Flag Day
Super store
School gets Marine flag
New PX opens at Fort Belvoir
page 4
Vol. 60, no. 23 June 21, 2013
page 6
Pentagram
Published for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
Navy Secretary describes progress in combating sexual assaults
CHANGE OF RESPONSIBILITY
By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service
PHOTO
BY
RACHEL LARUE
Headquarters Command Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Mark Biehl, right, passes the noncommissioned officer sword to incoming Headquarters Command Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Alex L. Pratt during the change of responsibility ceremony on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall June 18.
Headquarters Command Battalion welcomes new CSM By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer
Outgoing Headquarters Command Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Jessup placed a set of keys on a podium that had been set inside the community center on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall June 18. He looked out at the crowd that had gathered for the change of responsibility ceremony that would see
Command Sgt. Maj. Alex Pratt assume his duties of battalion CSM. “A couple of years ago when I took this job, I had no idea what I was getting into,” he said with a smile and a slight shake of his head, “but I’ve come to understand that there’s no other command in the Army like the Headquarters Command Battalion.” And when his governmentissued cellular phone rang a
couple of minutes later, Jessup answered it, told the person who was calling to hang on and handed the device to Pratt and said, “it’s for you,” to the delight of the audience, who applauded the move. Headquarters Command Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Mark Biehl served as the ceremony’s host and called the day “bittersweet” because Jessup is moving on to be the see PRATT, page 10
Navy Secretary Ray Mabus is not concerned about sexual assault in the service. He’s angry. The Navy has been taking steps for years to combat the scourge of sexual assault in the ranks, Mabus told the Defense Writers Group June 13, and has two cultural barriers to break down. The first culture that has to change is the “one that says this is OK, or that it is not really serious,” he said. “The other is the mindset of a victim who says, ‘I’m not going to report this, because nothing will happen. I won’t be taken seriously, it won’t be investigated, and it will hurt my career.’” The Navy is aiming resources at where it has a problem, the secretary said. The Air Force has had a problem of sexual assault at basic training, he noted, and the Navy has had a problem at its follow-on schools. “We’ve have put a lot of attention at our ‘A’ schools,” he said. As the service finds programs that work, Mabus said, officials export them to other commands. The “A” school initiatives started at Great Lakes, Ill., and have moved on to Navy schools in San Diego and Pensacola, Fla. The Navy has been aggressive, the service’s top civilian official said. “We’re sending shore patrols out — the first time in a long time we’ve done that,” he added. “We’re stressing bystander intervention.” The service also is continuing efforts to cut alcohol abuse, because a large number of sexual assaults have had an alcohol component, the secretary said. Another area of focus zeroes in on what happens if an incident happens. “Is it reported? How quickly and how well do we respond?” Mabus said. “Is the command climate right for people to report?” see MABUS, page 7
238th Army birthday run steps off on JBM-HH By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer
The cake, candles and song would have to wait; the Army had a birthday mission to complete. Despite June 14’s reveille-time showers, more than 2,000 Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and Military District of Washington Soldiers and civilians fell into formation near Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Summerall Field for the Headquarters Department of the Army annual birthday run.
Index
Community Spotlight p.2 Commentary p.3 Community p.4 News Notes p.4 Feature p.6 Classifieds p.11
Instead of early morning sprints through the halls of the Pentagon, Crystal City offices or District of Columbia area Army installations, Soldiers marched and trotted the Fort Myer streets and kept step in reverent silence through a portion of Arlington National Cemetery. More than 20 elements and The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) companies accelerated past JBM-HH landmarks including the officers club, Whipple Field and the Old Post Chapel before entering ANC via the chapel gate.
“Team, when we run through Arlington, let’s remember those who we have lost and have gone before us,” said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III, who co-led Soldiers on the 3.1 mile run. Chandler’s running partner, Lt. Gen. William Troy, director of the Army Staff, celebrated his final birthday run before retirement. He told the Pentagram the run was personally sentimental yet still mission-driven. PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE “It was raining when it start- (From the left) Lt. Gen. William Troy, director of the Army ed; that’s nothing new for us. We Staff, leads the run next to Sgt. Maj. of the Army see BIRTHDAY, page 7 Raymond F. Chandler III June 14 on JBM-HH.
Torch transfer
Combat roles
Pg. 6
Pg. 3
Eternal flame at JFK gravesite travels abroad
Job positions opening for women in combat
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Friday, June 21, 2013
PENTAGRAM
PHOTO
Air Force
BY
RACHEL LARUE
A plane flies behind the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va., near the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall June 19. For more information about the memorial, log onto www.airforcememorial.org.
Community Spotlight • Name? Pfc. Andrew Selga • Job title/where do you work? The Old Guard. • Military service? Army. • Favorite sports team? Green Bay Packers. • Favorite book? “Cat in the Hat.” • Favorite foods? Taco soup. • Favorite band/music artist? Skrillex. • Favorite movie? “Twilight” Series. • Favorite place you’ve ever traveled to or been stationed? Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall. • What do you like most about working on /visiting JBM-HH? I love living close to so much history. • What are your goals for the year? Enter the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier training cycle. • What’s your favorite attraction to see in the NCR? I like the Capitol Building. • What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? To get better at pull-ups, do pushups. • If you won the lottery, what would you do? I would buy myself new boots and invest in Apple. • What advice do you have for someone getting stationed at JBM-HH? Enjoy the sites, meet new people and don’t be a barracks rat.
Caption This
PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE
Caption This #22
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 #21 We must be ... - Experts at what we do … constantly improving our skills and knowledge. “Since I can’t smoke, I just eat the hot - Focused … set priorities and complete the mission. fire with extra onions ...” - Committed … to the mission and each other, fostering a community of excellence. Juan Torres - 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 21, 2013
Safety tip Ladder safety Installation Management Command Safety gram
When it comes to basic workplace equipment, it does not get much simpler than the ladder. Because ladders are so simple, many people overlook their potential hazards. Yet falls account for 15 percent of workplace injuries and deaths. Many of these falls are from ladders and may have been prevented if a few basics had been followed. Ladder hazards Two questions you should ask each time you use a ladder are: • What is the condition of the ladder? • Am I using the right ladder for the job? Inspecting the ladder When checking the condition of the ladder, keep these guidelines in mind: • Rungs must be intact and free from grease or oil. • Make sure there are no splinters or sharp edges. • See that metal ladders are not dented or bent. • The ladder’s safety feet should be in place and in good condition. • All support braces and bolts must be secure. • Make sure ropes are not torn or frayed. • Make sure the hinge spreader works properly. Choosing the ladder When selecting the ladder, make sure you choose the right ladder for the job and the individuals using the ladder: • Ladders have weight limits. Make sure the ladder you are using is rated for the right weight. • Ladders also vary in length. Choose one that is high enough for the job, but not so high that it becomes a hazard. Using ladders safely Some other things to remember include: • Make sure the ladder’s feet are parallel to the surface it rests against. • Make sure the base is tied or held and that the top is anchored. • Avoid the top two steps of a stepladder and the top four rungs on other ladders. • Always face the ladder while you are on it. • Place the ladder at a safe angle. The distance from the bottom of the ladder to the wall should be about ¼ of the ladder’s working height. • Do not use ladders that have been exposed to fire or corrosive chemicals. • Do not use a ladder for unintended purposes, such as in place of scaffolding. • Never allow more than one person on a ladder at a time. • Always be aware of the location of electrical wires and never use metal ladders around electrical exposures. • Use both hands when climbing a ladder. • Avoid excessive stretching or leaning when on a ladder. Choosing and using ladders wisely is a step in the right direction.
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Pentagon announces progress in opening jobs to women By Karen Parrish American Forces Press Service
The services and U.S. Special Operations Command have completed plans to gradually open jobs to female service members that used to be closed to them, senior Pentagon officials announced June 18. Joined by senior service officials at a Pentagon news conference, Juliet Beyler, the Defense Department’s director of officer and enlisted personnel management, said today’s announcement is a milestone. She noted that in January, then-Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, rescinded the 1994 Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule. That policy barred women from jobs — such as tank mechanic and field artillery radar operator — performed near combat units. It also prohibited women in jobs such as intelligence, communications and logistics from assignment at units smaller than a brigade. “Our goal is to ensure that the mission is met with the best-qualified and most capable people, regardless of gender,” Beyler said in prepared remarks. This year, she added, the services and SOCOM have worked diligently to plan two lines of effort aimed at integrating women: — Currently open occupations that were restricted: for example, administrative clerk in a tank battalion or truck driver in an artillery battery; and — Currently closed occupations that require review and validation of occupational standards: for example, infantry, armor and combat engineer. The services and SOCOM have filed separate plans, which Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has reviewed, she noted. Beyler added that while the plans differ, they all involve work with scientific and research agencies to review occupational standards and ensure they are current, opera-
PHOTO BY
LANCE CPL. CATIE D. EDWARDS
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Tiffany Wilson, Female Engagement Team 11-2, Task Force Leatherneck, speaks with women and children following a women's shura at the district center in Delaram, Nimroz province, Afghanistan, March 14, 2012.
tionally valid and applied on a gender-neutral basis. All the plans are incremental in opening closed positions, which requires congressional notification, she said. “Each service and SOCOM is conducting thorough doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, facilities and policy analyses to ensure deliberate and responsible implementation,” she said. Pentagon officials said the department expects to issue a report to Congress later this summer detailing more implementation specifics. Full implementation across the services should occur by Jan. 1, 2016, officials said. The services and SOCOM have identified decision points by which they will make final determinations to open occupations and positions or to request an exception to policy to keep a position or occupation closed, Beyler said. The defense secretary and the Joint Chiefs chairman must personally approve any exceptions to policy, she added.
Program aids mental health care for troops By Amaani Lyle American Forces Press Service
Servicemembers and veterans transitioning from the military to Veterans Affairs for treatment or between military treatment facilities now have access to greater consistency in psychological health and traumatic brain injury care, a Defense Department official said. A voluntary, confidential program called inTransition supports military members and their Families undergoing a change of status, relocation, or return to civilian life, said George Lamb, outreach chief for the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury. The Defense Department’s mental health task force determined in 2007 that servicemembers were vulnerable to dropping out of mental health treatment during their transition to civilian life, Lamb said. “So inTransition ... provides that supportive service, ... and in that process keeps
the continuum of care, which builds on itself,” he added. Lamb said a 2012 health affairs report showed that only 54 percent of servicemembers who screened positive for psychological health needs or traumatic brain injury in post-deployment health reassessments went to the VA facilities for treatment. “If you can address those needs early,” he added, “there’s more of a chance of success in alleviating or reducing the issues related to mental health.” Open to all service branches, including the Guard and reserves, inTransition is part of a Defense Department Health Affairs policy that identifies and screens every servicemember with a mental health need for referral to the program, Lamb said. Servicemembers have been receptive to inTransition, he added, noting that 98.7 percent of referrals accept and remain in the program. The process is simple, beginning with a short phone call to connect the servicemember to an inTransition coach — a master’s-
level, licensed behavioral health technician who uses motivational interviewing, readiness and action planning to identify and address challenges, Lamb explained. “We don’t change any treatment planning; we want to make sure that their treatment plan maintains apace as they transition,” Lamb said. “Our coach will help them develop a plan to get things in place and ... give them coping skills to help that servicemember connect with their Family.” Upon identifying the servicemember’s new location and diagnosis, the coaches make connections to the gaining provider, and through sharing agreements, can confidentially transfer pertinent health information to streamline the transition, Lamb said. Overseas members have 24hour telephone access to inTransition coaches, who can address crises and direct them to the appropriate help and offer follow-up assistance. The inTransition coaches also See Health, page 7
Officials weigh priorities during sequester By Amaani Lyle American Forces Press Service
PHOTO
COURTESY
QUANTICO MARINE CORPS BAND
Independence Day performance The Quantico Marine Corps Band celebrates the birth of our nation with an evening of iconic music from the silver screen. This is a free family event that will be held outside on the lawns of the John Lee Pratt Memorial Park. Seating is open, so please bring chairs, blankets, and food to enjoy during the concert. The band hopes to see you and your family on the Fourth of July at 5:30 p.m. as it plays the music that makes the movies.
In light of recent budget woes, Defense Department officials are weighing resource priorities and moving toward the decision phase for the fiscal year 2014 budget, a Pentagon official said at the National Defense Industrial Association National Logistics Forum in Arlington, Va., June 14. During the strategic choices management review designed to plan a timeline over the next five years, officials will attempt a methodical assessment of the Defense Department’s resources and objectives to avoid broad-stroke cuts, said Mike McCord, the Pentagon’s principal deputy comptroller. “We want to approach problems as holistically as we can and make decisions that make the best of this bad situation,” McCord said. “Most people feel that there’s a smarter way to do it than across-the-board cuts.” McCord noted that modernization, readiness and force structure value prioritization remain central to the budget decision process. “We looked at the kind of trade-offs that people would expect us to look at,” McCord said, “[such
as] the impacts of preserving modernization as more of a primary goal to preserving readiness at the expense of modernization and force structure ... at the expense of those other two.” Officials also considered retaining some residual capacity that might be slower to localize or strengthening the force enough to ensure that what remains is ready to deploy and prevail. But if sequestration cuts now in effect for fiscal 2013 continue, he added, the Defense Department won’t be able to do everything the president wants it to do. “We need to review which of the many objectives we have are the most important to us and separate those that really drive resource decisions from some of those that don’t so much,” McCord said. “We can’t do all the things that the commander-in-chief wants us to do if we have a permanent sequester level.” But capability can increase, at least relatively, with greater lead-time, stability in planning and flexibility on how to execute those plans, McCord said. “We should not wait until the middle of the fiscal year to get those answers as we did this year to find out if the sequester is going to happen or not,” he added.
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Community
Friday, June 21, 2013
Henderson Hall Marines honor flag at Barcroft Elementary
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 May 25. Call Graham at 703-604-8678.
By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer
The fourth graders from Barcroft Elementary School stood silently and reverently as six Marines from Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall marched in lock-step and stopped in front of the Arlington, Va., school’s flag pole June 14. With precise moves, the Marines lowered the American flag that had been flying proudly on the pole and replaced it with a new one that had been flown over the Marine Corps War Memorial in honor of Flag Day. “It’s our honor, on behalf of the commandant of the Marine Corps, to be able to share something that’s very dear to our hearts,” H & S Battalion Commanding Officer Col. Ira M. Cheatham told the students. “You may not know this, but the United States of America’s flag, ‘Old Glory,’ we take everywhere we go.” Cheatham continued by telling the students that if they see an American servicemember overseas, “you better believe that ‘Old Glory’ is with us, no matter where we go. Whether it’s in battle or whether it’s to help somebody. ‘Old Glory’ goes with us because it represents the United States.” He then asked the students if they had said the pledge of allegiance that morning. “Yes,” came the response. “What did you say the pledge
PENTAGRAM
Rader clinic pharmacy closed on Friday’s beginning in July Due to the upcoming furloughs, Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic will close every Friday beginning in July. For more information, call 703696-3467.
PHOTO
BY
RACHEL LARUE
Barcroft Elementary School fourth grade students watch as Marines from Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall take part in the Partners-in-Education Flag Day ceremony June 14 in Arlington. The flag, which had previously flown over the Marine Corps War Memorial, was later presented to Barcroft’s retiring Principal Miriam Hughey-Guy.
of allegiance to?” he asked. “The flag,” came the answer. “So many people say the pledge of allegiance every morning and sometimes they don’t think about what they’re saying,” Cheatham noted. He told the students that for them the pledge means that they’re going to do their best in school and grow up to be productive, law-abiding citizens.
Miriam Hughey-Guy, Barcroft Elementary School’s retiring principal, holds an American flag just presented to her by Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall Commanding Officer Col. Ira M. Cheatham during a Partners-inEducation Flag Day ceremony June 14. The flag had previously flown over the Marine Corps War Memorial.
“To me, when I pledge allegiance to the flag, I want to make sure that I protect your right to be able to go to school, to go to playgrounds, to do everything you want,” explained Cheatham. “When I say the pledge of allegiance to the flag, I look at you, because that’s who I’m trying to make sure I’m taking care of and when you grow up and you pledge allegiance to the flag, you’re going to do the same thing for the kid’s coming behind you.” Cheatham presented the school’s retiring principal, Miriam Hughey-Guy, with the new flag. “It gives me great privilege and pleasure to receive this flag today because this is the last time as principal I will be receiving the flag from our absolutely magnificent business partners, our long-time friends, the Marines at the joint base,” she said. “On behalf of all the children, of all the community, you have touched our hearts and I thank you very much.”
Orientation programs smooth in-processing for Soldiers, Marines By Michael Norris Pentagram Assistant Editor
Moving to a new installation through a permanent change of station move can be a little unnerving as you learn to navigate the ins and outs of a new duty station. You may be wondering: What’s the cost of living like there? What employment opportunities does the region offer my spouse? Are the schools up to snuff? And, where’s the best place to get great Greek food? Newcomer orientations offered by the Army’s Start Right program and the Marine Corps’ Welcome Aboard classes on Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall help answer these essential questions and many more. Representatives from TRICARE, the base legal and housing offices, the Army Substance Abuse Program and the education center are just a few of the nearly two dozen organizations that brief Soldiers at regular Start Right briefings held every Thursday from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. in Bldg. 230, off Forrest Circle on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH. Marine Corps Welcome Aboard sessions are similarly diverse, including presentations by the school liaison officer, a Navy Federal Credit Union representative, the USO and other organizations. Welcome Aboard is held monthly from 8-10:30 a.m. at the Marine Club, Bldg. 21, on Henderson Hall. Michael Richardson, the team lead for personnel information in the Directorate of Human Resources’ Military Personnel Division, helps facilitate Start Right briefings. He said bringing all the organizations an in-processing Soldier would normally have to visit on his own under one roof is unique to the National Capital Region. It’s one-stop shopping, he said, “bringing all these agencies together for you on a given day.” If people have questions, Richardson said agency representative typically stick around on the side-
CAMP LEJEUNE BASE PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Newcomer orientations offered by the Army’s Start Right program and the Marine Corps’ Welcome Aboard classes on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall help answer essential PCS questions.
lines for five to 10 minutes to talk with Soldiers about issues they may not want to bring up in the larger forum. Kelly Weidner, a relocation assistant with Army Community Service, is one of several staffers from ACS who address incoming Soldiers at Start Right briefings, filling them in on various ACS programs, from financial readiness which helps military Families with budgeting issues to the ACS lending closet which provides newcomers with essential household goods while Families wait for belongings to arrive from their last duty station. Weidner’s contact information is usually listed on paperwork accompanying PCS moves so she is often able to help Soldiers and Families before they arrive at a new duty station. “We try to help them pre-move and post-move,” she explained. Welcome Aboard briefings usually include 20 See PCS, page 8
Fort Myer Exchange upgrades and hours For the next five months, the Fort Myer Post Exchange will be improving different areas of the store. They are currently working on the relocation of the new customer service area, PowerZone, electronic section, sporting goods, hardware, linens and pet departments. The following are the hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 9a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-7p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. If you have any questions, call 703-522-0664. JFHQ-MDW change of command Maj. Gen. (P) Michael S. Linnington will relinquish command of Joint Force HeadquartersNational Capital Region and U.S. Army Military District of Washington to Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan June 24. The ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH in Conmy Hall. Because of the many people attending the event, traffic will be congested all day June 24 as select parking lots are blocked for visitors. The parking lots will be blocked June 23 at 9 p.m. and include the 3d U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) regimental and caisson parking lots, the Fort Myer Officers Club parking lot and the Summerall Field parking lot. They will reopen at 5:30 p.m. June 24. For more information, call 703696-1135. D.C., Arlington water reports released To comply with federal safe drinking water standards, Arlington County and the District of Columbia water quality reports are published each year by July 1. This annual consumer confidence report summarizes the quality of drinking water, tells the consumer where his or her water originates, what it contains and how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies. The report provides valuable information to customers of community water systems, allows them to make personal health-related decisions regarding their drinking water consumption and heightens awareness of the need to protect water resources. The reports are available online at www.arlingtonva.us/departments/Environmental/Services/ue pd/wquality/images/file89658.pdf and www.dcwater.com/news/publications/DC_Water_Annual_W QReport_2013.pdf. 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. 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 571-4831963 or visit the office located in Bldg. 31 adjacent to the Marine Corps Exchange.
Motorcycle safety course A motorcycle safety course will be held at Joint Base Andrews June 28 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. All Department of Defense ID card holders are welcome. For more information, visit www.army.mil/media/29938. 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. 23. 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 JBMHH beginning at 6:35 a.m. at the Fort Myer Fitness Center, Bldg. 414. Online registration will close on the Wednesday prior to each date. Race day registration will be accepted on each date from 5:30-6:15 a.m. inside the fitness center. To register online, visit www.jbmhhmwr.com. For more information, contact Todd Hopkins at 703-
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PENTAGRAM
Friday, June 21, 2013
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News Notes Continued from previous page
featuring Soldiers from the 3d U.S. 939-1045 or email him at todd.a.hop- Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) kins.civ@mail.mil. and The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” Experience a glimpse into Parking lot closure American history through performThe Fort Myer Officers Club park- ances by The U.S. Army Blues, vocaling lot will be closed June 21 and 24 ists from The U.S. Army Band for functions. Downrange, The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and The U.S. Army Drill Clydesdales at JBM-HH Team. This performance is free and Clydesdale horses will visit JBM- open to the public. HH June 21. At 11 a.m., they will use Due to budget constraints, there Sheridan Avenue as they walk from will not be formal seating for the caisson to the Firestone lot. At 1 Twilight Tattoo this year. Grass seatp.m., they will walk back to the cais- ing is available. Bring a blanket or son, again using Sheridan Avenue. lawn chairs. For more information on Motorists are urged not to drive past group reservations, contact the U.S. the horses during this time. Army Military District of Washington at 202-685-2888. Wing night Performances through June 26 will The Marine Club offers 50 cent be at Summerall Field on the Fort wings June 21 and 27 from 4:30-6 Myer portion of Joint Base Myerp.m. both evenings. The Marine Club Henderson Hall. Performances July 1 is open to all ranks, all services and through Aug. 28 will be at Whipple Department of Defense ID card hold- Field. Field locations may vary. For ers and their guests. Call 703-614- more details, log onto: 2125 for more information. twilight.mdw.army.mil/schedule prior to attending on a specific date. Outdoor movies Visit museums free this summer Want to catch a free Family-friendly movie under the moon, on the lawn This summer, military Families or afloat in the pool? The 2013 sum- can visit more than 2,000 museums mer outdoor movie series features across the country free of charge “The Great Outdoors” June 22 at 9 thanks to a program called Blue Star p.m. at the Fort Myer Officers Club Museums, a collaboration among the 50-yard pool. And if you’d rather stay National Endowment for the Arts, dry, see “Transformers: Revenge of Blue Star Families, the Defense the Fallen” at 9 p.m. on June 29 at Department and museums across Spates Community Club. Both clubs America. First launched in 2010, the are on the Fort Myer portion of JBM- program offers free admission to all HH. Get a look at what’s showing at active duty personnel and their www.jbmhhmwr.com/index/FMWR_ Families through Labor Day. The free H o m e / 2 0 1 3 - S u m m e r _ M o v i e admission is good for the military _Schedule.pdf. member and up to five Family members. To learn more, visit Swimming lessons arts.gov/national/bluestarmuseums/i The SKIES program is offering ndex2013.php. swimming lessons this summer. Be in the know zone Sessions run June 24-July 3; July 8Be in the know zone and get real18; July 22-Aug. 1 and Aug. 5-15. Register at CYSS Parent Central time information on the hot happenServices. Call 703-696-0313/4942. ings, deals and discounts offered by For more information, call Annette Family and Morale, Welfare and Engum at 703-696-3728 or contact Recreation by texting OKFMWR to her via email at annette.engum 99000. You will receive about one text a week as well as information on how @us.army.mil. to stop receiving texts. Pre-Independence Day battalion Aqua aerobics back at picnic Zembeic Pool Marine Corps Community Services holds the H&S Battalion, HQMC, Aqua aerobics has resumed at the Henderson Hall pre-Independence Maj. Douglas A. Zembeic Pool. Deep Day picnic June 28 from 11a.m.-2 water aqua classes meet Tuesdays p.m. on the Marine Landing Dock and Thursdays 10:30-11:30 a.m. behind the Marine Club. The picnic is Deep water running classes meet open to all Department of Defense Wednesdays and Fridays 11 a.m.identification card holders and their noon. An aqua belt (limited supply guests. The cost is $13 for adults and available at the pool), water bottle $6 for children under the age of 10. and swimsuit are needed. The first 200 diners also receive a Registration is not required. For coupon for a free small ice cream more information, call 703-693-7351. cone. The picnic is free to battalion Patient education classes personnel and active duty Family Adopt a healthy lifestyle and members. In the event of rain, the event will move indoors to the club attend a nutrition education class at dining room. For more information, Rader Clinic. The healthy heart class covers lifestyle changes to improve call 703-614-2125. high cholesterol and/or high blood Twilight Tattoo performances run pressure and will be held June 27 at through August 8:30 a.m. The class is open to all benTwilight Tattoo, held through Aug. eficiaries of the military health sys28, is an hour-long military pageant tem and registration is required. Call
Beth Triner at 703-696-7930 for more the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium on JBM-HH for an amateur boxing information. show open to the public with govAnger management class set ernment-issued photo identificaAnger management (introductory tion. Food and beverages will be level presentation for adults) class available for purchase. Tickets are will be held June 26 from 9-11 a.m. in $10 for adults, except active duty the Army Community Service class- personnel who pay $7, and children room. Individuals attending will be under 10 years of age, who get in given information on the basics of free. Tickets may be purchased at identifying what occurs in their per- the Semper Fit office in Bldg. 29, sonal ife when they make the choice room 305, at the gym, and at the to react to situations in anger. To reg- door. For more information, call 703ister call 703-696-0153/0156. 697-2706. Smooth move class A smooth move class is set for June 27 from 1-3 p.m. at Marine Corps Community Service, Bldg. 12, on the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH. Smooth move is an informal joint service brief for servicemembers planning a permanent change of station. Learn about your new duty station, moving with TRICARE, arranging household goods shipment with the transportation office, sponsorship, housing and more. To register, call 703-696-0153/0156. Baby bundles Prepare your home and relationship for the changes that are needed when your baby arrives. A baby bundles class is set for June 27 from 3-5 p.m. in the Army Community Service classroom. They will give a brief overview of the labor and delivery process and newborn care. Upon completion of the class you will receive a bag of free baby care and safety items. To register, call 703-6960153/0156.
TARP training Threat Awareness and Reporting Program (TARP) annual training will be held July 17 at the Town Hall building on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH at 10 a.m. The training is conducted by the 902nd MI Group, Fort Belvoir, and is mandatory for all U.S. Army employees every year. For more information, call 703-696-0756. Golf tournament On Sept. 27, JBM-HH Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation will host the annual slice of summer scramble golf tournament. The tournament will be played on Fort Belvoir’s Gunston Golf Course. The format will be four person teams playing a best ball scramble. Awards will be given based on the group or team’s overall score. There will also be special contests for longest drive, closest to the pin, longest putt and hole in one. Each person can register with a buddy or team of four. Registration is $70 per person, which includes green fees, cart, range buckets, an $8 gift certificate to the pro shop and a barbecue meal package. For more information or to register, call 703-6963419.
Air Force Band concert The United States Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants perform a free concert June 28 beginning at 8 p.m. at the Air Force Memorial, One Air Force Memorial Drive, in Arlington. Stay connected with MCCS Tickets are not required. The concert Henderson Hall is subject to cancellation due to Keep aware of Marine Corps inclement weather. For more information, visit www.usafband Community Service Henderson Hall activities by liking MCCSHH on .af.mil. Facebook and following MCCSHH Learn to cope with stress on Twitter. Also visit its website, Marine and Family Programs www.mccsHH.com. On a mobile offers a 12-session evidence-based device? You’ll be automatically rediclass on coping with work and Family rected to the MCCSHH mobile site. stress by learning to develop and Helmsmen Toastmasters apply effective coping strategies to Want to improve your speaking deal with stressors. The sessions are open to active duty personnel, Family and leadership skills? Come to members, and retirees. Dates for the Helmsmen Toastmaster Thursdays, workshops, in Bldg. 12’s conference from 7:30-8:45 a.m., in the Pentagon room, are July 9 and 11; July 16 and Library and Conference Center. 18; July 23 and 25; July 30 and Aug. Toastmasters is an international 1; Aug. 13 and 15; and Aug. 20 and organization that helps everyone 22. The workshops run from 3-4:30 speak, think, lead and listen better. p.m. Participants must complete all For more information, contact sessions to receive a certificate of Annika L’Ecuyer at annika.lecuycompletion. For additional class er@pentagon.af.mil or 703-614information or to register, call 703- 7160, or Elizabeth Femrite at elizabeth.m.femrite.civ@mail.mil or 571614-7204. 256-8674. July Justice tickets Tickets for the July 13 July Justice amateur boxing event are Please send your news notes to now on sale. The event brings boxthe Pentagram at penta ers from around Virginia, gramjbmhh@yahoo.com Washington, D.C., and Maryland to
Fourth of July holiday hours announced
Most offices on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall will be closed Thursday, July 4, the federal holiday, in observance of Independence Day. The following facilities and places of business will have altered hours July 4. Friday, July 5 is a training holiday for many military personnel. This list is not all encompassing. Please check with the facility you wish to visit for more details. • Headquarters Command Battalion – Closed July 4 and 5 (curtailed operations). • Old Post and Memorial Chapel – Closed July 4, open July 5. • Rader Clinic – Closed July 4 and 5. • Commissary – Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 4. • Central Issue Facility – Closed July 4. • Equal Opportunity Office – Closed July 4, open July 5. • Fort Myer PX - Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 4. • Fort Myer Express (Shoppette) – Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 4. • Fort McNair Shoppette – Closed July 4. • Anthony’s Pizza – Open 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 4. • Subway – Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 4. • Flower Shop – Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 4.
• Barber Shop (Fort Myer) – Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 4. • Barber Shop (Henderson Hall) – Open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 4. • Barber Shop (Fort McNair) – Closed July 4. • Cleaners/Alteration – Open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 4. • GNC – Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 4. • Optical Shop - Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 4. • Firestone – Open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 4. • Marine Corps Exchange, The Vineyard Wine & Spirits – Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. • CYSS – Building 483 – Closed July 4. • Army Community Service – Closed July 4. • Fort Myer Fitness Center – Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 4. • Fort McNair Fitness Center – Closed July 4.
• Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium – Open 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 4. • Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec Pool – Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 4. • Library – Closed July 4. • Recreation Center – Closed July 4. • Auto Shop – Closed July 4. • Fort Myer Officers’ Club – Open for barbeque at the pool, members only July 4; closed July 5. • Fort McNair Officers’ Club – Open July 4 for BBQ, closed July 5. • Spates Community Club – Closed July 4 and 5. • Java Café – Open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 4. • Bowling Center – Open noon to 8 p.m. • MCCS Henderson Hall Car Wash – Open 24/7. • Legal Services & Claims Office – Closed July 4.
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Friday, June 21, 2013
PENTAGRAM
Historic post exchange opens at Fort Belvoir By Justin Creech to pass directly through, aways from Exchange vendor Fort Belvoir Eagle Staff writer thereby reducing the runoff partners to include a shop-
Fort Belvoir celebrated the grand opening of its new 270,000 square foot Exchange June 19, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The new Army and Air Force Exchange Service facility is the largest branded store in the continental United States and incorporates the main store, food court, home and garden, military clothing sales, concessions and a satellite pharmacy all in one shopping complex. “Today is the day we get to open the facility to benefit all servicemembers and retirees,” said Nildy Eily, Fort Belvoir AAFES general manager. “This day has been years in the making. Wow, we finally made it.” The Exchange now has 22 mall stores, 12 more than the old PX which includes additions to the food court and retail areas. New additions to the food court include Starbucks, Subway, Pizza Hut and Popeye’s Chicken. Charley’s Grilled Subs, Burger King, and Taco Bell moved over from the old PX. The new Exchange is also Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver rated. The rating took into account the 958 space parking lot, made of pervious concrete, a special type of concrete with a high porosity that allows water from precipitation and other sources
from a site and allowing groundwater recharge. AAFES decided to open the store on a Wednesday to give the staff a chance to get used to maintaining a level of service with a high volume of customers. “A mid-week opening gives us a chance to work out all of the bugs during the week,” said Eily. “That way we are well situated for the weekend.” Tom Shull, director and chief executive officer of AAFES and U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir Commander, Col. Gregory D. Gadson, were invited to make remarks during the opening ceremony. The store opening is an example of AAFES’s support and dedication to servicemembers, according to Shull. “It’s making this experience better than any experience they get outside the gate,” said Shull. “It’s trying to represent the very best of what they could get outside the gate, here, so they feel like this is an extension of their home.” Additionally, the facility brings the modern shopping experience to Fort Belvoir, said Gadson. “Today we open a store that has everything you want or need under one roof,” said Gadson. “It will take your breath away.” The grand opening ceremony featured prizes and give-
ping spree and handbags, live entertainment and an autograph session with former Washington Redskins great, Brian Mitchell. The added stores, space and convenience of having the military clothing and home and garden stores under one roof is exciting for servicemembers, retirees and their Families, according to Staff Sgt. Chris Stout, 249th Engineer Battalion (Prime Power), specialist. “It’s really hard to describe how vast an improvement this is,” said Stout. “The clothing store was so small, and to have the home and garden shop in a different place made me have to go from one side of post to the other. Now, I can come to one location to do all my shopping.” Another Soldier who attended the grand opening, Sgt. 1st Class Franklin Mejias, feels this new facility is an example of the commitment AAFES has to serving all servicemembers. “I feel their commitment is very strong especially with the Soldiers we have deployed right now,” said Mejias. “AAFES does a lot for them, so to have a facility like this open stateside; I know this is the future of AAFES. I hope we start seeing more facilities like this opened at other installations.” The opening of the new Exchange is an example of what’s to come from AAFES,
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PHOTO
COURTESY
BY
DANIELLE KYLE
FORT BELVOIR PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
TOP — U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir Commander Col. Gregory D. Gadson, servicemembers, and Exchange officials cut the ribbon to open the new Fort Belvoir Exchange June 19. ABOVE — Customers make their way toward the entrance to the new Belvoir Exchange during the grand opening ceremony on Fort Belvoir, June 19.
said Shull, as they try to further customize their facilities to the needs of servicemembers and their Families. “Our future lifestyle centers will have theaters,” said Shull.
“So, it will be a holistic approach to the servicemember’s lifestyle. We are making sure we capture what servicemembers and their Families need.”
Kennedy eternal flame to illuminate emigrant memorial site in Ireland By Michael Norris Pentagram Assistant Editor
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s visit to his ancestral home in Ireland during a state visit, a ceremony was held at the president’s gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery June 18 that included a wreath laying and torch lighting. A spark taken from the eternal flame at the JFK gravesite lit a torch that was transported this week to New Ross in County Wexford, Ireland, from where Kennedy family members emigrated in 1848. The flame, transported using specially-designed lamps, will illuminate an Emigrant Flame Memorial in New Ross that will be dedicated June 22. Irish Prime Minister Edna Kenny, the president’s daughter Caroline Kennedy and sister, former Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith, will be on hand for the Saturday ceremony. The Irish government’s Minister of State, Paul Kehoe, along with representatives from Wexford, travelled from Ireland for the June 18 ANC ceremony, which included a colour guard from the Irish Defence Forces joining one from the Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall based 3d U.S. Infantry
PHOTO
BY
RHONDA APPLE
With a color guard from The Old Guard standing by, a member of the Irish Defence Forces passes a torch lluminated by the Eternal Flame at President John F. Kennedy's grave site, to the first of two representatives from the Special Olympics June 18. The torch party also included a representative from the Peace Corps as well as the chairman of the New Ross Town Council of Ireland. The torch will travel to New Ross June 22 to light a memorial to Irish emigrants.
Regiment (The Old Guard). As the ceremonial units conducted their solemn procession during the wreath laying, the mournful, keening drone of a single bagpipe player accompanied their paces. “We’re honored to have with us the
latest member of the Kennedy family to take the path of public service through elective office ... Joseph Kennedy III, newly elected [to the U.S. House of Representatives] to represent the Massachusetts 4th District,” said Kevin Conmy, Embassy of Ireland PHOTO
BY
Army birthday
RACHEL LARUE
Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall Commanding Officer Col. Ira M. Cheatham, left, and Marines from the battalion surprised Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Commander Col. Fern O. Sumpter, right, with a birthday cake to celebrate the Army’s 238th birthday June 14. For more photos from the Army birthday celebration on JBM-HH, log onto www.flickr.com/ photos/jbm-hh/sets.
charge’ d’affaires, in introducing the congressman. “Above all else, the story of President Kennedy’s trip to Ireland is a story of a young man returning home,” said Joseph Kennedy III, son of Congressman Joseph Kennedy II and great-grandson of former U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy. “It’s a story of a native son arriving on the doorstep of his humble, proud great-grandparents... It’s the story of a thousand welcomes and a million tears. It’s an Irish story and an American story.” Kennedy then recited lines from a speech JFK made to the people of Ireland during his 1963 visit. “Fifty years ago Kennedy said, ‘Most countries send out oil or rice, steel or gold or some other crop. But Ireland has only one export — and that is its people.’ “While this country imports raw materials and finished goods to feed our economy, we welcome the stranger to strengthen our spirit,” the congressman said of the U.S. “For almost a full generation they were mostly Irish. Now, they come from every corner of the world. “We light this torch today as a symsee FLAME, page 9
Thrift shop
The Fort Myer Thrift Shop will be closed from June 28-July 9 and will not accept consignments the week of June 25. The shop will reopen with its summer schedule July 9 and will be open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in July and August from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Consignments of shoes and clothing are not accepted during the summer months. To learn about the shop’s sales, friend the Fort Myer Thrift Shop on Facebook or visit its web site at www.fortmyerthriftshop.com.
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BY
RACHEL LARUE
PENTAGRAM
Friday, June 21, 2013
Mabus, from page 1 Tied to this is victim assistance, he added. How local officials help the victims in these cases is important to him, Mabus said. Finally, investigation and prosecution is important to the Navy. Mabus has authorized more money to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service for more investigators and more resources. “It was taking up to 180 days to investigate an incident,” he said. “Initially, we think we can get this down to 80 days.” The Navy also is spending more to train its lawyers in these cases, the secretary said. Measuring what works and what doesn’t also is part of this effort, Mabus said. “Can we figure Health, from page 3 act as liaisons to assist members with employment assistance, housing and ongoing health care, Lamb said. “A Military Medicine [professional journal] article in 2011 said 41 percent of the Guard and Reserve were employed by the time of their reintegration, and only 79 percent were
out what the best practices are?” he asked. “We’re beginning to make some headway there.” Mabus said he thinks taking away a commander’s right to overturn a conviction is long overdue. “Right now, if you are convicted of sexual assault, you are referred to a board of inquiry to see if you’ll be allowed to stay [in the service],” he said. The notion that “if you’re convicted, you’re out” is the way to go, he added. The secretary said he looks at sexual assault as an internal attack that must be dealt with. “We’re finding pretty dramatic results in places like Great Lakes, where we’ve rolled out these programs,” he said. “Our job is to get them fleetwide.”
employed full-time,” Lamb said. “They attribute that to having mental health issues and not addressing them when they go to seek employment. Continuing your mental health treatment makes you more stable, which is going to increase the likelihood that you’re going to land a better job when you get back.”
Birthday, from page 1
have to be able to do our missions under any conditions. That’s the nature of combat,” Troy said. “There’s a lot of special sentiment. From a personal standpoint, I reflect on the years that I’ve had the privilege of serving and being a part of this great institution. It really makes me think that the Army started way before we [current leaders] got to it, and we have a responsibility to maintain the standards and the traditions and the service to our country that the Army has been known for throughout its history. This [run] is a good way to kind of reinforce that.” Following the 43-minute run, all units were back in the Summerall Field parking lot by 7:42 a.m. Troy followed by verbally saluting today’s Soldiers, The Old Guard and those who made the ultimate sacrifice who While 54 percent of wore the Army uniform. “It is a good time to reflect about referrals come from service members selfidentifying, Lamb said, anyone — chaplains, first sergeants, friends and spouses — can refer an eligible person to inTransition. For more information, call 1-800-424-7877 or from outside of the United States, call collect 1-314-387-4700.
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the United States Army,” the general commented. “This Army didn’t start with us; it started 238 years ago, and it has never failed our country. And it never will. If anybody wants to know why, I want you to do an about face and look at The Old Guard. They are terrific Soldiers and defend our country so well.” Those assembled followed Troy’s order and gave The Old Guard companies a minute-long ovation filled with clapping and a chorus of multiple “hooahs.” The general then reminded Soldiers about the legacy and tradition they represent. “The next time you look at that Army flag, I want you to think about the 187 campaign streamers on that [flag],” Troy said. “Each campaign streamer represents the blood and the sacrifice of Soldiers of the past, so that we could have a nation that lives in peace, security and freedom.”
Exchange credit card fees impact entire military community Military shoppers patronizing their local exchange probably don’t give a second thought as to which credit card to use at checkout. What they may not be aware of, however, is that the use of bank-issued cards at the exchange ultimately costs the military community millions annually. Last year alone, bank-issued card processing expenses at Army and Air Force exchange service facilities sapped more than $86 million from the exchange and, in turn, critical funds that could be used for morale, welfare and recreation programs. One way military Families can help reduce costs and strengthen their exchange benefit is to take advantage of the Exchange’s exclusive MILITARY STAR card. Unlike bank cards, profits generated from the MILITARY STAR card are shared with military communities through contributions to the military service’s quality-of-life funds.
“Using the MILITARY STAR card is one of the easiest ways for troops to directly impact their exchange and morale, welfare and recreation benefits,” said the exchange’s Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson. “Reducing these unnecessary expenses can go a long way in maxPHOTO BY JIM DRESBACH imizing the dividend the exchange Participants run to recognize the Army’s 238th birthday on Joint Base Myerannually returns to the military Henderson Hall June 14. The run started and finished on JBM-HH and went through a community.” portion of Arlington National Cemetery. The MILITARY STAR card is accepted at all Army and Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Exchange activities, as well as the Exchange Catalog and the exchange online store at www.shopmyexchange.com. Authorized exchange shoppers can learn more about the MILITARY STAR card by visiting www.shopmyexchange.com and clicking credit services. (From an Army & Air Force Exchange Service press release.)
PHOTO BY PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS LATUNYA HOWARD
One way military Families can help reduce costs and strengthen their exchange benefit is to take advantage of the Exchange’s exclusive MILITARY STAR card.
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Friday, June 21, 2013
PCS, from page 4 speakers spanning across two hours, said Willie Acevedo, who runs the Relocation Assistance Program at Henderson Hall. That might seem like a lot of information in a short period of time, he said, but “it’s important for Marines to know what programs are available to them.” Acevedo said the monthly briefings attract five to 10 Marines at a time. He said the short presentations provide an introduction to programs Marines can take advantage of, and that while there isn’t a lot of time for question and answer sessions, incoming personnel can follow-up later by contacting the organizations through information provided on distributed hand-outs. After a lunch break, Acevedo said there is an optional hour-anda-half “window tour” of the Washington, D.C., area, where newcomers are driven through
01039956B
PENTAGRAM
Arlington National Cemetery, past the White House, Washington Monument and Vietnam Veterans Memorial, to show them what the nation’s capital has to offer. About 75 percent of the Marines attending Welcome Aboard take advantage of the tour, he said. Liz Barnes, school liaison for Henderson Hall Marines, said one of the things she tells audiences about in Welcome Aboard briefings is the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children, highlighting the program’s streamlining of student records transfers and easing of placement in honors programs, where military Families sometimes get shortchanged because of frequent moves. She said she encourages Marines and their Families to always be looking ahead to the next move, so that parents and children can anticipate the
changes and opportunities in store for them at a new duty station. Jim Murphy, of Henderson Hall’s Personal Financial Management Program, said he talks about debt, credit and the importance of tracking daily expenditures at Marine briefings. Because there are some 20 people talking in succession, he said the idea is for presenters to plant a seed in Marines’ minds about where they can go to get help when they need it. Military members may only get exposed to three things they didn’t know before attending a briefing, he added, “but that may be information they might not get anywhere else.” The next Start Right briefing will be held June 27. For more information call 703-696-3510. The next Marine Welcome Aboard orientation is scheduled for Aug. 13. For more information call 703614-7202.
Henderson Hall hosts voluntary education conference By Rhonda Apple Pentagram Staff Writer
Headquarters Marine Corps, with facility assistance from Headquarters & Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps Henderson Hall’s Education and Career Center, hosted a two-day conference on Marine Corps voluntary education June 18-19. The conference was held in Bldg. 29, classroom 105, on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. The two-day event was attended by 25 Marine education service officers from Marine Corps Base Camp S.D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan; Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan; Marine Corps Base Hawaii; Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.; Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Calif.; Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow, Calif.; Marine Corps Base Twentynine Palms, Calif.; Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz.; Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.; Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.; Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.; Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany, N.Y.; Marine Corps, New Orleans, La.; Marine Base Quantico, Va. and H&S Bn., HQMC Henderson Hall. This was the first time the annual meeting was held at Henderson Hall. “The sole focus of the conference was training and information seminars that deal with virtually every topic concerning U.S. Marine Corps voluntary secondary education and the challenges of financing these academic and vocational/technical pursuits,” said Henderson Hall Education and Career Specialist Bart MacMillan. Representatives of various organizations gave presentations on educational services, including the Marine Corps Voluntary Education Program; Servicemembers Organizations Opportunity Colleges Marine Corps (SOCMAR); Veterans’ Program American Council on Education/Joint Service Transcript; Marine Corps Career College Program (MCCCP) and the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) credentialing initiatives. Tuition assistance and personal and professional development were also a focus of the conference. “We wanted to look at each installation and compare what is successful … discussing recommendations and positive outcomes from ESOs around the Marine Corps,” added Henderson Hall’s Personal and Professional Development Branch Manager Sam Bagwell. A visit to the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C., June 19 was included as part of the conference training. “We had training there with an awareness and outreach specialist about financial aid, including grants and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA),” said Bagwell. “Since military education benefits may not cover the entire cost of getting a post-secondary education, FAFSA may help fill any gaps in funding through available benefits from the federal government, state and school-funded levels.” MacMillan said servicemembers have civilian resources for financial aid and benefits unique to the military available — a topic the ESOs discussed to ensure they were doing everything possible to help Marines with voluntary education needs and concerns. “The purpose of the education and career center is dealing with academic and financial counseling for those pursuing college and the issue of financing education. This includes vocational and technical to graduate-level education,” MacMillan said. “We want to make sure as ESOs, we offer the best possible service we can to our Marines,” added Bagwell. “There are a lot of options available and we want to ensure we counsel Marines to provide all the information that’s available to them.” MacMillan said it was exciting and inspirational to have all the ESOs on the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH for the annual conference. “I want Marines to know the greatest advocates they have on behalf of their education and their use of education benefits are the education service officers attending this training. Only positive results will come from this conference,” said MacMillan. For more information about the educational services offered at Henderson Hall, call 703614-9104.
PENTAGRAM
Flame, from page 6 bol of the bond forged by a young American president who found his way home,” he continued. “When we see that flame, it’s not only a reminder of the ties between our families and our nations, but also as an emblem of the lamplight that welcomes all.” Kehoe followed Kennedy, noting that the Irish prime minister described Kennedy’s 1963 visit as “a watershed in Irish history. “In 1963, Ireland was still a very young nation, not yet achieving its full potential and still finding its voice internationally,” Kehoe said. “When President Kennedy came to visit he brought a message of hope and inspiration. He encouraged Ireland to be proud and confident of itself and its place in the world. He himself, a returning son
Friday, June 21, 2013
of Irish immigrants serving in the most important and powerful position in the world, was the very embodiment of that hope and inspiration — the living proof that Irish people could do anything they set their minds to do. “Today we light the Kennedy torch and take the light that permanently shines here, back to where the journey began at the key site in New Ross – a reverse journey that reflects the deepest of family ties.” A quartet of emissaries representing Kennedy’s legacy participated in the torch lighting, including: two representatives from the Special Olympics, which was founded by JFK’s sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver during the president’s administration; one from the Peace Corps, which was formed in the Kennedy
era; a member of the Irish Defence Forces; and the chairman of the New Ross Town Council. “We are delighted to have this opportunity to recall President Kennedy’s visit to Ireland in such a special way during this 50th anniversary year,” stated Irish Ambassador Michael Collins in a press release. “President Kennedy continues to be remembered with much admiration and affection in Ireland and particularly in [County] Wexford, from where his ancestors immigrated to America in the mid-19th century.” Frankie Byrne, a Rosslyn, Va., resident with Irish heritage, was in the audience for the ceremony. She said she was old enough to remember Kennedy’s visit to Ireland. She said she particularly liked Kehoe’s reference to
Patrick Kennedy, the first member of the clan to come to America in 1848, as a “humble cooper,” someone whose profession was to make boundtogether wooden-staved vessels like barrels, buckets or casks. Dave Counts of Vienna, Va., whose daughter Ashley is involved in the Special Olympics, said the event brought back memories of the Kennedy visit to Ireland. “I remember all that,” he said. “And I’m sure the people of Ireland still feel connected to the Kennedy clan.” Helmut Hebner and his son Axel, tourists from Germany, found out about the ceremony while visiting the cemetery. “I remember the speech when it came on over the radio in 1963,” Helmut said. “My parents turned the radio up a little louder.”
PT test
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PHOTO BY COURTNEY DOCK
Sgts. 1st Class Sam Woodhead, left, and Christal Rheams, right, give Washington Nationals mascot Screech an Army PT test on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Brucker Hall, home of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” June 18. Screech performed push-ups, sit-ups and burpees. The PT demonstration was filmed by the Nationals to show during the home game June 20 honoring the U.S. Army. Rheams and Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and Military District of Washington Command Sgt. Maj. David O. Turnbull were scheduled to take part in the game’s ceremonies. For more on the Army Night celebration at Nationals Park, pick up the June 28 Pentagram.
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RACHEL LARUE
Bakers Creek
Ice Cream
PHOTO BY COURTNEY DOCK
Marines from Henderson Hall enjoy an ice cream social sponsored by USO-Metro June 19.
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Ambassador of Australia to the United States Kim Beazley speaks during the Bakers Creek air crash 70th commemoration ceremony on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall June 14. The air crash, which took place at Bakers Creek, near Mackay, Queensland, Australia, took the lives of 40 members of the Army Air Corps. There was only one survivor of the crash. The memorial is located next to Selfridge Gate on JBMHH.
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Friday, June 21, 2013
PENTAGRAM
Pratt, from page 1 garrison command sergeant major at Fort Detrick, Md., after two impressive years as battalion CSM. Biehl said the only way to put Jessup’s accomplishments into perspective was to tell the audience a little bit about the battalion itself. “The battalion is the largest in the Army, with Soldiers serving all over the National Capital Region and throughout the world,” he said. The battalion provides command and control of 53 agencies throughout the NCR, processes administrative actions, conducts Uniform Code of Military Justice actions as the summary court martial convening authority for the NCR, and provides logistical and training support. “We’re a little busy at times,” Biehl said. “Despite that overwhelming pace, Command Sergeant Major Jessup made an immediate impact by focusing on leadership, training and schools. He mentored and counseled over 500 Soldiers and NCOs prior to attending schools. His emphasis on standards, pre-execution checks and mentorship resulted in over 200 graduates from various noncommissioned officer education system schools with over 15 distinguished honor graduates.” Biehl said Jessup revamped the battalion’s mentorship and NCO development programs by highlighting professional and personal skills, including financial readiness, the care and maintenance of enlisted records and sponsorship. Jessup also developed and implemented a comprehensive Army warrior training program, regardless of unit, in the NCR. “He leveraged the training facilities and leader-
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ship at Fort Lee, resulting in over 800 Soldiers receiving quality training,” he continued. “He served as the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall command sergeant major on several occasions, resulting in mission accomplishment and increased efficiency for this extremely high-profile installation.” During his tenure as Headquarters Command Battalion CSM, Jessup also imposed quality risk initiatives that resulted in zero privately owned vehicle accidents for safety violations and developed the battalion’s motorcycle safety program. “Command Sergeant Major Richard Jessup is an exceptional Soldier and leader who has left an indelible mark on thousands of military members, their Families and civilians around the world,” added Biehl. “He always places the needs of his unit or people above his own.” Biehl said that no Soldier can do it alone, and praised the contributions of Jessup’s wife, Sylvia, to her husband’s career. “Sylvia, trust me, it is readily apparent from the multiple discussions that he and I have had about our Families that you are the rock-solid foundation; you allow him to be successful,” Biehl said. Turning to Jessup, Biehl told him it has been an “honor and privilege” to work with him, and
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Incoming Headquarters Command Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Alex L. Pratt stands before the start of the Army Song during the change of responsibility ceremony June 18 on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.
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added that he would “fight to do it again in the future.” Biehl then explained that the day was “sweet” because the battalion is welcoming Pratt and his Family to the team. “Command Sergeant Major Pratt, welcome to the most interesting battalion in the United States Army,” continued Biehl. “I look forward to partnering with you as we solve the daily, unique and complex challenges associated with the battalion. Every day is an adventure.” Pratt, a native of Monroe, La., joined the Army in August of 1987. Prior to his assignment to Headquarters Command Battalion, he served as the G3 sergeant major for the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La. “The battalion is like no other in the United States Army, not to mention the largest, and I am proud to have been selected as the command sergeant major,” said Pratt. “I recognize what a privilege it is to serve our nation and Soldiers. I have been given an even greater honor to serve as a member of a command team at the battalion level.” Pratt also stressed that welfare of the battalion’s Soldiers, Families and civilians is uppermost in his mind at all times. The ceremony was highlighted by the traditional passing of the noncommissioned officer’s sword by Jessup to Pratt. Jessup’s wife, Sylvia, and Pratt’s daughter, Daphne, also received flowers during the ceremony. Pratt’s wife was unable to attend the event. The units represented at the ceremony included Headquarters Company; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Garrison; and the color guard was provided by Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). Also attending the ceremony were Maj. Gen. (P) Michael S. Linnington, commander Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and U.S. Military District of Washington; Col. Fern O. Sumpter, commander of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall; Col. Thomas Palmatier, commanding officer of the United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own”; Command Sgt. Maj. Earlene Y. Lavender, command sergeant major of JBMHH; and Command Sgt. Maj. David Turnbull, command sergeant major JFHQ-NCR/MDW.
PENTAGRAM
Friday, June 21, 2013
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Friday, June 21, 2013
PENTAGRAM
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