Pentagram 091015

Vol. 62, No. 36 September 10, 2015

Pentagram www.army.mil/jbmhh

Published For Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

IT’S SHOWTIME!

By Guv Callahan Pentagram Staff Writer

PHOTO

BY

NELL KING

Pfc. Brian R. Schimmel with Caisson Platoon, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), orders “fire” during a Spirit of America rehearsal Aug. 31 at Washington’s D.C. Armory. The Caisson Platoon works, trains and cares for horses that will be a part of the Spirit of America performances in order to desensitize the steeds from the sound of gun fire used during the show.

The United States Army’s Spirit of America performance returns to Washington, D.C., Sept. 10 to 12, taking audiences on a journey through 240 years of the nation’s military history using a unique blend of pageantry and discipline.

Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” have spent the last five weeks rehearsing for the free, two-hour show, making sure they perfect the combination of historical reenactment and traditional ceremonial elements. The spectacle will feature music, historical uniforms and even gunfire, all under the roof of the D.C. Armory.

It will also feature four of the nearly 60 horses from the Old Guard’s Caisson Platoon, animals that have trained for the show just as long as the Soldiers.

The horses – Dozier, Tony, Rio and Surefire – are all making their Spirit of America debuts and will appear in four different segments of the show: the ride of Paul Revere, the War of 1812, the Civil War and the Afghan 2001 campaign.

In order for the horses to perform successfully during the show, they have to be trained and familiarized with the environment, said Caisson Platoon Spc. Martin Rosenswipe. Caisson Soldiers lead the horses around the Armory and let them smell the many new objects surrounding them.

see SHOWTIME, page 4

Three mosquito testing sites on JBM-HH test positive for West Nile

By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall has logged three positive tests for West Nile Virus so far this summer, according to the Directorate of Public Works.

Mosquito traps that tested positive for the virus were located behi nd Bldg. 203 and Lee Avenue on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base and behind Bldg. 28 on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base, according to JBM-HH Directorate of Public Works Pest Management Team member Ronald Purvis.

“Those are the only...positive

tests we’ve had so far this year,” he said.

West Nile is a mosquitoborne virus that first appeared in the United States in 1999, according to the Army Public Health Command. Since then, more than 30,000 people in the U.S. have contracted the virus, which has caused more than 1,200 deaths nationally. As of Sept. 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the District of Columbia has had one case of West Nile virus; Virginia has reported six; and Maryland, 13. It can be particularly dangerous for the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

Last year, the joint base recorded a total of nine positive West Nile tests, according to Purvis.

JBM-HH is one of 12 participating Department of Defense mosquito testing program sites in the greater Washington, D.C. area. Pest controllers from the joint base set out mosquito traps at nine sites on the joint base – three on the Fort McNair portion, two on the Henderson Hall portion and four on the Fort Myer portion – in April, according to Purvis.

Testing of the traps takes place through the first frost. Mosquito samples gathered from the sites are ground up and sent to Fort

see WNV, page 5

PHOTO

Be a good neighbor Joint base leaders ask commuters to use Hatfield, Wright Gates to avoid gate traffic congestion

By JBM-HH Public Affairs As Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall moves forward with its Automated Installation Entry (AIE II Plus) system upgrades, traffic may back up at the gates, especially during peak traffic times.

This has been the case in recent weeks at the Myer/ Henderson Hall gates. Personnel and visitors are asked to be aware of and obey Arlington County traffic regulations in these areas and, especially, of the surrounding neighborhoods.

At Henderson Hall’s Gate 1, for example, motorists have been seen making sudden U-turns and traveling the wrong way on a one-way street in

attempts to escape traffic back-ups. Arlington County Police have been citing violators.

Additionally, there have been complaints from residents in the neighborhood just outside Gate 1, to include South Orme, South Ode and South Oak Streets, of excessive speed on these streets, littering (to include cigarette butts) and loud music blaring from vehicles as they approach the gate especially in the early morning.

Arlington police have also received a number of traffic complaints from residents along South 2nd Street, between Glebe Road and the joint base, of speeding and reckless driving. Arlington police are asking all personnel to watch their speed along South Second Street as they will be stepping up enforcement as the school year begins.

Personnel and visitors are asked to be mindful of all our neighbors both in Arlington County and Southwest D.C., and to practice being “a good neighbor.” Please don’t speed, litter or play music excessively loud when driving through these neighborhoods, and please obey all traffic signs.

see NEIGHBOR, page 8

PATRICK KELLEY

News Notes AAFES Barber Shop on Fort McNair has new management, hours

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service Barber Shop on the Fort McNair portion of the joint base is under new management and has new hours of operation. New operating hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 202-484-7019.

Thrift shop now open

The Fort Myer Thrift Shop is now open for fall. The regular fall schedule is Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and the first Saturday of the month.

The Thrift Shop continues to take donations, which can

be dropped off on the front porch of the boutique (Bldg.

225). For more information, call 703-527-0664.

Pups in the Pool is Sept. 11

Bring your pup for a free end of summer splash. Pups in the Pool at the Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec Pool on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall is Sept. 11, 4 to 5 p.m. Call 703-693-7351 for details.

Annual Doggie Dip is Sept. 12

Join us for the last hoorah of the 2015 pool season before the pools are closed for winter.

see NEWS NOTES, page 4

Index

Throwback Thursday. . . . . . . . . . page 2 Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3 10 reasons to see Spirit of America . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 News notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Job vacancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 6 TRICARE updates . . . . . . . . . . . . page 7 In Photos: Remembering 9/11 . . page 10

BY

Local forecast

THURS. 83 | 66

FRI.

85 | 66

SAT.

81 | 63

SUN.

76 | 60

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

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Thursday, September 10, 2015

PENTAGRAM

Meet the cast: Spirit of America

U.S. ARMY PHOTO

BY

SPC. CODY W. TORKELSON

Pfc. Peter Boreham of Paso Robles, Calif., plays Capt. Harper at the Battle of Bastogne during World War II in this year’s Spirit of America show. At the Battle of Bastogne, Americans defended against the last great offense of the Nazi Army. One of the Army’s largest community outreach programs, Spirit of America is designed to increase awareness of the Army’s long heritage and showcase its premier ceremonial units. See page 1 for more coverage, and visit https://goo.gl/ D00Xt2 to meet more of the show’s cast.

JBM-HH Throwback Thursday #JBMHHTBT

This week in military history Sept. 10

1963:

Sept. 11

2001:

Sept. 12

1918:

Sept. 13

1847:

PHOTO

ILLUSTRATION BY

Compiled by Jim Goodwin Editor, Pentagram President John F. Kennedy federalized Alabama’s National Guard to prevent the state’s governor, George C. Wallace, from using the state’s National Guard troops to stop public school de-segregation, which occurred on this day as 20 African-American students entered public schools in Birmingham, Tuskegee and Mobile, Ala, according to the This Day in Military History website.

At 9:38 a.m. a commercial airliner, piloted by terrorists, slammed into the Department of Defense’s headquarters building—the Pentagon—located across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. One-hundred, eighty-nine people were killed during the attack. Meanwhile, hijacked jet airliners were used to attack the World Trade Center in New York City and a fourth hijacked aircraft was grounded and destroyed when it crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pa. Altogether, 2,996 people died during the attacks, according to multiple online records.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. William “Billy” Mitchell commanded the largest air fleet every assembled during the first major U.S. offensive of World War I at Saint-Mihiel, France, according to an online U.S. Air Force’s historical document.

Gen. Winfield Scott wins the final major conflict of the MexicanAmerican War when his forces stormed the Chapultepec fortress near of Mexico City, according to the This Day in Military History website.

Artwork by N. Currier titled “Attack on the Castle Chapultepec” depicts the start of the final battle of the Mexican-American War when U.S. Gen. Winfield Scott’s forces storm the Chapultepec fortress at the edge of Mexico City on Sept. 13, 1847.

NELL KING

A photograph of the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, taken by photographer Paul Haring, after the building was hit by a commercial airplane in a terrorist attack, is merged with a photograph of the Pentagon today taken Sept.

8, 2015, by Pentagram photographer Nell King.

COURTESY LIBRARY

The final day of the Battle of Edson’s Ridge, also known as the Battle of Bloody Ridge was the second Japanese offensive at Guadalcanal in an attempt to repel U.S. invaders and retake the island during the Pacific campaign of World War II, according to multiple online documents. Allied forces, led by U.S. Marines, took control of the island Aug. 7.

Sept. 15

Led by units from the 101st Airborne Division, Coalition forces lead Operation Dragon Strike, an offensive to reclaim the strategic southern province of Kandahar, Afghanistan, according to the This Day in Military History website.

Sept. 16

A detachment of Marines under Maj. Daniel Carmick of Naval Station New Orleans, along with a detachment of Soldiers, destroyed a pirate stronghold at Barataria, on the Island of Grande Terre, near New Orleans, according to the Marine Corps Historical Division’s website.

2010:

1841:

www.army.mil/jbmhh

Pentagram

703-696-5401 pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/jbmhh

CONGRESS

Sept. 14

1942

Stay connected!

OF

Flickr: Flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh

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

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

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

Slideshare: slideshare.net/jbmhh Jim Goodwin Editor james.m.goodwin3.civ@ mail.mil Helen Klein Graphic Designer hklein@dcmilitary.com Nell King Photographer nking@dcmilitary.com

Julia LeDoux Staff Writer jledoux@dcmilitary.com Guv Callahan Staff Writer wcallahan@dcmilitary.com Damien Salas Staff Writer dsalas@dcmilitary.com

Community

PENTAGRAM

Thursday, September 10, 2015

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Local Soldiers win MDW Best Warrior competition

By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer Two Soldiers stationed at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall have won the Military District of Washington’s Best Warrior Competition.

Staff Sgt. Kevin Simpson, a clarinetist with The U.S. Army Concert Band, earned the title of best NCO warrior and Pfc. David Saunders of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Alpha Company earned the title of best junior enlisted warrior during the competition, which was held Aug. 24 to 28 at Fort A.P. Hill in Bowling Green, Va. Simpson said a comment made by “Pershing’s Own” Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel R. Smith spurred him on to take part in the competition.

“I thought it sounded new and different and a fun way to challenge myself,” he said.

Simpson, 31, of Oakland, Calif., has been in the Army for nearly eight years. He said his unit was extremely helpful while he trained for the competition and set him up with fellow Soldiers who could help him in areas where

he needed assistance.

“That was really helpful to me,” he said. “We don’t spend a lot of time in the environment as far as being in the field and doing training that is geared to Best Warrior.”

Military police officers at the joint base and Soldiers at the armory assisted him in learning how to assemble and disassemble a variety of weapons and also helped him get comfortable with the different weapons used during the competition, Simpson said.

“How often does a clarinet player end up shooting a machine gun?” he said with a laugh.

Simpson said he began training for the competition about

see BEST WARRIOR, page 8

PHOTOS

BY

SPC BRANDON DYER

ABOVE - Staff Sgt. Kevin Simpson, a clarinetist with The U.S. Army Concert Band, negotiates a land navigation course as part of the Military District of Washington’s Best Warrior Competition, Aug. 24-28, 2015, at Fort A.P. Hill in Bowling Green, Va. Simpson won the competition for his category, earning the title of best NCO warrior, and beating out competitors from the Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, U.S. Army Air Operations Group, The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” and 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). ABOVE LEFT - Simpson participates in an Army Physical Fitness Test as part of the Military District of Washington’s Best Warrior Competition.

Expert talks suicide prevention

PHOTO

BY

Marines begin Labor Day weekend with a stand down for safety

NELL KING

Dr. James T. Reese gives a speech at Conmy Hall Sept. 1 on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer Henderson-Hall. Reese encouraged Soldiers and first responders in attendance to seek counseling when confronted with difficult and stressful situations, while candidly sharing that he himself has had to do the same.

By Guv Callahan Pentagram Staff Writer Service members, emergency responders and community members gathered on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Sept. 1 for suicide prevention and awareness training as part of the Army’s Ready and Resilient Campaign and Suicide Awareness Month.

The session was led by Dr. James T. Reese, a 25-year veteran of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and an awardwinning author, lecturer and consultant in the areas of leadership, stress management, workplace violence and resilience.

While introducing Reese, Maj. Gen. Bradley Becker, commander of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, said serving in the military

is a profoundly rewarding experience, but that it can also be trying.

“What we do as members of the Army profession is a tough business, and I would say that’s also true for our law enforcement and emergency management brothers and sisters who are with us here today,” he said. “As Soldiers, we spend our careers either preparing for combat or, in the case of the last 13 to 14 years, serving in combat. Add to that the stress of moving your family every couple of years, missed holidays and special occasions, multiple deployments, it can all be very stressful.”

In order to deal with that stress, service members sometimes need to reach out and ask for help. That’s where Reese comes in.

During his time in the FBI,

H Sept. 10-11

10:30 a.m.

Sept. 11

7:30 p.m.

Sept. 12

2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 17

5 p.m.

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Reese served as a criminal personality profiler, established the bureau’s stress management program, and helped found the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime. He also provided stress management and decompression services to the first responders at Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Reese brought his expertise to JBM-HH to speak to service members and those who put themselves in harm’s way for a simple reason: “I love you,” he told a packed Conmy Hall. “I love what you stand for.”

Since deployments and combat can be so chaotic, Reese said it is important to have one’s affairs in order on the home front.

“We never know what’s going

see PME, page 8

PHOTO

By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer Be aler t. Stay v ig ila nt.

Have a plan.

That was the message Marines from Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps Henderson Hall heard

The United States Army Band CALENDAR OF EVENTS

BY

DAMIEN SALAS

Vihn Cayton, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall anti-terrorism officer, speaks to Marines during a Labor Day weekend safety stand down held at the Pentagon auditorium Sept. 3. Speakers from the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives discussed various active shooter events – including incidents at the Holocaust Museum, Pentagon, Family Research Council and Navy Yard – that have occurred in the National Capital Region during recent years.

H

H

Sept. 3 during the 2015 Labor Day Weekend Safety Stand down held at the Pentagon auditorium.

“It’s a Marine Corps tradition,” battalion Commanding Officer Col. Andrew Regan said of the stand down in his opening remarks. “We’re heading into a

see SAFETY, page 10

H

The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” will perform as part of the Spirit of America show at the D.C. Armory in D.C. Spirit of America is a patriotic, live-action show presented by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. Performed by more than 400 soldiers of the U.S. Army’s elite ceremonial units and the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), this free show features traditional and modern music, disciplined drill, and historical narrative as Soldiers recap the heritage of our country in an inspiring and entertaining performance. Visit: www.usarmyband.com/concerts-events/spirit-of-america.html for information about free tickets.

The U.S. Army Blues presents the music of Herbie Nichols during a concert at Kogod Courtyard at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in D.C.

Sept. 18 & 19 7:30 p.m.

The U.S. Army Chorus Baritones in Recital will take place at All Saints’ Church at 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.

Sept. 20

3 p.m.

The U.S. Army Blues presents the music of Herbie Nichols during a concert at Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Sept. 29

7:30 p.m.

The U.S. Army Voices will perform a Salute to Gold Star Mothers at Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall.

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

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Thursday, September 10, 2015

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NEWS NOTES from page 1

Come on out to where every dog has its day, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to noon at the Fort Myer Officers’ Club Pool Complex. This event is free, but Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation requires all owners to complete a waiver. Also, all dogs must display a current rabies tag. For more information contact Todd Hopkins at 703-6960594 or 703-939-1045 or email todd.a.hopkins. civ@mail.mil.

Spiritual resiliency at Fort McNair

A Bible study and luncheon series will be held upstairs in Bldg. 41 on the Fort McNair portion of the joint base every Monday beginning Sept. 14 through Dec. 14 from noon to 12:45 p.m. Participants will enjoy a free lunch and study guide on Paul’s letter to the Galatians.

The number of participants is limited to 15. To register, contact Betsy Hendrix at 703-696-5635 or at betsy.l.hendrix.civ@mail.mil.

Air show comes to Andrews

PHOTO

BY

NELL KING

Pfc. Scott A. Holcomb with Caisson Platoon, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), quickly exits a scene with Caisson Platoon horse Tony during a Spirit of America rehearsal Aug. 31 at Washington’s D.C. Armory. The Spirit of America performances will feature four horses from the Caisson Platoon.

SHOWTIME from page 1

“All of the horses are pretty new to this type of environment,” he said.

Rosenswipe also said whips are used to make noise that desensitizes the horses to the sound of gunfire during the reenactment segment, which can be very loud. The horses themselves are never hit, but the crack of a whip acclimates them to the sound of muskets.

When the horses aren’t performing or rehearsing during one of their segments, Caisson Soldiers lead them in ground exercises outside the Armory or let them rest, said Cpl. Jake Kausen, non-commissioned officer in charge of Caisson detail for Spirit of America.

They have been trained to know that a specific area outside the main performance space is for downtime and rest.

“We want to get it as perfect as possible,” Kausen said. “I love it. It’s awesome to see how much goes into it.”

Being able to work so closely with the horses and train them for weeks at a time is the highlight of Spirit of America preparations, according to Kausen.

Work at the stables involves a lot of maintenance and upkeep, but Spirit of America gives Soldiers the opportunity to interact with the horses and get to know them.

“We can actually be horsemen,” Kausen said.

PHOTO

BY

NELL KING

Pfc. Kristofer A. Loudner, roleplaying Paul Revere, enters a scene with 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon horse Dozier during a Spirit of America rehearsal Aug. 31 at Washington’s D.C. Armory. The platoon’s horses have been trained to be able to effectively navigate through the show set, even in the dark. Spirit of America will have a total of nine performances.

Once the show is over, all of the horses except for Surefire will go back to their regular duties on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall, honoring the nation’s fallen during funerals in Arlington National Cemetery.

Surefire, a white horse who is 24 years old (that’s nearly 70 in horse years), will retire to Fort Belvoir, Kausen said.

The Spirit of America showcase will be held at the D.C. Armory Sept. 10 to 12 before moving to Fairfax, Va., for performances from Sept. 18 to 19 at Eagle Bank Arena.

For information and to order tickets, visit www.spiritofamerica.mdw.army. mil or call 1-866-239-9425.

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

Courtesy JFHQ-NCR/MDW Public Affairs 1. Patriotism- The two-hour performance is the epitome of what it means to be an American. The audience will be taken on a journey through not just the Army’s history, but America’s history.

5. Hear music performed by classica l ly-t ra i ned Sold iermusicians- The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” provides musical support for the leadership of the United

Registration is open for the Sept. 16 Devil Dog 7K Race. Part of the OohRah Run Series, the race begins at 6:45 a.m. at the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base and proceeds through the Fort Myer portion. Participation is open to Department of Defense identification card holders, the first 100 registered participants receive an event tee shirt. See details and the link to register at www. mccsHH.com/OohRahRunSeries.

Prostate cancer support group meeting Sept. 17

The Prostate Cancer Support Group meets at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Sept. 17 from 1 to 2 p.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the America Building, River Conference Room, 3rd floor. Spouses/partners are invited to attend.

Military identification is required for base access to Walter Reed. For those without a military ID, call the Prostate Center at 301-3192900 at least four business days prior to the event for base access. For more information, contact retired Col. Jane Hudak at 301-319-2918 or via email at jane.l.hudak.ctr@mail.mil.

Motorcycle mentorship ride Sept. 18

Headquarters Command Battalion will conduct a motorcycle mentorship ride Sept. 18. All participants must register by Sept. 16. All motorcycle riders in the National Capital Region are invited to participate. The ride will depart at 7:30 a.m. from the parking lot across from Bldg.

405 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base and will travel to Gettysburg National Military Park/Battlefield. For more information, contact Staff Sgt. Allan Springer at 703-696-1008 or allan.f.springer.mil@mail.mil.

Shredding event Sept. 23-24

2. Say ‘thank you’ to SoldiersThe men and women you see in the performance are active-duty Soldiers from the Army’s elite ceremonial unitsthe 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” These Soldiers are trusted professionals who exemplify the Army values and standards in everything they do.

4. Experience the history lessons you learned about in school- History comes to life on stage. Experience firsthand what the Soldiers who fought in the Battle of Yorktown experienced.

Take a trip with Lewis and Clark’s discovery expedition. And honor the Greatest Generation with tributes and reenactments from World War II battles like the Battle of the Bulge.

Brown bag lunch topics

Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall Marine and Family Program’s Behavioral Health Branch offers lunchtime classes select Tuesdays in September from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dates and topics are: Sept. 15, coping with transition; Sept. 22, coping strategies for the uncertainties of life; Sept. 29, principles for a healthy relationship and marriage. The classes are held in the conference room of Bldg. 12 on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base.

For more information, call 703-614-7204.

Devil Dog 7K race Sept. 16

Top 10 reasons to catch Spirit of America

3. Meet a horse- The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon is the only modern service military horsemen in the U.S. Army. Nearly 60 horses are in the platoon and four will participate in Spirit of America: Rio, Surefire, Tony and Dozier. When these magnificent military working animals aren’t participating in Spirit of America, they are honoring the nation’s fallen, pulling flag-draped caskets on artillery caissons to the service member’s final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery.

Joint Base Andrews will host an air show featuring the Thunderbirds Sept. 19. There is no charge to attend the event. Gates open at 9 a.m., with opening ceremonies beginning at 11:30 a.m. The show runs through 4:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.andrews.af.mil.

PHOTO

BY

STAFF SGT. JENNIFER C. JOHNSON

Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) perform during Spirit of America at Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y., Sept. 19, 2014.

States, to include all branches of government. These Soldier-musicians will get your toes-tapping with Motown classics and patriotic scores.

All of these units perform missions at the White House, Arlington National Cemetery and around the world for our nation’s leaders.

6. Cool photo opportunitiesHere’s your opportunity to get a “Selfie with a Soldier!”

9. It’s an inspiration- Since 2000, more than a million people have attended Spirit of America. The program has the ability to reach thousands of people during a performance to educate, entertain and inspire Americans to learn more about their U.S. Army and the contributions Soldiers have made throughout 240 years of service.

7. Honors first responders on Patriot Day- Spirit of America will honor the nation’s First Responders during the Sept. 11 performance.

8. See the U.S. Army’s elite Soldiers demonstrate their secondto-none skills- Performers in Spirit of America are active-duty Soldiers, not actors. These men and women are from such units as the U.S. Army Drill Team, The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, The U.S. Army Band Voices.

10. It’s free- In a city with hundreds of events and activities going on each week, there’s no need for a discount code. It’s completely free. Plus, getting tickets is easy. Log onto www.spiritofamerica.mdw.army.mil and request your tickets today.

The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Environmental Management Division has coordinated a paper and other materials mass shredding event for all three portions of the joint base beginning with the Fort McNair portion Sept. 23 at Bldg. 29 (9 to 10 a.m.) and Bldg.

62 (10 a.m. to noon). On Sept. 24, shredding will take place at Bldg. 29 (9 to 10 a.m.) on the Henderson Hall portion and Bldg. 59 on the Fort Myer portion (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

Materials that can be brought to each location for shredding include paper, manila folders, staples, paper clips and rubber bands. Materials not to be shredded include newspaper, credit cards, CDs, cardboard, binders and binder clips. For more information, call Mark Luckers at 703-696-2012.

Fort Myer Education Center events

On Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Fort Myer Education Center will host a teaching as a second career information session, presented

by Greg Coogan, Virginia Troops to Teachers coordinator. The session will meet in room 105 in Bldg. 417. Interested personnel, including military members, spouses and Department of Defense civilians, can get information on how to become a public school teacher. Registration is required due to limited seating.

On Sept. 24 from 9 to 10:30 a.m., a post 9/11 G.I. Bill briefing and question and answer session, presented by Dionne Vassell, VA benefits advisor, will be held at the education center.

The briefing will be held in room 105, Bldg.

417. Interested personnel, including military members, retirees and family members, can get detailed information on the benefit program.

Registration is required due to limited seating.

see NEWS NOTES, page 10

PENTAGRAM

Thursday, September 10, 2015

5

Pharmacy counter six, please Influx of volunteers help keep Rader pharmacy at full speed

GRAPHIC

WNV

from page 1 Meade, Md., for analysis.

In order to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses, residents of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall should take similar precautions used by the JBM-HH Directorate of Public Works’ Pest Management Team to eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes around residences.

Hampering mosquito breeding through prevention is one of the best ways to help minimize the potential of virus infection, according to Purvis.

One of the most common ways to do just that is by clearing gutter debris during the fall season, he said. Gutters at JBM-HH residences are cleared twice annually, according to JBM-HH Army Family Housing Facilities Manager Kevin Fleming. Gutters were cleared in late April and will be cleared a second time this year after “most of the leaves have dropped,” he said in an email.

Other mosquito-breeding prevention tips include:

BY

www.DCMilitaryHcom

DAMIEN SALAS

American Red Cross volunteer Gail Benkert helps a client Aug. 31 behind pharmacy window number six at the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic. On any given day, upwards of 50 or more clients are served at window six.

By Damien Salas Pentagram Staff Writer Behi nd phar mac y window six at the Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic, volunteers work to make the lives of service member s, vetera ns, retirees and their family members easier.

“On any given day between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., upwards of 50 or more clients approach the sixth window to receive their medications,” said the clinic’s American Red Cross volunteer coordinator Gary Flynn.

According to Flynn, he and 17 active volunteers ranging in age from early 20s to 90s serve under the auspices of both the American Red Cross and Army Community Service.

Duties of a pharmacy volunteer include processing prescription orders for distribution and individual phone-in refill orders.

“Our volunteers are not required to be licensed pharmacists, or even have a medical background,” he said. “The team we have currently just enjoys serving the military and retiree community.”

Some of the volunteers have donated personal time for two decades or more, said Flynn.

“On Mondays, typically volunteers process for distribution approximately 500 to 600 individual orders,” said Flynn. “An order can be as simple as a single prescription, or as complex as 10 or more, all for the same client.”

The day following a long holiday weekend, such as Labor Day, as many as 800 orders may be processed for distribution. The computerized distribution cabinet holds approximately 952 orders of varying sizes ready for pick up, according to Flynn.

“T he volunteers at

Rader Clinic are essential to our ability to provide fast and safe pharmacy service to the vast number of patients who Rader Clinic serves,” said Maj. Thomas Lehmann, the clinic’s chief of Ancillary Services. “We are sincerely appreciative of the hard work they do every day.”

Pharmacy volunteers not only ease the workload of pharmacy staff and shorten the wait time for clients, they save the clinic money that would otherwise be

spent on paid staff.

“Over the past several months the volunteers have given collectively 300 hours per month or more,” said Flynn. “On a yearly basis this equates to the hours of one full time paid employee.”

For those interested in volunteering, Flynn says pay a visit to window six and speak with him.

Pentagram staff writer Damien Salas can be reached at dsalas@dcmilitary.com.

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• Use of insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products to provide longer-lasting prevention.

• Wear long sleeve shirts and pants from dusk through dawn, which is when mosquitoes are most active.

• Ensure screens on windows and doors are not torn or otherwise provide openings for mosquitoes to enter residences.

• Use of air conditioning helps deter mosquitoes.

• Empty standing water from outside containers, such as flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and bird baths.

For additional information on preventing mosquito and tick-borne illnesses, visit www.cdc.gov/westnile/prevention/ index.html.

For more infor mation about West Nile Virus, visit www.cdc.gov/ westnile/index.html.

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

Find us online:

PHOTO

BY

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Thursday, September 10, 2015

JBM-HH job opportunities Firefighter (Basic Life Support/HazMat Tech) Army Installation Management Command Multiple positions open Serves as a member of the Fire and Emergency Services Division, performing a variety of firefighting, EMT and HazMat Tech duties. Operates major motorized firefighting equipment; equipment such as two way radios, pumps, valves, ladders, SCBA, etc; Performs fire protection inspections, prepares reports of unsafe conditions and reports them to the Fire Prevention Division. Serves as hoseman, ladderman, hydrantman, rescue man, and/or as member of a standby crew. Follows protocol in providing emergency medical care as an Emergency Medical Technician. Ensures proper functioning of vehicles via routine check and makes minor repairs.

Serves as a member of the base primary hazardous material spill and weapons of mass destruction response team, demonstrating the basic hazard and risk assessment techniques.

Performs alarm room watch on a rotating basis.

See full description and how to apply here: http://go.usa.gov/3Mn2C and

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PENTAGRAM

Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program seminars and workshops Reservations are required. Spouses are encouraged to register and attend.

Call the SFL-TAP office, 703-696-0973 or log-in at www.acap.army.mil.

Available to all registered clients who have completed DD2648/2648-1 and initial counseling. Location of seminars and workshops are in the SFL-TAP Bldg. 404 on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH unless otherwise noted.

Retiring transition assistance program 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Sept.

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Federal resume 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

• Oct. 15 • Nov. 12 Accessing higher education 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Oct. 26 through 27 • Dec. 7 through 8 Career technical training 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Oct. 13 through 14 • Dec. 15 through 16 Career resources 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Sept. 21 • Oct. 19* • Nov. 9 Smart investments 1 to 3 p.m.

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PENTAGRAM

Thursday, September 10, 2015

TRICARE announces changes to pharmacy benefit, warns of ‘secret shopper’ scam

Compiled by Jim Goodwin Pentagram Editor New TRICARE pharmaceutical policy – Starting Oct. 1, TRICARE beneficiaries who take particular brand-name drugs regularly will be required to fill those prescriptions via the mail-in program or at a military treatment facility, such as the Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic, according to an Aug. 21 Department of Defense news article.

In the article, the Defense Health Agency’s George Jones, pharmacy operations division chief, is cited as saying that the new policy will not affect active duty service members, overseas beneficiaries, nursing home residents or those with other health insurance.

TRICARE beneficiaries who will

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be impacted will be notified by letter this month.

“Rader Clinic does not generally offer brand name medications, and the mail order program will be the best option for most patients,” said Rader Clinic Chief of Ancillary Services Maj. Thomas Lehmann via email.

The policy change is meant to save the DoD money, according to the DoD news article.

Questions regarding which drugs impacted by this new policy can be answered by calling 1-877-363-1303, or by visiting www. tricare.mil/RxNewRules.

TRICARE warns of ‘Secret Shopper’ fraud targeting beneficiaries – A new mail fraud scheme targeting TRICARE beneficiaries lures victims by including a counterfeit TRICARE WPS check for $3,775 and instructions labeled as a survey on how to obtain the money via a phone number, according to a recent TRICARE news release.

The Defense Health Agency, Office of Program Integrity has received a “significant number” of return envelopes from mailings by a bogus organization identified as Tricare Survey, Inc., to TRICARE beneficiaries across the country attempting to

solicit beneficiaries to be “secret shoppers” for Tricare.

Benef iciaries should k now that TRICARE does not employ “secret shoppers,” according to the article.

The scam works when beneficiaries cash the check, retain a percentage of the money and utilize the remaining amount to purchase six “Vanilla Reload” cards at $500 each at various stores across the country. The “secret shopper” is instructed to provide the company agent with the card numbers once they are bought, complete the survey and mail it, and wait for the next assignment, according to the article.

However, once money has been loaded onto the card, they are immediately available for transfer and the bogus company zeros out the monies on the cards.

The Office of Program Integrity advises beneficiaries not to participate in this or any activity thought to be a scam. The potential exists for beneficiaries to be personally liable for the entire $3,775 in restitution to the bank.

Those contacted by the fraudulent company to participate in this scam are advised by the Office of Program Integrity not to contact the company or attempt to cash the counterfeit check. Reports of fraud can be submitted via a Fraudline report online at http://go.usa.gov/3FsSC/. Once on the web site, use the “Report Health Care Fraud” tab to access the report.

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BEST WARRIOR

from page 3

PHOTO

BY

DAMIEN SALAS

Traffic builds out of Hatfield Gate and into Arlington’s Second Street South as early morning traffic causes delays at the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall Feb. 11. JBM-HH leaders are asking commuters to consider using Hatfield or Wright Gates on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base to avoid traffic build-up at Henderson Hall’s Gate 1.

NEIGHBOR from page 1

To alleviate long lines at Gate 1, consider using Hatfield or Wright Gates on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base: • Hatf ield Gate - on Washington Boulevard at Second Street South, Arlington. This main gate is open 24/7.

A recent, new traffic pattern directing DoD ID card holders, Non-DoD ID card holders and pedestrians and bicyclists to individual lanes is successful, and traffic backups have been lessened

Group, the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own”, board a helicopter and flown to the starting point of a nine-mile march in full body armor.

Following the march, competitors then had to fire M-16/M-4 rifles; M9 pistols and M240B and M249 machine guns at paper targets, meeting a minimum score to continue the competition. They then faced one final written test and appeared before a board of sergeants major, which concluded the competition.

Editor’s note: Look for a future Pentagram article on Pfc. David Saunders of The Old Guard’s Alpha Company.

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

at this site. See www.slideshare.net/ JBMHH/drive2-hatfield-allpoints4web to get here.

• Wright Gate - at Marshall Drive and North Meade Street, off Route 110. This gate is rarely impacted by traffic and is smooth sailing for DoD ID card holders.

See https://e.afit.edu/700348XN9KR to get here.

With a little effort, forethought and minor adjustment on the part of everyone accessing Fort Myer or Henderson Hall, we can be good neighbors and keep everyone safe.

Fo r mo r e i n fo r m at i o n , c a l l 703-696-3525.

A D V E RT I S E W I T H U S

301-921-2800

five months ago.

“A lot of the training was on my own, particularly studying for the board examination and the written exam,” he said.

There was a lot of Army regulation and Army Field Manual things to learn.”

Simpson said his wife, Sg t. 1st Class L eig h Lafosse, who is also a clarinetist with the band, served as his training partner.

“She kept me company on a lot of my training road marches,” he said. “You spend a lot of time roaming around in the woods on your own, so it was nice to have somebody to talk to.”

The first day of the competition began with a standard Army Physical Fitness test. The Soldiers then faced the grenade range and a written test.

Competitors completed a nighttime land navigation course, followed by a daytime land navigation course, on day two and were then sent to a village similar to what might be seen in Afghanistan.

They also had their proficiency in battle drills tested, had to perform tactical f irst aid and weapons maintenance during the competition’s second day. The day ended with instructions on how to board a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and a surprise event where they had to ask questions put to them by a reporter.

The final day of the event saw the competitors, who included Soldiers stationed in Korea and Germany; from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, the U.S. Army Air Operations

!

PHOTO

BY

NELL KING

Pfc. Perry A. Barlow, center, a casket team member with the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), listens to Dr. James T. Reese Sept. 1 at Conmy Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. Reese encouraged those in attendance to build a positive and motivated mindset during stressful times. He was invited to speak to the Soldiers as part of National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month.

PME

from page 3

to face us in combat,” he said. “That’s why we have to get our lives together here.”

That sweet spot stems from a positive attitude and outlook, which can be achieved through spiritual, personal, familial and occupational wellness, he said.

And, if a service member is struggling with depression or any other issues, they must not be afraid to ask somebody for help, Reese said.

“We have to be able to bounce back,” he said. “Counseling is a strength, not a weakness … Stress can kill, but it can be managed.”

In the first quarter of 2015, there were 57 suicides among service members in the active component, 15 suicides among service members in the reserve component and 27 suicides among service members in the National Guard, according to the Department of Defense’s quarterly suicide report.

Furthermore, data in the 2013 Defense Department Suicide Event Report shows the suicide rate for troops on active duty in 2013 was 18.7 per 100,000 population, down from a rate of 22.7 per 100,000 in 2012.

“The United States military has one of the greatest systems for helping people that

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exists, but you have to access it,” Reese said. “I strongly suggest that you have the courage to do that. Sometimes that takes more courage than combat … to say ‘I have a problem, I have a weakness, I have issues.’”

And Reese knows from experience.

After serving as a platoon leader during the Vietnam War, Reese said he had to see a counselor to deal with the stress.

“Slow it down and talk about your issues,” he said. “When your life has purpose, you think less about giving it up.”

Service members and their families in need of support can reach out to the Military Crisis Line, which offers free and confidential support for those in crisis. The Military Crisis Line is staffed with qualified responders from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, many of whom have served in the military themselves.

Support is also available through the crisis line phone number, online chat, and text-messaging services for all service members (active and reserve components) and veterans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by visiting the Military Crisis Line website at veteranscrisisline.net/ ActiveDuty.aspx; Online Chat at: www.veteranscrisisline.net/ChatTermsOfService. aspx; sending a text to: 838255 or calling toll free at: 1-800-273-8255, option 1.

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

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PENTAGRAM

Thursday, September 10, 2015

OFFICIAL U.S. ARMY

9

PHOTO

A makeshift memorial to those lost during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Remembering 9/11

PHOTO

BY

PHOTO

OFFICIAL U.S. ARMY

PHOTO

PAUL HARING

Fire truck 345 from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire Department throws a stream of water into the collapsed point of impact as smoke billows from the Pentagon shortly after an airplane slammed into the west side of the building Sept. 11, 2001.

SECURITY OFFICERS

Editor’s note Nearly 14 years have passed since four aircraft were hijacked by terrorists and used as weapons to attack Americans on Sept. 11, 2001. The phrase “where were you when…” seems a common approach when communicating about that day’s events and the aftermath in the immediate weeks that followed. As we pause to reflect

OFFICIAL U.S. ARMY

and remember those lost and those who gave all, we at the Pentagram would like to offer an assortment of imagery taken of that time period. Many of the images are not attributed to a specific photographer and offer few caption details. Then again, few words are needed when viewing the imagery of that life-altering tragedy.

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

www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh

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NEWS NOTES

PENTAGRAM

To register for one or both sessions, contact Reginald Tim Battle at reginald.t.battle.civ@mail.mil or call 703-696-1579.

guest speaker is Adm. Bill Moran, chief of naval personnel. A charge of $15 includes a continental breakfast, payable either online or at the door. Membership forms may now be completed online. RSVP by Sept. 17 to Elizabeth Shaw at firstvp@noscdc.com. For more information about NOSCDC, visit www.noscdc.com or www.facebook.com/noscdc.

Drug take-back Sept. 24

NCO training date Sept. 30

from page 4

A drug take-back will be held next to the commissary on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 24. Persons with expired or not used prescriptions or over-the-counter medicines can return them for safe, environmentally friendly disposal. The turn-in is not for liquid medications or illicit substances, such as marijuana or methamphetamines.

The turned-in dry drugs may be in their original containers, other containers or bags. The turn-in will be no questions asked. For more information, call 703-696-3900.

With the implementation date of Jan. 1, 2016, for the new noncommissioned officer report DA form 2166-9 series, JBM-HH will hold a training session on Sept.

30 from 8 a.m. to noon in Bldg. 405 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base to ensure that all Soldiers in the rank of specialist, noncommissioned officers, commissioned officers, civilians (supervisors of NCOs) and human resources professionals/administrative personnel (delegates) are trained on the new NCO evaluation report and evaluation system functions, regardless of the component. For more information, contact Sgt. 1st Class Michael Moton at 703-696-3321.

Welcome aboard coffee Sept. 24

Feds Feed Families program extended

The annual Naval Officers’ Spouses’ Club of D.C. (NOSCDC) welcome aboard coffee event will be held at the Fort Myer Officers’ Club Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The club is located at 214 Jackson Avenue on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. This year’s

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s participation in the Feds Feed Families campaign, which helps collect nonperishable food items and hygiene products for donation to local food banks, has been extended through the end of September at the Fort Myer Commissary.

Those who desire to donate can do so by dropping off nonperishable items at the appropriately marked boxes inside the store. Of note, the commissary is the only drop off location for this campaign remaining through the end of September. For more information, please call Gilda Davis at 703-696-3674, extension 3303.

Save the date: Moral Leadership Luncheon Oct. 1.

The next Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Moral Leadership Luncheon will be held Oct. 1, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at Memorial Chapel on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH. The guest speaker will be retired U.S. Army Gen. Eric Shinseki, former secretary for the Department of Veterans Affairs and the 34th U.S. Army chief of staff. No RSVP is required for attendance at this event, which is open to all Department of Defense ID card holders. Lunch will be provided. For more information, call Chap.

(Maj.) Fred Wendel at 703-696-5688 or email him at alfred.w.wendel2.mil@mail.mil.

Get back on track treadmill competition

A treadmill competition will be held every Tuesday and Thursday through October in the Fort Myer Fitness Center on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.

Participants will walk or run on the treadmill for up to 30 minutes at a time. The goal is to accumulate as many miles as you can by the end of the competition.

Winners will receive an abdominal roller wheel and a stability ball. Register for the competition at the front desk. The competition is open to all active duty service members, Department of Defense civilians, retired service members and their families. For more information, call 703-696-7867/7864.

AAFES offers scholarship for grades 6-12

Students who go above and beyond in making a difference in their community could reap a handsome reward for their service in the Army & Air Force Exchange Service Unilever Rewards of Caring scholarship contest.

To enter, authorized students in grades 6 through 12 with a 2.5 or higher grade point average can submit an essay in English of 500 words or less explaining their involvement in community service projects and why their community is important to them. Four winners worldwide will each be awarded a $5,000 scholarship. Essays are due

by Oct. 1 and should be mailed to: Exchange Rewards of Caring Scholarship Contest P.O. Box 7837 Melville, N.Y. 11775-7837. Winners will be chosen by Nov. 10.

Redskins tickets available for purchase

The Fort Myer Community Center on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base has the following Redskins tickets available for purchase: St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Giants and Buffalo Bills.

All tickets are section 129 lower level end zone seats for $260 a pair. For more information, call 703-696-3470.

Seeking to improve your public speaking skills?

Toastmasters International offers free meetings every Tuesday, 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Pentagon Main Cafeteria (directly under CVS and Dunkin’ Donuts in the Pentagon) on a first come, first served basis. This Pentagon-based Toastmasters Club provides training and practical experience in improving public speaking, listening and leadership skills. For more information, contact Carl Bert at carl.e.sabath.civ@mail.mil or via phone at 703-695-2804 or Jose Romero at joseh.h.romero6@ mail.mil or via phone at 703-695-3443.

News Notes submissions

Send your submissions for the Sept. 24 edition of the Pentagram via email at pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com no later than noon, Sept. 16.

SAFETY

from page 3

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long weekend. We want to take a break from what we’re doing, stop and think about the big picture.”

Speakers f rom t he FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, discussed various active shooter events – including incidents at the Holocaust Museum, Pentagon, Family Research Council and Navy Yard – that have occurred in the National Capital Region during recent years.

“You as an individual have to remain vigilant,” said Vihn Cayton, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall anti-terrorism officer.

“You’ve got to make yourself a hard target.”

Cayton told the Marines that becoming a hard target is relatively simple.

He urged them to vary the route they take to and from work; to be aware of their surroundings when out in public; and to report anything suspicious or out the norm they see.

T he M a r i ne s a l so watched v ideos t h at detailed i ncidents of workplace violence and active shooting scenarios.

Speakers urged them to remember the precepts run, hide, fight, if they

a re i nvolved i n such an incident in real life.

A nd Cay ton said t he decision to run, hide or fight is a personal one and oftentimes can only be made based on the circumstances an individual encounters during the incident.

“Have a plan,” he said.

“If something happens, take decisive action one way or another.”

Speakers also addressed how those who want to harm service members and their families go about the process of identifying them when they are outside the gates of a military installation.

“We see every day how unsafe it can be in today’s world,” said battalion Safety Officer George Stark.

Something as innocuous as bumper sticker on your vehicle that reads “Marines” or “Soldier” can tip off someone off that the vehicle belongs to a military member.

T he M a r i ne s a lso learned about ways to protec t t hei r d ig ita l identities and personal information while online and heard presentations on behavioral health and substance abuse.

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

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