Pentagram 102314

Pentagram

Vol. 61, No. 42 October 23, 2014

Published For Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

Amos passes Marine command to Dunford

By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer Four years of varied and successful domestic and foreign assignments concluded for the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos when he passed command to Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. Oct. 17, at the Washington Marine Barracks.

More than 1,500 spectators entered the 8th and I gate for the Passage of Command, which doubled as a retirement ceremony for the outgoing Amos. Those in attendance included Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Army John McHugh, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, congressmen, former Marine commandants, foreign service members and ambassadors.

At the barracks’ center walk, Dunford accepted the Marine Corps battle color from Amos. Along with speaking to those in attendance following command transfer, the passage of command was one of the final acts of Amos’ 44-year Corps career.

“I’m going to have to get used to that R-E-T thing on the backside of [my name]; that sounds a little bit strange,” Amos said after formally being announced. “Ladies and gentlemen, Gen. Dunford and I are stunned by the amount of people who have come here today. Stunned. We want to thank you.”

During the awards portion of the ceremony, Amos was presented a number of gifts including a folded American flag that flew over the Marine Corps Memorial and Henderson Hall’s Headquarters and Service Battalion.

Hagel praised the outgoing commandant for his overseas deployments and the Amos family for being the foundation of a valiant Marine career.

“Over 44 years, you have managed 29

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relocations and 25 different schools for your children,” Hagel said to Amos’ wife, Bonnie. “In addition to being a husband, father and grandfather, Jim has a long record of leadership and many impressive accomplishments. He helped make peace

and keep it in the Balkans. He commanded Marine aviation in Iraq. He served in important positions of responsibility in NATO and at the Pentagon. But perhaps above all, Gen. Amos is a distinguished Marine fighter pilot…As commandant,

Valor Run ends at Women’s Memorial

RACHEL LARUE

Gen. Amos never forgot the men and women under his command.”

The 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Dunford is a Boston, Mass. native

see COMMANDANT, page 6

News Notes Marine Corps Marathon is Oct. 26

By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer Navy Reserve Capt. Nancy Lacore’s final two days of the 160-mile Valor Run were both the easiest and the hardest miles of her six-day trek to honor the 160 service women killed in Afghanistan and Iraq during the war on terror. The cross-state run commenced in Chesapeake, Va., and each mile represented a fallen U.S. uniformed female lost in battle

BY

Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., 36th commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, gives remarks during the Passage of Command of the U.S. Marine Corps ceremony Oct. 17, at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. During the ceremony, Gen. James F. Amos relinquished command to Dunford. For more images from the event, see page 6 or visit Flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh.

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BY JIM

DRESBACH

Navy Reserve Capt. Nancy Lacore smiles following the completion of the Valor Run, a 160-mile excursion through Virginia Oct. 18, near Memorial Bridge. The six-day run completed by Lacore was a memorial run to remember 160 service women killed in Afghanistan or Iraq.

during the past 13 years.

“I’m feeling much better than I did yesterday [Friday, Oct. 17],” said

Lacore. “I found my wall on Friday, but I woke up today and felt like a see VALOR, page 4

This weekend marks the running of the 39th Marine Corps Marathon, which will begin along Rt. 110 and end at the Marine Corps War Memorial.

Road closures throughout Arlington, Va. and Washington, D.C., can be found at www.slideshare. ent/JBMHH/2014-marine-corps-marathon-course.

In support of the event, Wright Gate on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base will be closed to vehicle traffic from 3 a.m. to 6 p.m., Oct. 26. Pedestrian traffic is able to enter and exit with proper DoD identification. Wright Gate will reopen to vehicle traffic at 6 p.m. Parking is available on the joint base to DoD ID card holders.

For more information about the marathon, log onto www.marinemarathon.com.

Military career fair

The Military Officers Association of America is hosting a military career fair Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to

see NEWS NOTES, page 4

Volunteers help MCM run smoothly

By Guv Callahan Pentagram Staff Writer Katie Powers, a nurse at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, Fla., originally volunteered to work the Marine Corps Marathon as a way to honor her two sons in the Corps. She’s making her way up to Arlington this weekend for her sixth marathon because she says the mood is infectious.

“I just had so much fun that I said, ‘Oh, I’ve got to do this again,’” she said of her first marathon.

Powers is one of thousands of volunteers, both civilian and Marine, who help to ensure that the Marine

Corps Marathon, the ninth-largest in the world, goes off without a hitch.

About 2,300 Marines volunteer to help throughout the marathon weekend, said Tami Faram, MCM public relations coordinator. They handle everything from security and course marshalling to water stations and post-race hospitality tents.

Another 2,000 civilians also provide support, she said.

“We couldn’t do it without the Marines, but the Marines couldn’t do it without the civilian volunteers, so it’s really great teamwork,” Faram said.

Powers said her first time volunteering at the marathon got her so hooked that she started participating

see VOLUNTEER, page 4

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COURTESY OF RETIRED

1ST SGT. BRIAN KIRKPATRICK

Thirty-one years ago on Oct. 23, two trucks carrying explosives blew up two barracks buildings in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 220 U.S. Marines, 18 Sailors and three Soldiers. The bombing was the deadliest attack on Marines since the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945.

Stay connected!

Index History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 2 Community . . . . . . . . . . page 3 Ebola prevention . . . . . . page 4 News Notes . . . . . . . . . . page 4 In photos: 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps . . . . page 6 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . page 9

at other marathons, including the Boston Marathon. Powers was volunteering during the Boston Marathon bombing on April 15, 2013, which killed three people and injured more than 260 others.

As a nurse in Florida, Powers said she deals mainly in infant care. But the MCM gave her a new field in which to educate herself. Since volunteering for the MCM, she has volunteered as a nurse at 16 marathons.

“I loved the challenge of learning how to take care of athletes,” she told the Pentagram.

Dr. Rob Fawcett will volunteer at his

Visit the official JBM-HH social media websites to obtain pertinent news about local-area events, traffic closures and other relevant local news.

Facebook.com/jbmhh

Flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh

@jbmhh

slideshare.net/jbmhh

www.army.mil/jbmhh

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Thursday, October 23, 2014

PENTAGRAM

Passage of Command

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BY

RACHEL LARUE

Former First Lady of the Marine Corps Bonnie Amos places her hand on the back of her husband, retired Gen. James F. Amos, 35th commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, while watching a pass in review during the Passage of Command ceremony Oct. 17, at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. During the ceremony, Amos relinquished command to Gen. Joseph F. Dunford. For more images from the event, see page 6 or visit Flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh.

This week in military history

Caption this no. 40

Compiled by Jim Goodwin Editor, Pentagram

Oct. 23

1983:

At 6:22 a.m., an explosive-laden truck slammed into the Marines’ battalion headquarters building in Beirut, Lebanon, where more than 300 men were billeted. The explosion collapsed the building, taking the lives of 241 Americans, including 220 U.S. Marines. This was the highest loss of life in a single day for Marines since D-Day on Iwo Jima in 1945.

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OFFICIAL MARINE CORPS

PHOTOGRAPH

Oct. 24

On Guadalcanal, heavy fighting continues as the Japanese gain some success with infiltrating the left wing of American positions. The main operation against the south of the American perimeter begins at dusk and continues throughout the night; it is repelled.

Oct. 25

Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant breaks the siege of Chattanooga, Tenn., by routing Confederate troops commanded by Gen. Braxton Bragg at Missionary Ridge.

Oct. 26

The USS Andrew Jackson (SSBN-619) launches the first Polaris A-3 missile from a submerged submarine off Cape Canaveral, Fla.

Oct. 27

First women Marines report for duty at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Oct. 28

1999:

Two Navy Blue Angel aviators, Kieron O’Connor (#35) and Kevin Colling (#32), were killed when their F/A-18 Hornet aircraft crashed during a training flight near Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

Oct. 29

The total number of U.S. troops remaining in Vietnam drops to 196,700 - the lowest level since January 1966.

1942: 1863: 1963: 1943:

1971:

Pentagram Printed on recycled paper

www.army.mil/jbmhh

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Each week, “Caption This” will feature a photo taken on 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 to pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com, left in the comments on www.facebook.com/jbmhh or dropped off at Headquarters Bldg. 59, suite 116. Don’t forget to add the “Caption This” number, your name, rank or position and where you work.

The winner’s name, caption and the photo will be printed in the newspaper.

If you have a photo you think would make a great “Caption This,” send it in.

Caption this no. 39 winner “It’s ruff being top dog.”

- Alice H. A Pentagram reader

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

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

BY

DAMIEN SALAS

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

Pentagram staff Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Photographer Graphic Designer

Jim Goodwin Jim Dresbach Julia LeDoux Guv Callahan Damien Salas Rachel Larue Helen Klein

703-696-5401 703-696-5488 703-696-7605 703-696-7607 703-696-1363 703-696-7606 703-696-3114

PENTAGRAM

Bank on Banker George Banker heads toward his 100th marathon start Sunday

By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer When marathon enthusiast, Army TenMiler Operations Manager and Marine Corps Marathon Historian George Banker heads to the 2014 MCM starting line, he will be wearing bib number 100.

There is no coincidence about Banker being paired with the triple-digit number because on Oct. 26, 2014, he will run in his 100th 26.2 mile race.

The 64-year old Banker began his marathon running career in 1982. He’s raced in 30 out of the past 31 Marine Corps Marathons, and he’d have a Joe DiMaggio-type consecutive streak going if he didn’t opt for the New York Marathon instead of the MCM in 1986. The Boston streets know of his feet – he’s raced the April Beantown marathon three times. In Philadelphia, the Penn Relay Marathon clock has timed his paces. Banker ran his first-ever marathon April 17, 1983. As he hits the 100 mark, he promises to keep running. Some years, he participated in

Community as many as six marathons.

But Sunday morning at 8 a.m., a milestone run is in the offing. All the 26-plus miles may not be glitzy, but Banker knows when to look good. Marine Corps Marathon experience has taught him how to style and profile, and to do it with selfdeprecating humor.

“I’m one of these lazy runners; I raise my feet just high enough off the ground just to keep from tripping…In that last six miles, that’s when there’s a lot of people along the course and that’s when you got to look good when you’re coming down[toward the finish]. I tell runners to keep a little bit in the bank for Marshall Drive – that hill at the end. It may be short, but let me tell you, you just want to get your body up that hill. Once you get to the top, you can run like crazy.”

Banker is definitely an old school-type of long-distance athlete. He’s a firm believer of one step in front of the other and is not a big believer of marathon eve carbohydrate loading, shoe chips and on-course GPS devices.

“When I did that 3 hour and 4 minute marathon [at Houston in 1988], all I had was water,” he said. “I had none of this high-tech stuff. Another thing is to not pass up any water stations. Even if you think you’re not thirsty, drink something anyway.”

His racing philosophy coming up to his 100th overall marathon and 31st MCM is elementary and simple. Each race has its own history and an unforgettable story will unravel during each 26-mile run.

“All of them [the marathons] are different,” Banker said. “I feel just like this is the first one. People say this is just another run and don’t worry about it, but you do worry about it.”

His stories are captivating and his advice is Zen-like. He has become a MCM ambassador and his mentoring explains the side-nuisances of the marathon week to rookie runners.

“I tell them: ‘Do not expect to sleep

see MCM page 7

Thursday, October 23, 2014

3

COURTESY

PHOTO

George Banker runs past the U.S. Capitol during the 1987 Marine Corps Marathon.

Banker has participated in 30 of the last 31 MCM’s. The 2014 Marine Corps Marathon will be his 100th marathon.

All in the family

Zembiec honors father of Marine Corps

By Damien Salas Pentagram Staff Writer

Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec Pool hosted a swim challenge Oct. 17, to commemorate the figure from which the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base found its name.

A man known by all Marine recruits at boot camp as the grand old man of the Marine Corps, Brig. Gen. Archibald Henderson, served as commandant of the Marine Corps from Oct. 17, 1820, until his death Jan. 6, 1859. A total of 38 years, 2 months and 19 days.

“Henderson really defined the Marine Corps’ role in the armed services,” said Henderson Hall Aquatics manager Matthew Jongema. “He was the longest serving commandant, so we are doing a lap to commemorate each year he held the position on the anniversary of his appointment.”

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BY

DAMIEN SALAS

Debra Ramos participates in the first Commandant Henderson Memorial Swim Challenge Oct. 17, at Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec Pool on the Henderson Hall portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. The challenge was open to all poolgoers and required each participant to swim 38 laps to commemorate each year Henderson served as commandant.

The entire day patrons were allowed to come in and accept the challenge, 38 laps or 1,900 yards. A total of nine participants, service members and civilians completed the swim for bragging rights and a swim cap.

“I am getting ready to run the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday and wanted to switch up my exercise routine,” said Debra Ramos. “I swam at the Naval Academy, so it was a good reason to get to the pool and away from running.”

The U.S. Army Band performance schedule Oct. 26 4:30 p.m.

The U.S. Army Strings will perform works by Rossini, Beethoven and more during a performance at Fairfax United Methodist Church in Fairfax, Va.

Oct. 28 7:30 p.m.

The U.S. Army Band presents Oc-tuba Fest at the “Pershing’s Own” Chamber Music Series at Brucker Hall on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.

Nov. 6 10 a.m.

The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets will perform during the opening ceremony for a Library of Congress exhibition called, “Magna Carta: Muse and Mentor” at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Nov. 7 7 p.m.

The U.S. Army Blues will perform at the George Mason University Honors Music Festival at the university’s Harris Theater in Fairfax, Va.

Nov. 8 3 p.m.

The U.S. Army Band Downrange will perform “Honoring Service to America” at Merchants Square in Colonial Williamsburg, Va.

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. Please 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.

GRAPHIC

BY

HELEN KLEIN

Henderson Hall Marine Corps Community Services provides outreach and support for military families in all stages of life.

By Damien Salas Pentagram Staff Writer The old saying goes, “if the military wanted you to have a family, they would have issued you one.” However, that ideology no longer exists and has been replaced by an effort to strengthen military service members and their families.

Studies show that family, financial and legal issues can cause anxiety and other mental health issues within the Marine Corps. If not identified early, these issues can lead to domestic violence, and in some cases suicide.

When domestic violence victims ask for help, it is usually not as a result of the worst incident they have dealt with at home, according to Kati Groseclose, education and prevention specialist on Henderson Hall.

“The victims usually have faced more difficult issues than what is reported,” said Groseclose.

“We teach coping skills as early on as possible, so as life happens Marines can deal with ‘last straw incidents’ and don’t feel like they are unmanageable, and have the confidence and tools to cope.”

From the junior service members to retirees, Henderson Hall Marine and Family Programs uses mental health research from universities and institutions along with programs developed on the joint base and other military installations to serve families’ needs, according to Groseclose.

“The evidence-based research programs focus on work and family life at three levels

see FAMILY, page 7

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Thursday, October 23, 2014

PENTAGRAM

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) symptoms and prevention The U.S. Army Public Health Command has published extensive information regarding the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), to include background on the disease, how to prevent contraction and other key facts.

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms include:

News Notes, from page 1 1 p.m. at the Sheraton Pentagon City in Arlington, Va. For more information or to register, log onto www.moaa.org/careerfair.

Special event on Fort McNair

The Army Air Operations Group will be hosting a special event on the Fort McNair portion of the joint base Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is open to AOG guests and will take place on the parade field near the flag pole. Traffic may be impacted in the area and the parking lot north of the Fort McNair Gym will be closed in support of the event. For more information, call 202-685-1102.

Financial education seminar

Survivor Outreach Services will hold a financial education seminar, investment basics, Oct. 24 from 10 to 11 a.m. in Bldg. 201 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. A financial counselor from Henderson Hall will teach this seminar, which highlights the difference between index mutual funds and actively managed funds. Seats are limited to surviving family members. Reserve your spot by calling Jin Lim at 703-696-8847 or via email at jin-sook.lim.civ@mail.mil.

Soldier appreciation day

Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers ( BOSS) w i l l host Sold ier Apprec iat ion Day Oct. 24 from noon to 5 p.m at the Fort Myer Community Center. There will be free food and door prizes, which includes a 60-inch T.V. giveaway.

For more information, email Staff Sgt. Daniel T. Hood at Daniel.t.hood2.mil@mail.mil.

Seasonal influenza vaccinations

Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic is hosting a series of influenza vaccination clinics at Memorial Chapel and Rader Clinic on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. Flu vaccinations will be administered at Memorial Chapel Oct. 28 and 30, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Flu vaccinations will be administered at Rader Clinic Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, 8 a.m. to noon. The clinics are open to all active duty service members and their beneficiaries, military retirees and their beneficiaries and DoD civilians. Children under age 2 must receive the vaccination at the medical facility they are enrolled at. For more information, visit www.kacc.narmc.amedd.army.mil/sites/rader/ default.aspx, or call the flu hotline at 703-696-2994.

Semper Fi-ve K fun run

GRAPHIC

BY

HELEN KLEIN

Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after exposure to Ebola, but the average is 8 to 10 days. Recovery from Ebola depends on good supportive clinical care and the patients’ immune response.

People who recover from Ebola infection develop antibodies that last for at least 10 years.

According to the CDC, prevention tips include: • • • • • •

Practice careful hygiene. For example, wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and avoid contact with blood and body fluids.

Do not handle items that may have come in contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids (such as clothes, bedding, needles and medical equipment).

Avoid funeral or burial rituals that require handling the body of someone who has died from Ebola.

Avoid contact with bats and nonhuman primates or blood, fluids, and raw meat prepared from these animals.

Avoid hospitals in West Africa where Ebola patients are being treated. The U.S. embassy or consulate is often able to provide advice on facilities.

After you return, monitor your health for 21 days and seek medical care immediately if you develop symptoms of Ebola.

For more information, log onto: http://www.cdc.gov/ or http://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/discond/diseases/Pages/EbolaVirusDisease.aspx.

Volunteer, from page 1 15th and final MCM before his retirement from medicine toward the end of this year.

Fawcett, associate program director of the Family Medicine Residency at York Hospital in York, Pa., originally started volunteering with his residents as a unique teaching opportunity.

It has since become a tradition that his successor intends to carry on, he said during an interview with

Military spouse employment orientation

This class is designed to inform military spouses of the importance of various employment programs and resources available through the Department of Defense and local commands. The session will be held Oct. 29 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Rm. 103 in Bldg. 29 on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base. For more information and to register, call 703-614-6828.

Salute from the Chief

A special Twilight Tattoo will be held to recognize five Americans for their outstanding service in support of the United States Army will be awarded the Outstanding Civilian Service award Oct. 30 at 4:30 p.m. on Whipple Field on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. The award is the thirdhighest service honor the Army can bestow upon a civilian. Remarks will be provided by Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, who will recognize Tom Donohue of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Suni Harford of Citi Group, Tom Werner of the Red Sox Foundation and Bob Woodruff of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. This event is free and open to the public.

Valor, from page 1 different person. Plus I knew all these people were waiting for me.”

Hundreds of followers joined Lacore and her family in a symbolic walk during the final third of a mile from the Virginia side of the Memorial Bridge to the Women’s Memorial Plaza, where she was greeted with accolades and cake.

During the final segment of her multi-day run, Lacore started in the Pentagon parking lot and ran a District of Columbia 10-miler concluding at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial near the gates of Arlington National Cemetery.

Greeting Lacore at the base of the memorial pool were retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught, Women’s Memorial Foundation Board of Directors president, and Vice Adm. Robin R. Braun, Chief of Navy Reserve, Commander, Navy Reserve Force.

“What a wonderful idea to pay tribute to these 160 women who gave so much to our nation,” Braun told the crowd. “Nancy, I know this has been an all-out effort from your family and your friends.”

The run took Lacore and her entou-

Registration is open for the Navy Mutual Aid Association Semper Fi-ve K fun run, presented by MCCS Henderson Hall and Semper Fit. The run is Oct. 29 beginning at 8 a.m. in the Navy Mutual Aid Association parking lot. All participants must complete the race by 9:30 a.m., where breakfast refreshments will be available. The top three male and female finishers will receive an award. For details and to register, log onto www.mccsHH.com/ oohrahrunseries.html or call 703-693-5351.

Halloween trick or treat safety

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BY JIM

DRESBACH

Flanked by daughter Evelyn, husband Pat and daughter Lillian, Navy Reserve Capt. and Valor Run lead runner Nancy Lacore walks the final third of a mile of the 160-mile run from Memorial Bridge to the Women in Military Service for America Memorial the morning of Oct. 18.

rage - many who joined in the daily pacings - through historic sites such as Williamsburg and northern Virginia’s Quantico Marine Corps Base. But the adrenaline reached new heights with the sight of the Washington

Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and Memorial Drive.

“What a journey,” Lacore told the gathering. “It took my breath away when I saw this crowd of people.”

Lacore averaged 25 miles a day during the excursion.

the Pentagram.

“It’s a lway s a st i mu lat i ng activity,” he said.

With over 30,000 runners, there are ample opportunities to help people, he said. Fawcett also said he would never forget some of the incredible stories he’d heard from runners, including a Gold Star mother who was running the marathon for her son, a Marine who died in combat.

The marathon’s sprawling volunteer

corps will also be participating in a new Adopt-A-Mile pilot program this year, Faram said, in an effort to clean up litter and reduce the marathon’s footprint.

The program will launch this year between miles five and eight of the course, one of the heaviest areas for trash and discarded clothing.

All of the clothing runners discard will be collected and donated to shelters in Virginia and D.C., Faram said.

It’s “trick or treat” time, and this event, long awaited by children of all ages, will take place at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall on the Forts Myer and McNair portions of the joint base Thursday, Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. Halloween is fun for everyone, but pay attention to these tips which come from the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center: • Supervise children, and limit their adventures in treat acquisition to the housing area in which they reside and only residences with lighted entry ways.

• Make sure their costumes are fire-resistant and easy to see and short enough to prevent tripping.

• Use reflective tape or “glow” spray paint or a chemical glow light.

• Always use sidewalks and crosswalks; look in all directions before walking across the street (don’t cut through yards).

• Make sure masks or head coverings don’t block vision.

• Caution children against vandalism and causing damage to property.

• Carry a flashlight and if a pumpkin is carried, be sure it’s lit with a battery, not a candle.

• Feed your child a full meal; inspect the treats before they are eaten.

• Pet owners: prevent your pet from being a menace to children.

• If you think your child has eaten something that made him or her sick, call 911 or the Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

Halloween costume party

A Halloween costume party will be held at Spates

see NEWS NOTES, page 5

PENTAGRAM

Thursday, October 23, 2014

5

Cedar Creek reenactment Four reasons to contribute to the TSP

By Kisha A. Taylor Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board

PHOTOS

BY

KIM HOLIEN

Reenactors participate in the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Cedar Creek near Middletown, Va., Oct. 18-19.

The original battle, which took place Oct. 19, 1864, occurred when Confederate Lt. Gen. Jubal Early sprang a surprise attack on Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan’s Federal Army of the Shenandoah. Sheridan was under orders to clear the Shenandoah Valley of “Southern resistance and deny the Confederacy the benefit of the valley’s bounty in food and supplies,” according to the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation website. The battle was won by the Union and was the last major resistance in the Shenandoah Valley. The victory helped President Abraham Lincoln win his reelection less than a month later.

The Thrift Savings Plan offers customers the chance to save for additional retirement security at extremely low cost. But some may believe they don’t need to save for retirement because they receive a pension after 20 years of military service. The truth is that a military pension alone may not be enough. Here are four reasons to contribute to the TSP. (To start saving, visit myPay and choose the “Thrift Savings Plan” option.)

Only about 17 percent of those who join the military actually serve the full 20 years. Twenty years is a long time—and if you leave the military before then, you won’t get anything. But the beauty of the TSP is that you can use time to your advantage.

Let’s say an E3 decides to save 5 percent of his or her basic pay in a TSP account. The monthly contributions would be about $90. After leaving the military service after only five years, the veteran could already have almost $7,740. In 20 years that amount could grow to thousands more.

Even after 20 years of service, the pension will only be half of the retiree’s pay. Many financial planners estimate that retirees will need at least 80 percent of their regular income to live comfortably after they stop working.

And remember that a pension does not include a housing allowance, utilities or a subsistence allowance. TSP savings could help cover these new expenses. To get an idea of how much is needed to save, check out TSP’s how much should I save? calculator.

The roth option may work for some customers – especially if they are preparing for service

in a combat zone. Any money earned while in a combat zone is tax-exempt. So when contributing combat zone pay to the TSP’s roth option, customers will never pay income taxes on those contributions and the earnings can also be tax-free if certain conditions are met**. Roth also gives all customers the opportunity to grow their investments tax-free. Just sign into myPay, choose the thrift savings plan option and choose whether you want to make roth or traditional contributions.

Also, a TSP is transferable beyond military service. Even if servicemembers do not retire, they can still keep their TSP retirement account. Federal civilian employees can continue making contributions to their plans. Even if you don’t take a federal job, you can continue to manage your investments while your savings grow.

Whether you decide to retire from the military or your career goes in a different direction, you can invest in your future by investing with the TSP. It can mean the difference between a comfortable retirement and a difficult one. To start saving, visit myPay and choose the thrift savings plan option. To estimate how much your account could grow over time, visit our how much will my savings grow?” calculator under planning and tools at www.tsp.gov.

- Assumes a 6 percent annual rate of return, compounded monthly.

- Roth earnings are paid tax-free if: 1) you have reached age 59½, have a permanent disability, or have died and 2) five years have passed since Jan. 1 of the year you made your first Roth contribution.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Events, classes, activities Oct. 24 – Sizzling in the kitchen

News Notes, from page 4 Community Club on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base Oct. 31 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Free admission and free prizes for the best costume as voted on by attendees. People without costumes are also welcome. For more information, call 703-527-1300.

Grant Hall open house Nov. 1

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall announces a public open house of Grant Hall’s historic thirdfloor courtroom, located on the Fort McNair portion of the joint base in southwest Washington, D.C., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 1. The courtroom is the site of the military tribunal, held from May through June 1865, of those thought responsible for plotting to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln. Members of the public are invited to the open house, which is free to attend.

Please be advised, however, that the third floor courtroom is only accessible by walking up two flights of stairs. Due to the historical nature of the structure, the building has no elevator.

For more information, visit www.army.mil/ article/124261/.

Marine Corps Birthday Ball Nov. 1

Tickets are on sale now for the Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall 2014 Marine Corps Birthday Ball, to be held Nov. 1, at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel. The ball, a formal event, celebrates the 239th birthday of the Marine Corps. Cocktails begin at 6 p.m., the traditional ceremony starts at 7 p.m. and dinner and dancing follow until midnight. This year’s guest of honor is Lt. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, deputy commandant, Plans, Policies and Operations. Additional information, including menu, ticket prices and the link to purchase tickets, is online at www.mccsHH. com/birthdayballHH2014.html.

Hiring Heroes career fair

JBM-HH Soldier for Life is hosting a Hiring Heroes career fair Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in

There’s still time to sign up! Join the Family Advocacy Program for an evening of celebrating healthy relationships while heating things up in the kitchen and creating healthy meals. Date night is scheduled for Oct. 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Community Center. For additional information and to register, call 703-696-3512. the Spates Community Club. Service members, veterans, retirees and family members are welcome to network with employers from the Department of Defense and other federal agencies and private sector firms. For more information, contact Sylvia Parker at 571-372-2124 or email sylvia.o.parker. civ@mail.mil.

Memorial Chapel to host leadership luncheon

A leadership luncheon will be held Nov. 13 at JBM-HH Memorial Chapel from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington commanding general, will be the guest speaker.

This luncheon will provide the opportunity for different key leaders to share personal insights and knowledge of leadership with a focus on Army values and professional development. The leadership luncheon is a new event that will be held quarterly in an informal atmosphere. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions concerning the topic. Pizza and soft drinks will be served free of charge. This event is open to all service members and DoD civilians. Space is limited to the first 75 responders. Send RSVPs to Chaplain (Maj.) Fred Wendel at 703-696-5688 or via email at alfred.w.wendel2.mil@mail.mil.

News Note policy! Read in full

News Notes submissions must be less than 100 words, contain all pertinent details — to include the five “W’s” — as well as a point of contact, phone number and/or website for additional information. News Notes must be submitted no later than noon, Wednesdays, for consideration for publication in the following week’s Pentagram.

For example, information submitted for publication in News Notes on Tuesday, Aug. 12, will be published in the Pentagram Thursday, Aug. 21.

Priority will be given to those announcements of events and deadlines occurring during the publication week. Please send your news notes to the Pentagram at pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com.

Oct. 27 – 1,2,3 Magic

This workshop is designed for parents of children ages 2 to 12 and explores consistent and effective age-appropriate discipline techniques. The workshop will be held Oct. 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the conference room of Bldg. 12 on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base. For information call 703-614-7204/05.

Oct. 29 – Let’s Spin!

Join Matt Tourville on any one of three one-hour spin sessions (or all three if you like) for Domestic Violence Awareness, Oct. 29, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium.

Work out together and find out how domestic violence affects everyone. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, call 703-693-9146.

Oct. 31 – Demon and Doggie Dash

This is a 2-mile run and 1-mile walk that begins and ends at the Fort Myer Fitness Center (Bldg. 414). The race starts at 6:35 a.m., Oct. 31. Bring your family and four-legged friends.

This event is meant to educate people about the correlation between domestic and pet abuse. Participants are encouraged to dress up for this Halloween-themed event. Awards will be presented for the scariest costume, most creative costume, best demon and doggie costume, best youth costume, best group costume and largest military unit. Registration is free and the first 90 to register will be eligible for the FMWR holiday raced series challenge coin and a free T-shirt. For more details and registration info, call visit www.jbmhhmwr.com, click on “special events” and select “Demon and Doggie Dash.” Also, registration is open now online for the next JBM-HH road race series race will the Turkey Trot 5K run/1-mile walk Nov. 14.

Check the Pentagram each week in October for more event listings. Events will also be listed via JBM-HH Facebook and Twitter pages and via the JBM-HH Family, Morale, Welfare, Recreation and Marine Corps Community Services websites:

www.jbmhhmwr.com www.mccshh.com

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Thursday, October 23, 2014

PENTAGRAM

PHOTO

BY JIM

DRESBACH

Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., incoming commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, receives the Marine Corps battle color from outgoing Commandant Gen. James F. Amos during a passage of command ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Oct. 17. Dunford became the Corps’ 36th commandant. For more images from the event, see page 6 or visit Flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh.

36th commandant takes command

PHOTO

Commandant, from page 1 and is a graduate of U.S. Army Ranger School, Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School and the Army War College. His educational resume also includes a master’s degree in government from Georgetown University.

From February 2013 through August 2014, he was the commander of the International Security Assistance Force and the U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

As he spoke on the front lawn of his new home, he mentioned that the custom was to keep his remarks short and he finished by setting his goals as the new

PHOTO

BY

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Gen. James F. Amos, 35th commandant of the Marine Corps, salutes during the Passage of Command of the U.S. Marine Corps ceremony Oct. 17. For more images from the event, see page 6 or visit Flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh.

commandant and explained he will continue Amos’ march as U.S.M.C commandant.

“This morning, I’m not so much proud to be the commandant as I am simply to wear the cloth of the United States Marine…So I will simply close by telling you all how humbled I am to be the 36th commandant of our Corps,” he said. “My focus in the coming years will be to take care of our Marines and their families and to ensure that our Corps remains the expeditionary force that our nation has come to expect.”

RACHEL LARUE

Bonnie Amos, left, former First Lady of the Marine Corps, and retired Gen. James F. Amos, 35th commandant of the Marine Corps, along with their grandchildren, leave Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. after the Passage of Command of the U.S. Marine Corps ceremony Oct. 17, at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. During the ceremony, Amos relinquished command to Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr.

36th commandant’s message for all Marines Marines, I am truly honored and humbled to serve as your Commandant.

I’d like to begin my tenure by thanking General and Mrs. Amos for their four decades of extraordinary service and commitment. They transition to the next phase of their lives with the admiration, appreciation, and affection of all Marines and their families.

The Marine Corps is in great shape. We are recruiting and retaining high quality Marines who are fit, tough, and smart. Our Marines are well led, well trained, and well equipped. The infrastructure at our posts and stations -- our barracks, family housing and training facilities -- has been significantly enhanced over the past decade.

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

The 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, retired Gen. James F. Amos, his wife Bonnie and their grandchildren depart Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., after the Passage of Command and retirement ceremony. The 1972 Volkswagen Beetle is the car he bought as a lieutenant in the Marine Corps.

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., 36th commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, watches as others give remarks during the passage of command of the U.S. Marine Corps ceremony. For more images from the event, see page 6 or visit Flickr.com/ photos/jbm-hh.

We remain forward deployed and forward engaged in the Pacific, South America, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Just in the last year, we have responded to crisis in the Philippines, South Sudan, Libya, and Iraq. In Afghanistan, we have remained engaged in combat operations. We have clearly demonstrated our flexibility, versatility, and adaptability. Marines are relevant and in high demand.

We have answered the call and we have delivered! Throughout the last decade, Marines have enhanced their reputation as the Nation’s premier force in readiness. Today’s Marines, like their predecessors, can be very proud to claim the title United States Marine.

Despite these accomplishments, much work remains to be done. As Marines, we maintain the highest standards and we constantly seek to improve. We will continue to attack by: •

Maintaining a first-rate, well-trained total force of Marines in a high state of readiness.

•

Prioritizing the support of those Marines in harm’s way.

•

Developing and fielding MAGTF capabilities that will ensure that the Marine Corps remains an innovative, relevant, naval, expeditionary force-in-readiness.

•

Building upon our success in leader development, professional military education, wounded warrior care, and family readiness.

Our Corps is informed by your input. I will continue to engage with Marines of all grades to solicit feedback. Your ideas will help us improve our warfighting and crisis response capabilities and provide the foundation for detailed Commandant’s Planning Guidance in the New Year.

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel gives remarks during the Passage of Command of the U.S. Marine Corps ceremony. For more images from the event, see page 6 or visit Flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh.

Know that I’m extraordinarily proud to stand in your ranks.

Thanks for who you are and what you do.

Continue to march…

PENTAGRAM

Thursday, October 23, 2014

MCM, from page 3

COURTESY

good Saturday night.’

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday is when you get your rest because Saturday night, your mind will be playing tricks on you,” Banker said while he recalled his own mid-October dream where he misplaced his running shoes before his 100th marathon race.

“When you get into that race, you r emot ions are going to jump to a completely different place. You’re going against the clock.

It is hard to duplicate in training what is going to happen in the race.”

Green Berets salute JFK (Left to right) Secretary of the Army John McHugh, Brig. Gen. Darsie D. Rogers, U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne) commander and William Kennedy Smith, nephew of President John F. Kennedy, prepare to lay a beret-shaped wreath at the JFK grave Oct. 21 at Arlington National Cemetery.

The event pays tribute to Kennedy’s vision of building and strengthening the elite Army force.

PHOTO

George Banker during the 2013 Marine Corps Marathon.

Banker has participated in 30 of the last 31 MCMs. The 2014 Marine Corps Marathon will be his 100th marathon.

PHOTO

Family, from page 3 of prevention universal, selected or indicated,” said Groseclose. “We provide programs from Yale’s consultation center within the division of prevention and community research.”

Programs tailored by the behavioral health branch, or branches on other installations, are not based on researched-backed evidence. However, they have been proven to benefit specific community needs within the armed services, according to Groseclose.

“We serve the entire National Capital Region, every Marine north of Quantico,” said Groseclose. “Including a couple units in Baltimore, reserve components and all of the Marines in the Pentagon.”

Concerns brought to MCCS range from substance abuse, new family support and counseling for couples.

These issues are found across the armed services, according to Groseclose.

“There is a certain level of stress that goes along with wearing a uniform,” said Groseclose. “A lot of anxiety and anger problems come up, but we like to tell people anger is a normal emotion, it is all how you respond.”

Resources are available for Marines, attached Sailors and their families dealing with mental health issues.

Embedded providers, which are local installation civilian counselors, the DSTRESS line, 1-877-476-7734 and local military treatment facilities complement each other to create a network of support meanwhile the Marine Corps and Navy medicine continue to work together to identify and reduce gaps in psychological health prevention and treatment, according to Adam Walsh, community counseling and prevention, Marine and Family Programs Division Headquarters.

“The Marine Corps implements a public health model addressing the prevention, identification, treatment and reintegration phases of stress management,” said Walsh. “This means that all Marines are provided training and education on identifying risk and protective factors related to behavioral health issues.”

The behavioral health branch tackles those issues from a total health perspective, including proper nutrition, which is taught at a warriors at ease course that pairs healthy eating, anger management and yoga for warriors, according to Groseclose.

Marine and Family Programs’ services are open to all service members, retirees and their families.

“All of our service members and their families in the National Capital Region are encouraged to reach out,” said Groseclose. “We have programs for military families in all stages of life.”

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Thursday, October 23, 2014

PENTAGRAM

Commentary: What my reenlistment means to me

Community relations Joint Base Henderson Hall Commander Col. Mike Henderson speaks with members of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce Oct. 17, at a luncheon hosted at the Officers Club on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH. The Chamber, made up of hundreds of businesses in the area, is invited to JBM-HH twice a year to hold a meeting and connect the joint base with the nearby community.

PHOTO

BY

By Sgt. Carissa Jarvis 212th Military Police Detachment

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I’ve always known that I wanted to be in the military. Little did I know how rewarding and enjoyable it is to be a Soldier. I joined the Army in 2009 straight out of high school. Some people go to college, take a break, get regular jobs, but for some of us, we took that chance and became a part of the most amazing and unique organization on earth. I remember thinking in basic, “What did I get myself into?” There were times when I wanted to give up and go back home, but I kept going and refused to quit. Once I graduated basic training, I was so proud of what I had accomplished, and, it was then that I realized I had made the right choice and had chosen the right path for my future.

I have been in the Army for a little over five years now, and I would not change it for anything. I am a 31B, military police, and I can honestly say I love what I do. Granted, there were times when things became stressful and tough, but I knew it was only temporary. Being in the Army is more than getting a paycheck— well, at least it is for me. Being a Soldier and NCO is about serving my country, protecting the people of America, and impacting other Soldiers’ lives. I want to be the NCO that Soldiers look up to, I want to be the NCO that they come to when they need advice, help, or just don’t know what to do.

Just recently, I reenlisted for the second time and to be honest, I was a little hesitant. I mean, who doesn’t get at least a little nervous about signing a paper stating you give a certain number of years of your life to an organization? This reenlistment was special to me because I decided to conduct the ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Sept.

11. As we all know, this is a day no one will forget. It is a day of remembrance, a day we lost so many American heroes and civilians and a day America came together as one, united. So, what better way to show my dedication and commitment to the Army and America than to reenlist on this day?

Many reenlist for the simple fact of getting that paycheck every two weeks, or free housing and free healthcare. But

COURTESY

PHOTO BY

SGT. MAJ. WILLENE ORR

Sgt. Carissa Jarvis (right), a 24-year-old native of Saint Amant, La., and a military police officer with the 212th Military Police Detachment at Fort Belvoir, Va., takes the oath of enlistment during her reenlistment ceremony in Arlington, Sept. 11.

reenlisting should not be for those reasons.

Reenlisting should be an honor, a way to show dedication and patriotism, a way to show your love and respect for the red, white and blue.

Reenlisting is always special to me because I know I am doing so for the love of the uniform and the job I enjoy so much. There is just something about raising your right hand while standing in front of the American flag and saying that oath; it is hard to put into words what it means and how it feels to be a part of such an amazing group of the 1 percent. The bonds you form with fellow Soldiers and families are unforgettable, the lessons you learn, things you discover, struggles you have and overcome, are quite amazing.

So, I reenlist for the simple fact that I love my country, support my country, and will fight until my last breath to defend this country and the citizens in it.

Editor’s note: Sgt. Jarvis is a military police officer with the 212th Military Police Detachment at Fort Belvoir, Va. She is a 24-year-old native of Saint Amant, La. For information about reenlistment opportunities, please contact your command career counselor. The JBM-HH career counselor is Master Sgt. James C. Meyers, who can be reached at 703-696-1321.

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Thursday, October 23, 2014

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