Pentagram 061413

Torch relay

Tattoo

Run supports Special Olympics

Pageant honors Army birthday

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Vol. 60, no. 22 June 14, 2013

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Pentagram

Published for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

Mount Vernon hosts Army birthday, Purple Heart recipients

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

By Justin Creech Belvoir Eagle

PHOTO

BY

COURTNEY DOCK

Children from the Cody Child Development Center’s Strong Beginnings class graduate June 7. The children will move on to kindergarten in the fall. For more photos, turn to page 6.

Strong Beginnings class graduates

By Rhonda Apple Pentagram Staff Writer

One of the most significant events in any child’s life is school graduation. On June 7, wearing bright blue graduation caps and gowns, 58 children from Strong Beginnings Child Youth and School Services pre-kindergarten class at Cody Child Development Center on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall received their diplomas during two graduation ceremonies.

Parents, grandparents, siblings and friends smiled and waved at their loved ones and snapped photos as the children from the Robins and Bluejays class of 2013 marched into the CDC gym to the graduation song “Pomp and Circumstance.”

John Pico of the Robins class carried the American flag as he led his classmates into the gym for the first ceremony. Ashley Tomlinson of the Bluejays class carried the flag during the second ceremony.

Yvonne Hart welcomed

Family members to the graduations, followed by the children reciting the pledge of allegiance and singing “We Love our Flag.”

“I am so impressed with everything this Strong Beginnings Class has accomplished, all the great contributions made by the teachers, parents and Family and everything you’ve done to get these students ready for kindergarten,” said JBM-HH Commander Col. Fern O. Sumpter. She credited the see GRADUATION, page 7

Historic Mount Vernon, home of President George Washington, played host to a celebration of the Army’s 238th birthday, a wreath-laying ceremony and the pinning of Purple Heart medals on three wounded Soldiers June 10.

Secretary of the Army, John M. McHugh began the proceedings by participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at George Washington’s tomb. He then gave remarks to celebrate the Army’s birthday, during which he acknowledged the history and significance of the Purple Heart medal, prior to the Purple Heart ceremony.

“This is the second year we’ve had the honor of being at Mount Vernon to celebrate the Army birthday,” said McHugh. “George Washington’s history intertwines with the Army, so this is truly the perfect place to hold the Army birthday celebration.”

Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III echoed McHugh’s feelings that the home of the first commander-in-chief is an ideal location for such a celebration.

“It’s kicking off a week-long celebration where we start at the very beginning with the person who created the Purple Heart and recognizing the service and sacrifice of our Soldiers for the past 238 years,” said Chandler. “I never thought of being a part of the Army birthday when I came into the Army, but to be a part of it is a pretty humbling experience.”

Laying the wreath at the tomb of George Washington is also a special event to participate in, according to Chandler.

“You’re laying the wreath at the tomb of one of the founding fathers, the first commander-inchief and president of the United States,” said Chandler. “He’s interred here and you have the opportunity to be a part of history. It's truly amazing.”

The three Purple Heart recipients were see BIRTHDAY, page 9

Mail safety on JBM-HH

By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer

Keeping the mail safe and ensuring biological agents like ricin or anthrax and explosives do not make their way onto Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall is the responsibility of the United States Postal Service.

“The Army on Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall does not operate mail rooms for handling Soldiers’ personal mail. Because carriers deliver directly into mailboxes, USPS is the final check before anything comes on the installa-

Index

Community Spotlight p.2 Commentary p.3 Community p.4 News Notes p.4 Feature p.6 Classifieds p.11

tion,” said Susan Mitchell, chief of administrative services for the Directorate of Human Resources.

“Our personal mail, unlike other installations, for Soldiers who live in the barracks, is delivered directly into their barracks.

They do not have unit mailrooms here,” she continued. “The carrier just goes and puts their mail into their binbox. It’s the same thing for all residents of Fort Myer.”

All personal mail on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH, including mail for Soldiers living in the barracks and general officers living in quarters, is serviced by the

Arlington Post Office, Mitchell said.

“All of the mail that comes through the Arlington postal system goes through [the] Merrifield [postal facility], and Merrifield has — the term they use is ‘sniffers,’” continued Mitchell.

Sniffers are machines that actually “sniff” the mail for biological agents as it is run through the sorting process.

“We do not have anything down here at our level that does that,” said Mitchell. “We don’t have anything like that that can detect biosee MAIL, page 9

Renovation complete Officers club pool gets needed maintenance

Pg. 8

PHOTO

BY JEFFREY

MANKIE

Jennifer Lopez, left, holds daughter Yoselin, 2, as she pins the Purple Heart on her father Spc. Arael Lopez’s chest after the pinning ceremony held at the 238th Army birthday, Mount Vernon wreath-laying at George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon June 10.

Miles of aisles

New expanded Belvoir Exchange set to open

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Friday, June 14, 2013

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PHOTO

Honor

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Visitors to Arlington National Cemetery watch the changing of the guard ritual at the Tomb of the Unknowns May 22. For more information about ANC, visit www.arlingtoncemetery.mil.

Community Spotlight • Name? Seaman Eric Jarvis • Job title/where do you work?

Casket Bearer, U.S. Navy.

• Military service? Navy.

• Favorite sports team? Red Sox. • Favorite book? “Harry Potter.”

• Favorite food? Italian.

• Favorite band/music artist? A Day to Remember.

• Favorite movie? “Looper.”

• Favorite place you’ve ever traveled to or been stationed? Mexico.

• What do you like most about working on /visiting JBM-HH? It’ s an honor to bury our dead and carry their remains.

• What are your goals for the year?

Make petty officer.

• What do you like most about living in the National Capital Region? Watching baseball.

• What’s your favorite attraction to see in the NCR? Nationals Park.

• What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Weakness never prospered.

• If you won the lottery, what would you do? Move to Ireland.

• What advice do you have for someone getting stationed at JBM-HH? Take advantage of any opportunity you’re given.

Caption This

PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE

Caption This #21

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 #20 We must be ...

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

“Well ... now that I am here ... I hope I - Focused … set priorities and complete the mission. get the ball across the plate.”

- Committed … to the mission and each other, fostering a community of excellence.

TJ DuBois - Professional/respectful … remain calm, even when others are not … count on each other at all times, treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Pentagram Printed on recycled paper

http://www.army.mil/jbmhh

The Pentagram is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Pentagram are not necessarily the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, or Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

The content of this publication is the responsibility of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Public Affairs Office. Pictures not otherwise credited are U.S. Army photographs. News items should be submitted to the Pentagram, 204 Lee Ave., Bldg. 59, Fort Myer, VA 22211-1199.

They may also be faxed to (703) 696-0055 or e-mailed to courtney.a.dock-abuhl.civ@mail.mil.

Circulation of 24,000 is printed by offset every Friday as a civilian enterprise newspaper by Comprint Military Publications. Comprint Military Publications is located at 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Telephone (301) 921-2800. Commercial advertising should be placed with the printer.

Comprint Military Publications is a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy.

The appearance of advertisements in this publication, to include all inserts and supplements, does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser shall result in the refusal to print advertising from that source.

Editorial staff Commander Command Sergeant Major Director of Public Affairs Command Information Officer

Col. Fern O. Sumpter Earlene Y. Lavender Mary Ann Hodges Sharon Walker

Pentagram staff Editor Assistant Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Photographer

Courtney Dock Michael Norris Rhonda Apple Julia LeDoux Jim Dresbach Rachel Larue

(703) 696-5401 (703) 696-7607 (703) 696-1363 (703) 696-7605 (703) 696-5488 (703) 696-7606

PENTAGRAM

Friday, June 14, 2013

Safety tip Put a stop to shock at home From an Installation Management Command Safetygram

Electricity, it’s a part of modern life we often take for granted. Every once in a while we get a shocking reminder that electricity can be one of the biggest hazards in the home. Even a low voltage current can be fatal, especially for children.

Use the following guidelines to avoid electrical hazards in the home: • Inspect electrical equipment and cords for damage and wear, including extension and temporary cords. Look for frays, punctures, or any other kind of damage to the insulation on the wiring or damage to the plug. Replace damaged or worn-out equipment.

• Don’t put cords in areas where they may get stepped on, tripped on or driven over. Keep them well away from heat sources. Don’t yank on cords to unplug them as this can damage the wiring.

• Never remove the third prong on a plug to make it fit in a two-plug outlet. The third prong provides grounding for the electrical current and is an important safety feature. All major appliances and power tools should be on three prong plugs.

• Don’t overload circuits with too many appliances. This can cause overheating and become a fire hazard. If the electrical load is heavy, use a cord designed to carry a bigger current. If the circuit breaker kicks in due to overloading, don’t just flip it back on without investigating what the problem might have been. Have it fixed if necessary.

• Never operate anything electrical in a wet or damp place, or while standing in water.

Water and electricity don’t mix. This may be a problem around leaky washing machines, when using power tools in a damp garage or workshop, or when using an electric lawn mower if the grass is still wet from rain or sprinklers. Keep electrical appliances away from bathtubs, pools and sinks. Consider installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on any equipment that may accidentally contact water. These detect failures or leakages (interruptions) in electrical lines and quickly break the circuit before you get shocked or electrocuted.

• Home repairs like roofing, or gardening work like pruning, might bring you into the proximity of overhead power lines. Contact with these is extremely hazardous so maintain a safe distance. Always assume a wire is “live” or energized.

• Underground power lines can be just as dangerous. If you are planning to dig anywhere around your property for building or planting, call your utility company to mark out the power and gas lines for you.

• Never use electrical space heaters near moisture. Unplug them when not in use and ensure they have an automatic switch off in case they get knocked over. Keep space heaters away from curtains, clothes and other combustibles, and ensure that electrical cords and plugs are in good condition.

• Faulty wiring can be a problem, particularly in older homes. Get an electrician to do a safety check on your wiring if this is a concern.

Most of us can’t imagine a life without electricity. Use it cautiously and sensibly and it will bring more power to you.

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Celebrating service to the nation and strength for the future: the Army observes its 238th birthday

By Army Office of the Chief of Public Affairs

Two hundred and thirty-eight years ago, on June 14, our nation’s leaders established a professional American land force — the Continental Army — beginning a rich heritage of successfully defending this great nation and its citizens. This week, the United States Army commemorates the continued honor, loyalty and bravery of our Soldiers throughout the country and around the globe.

Today’s Soldiers stand ready to complete any mission our country asks of them. The nation’s freedom rests in the hands of our Soldiers, Families and civilians who defend “The Stars and Stripes.”

Following more than 12 years of war, the Army remains committed to the readiness, training and advancement of the total Army.

With a focus on ready and resilient Soldiers, the Army has implemented programs that help our men and women stay in the fight. The Army profession is a result of an enduring education and training program designed to educate, train and inspire. The Army prepares Soldiers for life upon entry and continues beyond military service with opportunities for employ-

ment, education and healthcare to ensure their lifelong success as they remain Soldiers for life.

The Army will always remain true to its enduring professional values, honoring the sacred trust bestowed by the nation. The Army is preparing leaders to be globally responsive to meet future challenges — this starts by being regionally and culturally engaged now. We continue to prepare for the future challenges, while always remembering to value the strength of our Soldiers, dedication of our civilians and resilience of our Families — it is the people who make us Army strong.

Commemorating the Army’s birthday is an opportunity to reflect, celebrate and remember.

The Army will continue to meet all challenges head on and is committed to ensuring the readiness, health and welfare of America’s sons and daughters. We celebrate our ready and resilient Soldiers, Family members and civilians whose enduring service and support are the strength of our all-volunteer force. We remember those Soldiers who have come before us. On the 238th year of our Army, we also commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Korean War and the all-volunteer force 40th anniversary.

Celebrate the Army birthday with cake and lunch

In commemoration of the Army’s birthday, there will be a cake cutting ceremony in the JBM-HH Dining Facility at 11:15 a.m. June 14. The JBM-HH dining facility will then open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate the Army’s 238th birthday. The meal is open to all (active duty and reserve component military personnel, retirees, DoD civilians and Family members). For more information, call 703-696-2087.

Army celebrates birthday at Twilight Tattoo

PHOTO

BY

GEORGE MARKFELDER

Thousands of visitors and members from all branches of the military services render honors and celebrate the 238th birthday of The U.S. Army with Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” The Army’s elite ceremonial units performed during June 12’s Twilight Tattoo on Summerall Field at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John Campbell was the host of the performance and he joined audience members as they watched the Soldiers from The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, The U.S. Army Drill Team, The Commander-in-Chief’s Guard, The Continental Color Guard, The Caisson Platoon, The Presidential Salute Battery, The U.S. Army Blues, and The U.S. Army Chorus celebrate the Army. For more photos from the June 12 Twilight Tattoo, log onto www.flickr.com/photos/mdw_events/.

Happy 238th birthday to the U.S. Army from the Pentagram staff.

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Friday, June 14, 2013

Community

Henderson Hall lends legs to Special Olympics torch run

By Michael Norris Pentagram Assistant Editor

The last leg of the Virginia Law Enforcement Torch Relay Run took off from the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington, Va., June 6 on its way to Richmond, Va., for the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games the following day at the University of Richmond.

More than 200 law enforcement agencies from across the commonwealth participated in the eight-day, 1,900 mile relay run, calling attention to Virginia Special Olympics athletic competitions and year-long training held for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

This is the 28th year of the Virginia Law Enforcement Torch Run. Since last year, participating police officers across the state have raised more than $1 million for Special Olympics Virginia.

Marines and civilians from Headquarters & Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall participated in the run, with Commanding Officer Col. Ira M. Cheatham and Battalion Sgt. Maj. Craig D. Cressman leading 30 volunteers from the memorial site to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and back.

Other runners continued down through Alexandria, Marine Base Quantico and then on to Richmond, passing the torch to different groups of runners along the way.

1st Sgt. James T. Russo from Marine Barracks Washington ran with his wife Jennifer Russo of Henderson Hall’s Marine Corps Family Team Building. The couple has a 5year-old daughter with autism.

The first sergeant said the

Representatives of Hiring Our Heroes, a nationwide initiative to help transitioning servicemembers, veterans and military spouses find employment, visited the U.S. Army Installation Management Command headquarters to discuss how the organization could improve access to its online resources.

Hiring Our Heroes, a program of the nonprofit U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, provides both hiring fairs and job search tools for past and present servicemembers and their spouses.

The Hiring our Heroes group

News Notes Death notice Anyone with debts owed to or by the estate of Staff Sgt. Deborah Alana Addison, National Guard Bureau, must contact Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jill E. Graham, the summary court officer for the Soldier. Addison passed away on May 25. Call Graham at 703-604-8678.

Dining facility open to all DoD cardholders June 14 The JBM-HH dining facility will open for lunch from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. June 14 to celebrate the 238th birthday of the United States Army. The meal is open to all active duty, Reserve, and National Guard from all branches of service, retirees, DoD civilians and Family members. A cake-cutting ceremony will also be held outside the dining facility. For more information, call 703696-2087.

PHOTO BY SHANNON GILES

Prior to runners taking off on a Law Enforcement Torch Run supporting the Special Olympics, Headquarters & Service Battalion, Henderson Hall Commanding Officer Col. Ira M. Cheatham holds the just-lit torch aloft with Special Olympics athlete Rose Pleskow.

couple participated to “raise awareness” for the athletic competition. “I hope one day our daughter can do the Special Olympics,” he said.

“It’s a great opportunity to get out there and represent the Marine Corps,” said runner Capt. James Palis, H & S Bn. Company executive officer. “It lets people know that we do more than just fight wars.

We’re out there helping the community.”

Officers from police departments in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Fauquier counties participated in the run, with Tim Fields of the Fairfax County Police Department singing the national anthem at the kickoff.

Cheatham took part in the opening ceremonies, holding the “Flame of Hope” aloft with

Special Olympics athlete Rose Pleskow when the torch was lit

by Ellen Head, director of development for the Special Olympics of Northern Virginia.

Before leading Marines in a run with the torch, Cheatham told the gathering how he worked helping the Special Olympics back when he was a Boy Scout.

“You should all feel good about yourselves,” he told the assembled runners. “We’re fortunate to be able to give something back.”

“It’s for a good cause,” Cressman said after Henderson Hall runners looped back to the memorial.

“We teamed up with the police departments — crowd fighters and war fighters together — to do something good for the community. We felt obliged since the event started at our memorial.”

Hiring Our Heroes visits IMCOM HQ U.S. Army Installation Management Command

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met with members of IMCOM’s Army Career and Alumni Program team primarily to gather information for writing a step-by-step guide to using its online services.

The guide is designed to help navigate the Hiring Our Heroes website, which may prove to be a useful source of post-military service employment information and options.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is an affiliate of The U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The Army Career and Alumni Program is a centrally funded and administered program that provides transition and job

assistance services on major installations. The installation ACAP transition service manager can provide information and assistance with many different resources, such as Hiring Our Heroes. ACAP counselors have professional experience from varying backgrounds, knowledge of best practices in resumes and job searches and an understanding of military careers as well as civilian careers.

For more information, call the IMCOM Plans Division (G3) integration-synchronization team at 210-466-0119. Hiring Our Heroes can be found at http://www.hiringourheroes.org.

June ACAP seminars and workshops • TAP classes: June 24-28: Retiring executive TAP workshop. (All classes) From 8 a.m.-4 p.m. in the ACAP center, Bldg. 404, room 102.

• Career resource workshop — June 17, from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in the ACAP center, Bldg. 404, room 102.

• TRICARE benefits in-depth — June 20 from 10 a.m.-noon in the ACAP center, Bldg.

404, room 102.

• Business franchise opportunities — June 20 from 1-3 p.m. in the ACAP center, Bldg.

404, room 102.

• Home buying — June 25 from 10 a.m.noon in the ACAP center, Bldg. 404, room 102.

•Marketing yourself for a second career — June 25 from 1-3 p.m. in the ACAP center, Bldg. 404, room 102.

• Debt free — June 26 from 10 a.m.-noon in the ACAP center, Bldg. 404, room 102.

• Smart investments — June 26 from 1-3 p.m. in the ACAP center, Bldg. 404, room 102.

• Finding and applying for jobs in the federal government — June 27 from 10 a.m.- noon in the ACAP center, Bldg. 404, room 102.

• Credit score; from good to excellent — June 27 from 1-3 p.m. in the ACAP center, Bldg 404, room 102.

• VA claims assistance at the ACAP center is available Mondays and Thursdays from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. in the ACAP center, Bldg. 404, room 103. Claims assistance is by appointment only.

• Army Reserve and National Guard transition team assistance is available on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the ACAP center, Bldg.

404, room 103.

To attend any of the ACAP transitioning classes available, call 703-696-0973 or visit the ACAP office in Bldg. 404.

For more information about each class or workshop, log onto www.jbmhh.army.mil /WEB/JBMHH/Services/ArmyCareerAlumni.h tml.

Wright Gate construction Weather permitting, construction will begin at the Wright Gate on the Fort Myer portion of JBMHH Friday, June 14 from 4 to 9 p.m. Motorists may encounter delays entering the base through the inbound side of Wright Gate, and are urged to use Hatfield Gate to enter Fort Myer during this time. Outbound traffic will not be disrupted.

For more information call 703-588-2800 or 703696-3525.

Twilight Tattoo performances run through August Twilight Tattoo, held through Aug. 28, is an hour-long military pageant featuring Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” Experience a glimpse into American history through performances by The U.S. Army Blues, vocalists from The U.S. Army Band Downrange, The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and the U.S. Army Drill Team. This performance is free and open to the public. Due to budget constraints, there will not be formal seating for Twilight Tattoo this year. Grass seating is available. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. For more information on group reservations, contact the U.S. Army Military District of Washington at 202-685-2888.

Performances through June 26 will be at Summerall Field on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. Performances July 10 through Aug. 28 will be at Whipple Field. Field locations may vary.

Check http://twilight.mdw.army.mil/schedule prior to attending on a specific date.

Clydesdales at JBM-HH Clydesdale horses will visit JBM-HH June 21.

At 11 a.m., they will use Sheridan Avenue as they walk from the caisson to the Firestone lot. At 1 p.m., they will walk back to the caisson, again using Sheridan Avenue. Motorists are urged not to drive past the horses during this time.

Visit museums free this summer This summer, military Families can visit over 2,000 museums across the country free of charge thanks to a program called Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Defense Department and museums across America. First launched in the summer of 2010, the program offers free admission to all active duty military personnel and their Families through Labor Day. The free admission is good for the military member and up to five Family members. To learn more, visit http://www.arts.gov/national/bluestarmuseums/index2013.php.

Be in the know zone Be in the know zone and get real-time information on the hot happenings, deals and discounts offered by Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation by texting OKFMWR to 99000. You will receive about one text a week as well as information on how to stop receiving texts.

Aqua aerobics back at Zembeic Pool Aqua aerobics has resumed at the Maj. Douglas A. Zembeic Pool. Deep water aqua classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30-11:30 a.m. Deep water running classes meet Wednesdays and Fridays 11 a.m.-noon. An aqua belt (limited supply available at the pool), water bottle and swimsuit are needed. Registration is not required. For more information, call 703-693-7351.

Chesty’s 5K fun run Registration is open for Chesty’s 5K fun run.

Held June 26 at 6:35 a.m., the fun run honors esteemed Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller, who was born on June 26, 1898.

Registration is free, and T-shirts will be given to the first 150 registered participants. The top three male and female finishers will receive medals and prizes. For more information and the link to signup online, visit www.mccshh.com/oohrahrunseries.html or call 703-614-5959.

Continues on next page

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Friday, June 14, 2013

5

News Notes Continued from previous page Mystics tickets available Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall Information, Tickets and Tours office has tickets for the Women’s National Basketball Association Washington Mystics games. Seats, located in section 228, row E, are $13. Tickets are available for the entire season’s home games.

For more information or to purchase, call 571-483-1963 or visit the office located in Bldg. 31 adjacent to the Marine Corps Exchange.

Father’s Day special at base PX The health and beauty section of the Fort Myer PX will hold a Father’s Day sale June 14 from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. with specials on men’s lotion, powder and spray powder. Free samples will be available to all customers. For more information, call 703-522-0664.

“Pershing’s Own” schedule The U.S. Army Concert Band performs June 14 at 8 p.m. on the west steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. See www.usarmy.band.com for updates and more information.

2013 JBM-HH Army Ten-Miler qualifiers Registration is now open for this year’s 2013 JBM-HH Army Ten-Miler Team qualifiers. This year’s Army Ten Miler will be Oct. 20. FMWR will be hosting two ATM qualifiers this summer for active duty military only June 28 and July 26. Each ATM qualifier will be a 10K race on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall beginning at 6:35 a.m. at the Myer Fitness Center, Bldg. 414. On-line registration will close on the Wednesday prior to each date. Race day registration will be accepted on each date from 5:30 a.m. to 6:15 a.m. inside the Myer Fitness Center, Bldg. 414. To register online, visit www.jbmhhmwr.com, and for

Air Force Band concert more information, contact Todd parking lot. They will reopen at 5:30 The United States Air Force Band Hopkins at 703-939-1045 or p.m. June 24. For more information, and Singing Sergeants perform a free call 703-696-1135. todd.a.hopkins.civ@mail.mil. concert June 28 beginning at 8 p.m.

Stress management Patient education classes at the Air Force Memorial, One Air A stress management (introductoAdopt a healthy lifestyle and Force Memorial Drive, in Arlington, ry level presentation for adults) class attend a nutrition education class at Va. Tickets are not required. The conwill be held June 19 from 9-11 a.m. in Rader Clinic. The pre-diabetes class cert is subject to cancellation due to the Army Community Service class- covers information on how to prevent inclement weather. For more inforroom, Bldg. 201. Individuals attend- or delay developing diabetes. The mation, visit www.usafband.af.mil. ing will be given information on the healthy heart class covers lifestyle TARP training basics of identifying stressors in their changes to improve high cholesterol Threat Awareness and Reporting life and how to create their own and/or high blood pressure. A healthy stress management plan. To register, heart class will be held June 27 at Program (TARP) annual training will call 703-696-0153/0156.

8:30 a.m.; a pre-diabetes class will be be held July 17 at the Town Hall held June 20 at 8:30 a.m. Classes are building on the Fort Myer portion of Outdoor movies open to all beneficiaries of the mili- JBM-HH at 10 a.m. The training is Want to catch a free family-friend- tary health system, registration is conducted by the 902nd MI Group ly movie under the moon, on the lawn required. Call Beth Triner at 703- Fort Belvoir and is mandatory for all or afloat in the pool? The 2013 sum- 696-7930 for more information.

U.S. Army employees every year. For mer outdoor movie series features more information, call 703-696-0756.

Swimming lessons “The Great Outdoors” June 22 at 9 Stay connected with MCCS The SKIES program is offering p.m. at the Fort Myer Officers Club Henderson Hall 50-yard pool. And if you’d rather stay swimming lessons this summer.

Keep aware of MCCS Henderson dry, see “Transformers: Revenge of Sessions run June 24 - July 3; July 8the Fallen” at 9 p.m. June 29 at 18; July 22-Aug. 1 and Aug. 5-15. Hall activities by liking MCCSHH on Spates Community Club. Both clubs Register at CYSS Parent Central Facebook and following MCCSHH on are on the Fort Myer portion of JBM- Services, Bldg. 483. Call 703-696- Twitter. Also visit our website, HH. Get a look at what’s showing at 0313/4942. For more information, call www.mccsHH.com. On a mobile www.jbmhhmwr.com/index/FMWR_ Annette Engum at 703-696-3728 or device? You’ll be automatically rediH o m e / 2 0 1 3 - S u m m e r - M o v i e - email Annette.engum@us.army.mil. rected to our mobile site.

Schedule.pdf.

UFC 161 at Marine Club Helmsmen Toastmasters JFHQ-MDW change of command The Marine Club will show UFC Want to improve your speaking Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington 161 on June 15. The club opens at 8 and leadership skills? Come to will relinquish command of Joint p.m. with food and beverage specials, Helmsmen Toastmasters Thursdays, Force Headquarters-National Capitol and the fight starts at 10 p.m. Door from 7:30-8:45am, in the Pentagon Region and U.S. Army Military prizes will be drawn during the Library and Conference Center.

District of Washington to Maj. Gen. evening. The club is open to all ranks, Toastmasters is an international Jeffrey S. Buchanan June 24. The all services and Department of organization that helps everyone ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. on Defense identification card holders speak, think, lead and listen better. the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH in and their guests. Call 703-614-2125 For more info, contact Annika L'Ecuyer (annika.lecuyer@pentaConmy Hall. Because of the many for more information. gon.af.mil or 703-614-7160) or people attending the event, traffic FBI recruiting event Elizabeth Femrite (elizabeth.m.femwill be congested all day June 24 as The Federal Bureau of rite.civ@mail.mil or 571-256-8674). select parking lots are blocked for visitors. The parking lots will be Investigation will hold a recruiting blocked June 23 at 9 p.m. and include event at the community center ballthe 3d U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) room on the Fort Myer portion of Please send your news notes to regimental and caisson parking lots, JBM-HH June 19 from 9 a.m.-noon. the Pentagram at the Fort Myer Officers Club parking To learn more about FBI careers, pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com lot and part of the Summerall Field visit www.fbijobs.gov.

U.S. Army Show coming to Fort Belvoir Clear your schedules! The U.S. Army Soldier Show, presented by the Army’s Installation Management Command & Army Entertainment, comes to Belvoir’s Wallace Theater June 21 & 22. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the June 21 show, which starts at 7:30 p.m. Limited seating is available for a June 22 performance at 6 p.m.

Seating is on a first-come, firstserved basis. The stage is set for 22 Soldiers from across the country to entertain the nation with a 75minute song and dance production themed, “Ready & Resilient.” The patrons. Call 703-805-3714 or visit show is open to all authorized FMWR www.belvoirmwr.com for info.

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Friday, June 14, 2013

PENTAGRAM

Cody CDC Strong Beginnings class graduates PHOTOS

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COURTNEY DOCK

Children from the Cody Child Development Center’s Strong Beginnings class graduate June 7. The children will move on to kindergarten in the fall. For more photos, log onto www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh.

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Graduation, from page 1 children with learning how to count and write their names, learning science; math; manners and consideration for others and kindness during their enrollment in the pre-kindergarten class.

“Strong Beginnings originated as a program to ensure that as military children moved [with their Families] around the world, they always had a program that would prepare them for kindergarten,” said Sumpter. “This has been the Army’s role and responsibility for our young people … preparing for kindergarten.”

She also credited the children’s parents, grandparents, extended Family members and friends for the important role they all played in the students’ development. Sumpter encouraged the children and their Families to continue reading throughout the summer, and to participate in programs at community libraries and visit museums.

“Today is the day your little boy or little girl grows into a much taller, more independent person as they transition to big boys and big girls ready to go to kindergarten,” Sumpter said.

Children entertained guests with the song “We All Sing with

the Same Voice,” prior to receiving their diplomas. A few kids skipped as they moved toward a podium where Strong Beginnings staff handed out diplomas. Others walked seriously. Some turned and smiled at their Families in the audience.

Family members smiled, and a few grandmothers wiped tears of joy from their eyes.

The Robins performed an energetic “The Harlem Shake” dance and the Bluejays performed “Do You Dance.” Some children enthusiastically threw their graduation caps in the air.

“I want to thank everyone for coming today and entrusting your children to us over the past school year and extend best wishes as they begin this new life and exciting adventure called kindergarten,” said Dawn Thompson, CYSS coordinator.

“We hope we’ve done our best to prepare them adequately.”

Five-year-old Chase Grady said “I like learning … I like drawing shapes — circles and squares.”

His mother, T’rina Mitchell, a government civilian at Arlington National Cemetery, said Chase started class at the CDC in September, 2012 and will attend the summer program at the CDC before he begins kindergarten at Long Branch Elementary School

in Arlington. “Chase has really enjoyed attending school here, has been very consistent and gets along well with his peers and teachers,” Mitchell said. “He’s truly ready for kindergarten.”

“I like math and coloring pictures. I will miss my friends here but I will meet new friends,” said Ashley Tomlinson, who stressed her age was “five-and-a-half years old.”

Ashley’s mother, Alison Tomlinson, said her daughter grew up in military child development centers — enrolled from six weeks old — during her father, David Tomlinson’s military service. “We’re an Air Force Family and now Ashley’s dad is a government civilian with the Department of Defense Career Management Agency. We are so happy with the Strong Beginnings program, the teachers and everything Ashley has learned,” Alison said.

“The hardest day working here at the CDC is graduation … it’s difficult to hold back tears because the children are graduating,” said Strong Beginnings teacher Liza Popalzai, who has been employed at the CDC for 14 years. “We’re all happy for these children and very proud of them – they’re ready to go to kindergarten.”

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COURTNEY DOCK

Wearing bright blue graduation caps and gowns, 58 children from Strong Beginnings Child Youth and School Services pre-kindergarten class at Cody Child Development Center on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall receive their diplomas June 7 during two graduation ceremonies.

IMCOM CYSS chief attends Cody CDC graduation

By Rhonda Apple Pentagram Staff Writer

Throughout her career, Installation Management Command (IMCOM) G9 Child Youth and School Services Chief of Child Development Programs Mary Ellen Pratt has traveled worldwide, visiting Army child development centers. However, she was never on a base when pre-kindergarten students graduated from a Strong Beginnings class — a program she helped create — until June 7, when Pratt attended the 2013 Strong Beginnings graduation ceremony at Cody Child Development Center on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Visiting the CDC on JBM-HH and being in attendance at a Strong Beginnings graduation was a special moment for Pratt. “I got teary-eyed … it was nice to be here, and I thought, ‘Wow, this is so cool.’ … we did something good,” she

said.

“As the CYSS branch chief for the Army’s child development program, I oversee the CDC’s Family child care and school age program … as such, Strong Beginnings comes under me. I’ve been chief of the program for 13 years; since the inception of Strong Beginnings,” said Pratt, who wrote the manual on how to implement the program.

Strong Beginnings is an Army initiative which started as a pilot program in 2009 to help children transition from preschool to kindergarten, she explained. “The CDC here [when it was Fort Myer] was part of the pilot, with the first graduation in 2010.”

Pratt said in developing the Strong Beginnings curriculum, leading experts in the field were contacted. “We adopted policies from the most widelyrecognized, research-based state teaching curriculum company, Teaching Strategies. They devel-

oped the standards and are one of the best in the United States at what they do.”

While developing the policies and procedures which govern Strong Beginnings, Pratt said the marketing message to military parents was, “It doesn’t matter if you’re assigned to Korea, Germany, or Fort Polk, Louisiana, and transferred elsewhere, your child will get the same, consistent program.”

Pratt said the Strong Beginnings pre-kindergarten program is developmentally appropriate, with a focus in science, math and literacy.

“Children learn about 100 sight words, they learn kindergarten etiquette skills so they know what to expect when they get there.

“It’s an Army [Family] Covenant issue to support the service’s Families. This [program] is tangible evidence the Army really cares, and we’re helping get your child ready for kindergarten, whether you’re deployed or not,” said Pratt.

Scholarship program helps students pay for college

By Kevin Robinson DeCA Public Affairs Specialist

More than $1 million in financial assistance will go to 670 students, considered to be among the nation’s best and brightest, thanks to this year’s Scholarships for Military Children program.

Since its start in 2001, the Scholarships for Military Children program has awarded $1,500 scholarships to 7,412 children of active duty, Guard and Reserve, and retired servicemembers worldwide.

The Defense Commissary Agency participates in the program by accepting applications of eligible children and submitting their packages to Scholarship Managers, a national, nonprofit, scholarship management services organization.

Stores celebrate the achievements of their local selections with ceremonies in commissaries. These ceremonies create a lot of excitement for the military community as they acknowledge the achievements of their recipients, said DeCA Deputy Director Michael J. Dowling.

“When you think about these young men and women, they are the best of the best,” Dowling said.

“According to Scholarship Managers, there were 4,675 people who applied, and 670 who will receive a scholarship. Doing the math, they represent the top 15 percent. This means they’re exceptional.”

“Many of them are high school valedictorians,” he said. “This $1,500 scholarship helps them move forward in their pursuit of higher education.”

Commissary vendors, manufacturers, brokers, suppliers and the general public fund the program through donations. And, all donations are applied solely to funding the scholar-

ships, said Jim Weiskopf, vice president of Fisher House Foundation, a nonprofit organization that assists Family members with temporary lodging when they visit hospitalized servicemembers.

“We want to thank those companies that have supported this very special quality of life program every year since 2001,” said Weiskopf, whose organization underwrites the cost of administering the scholarship program. “I also want to thank the store directors. They do so much more than sell groceries. They are integral parts of their local communities.”

During the selection process, Scholarship Managers reviews the applicants’ grade-point averages, their extracurricular and volunteer activities, and their essays on an assigned topic.

Two of this year’s 670 scholarship recipients, Kathryn Barisano and Matthew Schneck, spoke to an audience of commissary employees and industry members at the DeCA scholarship luncheon April 25. The luncheon was held during the two-day 2013 DeCA and American Logistics

Association Commissary Roundtable event in Richmond.

Barisano, the daughter of a retired Soldier, is a senior at Thomas Dale High School in Chester, Va. She is a member of both the National Honor Society and Latin Honor Society, and as the captain of both her school’s varsity field hockey and soccer teams, and earned all-district, allregion, and Metro honors in both sports. Barisano will attend James Madison University in the fall.

Schneck, also the son of a retired Soldier, is a senior at Prince George High School in Prince George, Va., where he has a 4.88 GPA and is ranked No. 1 in his class of 410 students. He has also earned varsity letters in volleyball, track and field and soccer. Schneck received the William and Mary Leadership Award and is president of the Virginia Student Council Association. He will attend Virginia Commonwealth University in the fall, where he plans to major in biomedical engineering; he is in a program that guarantees his acceptance into the university’s school of medicine upon his graduation.

This year’s essay topic was on the applicant’s most-admired presidential first lady. Barisano wrote her essay on Laura Bush, and Schneck penned his on Eleanor Roosevelt.

The three most popular topics among the scholarship recipients were Roosevelt, with 224 essays; 105 for Betty Ford, and 75 for current first lady Michelle Obama.

For information about the 2014 program, check the website, http://www.militaryscholar.org, in December. To see a list of this year’s recipients, go to the website and click 2013 scholarship winners announced.

Education resources available on JBM-HH The Education Division provides adult education opportunities and services for active duty and reserve component Soldiers and for others on a space-available basis.

Programs include functional academic skills training; college programs at the associate, baccalaureate and graduate level; armed personnel testing; and Defense Activity for Non Traditional Education Support (DANTES), end of course examinations, vocational and aptitude testing.

Educational counseling and academic advisement are available.

An Army Learning Center is available with a loan library of military publications, microcomputers for inhouse use, software to assist in student loan and college searches, and numerous paper-based, self-development materials.

The education center is located in the Combined Operations Facility, Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH, Bldg.

417, Room 216. Hours are from 7:30 a.m.- 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call them at 703-696-3070.

Pentagon location — Room 1A934; 703-697-0308; hours Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Education and Career Center on the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH is located in Bldg. 29, room 204 and 206. Hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 703614-9104 or log onto www.mccshh.com and look under the Marine and Family programs section for Education and Career Services.

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Friday, June 14, 2013

PENTAGRAM

Fort Myer O Club pool roster back to full strength

By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer

The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Officers Club 50-yard pool repair project has been completed.

In early May during an annual opening inspection and cleaning, water leakage was discovered below the white coat surface, or the protective coating, of the pool floor. After a week and a half of chipping the coating and replacing deck tiles, the 50-yard pool reopened June 11.

The multi-purpose pool has been closed since pool operations commenced Memorial Day weekend.

The recently-completed work at the pool complex was the first major maintenance venture at club pools in close to a quarter of a century.

“This was some maintenance work that was required to be done. Pools are notoriously expensive to maintain. This cost us over $50,000 to repair,” Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Specialist Todd Hopkins explained. “Over sixty percent of the white coat needed to be chipped out, which means they [pool repairmen] had to go down to the cement

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surface and plaster it back in. There’s new tile all the way around the pool. What we basically did is rebuild the bottom of the pool.”

Hopkins wanted Families of active-duty personnel, retirees and servicemembers to know that if the problems were not addressed, serious pump and structure malfunctions could have occurred to the 50-yard pool, which is used for swimming lessons, swim team practices, adult lap swims and open swimming.

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BY

RACHEL LARUE

Brig. Gen. Vincent Stewart (left), the director of Marine Corps Intelligence, was promoted to major general by the Deputy Commander of U.S. Cyber Command, Lt. Gen. Jon Davis, at the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Officers Club June 12. Stewart was also presented the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal from the Director of National Intelligence, James Clapper, for his dedicated service as the Director of Marine Corps Intelligence. Stewart is completing his tenure as director, where he was responsible for policy, plans, programming, budgets and staff supervision of intelligence and supporting activities within the Marine Corps. He represented the service in joint and intelligence community matters. Stewart will assume command of Marine Forces Cyber Command in July.

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The 50-yard pool at the Fort Myer Officers Club on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall reopened after repairs June 11.

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“Water was seeping under the white coat and it was bubbling up. The pressure [from leaking water] can eventually cause the white coat to explode out,” he said. “[The repairs] took about seven to ten days to do — the chipping and replacing everything and more plastering.”

Hopkins said that an average life of a wellused pool floor is from five to 10 years depending on maintenance and weather conditions.

With all four pools fully operational, the O club aquatic staff is already preparing for a large schedule of special events. The first of a series of four free Dive-in Movies is scheduled for June 22 at 9 p.m. That premiere movie night will feature the film “The Great Outdoors.”

Other pool-side movie evening dates are July 6 (“Madagascar 3”), July 27 (“Summer Rental”) and Aug. 17 (“Ice Age: Continental Drift”). All Dive-in Movie nights are scheduled for Saturdays.

FMWR will also say goodbye to the 2013 pool season by hosting more than 100 dogs for the annual Doggie Dip, which will be held Sept. 7.

Hopkins noted that the pool and MWR office are already receiving inquiries about the poochfriendly swim.

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BY

RACHEL LARUE

The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Army Career and Alumni program sponsored the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles mobile unit at JBM-HH June 10. It was positioned in front of the bowling center. Most services available at regular DMVs are available at the Mobile DMV. The Mobile DMV will be available during Fort Belvoir Exchange’s grand opening, June 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Mail, from page 1 logical agents, and right now, the Army does not mandate that we have something like that because the USPS is performing that function.”

Biological agents being transported in the mail are one thing, but explo-

process as personal mail, said Mitchell.

However, official mail being delivered to the Fort McNair portion of the joint base goes through a different screening process because McNair has a federal zip code.

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BY

RACHEL LARUE

Keeping the mail safe and ensuring biological agents and explosives do not make their way onto JBM-HH is the responsibility of the United States Postal Service.

sives are a totally different issue, she explained.

X-rays or explosive-sniffing dogs are currently used to spot explosives in the mail.

“They spot check for explosives at Merrifield,” noted Mitchell.

“Basically, Merrifield’s sniffer checks and explosive spot checks are the protections in place for this installation, in addition to trained clerks in the Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall mailrooms. However, most personal mail does not go through the mailrooms, so USPS is the final check before delivery.”

Official mail that is being delivered to Fort Myer goes through the exact same screening

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“The official mail coming into the federal zip code at Fort McNair goes to a facility in New Jersey. It gets radiated.

That’s only for official mail,” she said.

Personal mail on Fort McNair is “sniffed” at a USPS facility in Brentwood, “so all the personal mail on both installations has the same precautions that are done by USPS,” said Mitchell, who noted that the joint base has had two “mail scares” in recent years.

During one scare, a package was found to be leaking powder and crews from Arlington’s hazardous materials team were called to the installation.

“It turned out to be corn starch or baking

soda that had been sent and had broken open in the package,” Mitchell explained.

In the other incident, a package was found to be beeping, she said.

“We got everybody out of the building, got the name off the package, the unit tracked this Soldier down and it was from an address he knew,” Mitchell said. “It was from his sister. One of the things she had sent him was an electronic alarm clock and it had the alarm set on it and the alarm started going off.”

Lt. Col. Macedonio Molina, director of Emergency Services and provost marshal on JBMHH, offered the following tips if you receive a suspicious-looking letter or package in the mail.

“Contact your local law enforcement agency by dialing 911,” he said.

“While awaiting appropriate law enforcement response, place the item(s) in a plastic bag and seal it closed. Do not handle, shake, smell or open the item.”

Molina said you should thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water and do not touch your eyes, nose, mouth or any other part of your body after handling the questionable mail.

“Do not bring any suspicious letter or parcel to the police or fire department,” he stressed.

“Allow the police to come to you and properly secure and clear the scene.”

Birthday, from page 1 wounded in Afghanistan in 2011 and 2012. Sgt. Sean P. Karpf, C Company, 1st Battalion., 508th Regiment, 4th Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division was wounded in Kandahar, Afghanistan on June 15, 2012 while on a mission to train Afghan forces. Sgt. Cory A. Doane, C Co., 2nd Bn., 87th Infantry, 3rd Brig., 10th Mountain Division was injured on July 3, 2011 in Kandahar, Afghanistan while conducting combat operations. Spec. Aerial Lopez, B Battery, 4th Bn., 319th Airborne Field Artillery based out of Bamberg, Germany was injured in Wardak Province, Afghanistan on Aug. 8, 2012.

Presenting the three enlisted Soldiers with Purple Heart medals at Mount Vernon on the Army birthday is significant to McHugh because the first three Purple Hearts ever handed out were given to three enlisted Revolutionary War Soldiers by George Washington.

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“George Washington bestowed the first Purple Hearts on three enlisted Soldiers,” said McHugh. “The same thing is happening here today.”

Receiving the award is an honor, according to Lopez, but not a goal he set when he joined the Army.

To have the award ceremony during the Army birthday celebration at Mount Vernon is a nice honor, according to Karpf.

“To have it during the Army birthday celebration here at Mount Vernon is pretty cool,” said Karpf.

Reflecting on and recognizing the selfless sacrifice of Army Soldiers the past 238 years is something Chandler takes pride in and says we should never forget.

“It’s great to have the ability in our country and our Army to recognize the service and sacrifice of so many millions over the past 238 years,” said Chandler. “It’s also great to look to the future at where we are headed which is a more professional and competent Army.”

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BY JEFFREY

MANKIE

John M. McHugh, secretary of the Army, left, and Ann Bookout, regent Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, walk to the tomb of George and Martha Washington for the 238th Army birthday wreath-laying at Mount Vernon, June 10.

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Friday, June 14, 2013

PENTAGRAM

Hagel, Dempsey to Senate: budget uncertainty can’t last

By Karen Parrish American Forces Press Service

The Pentagon is maintaining a fiscal balancing act that must eventually teeter into a potentially dangerous loss of combat power if Congress doesn’t act to stabilize defense budgets, department leaders told the Senate Budget Committee June 12.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, each named fiscal uncertainty as the greatest enemy to effective military planning. In the face of steep shortterm cuts, they explained, long-term military readiness priorities take the biggest hits.

“When you’re talking about … abrupt cuts without slowing the growth, then what you’re really, bottom line, saying is that you’re going to cut your combat power,” Hagel said. “And in the end, combat power and the readiness and everything that fits into that is … the one core asset that you must preserve and continually enhance for the future, whether it’s cyber or anything else.”

Hagel noted that lacking certainty “from month-to-month, year to year, as to what our possibilities are for contracts for acquisitions, for technology, for research, the technological advantage that we have in the air and the superiority we have at sea, the training, the readiness, all of these are affected.”

Dempsey told senators the pace of defense spending decreases largely drives how drastic they will be.

“We’ve had deeper cuts. But [sequestration] is by far the steepest,” the chairman said. “And when the cut is steep, we limit the places we can go to get the money, frankly,

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ERIN A. KIRK-CUOMO

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel reads his opening statement as he testifies before the House of Representatives Committee on the Budget in the Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C., June 12. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey joined Hagel in defending the president’s request for $526.6 billion for the Defense Department’s fiscal year 2014 budget.

because a lot of this money is unavailable in the short term.”

DoD is and has been reforming in many ways to cut costs and add efficiency, Dempsey said, but short-term crises soak up time and energy. “We can make long-term institutional reform, but you can’t sweep it up in the near term,” he said. “That’s the problem we’re having.”

Dempsey and Hagel both urged senators to set clear and flexible spending limits for the department.

“Time and flexibility are absolutely key here,” Hagel said. “If we’ve got the flexibility and the time to bring [spending] down, we can do that.

That’s manageable. And there are a

lot of things that we should be doing, we can be doing, to be more efficient and still protect the interests of this country and still be the most effective fighting force.”

Hagel noted he is now studying the strategic choices in management review that Dempsey led across the department. He will be discussing the review with Congress, he said, because it will guide the fiscal year 2015 budget request going into 2014.

Dempsey said the review made some factors more clear.

“This review … allows us to see the impact of not only the president’s fiscal year ‘14 submission, but also the Senate’s plan and then full seques-

tration, and it does pose a series of choices which become pretty difficult,” the chairman said.

Adding the $487 billion reduction in defense spending by the Budget Control Act and the $500 billion in sequester cuts, on top of previous DoD efficiency initiatives, Dempsey noted, “comes out to about $1.2 trillion,” which he said “leaves a mark on the United States armed forces.”

“We haven’t decided that it would make our current strategy unfeasible,” he added, “but it would put it at great risk and could make it unfeasible.”

Hagel said the service chiefs tell him they can match force structure with the strategic guidance, and preserve and enhance U.S. security interests around the world, given clarity on what resources they will have.

“I cannot give them that,” the secretary said. “And when I can’t give them that, then we have to continually go back and adjust and adapt. … furloughs for people are a good example of that.”

The 11-day unpaid leave most defense civilians will take between July 8 and Sept. 30 is triage, Hagel said. “It’s the worst way to have to respond to anything,” he added. “But it was a necessity, and we all came to the same conclusion.”

Furloughs are only part of the cloud of uncertainty that envelopes service members and the defense enterprise, Hagel told senators.

“It’s very unfair to these people,” he said of furloughed civilian employees.

“It’s unfair to this country to … be put in that kind of a situation and then still ask these people to make the contributions they are and the sacrifices they are for this country.”

New exchange offers more stores, more services

By Justin Creech Fort Belvoir Eagle

The Fort Belvoir community will soon be the home of a brand new exchange scheduled to open at 10 a.m. June 19.

This store is one of the largest exchanges on the East Coast and the largest branded store in the continental United States. The new complex incorporates the main store, food court, Home and Garden, Military Clothing Sales, concessions and the satellite pharmacy all in one shopping complex.

“A branded store is a very drastic change from what is the traditional look of a PX. The new main store is divided into three shopping zones; home, life and style. This goal in redefining the exchange brand is to create a tangible, timeless, and emotional connection to our Soldiers and their Families.” said General Manager Nildy Eiley.

The entire community is invited to join the celebration and participate in the opportunity to win prizes. Exchange vendor partners will provide prizes and giveaways, to include a shopping spree and handbags. The celebration goes through June 23 and will also feature live entertainment from local bands, plus appearances by Washington Redskins and Wizards team members throughout the week.

The hours of operation for the new exchange will remain the same; Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Bringing the new store on line will mean closing down the old facilities. There will be some changes in hours of operation and closure of some businesses.

The old main store, service mall shops and food restaurants, with the exception of Anthony’s and Robin Hood (which closed June 10), will close Tuesday at 2 p.m.

Construction for the new exchange, located behind the current PX and commissary, began in June 2011.

The exchange now has 22 mall stores, 12 more than the current store. New additions to the food court include Starbucks, Subway, Pizza Hut and Popeye’s Chicken, while Charley’s Grilled Subs, Burger King and Taco Bell will come over from the old exchange.

The buildings that currently house the Military Clothing Sales Store and Home and Garden stores will be repurposed by the installation according to Eiley. The food facilities and barber shop in the current Home and Garden store will be closed.

Once the old PX is vacated, it will be demolished by the Defense Commissary Agency, which will then build a new commissary in the vacated spot.

“There will be a walkway between the new commissary and the new exchange,” said Eiley. “The synergy to make it a one-stop shopping mall will be very nice for our community.”

“We want to invite everyone out to see their new store and assure our customers that our team is ready and proud to serve them. We will have celebrations through the end of the month. On June 22, we have our safety awareness event, so bring out the Family for a great time.”

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FORT BELVOIR PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

Fort Belvoir will host a grand opening of its new exchange June 19. The exchange is more than 270,000 square feet and will bring various departments currently housed in different buildings around the base under one roof. The old store is just under 67,000 square feet, and the former Home & Garden was 46,000 square feet. For more information about the exchange, log onto www.shopmyexchange.com/ExchangeLocations/FtBelvoirStore.htm. For employment opportunities, call 703-806-4888. Applications are now accepted online.

Fort Belvoir hours and closures •The Gun Shop will close at 4 p.m. June 16 and reopen in the new store at 10 a.m., June 19.

• Military Clothing Sales Store will close at 4 p.m. June 16 and reopen in the new store at 10 a.m., June 19.

• Home and Garden Store hours: June 14-15: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

June 16: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

June 17: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

June 18: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

June 19: The Home and Garden Store will reopen in the new store at 10 a.m.

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Friday, June 14, 2013

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

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

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

• Cats welcome. No dogs.

(703) 521-3000

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9-5 • Call for Saturday hours Please refer to ad when calling All prices subject to change.

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

T6613370B

Some Restrictions Apply

GERMANTOWN Great location, move in cond, 2BR, 2BA condo W/D, D/W $1400/mo + elec $500 dep. 240-600-2492

Pharmacy/ Phlebotomy Tech Trainees Needed Now Pharmacies/ hospitals now hiring.

No experience?

Job Training & Placement Assistance Available 1-877-240-4524 CTO SCHEV

FALLS CHURCH 2Br, shared Ba, $525 to $560 util incl, 6 mo lease. N/s, N/p. Near Pentagon.

Call: 703-375-9071 SILVER SPRING: 1 BR in TH. Grt loc. near Metro, park & Shops. W/D. Credit Ck, Sec Dep. $650/mo 301-237-0249 LOTHIAN- Priv NS bsmt apt w/lg windows, in upscale SFH, 900 sqft, 1BR, 1BA, No pets. 10mins to AAFB, 20mins to DC. Avail now. $850/ mo. incl utils. Please call 202-288-8778

Dental/ Medical Assistant Trainees Needed Now Dental/Medical Offices now hiring.

No experience?

Job Training & Placement Assistance Available 1-877-234-7706 CTO SCHEV

SECURITY OFFICERS

Herndon, Virginia

NOW HIRING FOR JUNE START unarmed security officers with a DOD TS-SCI SECURITY CLEARANCE, FT & PT positions available. Must have prior security, military or law enforcement experience. For employment one must be a US citizen, English proficient w/ good computer skills, 21 years or older w/ HS diploma/GED & drug free with no criminal record. We provide weekly pay, health ins, life ins, matching 401k, training and uniforms at no cost.

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

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01039950B

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