Pentagram 121114

Vol. 61, No. 48 December 11, 2014

Pentagram

Published For Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

The final chorus Palmatier closing out last days as “Pershing’s Own” commander

By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer In the past few months, The United States Army Band Commander Col. Thomas Palmatier’s Brucker Hall office shelves and walls have become emptier and emptier.

This will be the final time Palmatier will empty his shelves and walls as a United States Army officer.

The retiring “Pershing’s Own” commander will pass the conductor’s baton and command duties to Col. Timothy Holtan Dec. 12. Palmatier’s 37-and-a-half years of service in the Army have yielded abundant and fruitful memories.

In a 20-minute sit-down interview with the Pentagram, the Ballston Spa, N.Y., native spoke of today’s Soldier-musicians, allowing musicians to be artistic and his

see PALMATIER, page 4

PHOTOS

Chaplain assistant MOS celebrates 105 years of service

By Guv Callahan Pentagram Staff Writer With Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall serving as the garrison for the Military District of Washington (MDW), the base’s chaplain’s corps stays busy. And they wouldn’t be able to successfully complete their missions without the help of chaplain assistants.

Established Dec. 28, 1909, the chaplain assistant Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) celebrates its 105th anniversary this month. “One enlisted man will be detailed on special duty, by the commanding officer of any organization to which a chaplain is assigned for duty, for the purpose of assisting the chaplain in the performance of his official duties,” reads General Order No. 253, which officially established the position.

For more than a century, chaplain assistants have been the Soldiers behind the scenes of Army chaplains, helping organize religious programming, providing logistical support, advice and – in some cases – protection.

The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993— what is it and why should federal civilian employees care?

Known as the voluntary leave transfer program, it “allows an employee who has a medical emergency to receive transferred annual leave directly from other employees in order to avoid being placed in a leave without pay situation,” according to

Index Holiday menu . . . . . . . . . page 2 Community . . . . . . . . . . page 3 News Notes . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Ugly Sweater 5K . . . . . . page 5 In photos: Parade of Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 6 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . page 9 Chapel holiday events . . page 10

SGT. 1ST CLASS MARK WOOD

News Notes Join SMP and BOSS for Wreaths Across America

The Single Marines Program and the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers will participate in Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Anyone can volunteer for this event.

Call 703-696-0033 for more information and to sign up to help the SMP and BOSS lay wreaths at every gravesite in the cemetery.

Heavy equipment at Myer Dec. 13

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Chaplain Assistant Sgt. Aaron Bell poses for a photograph inside Memorial Chapel on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Dec. 5.

The position of chaplain assistant was officially created Dec. 28, 1909, and this year will mark its 105th anniversary.

“The mission here is so unique with all that’s going on for the chapels and the funerals and the church services,” said Lt. Col. Lawrence Dabeck, joint base chaplain. “They are the logistics

specialists, they ensure that everything happens, and happens seamlessly.

They’re invaluable for that.”

see ANNIVERSARY, page 4

Job security for times of hardship

By Damien Salas Pentagram Staff Writer

BY

After 37-and-a-half years of service in the Army, The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Commander Col. Thomas H. Palmatier will retire from the military Dec. 12.

the U.S. Army civilian personnel site.

“The employee can invoke these rights any time so long as they have a valid doctor’s note for them or their family member,” said Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall Human Resources Director Ken Washington. “Spouses, parents and children are considered family members for the purpose of this program.”

According to the Department of Labor’s website, “the FMLA applies to all public agencies, all public and private elementary and secondary

schools, and companies with 50 or more employees.”

However, the Office of Personnel Management administers the program for most federal employees, including cases on JBM-HH. The purpose of the program? To provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year in the event of a family or medical emergency. Those reasons may include the birth of a child, new

So that workers can remove a roof on the Community Recreation Center, Bldg. 405 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base, a crane will be at the site Dec. 13 from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. to get the job done.

During this time, McNair Road will be limited to one lane of traffic with personnel on site to direct traffic. Both drivers and pedestrians must use caution in the area and be aware of the heavy equipment.

For more information, call Bill Lucas at 703-965-6075.

Pay it forward opportunity – CFC extended to Dec. 31

During this holiday season and time of giving, we are asked to remember those less fortunate, and pay it forward to help others. There are a number of ways to participate in this year’s Combined Federal Campaign, which runs through Dec. 31: contact your CFC keyworker; login at www.cfcnca.org; or contact JBM-HH Campaign Manager Barbara Edmondson at barbara.c.edmondson.naf@mail. mil or 703-696-3110.

Army – Navy game 2014: America’s game

The Black Knights of Army and the Midshipmen of Navy will square off for the 115th time for one of the most storied rivalries in college sports Saturday, Dec. 13 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore in the 2014 Army-Navy football game. Gates open at 11 a.m., and the game begins at 3:10 p.m. Visit http://tinyurl.com/ldogzbv for more information.

Winter weather is on the way

In the event of weather-related closures, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall personnel follow the

see LEAVE, page 6

see NEWS NOTES, page 4

When winter weather hits, stay informed!

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

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jbmhh Twitter: https://twitter.com/JBMHH JBM-HH information hotline: 703-696-6906 JBM-HH webpage: www.army.mil/jbmhh

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Thursday, December 11, 2014

PENTAGRAM

Missing WWII Soldier home in Arlington

PHOTO

BY JIM

DRESBACH

Soldiers from 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) escort the casket of Army Sgt. Charles A. Gardner to Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery Dec. 4. On April 10, 1944, Gardner, along with 11 other B-24D Liberator crew members, attempted an aerial mission from New Guinea to attack an anti-aircraft site in World War II’s South Pacific theater. The Department of Defense announced earlier this month that Gardner’s remains were accounted for, and after 70 years, he was buried with full military honors.

Caption This no. 46 The Honor Guard presents

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Dining Facility

Christmas Day Menu Thursday, December 25, 2014 1130 hrs - 1300 hrs Spiral Cut Ham Roast Beef Candied Yams Hoppin John Corn on the Cob Southern Style Green Beans Hot Rolls Dessert Bar with Pecan Pies, Sugar Cookies, Holiday Cake 1% White and Chocolate Milk, Coffee, Coke Products

Meal Rates: Standard Rate $7.70 Discount Rate $6.55 (Dependents of E-4 & Below)

PHOTO

BY JIM

DRESBACH

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. 45 winner “She’s my new bestie.”

- Cathy A Pentagram reader

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

www.flickr.com/photos/jbm-hh PHOTO

Pentagram Printed on recycled paper

www.army.mil/jbmhh

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

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

Community

PENTAGRAM

Thursday, December 11, 2014

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Old Guard, retirees come up big during Army-Navy Blood Donor Challenge

By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer

Members of 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), along with service member retirees, combined to donate 82 usable units of blood Dec. 3 at the Fort Myer Fitness Center gymnasium in the 4th Annual Army-Navy Blood Donor Challenge.

As of press time, the Soldier-civilian combi nat ion of Joi nt Base MyerHenderson Hall-based blood donors held the lead on the Army side for the most donated units in the challenge, which collected blood across the Washington D.C., metropolitan area. The leader on the Navy side is the United States Naval Academy, which donated 108 good units of blood Nov. 13.

The drive began in the first half of November and concluded Dec. 9. The final results will be announced during the third quarter of the 115th annual ArmyNavy football game Dec. 13.

Last year, the JBM-HH effort led all Army facilities in blood donations as the Army won the challenge for the first time since being its beginning in 2011. This year in the overall challenge, the Armed Services Blood Program has set a goal of

collecting 910 units of blood.

As for predicting a blood drive challenge winner going into the final days, ASBP Public Affairs Specialist Vicki Fernette announced the tallies were too close to call.

“The competition between the Army and Navy is neck and neck,” she said. “It will be a tight race again this year. More importantly, this is about the units of blood that are collected. We collected just under 900 good units of blood last year, which is excellent. Today, we’ve had a big turnout from The Old Guard.”

The blood collected during the drive will supply both domestic and overseas military hospitals and provide units for Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Wounded Warriors at Bethesda’s Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center at Joint Base Andrews.

“This blood is going to have a lot of different homes,” said Army Lt. Col. Jason Corley of the ASBP office who was on hand at the fitness center. “We’re so proud of our donors for coming out and donating at all the different blood drives.

We get to come here [to Joint Base Myer-

see DRIVE, page 6

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Lt. Col. Ryan Morgan, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) deputy commanding officer, gives blood during the Army-Navy Blood Donor Challenge at the Fort Myer Fitness Center on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Dec. 3. The winner of the blood drive, which takes place in the Washington, D.C., metro area, will be announced Dec. 13 during the Army vs. Navy football game in Baltimore.

JBM-HH leadership judges JBM-HH welcomes annual lighted boat parade in the holidays

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Santa Claus poses for photographs with the children next to the lit tree next to Bldg. 59 on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base MyerHenderson Hall during the Holiday Tree Lighting, Dec. 3. During the ceremony, The U.S. Army Band Brass Quintet played.

PHOTO

BY

DAMIEN SALAS

Second place winner, Act of Grace, passes by the judges’ station during the Holiday Parade of Lights Dec. 6 on the Southwest Waterfront at the Gangplank Marina in Washington, D.C.

By Guv Callahan Pentagram Staff Writer Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Deputy Joint Base Commander Lt. Col. John Orille served as one of three judges during the annual Holiday Parade of Lights on the Southwest Waterfront in Washington, D.C., Dec. 6.

Despite the evening’s cold, rainy weather, more than 30 boats, all decked out with a variety of flashy holiday lights and decorations, made their way up the Potomac River from Alexandria, Va., to compete for the best in parade trophy.

Community members donned heavy coats and

umbrellas to enjoy the festivities, gathering for a celebration held at Gangplank Marina, near the construction site of the city’s forthcoming redeveloped Southwest Waterfront, the first phase of which is slated to open in 2017.

The party featured a bonfire, live music, a Christmas tree lighting and free hot chocolate and apple cider, two things that ended up coming in handy for many chilly attendees.

Parade boats were judged on the strength, creativity and theme of their decorations, as well as the overall execution.

Orille served as a judge alongside Diane

see PARADE, page 6

Deck the Henderson Halls

By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff

Henderson Hall Marines had a dual mission the week of Dec. 1 – to bring the holiday season to those Marines who PHOTO BY SGT. ALVIN WILLIAMS JR. live in the barracks on the joint base and Hailie Hart, 3, beats the crowd and greets Santa Claus to celebrate all this special time of year as he arrvies by firetruck to the Clubs at Quantico, where has to offer with family and friends.

Henderson Hall Marines and families held their annual see DECK THE HALLS, page 6 holiday party Dec. 6, at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Children interact with members of The U.S. Army Band Brass Quintet during Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall annual Holiday Tree Lighting outside of Bldg. 59 on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH Dec. 3.

By Julia LeDoux Pentagram Staff Writer Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Commander Col. Mike Henderson receives countless texts a day on his government issued cellular phone.

While most of those texts are classified, Henderson happily told a crowd gathered Dec. 3 for the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony about a message he received earlier in the day from someone of a higher rank than he holds.

“I wanted to let you know that Santa Claus texted me earlier today and said he’s going to try to drop by to say hello to everyone,” Henderson said, prompting a burst of applause from spectators gathered in front of Bldg.

59 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.

Henderson called December

a very special month, a time “when we gather together with our family and friends to count our blessings and to celebrate the holidays,” and asked attendees to remember all deployed service members who are serving the nation in distant lands.

“The Department of Defense has troops deployed in more than 1,502 countries around the world,” he continued. “It is because of these brave men and women that we can celebrate the holidays in whatever tradition we choose and by gathering together as we have this evening.”

JBM-HH Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Lawrence Dabeck provided the invocation before Henderson’s remarks. Members of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” provided holiday music prior to and after the tree lighting.

see TREE, page 6

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Thursday, December 11, 2014

PENTAGRAM

News Notes, from page 1

Education fair

guidance of the Office of Personnel Management.

OPM determines the open or closed status for all government agencies and installations located inside the Washington, D.C., beltway.

If you have any questions about your duty status, contact your supervisor. Partner organization personnel should inquire within their chain of command.

For OPM guidance, see www.opm.gov/status.

You can also call 202-606-1900 around the clock for status. Also, see www.facebook.com/jbmhh and www.jbmhh.army.mil for the winter weather link, activated when necessary; call the commander’s information hotline at 703-696-6906, which is updated often in emergencies or inclement weather situations. See www.weather.gov for a forecast.

From left, Chief Master Sgt. Curtis Banks speaks with Howard University Recruiting Officer Sharon Finney during an education fair on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Dec. 4, in the Community Center.

The event was held for service members interested in attending college either during or after their careers in the military.

Have a comment about the Express?

PHOTO

Palmatier, from page 1 approaching retirement.

Palmatier took command of The United States Army Band in August 2011 following tenure as the ninth commander and conductor of The U.S. Army Field Band. As he began his command as the ninth leader of “Pershing’s Own” on the Fort Myer portion of the base, he earned a unique distinction becoming the first officer to command both elite bands.

Influenced during his first assignment in TUSAB by Col. Eugene W. Allen, who served as commander from 1976 to 1990, Palmatier brought a command style that emphasized the point to let creative people create.

“Many times, I won’t know about a project until it happens,” Palmatier said about giving “Pershing’s Own” Soldiers artistic freedom. “But I’ve never said [an idea] is outside the parameters of the mission we’re attempting to achieve.

“As long as you stay in the left and right limits and as long as you’re doing the right thing, go for it,” the colonel continued. “You don’t have to come check with me. There are very creative people here, but they are very professional. There wasn’t a single time where I thought someone went outside the lines.”

While overseeing band involvement in projects like the Twilight Tattoos, the 1812 Overture, a musical petting zoo for children, Spirit of America pageants and a musical goodwill trip to the People’s Republic of China, Palmatier is impressed with the growth in Soldier integrity and musical talent not only at JBM-HH, but at installations throughout the continental United States.

“Comparing not just ‘Pershing’s Own’ but any Army musical unit today to what it was [in the 1970s] is just mind blowing,” he said. “Soldiers that are serving in the bands at Fort

BY

DAMIEN SALAS

If you have suggestions or comments about the newly renovated Express on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base (or any Army and Air Force Exchange Services activities), there’s a new way to do so: Log on to www.shopmyexchange.com/customerservice/#contact; under Provide Store Feedback, leave a comment and submit the online form, or call 800-527-6790 and leave a voice message. Patrons can also call Frank Marquez, JBM-HH Express manager directly at 703-696-9241.

New classes at Smith Gym

MCCS Semper Fit announces additional group exercise classes at the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base.

Spin is now held daily from 6 to 7 a.m. Spin will also be held Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Zumba is held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For class descriptions visit www. mccsHH.com/SmithGym.html, and for updates on cancellations, visit MCCSHH on Facebook.

Client Services offers new walk-in hours

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Members of The U.S. Army Band perform the 1812 Overture Concert, with a mix of Pops and patriotic music, in Conmy Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Aug. 23. While performing the 1812 Overture, members of The Old Guard Presidential Salute Battery provided cannon fire.

Riley and Fort Hood are today the quality of what you would have found in a special band 35 or 40 years ago. Consequently, the quality of the Soldiers here continues to go up and up and up. Not only in performing quality, the total package of the Soldier-musician [is higher].”

Palmatier enjoys using the phrase “community engagement” in place of the commonly-used “community outreach” phrase, and while parts of his 11-element musical ensemble traveled and performed concerts, clinics and hosted symposiums, the band’s audio-visual capacity was going above the high-tech plateau.

The sequestration of 2013 enabled the band to still reach an audience with electronics. Palmatier was proud to distribute TUSAB music while face-to-face community engage-

Anniversary, from page 1 On base, chaplain assistants are responsible for the day-to-day operations that keep both Memorial and Old Post Chapels running smoothly. But chaplain is a non-combat MOS, and chaplains are prohibited from carrying weapons. In the field of battle, a chaplain assistant takes on combat duties.

“I don’t have a weapon, so any time that we move, that chaplain assistant is my security,” Dabeck told the Pentagram. “I kind of joke … I need you to shoot 40 out of 40 because you’re shooting for two.”

JBM-HH has three chaplains and six chaplain assistants (including one who is trained as a funds clerk), and Dabeck said the installation’s team is the best with which he has ever worked.

“I’ve actually never found a better team,” he said.

“The folks here have great initiative, great ability and they are hard workers.”

Sgt. Aaron Bell joined the Army in June 2005, and he has been a chaplain assistant for his entire career.

An Ohio native, Bell said he was involved with the church before he enlisted, so becoming a chaplain assistant felt like a new way down that path.

“I spent a lot of time in a church before I even joined the Army, so I saw being a chaplain assistant as a way to continue doing that,” he said.

Bell has served as a chaplain assistant both at a garrison and during a nine-month deployment in Afghanistan.

“If you go to a battalion, it’s far different,” he said.

“You’re pretty much just out with Soldiers, doing what Soldiers do, talking to people and facilitating the chaplain’s plan.”

He said being able to talk to and assist people on JBM-HH is his favorite aspect of the job.

“That’s pretty much the vast majority of what we do, is helping people that come in or people that call and need something,” he said. “Sometimes they come in to vent or just to be listened to.”

Spc. Kyle Spies, who has been in the Army for two years, knew when he joined that he wanted to be a chaplain assistant.

“I joined the Army and the only job I wanted was to be a chaplain assistant,” said Spies, who hails from

ment was briefly interrupted in the autumn of 2013.

“In the last year or two we’ve expanded our ability to do HD (high definition) video casts of everything that is done in Brucker Hall,” the colonel said. “We kind of redoubled our efforts there. Sequestration forced us to innovate with the thinking that if we can’t get to the people with the music, we could still produce great music and let them experience that [through online technology].”

A s ret i rement approaches, Palmatier will have nothing to do with inactivity. As he plants roots in Norfolk, Va., the “Pershing’s Own’s” boss plans to continue to conduct during musical clinics and enjoy his family, including his two grandchildren.

The Fort Myer Legal Assistance Office, located at 201 Custer Road, serves active duty and retired military members and their dependants on a variety of legal issues. Starting in January, these services will include walk-in hours on Thursday mornings from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.

During these hours, DoD ID card holders can come to the legal assistance office for assistance without an appointment on general legal matters, such as landlord/tenant law, consumer fraud, military administrative matters, general contract review and similar issues. For the drafting of a will and other estate planning documents, please call to make a special appointment. These services will not be available for walk-in appointments. Similarly, for family matters, such as divorce and child custody issues, the SJA offers briefings every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., with individual attorney consultations immediately following the briefings.

It is important to call ahead at 703-696-0761 to secure a seat for a particular briefing.

Special Christmas meal at DFAC

The special Christmas meal, open to retirees and DoD ID card holders, will be served at the JBM-HH Tri-Service Dining Facility on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base Dec. 25. The cost is $7.70 per person.

Dining hours Dec. 25 will be 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Brunch will be served from 9 a.m. to noon for $5.35, and supper will be served from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for $6.55. The Christmas Day meal will be smaller than the Thanksgiving meal due to Soldiers being on holiday leave. For more information, call 703-696-2087/1068.

The facility’s dining hours Dec. 22-24 and Dec. 26-Jan. 4 are: brunch: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., supper: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Update: Soil removal project postponed

Part of the project for the new Network Enterprise Center facility on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base will be the removal of soil at the construction site for the future Bldg. 235. The project, which was originally scheduled to begin Dec. 8, has been temporarily delayed. Once a new start date has been established, the Pentagram will publish that information. Once started, the project will involve removal of soil at the site behind Bldg. 238 and the caisson. During this time period, the area will be closed, and no cars will be allowed to park behind the caisson and paddock area. There will be large dump trucks transiting the area and along Sheridan Avenue. For more info, call the Directorate of Public Works at 703-696-5680.

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Chaplain Assistant Spc. Kyle Spies poses for a photograph inside Memorial Chapel on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Dec. 5. The position of chaplain assistant was officially created Dec. 28, 1909, and this year will mark its 105th anniversary.

Kansas. “My buddies from high school, each one of us joined the Army a year after the next, and they kept on telling me ‘You could be a chaplain assistant, Kyle. You should be a chaplain assistant.’”

Spies said that he enjoys being his unit’s “moral compass” as a chaplain assistant.

“All Soldiers are held to a higher standard to live the Army values, but chaplain assistants are scrutinized much, much more than the average Soldier,” he said. “I hold myself to a higher standard and I appreciate that my job expects that of me.”

Dabeck compared the relationship between a chaplain and their assistants to the bond between a commander and a command sergeant major.

“I’m no commander, but it’s that kind of advice and support that I so desperately appreciate … We have a special skill set that the government needs, but I can’t do it without a chaplain assistant,” Dabeck said.

“They really put the legs and hands on the idea of the Chaplain Corps.”

Holiday toy program

The JBM-HH Army Community Services volunteer association is working with the joint base Chaplain’s holiday food assistance program to make sure military children have some cool toys for Christmas. Bring new, unwrapped toys to the donation box at the Fort Myer Exchange through Dec. 12 or to Bldg. 201 on the Fort Myer portion of the base. For more information, or to arrange a larger donation of toys, call 703-696-3510. Service members who may be eligible to receive food assistance and toys should contact their unit first sergeant for referral.

SoberRide available Dec. 12 through Jan. 1

If you choose to celebrate the holidays with alcohol, choose your ride. Designate a driver or call Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s SoberRide at 1-800-200-TAXI for a free ride (up to a $30 fare) nightly from Dec. 12 through Jan. 1. AT&T customers may dial #WRAP. You must be 21 or older to use the service. Calls must originate in the District of Columbia, Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William and eastern Loudoun counties in Virginia; the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Manassas and Manassas Park in Virginia; Montgomery and Prince

see NEWS NOTES, page 5

PENTAGRAM

Thursday, December 11, 2014

News Notes, from page 4 George’s counties in Maryland; and the cities of Rockville, Bowie, College Park, Greenbelt and Takoma Park in Maryland. See www.wrap.org/soberride for more details.

Holiday concert in D.C.

The District of Columbia National Guard’s 257th Army Band, “The Band of the Nation’s Capital,” will present Holidays in Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Roman Catholic Church, 1357 East Capitol Street S.E., Washington, D.C. The concert will feature a seasonal mix of new and favorite music. The band also uses this opportunity to help stock the pantries for the church and will be collecting non-perishable canned goods to help with this effort. Follow the band on Facebook at www.facebook.com/257ArmyBand. For more information, contact Andrew Waiters via email at andrew.waiters1@comcast.net.

5

Eyesore apparel makes the race circuit in JBM-HH Ugly Sweater 5K

Baby boot camp

Expectant parents can join in the baby boot camp Dec. 12 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Marine and Family Program’s Bldg. 12 conference room on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base. Learn how to care for your new baby and discover the joys of parenthood. Lunch is provided. For more information and to register, call 703-614-7204.

see NEWS NOTES, page 8

Pentagram marks 62 years of publication

That’s right, the Pentagram has been in publication 62 years with the arrival of 2015. We’re here to stay, but there will be a newspaper hiatus. The final issue of the Pentagram for 2014 will be Dec. 18. The first issue of 2015 will be Jan. 8.

This issue will be the very popular year in review. If you have questions, comments or suggestions about the Pentagram, contact Editor Jim Goodwin at 703-696-5401 or james.m.goodwin3.civ@mail.mil.

1042697B

PHOTOS

BY JIM

DRESBACH

LEFT - Decked in holiday-themed garb, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Command Sgt. Maj. Randall Woods runs past the JBM-HH Fire Department onto Pershing Drive during the final Commander Challenge Race Series event of 2014, the Ugly Sweater 5K Run and One-Mile Walk. The Dec. 5 event drew over 100 runners to the starting line. RIGHT- Army Sgt. Maj. Steve Magnin shows everyone what place he wants to secure in the ugliest sweater competition before the start of the Ugly Sweater 5K Run and One-Mile Walk. Following the race at the Fort Myer Fitness Center, Magnin was awarded the top prize for the ugliest sweater.

By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer The avenues and drives of the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall were converted into a fashion runway for the hideous-looking and tacky the morning of Dec. 5 when runners and walkers of the 2014 Ugly Sweater 5K Run and One-Mile Walk sashayed in their wildest-looking cardigans and pullovers.

Nearly 125 participants were greeted with non-ugly weather for the post-reveille run and walk. Antonio Eppolito was the first male to finish and Yuko Whitestone captured the

females’ top finish, and Kevin Stuart and Latonya Webster were the top walkers, yet the ugly sweaters were the stars of the day.

Army Maj. Jeremy Flight wowed the eyes with a nauseating, multicolored V-neck ensemble. An anonymous co-worker allowed Flight to take the sweater public.

“It’s a real sweater from the 1980s,” Flight said. “A lady I work with let me borrow it. She told me she used to wear it to parties and teas. Some are calling it an ugly sweater, but I think it’s pretty hip.

Judging by its weight and density, I’m going to say it’s handmade. This sweater is real.”

The competition for the ugliest sweater was also real and competitive. The individual award went to Sgt. Maj. Steven Magnin, while the worst-dressed couple honors were awarded to Danielle Gorie and Jonathan Priddy.

Following the awards presentation inside the Fort Myer Fitness Center where JBM-HH Commander Col. Mike Henderson awarded medals and trophies to age division winners, around 40 athletes were awarded with holiday challenge coins for competing in Halloween’s DemonDoggie Dash, the joint base Turkey Trot and the Ugly Sweater 5K.

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Thursday, December 11, 2014

PENTAGRAM

Parade, from page 3 Groomes, assistant police chief for the D.C. Metropolitan Police and Theresa Belpusi, vice president of tourism for Destination D.C. Serving as a judge for the second consecutive year, Orille said he looks for a winning boat to have a strong theme and

good execution to match.

The 2014 Best in Parade trophy was awarded to Honey, a boat gussied up to embody the popular Disney movie “Frozen.” On top of a series of intricate light displays, the boat’s occupants sealed the deal with a lip-sync rendition of the movie’s hit song.

PHOTOS

BY

DAMIEN SALAS

LEFT - Best in Parade 2014 winner, Honey, passes by the judge’s station during the Holiday Parade of Lights Dec. 6, on the Southwest Waterfront at the Gangplank Marina in Washington, D.C. BOTTOM RIGHT - From right, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Deputy Joint Base Commander Lt. Col. John Orille, Diane Groomes, assistant police chief for the D.C. Metropolitan Police and Theresa Belpusi, vice president of tourism for Destination D.C., judge as contestants pass by during the Holiday Parade of Lights.

Leave, from page 1

Drive, from page 3

placement of a foster child, to take care of a family member with a serious ill-ness or if the employee has a serious illness themselves.

Employees are eligible for leave if they have worked for their employer at least 12 months, at least 1,250 hours over the past 12 months and work at a location where the company employs 50 or more employees within 75 miles, according to the DoL’s website.

“What is most important is the job protection,” said Washington. “Employees don’t have to worry about being fired for family and personal medical emergencies out of their control.”

Leave seekers may receive hours from a donor within their own agency, or it may come from a donor within another agency if necessary, he said.

“There are different forms filled out depending on where the leave comes from,” said Washington. “A customer representative in building 59 processes all of the forms on the joint base, and if the leave goes unused that representative is responsible for giving it back to the person who donated it. Once you fill out the form you are in the program for the rest of your career.”

For more information on the voluntary leave transfer program visit http://goo.gl/cTTLWi.

Henderson Hall] and have fun, and at the end of the day, we get to help wounded war fighters and their family members.”

A total of 11 stops throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia were visited by ASBP and included drives at the Washington Navy Yard, Fort Belvoir and Marine Corps Base Quantico.

Participants in the 4th annual Army-Navy Blood Donor Challenge congregate in the Fort Myer Fitness Center on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Dec. 3. The winner of the blood drive, which takes place in the Washington, D.C. metro area, will be announced Dec. 13 during the Army vs. Navy football game in Baltimore.

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Tree, from page 3 Assisting Henderson in lighting the tree were four children from Cody Child Development Center – Lander Chappell, 1; Donovan Ramos, 5; Asa Cozzens, 3; and Savannah Wigglesworth.

And true to his text to Henderson, Santa himself appeared within minutes of the tree lighting.

“My wish for the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall community is that everyone have a blessed and safe holiday season,” the Jolly Old Elf said before making his way to Brucker Hall, where he posed for pictures and heard whispered holiday wishes from dozens of youngsters.

“We come here every year,” said Robin Cordovez as she watched her son, Addison, 5, chat with Santa.

“I told him I wanted toys,” Addison said with a grin.

The ceremony was sponsored by JBM-HH Family, Morale and Recreation and the USO of Metropolitan Washington.

Participants who helped decorate the Marine barracks on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall pose for a photograph Dec. 5. The common room of the barracks was decorated for the holidays.

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Attendees of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony stand around the tree outside of Bldg. 59 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base, Dec. 3.

Deck the Halls, from page 3 On Dec. 4, the common room inside the Marines barracks at Bldg. 416 on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall was decorated with a festive Christmas tree, stockings and handcrafted paper snowflakes while a wreath was placed on the door.

“We decked the barracks,” Family Resource Officer Renee Lilley said as she took in the transformation.

“The leadership comes out and we decorate the barracks common room.”

Helping with the decorating were Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps Henderson Hall commanding officer Col. Anthony S. Barnes and Sgt. Maj. Craig D. Cressman, as well as a number of Marines and volunteers.

More than 130 Henderson Hall Marine families were joined by the battalion’s single Marines Dec. 6 for the annual holiday party, held this year at the Clubs of Quantico on Marine Corps Base Quantico.

“It’s good to get the families together and spend some

time together,” said Barnes.

A certain visitor from the North Pole kicked off the festivities with his arrival on a Quantico Marine Corps Base fire truck. Kids of all ages raced to greet Santa Claus, but 3-year-old Hailie Hart got to him first, eager to show him the balloon creations that Roxie the Elf had created for her.

“Santa,” she exclaimed as she reached him, holding out the balloons for him to see.

Santa and Mrs. Claus were escorted into the party, where they posed for pictures. Mrs. Claus also read to the children during the event.

“Seeing everyone outside of work and coming together as a battalion is fantastic,” said Cpl. Arlene Cordova, who attended the party with a group of single Marines.

Attendees feasted on a traditional holiday meal of turkey, ham and all the fixings while some lucky partygoers received door prizes.

“It’s all about sharing and spending time with loved ones,” said Gunnery Sgt. Dennis Polo, who took home a digital camera as a door prize winner.

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Thursday, December 11, 2014

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Art therapy for wounded warriors visualizes PTSD, brain trauma

PHOTOS

BY

DAMIEN SALAS

LEFT - The Office of Warrior Care Policy held two events Nov. 20 in Arlington, Va., within the Pentagon’s corridors, to highlight various wounded warrior programs available to all service members and their families in recognition of November as Warrior Care Month. From left, Staff Sgt. Jonathan Meadows and wife Melissa speak with Jonathan Woodson, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, during an exhibition at the rehabilitation expo featuring the work of various service members who used art as a form of therapy for combat-related injuries. RIGHT - In this piece called “Inner Demons,” Meadows illustrates what is inside the minds of Soldiers with PTSD. Before taking a course in ceramics, he showed no interest in art, he said.

By Damien Salas Pentagram Staff Writer Staff Sgt. Jonathan Meadows suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2012 while deployed to Afghanistan when the vehicle he was riding in drove over an improvised explosive device. Currently stationed at the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Va., Meadows uses ceramic sculpting to “put his thoughts out that he can’t verbalize for many reasons,” according to his wife, Melissa.

According to Jon, the sculptures on display during an art rehabilitation expo hosted by the Office of Warrior Care Policy Nov. 20, at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., not only illustrate his own thoughts, but the thoughts of his comrades with whom he served on multiple deployments.

“Pretty much what I was doing was putting the feelings of what [fellow Soldiers] experienced… what I experienced,” he said. “And try to put it in a way, so that when someone looks at it they see and feel what I feel.”

After a diagnoses confirmed his physical brain trauma, the Meadows attended guided sculpting courses in a studio, despite some resistance from Jon, according to Melissa.

“Learning to deal with the new Jon was a challenge,” she said. “As a family, it is difficult, but you love each other and you move on.”

From small beginnings, Jon’s work began with a pig, then a turtle and some other animals. His breakthrough point however, according to Melissa, is when he attempted a sculpture of Jesus and Mary.

“It took forever to make this beautiful head [for the Jesus and Mary sculpture] but it was too big,” she said.

“I tried to explain to him that the head needs to reflect the size of the body, so he got upset and squished it flat.”

It was after that moment Jon began to create the body of work he is famous for now.

“And the next thing we know he had his first Soldier sculpture,” said Melissa. “It was an overnight talent- I tell him his brain broke in the right way.”

Not all of these themes in Jon’s work— substance abuse, suicidal ideations, PTSD, grieving the loss of fellow Soldiers—come from his own experiences. Consulting with his “battle buddies” plays an important role in his process, he said.

“I didn’t think I would get injured the way I did,” he said. “I went through a depression phase and you feel like you aren’t just worth much anymore. I have seen so many Soldiers go through that, so [the art] means something to a lot of Soldiers.”

Defense, Labor Departments ease spouse job hunt

By Damien Salas Pentagram Staff Writer The Department of Defense, in conjunction with the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, hosted the first job symposium in Washington, D.C., tailored to DoD spouses Dec. 2, in George Washington University’s Marvin Center.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Policy for Veterans’ Employment and Training Services (VETS) at the U.S. Department of Labor, Terry Gerton, gave remarks during the event.

Gerton shared her experiences as a retired Army officer, spouse of a service member and parent “trying to shoo children out of the door to successful adult lives.” Her work with the VETS, a small agency within the Department of Labor that focuses on employment.

As of Dec. 3, over 260 partner companies have hired more than 65,000 military spouses since the initiative began in 2011.

“We exist there to bring the resources from the entire Department of Labor to bare on the challenges facing veterans as they seek civilian employment,” she said.

“We have been especially active in promoting veteran hiring to civilian employers. That conversation often expands to involve employment of spouses because many employers as they’ve begun to go down this road, realize it is not just employing the veteran— it is making a better opportunity for the family.”

Roughly 2,500 American Job Centers across the country have served the national work force system since the [Great] depression, and are not in danger of closing or losing funding, according to Gerton. These facilities have been updated in recent years to provide

PHOTO

BY

DAMIEN SALAS

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Policy for Veterans’ Employment and Training Services at the U.S. Department of Labor Terry Gerton gives remarks during the Department of Defense and Military Spouse Employment Partnership’s job symposium tailored to DoD spouses in Washington, D.C., Dec. 2, at George Washington University’s Marvin Center.

resources for DoD spouses, but are located outside of military installations.

“The delivery of those programs varies by job center based on the local economy,” she said.

When a military spouse receives their separation orders, civilian spouses are considered “dislocated workers” for the purpose of the DoL’s programs. That means someone has lost their job through no fault of their own and may then be in need of transition assistance to find a new job in a new location, according to Gerton.

“You as a military spouse are eligible for dislocated worker status,” she said. “Help is available to spouses every time the service member receives their permanent change of location orders.”

A common issue faced by spouses of active duty service members during moves is licensing from state-to-state, for example, teaching credentials.

“If you’re a teacher credentialed in one state stationed with your spouse, your credential may not transfer directly, so you may need an extra class or just take another test,” said Gerton. “Stop by the center in the state you are leaving, and they will work you through the process and potentially provide funding support.”

Once a spouse has found the closest job center to their location, many resources become available.

“We walk them through career exploration and validation. We talk about how to do a job search, build an effective résumé and write cover letters,” said Gerton.

“And we talk a little about the seriously overwhelming and complicated application process for federal employment and why a federal resume can be two pages long but a commercial resume is a page and a half.”

A guide to local and regional DoL programs and services can be found at http://goo.gl/AfJdjm.

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Thursday, December 11, 2014

News Notes, from page 5

Army Finance offices take half a day to celebrate season

The Army Finance offices at Fort Belvoir, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and the Pentagon will be opened until 11 a.m., then closed for the remainder of the day Friday, Dec. 19 for the Defense Military Pay Office holiday party. For more information, call 703-805-3724.

Prostate cancer support group meets

PENTAGRAM

Area special needs students guests of TUSAB for festival dress rehearsal

The prostate cancer support group meets at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center the third Thursday of every month. The next meeting will be Dec. 18 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. Military ID is required for access to Walter Reed. For those without a military ID, call the prostate center at 301-319-2900 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.

Stress management

Get some ideas on how to manage stress Dec. 18 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the ACS classroom in Bldg. 201 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.

Registration is required. For more information and to register, call 703-696-3512.

Transparenting

This seminar is designed to provide parents who are separated or divorced with the tools to ensure they are able to continue supporting and encouraging their children despite the breakup of the family unit.

Session will be held Jan. 5 from noon to 4 p.m. in Bldg.

201 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. For more information or to register, call 703-696-3512.

Indoor play morning and story time

Bring your children (up to age five) to this weekly event of fun, music, engaging play and story time. Each session will feature a reading by different people and different books. Play morning is every Thursday, 10

see NEWS NOTES, page 10

PHOTO

BY

RACHEL LARUE

Members of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” perform a dress rehearsal of the American Holiday Festival Dec. 5, at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. Special needs students from the Washington, D.C., metro area, among others, were invited to watch the rehearsal.

By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer A new community engagement partnership was officially unveiled the afternoon of Dec. 5 when The United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own,” hosted kids and young adults with disabilities from the District of Columbia Association for Special Education.

To offer a relaxed and casual atmosphere, the band opened the doors of Washington, D.C.’s, Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall to close to 100 special needs students and DCASE staff members prior to the opening night premiere of its American Holiday Festival.

The musical field trip came to fruition following a November email and phone dialogue which was initiated

by TUSAB Marketing and Public Affairs Director Jen Maly to DCASE Executive Director Lisa Ott. “What was really neat about [Jen’s] offer to make this concert available to our students is that the kids don’t get to see performances like this very often, if at all,” Ott said as kids from D.C. and Maryland’s Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties attended the dress rehearsal.

“After Jen and I spoke, within 30 seconds, I had replies of ‘how amazing’ and ‘this is wonderful’ and

‘thank you so much’ from staff and parents.”

During the American Holiday Festival run-through, the students and staff were treated to tunes and tributes from holiday music heavy hitters like Bing Crosby and Peanuts comic strip jazz musician Vince Guaraldi. An appearance was even made by the biggest jolly old elf – Santa Claus - during the 75-minute show.

As the band warmed the hearts of the students in the heart of Washington, D.C., Maly was quite aware that the kids were a bit awe struck and appreciative of the show.

“What I was fortunate to see with my own eyes was these kids walking into the main orchestra area,” Maly said. “I could see when one of them turned the corner [to see the stage], and he said, ‘wow.’ That brought a tear to my eye.”

According to Maly, logistics will be tweaked to allow up to 300 to 400 DCASE special needs students to attend the 2015 dress rehearsal.

“Pershing’s Own” is comprised of 11 musical components and chamber ensembles and has been providing musical support for all branches of the government and ceremonial music since 1922. TUSAB is commanded

by Col. Thomas H. Palmatier.

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PHOTO

SPECIAL RATES FOR MILITARY AND FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

BY

RACHEL LARUE

From the left, Leader and Commander of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Col. Thomas H. Palmatier, Santa Claus and Staff Sgt. Martha Krabill perform “Santa Baby” during a dress rehearsal of the American Holiday Festival Dec. 5, at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. Special needs students from the Washington, D.C., metro area, among others, were invited to watch the rehearsal.

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PENTAGRAM

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Thursday, December 11, 2014

News Notes, from page 8 to 11:30 a.m. in the Choir Room of Memorial Chapel at the Fort Myer portion of the joint base. The program ends April 30, 2015. For more information, please call 703-696-6368.

Ice melt refills

At JBM-HH, filled ice melt buckets have already been placed outside facilities by public works personnel.

Refill ice melt buckets by bringing empty buckets to Bldg. 325 on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base and the P Street Lot on the Fort McNair portion of the joint base between the hours of 1 and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call Denise Faldowski at 703-696-1254 for more information.

Visit us online!

PENTAGRAM

Family member employment assistance

Marine Corps Community Service Henderson Hall’s family member employment assistance program offers employment assistance to spouses and other family members of active duty service members. Among the offerings in January are a military spouse employment assistance orientation Jan. 8 and seminars on interviewing Jan. 15; federal hiring Jan. 22 and marketing volunteer experience Jan. 28. For details, visit www.mccsHH.com/ CRMC.html and look for upcoming FMEAP upcoming events or call 703-614-6828.

Death notice

Anyone with debts owed to or by the estate of Maj. Zachary R. Waity, Training Division, National Guard Bureau, must contact Maj. Jason DeSoto, the summary

court officer for the Soldier. Waity passed away Aug. 23. DeSoto can be reached at 703-607-7306.

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, Dec. 9, will be published in the Pentagram Thursday, Dec. 18. Priority will be given to those announcements of events and deadlines occurring during the publication week. Please note that submission of a news note does not equate to a guarantee of publication. Please send your news notes to the Pentagram at pentagramjbmhh@yahoo.com.

www.DCMilitaryHcom JBM-HH Schedule of

Holiday Services 2014

All events are in Memorial Chapel unless otherwise noted

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Collective community events • Dec. 18, 11:30 a.m. Advent concert, noon luncheon, 12:25 p.m. devotional.

Concert features Glendon R. Frank, organ.

• Jan. 4, 4 p.m. Epiphany concert – Old Post Chapel.

Protestant Chapel community • Dec. 23/30, No Joshua Generation worship service.

• Dec. 24, 7 p.m. Christmas Eve candlelight service, combined protestant congregation.

Gospel community • Dec. 20, 7 p.m. Christmas cantata – Officers Club.

• Dec. 31, 8 p.m. watch night service. Breakfast to follow – Fellowship Hall.

Catholic community advent/Christmas • Dec. 13-14, Third Sunday of Advent.

• Dec. 20-21, Fourth Sunday of Advent.

• Dec. 21, Children’s Christmas pageant during 9 a.m. Mass.

• Dec. 24, 4:30 p.m. Choral prelude – chapel and hand bell choir.

5 p.m. Solemn Christmas Mass.

• Dec. 25, 9 a.m. Christmas Mass.

• Dec. 27-28, Feast of the Holy Family.

• Dec. 31, 5 p.m. Vigil mass for the feast of Mary, Mother of God. Holy Day of Obligation.

• Jan. 3-4, Feast of the Epiphany.

• Jan. 10-11, Baptism of the Lord.

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