Living history
Looking back
Smithsonian archives veterans’ stories
Historian reflects on career highlights
page 12
page 4
Pentagram
Published for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
Vol. 60, no. 10 March 15, 2013
Hagel notes sequester’s particular pain for civilians
NO PARKING
By Karen Parrish American Forces Press Service
PHOTO
BY
RACHEL LARUE
A car is parked in a no parking zone on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall to demonstrate areas on base where parking is not allowed.
Parking inside lines is essential to avoiding tickets on JBM-HH By Michael Norris Pentagram Assistant Editor
Depending on the building you work in and the time you arrive, finding a viable parking spot on Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall can be a trial. Like a game of musical chairs, you may find yourself circling aisles of cars trying to beat another motorist to the last remaining parking space. Some drivers improvise, parking atop car-sized plots of dirt where protected trees once
stood, or by positioning themselves hodge-podge along traffic islands, sometimes impeding two-way traffic. Last week some employees were alarmed to find parking tickets affixed to their dashboard windows when they parallel parked along the side of a grassy island separating the tri-service parking lot from the Old Post Chapel lot. “I’ve parked there for 11 years and never got a ticket,” one disgruntled employee fumed upon receiving the pink
notice. According to Lt. Ronald Foster, chief of the Traffic Investigation section of the JBM-HH Directorate of Emergency Services, the only legal parking spaces on base are ones that are outlined in white paint. Parallel parking along curbs is illegal unless there are designated parking spaces, even if there is no sign explicitly stating so. “A legal parking space is any 9 x 18 area that’s marked, like see PARKING, 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 the beginning of March, 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 see HAGEL, page 6
Henderson Hall Marines, staff visit Home of the Commandants By Rhonda Apple Pentagram Staff Writer
Marines from Headquarters & Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps Henderson Hall and civilian employees from Marine Corps Community Services and the Marine Corps Exchange had the opportunity to tour the Marine Corps commandant’s home March 8. Officially known as Home of the Commandants, the grand house is co-located with the Marine Barracks, 8th and I, in Washington, D.C. It is the cur-
Index
Community Spotlight p.2 Commentary p.3 Community p.4 News Notes p.4 Feature p.12 Classifieds p.13
rent residence of the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos and his wife, Bonnie. The group was greeted at the front entrance by Mrs. Amos before gathering in the first floor drawing room. “It is our honor and our privilege to be where we are and do what we’re doing right now in this time in history,” Mrs. Amos said, regarding her husband’s role as commandant of the Marine Corps. She explained the extensive renovation to the home before she and her husband moved there in early June,
2011. “Every bit of furniture, every mirror, portrait, chandelier, rod, and drapery – everything in this house came out, and the house went under complete renovation … for structural, foundation, electrical, mechanical and HVAC [heating, ventilation and air conditioning]. They also took off all the exterior paint, which was 30 layers of paint and 10 coats of primer on the red PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE brick,” she said. A group from the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base “What was interesting about Myer-Henderson Hall tours the Home of the that was we got to see where the Commandants March 8. The Marine commandant’s changes in the house occurred.
On Capitol Hill
Army leaders learn legislative process
Pg. 10
home is collocated with Marine Corps Barracks
see COMMANDANT, page 6 Washington in the district.
A humerus story
Exercising safety first when working out
Pg. 9
2
Friday, March 15, 2013
PENTAGRAM
PHOTO
High-five
BY
RACHEL LARUE
A player for the Generals team on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall high-fives his teammates as he comes off the court during the game against Fort Bragg, part of the Capital Classic basketball tournament Feb. 16.
Community Spotlight • Name: Airman Sydne Larkin. • Job title/where do you work: United States Navy Ceremonial Guard. • Military service: Navy. • Favorite sports team: St. Louis Cardinals. • Favorite book: “The Lucky One.” • Favorite foods: Spaghetti. • Favorite band/music artist: Jason Aldean. • Favorite movie: “The Notebook.” • Favorite place you’ve ever traveled to or been stationed: North Carolina. • What do you like most about working on /visiting JBM-HH: The USO and the galley. • What are your goals for the year: Drill out to back section in drill team. • What do you like most about living in the National Capital Region: Always something to do or go see. Always something going on. • What’s your favorite attraction to see in the NCR: Smithsonian. • What’s the best advice you’ve ever received: “Should have bought a Ford.” [from] a Navy Honor Guard command master chief. • If you won the lottery, what would you do: Go home and get out of the Navy and go to college.
Caption This
PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE
Caption This #9
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 #8 We must be ... - Experts at what we do … constantly improving our skills and knowledge. “Horizontal standing proficiency... win- Focused … set priorities and complete the mission. ning!” - Committed … to the mission and each other, fostering a community of excellence. Lisa Lorentz - Professional/respectful … remain calm, even when others are not … count on each other at all times, treating everyone with dignity and respect.
Pentagram Printed on recycled paper
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The Pentagram is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Pentagram are not necessarily the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, or Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. The content of this publication is the responsibility of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Public Affairs Office. Pictures not otherwise credited are U.S. Army photographs. News items should be submitted to the Pentagram, 204 Lee Ave., Bldg. 59, Fort Myer, VA 22211-1199. They may also be faxed to (703) 696-0055 or e-mailed to courtney.a.dock-abuhl.civ@mail.mil. Circulation of 24,000 is printed by offset every Friday as a civilian enterprise newspaper by Comprint Military Publications. Comprint Military Publications is located at 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Telephone (301) 921-2800. Commercial advertising should be placed with the printer. Comprint Military Publications is a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertisements in this publication, to include all inserts and supplements, does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser shall result in the refusal to print advertising from that source.
Editorial staff Commander Command Sergeant Major Director of Public Affairs Command Information Officer
Col. Fern O. Sumpter Earlene Y. Lavender Mary Ann Hodges Sharon Walker
Pentagram staff Editor Assistant Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Photographer
Courtney Dock Michael Norris Rhonda Apple Julia LeDoux Jim Dresbach Rachel Larue
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PENTAGRAM
Friday, March 15, 2013
History Rogers’ Standing Orders By Kim Holien JBM-HH Historian
Installation Management Command headquarters has decreed that its seven history positions be abolished. Therefore this is my final history column. I would like to dedicate it to all those families who have loved ones serving in the armed forces of the United States around the world for in the words of the 17th century English poet, John Milton, “They also serve who only stand and wait.” Maj. Robert Rogers (1731-95) was a brilliant frontier scout and small unit leader. He drew up a list of rules for warfare while fighting the French and Indians on the American Frontier in 1756 that became known as Rogers Standing Orders for Warfare. These rules are even more relevant today than they were at the time they were written. In the 20th century, Kenneth Roberts wrote the book “Northwest Passage” about Rogers’ famous raid on the Indian village of Saint Francis, which became the motion picture “Northwest Passage,” starring Spencer Tracy as Rogers. Standing Orders – Major Robert Rogers – 1756 1. Don’t forget nothing. 2. Have your musket clean as a whistle, hatchet scoured, sixty rounds powder and ball, and be ready to march at a minute’s warning. 3. When you’re on the march, act the way you would if you was sneaking up on a deer. See the enemy first. 4. Tell the truth about what you see and what you do. There is an army depending on us for correct information. You can lie all you please when you tell other folks about the Rangers, but don’t ever lie to a Ranger or officer. 5. Don’t ever take a chance you don’t have to. 6. When we’re on the march, we march single file, far enough apart so one shot can’t go through two men. 7. If we strike swamps, or soft ground, we spread out abreast, so it’s hard to track us. 8. When we march, we keep moving till dark, so as to give the enemy the least possible chance at us. 9. When we camp, half the party stays awake while the other half sleeps. 10. If we take prisoners, we keep them separate till we have had time to examine them, so they can’t cook up a story between them. 11.Don’t ever march home the same way. Take a different route so you won’t be ambushed. 12. No matter whether we travel in big parties or little ones, each party has to keep a scout 20 yards ahead, 20 yards on each flank, and 20 yards in the rear so the main body can’t be surprised and wiped out. 13. Every night you will be told where to meet if surrounded by a superior force. 14. Don’t sit down to eat without posting sentries. 15. Don’t sleep beyond dawn. Dawn is when the French and Indians attack. 16. Don’t cross a river by a regular ford. 17. If somebody’s trailing you, make a circle, come back onto your own tracks, and ambush the folks that aim to ambush you. 18. Don’t stand up when the enemy’s coming against you. Kneel down, lie down, hide behind a tree. 19. Let the enemy come till he’s almost close enough to touch, then let him have it and jump out and finish him up with your hatchet.
Graduation
PHOTO BY CPL. LIZEL ROSALES
Graduates from Security Guard Academy class 006-13 wait to receive their training certificates during the graduation ceremony March 13. The joint training included Directorate of Emergency Services personnel from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (including Marines from the H&S Bn. HQMC Henderson Hall on the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH) as well as personnel from military bases around the National Capital Region.
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Sequester furloughs – what it means to the IMCOM workforce By Robert Dozier U.S. Army Installation Management Command
Army civilian personnel are bracing for the impact of furloughs and changing financial priorities on their organizations. Approximately 251,000 Department of the Army civilians expect to be notified soon if they will be furloughed up to 22 days starting in April. In order to meet national security responsibilities, IMCOM is prioritizing readiness and programs based on the Army strategy, while adjusting to the fiscal resources available. Furloughs are a result of the Budget Control Act passed Aug. 2, 2011, which requires more than $487 billion in cuts from the defense base budget over 10 years, beginning in fiscal year 2013. A furlough places an employee in a temporary non-duty and non-pay status. The Department of Defense has notified Congress of their intent to furlough most civilian employees up to 22 non-consecutive days — one day per week until the end of the fiscal year. Active duty, reserve and National Guard are exempt from furloughs. How an individual employee or activity is affected by furloughs will be subject to the command and the overall guidance of human resources and legal advice. Furloughs have the potential to impact approximately 27,000 IMCOM employees. There may be some exceptions for those deployed in a combat zone and those duties protect life, health and safety of our Soldiers and their Families. All employees who may be furloughed are entitled by law to a 30-day notice before implementation. Notices are scheduled to go out between March 18 and 22. The financial burden of the furlough will be the equivalent of an 8 1/2 percent annual reduction in pay. However, a one-day-per-week furlough during the last weeks of the fiscal year (from late April through September) equates to a 20 percent reduction in pay during that time period. Overtime and comp time are curtailed, and no employee will be allowed to volunteer services during the furlough. Telework and the use of government issued electronics, such as blackberries, laptops or iPods will not be permitted on furlough days. An additional burden at IMCOM will be the potential termination of temporary and term employees. The permanent workforce may have to pick up and fulfill these duties left vacant, while working 20 percent fewer man-hours. Health benefits, flexible spending accounts, federal group life insurance, vision and dental plans and federal long-term care plans are not impacted during this furlough period. However, the employee is still responsible for the full premiums due for these benefits, even though their gross pay will be reduced. These factors are expected to increase the stress on the workforce as they feel the impact on their
home budgets while attempting to balance work priorities during a shortened work-week. Other questions on the furloughs are emerging. For example, how the work week schedule will be affected by furloughs is not clear. Some facilities and activities may accomplish their mission with a reduced workweek, while others may go to a rotating schedule in an attempt to maintain customer service. Discretion is likely to be in the hands of the supervisor or division leader with guidance from the garrison commander, but clear guidance is not yet available. Employee vacation days cannot be used to cover a furlough day, but there is no prohibition to taking accrued annual leave during the furlough period, with supervisor approval. The scheduling of annual leave during the furlough will likely be a lot tighter due to the reduced work hours and annual leave may need to be cancelled to meet the mission. If a furlough day is scheduled immediately before and after a federal holiday, the employee will not earn the holiday pay. This has the potential to have additional impact on pay for pay-periods including Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day), Thursday, July 4 (Independence Day), and Monday, Sept. 2 (Labor Day). The availability of unemployment compensation to ease the effect of furloughs is difficult to summarize because the rules of each state will apply. Employees may seek part-time employment in the civilian sector, however, they should discuss with their supervisor to meet ethics requirements. The effect of furloughs on an employee’s Thrift Savings Plan depends on whether deductions are based on percentage of basic pay or on dollar amount and it may affect the agency’s contribution. Since some retirement contributions are also based on a percentage of pay, officials encourage employees to meet with their human resources representatives and/or financial planners to determine how furloughs might affect their TSP and retirement contributions. The availability of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs may also be affected, but the full impact is not yet known. This may impact the Army’s ability to mitigate the negative effects of the furlough by providing MWR activities and Family support programs. All sequestration and furlough plans and actions are designed to be reversible. If Congress passes a balanced deficit reduction plan that the president signs, the impact of sequestration on civilian employees may be avoided. There is activity in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate to write bills which would soften the effects of sequestration; however there is no guarantee that furloughs will not be enacted for the full term. For more information on how sequestration and furloughs affect the IMCOM workforce, go to http://www.imcom.army.mil/Organization/G1Pers onnel.aspx.
ANC employees exempt from furloughs, not sequestration-related budget cuts The executive director of the Army National Military Cemeteries announced in a hearing March 13 that most of Arlington National Cemetery civilian employees will be exempt from defense-related furloughs for fiscal year 2013. Kathryn A. Condon testified before the House Appropriations’ Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and Related Agencies to provide an update on the progress made to date at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as provide an update on impacts sequestration will have at the cemetery. “As with most federal organizations, Arlington is facing significant fiscal uncertainties from the combined acts of the current continuing resolution and sequestration designated in the Budget Control Act of 2011,” said Condon. On March 4, the secretary of the Army exempted all Arlington personnel paid from the Cemeterial, Expense Army appropriation, from furloughs. Arlington National Cemetery previously reported that if furloughs were enacted, approximately 160 fewer funerals would occur each month at the cemetery. Arlington National Cemetery will continue to be subject to sequestration and related funding cuts. The president’s fiscal year 2013 budget request for Arlington National Cemetery was $173.8 million. In the event that the federal government continues to operate for a full year under a continuing resolution, Arlington’s budget for FY13 would be reduced to $45.8 million. “Operating under a CR would eliminate the $103 million for expansion projects which would extend Arlington’s ability to bury our veterans, and the $25 million for critical infrastructure restoration and modernization,” said Condon. Due to sequestration, Arlington National Cemetery funding is being reduced by 5 percent of its FY 2013 continuing resolution level. Arlington is
PHOTO
BY
RACHEL LARUE
Most Arlington National Cemetery civilian employees will be exempt from defense-related furloughs for fiscal year 2013. The announcement was made by the executive director of Army National Military Cemeteries March 13.
absorbing this cut by using the last of the funds that were recovered from previous fiscal years. “Despite the challenges that further sequestration funding guidance and the continuing resolution present, we can assure the nation of this: burial services at Arlington will continue to be conducted with honor and dignity,” said Condon. Arlington National Cemetery is committed to honoring the legacy of our fallen heroes, veterans and their families through dignified military burial and inurnment services. The work that Arlington is undertaking today will further enable the cemetery to be a place for people to honor, remember and explore this nation’s rich history well into the future. (From an Arlington National Cemetery press release.)
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Friday, March 15, 2013
Community
JBM-HH historian retires By Michael Norris Pentagram Assistant Editor
It’s not the end of history, but close. When Kim Bernard Holien retires from civilian service March 15 after 18 years as the Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall historian, the position itself will disappear. Holien, the son of an Army medical officer, originally wanted to be a foreign service intelligence officer, but he always had a passion for history. “I grew up at the dinner table [in Alexandria] hearing stories about foreign service,” he explained. “My dad had been on occupation duty in Germany from 1946 to 1948 and was stationed from ’53 to ’57 on Eisenhower’s White House medical staff, so the dinner conversation was always international affairs and Washington politics. I got the inside skinny on how Washington really worked.” As the 1950s grew into the 1960s, “International Affairs were so intense, with the Cold War and the dynamic of what was going on with the Berlin Crisis and the developing situation in Southeast Asia and the Cuban Missile Crisis,” he said. “Between that and the dinner talk at the house at night, [the career path] was kind of a natural.” Holien’s undergraduate degree from Bethel University in Western Tennessee was in a broad area of social science, including course work in geography, history, government, anthropology and diplomacy. He also got a double minor in history and psychology. He has a master’s degree in American History from George Mason University and also attended Army Management Staff College at Fort Belvoir. Holien has worked a variety of jobs during his career, including, among others, stints as an administrative assistant at the Navy Annex, as a historian at Army Materiel Command and as a teacher at Archbishop John Carroll High School in the District of Columbia. After getting his undergraduate degree in 1970, Holien went to work at the U.S. State Department in 1971. It took six months for him to get the requisite security clearance because of his having been born in Stuttgart, Germany, as an Army Family member. He entered a top secret program in which he was responsible for 29 foreign posts. Two retired U.S. ambassadors served as his official mentors, grooming him for a career in the foreign service. “They were there to show us the ropes, teach us tradecraft and take off the rough edges,” Holien explained. Holien next went to work at the General Accounting Office. “Because I had a background in military and State, I was assigned foreign cases and veteran cases,” he said. In 1975 he began working for the National Archives at a large government warehouse working on declassifying records from 1940-1955. “One day they pulled a group of us aside and said, ‘Well, we’ve just been delivered all these boxes with no labels on them, so we don’t know what’s inside of them,’” he related. “‘Each of you will be assigned x amount of boxes to go through.’ “One of the boxes I got — the size of a standard records box … which could hold up to 2,500 pages of material — the only thing in it was a manila mailer at the bottom. In the left hand corner it read: War Department. Well, the War Department ceased to exist in 1947, when it became the Department of
PENTAGRAM
News Notes Sequestration news Get the latest information and news on sequestration and how it will affect the Department of Defense by visiting the JBM-HH website at www.army.mil/article/96832/Sequestration_Resource s/.
Get your news published in the JBM-HH Email Bulletin Get your office’s important information published in the weekly JBM-HH bulletin. To get it published email usarmy.jbmhh.asa.pao-all@ mail.mil by Thursday at 4 p.m. The bulletin can be viewed 24 hours a day 7 days a week at www. army.mil/jbmhh under the JBM-HH Bulletin heading. For more information, call 703-696-2976. PHOTO
BY
RACHEL LARUE
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Historian Kim Holien gives a private tour of the Fort McNair portion of JBM-HH the afternoon of Feb. 12. Holien retires March 15 after 41 years of federal service.
Defense. [The envelope] had been in there since 1947.” “I very gingerly picked the envelope up. All the glue had become dried out,” he said. “I turned it over and spread [the contents] out, and there were all these 10x14 brown, sepiatoned X-rays. I took one X-ray off the top, and held it up by the corners to the light. I was obviously a dental X-ray, and in the lower corner it read: ‘A. Hitler.’” Holien said some GI probably picked it up at Hitler’s residence in Munich, passed it on to a superior who placed it in an envelope where it sat since 1945. “Working at the Archives was a very enriching experience each and every day,” he said. In 1979, Holien went to work for the Army Center of Military History as a reference historian. “I had to be a jack of all trades, because you never know what was coming in on the next phone call, walk-in or letter,” he said. “I handled everything from Caesar’s 10th Legion through Star Wars [the missile defense system].” Holien said he even fielded a call from an Indiana kid who had deserted the Army. “We would get phone calls from the operators, saying, “‘I’ve got somebody on the line here. I don’t know where else I can put him within the Department of Defense. Can I give him to you and you can figure it out?’” he said, explaining the circumstances. Holien counseled the youth on the phone for an hour and got the youth to turn himself in and get his life squared away. After the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait during Desert Storm, Kim got an urgent phone call from the vice chief of staff of the Army. He said he was asked, “‘Kim, how much water per man, per day in the desert?’” A few hours later he got a similar call from the surgeon general of the Army, and then another one from the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics. “I immediately went to the library at the Center of Military History and pulled out the books from the official history of the British 8th Army in North Africa in 1941-43,” Holien related. “I gave the facts and figures to the three offices on the Army staff that had called me, and they figured how much water per man per day, based on human consumption, hygiene, medical … and then they added in the cooling off of computers and the cleaning of all the jet and vehicle engines. They came up with a factor of 10 gallons per man per day in the desert. So when you saw these huge ugly khaki water bags laying around in the desert [during the Gulf War] that were bigger than a truck … that’s what I was involved with.” “When I was at the Center of
Military History,” he summarized, “I felt like I was an information cop at a very busy intersection. And if I didn’t know the answer, I knew who did know the answer. That proved very helpful to a lot of people at a lot of times.” In 1995, the position of the Fort Myer Military Community historian was created. There was already an Old Guard historian position on the installation who served as The Old Guard Museum curator and MDW command historian. Kim said he likely got the job because of his experience at the Center of Military History and because he grew up in the area and knew its heritage and history. “They didn’t have to bring me up to snuff,” he said. “When I first got here I basically built the history program up from a few file drawers of miscellaneous paperwork that [the garrison commander] gave me,” Holien recalled. The commander retired a week after Holien came on board. “When I walked in to be introduced, he said, ‘Oh you’re the historian. Good. Here’s a file cabinet of papers for you. That was my introduction to the history archives.” The week after Holien got here, a Soldier came to his office carrying a box labeled “Wright Brothers” that he found in a throw-out bin while conducting a building survey. “That was the original Wright Brothers film taken in 1909 here at Fort Myer,” Holien said. “Immediately, I knew he had a treasure, but I did not realize how great a treasure it was until it got transferred onto a VHS tape and I could view it. “When I saw it, here were the Wright Brothers flying at Fort Myer. And you could see them going by TOG headquarters and flying down Sheridan Avenue and flying past post headquarters … and along Arlington National Cemetery, landing and taking off,” he said. “I knew it was a treasure. I knew it was critically important. “I went over to the Air and Space Museum, put [the video] in their machine. The [Smithsonian] fellow is sitting there with me, looking at me, going, ‘Ho-hum, ho-hum,’ because the tape was not continuous. It was obviously a cut up tape in sections from two different cameras with two different angles filming the same event. All of a sudden he jumped up and ran to the wall phone and called his boss and said, ‘Boss, you better get down here right away.’ “It turns out that cameras A and B had been used to film this. The film footage from A had been saved completely, and everybody knew that, but the film footage from B … had been lost from 1909 until 1995. I see HISTORIAN, page 7
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. Fort Myer Thrift Shop spring hours The Fort Myer Thrift shop is open Tuesday Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will also open on Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, log onto www.fortmyerthriftshop.org/storehours.html. 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 JBM-HH. All Department of Defense identification card holders are welcome, and no advance registration is necessary. Call 703-6939440 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. Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon impacts McNair traffic The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon will take place March 16 from 5 a.m.-2 p.m. Part of the full marathon route is along 4th Street SW; P St. SW; and 2nd St. SW, which will interrupt entry and exit into the Fort McNair portion of JBM-HH during the race. Fort McNair is at the 16.5 - 17.5 mile point of the race, so expect long delay times entering and exiting post when the majority of runners reach this point. Watch the UFC at the Marine Club The Marine Club will show the Ultimate Fighting Club 158 March 16, as UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre will defend his title against former Strikeforce champion Nick Diaz. The Marine Club opens at 8 p.m. and offers a special fight menu. Department of Defense identification cards holders and their guests are welcome. Transportation from the barracks and from Marine Barracks Washington will be provided; check with your unit for transportation times and pick up locations. For more information on the fight, call 703-614-2125. Women’s history month celebration JBM-HH will celebrate Women’s History Month March 20 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the community center, Bldg. 405. Guest speaker is Shelly Row. This year’s theme is women inspiring innovation through imagination. For more information call 703-696-2964. Welcome to Germany Come to Army Community Service for the 411 on Germany. Learn about topics including spon-
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PENTAGRAM
Friday, March 15, 2013
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News Notes Continued from previous page sorship, household shipments, personal vehicle shipments, driving, pets, passport information, as well as customs, culture and language. The next class is set for March 21 from 10-11 a.m. at Bldg. 201. To register, call 703-696-0156. 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 meeting is March 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. Kindergarten readiness event canceled The Ready, Set Go: Kindergarten Readiness event scheduled for March 16 has been canceled. For more information about school readiness, call 703-693-8373. 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 the second floor front vestibule. For more information, call 571-483-1949. New spouse meet and greet The next new spouse meet and greet is set for March 26 from noon2 p.m. at Army Community Service, Bldg. 201, on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH. It offers newly arrived spouses an opportunity to meet other spouses and obtain information on the joint base and surround-
ing area. They will talk about military and local resources, commuting and public transportation, shopping, dining and much more. For more information or to register, call 703696-0156.
prospective company leaders to potential challenges of command, avenues and resources available to assist them and overall concerns within the National Capitol Region. All JFHQ-NCR/MDW company commanders and first sergeants are required to attend this training. For more information, contact Michael Egly at 202-685-2910 or via email at Michael.c.egly.civ@mail.mil or David Stone at 202-685-1923 or via email at david.g.stone.ctr@mail.mil.
Smooth move A smooth move class is set for March 28 from 1-3 p.m. at JBM-HH MCCS Bldg. 12. It is an informal joint service brief for servicemembers planning a permanent change of station. Learn about your new Spring education and career fair duty station, moving with Tricare, Prepare for your future with local, arranging household good shipment with the transportation office, spon- national and international educators sorship, housing and more. To regis- and employers looking to connect with you. MCCS Henderson Hall ter, call 703-696-0156. announces their spring education and SOWC meets career fair April 18 from 11 a.m.-2 Come tour with the Signal Officers p.m. in the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gym, Wives Club and see the lovely cherry JBM-HH. Educators and employees blossoms at Mount Vernon estate will be on hand to meet prospective April 2. The tour begins at 10 a.m. students and employees, and breakThe cost will be $14 per person. fast and lunch refreshments will be Following the tour at 11:30 a.m., served. Resume review and assislunch will be served at the Mount tance services will be available durVernon Inn. The cost is $22 per per- ing the fair, which is open to DoD ID son with tax and gratuity included. card holders and the general public To make your reservations, call Ann with photo ID. To prepare for the fair, Marie at 703-455-2551. the Career Resource Management Office offers a career fair strategies Mobile DMV coming back workshop on April 11 from 10-11:30 to JBM-HH a.m., in Bldg. 29, classroom 104 on the The JBM-HH Army Career and Henderson Hall portion of the joint Alumni Program will sponsor the base. For more information, call 703Virginia Department of Motor 614-6828. Vehicle’s mobile unit April 9 from 9 NCR/MDW combatives a.m.-4 p.m. in the parking lot in tournament front of the bowling center and JBM-HH Family, Morale, Welfare Spates Community Club. They will provide all or most services found at and Recreation is looking for the best a regular DMV office. For more warriors to compete in this year’s NCR/MDW combatives tournament. information, call 703-696-9603. The tournament is open to all serviceCompany commander/ members and DoD civilians from all first sergeant course installations within the NCR/MDW The USAMDW company com- region and will be held April 16-19 at mander/first sergeant course will be Conmy Hall, Bldg. 241. Combatives held April 15-18 in room 3305, participating in the tournament will Lincoln Hall, National Defense also compete for a spot on the 2013 University, on the Fort McNair por- NCR/MDW combatives team. For tion of JBM-HH. The course is con- more information, visit www.jbmhh ducted to introduce new and MWR.com; email Billy Cook at
St. Patrick’s Day SoberRide
Bench press
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RACHEL LARUE
Spc. David Picklesimer, The Old Guard, participates in a weightlifting competition at the fitness center on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall March 13.
The Washington Region Alcohol Program’s 2013 St. Patrick’s Day SoberRide program will be offered March 17 from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. on March 18. To receive a free cab ride home, call 800-200-8294. AT&T customers may dial #WRAP from their wireless phones. Refer to the SoberRide information listed below for important details concerning this program. All requests for SoberRide service must be called to and dispatched from 1-800-200-8294. Do not call a taxi company directly for SoberRide service as the ride will not be covered under this program. The goal of SoberRide is to provide safe transportation to would-be impaired drivers in the greater Washington, D.C., area over high-risk holidays. WRAP’s SoberRide provides a free cab ride home up to a $30 fare. Callers are financially responsible for anything costing over $30. Those taking advantage of SoberRide must be 21 years or older to use the service.
billy.e.cook4.civ@mail.com or call 703806-5176/6446. AOWCGWA community grants The Army Officers Wives Club of the Greater Washington Area is now accepting applications for community grants. If you are interested in receiving a community grant, visit www.aowcgwa.org and click on scholarships and community grants. The deadline for community grants applications is April 17. All grant recipients will be awarded checks June 27. Boots to Business workshop The Career Resource Management Center announces a new Small Business Administration Boots to Business workshop. Geared toward transitioning military servicemembers, military spouses and veterans, the workshop is designed to determine if starting a business is right for you. After the two-day workshop, each participant will have a feasibility analysis deliverable that will serve as the basis for future business planning. The first session on JBM-HH is May 13-14. Additional sessions are June 19-20 and Nov. 12-13. The workshop is free and reservations must be made by calling 703-614-6828.
Spring sports sign-up Registration is open for MCCS Henderson Hall spring basketball and volleyball leagues. Games will be played in April and May on weekdays, days to be determined, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium. Team size is 12 players plus one coach, and play is open to Department of Defense identification card holders. Register at www.mccsHH.com/AthleticSports.ht ml or visit the Semper Fit office in Bldg. 29, Rm. 3005. Registration closes March 15. For more information, call 703-697-2706/2708. Please send your news notes to the Pentagram at penta gramjbmhh@yahoo.com
Road work set to begin Monday outside Wright Gate to Route 110 Crews are scheduled to begin restoration of Marshall Drive between Wright Gate and Rt. 110 beginning March 18 and finishing by March 22 (weather permitting). Milling and paving activities from Wright Gate to the entrance into Iwo Jima Memorial will take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Crews will only work in/near the Route 110 intersection from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. to reduce the impact on traffic. During the road work one lane will remain closed with oneway traffic controlled by flagmen. For more information, call 703-696-0146.
“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 1037843B
1037749B
Located at Pentagon Row
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Friday, March 15, 2013
PENTAGRAM
Parking, from page 1 in a parking lot,” Foster stipulated. “Anything other than that is not considered a parking space.” He added that DES eventually plans to paint areas along curbs where parking is prohibited. “The plan is to paint the curb so everyone can distinguish where you can and cannot park, similar to when you go off post where curbs are painted either yellow or red [showing] where you can’t park,” Foster said. “That way everyone understands what’s going on, because that would be the national standard – red for fire [lane], yellow for no parking.” Foster said the protocol for parking enforcement is outlined in JBM-HH policy 190-15, which can be found at www.army.mil/jbmhh. “We try to make it as clear as possible. We’ve never had any complaints from anyone saying they had a hard time interpreting what we put on paper,” he said. “We always stay within regulatory guidelines.” DES statistics show there are 5,656 parking spaces on JBM-HH, with 3,257 on Fort Myer, 1,899 on Fort McNair and approximately 500 on Henderson Hall. Studies have shown, Foster said, that nobody
wants to park more than a thousand feet from their workplace. He said the parking squeeze is most acute on the Army portions of the base, with Henderson Hall parking having opened up considerably after the Navy Annex closed. Foster said the places on base that have the most trouble with parking are the area around Andrew Rader Health Clinic, where patients continually vie for spaces, and along Sheridan Avenue in front of Bldgs. 250, 249 and 248. Foster said some previously reserved parking spaces (adjacent the back wall of the cemetery in the tri-service lot) that had previously been restricted to residents and buses have reopened to the community at large, although not all spaces have been painted yet. “We’ve got to go back and re-stripe all that,” he said. Foster also emphasized that the Old Post Chapel parking lot is reserved for people attending funerals on base and shouldn’t serve as an overflow lot for the tri-service facility. “Parking over there is very, very important,” he said. “You don’t want folks who are paying their respects to be further upset. They’re already upset [and grieving]. You don’t want them to be any worse
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Commandant, from page 1 This house started out as 1,500 square feet, and you are in an original part of the house,” said Mrs. Amos. She told the group “the house is now about 15,000 square feet, excluding the active basement, which is completely finished below us, so we’re at about 20,000 square feet.” She said all the wallpaper was completely stripped from the home’s walls and below ground structural support was done. “We also discovered an original fireplace in the basement below the ladies’ sitting room fireplace … it was probably used to cook in because bones were found in there.” Mrs. Amos pointed out the house has maintained its architectural integrity since it was originally constructed in 1806. “It does not look like we’ve had any add-ons since it was built.” She also pointed out the house was haunted. “Archibald Henderson [fifth commandant of the Marine Corps] is our resident ghost. He does a lot of foolishness and sometimes he does serious, costly damage to the house. Sometimes things happen that there’s absolutely no explanation [for].” She described one incident where a shower had been turned on in the middle of the night, causing extensive damage. Marines, volunteering as docents, toured the group through the threestory home. Master Sgt. Scott Smart, a docent, pointed out, “the Home of the Commandants is the oldest continuously occupied residence in Washington, D.C., and it was declared a historic landmark in 1976 by the Department of Interior.” Some of the home’s history was presented by Marine docent Gunnery Sgt. Brad Chrisman,
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RACHEL LARUE
Bonnie Amos (right), wife of Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos, speaks with members of a group from the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall after they tour the Home of the Commandants March 8.
including the original budget. Historical trivia and interesting facts about furnishings and portraits of past commandants were presented throughout the tour. Other first floor rooms on the tour included the sun room, music room, dining room and ladies’ sitting room. The tour includes characteristics of the commandants’ official portraits, facts about some of the home’s furnishings, many of which were donated by the various commandants who resided there. Composer John Philip Sousa’s eyeglasses, baton and flask are displayed on the piano in the music room. Sousa served as the Marine Band director from 1880 to 1892. A 1920s bronze Tiffany floor lamp with a green and blue dragonfly glass shade is also a significant piece in the music room. The lamp
BY
RACHEL LARUE
A boot is placed on a car in a Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall parking lot March 13. The only legal parking spaces on base are ones that are outlined in white paint. Parallel parking along curbs is illegal unless there are designated parking spaces.
was actually saved from breaking by one of the staff Marines on duty at the home during the rumble from the 2011 earthquake. The carpet in the dining room is decorated with the original symbol of the Marine Corps. An antique blue plate, the oldest item in the house, is displayed on the dining room mantel. The second floor of the home is the personal living quarters of the commandant and his family, including a family sitting area, the commandant’s personal study and bedrooms. Visitors can look into the study and the commandant’s bedroom. Cpl. Brittney McGhee, another docent on the tour, told everyone the Family sitting area is the only room in the house that is completely decorated with the current commandant’s personal furnishings.
The third floor includes three suites, named after Thomas Jefferson, Col. [Charles] Waterhouse and Prince Phillip, as well as a toy room, decorated year-round with a Christmas theme including antique toys and memorabilia from Gen. Amos’ childhood. A tapestry, which originally served as a guest book for visitors to the home, including Mark Twain, is hanging on a hallway wall on the third floor. Throughout the tour, guests were allowed to walk in most rooms, while a few were roped off, but viewable from the doors leading to those rooms, including the commandant’s personal study, personal bedroom and the toy room. The upstairs balcony boasts a spectacular view of the residence gardens, parade ground and the historical buildings of Marine Barracks. At the conclusion of the tour, everyone posed for a group photo with Mrs. Amos and a surprise guest – Chesty XIII, the current mascot of the Marine Corps. “I think the tour is important to understand the history of the Marine Corps,” said Capt. Anna Antoine, H&S Bn. supply officer. “I thought the tour was amazing and [to] know we got to do something not all Marines get to do, touring this home,” said Staff Sgt. Alberto Rodriquez, an admin chief at H&S Bn. “I liked the personal living spaces and the personal touches General and Mrs. Amos have throughout the home as well as all the portraits of the commandants.” “It was interesting to hear about and see the renovation as well as personally meet Mrs. Amos,” said Pia Cacioppo, of the Marine Corps Exchange retail section. “As a Marine wife, it was interesting to see a piece of history.”
Hagel, from page 1 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.”
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Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Defense Department civilian employees will particularly feel the pain sequester will bring to the entire defense workforce.
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Friday, March 15, 2013
Historian, from page 4 turned the original over to the National Archives and kept a copy here at Fort Myer. “It’s just been one of the great hits of the past 18 years, because in 2008 and ‘09 we had the centennial of the Wright Brothers flying here at Fort Myer. This was the birth not only of Army aviation and the U.S. Air Force. World military aviation all starts right here on Fort Myer in 1908/09.” Holien was also instrumental in preserving Bldgs. 20 and 21 on Fort McNair when they were slated for destruction. Bldg. 20 had historical significance as the site where the conspirators in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln were tried. One elusive quest, Holien’s white whale if you will, is the historian’s search to discover Civil War cannons believed to be buried somewhere on Fort Myer’s Summerall Field. While cannons and cannon balls were discovered by Directorate of Public Works employees in 1984, additional artifacts have not been found, despite the employment of sophisticated detection devices and test excavations. Holien remembers first contributing to the Pentagram around 1997, submitting extensive features on battlefield anniversaries and other subjects that eventually led to his biweekly history column in the newspaper. “I wanted them to be learning lessons,” Holien said of the column. “To me, Army history is a constant learning book. You just page through it and there are lessons learned in leadership, logistics, joint force operations, battlefield discipline, preparation for combat and training – it’s all there.” As the FMMC historian, Holien conducted staff rides and worked on DoD legacy projects, like the restoration of the 1887 Meigs House, one of the few remaining examples of early Army housing built for noncommissioned officers. He also created a series of historical markers on Fort
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RACHEL LARUE
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Historian Kim Holien gives a private tour of the Fort McNair portion of JBM-HH the afternoon of Feb. 12. Holien retires March 15 after 41 years of service.
Myer and Fort McNair recognizing the Buffalo Soldiers presence on Fort Myer and women war workers who perished in a munitions factory explosion in 1865 on Fort McNair. “It was a 100 percent challenge to be the first ever historian here, because there was no information resource base to build on,” he said. “If I had gone to be the post historian at Fort Benning, Ga., or Fort Riley, Kansas, there would have been a well established history program, the files would have all been in place, the historical photographs, the film footage, the maps, the documents, the programs from ceremonies and functions, all of that would have been lined up, and none of that was here. “While I was constantly answering inquires, and walk-in and emails and phone calls and quick hurry-ups from VIPs, I had to be backpaddling and try to build up this information resource base to enable me to answer these requests and questions.” In his job, Holien has provided
source material and documentation to various books and facilitated the making of documentaries and feature films. He has conducted VIP tours, helped Family members navigate a labyrinth of bureaucracy in trying to obtain old records and lent a sympathetic ear to veterans who visit his office, including notables like retired Col. Jack Hyde, who saved Gen. Patton’s life in the Battle of the Bulge, and Col. Melvin H. Rosen, a young artillery officer in Bataan who survived three and a half years in a POW camp. The most rewarding part of the job, he said, is bringing Army history to life and helping people with important questions. After retirement, Holien plans on pursuing a doctorate. He has six books he’d like to write. The book he’s currently working on is “Manassas: The First Battle,” which is two thirds complete. He plans to continue serving as a Civil War reenactor, something he’s been involved with for 50 years. He also hopes to travel more.
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Holien has a knack for bringing history to life. Even those who aren’t history buffs speak of how he can make a subject vivid by providing anecdotes about the personalities in a period and quoting relevant historical figures along the way. He said he tries to focus on “fleshand-blood people making flesh-andblood decisions that are very similar and very relevant to the decisions that have to be made today “We’ve been lucky to work with him. He shows a lot of enthusiasm. His presentations are never dull or dry,” said Tom Dickenson, vice president of the Arlington Historical Society about the historical tours Holien has provided over the years. “He has a great reputation in the community. We have been very lucky to work with him. He can answer any question. He’ll point out where [Gen. George] Patton lived and where the Wright Brothers took off from.” Dickenson said the tours Holien provides generally attract 70 to 80 people and that they’re usually oversubscribed because of their accessibility. Holien has a gift for engaging people. “When you have a five-minute conversation with Kim, it turns into a half hour,” said Tom Sherlock, the retired historian for Arlington National Cemetery. “I mean that in the most positive way. One thought turns into another and another…” “Military history is critical. You can’t understand any aspect of history without understanding military history,” he emphasized. “When you look at all the vast technological developments during World War II and everything that followed … the whole world is built upon the World War II era. It’s the same with all the political ramifications we live with today, all the problems in the Middle East can basically be traced back to the Treaty of Versailles following World War I.” “A nation that forgets its past has no future,” Holien said, again quoting Churchill.
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Furlough to affect Thrift Savings Plan contributions By Claudette Roulo American Forces Press Service
Federal civilian employees could see their Thrift Savings Plan contributions reduced if furloughs take effect. The Thrift Savings Plan is a retirement savings and investment plan for federal employees and members of the uniformed services, including the Ready Reserve. “Employees who have selected their TSP contribution to be a percentage of their pay will see smaller contributions during the furlough period due to their reduced pay,” said Navy Cmdr. Leslie Hull-Ryde, a Defense Department spokeswoman. For example, an employee who earns $1,000 of basic pay every two-week pay period and contributes 10 percent of it to the TSP would make a $100 TSP contribution during a normal pay period. However, if the employee is furloughed for two days per pay period, his or her basic pay would decrease to $800. As a result, the TSP contribution would be $80 per pay period. Employees who contribute a set dollar amount won’t see that amount change with a reduction in pay, Hull-Ryde said. For this reason, now is a good time to review TSP contribution amounts to see if they are appropriate, Thrift Savings Plan officials said. Basic pay reductions also will affect the matching funds contributed by the Defense Department and other agencies. According to a
Thrift Savings Plan news release, any reduction in pay will proportionally decrease the matching funds contribution, regardless of whether employees contribute a percentage of their pay or a set dollar amount. The furloughs may cause financial hardship for some employees, and in those cases they may consider making a hardship withdrawal from their TSP fund. Such withdrawals have several restrictions: • If you take a hardship withdrawal, you will not be able to make any TSP contributions for six months after having received your funds. • You may withdraw only your contributions and the earnings associated with them, and the total amount cannot exceed your financial hardship. • You must pay income tax on the taxable portion of any withdrawal, and you may also be subject to a 10 percent early withdrawal penalty tax. • If you are a Federal Employees Retirement System participant, you will not receive agency matching contributions. • A hardship withdrawal cannot be repaid, so your TSP account is permanently reduced by the amount of your withdrawal. A better option may be taking a loan against your TSP, officials said. Loans can be repaid — plus interest — but the account continues to accrue earnings even as the loan is paid back. TSP officials recommend that employees think
carefully before decreasing or stopping their traditional TSP contributions. Those contributions are subtracted from pre-tax income, and terminating the contributions could increase income tax liability. Roth TSP contributions are subtracted from employees’ after-tax income, and changes will not affect tax liability. “One of the great things about your TSP contributions, no matter how small, is that the earnings compound over time. If you stop your contributions, even for a short time, you’ll miss this opportunity altogether,” the news release said. Federal Employees Retirement System participants would, in effect, be losing free money by stopping their contributions, because matching contributions also would stop, officials said.
Chairman: Hope and promise for traumatic brian sequestration will injury military members and their Families affect programs, readiness By Ben Swain Internal Behavioral Health Consultant Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr. American Forces Press Service
The Defense Department will see effects to longterm military readiness and support programs such as the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors under sequestration’s fiscal constraints, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said March 11. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey gave remarks and fielded questions from the audience at the National League of Cities Congressional Cities Conference. “Sequestration was the thing that was never supposed to happen,” he said. The task now, he added, is to figure out how to proceed. The military must defend the nation and will do so, the chairman said. But the bond of trust between the nation and its military must endure, he added. TAPS, Gold Star Families and the Wounded Warrior Project are among organizations that manifest that bond of trust, he added. “But there’s going to be some long-term readiness issues that will affect the force,” he noted. “You can’t take $500 billion out over five years, $46 billion out over six months. I mean, Houdini couldn’t figure that out. So when I get asked about why we’re not figuring it out, it’s because I’m not Houdini. There [are] some things we’re going to have to do to sweep up every bit of money we can find in the next six months.” Just as in businesses, the general said, more than half of the Defense Department's budget is spent in the first half of the fiscal year. “So [the spending cuts are] going to have an effect,” Dempsey said. “The commitment I’ve made is we’ve got to keep faith and make sure the force that we’re deploying — the one that’s there now and the next to go — they will clearly be the priority.” The chairman was clear that wounded warriors and their Families will remain a priority for DoD. “They’ve made a commitment to us,” he said. “We’ve got to make a commitment to them. And [we have] our commitment to partnering with organizations like TAPS. You can count on me to continue to be a strong advocate of that.” Despite these commitments, Dempsey said, things will happen at the local level that Pentagon leadership won't see. “I [may] say I’m going to make sure we’re committed to wounded warriors, and then a wounded warrior’s spouse tries to go to the commissary at Fort Carson, Colo., and it’s closed,” he said. “[This is] going to happen, because of this issue of sweeping up the money we need to get through the year. There will be things done at the local level that we won’t have any visibility on.” The chairman said troops and their Families must communicate with each other so the effects of sequestration are known. “There are going to be things that we don’t see at this level that will affect your communities,” Dempsey said. “And what I’ve encouraged other military members and Families to do is ... stay in touch with each other so we actually understand the effect.”
Nowhere is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) more evident and pervasive than in the daily lives of our servicemembers. The rate of combat-related brain injuries in servicemembers returning from the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are higher than in previous conflicts. Some symptoms may appear immediately after the injury and others may not appear for days or weeks. Because of the nature of the injury and the symptoms, many individuals may not even recognize or admit that they have a problem. In addition, for patients who suffer from post-concussion mild TBI; recovery time is within weeks or months. A small percentage of patience with mild TBI encounter persistent symptoms and patients with moderate to severe TBI may never fully recover to their pre-injury level of function. TBI occurs when the head sustains an external blow or jolt that causes the brain to ricochet off of the skull which can result in bruising, tearing of nerve fibers, and bleeding to the brain. The actual event that can cause an individual to suffer a TBI is vast. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that approximately 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury annually. There are four categories of TBI, mild, moderate, severe and penetrating. A mild TBI (mTBI), which is also known as a concussion, is the most common form of TBI. Active duty male members of the military were hospitalized due to TBI related injuries at a rate of 231 per 100,000. The rate for female members of the military was 150 per 100,000. Based on these statistics; over 4,000 military personnel are hospitalized on average each year for traumatic brain injuries. Some are diagnosed as a mild TBI, while others result in moderate to severe TBI, according to the report. As Family members and friends, pointing these symptoms out could help individuals seek immediate treatment giving them the best chance at avoiding serious, long-term complications and enjoying the most comfortable lifestyle possible post active duty. The CDC estimates that at least 5.3 million Americans currently have a long-term or lifelong need for help to perform activities of daily living as a result of a TBI. According to one study, about 40 percent of those hospitalized with a TBI had at least one unmet need for services one year after their injury. The most frequent unmet needs were: improving memory and problem solving; managing stress and emotional upsets; controlling one’s temper; and improving job skills. It can also cause epilepsy and increase the risk for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other brain disorders that become more prevalent with age. Health care professionals can provide hope to this seemingly growing epidemic by following clinical practice guidelines: VA/DoD Management of Concussion/mild Traumatic Brain Injury Clinical Practice Guideline, Apr 09. This evidence-based guideline applies to
GRAPHIC
COURTESY OF
DEFENSE CENTERS
OF
EXCELLENCE
FOR
PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH AND TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
Traumatic brain injury is one of the invisible wounds of war, and one of the signature injuries of troops wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq. For more information about the Defense Department's efforts to care for wounded warriors suffering from this condition while promoting research to improve diagnosis and treatment log onto defense.gov.
adult patients 18 years or older who are diagnosed with a concussion or mild TBI and complains of symptoms related to the injury and who are treated in VA/DoD clinical settings for these symptoms at least seven days after the initial head injury. The guideline is relevant to all healthcare professionals providing or directing treatment services to patients with a concussion or TBI in any VA/DoD healthcare setting, including both primary and specialty care. On Aug. 27, 2012, now retired Army (Dr.) Col. Geoffrey Ling, program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, addressed medical care providers on the military’s model approach to TBI in a lecture at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence on the campus of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Ling called “a remarkable achievement,” that early screening and detection is most essential to diagnose and treat a TBI from mild to severe cases. The diagnostic formula that is used is called the Military Acute Concussion Evaluation (MACE). Another hope for TBI patients is in the area of neurcognitive performance, EYE-TRAC Advance (ETA) is a Department of Defense funded study which examines the relationship between eye-tracking, attention, and predictive timing. ETA will enroll over 5,000 athletes, 5,000 military participants, and several hundred civilian participants. Eye-tracking and predictive timing can be defined as a person’s ability to accurately eye track a moving target. Due to the nature of athletic and military activities, i.e., contact sports, combat, athletes and military personnel are among the most at risk for experiencing a concussion. In conclusion, with the use of diagnostic tools like the MACE and ETA as well as other advancements in future science, research, and funding, can only give way to promise and hope, shining a light on the medical and emotional needs of our men, woman, and families whose lives have been devastated by a TBI, there is always honor, compassion and hope.
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Friday, March 15, 2013
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Henderson Hall leadership host town hall By Sophia Piellusch H&S BN, HQMC, Henderson Hall
Marines and their Family members mingled with Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall staff for a town hall meeting held at the Marine Club on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall March 12. Renée Lilley, Family Readiness Officer coordinated with Col. Ira M. Cheatham, commanding officer of H&S Bn., HQMC Henderson Hall and Sgt. Maj. Craig D. Cressman to spearhead this event for Marines and their Families attached to Henderson Hall. The relaxed atmosphere made for an evening of good conversation and an opportunity to share their concerns and ask questions of the command staff. “We can make changes to better serve our population if they let us know what to change — it also develops a bond of trust,” said Lilley, the new FRO at Henderson Hall. “I hope that the Marines and their families take away a better understanding of the Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program (UPFRP) and what the command, FRO and MCCS resources can do for them. “We started today, and we will continue on so Marines on the outskirts at Joint Base AnacostiaBolling and in the Pentagon know about the services we have to offer,” said Cheatham. “As long as we can help one individual and provide the information to just one person we have accomplished our job,” said Cheatham. “We will
take care of every person who comes through this door, whether it’s one person or 1,700 people.” Cressman added, “This was a success.” The MCCS Marine and Family Programs encompass 13 organizations, which provided resource tables offering information on their specific programs and staff were available to answer questions. On hand were the Single Marine Program, Education and Career, Marketing, Exceptional Family Program, School Liaison, Children and Family Services, Marine Corps Family Team Building to name a few, said Lilley. Marine spouse Arianna Foster and her husband Staff Sgt. Clifford Foster, career retention specialist at Henderson Hall, had been discussing the possibility of Arianna attending college. Arianna spoke to the Education and Career Center representative. “I had no idea Henderson Hall offered so many different kind of programs and services; I spoke to Anne Marie about going back to school,” she said. “I think this is great.” “I also believe that they will walk away knowing that the command cares and genuinely wants to know what’s going on, what concerns they have and that the command will take their questions and suggestion seriously, to make an impact and to better education their Marines and family members,” said Lilley. At the end of the evening, there were giveaways, sending home gift cards from the Marine Corps Exchange.
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SOPHIA PIELLUSCH
Single Marine Program members and SMP Coordinator Lau Rae Upchurch, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall, engage in conversation at the first town hall meeting held at the Marine Club on the Henderson Hall side of Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall March 12.
“I won a twenty-five dollar gift card from the MCX,” said Sgt. Ottheia Searcy. “An event like this will hopefully inspire others to come to the next one, thus generating more feedback and a better conduit for information to flow between both sides,” said Lilley.
When gyms attack Arlington museum showcases
military women’s contributions
By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer
Going to the gym is supposed to be good for you. After all, exercising helps to lower blood pressure, keeps your weight in check and gets you in shape for the summer. But what happens when the gym attacks? That’s what happened to me a couple of weeks ago. I headed to my gym in Woodbridge after work, changed clothes and made my way to the floor. I spotted an open treadmill (which doesn’t happen often, especially on a weekday after work) and made a beeline for it. Intent on securing my objective while developing a case of tunnel vision, I jumped on the machine, not realizing that somebody had left it on. I got thrown off, and came down on my left arm. Ouch. Pain was the first clue that something was wrong. My fellow gym goers helped me up. That’s when I got my second clue that I’d done some damage. Left arm, not moving so much. A trip to the doctor and I had a diagnosis: Fractured humerus bone. So, exactly how can you prevent injuries at the gym? Well, number one would be by not stepping on a moving machine, right? Natalia Dalton, who mans the front desk at the fitness center on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH, said to stay safe at the gym, you should stay alert. “Watch where you’re walking,” she said. “Also be careful in the weight area, because a lot of time customers will put down the weights on the floor.” Make sure there’s adequate space when you’re walking between machines, Dalton continued. “Sometimes facilities have machines that are close together, and you can trip,” she said. And that new-to-you machine that you’ve never used before? Get a trainer or gym employee to show you how to properly use it. “You don’t want to use a machine if you don’t know how to use it,” Dalton stressed. Be cautious while working on floor mats, which can slide or be unlevel. “If you’re at the gym and notice a spill, let somebody know,” added Dalton.
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RACHEL LARUE
Staying alert at the gym is one way to stay safe when working out. Other tips include asking a trainer for help when using a new piece of equipment and making sure you’re wearing proper workout attire. For more tips to stay safe while exercising, contact the Fort Myer Fitness Center.
By Terri Moon Cronk American Forces Press Service
A living legacy to women who served in all branches of the U.S. military honors their service and sacrifice inside the Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. The museum in the memorial depicts the duty, honor and pride of the two million women who served to defend the United States, from the beginning of the Revolutionary War through today’s war in Afghanistan. Situated at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, the $22 million memorial offers a grand welcome to the sacred military burial grounds with its neoclassical architecture. Following 11 years of construction, the museum was dedicated on Oct, 18, 1997, after the Women’s Memorial Foundation spearheaded the effort to educate the public and honor women who defended the nation during all eras and in all services. The museum’s “living” exhibits depict the past, present and future of military women on active duty, in the reserves, the National Guard and U.S. Public Health Service, in addition to the Coast Guard Auxiliary and Civil Air Patrol. Additionally, the women who served in support of U.S. armed forces during wartime overseas in such organizations as the Red Cross, United Service Organizations, Special Services and the PHS Cadet Nurse Corps have a place of honor in the museum. The Women’s Memorial is the only national museum of its kind, according to The Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation Inc. website. Its staff collects, preserves, documents and analyzes the history of women’s military service by gathering official and personal records, oral histories, photographs and memorabilia for its exhibits. “Although women have always volunteered in defense of our nation, many of their contributions have been forgotten and are not recorded in today’s history books,” the website notes.
A signature feature of the museum is the register, a computerized database of information on about 3,500 former military and current activeduty women who voluntarily registered. Each entry shows the service woman’s picture, dates of service, awards received, key memories of her service and other statistics. The foundation registry invites veterans, active-duty, National Guard and Reserve servicewomen to register. Cadet nurses and service organization employees who served overseas during a war also are eligible to register. The museum’s Hall of Honor pays tribute to fallen servicewomen in a somber room amid flags of U.S. states, territories and the military services. A small exhibit displays two books of female casualties while serving in the line of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The hall also honors women who served with “ ... particular sacrifice and achievement. Honored are those who were killed in action, died in the line of duty, were prisoners of war or were recipients of the nation’s highest awards for service and bravery,” a description reads. A marble Sister Block, taken from the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, stands formidably tall and wide, nearly ceiling-high in the room. The glass-enclosed exhibits in the museum's main section vary by era, and among them are reminders of today's wars; one depicting The War on Terror, and another displaying service uniforms worn in Iraq and Afghanistan with the backdrop of a flag that reads, We Remember 9/11. Exhibits titled, Serving in the Military, from 1901 to 1945 and another Since 1946, comprise the work of early servicewomen. The exhibits include World War II dog tags, identification cards, worn photos and service manuals titled, If You Should be Captured, These are Your Rights, and Survival on Land and Sea. A citation for a Bronze Star medal, awarded to Della Polacek, reads, “In support of combat operations against the
enemy in Manila, the Philippines,” for her service from April to July 1945. Today, the greatest generation of World War II veterans are in their 80s and 90s, and the museum offers a multitude of World War II-era artifacts from 1941 to 1945 in exhibits titled, Overseas in the Military, POWs Under Fire, and The War Ends. A huge wall visual tribute, The Greatest Generation, displays life-like, hand-painted portraits, taken from old black-and-white photographs. Men also are depicted in this display — the only mention of male servicemembers in the museum. The Forgotten War exhibit covers women who served during the 1950-53 Korean War. The Era of Conflict — the Vietnam War — tells the story of Army, Navy and Air Force nurses who comprised 80 to 90 percent of U.S. military women in Vietnam working on the ground, at sea and on evacuation flights, from 1964 to 1973. March 4 marked the opening of Celebrating 40 Years of Women Chaplains: A Courageous Journey of Faith and Service. The Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation Inc. website says the exhibit “tells the story of the scores of women, beginning in 1973, who answered God’s call to minister to the nation’s military members and their Families in times of war and peace.” Of all the meticulously planned exhibits and tributes, however, one extemporaneous display features a painting on an easel of Army Staff Sgt. Jessica Clements, who left the military on a medical retirement following a roadsidebomb explosion in Iraq that left her with such severe traumatic brain injury that she had to learn to walk and talk again. Behind her painting is a large wall, filled with hundreds of notes to her, written by visitors. Resident artist Chris Demarest said it started with a single drawing by a 6-yearold child. One week later, he said, the wall was filled with notes left by visitors, thanking Clements for her service. He calls it The Wall of Thanks.
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Operation Homefront appreciated Leaders learn legislative process By George Markfelder JFHQ-NCR/MDW Public Affairs
By Sgt. Jennifer C. Johnson JFHQ-NCR/MDW Public Affairs
Operation Homefront is a nonprofit organization that helps thousands of military Families and wounded warriors each year, but this time, it was their turn to receive a token of thanks from the military community they serve. Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, commander of the Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington (JFHQNCR/MDW) presented Jim Knotts, the chief executive officer of Operation Homefront a certificate of appreciation during a ceremony held on the Fort Lesley J. McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall March 8. Linnington explained to guests and staff present at the ceremony that Knotts’ organization has provided more than $150 million to returning servicemembers and their Families and have also been a principal supporter of MDW’s medical evacuation to CONUS hospital missions. Three times a week, sometimes more, Soldiers from MDW travel to Joint Base Andrews, Md., and assist America’s wounded warriors as they return to U.S. soil. The team keeps Army leadership aware of all casualties arriving at Andrews and ensures accountability for tracking the Soldiers whereabouts once they land and until they arrive at their home unit or placed on further transport to other military medical facilities. Operation Homefront continues to provide personal clothing, cellular telephones and the monthly cost of cell phone usage to military patients remaining at Andrews. According to their website, Operation Homefront met the needs of more than 150,000 military
Senior members of the Army Air Operations Group, U.S. Army Military District of Washington, participated in a legislative professional development seminar on Capitol Hill to familiarize themselves with the role the military has in the legislative process, March 8. More than 30 AAOG members were also given a tour of the U.S. Capitol to become familiar with the history of the building and congressional leaders from the past and present. “I wanted my staff to come here with little to no preconceived notions,” said Col. William McGarrity, AAOG commander. “It’s paramount that our leaders be aware of how the military fits in with the legislative process.” The seminar included a brief by Col. David P. Anders, Senate liaison division chief on the roles and responsibilities of the Office of the Chief Legislative Liaison (OCLL). The OCLL ensures the overall integration of the Army's efforts with Congress, develops comprehensive congression-
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GEORGE MARKFELDER
Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, commander of the Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, presents Jim Knotts, chief executive officer of Operation Homefront, a certificate of appreciation during a ceremony held at Fort Lesley J. McNair March 8.
Families, including active duty, guard and reserve members from all branches of service and has served more than 4,200 wounded warriors and their families. The organization is a a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and provides direct services to alleviate a military Family’s or individual’s complete emergency financial burden, as well as counseling and/or recovery support. Emergency financial assistance is in the form of checks paid directly to mortgage lenders, auto mechanics, contractors, hospitals, doctors, dentists and other providers. If you are interested in volunteering through Operation Homefront, look for details on their web site at: http://www.operationhomefront.net/v olunteer.aspx.
al engagement strategies for Army senior leaders, and disseminates critical information on all major congressional activities. The Soldiers and civilians were able to discuss important topics within the OCLL legislative procedures with different OCLL fellows and received recruitment information about the program. The Army Congressional Fellowship is a three and a half year program for Army officers, senior noncommissioned officers and civilians, which includes a pursuit of the Master’s Degree in Legislative Affairs, service on the staff of a Member of Congress, and utilization on the Army or Joint Staff in a congressionally-related duty position. The program shows strategic relationships between the Army and Congress. “Affording leaders the opportunity for growth is important for the future of the Army,” said McGarrity. “This seminar was a great way to broaden my staff's perspectives of the legislative process while in the National Capital Region.”
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SGT. JENNIFER C. JOHNSON
Senior members of the Army Air Operations Group, U.S. Army Military District of Washington, during a legislative professional development seminar at the U.S. Capitol March 8.
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DEM provides spill response training for Soldiers the training. With any hazardous material spill on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Gregory Olmsted, environmental — that can be anything from oil to protection specialist with the Joint diesel and beyond — the spill must Base Myer-Henderson Hall be reported to the fire department, Directorate of Environmental Olmsted said. Management, spoke with 10 bus “It does not really matter what drivers from the 529th Regimental size the spill is, just report it to [the Support Company, 3d U.S. Infantry fire department], tell them how Regiment (The Old Guard) about much, and they will decide [how to the importance of properly respond- respond],” Olmsted said. ing to hazardous material spills, Some other information the fire including materials like oil and department will need when notified diesel March 8. include information on is the type of “It is important to prevent oil and material spilled, how much, the locahazardous materials from getting tion and anything nearby of signifiinto the environment; this is the cance like nearby storm drains or first step, if you had a spill, you residences. want to contain it before it gets into “It is important that anytime the waterways,” said Rahul Patel, someone encounters a hazardous petroleum, oil, and lubricants tank materials spill they contact the fire program support, who was also at department,” says Russell Miller, By Rachel Larue Pentagram Staff Photographer
Thrift Savings Plan officials warn against unsanctioned app American Forces Press Service
A free iPhone app for the Thrift Savings Plan available at the Apple app store could pose a security risk, program officials warned. A notice on the Thrift Savings Plan website says the TSP Funds app, which asks participants for their account login information, is not sanctioned. “This app is not being offered through the TSP, and the TSP does not recommend using this application to access your TSP account,” the notice says. “Providing this information could result in a security risk to your account.” The Thrift Savings Plan is a retirement savings and investment plan for federal employees and members of the uniformed services, including the Ready Reserve. It was established by Congress in the Federal Employees' Retirement System Act of 1986 and offers the same types of savings and tax benefits that many private corporations offer their employees under 401(k) plans.
Roman Catholic Lent/Easter schedule on Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall (All services at Memorial Chapel unless otherwise indicated.) March 15 and 22 – Stations of the Cross at 6 p.m., followed by a penitential supper (meatless soup and bread) 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. 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 – Holy Saturday – 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. Reception of new members with Profession of Faith and Confirmation. March 31 – Solemn Easter Sunday Mass, 9 a.m. Special liturgical music provided by chapel choir, flutist and brass ensemble.
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Jr., JBM-HH fire chief, through an email. “Immediate notification may be the difference between a minor event or a major event. Early notification could also minimize the environmental effect such as the amount of gasoline entering a storm drain and minimize the negative effect on mission capabilities. Our personnel have specialized training and equipment for spill response.” Signs in the area around the diesel pumps on the joint base clearly state safety reminders. “One thing I do also want to share with you, this will be kind of a reminder for you, as you pull up with one of your buses [to the pumps on JBM-HH], there is quite a bit of signage down here,” said Olmsted. “You see there is a no smoking [sign] within 50 feet, do
not leave vehicle unattended while fueling and stop your motors.” A sign labeled “Spill response action guide” gives a reminder of who to notify and what to do in case of a spill. “If there is anyone else out there, make sure they shut off their engines, make sure there is no one smoking, make sure no other vehicles will be pulling in at the spill, keep traffic out, in other words, restrict the access,” said Olmsted. “And if you need to evacuate the area, go up a gradient from the spill and up wind from the spill. Use common sense.” As a reminder, Olmsted also asked the bus drivers to ensure the gas cap is in place before driving away from the pumps. To report an emergency on JBMHH, call 911 or 703-696-3600.
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Veterans History Project chronicles myriad stories of everyday heroes By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer
A stringent endeavor is underway to record servicemembers’ war time experiences — especially veterans of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The equation involving documenting surviving veterans is turning into a desperate predicament. The subtraction of elderly American veterans presently continues. On average, 600 to 700 World War II servicemen pass away each day and the survivor numbers continue to dwindle from the Korean and Vietnam conflict columns. On stand-by is the Veterans History Project, a part of the Library of Congress’ American Folklife Center. The project’s goals are to multiply the number of first-hand war-era biographies and pictures for future Americans to examine and research. Now more than a decade old, VHP has collected more than 86,000 video, audio and written collections of servicemembers from World War I to present-day Afghanistan. The project is volunteerbased, with individuals and organizations from throughout the country conducting audio and video interviews of veterans’ everyday activities. “This isn’t about the grand and the glorious — although we have some grand and glo-
rious stories — as I often say, from the cockpit to the foxhole, it is also from the mess hall to the motor pool,” Veterans History Project Director Bob Patrick. “Everybody’s story is important. That’s what we always emphasize.” Sharing war stories has become a common thread of American family reunions and picnics, and that is where the VHP idea was born – at a family Midwestern picnic. “It was a Father’s Day weekend, and we were sitting around the picnic table in the back yard. It was my dad, who was from the Korea generation and my uncle, his brother, who was flying bomber missions during the second world war in the south Pacific. They started talking about their experiences in the military… So I told them to stop, and I ran in the house and grabbed the family video camera and set it up,” Wisconsin Congressman Ron Kind said about his dual role as an impromptu videographer. Kind traveled back to Washington and drafted legislation with the assistance of Senators Max Cleland and Chuck Hagel (the current Secretary of Defense) and Representatives Steny Hoyer and Amo Houghton, and in record time, Congress created the Veterans History Project. The premise behind the project involves elementary
arithmetic. Combine civic groups, schools, veterans homes, veteran’s organizations, hospices — those willing to volunteer as interviewers — with willing veterans and add a video or audio recorder and part of the collection is produced. “When Congress set this up, they didn’t give us a pile of money to go out and get a bunch of oral historians. They thought this needed to be a volunteer effort,” Patrick said. “[The thought was] We needed to get communities involved and service organizations involved. We certainly need to get young people involved. We want that proponent of a young student — the younger generation — talking to an older person about their experience.” A volunteer nationwide effort has been undertaken during the past dozen years to urge those who hunkered in Battle of the Bulge snow or servicemen who withstood the Tet Offensive to tell their stories. With the Department of Defense currently observing the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, the Veterans History Project will proudly assist any vet who served in Southeast Asia during that time period. The VHP notes that 35 percent of all living U.S. military veterans served during the Vietnam era. “Understand, we are not abandoning the Korean War
COURTESY PHOTO
Veteran's History Project staff members prepare to video interview Jesse W. Greene, Sr., a World War II veteran, who served as a mess sergeant with the 45th Engineer Battalion in the China-Burma-India theater during an October 1, 2010 digital collection.
[vets] and the World War II guys, but we have to really start thinking about [gathering] the Vietnam [stories],” Patrick said, as a total of 14,000 Vietnam vets have contributed to the project. “These guys aren’t getting any younger either. They are the next big group we need to start focusing on. We need to get their stories.” While surrounded by pictures of USO shows and nurses aiding wounded warriors in hospitals, Patrick added that the project will accept certain World War II homefront stories. “We’ll take Rosie the Riveter accounts and USO entertainers and Red Cross people,” he said. “But we only take first-person accounts.” A major point behind the
project is to digitally capture living history on a computer, DVD or compact disc. “There are still many stories out there which need to be preserved,” said Kind. “My uncle’s [collection] is in there, and as for my dad, I still have his tape, but what I want to do is to re-interview him.” The public is invited to the Library of Congress’ Madison Building to view or research the contributions. The office telephone number is 202-707-5510. For information on obtaining a Veterans History Group field kit or how to become involved as a volunteer interviewer, contact the VHG at vhpcongressional @loc.gov or visit www.loc.gov/vets.
Myer Soldiers included in VHP collection By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer
Dozens of former military police and officers who were based at Fort Myer during the 20th century have given their first-hand accounts of war time proceedings to the Veteran History Project. One veteran’s story provided historical significance to a tragic event on America’s home front in April, 1945. Fort Myer Sgt. David C. Speicher of the 703rd Military Police Battalion and a Greenwood, Del., native recalled his involvement in the ceremonies following the death of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. “… Our whole unit marched in President Roosevelt’s funeral parade,” Speicher said in his interview which is available online or at the Library of Congress. “And we stood at parade rest for an hour on Constitution Avenue, waiting for the body to come out of the [Capitol] rotunda to go down to Constitution Avenue into Union Station to be shipped to New York.” In his donated memoir, then
Army Lt. William F. Brand, a member of 16th Field Artillery Battalion and a Battle of the Bulge veteran, explained the role he played at Fort Myer months before the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The solemn, traditional base rituals he described in his writings are continued today by The Old Guard Soldiers. “One of the claims to fame of the 16th Field Artillery Battalion was that it had a white horse battery whose primary mission was to move the caissons carrying the caskets of those to be buried in Arlington Cemetery,” wrote Brand, who finished his military career as a colonel. “I suppose the Army decided the only way it was going to get any real use out of the 16th Field Artillery was to move it out of Fort Myer away from the Washington area. So the Army did that and ordered the 16th Field Artillery to Fort Riley, Kan.” More than a hundred Fort Myer veterans, from World War II to Desert Storm, have recounted their wartime experiences to the VHP. To find Soldiers who have
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Fort Myer veteran Col. William F. Brand stands next to a helicopter in An Khe, Vietnam, in this 1966 black and white photo, which is part of the Veterans History Project on-line digital collection.
given their oral histories to the VHP, go to www.loc.gov/vets/ and click on the search the veterans collections link.
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J.D. LEIPOLD
After receiving his fourth star March 11, Gen. John F. Campbell is sworn in as the Army's 34th vice chief of staff by Secretary of the Army John McHugh as Campbell's wife, Ann, holds the Bible. Campbell was nominated by President Barack Obama in February to succeed Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III as the second highestranking Army officer. In December, Obama nominated Austin to become the head of the joint U.S. Central Command, which oversees all military operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan.
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In December 2012, we featured a story about Pfc. Jacob Davenport, a Soldier striving to become a Tomb Sentinel like his late great-uncle, Col. Talmadge N. Gilley Jr. Davenport achieved this aspiration and was awarded the 612th Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Identification Badge. “I know that my great-uncle would have been proud to see this. I’m happy to have reached this goal that I set for myself,” said Davenport. The Old Guard is the Army's official ceremonial unit and escort to the president, and it also provides security for Washington, D.C., in time of national emergency or civil disturbance. Since World War II, “The Old Guard” has served as the official Army Honor Guard and escort to the president.
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