ HS diploma/GED & drug free with no criminal record. WE PROVIDE weekly pay, health benefit options, matching 401k, tuition reimbursement and uniforms.

APPLY IN PERSON - NO PHONE CALLS Mon & Thurs, 10am-4pm Guardsmark, LLC 14120 Parke-Long Ct. #201, Chantilly, VA 20151 VA Lic 11-1195 / EOE

7

8

Thursday, March 12, 2015

PENTAGRAM

Top MDW Soldier awarded Legion of Merit, bids adieu Courtesy of JFHQ-NCR/MDW Public Affairs Command Sgt. Maj. David O. Turnbull was awarded the Legion of Merit medal for nearly three years of service as the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s command sergeant major on the Fort McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall March 4.

The medal was presented by Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan, JFHQ-NCR/ MDW commanding general, during a farewell ceremony.

During his career, Turnbull has served in every key leadership position in the infantry from team leader to command sergeant major. He was selected to next serve as the command sergeant major at the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. He has more than 30 years of service in the U.S. Army.

March 17th PHOTO

BY

STAFF SGT. JENNIFER C. JOHNSON

Command Sgt. Maj. David O. Turnbull, left, command sergeant major for Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, poses for a photograph after receiving the Legion of Merit medal from Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan, right, commanding general, JFHQ-NCR/MDW, March 4 at the Fort McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Patrick’s Day SSt. t. P atrick’s D ay SSpecials pecials

FFull ull M Menu e n u ffrom r o m 111:00am 1 : 0 0 a m - 44:00pm :00pm and

$15 All You Can Eat Irish Buffet from 4:00pm - 11:00pm

“Beannachtam Na Feile Padraig!”

1301 S. Joyce Street, Arlington, VA

703-415-4420

sineirishpub.com

Located at Pentagon Row

1050689B

1050471B