Earth Day
Appreciation
Base recognizes Mother Earth
Volunteer army gets its due
page 4
Vol. 60, no. 16 April 26, 2013
page 7
Pentagram
Published for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
Services: Sequestration will affect force readiness
‘NEVER AGAIN’
By Nick Simeone American Forces Press Service
PHOTO
BY
RACHEL LARUE
Halina Peabody speaks during Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day April 24. Peabody told the story about how she and her family survived occupied Poland during World War II.
Base recognizes Holocaust survivors By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer
Holocaust survivor Halina Yasharoff Peabody brought her story of courage, faith and determination to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall as the installation observed Holocaust Remembrance Day April 24 at the community center on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. “The best we can do and the best you can do is listen and hear it,” Peabody said. “The
kind of atmosphere that was there, it’s impossible to get your mind around. “I’m talking for all of us, we’re all miracles to be here. I’m one of the lucky ones, one of the few lucky ones.” With the theme of this year’s Holocaust remembrance, “Never Again, Heeding the Warning Signs” as a backdrop, Peabody discussed how she and her family survived in Nazioccupied Poland during World War II. “We try to inspire people to
remember what happened,” she said. “We cannot forget. If people ask us to forget, we have no right. We’re not God, and we cannot forget six million people who were killed. Who am I to forget them.” Peabody was just a young girl when the Soviet Union invaded her native Poland in September 1939. “My story happened when I was very, very young,” she said. “I was just 7 when the war broke out.” see HOLOCAUST, page 8
The four branches of the military delivered another warning to Congress April 18 that a prolonged budget sequester will significantly affect military readiness, and in the case of the Army, will leave it unable to carry out defense strategy. The service vice chiefs emphasized that message repeatedly during a Senate Armed Services Committee’s readiness subcommittee hearing on the state of military readiness in light of the $41 billion spending cut the Defense Department is absorbing over the rest of the fiscal year, triggered by the budget sequester that took effect in March. “The reality is that if sequestration continues as it is, ... the Army simply will not have the resources to support the current defense strategic guidance, and we risk becoming a hollow force,” Gen. John F. Campbell, Army vice chief of staff, testified. The Army is the largest of the four branches, and is affected the most by the budget sequester — curtailing training for most ground forces and cancelling exercises to cope with a $6 billion shortfall in its operations and maintenance account. This will risk the service’s ability to reset itself after 12 years of war, Campbell said. “We cannot afford, from a national security perspective, an Army that is unable to deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars,” he added. Adm. Mark E. Ferguson III, vice chief of Naval Operations, said the Navy is feeling the shortfall in everything from the ability maintain readiness to the capability to respond to a world crisis. “By the end of this fiscal year, two-thirds of our nondeployed ships and aviation squadrons will be less than fully capable and not certified for major combat operations,” he said, adding that deployments have been delayed or cancelled and that in see READINESS, page 8
JBM-HH hosts combatives tournament By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer
News traveled quickly across Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall April 18. By mid-afternoon, many had learned that a U.S. Army Band flutist had advanced into the championship round of the 5th annual Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and Military District of Washington Combatives Tournament at the Fort Myer Fitness Center gymnasium. Jokingly introduced as “the most vicious flute player in the U.S. Army,” Staff Sgt. Megan Lomonof placed second in the combined flylightweight division. She was defeated by Senior Airman Michael McDonnell, who
Index
Community Spotlight p.2 Commentary p.3 Community p.4 News Notes p.4 Feature p.7 Sports p.6 Classifieds p.11
clinched the victory with an arm bar submission in the final 60 seconds of the 6-minute championship match. Faring better than Lomonof was combative heavyweight Sgt. Michael Pegg of H Company, The Old Guard, who defeated fellow JBM-HH Soldier Spc. Jonathan Grondel of JBM-HH’s 529th Regimental Support Company. Six championship matches capped a solidlybooked day of hand-to-hand combat. In attendance for the late afternoon title bouts were JFHQ-NCR/MDW Commanding General Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, Command Sgt. Maj. David O. Turnbull and JBM-HH Commander Col. Fern O. Sumpter and Command Sgt. Maj. Earlene Y. Lavender, who watched McDonnell
PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE
Competitors in the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and Military District of Washington 5th Annual Combatives Tournament pose for photographs with JFHQNCR/MDW Commanding General Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington (first row, far left); Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Commander Col. Fern O. Sumpter (second row, far left); JFHQ-NCR/MDW Command Sgt. Maj. David O. Turnbull (first row, far right) and JBM-HH Command Sgt. Maj. Earlene Y. see COMBATIVE, page 6 Lavender (second row, far right).
Arlington House
Restoration complete
Pg. 10
The voice
Army Band vocalist wows crowd with arias
Pg. 9
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Friday, April 26, 2013
PENTAGRAM
PHOTO
Spring
BY
RACHEL LARUE
A variety of tulips bloom at the foot of the Netherlands Carillon, near Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and the Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington, Va. April 17.
Community Spotlight • Name and age: Ellen Franzen, age 11 • What does your mom or dad do at work?: My dad works for the nuclear something or other. • Favorite sport: Softball. • Favorite book: “The Candy Makers.” • Favorite food: I really like my aunt’s steamed broccoli. • Favorite song to sing: Camp songs during the summer. • Favorite movie: I really like “Daddy Daycare” and “Flipped.” • Favorite place you’ve ever been: I really like Port Discovery, a children’s museum. • What do you like most about coming to school on JBM-HH: Help out with arts, crafts and science. • Is there something you want to be able to do by the end of the year?: I want to get 50 hours of community service time. • What do you like most about living in this area?: Really local, I can ride my bike anywhere. • What is your favorite thing to do in Washington, D.C.?: See the monuments with my friends. • If your parents won the lottery, what do you think they would do?: My mom would be really happy and take vacation off of work to have fun as a family. • What advice would you give a friend?: You should be normal and be yourself.
Caption This
PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE
Caption This #14
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 #13 We must be ... - Experts at what we do … constantly improving our skills and knowledge. “Sir, if we each had two sabers we - Focused … set priorities and complete the mission. could just ski to Conmy Hall.” - Committed … to the mission and each other, fostering a community of excellence. Shelly Worrell - Professional/respectful … remain calm, even when others are not … count on each other at all times, treating everyone with dignity and respect.
Pentagram Printed on recycled paper
http://www.army.mil/jbmhh
The Pentagram is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Pentagram are not necessarily the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, or Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. The content of this publication is the responsibility of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Public Affairs Office. Pictures not otherwise credited are U.S. Army photographs. News items should be submitted to the Pentagram, 204 Lee Ave., Bldg. 59, Fort Myer, VA 22211-1199. They may also be faxed to (703) 696-0055 or e-mailed to courtney.a.dock-abuhl.civ@mail.mil. Circulation of 24,000 is printed by offset every Friday as a civilian enterprise newspaper by Comprint Military Publications. Comprint Military Publications is located at 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Telephone (301) 921-2800. Commercial advertising should be placed with the printer. Comprint Military Publications is a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertisements in this publication, to include all inserts and supplements, does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser shall result in the refusal to print advertising from that source.
Editorial staff Commander Command Sergeant Major Director of Public Affairs Command Information Officer
Col. Fern O. Sumpter Earlene Y. Lavender Mary Ann Hodges Sharon Walker
Pentagram staff Editor Assistant Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Photographer
Courtney Dock Michael Norris Rhonda Apple Julia LeDoux Jim Dresbach Rachel Larue
(703) 696-5401 (703) 696-7607 (703) 696-1363 (703) 696-7605 (703) 696-5488 (703) 696-7606
PENTAGRAM
Safety tip Armed & hammered Tracey Russell U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center Fort Rucker, Ala.
In today’s society, we are bombarded with messages informing us we shouldn’t drink and drive because alcohol impairs judgment and slows reaction time, which can make our vehicles deadly weapons. So why do we continue to see Soldiers consuming alcohol and handling firearms, which are designed to be deadly weapons without the addition of alcohol? Six Soldiers lost their lives in fiscal 2012 to off-duty negligent discharge accidents involving privately-owned weapons. Alcohol was involved in at least four of the six accidents. In one case, a group of Soldiers consumed alcohol over an extended period one evening at several locations, taking care to use a designated driver or taxi. Then, upon returning to his residence, one of the Soldiers decided to handle his privately-owned weapon. While doing so, he inadvertently disengaged the safety mechanism and discharged a bullet into his head. In another case, a Soldier reportedly pointed a weapon at his friend, a fellow Soldier, to scare him to cure his hiccups. Sadly, his cure worked, and his friend will never have the hiccups again. The Soldier now faces manslaughter charges because he accidentally discharged the weapon, killing his friend. As a citizen of the United States, you have a constitutional right under the Second Amendment to keep and bear arms for lawful purposes. You also have a legal right to consume alcohol if you are 21 or older. However, conventional wisdom and Army statistics indicate that exercising both of these rights at the same time has the serious potential of resulting in a wrong that may be fatal. If you are handling a firearm, wait until you have safely stored your weapon before enjoying that “adult” beverage. If you are already enjoying that beverage, handle your weapons some other time. Whether you use a weapon for hunting, target shooting or personal defense, your weapons-handling experiences will be far more enjoyable if you protect yourself, family members, friends and fellow Soldiers by handling your weapon in a responsible manner. Read the owner’s manual, sign up for a class, know appropriate laws and policies, always THINK weapons safety and make sure you and your weapon are never loaded at the same time. Don’t be armed and hammered! FYI When handling weapons on the range, in combat or off duty, personnel must be aware of and use proper procedures to avoid negligent discharges and other accidents. The U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center has a centralized collection of online resources for safe weapons handling. The Range & Weapons Safety Toolbox hosts various references and materials, including publications, training support packages, multimedia products, ammunition and explosives information, and safety messages and alerts. By using this toolbox, Soldiers and leaders can minimize risks and sustain combat readiness. Remember to always THINK weapons safety: • Treat every weapon as if it is loaded. • Handle every weapon with care. • Identify the target before you fire. • Never point the muzzle at anything you do not intend to shoot. • Keep the weapon on safe and your finger off the trigger until you intend to fire. (From Knowledge, the official safety magazine of the U.S. Army.)
Redskins tickets It’s that time of year again. On May 6, the JBM-HH ticket office will begin selling to all authorized personnel a combination package for 2013-2014 Washington Redskins football tickets at the Community Center, Bldg. 405, 228 McNair Road on the Fort Myer portion of the base. Tickets will be sold from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The package consists of one pair of pre-season tickets and one pair of regular season tickets. On Aug. 3, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. active duty servicemembers only can begin purchasing pairs of regular season tickets without having to purchase pre-season tickets. On Aug. 9, all remaining tickets will go on sale to all authorized personnel. At this time, they can purchase pairs of regular season tickets without having to purchase pre-season tickets. Authorized personnel consists of active duty, retirees and Department of Defense common access card holders. For more information, call 703-696-3470/71.
Friday, April 26, 2013
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Social media policies protect DoD employees, official says By Claudette Roulo American Forces Press Service
The Defense Privacy and Civil Liberties Office ensures that Department of Defense civilians and servicemembers are able to exercise their First Amendment rights when using social media platforms, Michael E. Reheuser, the office’s director, said April 19. “DoD’s social media policy requires that personnel follow certain rules,” Reheuser said in an interview with American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon Channel. Those rules aren’t intended to limit free speech, he added, but only to make sure that the information being posted doesn’t compromise operational security. Personnel are allowed to express their opinions, he said, as long as doing so is consistent with the operational requirements of the department. Some rules are different for servicemembers than for civilians, Reheuser noted. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, servicemembers are prohibited from disparaging the president or other senior leaders, revealing operational details or divulging classified
information, he said. “If you have an opinion that is inconsistent with the Department of Defense’s, you’re certainly allowed to say that,” Reheuser said. But, he added, “if the person looking at it thinks that you might be working on behalf of the government, and not in your individual capacity, you really need to be careful.” In some cases, it may be enough to post a disclaimer on your account, he said, but if you have any doubts, the best thing to do is check with your component’s ethics professional. As the use of social media becomes more prevalent, it’s especially important for DoD personnel to be alert for potential misuse of their personal information, Reheuser said. The department doesn’t monitor personal social media accounts, he said, so DoD personnel should monitor their online presences closely to make sure that information that comes out under their name is actually coming from them. DoD members who suspect that an impersonator is behind a social media account for a department employee or senior leader should talk to their component’s security manager, Reheuser said.
Reductions won't affect most TRICARE prime beneficiaries
Despite upcoming service area reductions, TRICARE Prime will remain a health care option for 97 percent of the more than 5 million beneficiaries eligible for the health care plan, Military Health System officials said. The 3 percent difference, which comprises about 171,000 beneficiaries who mostly reside more than 40 miles from a military clinic or hospital, automatically will revert to the TRICARE Standard health care option Oct. 1, officials said. Those beneficiaries recently received a letter explaining their options, and they will receive a reminder letter in June or July. “The first thing TRICARE beneficiaries should know about the reduction in the number of Prime service areas is that it doesn't mean they’re losing their TRICARE benefit,” said Dr. Jonathan Woodson, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs. “Next, it’s important to remember this change does not affect most of the more than 5 million people using TRICARE Prime, and [it affects] none of our active duty members and their Families.” As a follow-up to the initial notification, he noted, a second letter will be mailed in early summer to make sure all affected ben-
eficiaries have the time and information to make important decisions about their future health care options. The TRICARE website has the most current details at www.tricare.mil/PSA and gives beneficiaries the option to sign up for email updates. A ZIP code tool is available on the site to help beneficiaries determine if they live in an affected Prime service area. As always, officials said TRICARE beneficiaries still are covered by TRICARE Standard. For those living within 100 miles of a remaining Prime service area, they added, re-enrolling in Prime may be an option, depending on availability. To do this, beneficiaries must waive their drive-time standards and possibly would need to travel long distances for primary and specialty care. “I urge all impacted beneficiaries to carefully consider their health care options — they should talk them over with Family members and their current health care provider,” Woodson said. “Many beneficiaries may be able to continue with their current provider using the Standard benefit. Being close to your health care team usually offers the best and safest access to care.”
In TRICARE Prime, those enrolled are assigned a primary care provider who manages their health care. Retirees pay an annual enrollment fee and have low out-of-pocket costs under this plan. TRICARE Standard is an open-choice option with no monthly premiums and no need for referrals, but there are cost shares and an annual deductible. Defense Department officials first planned to reduce the number of Prime service areas in 2007, when it requested bids for the third generation of regional health care support contracts. The areas being eliminated are not close to existing military treatment facilities or sites affected by base realignments and closures. Prolonged protests resulted in a staggered transition, officials said, and the decision was made to keep all Prime service areas in place until all three contracts were in place. The West region completed its transition April 1. Eliminating select Prime service areas allows TRICARE and the Defense Department to better control costs while continuing to deliver a high-quality health care benefit to all 9.6 million TRICARE beneficiaries, officials said. (From a Military Health System News Release)
White Ribbon Campaign at Fort McNair By Cory Hancock JFHQ-NCR/MDW Public Affairs
Stopping violence against men, women and girls was the topic of discussion during the Army Air Operations Group, U.S. Army Military District of Washington hosting of the 2013 White Ribbon Campaign (WRC) at the Fort Lesley J. McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall April 23. The WRC was created in 1991 by several men on the second anniversary of one man’s massacre of 14 women in Montreal, Canada. By its own account, the organization has become the world’s largest effort of men working to end men’s violence against women. This year the program shifted to include violence against both men and women. The AAOG/MDW Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention/Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SHARP) invited all Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall tenants to enjoy a lunch while learning about the WRC and signing a commitment to end sexual assault, harassment and domestic violence. After signing their pledge, participants were asked to wear white ribbons throughout the work day to show their support of ending domestic violence. “We want to support the cause throughout the command and try to raise awareness of the various types of assault and harassments that can occur both personally and professionally,” said Col. William McGarrity, AAOG commander. “Sexual assault and violence has been on the rise in the military,” said Felicia Hunter, AAOG/MDW SARC. “This campaign will hopefully show the com-
PHOTO
BY
CORY HANCOCK
Participants pledge support to stopping violence against women during Army Air Operations Group, U.S. Army Military District of Washington White Ribbon Campaign at Fort Lesley J. McNair April 23.
munity that this subject may not be often openly talked about, but is ongoing in and around the military. We hope that this program will lead to a decrease of assault and violence in the Army.” One of the main themes the campaign stresses is silence is compliance and to encourage anyone that is a part of, or witness to an assault or harassment, to contact their installation SARC immediately. The campaign collected approximately 175 signatures. For more information about both the White Ribbon Campaign and the Army’s Sexual Assault Prevention program, please visit the following links: www.whiteribbon.ca/ and www.sexualassault.army.mil/.
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Community
Friday, April 26, 2013
JBM-HH leadership visits CDC kids for Earth Day story time By Rhonda Apple Pentagram Staff Writer
Dozens of energetic children, along with staff at the Cody Child Development Center on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, welcomed a few special guests to their classrooms April 24 as an extended celebration of Monday’s Earth Day. JBM-HH Commander, Col. Fern O. Sumpter; Command Sgt. Maj. Earlene Y. Lavender; Headquarters Command Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Mark R. Biehl; Executive Officer Capt. Stardust Demery; Command Sgt. Maj. Richard D. Jessup; Director of Environmental Management Richard P. Lafreniere and DEM Water Program Manager Wanda Gooden visited the CDC to read books with environmentalfriendly themes. Sumpter sat on a carpeted floor rug with 16 enthusiastic four- and five-year-old children and their teachers in Strong Beginnings Robins A class. The commander talked with the preschoolers about Earth Day, the environment and fielded questions and comments prior to reading “Meet Chadwick and his Chesapeake Bay Friends,” by Priscilla Cummings with illustrations by A.R. Cohen. “I chose this book because the Chesapeake Bay is extremely important and it’s local to us. The children need to know why the Chesapeake Bay is important,” said Sumpter. “At their age level, this book really helps them understand why it’s important, where their food comes from, what’s there and all the wonderful things the bay provides.” Following the reading, Sumpter held a short questionand-answer session with the children, who strained with raised hands for a turn to interact with her. “I liked the parts of the book
when [Sumpter] named all the characters in the story,” said Keira Ventura, 5. “I liked Chadwick the crab’s friend, Esmeralda the girl crab. We have to clean up the earth so everything living can keep breathing and won’t die.” Daniel Ockerman, 5, described Sumpter as “the nice lady who comes to visit and reads books to us… Today I
PENTAGRAM
News Notes
with the children about recycling and taking care of the environment. “This was a great opportunity to spend time with these kids. They make us aware of what the future of the planet is all about,” said Lavender. Biehl read “Earth Day, a Ready-to-Read” book to the children in Strong Beginnings Bluejays B, while Demery read “Biscuit’s Earth Day
Death notice Anyone with debts owed to or by the estate of Sgt. 1st Class Kevin A. Williams, United States Army Physical Disability Agency, Crystal City, Va., must contact Lt. Col. Sheva Allen, the summary court martial officer for the Soldier. SFC Williams recently passed away on April 8, 2013. Call Allen at 210-617-0943.
Death notice Col. Kenneth T. Stefanek regretfully announces the death of Maj. Gen. Joseph D. Brown, IV. Anyone having claims against or indebtedness to Brown’s estate should contact Stefanek, summary court officer, at 202-685-0814. 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_Resou rces/. Tuition assistance portal back on The GoArmyEd portal for Soldiers use in requesting tuition assistance has been turned back on. This will allow Soldiers to request tuition assistance for the remainder of fiscal year 2013. For the balance of FY13, the eligibility for tuition assistance and the annual caps, $4,500 per year and $250 per semester hour, remain unchanged.
PHOTO
BY
RACHEL LARUE
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Commander Col. Fern O. Sumpter reads “Meet Chadwick and his Chesapeake Bay Friends” to students in the 204A Strong Beginnings class, also known as the Robins, at the Cody Child Development Center on JBM-HH April 24.
liked when she read about the crab and the part about meeting the flounder. We have to take care of the earth and pick up the trash so it doesn’t go in the drains and in the water where it can kill the fish.” Lavender read “Biscuit’s Earth Day Celebration” by Alyssa Satin Capucilli to Strong Beginnings Robins B. At the same time, Jessup interacted with the children, jumped on the floor and encouraged the prekindergarteners to bark like the book’s main character Biscuit. The children joyfully yelled “woof, woof ” with the command sergeants major and were given high-fives from Jessup while Lavender finished the story. Lavender and Jessup talked
Celebration” to Strong Beginnings Bluejays A. They also visited three- and fouryear-olds in the Koala’s preschool classroom, for a last reading of the book about Biscuits the dog. They also discussed taking care of the environment with the children before and after each book was read. Biehl and Demery said it was their first time reading at the CDC and they look forward to repeat appearances. The children presented the group with hand-drawn thankyou cards in appreciation for their visit. “We collect books for our library at DEM and provided several for everyone to choose from,” said Gooden.
Earth Day at Henderson Hall By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer
A recycling fashion show, planting flowers and learning to take care of the earth have one thing in common this week. That’s how a group of select 3rd and 5th graders from Barcroft Elementary School in Arlington celebrated Earth Day April 23 on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall. “We want to share a good time with you on Earth Day,” Headquarters & Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps Henderson Hall Commanding Officer Col. Ira Cheatham said to the students. “We want you to have fun and make the Earth better. “How many earth’s do we have?” “One,” came the response. “We’ve only got one so we’ve got to take care of it because it has to last forever,” Cheatham said. “That’s what Earth Day is about, making sure it
PHOTO
BY JULIA
LEDOUX
Barcroft Elementary School student Cameron Davis (left) and Lance Cpl. Angelique Todd plant flowers near the Marine Corps Exchange marquee on the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH in celebration of Earth Day April 23.
lasts forever.” The students were broken into groups designated as Alpha, Bravo and Charlie and spent about 35 minutes taking part in three activities. Fun with recycling, led by Erica Ramos of Marine Corps Family Team Building, focused on recycling, reusing and repurposing by having the students make an outfit out of recycled items. They then modeled their creations in a fashion show. “The outfit that I have on, everything that you guys see on here is a recycled item, plastic bags, paper bags, flowers, tissue paper,” Ramos said. The students dove into a bevy of recycled newspapers, aluminum foil and other items to come up with their costumes. “What I think it is, is a mix between a pirate, Robin Hood and a witch,” said 5th grader Ben Jacob of his costume. Ramos said in addition to being fun, the fashion show was also a learning experience for the students. “There’s more than one thing that we can do with something that we would normally throw in the trash can,” she explained. “We can reuse and remake and make fun things and have fun and dress up and have a great time.” Wanda Gooden of the Directorate of Environmental Management demonstrated how the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay have become polluted in her activity, titled “The earth takes care of itself and I can help.” “We’re trying to get them to see the problem,” Gooden said. Students and Marines had the opportunity to get their hands in the dirt when they planted flowers and spread mulch around the Marine Corps Exchange marquee. “Planting is my favorite because I got a whole flower to plant,” said 5th grader Cameron Davis. Lance Cpl. Angelique Todd, H & S Battalion, learned a little something about gardening right along with the students. “I never planted anything before, it’s my first gardening,” she said with a laugh.
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.
ANC funeral schedule Funerals held at Arlington National Cemetery often originate and conclude on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH when participants use Memorial or Old Post Chapel or one of the clubs for a reception. When a funeral originates at Memorial Chapel, expect traffic backups during the time of the funeral. Carpenter Road, which goes to the commissary and the Henderson Hall side of JBMHH, will be closed from 15 minutes and up to an hour after the start of the funeral. Free pass to national parks A free annual pass is available at national parks that charge a fee, permitting free entry to active duty military. Learn more at www.nps.gov. Marine Corps Community Services’ Semper Fit has an outdoor recreation issue point at the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gym. Learn more at mccsHH.com/OutdoorRec.html. ACAP classes available Soldiers leaving the military have a number of ways to ease their transition and make finding the right job easier. The Army Career and Alumni Program has a number of upcoming classes available. For more information, visit www.jbmhh.army.mil/inc/ACAP%20Schedule%20 April-June%202013.pdf. UFC 159 at the Marine Club The Marine Club will show Ultimate Fighting Championship 159, Jon Jones versus Chael Sonnen April 27. The club opens at 8 p.m. and offers a special fight menu. DoD ID card 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, call 703-614-2125.
“Pershing’s Own” schedule One of the premiere small chamber ensembles that make up “Pershing’s Own,” The U.S. Army Woodwind Quintet presents a recital of works by Gunther Schuller, Irving Fine, Paquito D’Rivera and a new work by Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Cortazzo April 28 at 6 p.m. on the Millennium Stage of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The event is free and no tickets are required. The performance will also be streamed live via www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium. Moving Families through change This seminar is designed to provide parents with tools to create an effective co-parenting relationship through the separation and divorce process. The seminar is set for April 30 from 1-5 p.m. in the ACS classroom, Bldg. 201. Call 703696-3512/6511 for more information and to register.
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PENTAGRAM
Friday, April 26, 2013
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News Notes Continued from previous page Safety fair The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) safety office, with assistance from JBM-HH and Henderson Hall will host a safety fair May 3 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Summerall Field parking lot. Topics include vehicle, motorcycle and weapons safety. All JBM-HH servicemembers, their Families, DoD civilians and retirees and their guests are invited to attend. For more information call 703-696-4131. Army substance abuse training for civilians Army substance abuse training for civilians will hold two sessions on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH in Bldg. 230 from 1-2 p.m. Drug free workplace for supervisors will be held May 7 and drug free worksplace for non-supervisors will be held May 8. Civilians are required to have two hours of ASAT which would include drug free workplace (substance abuse awareness) training and one hour of suicide awareness training. If an employee participated in the suicide awareness stand down, they will have met the requirement for the year. If an employee did the
workplace violence training online, please call 703-614-6828. that will also meet the yearly Nationals tickets requirement. If anyone needs special The Henderson Hall ITT office accommodation or there are any has Washington Nationals tickets questions, call 703-696-3787. for select games in section 105, rows Job fair G and H. Tickets are $26. See the The JBM-HH Army Career and website for details or call 571-483Alumni Program will sponsor a job 1963. fair for transitioning servicememBoots to business bers, veterans and DoD civilians The Career Resource May 9 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the community center, Bldg. 405. In Management Center announces a addition, there will be a job fair new Small Business Administration preparatory event May 2 from 10 boots to business workshop May 13a.m.-noon in Bldg. 405 where partic- 14 in Bldg. 29, room 201 on ipants can learn ways to improve Henderson Hall. Geared toward their resume and how to dress for transitioning servicemembers, milisuccess. For more information call tary spouses and veterans, the workshop is designed to determine 703-696-9603. if starting a business is right for Federal resume class you. After the two-day workshop, Learn how to “crack the code” to each participant will have a feasithe federal hiring process at a CRMC bility analysis deliverable that will workshop 1 – 3 p.m. in Bldg. 29, serve as the basis for future busiRoom 104 on the Henderson Hall ness planning. The workshop is free portion of Joint Base Myer- and reservations must be made by Henderson Hall. Learn how to create calling 703-614-6828. a federal application package that WMZQ live on JBM-HH will set you apart from the competition from a former GS15 HR As part of their military appreciaManager from the Office of tion week, WMZQ 98.7 will broadPersonnel Management. To register, cast its morning show from JBM-
Streamlined DEERS procedures provide better efficiency By Terri Moon Cronk American Forces Press Service
A modification in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System is expected to streamline personal records for better efficiency, the director of the Defense Manpower Data Center said April 10. In an interview with American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon Channel, Mary Dixon said information will now be entered into DEERS in personnel offices, rather than identification card offices. DEERS is used for benefits determination in the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments. It includes active-duty servicemembers, active reservists, retirees, and certain civilians and contractors, as well as members of the Coast Guard, Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The system comprises 44 million people, Dixon said. Family members can continue to use the identification card office to change their vital information, Dixon added, and others will be referred to their personnel office when the change takes effect, expected to be by the end of this month. The change is expected to increase accuracy of records, Dixon said, not-
Grand prize
ing that any time data is moved around, there’s the possibility of typing mistakes. “It won’t solve all the problems,” she added. “Data quality is an issue that’s a continuing journey and process.” While cost-saving figures are not yet available, Dixon said, the change will be a time-saver. In the past, she explained, the hope was that in addition to going to the ID card office to update DEERS information, people also went to the personnel office and changed the information in their personnel records so the records would match. When employees didn’t go to both places, she said, it created “a lot of work” to figure out how to reconcile mismatched data. Record accuracy in the DEERS system helps ensure eligibility for benefits and mitigates identity theft, fraud and abuse, Dixon said. Safeguards include vetting people who have access to the system and ensuring DEERS has a strong audit capability, she added. Dixon encouraged people enrolled in DEERS to check their records at www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/ to make sure their information is accurate and to report any errors they find to their personnel office.
PHOTO
BY
HH May 16 from 5-9 a.m. The broadcast will take place outside the community center and dining facility. Units from every service are asked to come and enjoy the show. The rain location for the show will be inside the community center. AOWC meets Everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing Sept. 11, 2001. On May 16, Jane Davis, author of “First Aid for Heroes,” will tell her story of the days leading up to 9/11, her volunteering at Ground Zero in New York City for six and a half weeks, and the following 10 years during the Army Officers Wives Club of the Greater Washington Area meeting in the Koran Room of the Fort Myer Officers Club. The meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. and includes lunch at a cost of $20. Reservations must be received no later than May 7 and can be made online at www.aowcgwa.org For more information, call 703-717-9191.
Please send your news notes to the Pentagram at pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com
Twilight Tattoo schedule Twilight Tattoo is an hour-long military pageant featuring Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” This performance is free and open to the public. Performances begin at 7 p.m. Preceremony pageantry begins at 6:45 p.m. Performances run from May 115 and May 29-June 26 and are held at Summerall Field on JBM-HH. Performances from July 10-Aug. 28 will be held at Whipple Field on JBM-HH. Field locations may vary, check www.twilight.mdw.army.mil/schedule prior to attending. Due to budget constraints, bleachers will not be available at Twilight Tattoo this year. Grass seating is available, and it is recommended that you bring lawn chairs or a blanket. For more information on group reservations, contact the U.S. Army Military District of Washington at 202-685-2888.
COURTNEY DOCK
Spc. Klinton Smith, (third from left) 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Headquarters and Headquarters Company, won a free trip to St. Croix through a drawing at the Fort Myer Exchange. Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Commander, Col. Fern O. Sumpter (left), along with Nildy Eiley, general manager of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall and Fort Belvoir Exchanges and Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington (right), commander Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and Military District of Washington, present Smith with his trip during the community town hall held in the the Community Activities Center on JBM-HH April 24. The town hall was held to present new and updated information about what’s happening in and around the JBM-HH footprint. To see the informational slides presented at the town hall, log onto www.slideshare.net/JBMHH/jbmhh-community-town-hall-april-24-2013. 1036152B
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Combative, from page 1 end Lomonof ’s chance of a combative title with a submission hold during the final minute in a close-to-the-vest title match. “I knew this was going to be a real tough match,” said McDonnell, who is with 32nd Intelligence Squadron at Fort Meade. “I just pulled an arm out at the end, but for the most part, she was up the entire time. We were playing 50-50, which is kind of her guard of choice, so I definitely was at a disadvantage. I got lucky at the end; I just muscled up an arm.” Lomonof, who is an accomplished purple belt in Brazilian Ju-Jitsu, advanced throughout the day toward the title bout and was grateful for the chance to grapple on home turf. “I didn’t even know word was getting around until right before this [championship bout],” a surprised Lomonof said after the tournament where 42 servicemembers entered. “I was just doing my thing — this is what I do. It is good that people are supporting not just me but women in the military and the band members, as well. “It was very strategic at the beginning. I saw him pull guard earlier, and I think he expected me to as well,” she said about the title match.
PHOTOS BY RACHEL LARUE
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE — •Sgt Michael Pegg, left, Hotel Company, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) on Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall competes against Spc. Jonathan Grondel, 529th Regimental Support Company. Pegg went on to win the championship in the heavyweight class. •Senior Airman Michael McDonnell, right, 32nd Intelligence Squadron, Fort Meade, Md., competes against Staff Sgt. Megan Lomonof, The United States Army Band, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. McDonnell went on to win the championship for his weight class. •Pfc. Michael Sands, right, D Company, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall, competes against Sgt. Erik Johnsen, A Company, 781st Intelligence Battalion, Fort Meade, Md. Sands went on to win the championship for his weight class. •Tech. Sgt. Joseph Matulewicz, left, Air Force Honor Guard, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., competes against Pfc. Denzel Davis, HHC, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall. Matulewicz went on to win the championship for his weight class. •Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, commanding general of the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and Military District of Washington, speaks during the awards presentation after the conclusion of the National Capital Region/Military District of Washington 5th Annual Combatives Tournament.
“With the rules, you take a two-point penalty if you pull guard. This was the first double-guard pull match of the entire tournament, so whoever came out first gets two points. He was up two points, and I got a [three-point] sweep. He went for broke at the end and went for that arm bar exactly as he should have, and I wasn’t able to stop him, and he got the win.” In the heavyweight championship match, the five-foot, nine-inch, 245-pound Pegg, who is assigned to 3d U.S. Infantry Division (The Old Guard) H Company, 1st Battalion, returned to the combatives mats after a year absence and never let up off the throttle during his tournament run. “The first takedown of the match was a little sloppy, but once I gained dominate position, I knew I could control him,” Pegg said of his final bout against Grondel. “I really didn’t know what submission [hold] I was going to go for; I was kind of waiting for him to give me something. When we re-set in the middle, he gave me his open collar, so I took advantage of that.” In other matches involving JBM-HH personnel, welterweight Pfc. Michael Sands of D Company, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment defeated Sgt. Erik Johnsen of Fort
Meade’s 781st Military Intelligence Battalion. In the light heavyweight title match, The Old Guard’s Pfc. Denzel Davis was on the losing end of a grapple against Air Force TSgt. Joseph Matulewicz of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. Before the trophy presentations to champions and runners-up, JFH-NCR/MDW command leaders saluted the warriors, and Turnbull told the crowd and finalists “the glory goes to the man or woman who enters the ring, so the glory is all to you and congratulations.” Linnington acknowledged tournament planners and JBM-HH hosts before sharing his admiration for the finalist fighters and all who took part. “I’ve got a ton of respect for each and every one of you that competed,” the general commented. “I also want to thank your chains of command for giving you the time to work out and train for the competition.” Defending combative champ Staff Sgt. Matthew Bray of B Company, U.S. Army Element South Troop Command, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, earned the 2013 middleweight title over Cpl. John Taber, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. In the cruiserweight match, Fort Meade Sgt. Kevin Kent defeated Sgt. 1st Class John Kim.
PENTAGRAM
Friday, April 26, 2013
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Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall volunteers lauded By Rhonda Apple Pentagram Staff Writer
In honor of National Volunteer Week, April 21-27, which coincided with Army Volunteer Week, a volunteer recognition ceremony was held at Spates Community Club on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall April 23 to recognize the accomplishments of volunteers on the installation. “This year’s Army theme, Volunteers – Strengthening a Nation, captures the meaning of this signature week, paying tribute to our dedicated Army volunteer corps and informing the community of the importance of volunteerism in Army programs and services,” said JBMHH Commander Col. Fern O. Sumpter. “National Volunteer Week is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. It’s about demonstrating to the nation that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals. “…Many of our installation organizations could not function without all the hours of volunteer work from our dedicated military spouses, servicemembers, civilians, retirees and military kids. They do it all,” she said. Commander Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the Military District of Washington, Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, joined Sumpter in handing out letters of appreciation to those honored during the event. Sumpter said the individuals recognized “generously donated more than 100,000 hours and whose service experience ranges from one to 65 years.” The following organizations were recognized: The American Red Cross; Arlington County Chapter at Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic; The Army Officers Wives Club of the Greater Washington Area; The Army Officers Wives Club of the Greater Washington Area – Fort Myer Thrift Shop; The Armed Forces Hostess Association; Army Arlington Ladies; Army Community Service; Army
Ten-Miler; Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers; Child, Youth and School Services; Child Development Center Parent Advisory Council; Experienced-Based Career Education and Professional Related Intern/Mentorship Experience at the Arlington Career Center; Fort Myer Chapel Congregations; Fort Myer Library; Fort Myer Legal Assistance Tax Center; The Old Guard Ladies Association and The Old Guard Family Readiness Group; Pershing’s Own Family Association; Retiree Services Council; Supported Work and Transition at the Arlington Career Center, and the United Service Organizations. The volunteers from these organizations have contributed 100,912 hours of service. ACS employees presented a check facsimile to Sumpter, showing the equivalent dollar amount of $2,198,872.40. The current rate per the independent sector is $21.79 per hour. JBM-HH certificates of appreciation for five years of service were awarded to: Alexandra Barazzone; Jean Bradley; Ruth Brown; Judy Caldwell; Willo Conlon; Ann Conrad; Guri Glass; Sandra Gray, retired Sgt. 1st Class John Gulius; Sandy Oujiri and Mary Lou Wolfkill. JBM-HH certificates of achievement for 10 years of service were awarded to: Debbie deCamp; Paige Kellogg; Sharon Kreidler; Joan Major; Paula Ann Mancini; Jane Newman and Amy Wilkins. The Department of the Army civilian service award for 15 years of service was awarded to: Betty Marie Fields; Bonnie Harold; Judy Jagielski; Betty Kelson; Margaret Nowak; retired Col. Ralph Sievers; Miriam Towey and retired Sgt. 1st Class Joyce Wright. The Department of the Army commander’s award for public service for 20 years of service was awarded to: Jean Dyer; Nancy Foscue and Olga Portell. The Department of the Army certificate of appreciation for 25 years of service was awarded to: Ellen McAllister; Mary Pawlow and
PHOTO
BY
RACHEL LARUE
Volunteers are recognized during the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall volunteer recognition ceremony in Spates Community Club April 23, 2013. Commanding General Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and Military District of Washington Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington and JBM-HH Commander Col. Fern O. Sumpter presented the awards. To see more photos from the event, log onto flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh.
Margaret Thomas. The Department of the Army certificate of achievement for 30 years of service was awarded to: retired Col. Reginald Grier; Lou Lunn; Joyce Mason; Charley O’Connor and Nancy Stevenson. The Department of the Army certificate of achievement for longevity was awarded to Maria Randolph (45 years) and Patsy Skidmore (65 years). The Military District of Washington helping hand award for outstanding service in two or more volunteer organizations was awarded to: John Ahern; Jennie Lennox; Karen Markert; Sherry Cantrell; Tracey Wunderlich; Dale Rowe; Jill Thomas and Shelly Worrell. The JBM-HH certificate of achievement for volunteer of the year was awarded to Dianne Longow for her volunteer work at the JBM-HH Tax Center. Army Achievement Medals and commander’s coins from both Sumpter and Linnington were pre-
sented to the following Soldiers for their work at the JBM-HH Tax Center: Capt. Michael Colucci; Staff Sgt. Ryan Wilson; Master Sgt. Maria de la Cerde Rohde; Sgt. Torrance Slaughter; Sgt. Zachary Theriault; Sgt. Darius Mitchell; Spc. Alexander Haugrud; Pfc. Kyle Kretchmer; Spc. Christopher Lee and Pfc. Justin F. Labarbera. A certificate of appreciation was also awarded to JBM-HH Public Affairs Officer Mary Ann Hodges for her work as master of ceremonies at the event. “The United States was built on volunteerism and the work the volunteers do here at Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall and in the Military District of Washington is really appreciated,” said Linnington. “I especially want to thank those who volunteer year in and year out.” “The strength of the Army lies in its Soldiers, and the strength of the Army community lies in the talents and contributions of its members,” said Sumpter.
Marines, family members ready to serve as volunteers By Michael Norris Pentagram Assistant Editor
“Kids are just fun. They always have something to say and there’s always laughter,” said Marine Sgt. Daniel Bernal, describing the reason he volunteers at Barcroft Elementary School as part of Henderson Hall’s Tutors and Buddies program. Bernal, who works in the Marines’ Plans, Policy and Operation office in the Pentagon, is part of a group of servicemembers who visit the Arlington County school twice a month to talk to second graders, read books with students and engage them in various physical activities. The Tutors and Buddies program is one of several activities that fall under Henderson Hall’s Marine Corps Community Services volunteer program. Marine Staff Sgt. Michael Moss, another Tutors and Buddies volunteer, also lent his time helping till a garden patch in front of the Arlington County Central Library in conjunction with the Arlington Food Assistance Center, another project Henderson Hall volunteers participated in. “I’m a hands-on type of person,” said Moss, who works in the Henderson Hall’s Distribution Management Office, explaining his involvement in the garden plot. “It’s a good feeling to help make a project a success. It’s giving back to the community and paying it forward.” Master Sgt. James Meyers participates in Tutors and Buddies and helped man beverage and snack booths at the Waterfront Cherry Blossom Festival on behalf of the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers and Single Marine programs. This past Tuesday, he volunteered helping children from Barcroft plant flowers on Henderson Hall for an Earth Day observance. For Meyers, an Army senior career counselor on the Fort Myer side of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall, “having a positive impact on younger kids who may not have a lot of positive influences,” is a motivating factor in volunteering. “To see the kids so excited getting off of the bus on Earth Day … listening to [H&S Bn.
Commanding Officer] Col. [Ira M.] Cheatham give them ‘hip-pocket training’ on what ‘Hooah’ means or explaining the difference between Army and Marine uniforms … it’s something these kids are going to talk about even when they’ve grown up.” According to the Henderson Hall MCCS website, “The mission of the volunteer program is to inform and to enhance the quality of military and community volunteer programs aboard Henderson Hall and beyond its gates and build a strong sense of community among the Marine Corps units within the D.C. metropolitan area [and to] develop and maintain a robust portfolio of diverse volunteering opportunities to meet various goals/needs.” It’s in the nature of servicemembers and their Families to want to assist the community, said Kea Matory, Henderson Hall Family Readiness Program trainer and Volunteer Opportunities manager. Unfortunately, constant moves and deployments don’t always give them the opportunity to create lasting relationships with volunteers and community organizations, she explained, so the volunteer program helps provide a crucial link between Marines and community organizations. “We want to emphasize the importance of giving back to the community that has been so welcoming to the military,” Matory stressed. The Henderson Hall program has marshaled volunteers for events like Children’s Day and Family Fun Day. Currently, the volunteer program is looking for volunteers to participate in several upcoming events, including a TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) Good Grief Camp on Memorial Day weekend and the Special Olympics of Northern Virginia’s Summer Games June 7-8. A Virginia Law Enforcement Torch Run held June 6, which kicks off the summer games, is also seeking volunteers. “We are hoping to get a number of Marines to be mentors for the four-day Good Grief Camp,” Matory said. The camp pairs activeduty and recently retired veterans with children who have lost a parent to military service in an effort to facilitate the healing process. Training is provided to prospective volunteers. “The Virginia Law Enforcement Torch Run
begins at the National Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima) and travels over 40 miles to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Matory explained. “Throughout the race various law enforcement agencies will run relays. Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps will run the first three miles with a unit run following opening remarks by commanding officer Col. Ira M. Cheatham. The unit will also provide a color guard to begin the ceremony.” The Henderson Hall MCCS website, provides background information on many of the volunteer activities the Marines are involved with. Volunteers can also call the Henderson Hall volunteer program office at 703-693-1253. Matory said it can sometimes be a challenge to recruit volunteers for events because Marines assigned to Henderson Hall are so geographically dispersed. She said she is reaching out to Family members to add reinforcements to the Henderson Hall volunteer pool. “It’s a great feeling to help kids,” said Moss of his time at Barcroft, who described his experience as teaching him new skills. “I’m a big kid myself and you bond with the child you’re mentoring.” He said engaging with kids, “makes you feel like you did something.” When the weather’s nice Tutors and Buddies make use of the school track, said Bernal. “We give [children] a head start, race past them and then let them catch up.” The sergeant said it’s important to reach out to children in their formative years. “I’ve read about the benefits of early childhood education,” he said, “and it has better returns than almost anything else. I’m surprised to see so much growth [in the students mentored].” “The spirit of volunteerism creates a solidarity bond between the Marines and the local community,” said Henderson Hall Battalion Sgt. Maj. Craig D. Cressman. “Volunteering gives servicemembers the opportunity to say thank you to the surrounding communities for their dedication to our organization. Another reason for volunteering is the chance to gain new experiences and meet new people, which broaden a Marine’s horizon. Volunteerism creates a wellrounded Marine with a sense of honor, pride and duty — to the Corps and their community.”
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Holocaust, from page 1 Peabody said she had a “very wonderful life” prior to the outbreak of the war. Her father was a dentist and her mother was a championship swimmer. A younger sister rounded out the family. Peabody’s father, Izak, feared he would be conscripted into the Soviet army following the 1939 invasion, and he fled to Romania. When he returned to his family, Soviet officials accused Izak of espionage and sentenced him to 20 years of hard labor in Siberia. The family lost touch with Izak and when the Germans invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, they also conquered the part of Poland where Peabody, her mother and sister were. Eventually, the family was moved into what would become a ghetto. Peabody’s mother, Olga, realized what would happen and sought identification
papers that would designate them as non-Jews. “She brought papers from a Catholic priest,” Peabody said. “As Catholics, she thought maybe we could go places where there were no Jewish people, nobody knew us, three women, and we’d have a chance to survive that way.” With the papers in hand, the family boarded a train, but were pressured by a man into admitting they were Jewish. On the way to Gestapo headquarters, Olga talked the man out of turning them in. When the war ended, Olga placed ads on the radio seeking Izak’s whereabouts. A friend of the family heard the announcement and soon the family was back together. They settled in London, England. Peabody immigrated to the United States in 1968 and volunteers with the National Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C.
Readiness, from page 1 some cases, ship tours have been prolonged. If sequester cuts set to take effect in fiscal year 2014 are not reversed, he said, the Navy would be prevented from meeting combatant commanders’ requirements. Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, warned the senators that the effects of the budget sequester will be “serious, prolonged and difficult to quickly reverse or repair,” calling the impact on training and readiness an issue that keeps him awake at night. “There’s a lot of unease and unrest and potential danger elsewhere around the world that you expect your Soldiers, your Sailors, your Airmen, your Marines to be ready for,” he said. “I worry less about a hollow force than I do about particularly broken units you won’t see until it’s in the rear view mirror.”
JBM-HH Commander Col. Fern O. Sumpter thanked those who attended the event for honoring the victims of the holocaust. “This year’s theme reminds us to heed the warnings that led to the Holocaust. The many things that we think of as our inalienable rights were stripped from the Jews in 1930s Nazi Germany,” she said. “This was done gradually, almost subtlety. Not many heeded the warnings. We must stand up and speak up for human dignity and rights and commit to never again ignoring the warning signs of persecution because we think they [don’t] affect us personally.” Sumpter then read Martin Niemoller’s poem “First They Came.” “We must remember the terrible events of this nightmare called the Holocaust and remain vigilant against hatred, persecution and tyranny,” she
Gen. Larry O. Spencer, the Air Force’s vice chief of staff, told lawmakers sequestration has forced the cancellation of flying hours, the stand-down of nine fighter squadrons and three bomber squadrons — all of which is dealing a direct blow to readiness. “Allowing the Air Force to slip to a lower state of readiness ... will negate the essential strategic advantage of air power and put the joint forces at increased risk,” he said. Echoing a view the other service representatives expressed, Campbell said if the prolonged budget uncertainty continues, a point may come when the nation’s leaders are unable to ask any more of the military. “The problem we have is we never say no,” he said. “And at some point, we’re going to have to tell you, ‘We can’t do that. We can’t continue to do more with less, or else we’re going to put [servicemembers’] lives at risk.’”
PHOTO
BY
RACHEL LARUE
JBM-HH Commander Col. Fern O. Sumpter poses with Halina Peabody after she told the story about how she and her family survived occupied Poland in World War II during JBM-HH’s observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day April 24.
said. “We must actively re-educate ourselves to the principals of individual freedom and a just society.” Also in attendance at the event were Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, commanding general Joint Force Head-quarters-National Capital Region and Military District of
Superior leadership
Washington; JFHQ-NCR/MDW Command Sgt. Maj. David Turnbull; JBM-HH Command Sgt. Maj. Earlene Y. Lavender; Headquarters Command Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Mark Beihl and Headquarters Command Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Jessup.
PHOTO BY SGT. JENNIFER C. JOHNSON
Lt. Col. Jeffrey N. Williams receives the Meritorious Service Medal for his actions while serving as JFHQ-NCR/MDW communications and operations chief from July 11, 2011 to April 22, 2013. Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, JFHQ-NCR/MDW commanding general, presided during the ceremony held at the Fort Lesley J. McNair portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, April 22. Williams’ superior leadership in planning major subordinate command operations and providing communications support greatly transformed the command.
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PENTAGRAM
Friday, April 26, 2013
Giuliano Military working salutes donkey’s story inspires others to Pavarotti at help military Families recital
Harrison on piano, Giuliano vocalized a spectrum of Pavarotti selections. Opening with Vincenzo Bellini to Giuseppe Verdi, the audience’s reception to the Italian classics, which was helped along with translation handouts, was warm and well-received. “I was overwhelmed by the support of the packed chapel. What a By Jim Dresbach great crowd we had,” the tenor By Brittany Carlson Pentagram Staff Writer said following the recital. “The Special to the Belvoir Eagle audience was tremendous. They A near-capacity crowd filled truly enjoyed all of the selections Most people have heard of military working dogs, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s and were very appreciative of havbut few know Smoke: the military donkey who Memorial Chapel during the ing the English translations in inspired many to help Families of wounded service- evening of April 23 to listen and order to follow along and undermembers. applaud The U.S. Army Band stand about what I was singing in Smoke started out as a rescue in Iraq, but went “Pershing’s Own” tenor Master the original Italian, Latin and on to help many servicemembers and their children Sgt. Antonio Giuliano as he per[the] Neapolitan dialect. As the as a therapy donkey, and later, the mascot for the formed an audio portfolio of night went on, they became more Wounded Warriors Family Support Program. Luciano Pavarotti’s most beloved and more enthusiastic.” On April 18, WWFS program founder John works. After the intermission, Giuliano Folsom, the retired Marine colonel who first took Accompanied by The U.S. Army focused on the Italian and Smoke in during a deployment, visited the Army Orchestra’s violinist Staff Sgt. Neapolitan Folk Songs by Bixio, Officers Wives Club Greater Washington Area at Krista Smith and Matthew Tosti, Cardillo and Falvo. the Officers Club on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall to tell Smoke’s story and promote awareness for WWFS. Smoke wandered into Folsom’s Marine camp in Iraq in 2008 and immediately became “a morale booster,” Folsom said. “I would take Smoke for walks and what we’d attract was the attention of Soldiers and Marines who came out with their little cameras to take pictures of Smoke. Those pictures went back home to kids and now the children of these deployed Marines and Soldiers (want to) have a conversation about a donkey. He helped open up lines of communication with kids, so that dads could stay engaged with their kids,” Folsom said. Later, Smoke moved to the U.S. and became a therapy donkey. “Because he wasn’t a big, overpowering, 1,600pound horse — he was a lot smaller — he was more approachable to children. What they used him for was Family therapy programs with children and returning veterans,” Folsom said. He also became a mascot for the WWFS program, because of his special connection with military children. Smoke died in 2012, but his legacy continues through the program. Additionally, WWFS adopted a new donkey mascot, named Hope. Folsom first created the WWFS program in 2003 to boost morale for servicemembers injured in combat. Now, through charitable donations, the program has expanded to fund vacations for military Families with one parent injured or killed in combat, to locations including Universal Studios in Florida or the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. The vacations are designed to give Families the chance to bond or heal together. “I recognized early on that we had young Soldiers who were married and had kids and would seek to make the Army a career, but sometimes, unfortunately, that career is cut short by combat — lost legs, TBI [traumatic brain injury]. A lot of these young Soldiers are going to live on disability. But who is also in that mix? Not just the young Soldier, but children of young Soldiers,” Folsom said. “I thought, ‘We’ve got to do something for these Families. We need to do something to make sure that children of these young Soldiers that have been wounded or injured in combat can do the kinds of things that we take for granted,’” Folsom said. “We can help Families build memories.” Topics like the WWFS and Smoke hit close to home for members of the wives’ club, according to Nancy Stevenson, AOWCGWA vice president and programs director. “I like to get programs that are either entertaining or are going to boost some kind of awareness for people,” she said. With WWFS, “there’s a need and the Family members are the ones that a lot of times get lost in the shuffle,” she added. Club member Bron Davis said she was touched by this meeting’s topic. “I can understand how terrible war is on Soldiers. [Folsom] is doing a tremendous job taking care of those men and women who are wounded,” she said. For more information on the WWFS program and Smoke, visit woundedwarriorsfamilysupport.org.
PHOTO
BY
BRITTANY CARLSON
John Folsom, a retired Marine colonel and founder of the Wounded Warriors Family Support program, tells the story of Smoke the donkey to members of the AOWCGWA April 18 at the Fort Myer Officers Club.
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In attendance for the Pavarotti recital were Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region/Military District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, Col. Thomas H. Palmatier, The U.S. Army Band commander; TUSAB Command Sgt. Maj. Mitch Spray and Regimental Commander of The Old Guard Col. James C. Markert.
PHOTO
BY JIM
DRESBACH
The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” tenor Master Sgt. Antonio Giuliano sings a Luciano Pavarotti selection during a recital at Memorial Chapel on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall April 23.
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Friday, April 26, 2013
PENTAGRAM
Arlington House reopens to the public collections and staff and volunteers.” Trials and tribulations during the Lee-Custis Mansion upgrade includArlington House, built by a ed personnel moves, the discovery of George Washington descendant and Civil War graffiti behind dilapidated the hilltop residence of Confederate paint and a collection move during Gen. Robert E. Lee, was officially Hurricane Sandy. After the renovareopened to curious footsteps and tion was concluded on the home of inquisitive eyes April 20. George Washington Parke Custis With six years of restoration dust and Lee, new fire suppression and swept away, the weekend ribbon-cut- climate management systems were ting ceremony preceded a day of in place where the most famous speeches, how-to demonstrations Confederate general was married and a literal open house on the hill and later resigned his U.S. Army overlooking Arlington National commission. Incidentally, the day of Cemetery. The weekend event the rededication was the 152nd marked the first time the entire anniversary of Lee’s resignation house was open to the public and from the Army. furnished since 2006. Arlington House was constructed “Today is a day we’ve been looking by Washington Parke Custis, the forward to for quite some time,” step-grandson of the country’s first National Park Service Site Manager commander-in-chief, as an everlastBrandon Bies told a group of VIP ing memorial to the president. guests and visitors during his open- Custis’ daughter, Mary Anna ing remarks. “When this project Randolph Custis, married Robert E. began six years ago, no one could Lee at the mansion June 30, 1831. have imagined that this would take Keynote speakers at the ribbon this long and rehabilitating this cutting included NPS Director Jon national treasure would end up Jarvis and Virginia Congressman being so complex. In the end, Jim Moran. The long-time 8th disArlington House was left stronger, trict representative mentioned that prettier and safer for its museum the Arlington House preservation is By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer
due to NPS diligence. “This is a part of the planet that people from all over the world come to see,” Moran told the crowd from the front portico of the mansion. “There were lots of times throughout history where we could have lost this if we didn’t have people who cared enough to make sure this was going to be here for future generations. People realized its value. [The park service] realizes value.” Following and before the ceremony, the Federal City Brass Band performed Civil War period numbers, while cannon and musket demonstrations encircled the grounds. The historical significance of the Lee mansion was also discussed throughout the day. The links intertwining its history as a freedman’s village, a plantation and soil coveted by Union troops on the eve of war were defined in words to cemetery tourists. According to Park Ranger Matt Penrod, the multi-columned home bonded two military icons, Washington and Lee, who respectively served in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Today, Arlington House serves as a memorial to both men.
PHOTO
BY JIM
DRESBACH
Keynote speaker and Virginia Congressman Jim Moran addresses the audience at the Arlington House rededication ceremony April 20. The occasion marked the first time since 2006 that the entire mansion had been opened and furnished.
“This house in many ways was our nation’s first memorial,” Penrod said. “[It was] the first presidential memorial, the first monument, the first historical museum dedicated to honor the memory of the birth, the founding of this country. This house had deep meaning even when Robert E. Lee was living here.”
Relief society helps Marines in need By Michael Norris Pentagram Assistant Editor
“Founded in 1904, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is a private non-profit charitable organization. It is sponsored by the Department of the Navy and operates nearly 250 offices ashore and afloat at Navy and Marine Corps bases throughout the world,” states the organization’s website. “The society was incorporated in the District of Columbia and has its headquarters in Arlington, Va. It is managed by a board of directors whose members are active duty or retired members of the Naval Services or spouses of active duty or retired members of the Naval Services.” It’s mission? “To provide, in partnership with the Navy and Marine Corps, financial, educational and other assistance to members of the Naval Services of the United States, eligible Family members and survivors when in need; and to receive and manage funds to administer these programs.” While it accepts contribution to its programs supporting the Navy and Marine community throughout the year, the society is reaching the end of a six-week annual campaign encouraging active duty Naval and Marine personnel to contribute to the relief organization. Capt. Stephen Kwasniewski and Staff Sgt. Lucy Arruffat are managing the Henderson Hall campaign. Kwasniewski said Marines have already been approached at the unit level and will receive a final push from Henderson Hall’s command this week during an all-hands meeting at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Rosenthal
Theater. The goal, Kwasniewski said, is to exceed the amount of money raised last year, which was approximately $8,000. So far, he said the base had collected 75 percent of that number. He said it’s easy to contribute and that Marines can go to Marines Online to choose whether they want to donate. “The purpose is to help those who are in need in a family crisis,” said Arruffat of the program. “It provides help when unexpected things happen to you,” Kwasniewski added. He said it’s been a “godsend” to some Marines he knows, helping “get them out of a [financial] tight spot.” The captain explained how a panel assesses the needs of Marines applying for relief to determine whether their situation makes them eligible for a grant or loan. He said the organization also assists with “long-term issues,” like financial planning, so that if a similar situation that contributed to them getting in financial trouble happens again, they will be able to deal with it better the next time. “Giving should be an everyday occurrence,” said Henderson Hall, Headquarters Marine Corps, Headquarters and Service Battalion Commanding Officer Col. Ira M. Cheatham. “The campaign reminds the Marines including myself, that we as a society and organization still need assistance and any amount counts towards the bigger picture. “Marines should focus on the importance of contributing to a worthy cause, not the amount of the donation,” said H&S Bn. Command Sgt. Maj. Craig D. Cressman.
Shred day
PHOTO
BY JULIA
LEDOUX
The Directorate of Environmental Management held a shredding event April 23. The “Shred it” vehicle visited three different locations on Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall. Patrons were welcome to bring materials to shred including boxes, bags and piles of papers, folders and envelopes. The shredding event was held in conjunction with Earth Day, which was celebrated earlier in the week. For more information about other upcoming events, contact DEM at 703696-3791.
Job fair
The JBM-HH Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) will sponsor a job fair for transitioning servicemembers, their families, veterans and DoD civilians Thursday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the JBM-HH Community Center, Bldg. 405. In addition, there will be a job fair preparatory event Thursday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to noon at Bldg. 405 where you will learn ways to prepare your resume and how to dress for success. For more information, call 703-696-9603.
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Friday, April 26, 2013
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